bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High throughput in vitro characterization of pectins for pig(let) nutrition
Authors: Wiese Maria , Hui Yan , Holck Jesper , Sejberg Jimmy J. P. , Daures Celia , Maas Evy , Kot Witold , Borné Johanna M. , Khakimov Bekzod , Thymann Thomas , Nielsen Dennis Sandris
Published: October 2021

Background

Fiber-rich feed components possess prebiotic potential to enhance pig health and are considered a potential solution to the high prevalence of post-weaning diarrhea in pig production under the phased suspension of antibiotics and zinc oxide use.

Methods

We screened the gut microbiota modulatory properties of pectin substrates prepared from sugar beet within the freshly weaned piglet gut microbiome using an in vitro colon model, the CoMiniGut. We focused on testing a variety (13) of sugar beet-derived pectin substrates with defined structures, as well as known prebiotics such as inulin, fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and galactooligosaccharide (GOS), to gain insights on the structure–function related properties of specific substrates on the weaner gut microbial composition as well as shortchain fatty acid production (SCFA).

Results

Sugar beet-derived pectin and rhamnogalacturonan-I selectively increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, specifically Prevotella copri, Bacteroides ovatus, Bacteroides acidificiens, and an unclassified Bacteroides member. The degree of esterification impacted the relative abundance of these species and the SCFA production during the in vitro fermentations. Modified arabinans derived from sugar beet promoted the growth of Blautia, P. copri, Lachnospiraceae members and Limosilactobacillus mucosae and amongst all oligosaccharides tested yielded the highest amount of total SCFA produced after 24 h of fermentation. Sugar beet-derived substrates yielded higher total SCFA concentrations (especially acetic and propionic acid) relative to the known prebiotics inulin, FOS and GOS.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the molecular structures of pectin, that can be prepared form just one plant source (sugar beet) can selectively stimulate different GM members, highlighting the potential of utilizing pectin substrates as targeted GM modulatory ingredients.
Microbiome study in irradiated mice treated with BIO 300, a promising radiation countermeasure
Authors: Cheema Amrita K. , Li Yaoxiang , Singh Jatinder , Johnson Ryan , Girgis Michael , Wise Stephen Y. , Fatanmi Oluseyi O. , Kaytor Michael D. , Singh Vijay K.
Published: October 2021

Background

The mammalian gut harbors very complex and diverse microbiota that play an important role in intestinal homeostasis and host health. Exposure to radiation results in dysbiosis of the gut microbiota leading to detrimental pathophysiological changes to the host. To alleviate the effects of irradiation, several candidate countermeasures are under investigation. BIO 300, containing synthetic genistein formulated as an amorphous solid dispersion or as an aqueous suspension of nanoparticles, is a promising candidate under advanced development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BIO 300 on the gut microbiome and metabolome of mice exposed to 60Co gamma-radiation. The gut microbiota and metabolome of control and drug-treated mice exposed to radiation was characterized by bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and untargeted metabolomics.

Results

We found that irradiation altered the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and significantly decreased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, both in BIO 300-treated and control mice; however, the ratio returned to near normal levels in BIO 300-treated mice by day 14 post-irradiation. Concomitantly, we also observed corrective shifts in metabolic pathways that were perturbed after irradiation.

Conclusions

Overall, the data presented show that radiation exposure led to a relative depletion of commensals like Lactobacillus leading to an inflammatory metabolic phenotype while the majority of the drug-treated mice showed alleviation of this condition primarily by restoration of normal gut microbiota. These results indicate that the radioprotective effects of BIO 300, at least in part, may involve correction of the host-microbiome metabolic axis.
Traditional food preparation of wild edible vegetables among the ethnic groups of Mizoram, North East India
Authors: Lalmuanpuii Rosie , Zodinpuii Betsy , Lalbiaknunga J. , Zothanpuia
Published: October 2021

Exploration of ethnic traditional food recipes has an immense contribution to the preservation and sustainability of traditional food habits and culture. The main objective of this study was to explore and document traditional food recipes prepared from wild edible vegetables among two ethnic groups of Mizoram, Northeast India. The method employed for this study was mainly based on a household survey; randomly selected 35 households in Aizawl district representing the major ethnic groups, namely Hmar and Paihte. Information was collected on different types of wild edible vegetables ethnic food, as prepared and consumed by the local people. Twenty-four types of traditional food recipes were documented according to their seasonal availability, and the affinities of choices in food consumption are comparable among the two ethnic groups. It was also reported that wild edible vegetables play a significant role in safeguarding food security and improve nutrition in diets. The present work documents the wild edible vegetables used traditionally by two ethnic groups of Mizoram for various recipes and highlights the necessity of conserving such traditional knowledge besides throwing light on their economic potential. The study suggests that future investigation be carried out to evaluate the nutritional and bioactive properties of wild edible vegetables.
Fidelity of kangaroo mother care services in the public health facilities in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional mixed-method study
Authors: Mehjabeen Saima , Matin Mowtushi , Gupta Rajat Das , Sutradhar Ipsita , Mazumder Yameen , Kim Minjoon , Sharmin Shamina , Islam Jahurul , Sarker Malabika
Published: October 2021

Background

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a proven low-cost intervention to prevent neonatal mortality of pre-term and low birth weight babies and is very relevant to Bangladesh. KMC provides thermal regulation and thus directly avert neonatal mortality. KMC includes early, continuous, and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between an infant and caregiver, exclusive breastfeeding, early discharge from the hospital, and post-discharge follow-up. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fidelity of this intervention’s implementation according to national guidelines across all tiers of government (public) health facilities of Bangladesh.

Methods

We adopted a triangulation mixed-methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative components in this research to support and explain the information obtained from quantitative observation with the help of qualitative interviews on the fidelity of KMC practice. We used an observation checklist to find the fidelity of KMC practice and used semi-structured guidelines to explain and understand the moderators of fidelity through key informant interviews and in-depth interviews. We undertook eight facility visits in four districts, observed twenty-three neonates and their caregivers during KMC practice at those facilities, and conducted twenty-seven key informant interviews with facility managers, health care providers, and five in-depth interviews with caregivers. Extracted information was triangulated and arranged under the themes of the fidelity framework.

Results

Despite being a low-cost intervention, findings exhibit some adherence to the national guideline with several gaps in practice. Leadership played a critical role in ensuring the KMC practice. Specific components of KMC practice, like duration, nutrition maintenance, discharge criteria, and follow-up, were not consistent as recommended. Infrastructure, human resources, developmental partner support, and the demand-side and supply-side responsiveness played a critical role in enacting this human-centric approach’s fidelity. The observed interruption found in the implementation process posed threats to achieve the intended outcome as these caused violations of the basic principles of KMC.

Conclusions

The study findings will help find ways to effectively deliver this intervention so that fidelity of practice is maintained, enhancing KMC services’ quality and advocating towards the successful scale-up of this program.
In silico screening and molecular docking study of compounds from Pedalium murex L. with Vasopressin2 receptor target for Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ram Gobind , Kumar Anil , Hemlata  , Singh Gulab , Giri Shiv Kumar
Published: October 2021

Background

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is frequently inherited disease. The medicinal plant Pedalium murex (P. murex) Linn, that has anti-inflammatory, antiurolithiatic, and diuretic properties, has a greater tendency to cure urinary defects. P. Murex compounds have been studied in order to find an effective treatment against the Vasopressin 2 receptor (V2R), which is a target for ADPKD. The compound structures were designed using ChemSketch software, which was then optimised for the exploration of pharmacokinetic properties. Finally, AutoDock VINA programme was used to execute molecular docking, and the findings were analysed and visualised in Discovery studio visualizer.

Results

Virtual screening using PyRx software finds seven compounds from P. murex with binding affinities ranging from − 8.6 to − 5.8 kcal/mol, which will be used for further pharmacological characteristics study. Luteolin has a higher druglikeness and an overall drug score of 0.84, indicating as a most suitable compound. Furthermore, luteolin docking and bonding study reveals improved receptor (V2R) H-bonding with Phe105(2.26 and 2.96), Gln119(2.78), and any Lys116(2.16).

Conclusions

Based on affinity score, screening of various compounds from P. murex against the V2R target for the ADPKD showed that the phytocompound luteolin has superior pharmacological characteristics and bonding. Luteolin from P. murex can be used as a possible therapeutic candidate after rigorous in silico investigation.

Graphic abstract
The nexus between Egyptian renewable energy resources and economic growth for achieving sustainable development goals
Authors: Salman Doaa , Hosny Nadine Amr
Published: October 2021

This study contributes to the conceptual and empirical studies by investigating the relation between the electricity generated from renewables, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, exchange rate and unemployment on Egyptian economic growth (EEC). Developing countries are in pursuit of economic growth as it is the path for sustainable economies. The study applies autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) using the dataset for the period from 1990–2019. The empirical results highlight the main driving forces that accelerate economic growth. The main findings confirmed that government support is one of the key drivers for positive and significant impacts of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, CO2 emission, and exchange rate in Egypt on economic growth. However, the positive and significant impact of carbon dioxide still plays a challenging aspect to achieve sustainability. Policies have been identified to develop the required energy network of the future
Upper airway obstruction caused by primary lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of the retropharyngeal space: a case report
Authors: Asoegwu Chinyere N. , Kanu Okezie O. , Nwawolo Clement C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Primary malignant tumours of the retropharyngeal space are rare with only a few case reports in the literature. Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and is very rarely found as a primary tumour of the retropharyngeal space.

Case presentation

We report the case of progressive upper airway obstruction in a 49-year-old male caused by a primary malignant tumour of the retropharyngeal space lymph nodes. He had an emergency tracheostomy to relieve the upper airway obstruction followed a week later by an elective surgical excision of the tumour via the trans-cervical route. A mixed population of lymphocytes, with a marked presence of Dutcher bodies, was noted on histopathology and positive CD20 on immunohistochemistry, confirming the lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of the retropharyngeal space. The watchful waiting treatment method for the lymphoma was employed for him since he had no symptoms relating to lymphoma and no serum Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia. He has remained symptom-free 3 years post-surgery.

Conclusion

Primary malignant tumours involving the retropharyngeal space lymph nodes are very rare. They can rarely grow to a size huge enough to cause obstructive upper aerodigestive symptoms. Primary lymphoma of the retropharyngeal space should be considered in the diagnosis of the tumours involving the retropharyngeal space lymph nodes. Excisional biopsy is important to obtain tissue for histopathological diagnosis and the relief of upper aerodigestive tract obstruction when present.
Cytosolic and nuclear recognition of virus and viral evasion
Authors: Li Siji , Cao Lili , Zhang Zeming , Kuang Ming , Chen Luoying , Zhao Yingchi , Luo Yujie , Yin Zhinan , You Fuping
Published: October 2021

The innate immune system is the first line of host defense, which responds rapidly to viral infection. Innate recognition of viruses is mediated by a set of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that sense viral genomic nucleic acids and/or replication intermediates. PRRs are mainly localized either to the endosomes, the plasma membrane or the cytoplasm. Recent evidence suggested that several proteins located in the nucleus could also act as viral sensors. In turn, these important elements are becoming the target for most viruses to evade host immune surveillance. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in the study of viral recognition and evasion.
The Multifaceted Biology of PCSK9
Authors: Seidah Nabil G , Prat Annik
Published: October 2021

This article reviews the discovery of PCSK9, its structure–function characteristics, and its presently known and proposed novel biological functions. The major critical function of PCSK9 deduced from human and mouse studies, as well as cellular and structural analyses, is its role in increasing the levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDLc), via its ability to enhance the sorting and escort of the cell surface LDL receptor (LDLR) to lysosomes. This implicates the binding of the catalytic domain of PCSK9 to the EGF-A domain of the LDLR. This also requires the presence of the C-terminal Cys/His-rich domain, its binding to the secreted cytosolic cyclase associated protein 1, and possibly another membrane-bound “protein X”. Curiously, in PCSK9-deficient mice, an alternative to the downregulation of the surface levels of the LDLR by PCSK9 is taking place in the liver of female mice in a 17β-estradiol-dependent manner by still an unknown mechanism. Recent studies have extended our understanding of the biological functions of PCSK9, namely its implication in septic shock, vascular inflammation, viral infections (Dengue; SARS-CoV-2) or immune checkpoint modulation in cancer via the regulation of the cell surface levels of the T-cell receptor and MHC-I, which govern the antitumoral activity of CD8+ T cells. Because PCSK9 inhibition may be advantageous in these processes, the availability of injectable safe PCSK9 inhibitors that reduces by 50% to 60% LDLc above the effect of statins is highly valuable. Indeed, injectable PCSK9 monoclonal antibody or small interfering RNA could be added to current immunotherapies in cancer/metastasis.
The Chapuizet Affair
Authors: Harvey David Allen
Published: October 2021

This article examines a 1779 legal dispute involving Pierre Chapuizet, a wealthy and well-connected sugar planter of the north province of Saint-Domingue who was denied a commission as an officer in the colonial militia due to allegations of mixed-race origin. Although the Conseil Supérieur of Cap Français had recognized Chapuizet's status as “white and unblemished” (blanc et ingénu) in 1771, the colonial administration and much of the white elite argued that his descent from a Black great-great-grandmother made him ineligible for the honor of a militia commission. This article argues that the Chapuizet affair demonstrates a shift in the boundaries of whiteness in the French Antilles. Traditional “color prejudice,” in which skin color was one factor among many others, such as wealth and family connections, gave way to modern scientific racism defined by biological descent, according to which a single Black ancestor, however remote, sufficed for exclusion from the white elite.

Cet article examine une dispute légale de l'année 1779 qui visait à Pierre Chapuizet, un colon riche et renommé de la province nord de Saint-Domingue, à qui on refusait une commission d'officier de milice à cause des allégations qu'il était d'origine sang mêlé. Bien que le Conseil supérieur du Cap Français l'eût reconnu comme « blanc et ingénu » dans un arrêt de 1771, l'administration coloniale et la plupart de l’élite blanche considéraient que son ascendance, notamment son arrière-grand-mère noire, l'excluait de l'honneur d'une commission militaire. A travers l'affaire Chapuizet on constate une modification des identités raciales et du statut de l'homme blanc dans les Antilles françaises. Le « préjugé de couleur » traditionnel, selon lequel la couleur de la peau n’était qu'un facteur parmi d'autres comme la richesse et les alliances familiales cède au racisme scientifique moderne, défini par la filiation biologique, selon lequel un seul aïeul noir, aussi lointain qu'il soit, suffit pour l'exclusion de l’élite blanche.
“A French Jew Emancipated the Blacks”
Authors: Duhaut Noëmie
Published: October 2021

This article examines the rhetorical strategies put in place by French Jewish activists to demand equal civil and political rights for Jews in southeastern Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century. It identifies the parallel they drew between the abolition of slavery and Jewish emancipation as a central plank in this campaign. Through references to the antislavery movement, French Jews sought to make Jewish emancipation a matter of international law and mobilize different constituencies at home and abroad. Drawing on the biblical story of the Exodus, this abolitionist rhetoric was an attempt to challenge the Christian nature of abolitionism and oppose exclusionary views of European society. The emergence of this new emancipatory discourse is analyzed within the national framework of France as well as in a broader eastern European and world context.

Cet article étudie les stratégies rhétoriques mises en place par les militants juifs français pour revendiquer l’égalité civique et politique des Juifs de l'Europe du sud-est dans la seconde moitié du dix-neuvième siècle. Le parallèle qu'ils ont établi entre abolition de l'esclavage et émancipation des Juifs était un élément central de cette campagne. A travers leurs références au mouvement antiesclavagiste, les Juifs français ont cherché à faire de l’émancipation juive une question de droit international ainsi qu’à mobiliser différents publics en France et à l’étranger. S'appuyant sur le récit biblique de l'Exode, cette rhétorique abolitionniste tentait de contester la nature chrétienne de l'abolitionnisme et de s'opposer aux visions d'une société européenne fondée sur l'exclusion. L’émergence de ce nouveau discours émancipateur est analysée dans le cadre national de la France ainsi que dans un contexte est-européen et mondial plus large.
Freedom's Sex Problem
Authors: Frydman Hannah
Published: October 2021

In Third Republican Paris, newspapers' classified sections were cast as sites of sexual demoralization peopled by prostitutes, pornographers, and abortionists. Moralizing this space was no easy task: sex was discussed in code, making it hard to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate ads—between ads for midwives and those for abortionists. Could the law read symptomatically to make the distinction? Or was it limited to surface reading? This article shows how classified texts became sites of regulatory indeterminacy, staging tensions between the regulation of “deviant” sexuality and republican ideals. It reconstructs the legal history of “immoral” advertising through decades of legislative reform and judicial equivocation, which laid the cultural and legal groundwork for the restrictive 1920 abortion law and 1939 Family Code, both of which made it possible to police the unsaid, thereby privileging the control and management of sexuality in the interest of the nation's reproductive future over democratic freedoms.

Au début du vingtième siècle, l'imaginaire des petites annonces des journaux parisiens se peuplait de prostituées, de pornographes, et de faiseuses d'anges. La « quatrième page » était alors un vecteur de démoralisation. Il n'y avait pas de solution simple : les annonces étant chiffrées, il était difficile de distinguer entre l'annonce légitime et l'annonce immorale, entre l'annonce d'une sage-femme et celle d'une faiseuse d'anges. La loi, pourrait-elle trancher ? Cet article montre la manière dont les textes publicitaires sont devenus autant de lieux indéterminés qui ne sauraient être régulés, en dépit de grands efforts législatifs pour mettre les petites annonces (et les femmes et les minorités sexuelles qui y opéraient) sous contrôle. Cet article reconstitue la chronologie de cette législation, sous la rubrique des « outrages aux bonnes mœurs », de ses origines dans la loi de 1881 sur la liberté de la presse, à travers les décennies de jurisprudence ambiguë, pour arriver enfin à la loi de 1920 sur l'avortement et le Code de la Famille de 1939, qui ont pour but, tous les deux, le contrôle de la sexualité en faveur de la vigueur nationale.
“A Woman Dressed like a Man”
Authors: Chaplin Tamara
Published: October 2021

Sapphic cabarets where women “dressed like men” figure among the most widely publicized symbols of lesbian desire. During the 1930s more than twenty such cabarets opened throughout the city of Paris. Many of these survived the war and operated into the 1960s and after. This article examines the unique figure of the entraîneuse, a female staff member paid to cross-dress who worked in these venues. It argues that this commercial figure played a special role in promoting a sexual schema—now called “butch/femme”—that is usually explained either as biologically determined or as an erotic choice. The gender performances fostered in the Sapphic cabaret enabled the formation of a female same-sex subculture while at the same time making what was then perceived as a contagious threat—the “mannish lesbian”—instantly recognizable and thus more easily subject to surveillance and control.

Les images des « Cabarets Saphiques » où des femmes se travestissent en hommes figurent parmi les symboles les plus médiatisés du désir lesbien. Pendant les années trente, plus de vingt de ces cabarets ouvraient leurs portes partout à Paris. Beaucoup d'entre eux ont survécu à la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Cet article examine la figure de l'entraîneuse, une employée souvent payée pour se travestir et qui travaillait dans ces lieux. Cette figure commerciale a joué un rôle particulier dans la promotion d'un schéma sexuel—aujourd'hui appelé « butch/femme »—que l'on explique d'habitude comme le produit du déterminisme biologique ou d'un choix personnel ou bien politique. Les représentations du genre encouragées par le Cabaret Saphique ont soutenu la formation d'une sous-culture lesbienne tout en rendant ce qui était alors perçu comme une menace contagieuse—la « lesbienne masculine »—immédiatement reconnaissable et donc plus facilement soumise à la surveillance et au contrôle.
Citizenship in the Racial Break: Japanese Incarceration and Racial Subjectivity in Miné Okubo’sCitizen 13660
Authors: Ravela Christian
Published: October 2021

Through an analysis of the economy of sight in Miné Okubo’s Citizen 13660 (1946), this article argues that, as a graphic memoir, it registers a structure of feeling of racialized citizenship in the racial break. Following Okubo’s experience of incarceration, Citizen traces the changing practices of Japanese incarceration as different forms of racial subjection linked to the (re)formation of racial subjectivity. Hence, Citizen’s seemingly progressive narrative trajectory belies an ambivalent development in which the contradiction of racialized citizenship gets remediated as a temporal problem. In doing this, Citizen demonstrates how the racial break represented less a rupture than a continuation—how the antagonisms of racialized citizenship under white supremacy are sublimated by racial liberal rule.
Trouillot Remixed
Authors: Trouillot Michel-Rolph
Published: October 2021

This collection of writings from Haitian anthropologist Michel-Rolph Trouillot includes his most famous, lesser known, and hard to find writings that demonstrate his enduring importance to Caribbean studies, anthropology, history, postcolonial studies, and politically engaged scholarship more broadly.
Proportion of Cancer Cases Attributable to Physical Inactivity by US State, 2013–2016
Authors: MINIHAN ADAIR K. , PATEL ALPA V. , FLANDERS W. DANA , SAUER ANN GODING , JEMAL AHMEDIN , ISLAMI FARHAD
Published: October 2021

Introduction/Purpose

Little is known concerning the cancer burden attributable to physical inactivity by state. Our objective was to calculate the proportion of incident cancer cases attributable to physical inactivity among adults age ≥30 yr in 2013–2016 in all 50 states and District of Columbia.

Methods

State-level, self-reported physical activity data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were adjusted by sex, age, and race/ethnicity using national-level, self-reported physical activity data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Age-, sex-, and state-specific cancer incidence data were obtained from the US Cancer Statistics database. Sex-, age-, and state-specific adjusted prevalence estimates for eight physical activity categories and cancer-specific relative risks for the same categories from a large-scale pooled analysis were used to calculate population-attributable fractions (PAF) by state for stomach, kidney, esophageal (adenocarcinoma), colon, bladder, breast, and endometrial cancers.

Results

When optimal physical activity was defined ≥5 h·wk−1 of moderate-intensity activity, equivalent to ≥15 MET·h·wk−1, 3.0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.9%–3.0%) of all incident cancer cases (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) were attributable to physical inactivity, accounting for an average of 46,356 attributable cases per year. The PAF ranged from 2.3% (95% CI, 2.2%–2.5%) in Utah to 3.7% (95% CI, 3.4%–3.9%) in Kentucky. By cancer site, the PAF ranged from 3.9% (95% CI, 3.6%–4.2%) for urinary bladder to 16.9% (95% CI, 16.1%–17.7%) for stomach.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that promoting physical activity through broad implementation of interventions could prevent many cancer cases. Over 46,000 cancer cases annually could be potentially avoided if the American population met the recommended 5 h·wk−1 of moderate-intensity (or 15 (MET)-h·wk−1) physical activity.
Validation of the wrist blood pressure measuring device Omron RS6 (HEM-6221-E) among obese Sudanese patients according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol Revision 2010
Authors: Ali Elrazi A. , Omar Saeed M. , Ibrahim Yassin , Al-Wutayd Osama , Adam Ishag
Published: October 2021

Background: Electronic devices for measuring blood pressure (BP) need to go through independent clinical validation as recommended by different authorities, both in general and specific populations. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the Omron RS6 (HEM-6221-E) wrist oscillometric devices in obese Sudanese patients.

Methods: Of 90 obese individuals invited for recruitment, 33 were included in the study, and had their BP at the level of the wrist measured using Omron RS6 and standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Two observations were made and the mean was taken. BP differences between the two methods for the 33 participants were classified into three categories (≤5, ≤10, and ≤15 mmHg), according to the European Society of Hypertension-International Protocol revision 2010 (ESH-IP2) criteria. This was then used to assess the validity of the tested Omron RS6 device.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 56.97 years (standard deviation (SD), 8.75; range, 36-79). Average systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 146.21 mmHg (SD, 23.07; range, 107-182), and average diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 93.82 mmHg (SD, 16.06; range, 67-128). There was a good agreement between the two observations using the OMRON RS6 and the standard sphygmomanometer: −4 to + 3 mmHg for SBP and −4 to +4 mmHg for DBP, with the mean difference of 1.73±1.11 mmHg for SBP and 1.49±1.02 mmHg for DBP.

Conclusion: Thus, the Omron RS6 (HEM-6221-E) is a valid and suitable measure of BP according to ESH-IP2.
AI in healthcare: A narrative review
Authors: Väänänen Antti , Haataja Keijo , Vehviläinen-Julkunen Katri , Toivanen Pekka
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we focus on providing a narrative review of healthcare services in which artificial intelligence (AI) based services are used as part of the operations and analyze key elements to create successful AI-based services for healthcare. The benefits of AI in healthcare are measured by how AI is improving the healthcare outcomes, help caregivers in work, and reducing healthcare costs. AI market in healthcare sector have also a high market potential with 28% global compound annual growth rate. This paper will collect outcomes from multiple perspectives of healthcare sector including financial, health improvement, and care outcome as well as provide proposals and key factors for successful implementation of AI methods in healthcare. It is shown in this paper that AI implementation in healthcare can provide cost reduction and same time provide better health outcome for all.
Japanese sound-symbolic words in global contexts: from translation to hybridization
Authors: Hiraishi Noriko
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the global reception and development of the artistic expression of onomatopoeia and mimetic words in modern and contemporary Japanese literary texts adopting the method of comparative literature. By analyzing sound-symbolic words and their translations in modern Japanese poetry and contemporary comics, the intercultural dialogues of these texts are examined and the emergence of hybrid onomatopoeia in global comic works is illuminated. The Japanese language is often noted for its richness of sound-symbolic words. In the literary world, modern poetry adopted and elaborated the use of these words from the late 19th century in its quest for a new style of poetry. In the early 20th century, poets developed the artistic expression of sound-symbolic words and succeeded in giving musicality to the “new-style poem”. However, the translation of Japanese sound-symbolic words has always been problematic. Experimental uses of these words in modern poems were often untranslatable, making the translations incomprehensible or dull. Nevertheless, graphic narratives and their worldwide distribution changed that situation. Japanese comics (manga) has particularly developed the artistic expression of sound-symbolic words. Usually placed outside speech balloons, these words are elaborately depicted and are important elements of the panel/page layout. Notably, the global popularity of the genre developed a new phase of intercultural dialogue. As not every word has an equivalent or is translatable in the target language, translators have left sound-symbolic words untouched in the translated versions, putting translation aside. Thus, the combination of Japanese and the target language seems to influence the visual comprehension of sound effects among the readers. Through the examinations of some cases, this paper brings to light the emergence of some hybrid onomatopoeia and reveals that the “Third Space” formed by the translation and hybridization of manga is a dynamic field that creates a new culture.
Student biocuration projects as a learning environment
Authors: Thurlow Katherine E. , Lovering Ruth C. , De Miranda Pinheiro Sandra
Published: October 2021

Background: Bioinformatics is becoming an essential tool for the majority of biological and biomedical researchers. Although bioinformatics data is exploited by academic and industrial researchers, limited focus is on teaching this area to undergraduates, postgraduates and senior scientists. Many scientists are developing their own expertise without formal training and often without appreciating the source of the data they are reliant upon. Some universities do provide courses on a variety of bioinformatics resources and tools, a few also provide biocuration projects, during which students submit data to annotation resources.

Methods: To assess the usefulness and enjoyability of annotation projects a survey was sent to University College London (UCL) students who have undertaken Gene Ontology biocuration projects.

Results: Analysis of survey responses suggest that these projects provide students with an opportunity not only to learn about bioinformatics resources but also to improve their literature analysis, presentation and writing skills.

Conclusion: Biocuration student projects provide valuable annotations as well as enabling students to develop a variety of skills relevant to their future careers. It is also hoped that, as future scientists, these students will critically assess their own manuscripts and ensure that these are written with the biocurators of the future in mind.
Workplace ergonomics problems and solutions: Working from home
Authors: Yeow Jian Ai , Ng Poh Kiat , Lim Wei Yin
Published: October 2021

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, many employees were required to work from home (WFH). During this WFH period, some employees encountered health issues related to sprains and neck or back pain owing to poor working conditions at home. As the WFH trend may continue over a prolonged period, the underlying causes and solutions to ergonomic issues must be addressed to reduce injuries. This study aims to identify the ergonomic issues encountered when working from home and suggests several solutions to minimise these issues. 

Methods: A qualitative ethnographic methodology was adopted. This study used focus group discussion and the panellists were among experts from the fields of higher education, healthcare, human resources (HR), and ergonomics patient in Malaysia.  The most common ergonomic issues identified were based on diagnoses and observations in previous studies. 

Results: The panellists agreed on ergonomics issues, comprising the use of unergonomic chairs, incorrect sitting postures, irregular arrangement of key objects, improper reach distances of the laptop/keyboard/mouse, poor desk designs, footrest absence, distortion/noise, poor lighting, and poor work environment. Over time, WFH ergonomics issues may lead to burnout, carpal tunnel syndrome or other cumulative trauma disorders, high blood pressure, and stress on the cervical spine and neck. The proposed solutions include a complete WFH ergonomics and wellness checklist for employees and employers, webinar sessions on WFH ergonomics, meet-up sessions with ergonomics or HR experts, workspace rentals for co-workers, implementation of the 20-20-20 rule and job-sharing practices, and the involvement of employers or the government in procuring ergonomic equipment for WFH employees. 

Conclusions: This is a preliminary study and the researchers are exploring the root causes of WFH ergonomics issues and proposed solutions. While previous studies have examined workplace ergonomics, this study focuses on WFH ergonomic issues and solutions during the ongoing pandemic.
Protocol for ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) mutagenesis application in rice
Authors: Unan Rasim , Deligoz Ilyas , Al-Khatib Kassim , Mennan Husrev
Published: October 2021

Background: Non-transgenic chemical mutagen application, particularly ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), is an important tool to create mutations and gain a new genetic makeup for plants. It is useful to obtain a sufficient number of mutant plants instead of working with a severe mutation in a few plants. EMS dose and exposure period have been previously studied in several crops; however, EMS used to create point mutations in presoaked rice seeds has not been sufficiently studied and there is no standard protocol for such treatment. The aim of this study is to establish a standard protocol for EMS mutagenesis application in rice.

Methods: Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of four durations of rice seed presoaking (0, 6, 12, and 24 hours), four EMS concentration doses (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%), and four EMS exposure periods (6, 12, 24, and 48 hours). Germination rate, plumula and radicle length, seedling survival, LD50 (Lethal Dose) determination, shoot length, root length and fresh seedling weight were evaluated.

Results: Results showed that a 12-hour presoaking duration, 0.5% EMS dose, and six hours of EMS exposure were the best practices for the optimum number of mutant plants.

Conclusions: In light of both this study and the literature, a standard application protocol was established. This application protocol, detailed in this article, contains the following guidelines: (1) Presoaking: 12 hours, (2) EMS application: 0.5% dose EMS and six hours, (3) Final washing: six hours, (4) Drying: 72 hours at 38°C. A user-friendly protocol has been presented for utilization by researchers.
Contributing factors to perinatal mortality among women who gave birth at the Jimma University Medical Centre, southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Wakjira Tekle , Asefa Dejene , Muleta Geremew , Tamiru Dessalegn
Published: October 2021

Background

Perinatal mortality remains a challenge worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Although significant achievements have been made to reduce neonatal mortality worldwide, in the last two decades there was a total of 5.3 million neonatal deaths and stillbirths each year. This study aims to assess the magnitude of perinatal mortality and its contributing factors among births at the Jimma University Medical Centre in Ethiopia.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2017. Convenience sampling was used to select study participants and data were collected using interviewer-administered pretested structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data, with the chi-square test used to assess the relationship between each factor and outcome. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results

The rate of perinatal death was 107 per 1000 births, of which 39.2%, 25.9% and 34.9% were fresh stillbirths, macerated stillbirths and early neonatal deaths respectively. The majority (77.8%) of stillbirths occurred before the study participant reached the hospital and 64.3% of stillbirths had low birth weight. Hyaline membrane disease (27.6%) and meconium aspiration syndrome (20.7%) were the two most common causes of early perinatal death. Obstetric complications contributed to 89.6% of perinatal deaths. Stillbirth was significantly associated with a lack of education (P=0.036). The rate of perinatal mortality was high among women with their first pregnancy (53.0%) and those who had no previous pregnancy-related problems (79.5%), and was significantly associated with mechanical causes and antepartum haemorrhage (P=0.015).

Conclusions

The findings indicated that the rate of perinatal mortality was high at the Himma University Medical Centre. Improving maternal education and health services in rural areas are important steps to prevent poor perinatal outcomes. Facilitating transport and improving referral procedures may help to prevent mechanical complications, which are the most common cause of perinatal death, particularly fresh stillbirths which, in the present study, often occurred before a participant arrived at the hospital.
Nurses' and midwives' views on male partner involvement in maternity care in Imo, Nigeria
Authors: Ngwibete Atenchong , Ndikom Chizoma M , Anyiam Felix E
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

In 2015, the World Health Organization recommended male partner involvement in maternal and child health as an effective strategy to combat maternal and child health in pregnancy. Healthcare practitioners' acceptance of male partners in maternal and child healthcare is likely to improve provider and patient satisfaction. The main objective of the study was to assess nurses' and midwives' perceptions of male partner involvement in maternity care, and their willingness and constraints to performing it in selected hospitals in Imo, Nigeria.

Methods

A mixed-method approach was used to gather data from nurses and midwives in the antenatal care, labour and postnatal care wards of selected hospitals. A semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data assessing the participants' perceptions of male partner involvement in maternity care and of the barriers to it. Quantitative data were analysed through bivariate analysis, using the Chi squared test, and key quotes were extracted from qualitative data to illustrate relevant points.

Results

The majority (57%) of the respondent had a good perception of the concept of male partner involvement. The ward that a participant worked in significantly affected their perception (P=0.01). Respondents were willing to accept male partners in maternity care through education and providing more male-friendly services. However, sociocultural, hospital policy and structural factors restricted acceptance of men in the wards.

Conclusions

Nurses and midwives in all wards should be educated on the importance of male partner involvement in maternity care. Nurses and midwives need to engage in community health education programmes that will modify cultural constraints to male partner involvement and facilities should modify their structure and policies to be more male-friendly.
A new tool to measure acuity in the community: a case study
Authors: Baker Edward , Facultad Jose Loreto , Slade Harriet , Lee Geraldine
Published: October 2021

The provision of acute healthcare within patients own home (i.e. hospital in the home) is an important method of providing individualised patient-centred care that reduces the need for acute hospital admissions and enables early hospital discharge for appropriate patient groups. The Hospital in the Home (HitH) model of care ensures that this approach maximises patient safety and limits potential risk for patients. As HitH services have seen record numbers of patient referrals in the past 2 years, there is now a greater need to measure and understand the acuity and dependency levels of the caseload. Through an expert clinician development process at one NHS trust, aspects of procedural complexity, interdisciplinary working, risk stratification and comorbidities were used to quantify acuity and dependency. This paper uses a case study approach to present a new method of measuring this important concept.
Stoma-related considerations in palliative patients
Authors: Burch Jennie
Published: October 2021

In the community there are about 200 000 people with a stoma. Some of these may have been performed as a palliative procedure to relieve a bowel obstruction, for example. Alternatively, the condition of the patient may have altered. A person with a stoma may, for many reasons, be approaching the end of life. There are a number of stoma-related issues that can occur at the end of life as a result of cancer treatment, such as skin around the stoma being damaged as a result of chemotherapy or changes in weight. In the palliative setting, patients may no longer be able to independently care for their stoma and may require assistance from the community nurse. Input from the community nurse may include information on changing stool consistency, as a result of disease progression or cancer treatment. Alternatively, nursing input might be necessary to train carers to perform stoma care. Community nurses can also provide knowledge to patients to improve understanding and decrease anxiety at the end of life.
Interactive and non-interactive e-learning in prenatal care
Authors: Geranmayeh Mehrnaz , Bareghany Zinat Keshtkar , Zolfghari Mitra , Azizi Farahnaz
Published: October 2021

Background/Aims

Ongoing education of midwives plays a key role in high-quality prenatal care and pregnant women's health. In Iran, online education has received growing attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the effects of interactive and non-interactive e-learning on midwives' knowledge and self-efficacy.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study involved 76 midwives working in prenatal care in health centres who were randomly divided into two groups: interactive e-learning via computers and non-interactive e-learning via mobile applications. Knowledge and self-efficacy were measured pre- and post-intervention using an online questionnaire and differences were analysed using the chi-squared and t tests.

Results

Knowledge scores in nutrition, exercise, and overall care during pregnancy increased significantly in both groups in the post-intervention phase. Self-efficacy scores increased in exercise and overall care in the interactive e-learning group. The self-efficacy scores for all four studied items improved significantly in the smartphone group. The two groups' knowledge and self-efficacy scores were not significantly different post-intervention.

Conclusions

E-learning had positive effects on the knowledge and self-efficacy of midwives. The researchers suggest using these approaches alongside conventional in-service education methods.
Evidence that human oral glucose detection involves a sweet taste pathway and a glucose transporter pathway
Authors: Breslin Paul A. S. , Izumi Akiko , Tharp Anilet , Ohkuri Tadahiro , Yokoo Yoshiaki , Flammer Linda J. , Rawson Nancy E. , Margolskee Robert F.
Published: October 2021

The taste stimulus glucose comprises approximately half of the commercial sugar sweeteners used today, whether in the form of the di-saccharide sucrose (glucose-fructose) or half of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Therefore, oral glucose has been presumed to contribute to the sweet taste of foods when combined with fructose. In light of recent rodent data on the role of oral metabolic glucose signaling, we examined psychopharmacologically whether oral glucose detection may also involve an additional pathway in humans to the traditional sweet taste transduction via the class 1 taste receptors T1R2/T1R3. In a series of experiments, we first compared oral glucose detection thresholds to sucralose thresholds without and with addition of the T1R receptor inhibitor Na-lactisole. Next, we compared oral detection thresholds of glucose to sucralose and to the non-metabolizable glucose analog, α-methyl-D-glucopyranoside (MDG) without and with the addition of the glucose co-transport component sodium (NaCl). Finally, we compared oral detection thresholds for glucose, MDG, fructose, and sucralose without and with the sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitor phlorizin. In each experiment, psychopharmacological data were consistent with glucose engaging an additional signaling pathway to the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3 pathway. Na-lactisole addition impaired detection of the non-caloric sweetener sucralose much more than it did glucose, consistent with glucose using an additional signaling pathway. The addition of NaCl had a beneficial impact on the detection of glucose and its analog MDG and impaired sucralose detection, consistent with glucose utilizing a sodium-glucose co-transporter. The addition of the SGLT inhibitor phlorizin impaired detection of glucose and MDG more than it did sucralose, and had no effect on fructose, further evidence consistent with glucose utilizing a sodium-glucose co-transporter. Together, these results support the idea that oral detection of glucose engages two signaling pathways: one that is comprised of the T1R2/T1R3 sweet taste receptor and the other that utilizes an SGLT glucose transporter.