bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical profile of common varieties of Allium cepa L. sold in FCT-Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Samali Ayuba , Izebe Kasim S. , Adamu Aliyu
Published: June 2023

Onions (Allium cepa L.) belong to the family of vegetables and herbs with strong antioxidants properties that combats the formation of free radicals and other microbial based disease conditions. The study aimed at investigating chemical profile of common varieties of Allium cepa L. sold in FCT-Abuja, Nigeria. The samples were randomly purchased at point of sales, processed and analyzed for Phytochemical, antioxidant, mineral elements, microbial activities and GC-MS fingerprints using standard methods. Results indicated presence of alkaloid, flavonoids and tannin; antioxidant inhibitory concentrations (IC50) range of 1.496 - 2.961 mg/mL and presence of Ca, Mg, Cu, Cr and Fe were observed. The GC-MS fingerprints identified 17 compounds with retention times ranging from 3.09 to 9.77 minutes. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins corroborated report from the earlier studies of white onions. Inhibitory concentrations of the antioxidants obtained are lower than values reported from previous similar studies. The levels of the mineral contents of all the samples are within the safe limits in terms of mineral overloads and contamination, while the GC-MS fingerprints indicated nine (9), eight (8) and seven (7) compounds in the red, white and brown varieties respectively. The allyl group from organosulfur compounds is responsible for the antimicrobial activities. All the varieties of Allium cepa L analyzed contained alkaloid, flavonoids, free from heavy metals contamination and also had potent antimicrobial activities due to the presence of the 17 compounds revealed by the GC-MS fingerprints which was not previously reported. The findings of the present study has therefore contributed to additional knowledge on the existing database on Nigerian cultivars of Allium cepa .
Synergistic activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Abrus precatorius fractions extract against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Izebe S. Kasim , Ibrahim Y.K.E. , Onoalapo J.A. , Ibrahim K. , Oladosu P. , Ibekwe N. Nneka , Adigwe P. Obi
Published: June 2023

Streptococcus pneumonia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis and both account for high morbidity and mortality globally. This study is aimed to determine the antimicrobial and synergistic activity of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Abrus precatorius against these two respiratory infections. The leaves of T. tetraptera and A. precatorius were extracted using 70% methanol and further fractionations of the further fractionation. The crude and fractions were screened for antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus pneumonia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis using micro-dilution technique. The synergistic activity of fractions of T. tetraptera and A. precatorius was analyzed using standard checkerboard. The phytochemical composition of the fractions was analyzed using standard technique. The crude extracts of T. tetraptera and A. precatorius had activity against S. pneumoniae and M. tuberculosis at varied concentrations of 0.7 to 6.9 mg/l. The fractions alone of T. tetraptera and A. precatorius had activity at lower concentrations ranging 0.03 to 0.98 mg/ml against test bacteria. The combined fractions T. tetraptera and A. precatorius against S. pneumoniae and M. tuberculosis provided better activity at concentrations of 0.01 to 0.33 mg/ml to give synergy and indifference activity. The phytochemicals identified in A. precatorius and T. tetraptera included tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols and resins but differ in alkaloids detected in only T. tetraptera. This study has shown that A. precatorius and T. tetraptera possess antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumonia and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The combined fractions of T. tetraptera and A. precatorius showed greater antimicrobial activity than when each plant is used individually. The synergistic effect of these fractions of T. tetraptera and A. precatorius can be used in the development of phyto-medicine that will be efficacious, increase cure rate and decrease resistance in S. pneumoniae and M. tuberculosis.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric analysis and antioxidant property of leaf extracts of Chamaecrista rotundifolia
Authors: Hamid A. A. , Shehu A. , Bale M. I. , Idris Umar. , Issa S. B. , Zubair M.F. , Ibrahim S. O. , Yakub Y. T. , Abdulsalam A.R. , Adefila F. O. , Oladele S. A. , Olaniyi O. B.
Published: June 2023

Chamaerista rotundifolia is a medicinal plant whose leaves are useful for the treatment of many diseases including cancer, diarrohea and pain. This plant is underexploited in the area of extraction and bioassays that will establish its efficacy. The aim of the present study is to determine the antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well as to analyze the chemical compositions of the extracts from the plant leaves through the use of Gas chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC- MS) technique. The antibacterial activity of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of the plant was tested against six (6) strains of bacteria named Pseudominas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aerus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. The extracts of the plant exhibited no significant antibacterial property on the tested organisms. The result of antioxidant activity (using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging) revealed that Chamaecrista rotundifolia ethyl acetate extract has low antioxidant properties due to its high (>1164.878), and negative (< 0) Inhibition Concentration at 50% values for antioxidant. However, the methanol extract exhibited antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 5 μg/mL, which is comparable to that of ascorbic acid, 2.55 μg/mL. The GC-MS results of this extract showed that it contains some bioactive compounds. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate extract of the plant contains 75 chemical compounds, 4 of which are principal constituents, 6 are minor and others are trace. The chloroform extract of C. rotundifolia leaf was, however, inactive in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria as the extract also had a high inhibition value when compared with the inhibition concentration at 50%, which shows its low level of antioxidant activity. Our results of antibacterial activity were found not promising while the antioxidant activity on its own showed an interesting result that could be useful in the prevention of oxidative stress side effects and cancer related diseases.
Age related changes in external anatomy, and song-based gender identification in local guinea fowls (Numida meleagris)
Authors: Abdul-Rahman I.I. , Weseh A.
Published: June 2023

There is hardly any research data on the external anatomy of guinea fowls. Three hundred and sixty local guinea fowls, involving 180 each of males and  females were studied, and documented the developmental variations in the external anatomy of these birds from hatching until adulthood. The study  also explored the call-based approach as an alternative sexing method in these birds. Externally, all the birds changed from brownish black-stripped  down feathers at hatching to white regular spotted or pearl feathers by 8th week of age (WOA). Both sexes began to emit their respective calls from 8 WOA, while moulting of the neck feathers started between the 4th and 6th WOA and completed between 12 and 16 WOA. All external biometric traits  increased significantly (P<0.0001) from first WOA and plateaued at different ages. Wing span and tail length plateaued at 16 WOA, abdominal and pelvic  inlet widths stabilized at 20 WOA, head-bill length, width, neck and body lengths stabilized from 24 WOA, cere and wattle lengths, as well as body weight  continued to increase until the end of the study. Significant development in most external biometric traits was accomplished from 24 WOA, while the type  of call emitted could be used to discriminate between the two sexes at 100% level of accuracy from 8 WOA.
Effects of repeated injections of cloprostenol sodium during the early luteal phase on luteolysis and hormonal changes in Large White X Pietrain sows in Otukpo, Nigeria
Authors: Oke E.B. , Nwannenna A.I. , Bawa E.K. , Dawuda P.M. , Hassan Rahilah
Published: June 2023

This study was carried out to determine the effect of repeated injections of cloprostenol sodium during the early luteal phase on luteolytic capacity and  hormonal changes of Large white x Pietrain in Otukpo. A total of ten (n = 10) oestrus Large white x Pietrain sows were randomly divided into two groups. experiment and a control. Group I (n = 5) no synchronizing agent was administered Group II (n = 5) received 6 doses of 500 µg of cloprostenol sodium at  days 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the oestrous cycle and was monitored for natural oestrus twice daily from 0700 – 1000 and 1500 – 1800h. The fertility parameters determined in this study were: Time to onset of oestrus (TOO), duration of oestrus (DOO), total litter size (TLS), total born alive (TBA) average  body weight (Av. BW). Five (5) milliliters of blood was collected via the posterior vena cava before PGF2α injections on at day 1 and 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and every other day afterwards till next observed oestrus. The extracted serum from the collected blood was assayed using competitive ELISA for Oestradiol  (E2) progesterone (P4) concentrations. Variables such as TOO, DOO, TLS, TBA, Av. BW and data on E2 and P4 profile were expressed as mean ± SEM.  Student ttest and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used to compare the percentages and mean values between the groups. A value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered  significant. Results TOO was 484.80 ± 13.99 h, and 484.80 ± 15.92 h; DOO was 86.40 ± 5.88 h and 76.80 ± 4.80 h; TLS was 10.00 ± 0.84 and 10.20 ± 0.66;  TBA was 10.00 ± 0.84 and 10.00 ± 0.55 and Av. BW was 1.26 ± 0.09 kg and 1.06 ± 0.05 kg in groups I and II respectively. However, the fertility parameters  showed no statistically (P ≤ 0.05) significant differences between the control and the treated groups. The serum E2 concentrations of the samples  collected from the first day which is the first day oestrus, fifth day which is the first day of cloprostenol sodium (PGF2α) to 23rd day
Radiologic evaluation of thoracic size in the Nigerian indigenous dog by vertebral, haller and frontosagittal indices
Authors: Ukaha R.O. , Agwu K.K. , Kene R.O.
Published: June 2023

Reproducible and easily applied measurements for radiologic evaluation are needed in the day-to-day clinical practice for diagnosis and treatment or  management of thoracic disorders in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. The objective of this prospective cross-sectional study was to document  measurement indices used for the evaluation of canine thoracic silhouette. Thirty healthy Nigerian Indigenous Dogs, 10 puppies and 20 adults of average  body weight 8.19±2.45 kg and comprising equal number of both sexes. Ninety survey dorsoventral, right lateral and left lateral thoracic  radiographs of the animals were obtained. The shape of the thoracic silhouette in each radiograph was objectively evaluated and adequately described.  In the right and left lateral views, sternovertebral distance and sagittal vertebral diameter of the tenth vertebra were measured and recorded; while the  dimension measured in the dorsoventral view was costocostal distance. In the lateral radiographs, mean values of vertebral indices (VI) for right/left  lateral radiographs were 0.10±0.00/0.10±0.00, respectively. Results of normal thoracic silhouette determined in dorsoventral versus right lateral  orthogonal radiographs were: frontosagittal index (FSI) 1.06±0.05 and Haller index (HI) 0.95±0.04. The clinical relevance of this investigation is that it  provides measurement indices for the morphological evaluation of the thoracic silhouette in the Nigerian Indigenous Dog. These indices are  reproducible, objective and easy to apply in small animal clinical practice.
Dystocia induced by ventral abdominal hernia in a peripaturient goat: A case report
Authors: Duhu D.C. , Eze A.C. , Ugwu N.E.
Published: June 2023

A West African dwarf goat was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria with the primary complaint of swollen abdomen and  straining. Upon examination, the abdomen was observed to be enlarged and a fetus can be felt on abdominal ballottement. Presence of hernia ring was confirmed on the caudal ventral abdominal area before the umblicus. Caesarean section and consequent herniorrhaphy was adopted to correct  thehernia. Three kid goats were delivered, and the animal survived uneventfully.
Serological detection of foot and mouth disease antibodies in apparenty healthy pigs within federal capital territory, Abuja
Authors: EchiodaOgbole M. , Olabode H.K.O. , Maliafia S. , Ameh J.A.
Published: June 2023

Swine production contributes significantly to the economic wealth of most farmers in developing nations including Nigeria. Foot-and-mouth disease  (FMD) has been a highly contagious viral disease of agricultural importance in domestic ruminants and pigs, hampering livestock productivity in  countries where the disease is still endemic. The study aimed to determine the swine FMD occurrence in order to elucidate the disease burden within  Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and its environs. One hundred (100) sera were collected from Pigs and subjected to 3ABC ELISA test at the FMD  Laboratory in National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The result showed that out of 100 sera samples tested for FMD antibodies, 26 (26%) were positive and 74 (74%) were negative. Sero-positive distribution showed sow/gilt (32.7%), younger pigs (57.7%) and local breeds (50%) were more  exposed to FMD. Although, this was not significant (P>0.05). Questionnaire report further showed knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) of farmers was  good, however, the absence of vaccination could be a contributing factor to FMD spread to other susceptible and between carrier livestock within the  study area. This finding suggests an increasing occurrence of FMD in pigs within the Guinea Savanna Zone of North-Central Nigeria. In conclusion, FMD  antibodies were detected in apparently healthy, unvaccinated pigs of all breeds, ages and sex slaughtered and reared in the FCT. Control efforts should  be put in place to prevent possible transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease between pigs and cattle and other ruminants within and between herds,  market and slaughter slabs.
A comparative study of EEG findings among subjects in seizure-remission and patients with epilepsy in a resource constrained west African psychiatric hospital.
Authors: Aina O. F , Owoeye A. O , Oluwaniyi S. O , Amoo I. G
Published: June 2023

Background: Epilepsy is one of the commonest chronic neurological disorders, most especially in developing countries of the World. Again, electroencephalography (EEG) is an important investigation in epileptology and more so in monitoring seizure remission. Thus, in a resource constrained country like Nigeria, our study aimed to determine the epileptiform activities using routine EEG recordings on subjects in seizure remission compared to those subjects with active seizures.

Methods: In our study, and following ethical approval, standard EEG recording was carried out on convenient samples of equal number (131) of subjects with active seizure and those in seizure remission using the “Neurofax” Electroencephalography, EEG-1200 (R) machine. The EEG machine was used to carry out an awake 22-channel EEG scalp recording on each subject.

Results: Among subjects with active seizures, the mean duration of seizure was 2.80±2.44 years, with range of 0.5 to 12.0 years. For subjects in seizure remission (SSR), the mean duration of remission was 2.41±1.03 years, with range of 1 to 5 years. Out of the 131 subjects with seizure, 37 (28.3%) had normal EEG recording; and 94 (71.7%) had abnormal EEG recordings with various forms of epileptiform activities. On the other hand, of the 131 subjects in seizure remission (SSR), nearly half, 62 (47.3%) had normal EEG recording and 69(52.7%) had abnormal (epileptiform activities) recording. The difference in these EEG findings between the two study groups was significant with F=19.29, p=0.00*; t=-2.22,

p=0.028*; and 95% Confidence Interval, CI=-0.70 to -0.40.

Conclusion: In addition to clinical evaluation, routine EEG recording can be used to monitor seizure remission in resource constrained countries such as Nigeria.
Relevance and challenges of neuroimaging for childhood tuberculous meningitis diagnosis in a resource-constraint country: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ibraheem R.M. , Ariyibi S.O. , Gobir A.A. , Johnson A.R. , Yusuf M.J. , Adeleke N.A.
Published: June 2023

Objective: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) may be an undiagnosed cause of childhood mortality or neurologic sequelae. Cranial computed tomography (CT) scan remains a relevant diagnostic and prognostic tool amidst negative cerebrospinal fluid or sputum findings for tuberculous meningitis (TBM) diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase morbidity in resource-constraint countries.

Case report: A seven-year-old boy was referred with three weeks history of fever, progressive body weakness, aphasia and unconsciousness (three days). He had right cranial nerve III palsy, generalized hypertonia, and hyperreflexia in right lower limbs. All tuberculosis tests were negative except the cranial CT findings of leptomeningeal enhancement with basilar involvement and evidence of obstructive hydrocephalus. He was managed with anti-tuberculous drugs, prednisolone, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, and physiotherapy, and made a significant recovery after a year of anti-tuberculosis  treatment.

Conclusion: The cranial CT scan findings facilitate TBM diagnosis for which prompt treatment commencement is crucial for a good outcome.
Application of Elzaki Transform Method for Solving and Interpreting HIV Superinfection Model
Authors: Ogunniran Matthew A. , Ibrahim Mohammed O.
Published: June 2023

In this work, a superinfection model of two HIV strains was proposed. The proposed model was solved and interpreted using the Elzaki Transform Method (ETM). The proposed model presented some non-linear terms which are difficult to resolve using the ETM. Hence, we employed the Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) to resolve the nonlinear terms. We derived an iterative scheme that was used to predict the behavior of the model. Results of data simulation showed that the population of healthy CD4+ T cells declined with respect to time in the presence of HIV strains. The viral loads for both viral strains are observed to be on a steady increase. The study reveals that ETM can be used to solve Superinfection models of HIV. The method is easier, more efficient, and more effective, and it converges faster to the solution when compared to other transform methods. We recommend that ETM can be applied to superinfection and co-infection models of other infectious diseases.
Menyemai Ilmu Dan Kompetensi Pedagogik 4.0 Oleh Guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen
Authors: Karlau Sensius Amon , Rukua Ivo Sastri
Published: June 2023

Efforts to sow knowledge and pedagogic competencies for PAK teachers in the era of the industrial revolution 4.0 are positive breakthroughs for the effectiveness of PAK learning in facing various educational challenges and problems. The method used is qualitative, accompanied by a literature study approach. Text analysis and thinking through various literatures that discuss pedagogic science, pedagogic competence, the role of PAK teachers, and the industrial era 4.0 are used carefully. The results obtained show that pedagogic science, according to the continental and pragmatic views in an integrative manner, has individual, personal, moral and social relations motives that lead to pedagogic competence 4.0. This has implications for the realization of educational and learning processes by PAK teachers that are relevant in the industrial era 4.0. So it was concluded that PAK teachers need pedagogic knowledge as a stimulant that enhances pedagogic competence 4.0 which includes their role as educators, instructors and mentors supported by the use of information technology devices or media proportionally for the effectiveness of PAK learning in the industrial era 4.0.
Pentingnya Metode Mengajar Bagi Guru Sekolah Minggu: Refleksi Injil Markus
Authors: Nelly  , Siahaan Siska
Published: June 2023

Sekolah Minggu atau disebut dengan pelayanan anak merupakan pelayanan yang diberikan gereja kepada anak, bertujuan untuk pembinaan iman yang kuat sejak dini, memperkenalkan Yesus Kristus sebagai Tuhan dan Juruselamat. Oleh sebab itu guru Sekolah Minggu memiliki tugas dan tanggung jawab yang besar dalam melayani anak. Salah satu hal yang perlu dipersiapkan adalah metode mengajar dalam menyampaikan firman Tuhan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan pentingnya metode mengajar bagi guru Sekolah Minggu; studi refleksi Injil Markus. Dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif pada Injil Markus, maka diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa metode perumpamaan, ceramah, diskusi, dan tanya jawab dapat digunakan secara bervariasi oleh guru Sekolah Minggu dalam menyampaikan firman Tuhan sehingga dapat merangsang minat, perhatian, dan pemahaman anak dalam belajar.
Once again on the roman military equipment in Barbaricum near the Roman Dacia
Authors: Petculescu Liviu
Published: June 2023

This paper is an up-to-date research on the Roman military equipment found in Barbaricum beyond the Dacian limes previously dealt with in a lecture published in 1999 in the Proceedings of the 17th Congress of the Frontier Studies. The discussion of other 10 items gave the opportunity to draw additional conclusions and find more evidence for the already made statements. So, nine pieces (nos. 1-9) were discovered in the autochthonous settlements concentrated in the central part of the historical region of Wallachia (Fig. 1). Among them there are only two weapon accessories (nos. 4 and 8) and the rest of the items (nos. 1-3, 5-7, 9) are belt and baldric fittings. All the military equipment pieces date from the end of the 2nd century AD until c. AD 260. The origin of the items found at Mătăsaru (nos. 7-9) is almost certain in Roman Dacia. The others (nos. 1-6) discovered along the roads linking the southern Danubian bank with the main part of Roman Dacia placed inside the Carpathian Mountains probably originate in Moesia Inferior. The earlier piece (no. 10) unearthed in the Vandal settlement at Medieșu Aurit was obviously imported from Dacia Porolissensis. Both weapon accessories belong to types distributed throughout the Roman Empire. No. 6 is a representative of the eastern variant of the ring-buckles met in Syria, Dacia and Moesia and the rest of the belt and baldric fittings belong to variants diffused only in the Danubian provinces.
THE ALANIC GLOSSES: BETWEEN CHRISTIANISM AND PAGANISM
Authors: Алемань А.
Published: June 2023

The goal of this paper is to highlight the importance of some of the Alanic glosses in the Greek liturgical manuscript Q12 of the Library of the Academy of Sciences in St. Petersburg in portraying some Christian realia which later became incorporated into Ossetian pagan traditions.
MIDDLE AGES FUNERAL MONUMENTS IN KABARDINO-BALKARIA (MEDIEVAL KABARDIAN MOUNDS)
Authors: МАКОЕВ Б.Н.
Published: June 2023

Статья посвящена исследованию кабардинских курганов, расположенных на территории Кабардино-Балкарии. В работе рассмотрены все характерные черты кабардинских курганов, проанализирована история их изучения. Раскопки кабардинских курганов велись с конца XIX в. Уже в советский период были решены вопросы датировки курганных захоронений и этнокультурная принадлежность к адыгской этнической группе. С конца XIX в. по настоящее время было изучено значительное количество курганных комплексов, которые позволили накопить первичные знания об этногенезе адыгских племен, системе расселения. Но, несмотря на всю проделанную работу, остается множество проблемных зон, связанных с локализаций и датировкой кабардинских курганных комплексов, что в свою очередь подталкивает к их систематическому изучению.

The article is devoted to the study of Kabardian mounds located on the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria. The paper considers all the characteristic features of the Kabardian burial mounds, analyzes the history of their study. Excavations of Kabardian mounds were carried out since the end of the 19th century. Already in the Soviet period, the issues of dating burial mounds and ethno-cultural belonging to the Adyghe ethnic group were resolved. From the end of the 19th century to the present, a significant number of mound complexes were studied, which made it possible to accumulate primary knowledge about the ethnogenesis of the Adyghe tribes, and the system of settlement. But, despite all the work done, there remain many problem areas associated with the localization and dating of the Kabardian kurgan complexes, which in turn encourages their systematic study.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE OF ACTINOBACILLUS PLEUROPNEUMONIAE FIELD ISOLATES IN AUTONOMUS PROVINCE OF VOJVODINA, REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Kojić Kosta , Stevančević Ognjen , Savić Božidar
Published: June 2023

Actinobacillus pluropneumoniae (APP) is one of the most important bacterial respiratory pathogens in swine. It is the only etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumoniae (PPP) or appears as a secondary bacterial infection of the swine's respiratory disease complex (PRDC). Antibiotics are still the most effective measure for reducing mortality and severity of clinical symptoms in most parts of the world. Nevertheless, in recent years, resistance to certain antibiotics such as tetracycline, penicillin, aminoglycosides and others has been increasing. The aim of this study was to examine the resistance of A. pleuropneumoniae isolates in the area of AP Vojvodina. The samples were collected from dead pigs' lung tissue from 14 farms. Bacterial strains were isolated on agar with 5% sheep blood and Staphylococcus aureus culture as a source of factor V and for subculture chocolate agar enriched with 10 mg/L NAD was included as well. After the examination of morphological and cultural characteristics, biochemical identification was performed using standard bacteriological tests. APP was confirmed by PCR. A total of 35 bacterial isolates were tested on antimicrobial resistance using the disc diffusion method with 11 antibiotics. Antibiotics from the group: aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, phenicols, tetracyclines and beta-lactam antibiotics were used. The isolates collected in the area of AP Vojvodina, from 2015 to 2022, retained high sensitivity to florfenicol, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. However, increasing antibiotic resistance was observed for penicillin, tetracycline and all tested aminoglycosides.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Q FEVER IN THE SREM DISTRICT OF VOJVODINA, FROM 2011 TO 2020
Authors: Popović Slavica , Pustahija Tatjana , Dragić Nataša , Savić Sara , Lazarević Marija , Jandrić Kočić Jasmina , Bugarski Dejan , Medić Snežana
Published: June 2023

Q fever is a globally widespread zoonosis, which has a large number of animal reservoirs. In humans, Q fever is asymptomatic in 60% of cases but may appear in the form of acute or chronic disease. The disease is mostly asymptomatic in animals but may be a cause of abortions or stillbirths. The aim of this study was to present and analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Q fever in Srem district, in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia. We conducted a descriptive study using data from the registries of infectious diseases of the Institutes of Public Health of Vojvodina and Institute of Public Health Sremska Mitrovica in the period 2011-2020. A total of 76 human cases of Q fever were registered in Srem district over ten-year period. The majority of patients (89.47%; N = 68) were registered in municipalities of Sremska Mitrovica and Šid. One third of patients were hospitalized (32.89%; N = 25). Males were 3.2 times more affected than females (M : F = 3.22 : 1). Working age population (20–59 years) were most affected (82.89%; N = 63) with a significantly higher incidence compared to the age category 0-19 years (p < 0.05). The majority of cases were registered in February (60.53%; N = 46). Probable routes of transmission of Coxiella burnetii were: direct contact with animals and the airborne route of transmission (50.00% vs. 47.37%). The highest seroprevalence of Q fever recorded in goats (55.54%) and sheep (11.88%) in the municipality of Šid, which is connected to outbreak in Kukujevci 2017. The high seroprevalence in goats, recorded in Inđija (22.87%) was not accompanied by Q fever in humans. Q fever still represents a significant problem of both veterinary and human medicine and therefore continuous disease monitoring and more efficient cooperation of the veterinary and human health care sectors is necessary.
Resposta da temperatura à conversão da cobertura do solo em centros urbanos
Authors:   , Silva Darlan Teles da
Published: June 2023

O crescimento exacerbado e desorganizado da população nos aparatos urbanos tem provocado diversos impactos ambientais localmente e até mesmo regionalmente. As ações antrópicas têm provocado o constante aumento das temperaturas da superfície terrestre, por esse motivo é de fundamental importância a realização de estudos para investigar as mudanças na temperatura associadas ao crescimento dos municípios e principalmente formas de mitigar esse efeito. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho é identificar o incremento da temperatura de superfície em centros urbanos brasileiros e regiões sem alterações na cobertura do solo (Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Curitiba, Manaus e Recife) no período de 1985 até 2021. Para tal, foi utilizado imagens de satélite do Landsat 5, 7 e 8, coleção 2 de nível 2, a qual possui a banda de temperatura de superfície (“Land Surface Temperature” – LST) aplicando o fator de escala. As análises foram divididas em em 3 grupos: i) imagens mensais para comparação com dados observados de estação meteorológica; ii) média dos anos 1985-1990, 1991-1996, 1997-2002, 2003- 2008, 2009-2014 e 2015-2021 para compreender o comportamento da temperatura de superfície (Land Surface Temperature - LST) espacialmente em cada uma das áreas de estudo; e iii) média anual para confrontar com os dados de ocupação do solo. Os resultados mostraram tendência positiva de LST para quase todas as regiões, com exceção de Recife, que apontou tendência negativa, e Curitiba não apresentou tendência. Na análise espacial foi identificado um constante aumento no número de pixels com temperatura mais elevadas a partir do ano de 2003 em todas as áreas de estudo, sendo que o período com maior quantidade de pixels com temperaturas menores foi entre 1991-1996. No período analisado, 2015-2021 foi o período mais quente em quase todas as regiões, com exceção de Recife, podendo ser justificado pelo forte El Niño que ocorreu em 2015/16. Ao contrastar a LST obtida do Landsat com as imagens de ocupação do solo é possível afirmar que a substituição da vegetação nativa por asfalto, casas, prédios, indústrias e outros elementos urbanos impactaram o microclima elevando a temperatura da superfície. Dentro das amostras selecionadas em cada área, Recife foi a única região que, ao passo que a urbanização crescia, manteve a preservação, e até mesmo reflorestamento de algumas regiões com formações florestais, no qual as modificações da ocupação do solo e aumento da temperatura média o impacto foi menos agressivo. A análise de detecção de mudanças, baseada em imagens de satélite de 1985 a 2021, indica que na década de 80, a porcentagem de vegetação nativa nas áreas de estudo eram superiores ao ano de 2021, e o oposto é observado para a área urbana. Palavras-chave: Ilhas de calor. Mudanças climáticas. Sensoriamento remoto.
Uso de antioxidantes na produção in vitro de embriões bovinos: taxa de conversão e sobrevivência embrionária
Authors:   , Quintão Maria Angélica Valente
Published: June 2023

Adição de antioxidantes ao meio de maturação e de cultivo de embriões indica que os mesmos contribuem de forma benéfica nas taxas de produção de embriões e sobrevivência dos mesmos aos métodos convencionais de criopreservação. Na tentativa de melhorar as taxas de produção e sobrevivência à criopreservação, vitrificação e congelamento lento, os antioxidantes Vitamina C e o Ácido Hialurônico foram adicionados ao meio de maturação e de cultivo in vitro de embriões individualmente ou associados. No Experimento 1: avaliação do efeito da adição de vitamina C, de ácido hialurônico e de vitamina C associada ao ácido hialurônico sobre a produção e qualidade de embriões (taxa de conversão) produzidos in vitro. Não houve diferença na taxa de conversão ou total de embriões produzidos do grupo controle (meio sem adição de antioxidante) com os grupos de tratamentos (P>0,05). No Experimento 2: avaliar o efeito dos métodos de congelamento lento e da vitrificação sobre a viabilidade (taxa de sobrevivência) de embriões cultivados em meios de maturação e cultivo, suplementados com antioxidantes nos diferentes grupos experimentais. Houve diferença na sobrevivência dos embriões vitrificados após aquecimento dos embriões por 48 horas de incubação em estufa com 5 % de CO2 a 38,5 0 C, mas até 24 horas após o aquecimento, a taxa de sobrevivência embrionária não se mostrou diferente entre os valores obtidos nos diferentes tratamentos (P>0,05). que a adição dos antioxidantes ácido hialurônico (0,5 mg/mL) e vitamina C (50 μg/mL), individualmente ou associados não influencia a produção in vitro total de embriões, porém, se mostram relacionados a maior quantidade de embriões nos estádios de desenvolvimento de blastocistos expandidos, blastocistos em eclosão e blastocistos eclodidos; De acordo com a metodologias empregadas para criopreservação de embriões, a vitrificação apresenta vantagens ao congelamento lento; A taxa de sobrevivência dos embriões pós- descongelamento não é influenciada pela adição de antioxidantes no meio de maturação e de cultivo de embriões submetidos ao método de congelamento lento; Houve diferença significativa no grupo de embriões produzidos em meios de maturação e cultivo com adição de ácido hialurônico, na taxa de sobrevivência dos embriões criopreservados pelo método de vitrificação. Palavras-chave: PIVE. Criopreservação. Antioxidantes. ROS. Viabilidade embrionária.
Kamenné sekeromlaty v kontextu objektů ze starší doby bronzové na Moravě
Authors: Peška Jaroslav , Fojtík Pavel
Published: June 2023

Finds of stone hammer-axes are relatively uncommon in the context of the Early Bronze Age, not just in Moravia. They are more frequently encountered in the funeral environment while their occurrence in settlement contexts can be described as exceptional. The two newly presented boat-shaped doubleedged hammer-axes originate from both a settlement site (Držovice, ‘Díly odvrahoviční’) and a grave (Olomouc-Slavonín, ‘Horní lán’) of the Únětice culture in central Moravia. What had been a common and significant male attribute in graves of the Corded Ware culture (and partially in the EpiCorded complex) became a rarity during the Early Bronze Age. This was especially in the milieu of the Únětice culture, as the stone industry gradually gave way to the metal industry. Finding analogies to the custom of depositing a stone hammer axe in settlement pits or graves as an offering is not uncommon in Moravia, Bohemia and the neighbouring regions. This is usually the heritage of the Corded Ware culture and it remains speculative whether these were clearly secondarily used objects (archaics) or contemporary imitations of earlier models. Both of the recently found hammer-axes differ from those of the Corded Ware culture, raising questions about Únětice’s own production, as local materials (siltstone, sandstone) were used in their making. The
archaeological assemblage from the Držovice settlement is dated to the earlier period and the inhumation grave from Olomouc-Slavonín to the classical period of the Únětice culture. The practical function and the symbolic role of these artefacts are not yet precisely understood. Their finds are not abundant, but they come from diverse archaeological contexts, ranging from common settlement pits to modestly equipped graves and even rich male burials.
Autoavaliação do estado de saúde e grau de dependência entre idosos quilombolas
Authors: Araújo Laís Almeida de , Menezes Tarciana Nobre de
Published: June 2023

Introdução: O processo de envelhecimento ocasiona alterações estruturais e funcionais, que tornam o idoso mais vulnerável a determinados agravos e doenças. Objetivos: Verificar a autoavaliação do estado de saúde e o grau de dependência nas atividades básicas de vida diária em idosos quilombolas. Métodos: Este estudo é transversal, descritivo, constituído por idosos cadastrados na associação de moradores da comunidade Quilombola de Caiana dos Crioulos, de Alagoa Grande/PB, Brasil. As variáveis avaliadas foram: situação sociodemográfica, autoavaliação do estado de saúde e grau de dependência nas atividades básicas de vida diária (ABVD). Este estudo é parte de um estudo maior aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CEP) da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba (Parecer 3.459.657). Resultados: Foram avaliados 47 idosos. Observou-se maior proporção de idosos do sexo feminino (68,1%), de 60 a 70 anos (53,2%), com companheiro (57,4%), com 3 ou mais residentes no domicílio (42,6%), com autoavaliação da saúde regular (48,9%), independência para realização das ABVD (95,7%). Entre aqueles independentes quanto às ABVD, 46,7% consideraram a saúde como regular. Os resultados mostram maior prevalência de autoavaliação regular do estado de saúde e de independência para a realização das atividades básicas de vida diária entre os estudados. Resultados semelhantes de outros estudos realizados com idosos. Conclusão: Esses achados ressaltam a relevância do conhecimento, por parte dos profissionais da saúde, dos familiares e dos idosos, dos fatores que impactam a autoavaliação do estado de saúde deles, assim como a capacidade funcional.
Neuromodulação e traumatismo cranioencefálico: quais as barreiras?
Authors: Da Silva Rocha Jader Vinicius , Zanela da Silva Arêas Fernando
Published: June 2023

Editorial
La nueva realidad COVID-19 en Ecuador
Authors: Ganchala Pizarro Carlos Alfredo , Herrera Calderón Dustin Madison
Published: June 2023

Basta con una mirada a la publicación titulada: La nueva realidad del covid-19 en Ecuador, para envolverse en la dimensionalidad, hecha imagen; de un hito, inédito, en la contemporaneidad del mundo: Historias de una pandemia, desde lo humano, ¡desde el alma! Efectivamente, sin duda, este libro logra que su lector, pueda evocar momentos emblemáticos de lo sucedido en Ecuador desde principios del confinamiento por covid-19; sus propias experiencias, a través de otros universos personales; con una cosmovisión diversa y transformadora. Un libro que, trasciende la adversidad sufrida desde 2020, para escudriñar su evolución, sus batallas, miedos, inquietudes y esperanzas; mediante la sentida configuración de imágenes multicolores; personajes de aquí y allá, como frases sin sonido, que transmutan y susurran esperanza y fe en esta región porteña. Inicia, con el pregón de la pandemia: Soledad, miedo e incertidumbre; evidenciados con el sentir de Jesús entre los brazos de su madre o la mirada silente de Carmita y su esposo; con mascarilla en el malecón, sin poder apreciar la galopante brisa del Guayas. Y sí… ¡como nunca se había visto!: ausencia y más ausencia… ya no hay tintos o cangrejos. Ni risas, ni alboroto. Y cae la noche, pero también amanece. Y…, ante todo esto, una interrogante: ¿Evitando el contagio?; nacen los nuevos “ríos de alcohol” sin afluentes; que corren en manos, brazos, rostros y hasta en los billetes; de las pocas armas frente al enemigo inminente. Pero, no, Ecuador no baja el rostro: Dedicación y compromiso, son su guía. Y así, nos convertimos masivamente, de la noche a la mañana, en seres digitales; de la presencia física a las pantallas de teléfonos, computadores, televisores y más; donde la academia se transforma y se adaptó para ¡seguir adelante! Y muchos, demuestran que el Emprender, se hace dulces, piqueos, vestidos y ¡fuerza!Y ya, finalizando, solo basta una plegaria, una sonrisa, una oración; una mirada al cielo para forjar la fe en una nación, en un país: Ecuador. Sin duda, la nueva realidad… nos hace reflexionar sobre la vida y la preparación permanente para enfrentarla y ¡superarla! Enhorabuena por este libro.
Reading America’s Psyche After 9/11 through Camp X-Ray
Authors: Koçak Kenan
Published: June 2023

The collapse of the World Trade Center Towers in 2001 opened a new era in world history. As a global mark, the period that followed the September 11 attacks brought more unease not only to the United States but to several countries with special damages to some Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan. The dominating debris image was soon shaped and reinterpreted by the defensive attitude of the American government to launch a war against terror. Besides promoting an effective security policy by democratic means in the American sense, surveillance measures were also heightened, making Camp X-Ray in Guantanamo Bay notorious for its dehumanizing service. Taking its departure from September 11, this paper aims to analyze the detainee camp in Guantanamo post-9/11 in its retold version in the film with the same name Camp X-Ray (2014) with a focus on the nation’s foundational rhetoric of power that does not abstain from dehumanizing attitudes. Unlike the prison system, the camp in Guantanamo for the detainees erases one’s individuality and offers endless nothingness for the one inside. Also, this reveals America’s psyche after 9/11.
CUIDADOS PALIATIVOS EM PACIENTES ONCOLÓGICOS: REFLEXÕES SOBRE O DIREITO À VIDA: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA
Authors: Almeida Silva Mariana , Rangel Barbosa Luiz Filipe , Dias dos Santos Matheus Henrique , Sathler Brito Almeida Esdras Augusto
Published: June 2023

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de verificar as ações em saúde no que diz respeito aos cuidados paliativos, diretivas antecipadas de vontade, cuidadores e suas relações com os profissionais de saúde, analisando as políticas públicas existentes voltadas para os pacientes com câncer. Dessa forma, o norte da discussão é o cuidado, bem como o papel da atenção primária e a capacitação dos profissionais de saúde e da assistência social no acolhimento dos pacientes com câncer. Destarte, os profissionais são os responsáveis, direta e indiretamente, pela realização de um cuidado em saúde seguro, ético e com qualidade, sendo, portanto, agentes viabilizadores da efetivação do tratamento necessário dos pacientes. Assim, o artigo revelou o desafio dos profissionais da saúde em realizar o cuidado integral, acessível e humano com o paciente oncológico, em especial, em atenção a falta de estrutura do sistema único de saúde para lidar com esses pacientes, necessitando de maiores investimentos e de fortalecimento da atenção voltada a essa parcela da população, em especial, no que tange ao agir em saúde e aos cuidados paliativos, consagrando o direito à vida e os princípios do SUS.
Effect of Training and Development on Employee Productivity in Private Hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya
Authors: Mualuko Josephat , Rintari Nancy , Moguche Abel
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To explore the effect of training and development on employee productivity in private hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya 

Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design to collect data using closed-ended questionnaires in 10 private hospitals in Nyeri County, Kenya. Ten (10) human resources managers and 79 departmental heads from the hospitals participated making a total of 89 respondents selected using census method. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively with SPSS Version 23 and the results presented descriptively using frequency, percentage and mean. Inferential statistics such as linear and multiple regression analysis were done whereas tables and explanations were used

Results: The questionnaire responses on employee productivity indicated that a combined total of 58(77%) respondents were in agreement that there were employee productivity policies. Nevertheless, a combined total of 60(80%) did not agree that employees were usually very effective in reporting the duties performed at a particular time. The questionnaire responses on training indicated that a combined total of 59(79%) were in agreement that there was a culture of employee on job training in the organization. However, a combined total of 60(80%) did not agree that employees were allowed time off to enable for training and development. Further, the R-square was 0.224 hence indicating that training had a 22.4% influence on employee productivity.

Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concluded that in as much as employees purported to have achieved their targets there was laxity on formally reporting on what they done. Additionally, when the staff requested to be given some time off to attend a personal training it was rejected since it would result to overburdening of other staff with more duties. The study recommends that hospital management should frequently conduct an audit on the procedures and processes required to be attained by the employee.
Breastfeeding Experiences of Mothers with Babies Admitted to the University Teaching Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Munang’andu Samantha , Maimbolwa Margret , Mayimbo Sebean
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The main objective was to explore the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Women and Newborn Hospital (WNBH), Lusaka, Zambia.

Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological transcendental (descriptive) design using unstructured in-depth interviews with mothers of babies admitted to the NICU at UTH Women and Newborn, Lusaka, Zambia was used to explore the experiences. All the interviews were recorded and then transcribed thereafter analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings: Findings revealed that breastfeeding in NICU was breastfeeding in a restricted environment as mothers had inadequate time for breastfeeding and bonding. Mothers perceived the NICU to be a painful and scary place. The breastfeeding support was perceived as good breastfeeding support while some mothers perceived the support as inadequate or no breastfeeding support. Nevertheless, mothers had alternative support options while breastfeeding in a restricted environment and the options included praying to God Almighty, strengthening oneself and peer support.

Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study concluded that separation of mothers from their babies was a source of pain and NICU was not a conducive environment for breastfeeding. Mothers need more time with their babies so as to promote breastfeeding and bonding.