bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial Note Vol.1(1)
Authors: Priyanath H. M. S.
Published: June 2021

The Sri Lanka Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (SLJSSH) is proud to announce the publication of its inaugural issue. One of the key objectives of SLJSSH is to promote publication from different streams of research that help enrich further the discourse on Social Sciences and Humanities. The journal encourages authors to publish up-to-date, high-quality and original research papers alongside relevant and insightful reviews. As such, the journal aspires to be vibrant, engaging and accessible, and at the same time integrative and challenging.This inaugural issue owes much to many people. Especially, acknowledgement is due first to the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Project for allocating funds under the activity five of the AHEAD/RA2/ELTA-ELSE/SUSL/SSL to develop collaborative research culture among the students and staff in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Thanks are also due to the Editorial Board that drew up the parameters of the Journal enabling to publish scholarly work as well as to the Coordinating Editor for popularizing the Journal and accelerating the review process. Moreover, it is also acknowledged the service of the Text-Editor who has so generously given his time and expertise for editing and proof reading. Most of all, thanks must be expressed to all the reviewers for their professionalism and attention to detail which made seeing this issue into “print”, a real pleasure. On a final note, the papers that you submitted, either individually or collaboratively, are much appreciated and has made a substantial contribution to the early development and success of the journal. Best wishes and thank you in advance for your contribution to the Journal.
Role of Perceived Career Development Opportunities in Predicting Employee Commitment and Subjective Career Satisfaction of Middle Managers in Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramaratne W.P.R.
Published: June 2021

In today’s dynamic and uncertain employment climate, both employers and employees must play an active role in the development of employee careers. This research fills a gap in the existing literature by evaluating the role of organizational career development opportunities in predicting subjective career satisfaction and commitment of employees in a developing country context. Understanding the impact of career development opportunities provided by the employer and their effects on subjective career satisfaction and commitment is important to both the organization and the individual in the current uncertain and unpredictable employment climate. Data were collected, via an online survey, from 224 middle managers of commercial banks in Sri Lanka, and evaluated using multiple hierarchical regression analysis. The findings, which have important implications for policymakers, indicate that the employee's perception of the provision of career development opportunities by the organization promotes them to develop their subjective career satisfaction and commitment. These outcomes provide implications to the extended model of social cognitive career theory and Meyer and Allen's model of commitment. In terms of policy implications, the organizations should create a supportive career development culture to build a belief in employees that the organization they work for cares about their career needs. This belief can be built by considering individual employees’ personal career goals in the implementation of career development programs and informing employees about available career development opportunities within the organization. The limitations of the study and the directions for future research are also discussed.
Students’ Perception Regarding the Teaching Strategies of Government ESL School Teachers and Private Tutors: With Special Reference to a Grade Nine Government School in Galle, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gurusinghe S.A. , Ramanayake I.S.
Published: June 2021

Today, the English language has drawn 'global recognition' and is taught as the second language in most of the countries around the world. In Sri Lanka too, there is a considerable demand for learning English as a second language. English is being taught as a Second Language in government schools as well as in private institutes in Sri Lanka. However, the role of the teacher undergoes fundamental changes with the delivery of a multidimensional second-language program. It is the teacher who acts as a facilitator, resource per-son, and language model for the second-language classroom. Thus, this study examines the perception of the students regarding the teaching strategies used by government ESL school teachers and private tutors. The study was based on a mixed approach with a survey and a questionnaire. A mixed school in Galle District, Sri Lanka was used as the study area including one hundred and seventy-two students of grade nine using the justification sampling method. The interview was conducted considering the random sampling method with ten students. However, perception varies according to the attitudes of the students regarding the teaching strategies used by the teacher. According to statistical information, it is evident that a large number of students prefer private tutoring as an aid to their government school education in ESL learning. Therefore, the implementation of new strategies is discovered to be important to serve every student in a common ground. Motivational factors are of greater importance in enhancing the ESL knowledge of the students and making them competent in the acquisition of the language.
Compliance with Guideline-Recommended Management in Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Alajmi Hamdan , Zubaid Mohammad , Rashed Wafa , Al-Zakwani Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

Background:

Evaluation of management practices and adherence to treatment guidelines are essential components of improved health-care delivery. Despite the improvement in the implementation of guidelines, the medical management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains suboptimal worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine medication use patterns, recent trends, and prescription predictors of adherence to guideline-based therapies for non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) in the Middle East.

Methods:

We evaluated the use of a quadruple evidence-based medication (EBM) combination consisting of the concurrent use of dual antiplatelet therapy, β-blockers, and lipid-lowering agents at discharge among patients (n = 2782) with NSTE-ACS in four Middle Eastern countries.

Results:

A total of 56% (n = 1626) of the patients received all four guideline-recommended medications at hospital discharge. An adjusted model demonstrated that male sex, diabetes, dyslipidemia, prior percutaneous coronary intervention, prior myocardial infarction, prior coronary artery bypass graft, admission to a catheterization-equipped hospital, and smoking were positively correlated with EBM prescription on discharge. Conversely, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, renal impairment, higher GRACE risk score, and bleeding negatively correlated with concurrent use of the quadruple EBM combination.

Conclusion:

Nearly half of NSTE-ACS patients in the Middle East do not receive the quadruple EBM combination. Efforts are needed to bridge this gap between practice and guidelines.
Cleft lip and palate
Authors: Guerra Mônica Elisabeth Simons , Franchi Vanessa Magosso , Novaes Beatriz Cavalcanti Albuquerque Caiuby , Favero Mariana Lopes , Pirana Sulene
Published: June 2021

Context:

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) stands out due to its esthetic-functional impact and its high incidence. Phonological awareness involves skills related to the structure of language, and children with CLP may experience impairment in these skills due to auditory impairment resulting from otitis media and fluctuating hearing loss.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to correlate phonological awareness with audiological characteristics in children with CLP.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty children, 13 (43%) with cleft palate (CP) and 17 (57%) with CLP from 6 to 9 years old, were evaluated at a specialized center in Brazil to determine their phonological awareness skills and were classified into low, medium, and high skills categories. Phonological awareness was related to the speech reception threshold (SRT) at two time points: at 3 years old and at the time of data collection.

Results:

The study population was homogeneous in terms of age, sex, and socioeconomic status. In terms of phonological awareness skills, 8 children (26.7%) were classified as having low skills, 9 (30%) were classified as medium, and 13 (43.3%) were classified as high. Low phonological awareness skills were associated with worse mean SRT at 3 years old (mean = 34.4 dB, standard deviation [SD] = 11.2, P = 0.046) and at the time of data collection (mean = 22.2 dB, SD = 17.2).

Conclusion:

The association of phonological awareness with SRT suggests that prolonged or transient hearing loss can lead to changes in phonological skills and auditory processing.
SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load
Authors: Kapoor Mayank , Panda Prasan Kumar
Published: June 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 viral load may have importance in assessing COVID-19's pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and infectivity. The severity of the disease has been attributed to the dysregulated immune mechanisms, but studies have suggested a correlation between disease severity and viral loads although evidence is not strong enough in justifying the same. Viraemia is shown to be keenly related to the disease progression. Viraemia has an association with increased Interleukin-6 levels and poorer prognosis. In terms of symptomatology, any definite correlations are not yet deduced, with no difference in viral loads among symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reduction of viral load may be used as a marker of treatment success. Cycle threshold (Ct) values correlate with the SARS-CoV-2 viral loads. Ct values have shown a correlation with viral cultures and sub-genomic RNA values, both of which are considered the gold standard for determining infectivity but are expensive. Thereby, Ct value titres form an economical basis for deciding the de-isolation of the patients, which has implications in better resource management. Various limitations of viral load testing, especially of Ct values including human and laboratory factors are also discussed.
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaw and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bansal Adity , Reddy Gosla Srinivas , Chug Ashi
Published: June 2021

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is one of the most challenging condition that clinicians come across owing to its varied degree of presentation defined in literature. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), individuals are under the influence of varied medications which might impact the bone turnover. Hence, this narrative review has been undertaken to specifically discuss development of MRONJ in RA, to study the associated risk factors, to highlight the importance of oral health care and to revisit the concepts of medications related to the above said condition. PubMed and Cochrane database search was done in English language literature using the term “Medication-related osteonecrosis of jaw and rheumatoid arthritis” and “bisphosphonate induced osteonecrosis of jaw and rheumatoid arthritis”, which resulted in 45 articles. It was concluded that MRONJ is a multifactorial condition, seen concomitantly with various medical co morbidities like thromphophilia, hypertension, kidney disorders, osteoporotic conditions, arthritis, and various medications like steroids, bisphosphonates and other drugs affecting metabolism of bone. Literature has often tried to prove the association of RA in MRONJ causation, however there is no uniform agreement on the same. Though various risk factors have been delineated, but multiple evidences suggest that RA may prove to be a major risk factor. Present review supports the same and also highlights the growing evidence on the role of emerging new drugs in MRONJ development. Also utmost dental care, appropriate patient education, reduction of infective foci prior to initiation of medical therapy, patient compliance and regular follow up is required for reduction of number of patients presenting with MRONJ.
Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Authors: Varghese Reshma , Nandolia Khanak , Saxena Sudhir , Syed Anjum , Sharma Pankaj
Published: June 2021

Neurocutaneous syndromes are a diverse group of inherited disorders with variable penetrance affecting structures developing from neuroectoderm. They are not appropriately evaluated, and these disorders are lifelong conditions that can cause tumours to grow in the skin, viscera and central nervous system. More than 30 entities are included in this group. Our pictorial review describes imaging of systemic features of common neurocutaneous syndromes such as neurofibromatosis 1, neurofibromatosis 2, tuberous sclerosis, Sturge–Weber syndrome and Von Hippel–Lindau syndrome. The imaging modalities of choice are magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT). Although advances in molecular imaging can determine genetic abnormality, a radiological examination is required for early identification of lesions, monitoring disease progression and further management. Our review aims to familiarise our readers with common neurocutaneous syndromes and imaging of their systemic manifestations.
Cystic dilation of the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct: underrated cause of epiphora in adults and its endoscopic treatment
Authors: Eloy P. , Poirrier A.L. , Nicoli T. , Marlair C. , Delahaut G. , Leruth E. , Rombaux P.
Published: June 2021

Epiphora is a frequent reason for ophthalmologic consultation. Among the multiple causes, obstructions of the lacrimal excretory system are common. Sacal and postsacal obstructions are much more frequent than presacal obstructions. Obstruction at the level of the Hasner's valve is rare and likely underestimated. The authors report the clinical history and the imaging of 3 patients with a cystic dilation of the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). These patients were easily managed by an ENT surgeon. In one case, the surgery consisted of an endonasal DCR where in the 2 other cases, a marsupialisation of the cystic expansion of the nasolacrimal duct was successfully performed with the micro- debrider. The authors review the world literature on this specific topic. They conclude that a coronal sinus CT scan and an inferior meatus endoscopy should be included in the ophthalmologic work-up performed in all cases of low obstruction of the lacrimal system. When there is a dilation of the distal end of the NLD the marsupialisation of the cystic expansion in the inferior meatus is the option of treatment instead of performing a DCR. ENTs must play a role in the assessment and treatment of low obstructions of the lacrimal excretory system.
A comparison of minimal cross sectional areas, nasal volumes and peak nasal inspiratory flow between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy controls
Authors: Moxness M.H.S. , Bugten V. , Thorstensen W.M. , Nordgard S. , Bruskeland G.
Published: June 2021

Background: The differences in nasal geometry and function between OSA patients and healthy individuals are not known. Our aim was to evaluate the differences in nasal geometry and function using acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) between an OSA population and healthy controls. Methodology: The study was designed as a prospective case-control study. Ninety-three OSA patients and 92 controls were enrolled from 2010 to 2015. The minimal cross-sectional area (MCA) and the nasal cavity volume (NCV) in two parts of the nose (MCA0-3/NCV0-3 and MCA3-5.2/NCV3-5.2) and PNIF were measured at baseline and after decongestion. Results: The mean MCA0-3 in the OSA group was 0.49 cm2; compared to 0.55 cm2 in controls. The mean NCV0-3 correspondingly was 2.51 cm3 compared to 2.73 cm3 in controls. PNIF measured 105 litres/minute in the OSA group and 117 litres/minute in the controls. Conclusions: OSA patients have a lower minimum cross-sectional area, nasal cavity volume and peak inspiratory flow compared to controls. Our study supports the view that changes in the nasal cavity may contribute to development of OSA.
Cost-effectiveness, feed utilization and body composition of african sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) fingerlings fed locally formulated and commercial pelleted diets in tarpaulin tanks
Authors: Afia O.E. , David G.S.
Published: June 2021

Cost-effectiveness, food utilization and proximate composition of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings fed locally formulated (sinking) and commercial (floating) diets in tarpaulin tanks were observed for 56 days. Ninety (90) C. gariepinus fingerlings with initial mean weight (72.99 g ± 3.09) per treatment were observed during the period with three replicates at a stocking density of 15 fish per m2. The fish were fed 5% body weight three times daily. Results showed that C. gariepinus fingerlings fed floating diet had significantly lower (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (0.83 ± 0.03) than sinking diet (3.23 ± 0.40). Protein efficiency ratio was significantly (p<0.05) higher in fish fed commercial diet (2.69 ± 0.09) than locally formulated (0.80 ± 0.11). Specific growth rate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in floating (3.29 ± 0.07) than sinking diet (0.97 ± 0.20). Incidence cost was lower (₦1,989.65) in fish fed commercial diet than locally formulated (₦3,819.63). The profit index was higher in C. gariepinus fed floating diet (0.74) than sinking (0.19). From these findings, floating (commercial) feed is recommended for feeding C. gariepinus fingerlings since it showed better food utilization, better proximate composition of the carcass, higher profit index and consequently lower incidence cost.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, cost-effectiveness, sinking feed, floating feed, incidence cost.
Response of benthic invertebrate communities to a land use gradient in tropical highland streams in Nigeria
Authors: Umar D.M. , Harding J.S. , Chapman H.M.
Published: June 2021

Benthic invertebrate communities have been shown to respond to habitat  degradation as a result of land use changes. Although these changes have been well documented in temperate regions, their effects in the tropics have been poorly documented particularly where land use activities differ markedly (e.g., tea, maize and plantations). A survey 55 1st and 2nd order highland tropical streams, across four land use categories, ranging from continuous tropical montane rain forest to intensive crops and pasture. Streams were sampled in the tropical dry season (October–March) for physico-chemical parameters and components of the biological community, (i.e., fine particulate organic matter [FPOM], coarse particulate organic matter [CPOM], algae and benthic invertebrates). Catchment riparian conditions and human water use activities were used to generate a multivariate land use intensity gradient score. Temperatures in pasture streams were warmer than forest streams (up to 25oC) and dissolved oxygen levels frequently low (15–79%). However, physico-chemical conditions did not show any clear patterns across land uses categories. In contrast, benthic invertebrate communities showed strong response with the highest taxonomic diversity in continuous forest streams (mean 20 taxa) and the lowest in streams with intensive crops (e.g., cabbage crops, mean 8 taxa). Marked changes were found in invertebrate communities with several taxa occurring primarily in forested streams (e.g., the mayflies Heptageniidae and Oligoneuriidae and brachyuran crabs). Tropical land use farming (e.g., tea, maize, cabbage) have significant impacts on the benthic invertebrate assemblages of highland streams in Nigeria. However, not all crop and plantation streams had highly impacted communities because some have wider riparian buffer zones. This study further highlight the importance of conservation and management of montane forest fragments in these regionsKeywords: Tropical, Nigeria, highland, benthic invertebrates, land use, degradation
Thymoquinone enhances sperm DNA integrity in nicotineinduced infertile male rats
Authors: Rosli Farah Dayana , Hashim Noor Hashida , Yusuf Yusmin Mohd , Osman Khairul , Ibrahim Siti Fatimah , Kabir Nurul
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To assess the effects of thymoquinone (TQ) on the integrity of sperm DNA in nicotineinduced sperm impairment in rats.

Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four equal groups: control group received normal saline orally for 60 days; nicotine group was subcutaneously injected with 5 mg/kg/day nicotine for 30 days and then given normal saline for the next 30 days; TQ group was given normal saline for 30 days followed by TQ at 5 mg/kg/day for 30 days; and nicotine-TQ group received 5 mg/kg of nicotine for 30 days and 5mg/kg of TQ for another 30 days. Sperm DNA breakages were evaluated using Comet assay. The expression levels of protamine 1 (PT1) and transition nuclear protein 2 (Tnp2) genes which are essential for the proper compaction of the sperm DNA were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results: Thymoquinone significantly decreased DNA fragmentation in the sperm of nicotine-treated rats. However, there was no change in PT1 gene expression. Tnp2 was downregulated in the nicotine group and slightly upregulated in nicotine-TQ group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results demonstrate the potential benefits of TQ in improving sperm DNA quality of nicotine-induced male infertility.
Effect of Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn extract on hyperprolactinemia in rats
Authors: Wen Ming , Tian De-ming , Shi Shao-feng , Chen Xin-hua , Zhang Yan-xiang , Wang Lin
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the anti-hyperprolactinemia effect and mechanism of action of of Alisma plantago-aquatica Linn. extract (APLE) in rats.

Methods: The hyperprolactinemia (hyperPRL) model of rats was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) metoclopramide (200 mg/kg daily) for 10 days. Sixty rats were divided into six groups (n = 10 each): normal group), hyperPRL control group, hyperPRL plus 0.6 mg/kg bromocriptine (as a positive control) group, and hyperPRL plus high (14.4 g/kg), medium (7.2 g/kg), or low (3.6 g/kg) dose of APLE. Bromocriptine or vehicle control was administered to the rats daily for 30 days, and the hypothalamus dopamine D2 receptor, protein kinase A (PKA), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were investigated by Western blot.

Results: Compared with the normal rats, hypothalamus dopamine D2 receptor protein expression was significantly lower in hyperPRL rats (p < 0.01), but was changed significantly after 30-day doses (various) of APLE administration (3.6 g/kg, p < 0.05; 7.2 and 14.4 g/kg, p < 0.01). Compared with the control rats, hypothalamus PKA and cAMP levels were significantly higher in hyperPRL rats (p < 0.01). These increases in PKA and cAMP were significantly attenuated by 30-day of bromocriptine treatment or various doses of APLE (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The anti-hyperPRL activity of APLE is confirmed from the findings of this study Thus, the plant can potentially be developed into a new anti-hyperprolactinemia drug.
Sparteine exerts anticancer effect on human cervical cancer cells via induction of apoptosis, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibition of VEGFR2 signalling pathway
Authors: Liang Songnian , Liu Linlin
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the anticancer effects of sparteine against human cervical cancer.

Methods: Cell viability was determined by CCK8 assay, while 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining was used for determination of apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis was done with flow cytometry, while cell invasion was monitored using Transwell invasion assays. Protein expressions were determined using Western blotting.

Results: The results revealed that sparteine inhibited the viability of cervical cancer cells with halfmaximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 10 to 25 µM. Sparteine exerted more profound antiproliferative effects on DoTc2 cells, with IC50 of 10 µM. However, minimal cytotoxicity was observed in normal cervical cells, as evident from the IC50 of 80 µM. Sparteine triggered the generation of ROS and apoptotic cell death in DoTc2 cells. The induction of apoptosis was accompanied by upregulation of Bax expression and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Sparteine caused arrest of DoTc2 cells at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and suppressed the expressions of cyclin A and cyclin B1. Transwell assay data showed that sparteine decreased the invasion ability of DoTc2 cells. Sparteine also inhibited the phosphorylation of VGFR2 in a concentration-dependent manner.

Conclusion: Sparteine exhibits significant anticancer activity and may prove beneficial in cervical cancer chemotherapy.
Effect of pectin on properties of potato starch after dry heat treatment
Authors: Jia Tian , Zeng Jie , Gao Haiyan , Jiang Jikai , Zhao Jingxiang , Su Tongchao , Sun Junliang
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pectin on the properties of potato starch after dry heat treatment.

Methods: Rapid visco analyzer (RVA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), texture profile analyzer (TPA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) were used to determine the properties of modified potato starch and pectin blends after dry heat treatment.

Results: Results from RVA showed that the peak viscosity of modified potato starch decreased gradually with increase in pectin concentration, dry heat time and dry heat temperature, while starch breakdown decreased and setback was increased to varying degrees. The lowest breakdown was 792 cP at dry heat temperature of 140 °C. Modified potato starch had broader ranges of gelatinization temperatures and lower gelatinization enthalpy than raw potato starch. Dry heat treatment improved the hardness, gumminess and chewiness of the gels of modified potato starch and pectin blends SEM micrographs showed some cluster shapes in microstructure after dry heat treatment of starch-pectin blends. Infrared spectra revealed that pectin addition and dry heat treatment did not cause changes in starch structure. However, x-ray diffractograms indicated that dry heat treatment weakened the third peak of potato starch.

Conclusion: These results indicate that dry heat treatment effectively alters the properties of potato starch and pectin blends. This finding broadens the applications of modified potato starch in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Effect of total flavonoids from Drynaria rhizome on bone loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Zhao ZhengNan , Yang XiangLong , Yu Fang , Song WenJi , Liang HaiDong
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To determine the potential effect of total flavonoids from Drynaria rhizome on bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods: The rats were divided into four groups: normal control, ovariectomized (OVX) control, and two Drynaria rhizome (DR) flavonoids treatments. Post-operation, osteoporotic OVX rats were given Drynaria rhizome total flavonoids for 3 months. Thereafter, the expressions of bone-related genes and biochemical indices were investigated in samples taken from the serum and bone of the rats.

Results: Treatment with total flavonoids from Drynaria rhizome prevented bone mineral loss and improved some related biochemical indices associated with osteoporosis: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), bone gla protein (BGP) and estradiol (E2). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) data showed that treatment with the total flavonoids significantly downregulated mRNA expression of Wnt10b, β-catenin, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) and BMP4 in OVX rats, but significantly reversed OVX-induced downregulation of dickkopf1 (Dkk1) mRNA expression.

Conclusion: These results indicate that total flavonoids from Drynaria rhizome exert anti-osteoporotic effects in rats via WNT signaling and BMP-2 signaling pathways.
Efficacy and safety of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in ischemic heart disease patients: A prospective study
Authors: Maqsood Mariam , Sadeeqa Saleha , Ahmad Maqsood , Afzal Hafsa
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of two commonly used statins namely; atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, and determine the efficiency of CoQ10 in the reversal of statin-induced myopathy.

Methods: An investigational study design was adopted using randomized trials involving patients suffering from ischemic heart disease and receiving either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin. The study was conducted at Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, Pakistan during the period, November 2016 - February 2017. A total number of 95 male and female patients, between the ages of 40 and 80 years, were selected. Their blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile, total cholesterol, serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), serum triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio.

Results: Gender and dose showed significant correlation with creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, (p = 0.001) and (p > 0.001), respectively. The patients using rosuvastatin 20 mg had a higher risk of developing myopathy than those treated with atorvastatin 40 mg (p = 0.023), while atorvastatin 20 mg patients were more prone to induce myopathy than 10 mg (p = 0.001) recipients. Atorvastatin 20 mg produced higher CPK levels than rosuvastatin 10 mg (p = 0.002). A substantial increase in CPK levels was found with rosuvastatin 20 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg usage (p > 0.001). It was observed that rosuvastatin 20 mg significantly increased the risk of myopathy compared to atorvastatin 10 mg (p > 0.001). However, rosuvastatin 20 mg/day considerably reduced the blood cholesterol as compared to atorvastatin 10mg/day (p = 0.001). CPK levels reduced significantly following treatment with CoQ10 (p = 0.022).

Conclusion: Rosuvastatin users are more prone to the risk of myopathy, myalgic symptoms and rise in CPK levels than atorvastatin users, and these effects are dose related. CoQ10 is effective in lowering CPK levels and reversing myalgia.
Chlorophenyl-benzoxime inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration by down-regulating the expressions of interleukin-8 and cyclooxygenase-2
Authors: Wang Pinyan , Xue Yanan , Yu Xiao
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effects of chlorophenyl-benzoxime (CPBZX) on pancreatic cancer (PC) cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods: Pancreatic carcinoma cell lines (HuP-T4, HuP-T3 and BxPC-3) were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle medium (DMEM) containing 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS), penicillin (100 U/mL) and streptomycin (10 μg/mL) at 37 ˚C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5 % CO2 and 95 % air. Cell proliferation was assessed using MTT assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRTPCR) and Western blotting were employed for the determination of changes in the levels of expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2). Cell invasion and migration were determined using Transwell and wound healing assays, respectively.

Results: The results of MTT assay showed that CPBZX significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of PC cells (p < 0.05). Incubation of HuP-T4 cells with CPBZX significantly and dosedependently reduced the invasive ability of the cells (p < 0.05). The migratory ability of HuP-T4 cells was also significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by CPBZX (p < 0.05). The results of Western blotting and qRT PCR showed that CPBZX treatment significantly and dose-dependently upregulated CEA mRNA expression (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the expressions of IL-8 and COX-2 were significantly and dose-dependently down-regulated by CPBZX. Treatment of pancreatic tumor mice with CPBZX significantly decreased tumor growth and metastasis of tumor cells to the pulmonary tissues, liver and lymph nodes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that CPBZX inhibits the development and metastasis of PC via the down-regulation of IL-8 and COX 2 expressions, and therefore may find application in pancreatic cancer therapy.
Antibacterial Efficacy of Commonly Available Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers on Escherichia Coli
Authors: Hema Josephat S. , Mloka Doreen A. , Bwire George M. , Marandu Ezekiel M. , Mwambete Kennedy D.
Published: June 2021

Background: The WHO estimates that approximately 600 million people fall ill after consumption of contaminated food and over 420 000 die every year, resulting in loss of 33 million healthy life years. Hand hygiene is considered by the WHO to be the most effective preventive measure for infectious diseases including food borne diseases.Methods: A laboratory-based study involving convenient sampling of common brands alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) from retail community pharmacies and local supermarkets was conducted in Ilala District, Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The study was conducted, between December 2018 to January 2019. A modified protocol of The European Norm (EN) 1500 was used for in vivo testing of sampled ABHs. Efficacy was evaluated using standard strain of Escherichia coli. A total of 26 healthy volunteers were used for hand sanitization. The percentage of bioburden/microbial reduction was assessed at baseline and after treatment, and the log reduction factor calculated.Results: A total of 10 gel ABHS were purchased and assayed for antibacterial efficacy. Majority (70%) of ABHS were imported products and contained ethanol as the sole active ingredient. About 60% of them did not correctly indicate the label disclosure information on concentration of active ingredients. Only one product was efficacious against E. coli with log reduction of 3.75; while majority (70%) of the samples had poor bacterial efficacy with log reduction ranging from 0.140 -0.664.Conclusions: Most of ABHS gel products available in the Dar es Salaam market were not efficacious as per FDA and EN 1500 guidelines. Post market surveillance is recommended of the circulating ABH to safe guard consumers.

Keywords: Hand sanitizers, efficacy, E. coli, EN 1500.
Giant Uterine Fibroid in a Low Resources Setting: A Case Report
Authors: Macheku Godwin S. , Losaru Lengarivo , Msafiri Ibreck , Mwerinde Harry , Shuma Anne E. , Moye Agnes , Mahande Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Background: Uterine leiomyomas represent the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive tract. Giant uterine leiomyomas are exceedingly rare neoplasm and represents a great diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of this publication is that though the present era is of advanced technology and minimally invasive surgery but this may not be available everywhere and feasible in every case. Diagnosis and management of giant uterine myoma should permit greater management flexibility with safe options, which must be tailored to the individual clinical situation.Case presentation: A 45-year old woman presented with a 12-month history of progressive increasing abdominal size, prolonged menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, gradual weight gain, vague abdominal pressure sensations, dysmenorrhea, abdominal and pelvic pain, frequent urination, relative constipation and symptom of anemia but not in failure. Physical examination, laboratory evaluation and a trans-abdominal ultrasound were done and findings suggested a giant abdominal-pelvic mass. Abdominal supracervical hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Histologically, the specimen was 16.2 Kg uterine leiomyoma measuring 30/24/20 cm, intramural and subserosal myomatous, cellular leiomyoma that occurred without secondary changes, necrosis, cellular atypia, or mitosis.The patient’s postoperative progress was uneventful and she was discharged from the hospital on the seventh postoperative day.Conclusion: In uterine leiomyomas patient, the preferred imaging modality for initial evaluation is ultrasonography because it is the least invasive and most cost effective investigation especially in low resource settings where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) Scan are usually not available and majority of the patients cannot afford its cost. The chosen treatment should be individualized, both severity of symptoms and patients desire to preserve fertility are very important. There is no single best approach to uterine fibroid treatment. However, women with giant uterine fibroids are best treated surgically and require adequate pre-operative preparations and an experienced skillful surgeon.

Keywords: Giant uterine leiomyoma, diagnosis, supracervical hysterectomy.
Kinship Structures and Social Justice in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Oludare A A
Published: June 2021

A major obstacle to the development of sustainable democratic systems of government in contemporary sub-Saharan African states is the difficulty in articulating an adequate conception of social justice to serve as a guiding principle in these polities. This difficulty is a consequence of the ethnically heterogeneous character of most of these states. This article argues that while in traditional sub-Saharan African communities social justice is largely based on kinship relations, that traditional framework is too narrow to serve as the basis for the articulation of this important notion in these ethnically pluralistic polities. Consequently, even though kinship relations ought to be retained in the articulation of social justice in these states, the conception of kinship needs to be broadened to transcend simple familial or ancestral relations. Key WordsSub-Saharan Africa, kinship relations, ancestors, social justice, democracy, globalisation, colonialism
Ethical Objections to Commercial Farming and Consumption of Genetically Modified Foods in Kenya
Authors: Makokha K , Kyalo W
Published: June 2021

Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing problems of Third World countries. The causes of this predicament are varied, ranging from drought, inadequate farming methods, poverty, among others. The responses to famine, whenever it strikes in many of these countries, have also been varied, with the most popular one being appeals for food aid from wealthy individuals, corporate bodies and the international community. However, these initiatives have not been sustainable. The need for a permanent solution has attracted varied opinions. On the one hand, some stakeholders take the view that the solution lies in genetically modified foods. On the other, some of the stakeholders are either opposed to such foods, or are cautious about them, citing potential and/or real risks associated with them. This article is premised on the view that technological innovations often raise ethical concerns and even dilemmas that ought to be surmounted in order to enhance public acceptability. In this regard, the article reflects on the ethical objections against GM technology in general, and, in particular, the process leading to the enactment of the biosafety law in Kenya. Key wordsGenetically modified organisms, biosafety law, UN convention on biological diversity, Cartagena protocol
Colonial Legal Reasoning in the Post-Colonial African State: A Critique and a Defense of the Argument from African Metaphysical Epistemology
Authors: Badru R O , Eegunlusi T R
Published: June 2021

This article focuses on legal reasoning and legal epistemology within the African context. It examines the system of legal justice in post-colonial Africa and submits that because of the colonial legacy, post-colonial African legal reasoning is methodologically founded on empiricism and positivism. It avers that despite its merit of scientific objectivity, such legal reasoning is largely incapable of addressing offences committed through the manipulation of metaphysical realities or other forms of covert criminalities and wrongdoing. Consequently, the article proposes that the methodology of African metaphysical epistemology be adopted to complement the colonial methodology of legal reasoning in Africa, as it has the advantageous result of helping in the search for truth concerning such offences, thereby promoting the delivery of effective legal justice, and thus contributing significantly to the development of a balanced and reliable justice system in contemporary African societies. The methods of critical analysis, reflective argumentation and oral interview were adopted to pursue the goals of the study. KeywordsAfrica, Argument, Legal Epistemology, Legal Reasoning, Metaphysics
John Hick’s Philosophy of Religious Pluralism in the Context of Traditional Yoruba Religion
Authors: Olawoyin O N
Published: June 2021

This article is an interpretation of John Hick’s philosophy of religious pluralism in the context of traditional Yoruba religion. The ultimate goal of the article is pragmatic, viz. to provide a theoretical basis for peaceful coexistence among different religions in Nigeria. The methods adopted to achieve this objective are hermeneutical/analytical and comparative. Hick’s theory is interpreted and analysed before it is applied to traditional Yoruba theology. His concept of the Transcendent or Ultimate Reality is equated with the Yoruba concept of the Supreme Being or Olodumare. Both Hickean Ultimate Reality and Olodumare are conceived as transcategorial. However, Yoruba divinities are equated with Hick’s personae and impersonae of the Real: like the personae and impersonae of Hickean Ultimate Reality, the divinities are manifestations of Olodumare. This interpretative method can be used to account for differences in the conceptions of the Supreme Being among competing religions in Nigeria, especially Islam and Christianity in their conceptions of God. KeywordsJohn Hick, pluralism, Yoruba, Nigeria, Olodumare, divinities
A Study on Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak and Countermeasures on Water Consumption in the Small-Medium Sized City
Authors: Kim Si-Yeon , Yoon Sukmin , Jang Seokhyun , Jo Gwirae , Park No-Suk
Published: June 2021

Objectives : The objective of this research is to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic spread and prevention actions are affecting water consumption pattern in the domestic small-medium sized city. Also, the main contribution is the assessment of water consumption during a pandemic, proving information for management of water supply system in order to be resilient in challenging situation for the community.Methods : In this study, data on the water consumption by administrative subdivisions and uses were obtained from January 2018 to December 2020. The water consumption can be divided into the uses for household, office, business and public bath. Data were analyzed in a time series from 2018 to December 2020 in 35 administrative subdivisions.Results and Discussion : As a result of analyzing the consumption pattern of tap water by use in domestic J_city, the consumption of household water tends to increase slightly, but it is found that the trend of change in office, business and public bath water is not significant.Conclusion : It can be seen that the consumption of households in 2020 is slightly higher than in 2018 and 2019, and the consumption of water for business, business and public baths has decreased. Probably, as homework and non-face-to-face classes of students increase, consumption of household water increases and consumption of business and business water decreases.
O Estágio Curricular Supervisionado de Língua Portuguesa em contexto de ensino remoto
Authors: Batista Patrícia Cardoso , Crepaldi Nilza Pereira , Santos Annie Rose dos
Published: June 2021

O artigo descreve e analisa as atividades desenvolvidas durante o Estágio Curricular Supervisionado de Língua Portuguesa no Ensino Médio, no contexto da pandemia, vivenciadas por uma acadêmica do curso de Letras a Distância da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) no ano letivo de 2020. O texto apresenta como fundamentos teóricos as Diretrizes Curriculares Estaduais (DCE) (PARANÁ, 2008), as Orientações Curriculares para o Ensino Médio (OCEM) (BRASIL, 2006), a Base Nacional Curricular Comum (BNCC) (BRASIL, 2017), e as concepções de Shulman (1987), Peres (2012), Behar (2020), Rojo e Moura (2012), entre outros. Como resultados da experiência, o trabalho propiciou reflexões sobre diferentes faces do processo de ensino e aprendizagem na escola, destacando a mediação didática pelo Ensino Remoto Emergencial (ERE), bem como as dificuldades e limitações de atuar por esse formato, confirmando a necessidade de conhecimentos específicos e recursos tecnológicos adequados, além de uma formação inicial que permita aos docentes atuar em um contexto de transformação contínua.
práctica reflexiva en la formación del profesorado de español como lengua extranjera
Authors: Simón Yessy Villavicencio , Cruz Lizandra Rivero , Melian Ivan Gabriel Grajales
Published: June 2021

El objetivo del artículo es reflexionar sobre la importancia de la práctica reflexiva en la formación del docente de español como lengua extranjera a partir de la metodología del self-study. Se realiza un diagnóstico del proceso formativo del futuro profesor de español de la especialidad de Letras, en la Facultad de Humanidades de la Universidad de Oriente, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, para valorar el comportamiento externo de este objeto de estudio y cómo el profesor de ELE de la Facultad de Lenguas Extranjeras en la referida institución puede favorecer la formación en este campo. Se emplean como métodos el análisis-síntesis y la revisión de la literatura científica especializada. El diagnóstico permite determinar una insuficiente aplicación de la práctica reflexiva interactiva y la socialización de experiencias sobre la didáctica del español como lengua extranjera por parte de los docentes del colectivo de español como lengua extranjera y los estudiantes de Letras de la Universidad de Oriente, que limita la formación inicial del futuro docente en este modo de actuación. El estudio concluye que es necesaria la reflexión sistemática sobre las experiencias de enseñanza a partir del uso del portafolio como instrumento de evaluación, de modo que conduzca al perfeccionamiento de la actuación pedagógica.
A negociação de saberes em um contexto de formação inicial de professores de Língua Inglesa
Authors: Silva Themis Rondão Barbosa da Costa
Published: June 2021

Este artigo é um recorte de minha dissertação de mestrado que teve por objetivo principal investigar a formação de professores de Língua Inglesa em contexto de um Subprojeto vinculado ao Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência (Pibid). Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza qualitativa de cunho etnográfico, com características de epistemologia da emergência. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em contexto de uma escola pública da cidade de Campo Grande - MS e teve como participantes uma professora supervisora da escola, quatro licenciandos do Pibid e esta pesquisadora. Os dados foram coletados por meio de gravações em áudio e/ou em vídeo das reuniões de planejamento e aulas, questionários e entrevistas com os participantes. A análise consiste, principalmente, na descrição dos aspectos emergentes ao longo do processo de formação investigado e suas interfaces com a formação de professores na contemporaneidade. A pesquisa indicou que o enfraquecimento de hierarquias entre pesquisador, pesquisado e licenciandos, por meio de uma ressignificação da relação entre escola e universidade e seus saberes, resultou em práticas colaborativas ao longo do processo de formação de professores.