bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the monophyly of Mammillaria series Supertextae (Cactaceae)
Authors: Cervantes Cristian R. , Hinojosa-Alvarez Silvia , Wegier Ana , Rosas Ulises , Arias Salvador
Published: April 2021

Mammillaria (Cactaceae) taxonomy has been historically problematic due to the morphological variability and sympatry of the species. This has led to several proposals for infrageneric classification, including subgeneric, section and series categories. Mammillaria ser. Supertextae is one of 15 series and is made up of a variable set of species that are mainly distributed in southern Mexico and Central America. However, the phylogenetic relationships within M. ser. Supertextae and its relationship to other Mammillaria taxa are far from fully understood. Here we attempt to elucidate these relationships using complete terminal sampling and newly obtained chloroplast marker sequences and comparing them to Mammillaria species sequences from GenBank. Our phylogenetic analyses showed that M. ser. Supertextae comprises a well-supported monophyletic group that diverged approximately 2.1 Mya and has M. ser. Polyacanthae as its sister group; however, relationships within M. ser. Supertextae remain unresolved. The topology obtained within M. ser. Supertextae must also be interpreted under the distribution shared by these taxa, but it is difficult to differentiate ancestral polymorphisms from possible introgression, given the short time elapsed and the markers used. Our results show that the infrageneric units of M. haageana and M. albilanata can be considered independent evolutionary units. We also suggest that the relationship between M. haageana and M. albilanata is convoluted because their distribution overlaps (mainly towards southern Mexico), with genetic differences that possibly indicate they represent more than two taxonomic entities. One possible explanation is that there could still be gene flow between these taxa, and we might be witnessing an ongoing speciation process.
Un psychiatre sur le théâtre de la guerre
Authors: Gheorghiev Charles
Published: April 2021

La guerre est de tout temps. Sa constance dans l’histoire de l’humanité objecte à qui voudrait voir en elle un anachronisme, supposé reste désolant, d’une animalité propre aux sociétés primitives et à des hommes dénués d’éducation. Elle est au contraire le témoin d’un horizon indépassable, intrinsèque au processus de civilisation lui-même, lequel, par la répression des instincts et l’ordonnancement de la violence individuelle comme collective qu’il présume, produit inévitablement la guerre, par le retour d’une violence qu’il l’a fait taire sans pour autant la faire disparaître. C’est à une violence aux nombreux visages que se frottera le psychiatre militaire, dont celui paradigmatique du traumatisme psychique, qui sera moins envisagé comme catégorie clinique qu’à l’aune d’une pratique déclinée au singulier, celle sous le sceau d’une rencontre.
La tradition suédoise et les chiffres
Authors: Johansson Per Magnus
Published: April 2021

Ce texte traite de la manière dont s’est articulé le discours autour de la pandémie de la covid 19 entre le 11 mars et le 1 er  décembre 2020 en Suède. C’est une tentative de montrer comment un nouveau pouvoir médical, véhiculé par différents acteurs, a vu le jour à la lumière de cette épidémie. Est également abordée la façon dont la stratégie suédoise a été mise en perspective et comparée à d’autres stratégies « plus rigoureuses ».
Irréversible du traumatisme, réversibilité des espaces – Métapsychologie de l’habiter
Authors: Vinot Frédéric
Published: April 2021

Habiter, loin de se réduire au fait de se loger, suppose une production de l’espace. Cette production, en psychanalyse, est marquée notamment par la position que le sujet entretient vis-à-vis du langage, mais aussi du réel. On traitera ici des variations et des transformations spatiales dont certains sujets témoignent lorsqu’ils rencontrent un événement traumatique. À ce titre, on pourrait poser l’hypothèse d’au moins trois espaces : l’espace bidimensionnel (2D) témoignant du vécu traumatique ; l’espace tridimensionnel (euclidien) dans lequel nous nous représentons habituellement vivre et évoluer (3D) ; enfin l’espace particulier lié à l’expérience de l’art, un espace vertigineux qui pourrait être approché en termes topologiques (4D). Quelles sont les relations entre ces espaces ? Comment participent-ils à la façon dont un sujet habite le monde ?
Entreprise libérée et organisation agile
Authors: Lima Marcos , Dalmas Michel
Published: April 2021

Au fur et à mesure que les environnements concurrentiels deviennent à la fois plus compétitifs et moins prévisibles, les organisations sont de plus en plus sollicitées pour devenir plus agiles, attirer, motiver et développer des talents innovants et utiliser les technologies de l’information et des communications pour accroître leur compétitivité. Deux approches organisationnelles émergentes se concentrent sur chacun de ces domaines : si les entreprises libérées mettent l’accent sur la motivation des talents par l’autodétermination, les organisations agiles s’appuient sur l’adaptabilité de leurs structures pour produire des résultats plus rapides et plus proches des attentes des consommateurs, tout en utilisant des outils informatiques et des réseaux pour apprendre et gérer les connaissances. Par l’analyse du cas de l’entreprise Inov-On, nous soutenons que les organisations modernes doivent s’inspirer parallèlement de ces deux paradigmes pour accroître leur capacité à innover et à s’adapter, prenant les points forts de chacun des modèles.
L’« énergie humaine positive » et la « responsabilité sincère » d’entreprise
Authors: Ben Dahmane Mouelhi Norchène , Khlif Fakhfekh Fatma , Dahmen Mehdi
Published: April 2021

Remerciements Les auteurs tiennent à remercier les évaluateurs et les rédacteurs en chef pour leurs recommandations et suggestions. Ils remercient aussi l’entreprise Van Laack pour sa confiance, et plus particulièrement son PDG M. Ghazi El Biche et ses employés.
Application of laboratory methods for understanding fish responses to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) based diets
Authors: Zarantoniello M. , Randazzo B. , Secci G. , Notarstefano V. , Giorgini E. , Lock E.J. , Parisi G. , Olivotto I.
Published: April 2021

A major challenge for development of sustainable aquafeeds is its dependence on fish meal and fish oil. Replacement with more sustainable, nutritious and safe ingredients is now a priority. Over the last years, among several alternatives proposed, insects have received great attention as possible candidates. In particular, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) represents a concrete example of how the circular economy concept can be applied to fish culture, providing a valuable biomass rich in fat and protein valorising organic by-products. In the last decade, several studies have been published about the use of different BSF dietary inclusion levels for various fish species including experimental models. Varying and encouraging results have been obtained in this research field using a plethora of laboratory methodological approaches that can be applied and coupled to obtain a comprehensive view of the BSF-based diets effects on fish physiology, health, and quality. The present review aims to explore some of the most promising laboratory approaches like histology, infrared spectroscopy, gut microbiome sequencing, molecular biology, fish fillets’ physico-chemical and sensory properties, essential for a better understanding of fish welfare and fillet quality, when BSF is used as aquafeed ingredient. In particular, great importance has been given to European finfish species and experimental models.
Improving through employee participation: The case of a Spanish food manufacturer
Authors: González-Boubeta Iván , Portela-Caramés Iago , Prado-Prado J. Carlos
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Employee participation is considered a fundamental pillar to implement continuous improvement. Based on this consideration, this article presents an action research case study in a large food manufacturer where employee participation is implemented. The experience has a two-fold objective: improve performance of the production system and make the participative philosophy deep-rooted among workers.Design/methodology/approach: The authors implement a structured participation system, establishing an approach of empowerment and focusing on the creation of suitable organizational structures. Under those premises, improvement teams were created on each of the firm’s production lines. Once the participation of the workers is finished, they were given a questionnaire to assess how deep-rooted the participative culture had become.Findings: The results show a remarkable improvement in the efficiency of manufacturing processes, as well as the consolidation of a participative philosophy. However, there are notable differences in the results obtained for each improvement team.Research limitations/implications: The differences obtained in the results highlight certain issues that future research must tackle. These include the way in which the staff should be rewarded for their participation or what the influence of the organizational context is when setting improvement objectives.Practical implications: The positive results obtained support the methodology proposed by the authors for structuring participation. Organizations can set up projects of this type to improve their competitiveness while at the same time strengthening the commitment of their personnel.Originality/value: This is one of the first studies in the field of employee participation that jointly assess the economic area and the cultural and organizational plane.
“Getting to Know Them”: Person-Centered Care for Patients With Dementia in Acute Care
Authors: Osuoha Precious , Masoud Sara S. , Leibas Meghan , Cleveland Lisa M. , Reed Charles C. , Piernik-Yoder Bridgett , White Carole L.
Published: April 2021

Older adults with dementia are reported to have twice as many hospital stays as their age-matched counterparts without dementia. Acute care hospitals are generally not equipped to provide best care for persons with dementia. The purpose of the current qualitative study was to gain an understanding of the needs and perspectives of nursing staff and patient care technicians regarding delivering person-centered care (PCC) to patients with dementia. Nine focus groups (
N
= 49) were conducted. Participants discussed the importance of “getting to know them” as the basis for their care. Several themes emerged that served to support or detract from providing PCC: (a) communication, (b) education, and (c) care environment. Findings from this study support the desire of nurses and patient care technicians to provide PCC, highlight challenges, and indicate needed system-level changes to education, communication, and the care environment to support best practices. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47
(5), 37–44.]
RAZVOJ DJECE U ISTOSPOLNIM OBITELJIMA – ČINJENICE, PREDRASUDE I ULOGA DRUŠTVA
Authors: Patrčević Sonja , Ernečić Maja
Published: April 2021

DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN IN SAME-SEX FAMILIES – FACTS, PREJUDICES AND THE ROLE OF SOCIETY Changes in the family structure which have been present in recent decades generated new forms of families, among which are same-sex families. These changes are mainly not accompanied by the same speed of changes in society through a change of the system of values, public perceptions and policies. Many same-sex couples raise children who were born in previous heterosexual relationships, realise parenthood through different reproduction techniques, and in some societies, which are more modern and mature than ours and which are pro-European and western oriented, adoption of children by same-sex couples was already legitimized a long time ago. A series of research studies connected to same-sex families and parenthood was conducted to date. The results of most scientific studies have shown that there are no significant changes between children who grow up in heterosexual unions and those who grow up in same-sex unions related to their mental and physical well-being, social competencies, behavioural adjustment, gender identity and role, sexual orientation, social relations and academic achievement. It seems that family processes, quality of parenthood and quality of the parent-child relationship influence the developmental outcomes far more than the family structure does. The influence of stigmatization seems to be controversial as the results are contradictory. The influence of stigmatization is negatively connected to mental health and quality of life of same-sex couples. In spite of that, their children develop into healthy persons in the homophobic society they grow up in. Nevertheless, society burdened by stereotypes and prejudice represents a certain social risk for same-sex families. Opposing scientific research which shows very few noticeable differences between the children of same-sex and heterosexual couples to social beliefs that are not based on scientific facts is important for the social survival of these different families. Scientific literature should be the only relevant factor in designing policies that position same-sex families within a wider social context. It is precisely due to this that this paper provides an overview of scientific research studies that are focused on the potential influences of same-sex unions on the children’s growing up,with an emphasis on the sexual and psychosocial development of the children. The presented results should form a basis for all discussions about the influence of same-sex parenthood on children and only they are relevant for policy-making based on scientific facts.
USPOREDBA STIGME PREMA DEPRESIVNIM OSOBAMA I VLASTITOJ DEPRESIJI KOD STUDENATA POMAGAČKIH I NEPOMAGAČKIH STRUKA
Authors: Ručević Silvija , Pribisalić Dalia
Published: April 2021

COMPARISON OF STIGMA TOWARDS DEPRESSIVE PERSONS AND SELF-STIGMA IN STUDENTS OF HELPING AND NONHELPING PROFESSIONS The aim of the research was to examine the differences in the attitudes towards depressive persons and the levels of self-stigma in the students of medical (nursing and medicine; N=101) and non-medical (social work and psychology; N=98) helping professions and the students of non-helping professions (education, speech pathology and social pedagogy; N=109). The covariance analysis determined that, in spite of rarer actual contact with depressive persons and a smaller number of courses teaching them about depression during the course of study, the students of social work and psychology had more positive attitudes towards depressive persons than the students of medicine and nursing. Apart from that, they were better in recognizing the symptoms of depression. Contrary to that, three groups did not differ with regard to perceived stigma, which was more expressed in comparison with the self-stigma. Additionally, the students of non-medical helping professions showed a more pronounced self-stigma than the students of medical helping professions. The students of psychology and social work, in comparison with the students of medicine and nursing, expressed a higher level of shame at the thought of suffering from depression, as well as the more expressed belief that they could not make a positive contribution to society if they suffered from depression.
Anthropologie
Authors: Sapir Edward
Published: April 2021

Edward Sapir est incontestablement l’un des plus importants anthropologues du début du XXe siècle. Bien avant que ne se développe l’anthropologie structurale, Sapir formule la philosophie du structuralisme et jette les bases d’une science générale de la conduite. Parce qu’individu et société, culture et personnalité sont indissociables, Sapir fonde une méthode à la croisée de l’ethnologie et de la linguistique qui, combinant les concepts et les méthodes de l’ethnologie et de la psychanalyse, apparaît aujourd’hui comme un programme prophétique des tâches qui incombent à l’anthropologie.Ce spécialiste des langues et cultures amérindiennes n’écrivit de son vivant aucun ouvrage de synthèse, à l’exception d’un volume sur le langage et d’un ensemble de monographies des langues et cultures indiennes d’Amérique du Nord. Son œuvre est éparpillée en de nombreux articles publiés entre 1917 et 1938, dont une partie a été compilée par David Mandelbaum en 1949 sous le titre Selected Writings of Edward Sapir in Language, Culture and Personality, et une sélection traduite en français par Christian Baudelot et Pierre Clinquart, éditée en deux volumes par les Éditions de Minuit en 1967.Le volume que nous proposons aujourd’hui, exclusivement en version numérique, est la réédition de cette sélection française présentée dans l’édition de Minuit par Christian Baudelot. Notre édition propose une traduction entièrement relue, corrigée et annotée par Pierre Clinquart, augmentée d’une préface inédite par l’anthropologue Francis Zimmermann.
Physically Apart, Emotionally Close
Authors: Fecker Denise , Nadegger Monica , Haselwanter Stefanie
Published: April 2021

This chapter aims to explore the use of social media channels in the crisis communication of Austrian family-led hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on current research on family businesses and crisis communication on social media, the authors investigated seven Instagram profiles of family-owned hotels in Tyrol and its borders. The data were collected in spring and summer 2020 and then analyzed using a mixed-method approach. First, the researchers did a quantitative analysis of the hashtags and then conducted a qualitative content analysis of the pictures and respective captions. The results show that information relating to the crisis is rarely communicated and the focus of communication rather lies on positive attitudes, emotions, and classic alpine marketing topics. During the crisis, the hotels present themselves as resilient and anchored in their family values. This chapter adds new insights to current research on family firms' crisis communication and provides valuable findings for the development of a successful communication strategy for family businesses.
Dealing With the Risks of Information Overload
Authors: Magnini Vincent P. , Quendler Erika
Published: April 2021

While guests go on farm holidays in the hope of receiving authentic and memorable experiences, information overload is a factor that is increasingly detracting from such experiences. For instance, the steady stream of emails, text messages, and news received through social media channels tends to distract from the main experience. To cope with such overload, script theory suggests that guests are increasingly ‘satisficing' their information intake and subconsciously tuning-out much incoming stimuli from their surroundings. This subconscious satisficing makes it more difficult for farm holiday providers to win the guest's full attention in order to create memorable and authentic experiences. Therefore, this chapter synthesizes theories and empirical research from several disciplines with a view to gaining a better understanding of how this modern information overload serves as a formidable threat to farm holiday providers, who typically operate from small family farms. This synthesis is then employed as the basis for a number of practical and research recommendations.
Toward a Quality Framework for Open Educational Resources (OER)
Authors: Ossiannilsson Ebba S. I.
Published: April 2021

In November 2019, a milestone was reached when UNESCO's Open Educational Resources (OER) Recommendations for implementation was adopted by almost 200 member countries. At this time, OER was redefined as the following: learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium publicly available or subject to copyright and published under an open license that allows free access, reuse, adaptation, and redistribution by others. This conceptual chapter focuses on OER in relation to quality frameworks, particularly the e-learning framework and model developed by Kahn, as well as the TIPS a four-level framework for teaching and learning (T), information and material content (I), presentation product and format (P), and system technique and technology (S) framework by Commonwealth Education Media Center for Asia (CEMCA). Future and emerging trends in the fields of open education and OER are highlighted.
Opportunities and Challenges of E-Learning in South Asia
Authors: T. Gopikrishnan
Published: April 2021

E-learning is the distance learning that is needed in the current pandemic situation due to COVID-19. The e-learning feasibility and obstructions are undeniable in the existing global conditions. The South Asia is a region where complications are abundant among and inside the nations. There are opportunities that are available to peoples living in specific socioeconomic and social conditions. E-learning is influenced by digital divisions among the peoples. It can reach easily to the e-learners who have access to the digital infrastructure requirements like internet and communication devices. There are students living in remote villages under poverty and have nots to whom the digital divisions are large. The economic indicators, social, socioeconomic conditions that are vital for analysing e-learning capabilities are discussed for South Asia to provide the opportunities and challenges of e-learning.
Vulnerability of the Synchronization Process in the Quantum Key Distribution System
Authors: Pljonkin A. P.
Published: April 2021

A typical structure of an auto-compensation system for quantum key distribution is given. The principle of operation of a fiber-optic system for the distribution of quantum keys with phase coding of photon states is described. The operation of the system in the synchronization mode and the formation of quantum keys was investigated. The process of detecting a time interval with an optical synchronization pulse is analyzed. The structural scheme of the experimental stand of the quantum-cryptographic network is given. Data are obtained that attest to the presence of a multiphoton signal during the transmission of sync pulses from the transceiver station to the coding and backward direction. The results of experimental studies are presented, which prove the existence of a vulnerability in the process of synchronization of the quantum key distribution system. It is shown that the use of a multiphoton optical pulse as a sync signal makes it possible for an attacker to unauthorized access to a quantum communication channel. The experimental results show that tapping a portion of the optical power from the quantum communication channel during the synchronization process allows an attacker to remain unnoticed while the quantum protocol is operating. Experimentally proved the possibility of introducing malfunctions into the operation of the quantum communication system at the stage of key formation, while remaining invisible for control means.
Complex Action Methodology for Enterprise Systems (CAMES)
Authors: Cames Olaf , Drury-Grogan Meghann L.
Published: April 2021

This completed action research utilizes the conceptual framework of quantum mechanics in action science field studies for bias-free behavioral data collection and quantification. The research question tied to experimental verification if action research field studies can practically utilize the theory of communicative action and the theory of quantum mechanics to contextualize the quantification with pathological and distorted behavioral pattern. The result is a quantum-like formalism that provides intermediary conceptuality for organizational intervening initiatives. This process of contextualization behavior in projects via quantum probability experimentally evidenced. The chapter concludes by reviewing the results of two experiments that the hypotheses that the theory of quantum mechanics and the theory of communicative action qualifies as a building block for a planned methodological approach to intervene and steer problematic social structures in the desired direction.
Quantum Local Binary Pattern for Medical Edge Detection
Authors: Lekehali Somia , Moussaoui Abdelouahab
Published: April 2021

Edge detection is one of the most important operations for extracting the different objects in medical images because it enables delimitation of the various structures present in the image. Most edge detection algorithms are based on the intensity variations in images. Edge detection is especially difficult when the images are textured, and it is essential to consider the texture in edge detection processes. In this article, the authors propose a new procedure to extract the texture from images, called the Quantum Local Binary Pattern (QuLBP). The authors introduce two applications that use QuLBP to detect edges in magnetic resonance images: a cellular automaton (CA) edge detector algorithm and a combination of the QuLBP and the Deriche-Canny algorithm for salt and pepper noise resistance. The proposed approach to extracting texture is designed for and applied to different gray scale image datasets with real and synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach produces good results in both applications, compared to classical algorithms.
Slenderness Sensitivity Analysis of Thin-Walled Square Steel Tubular Columns Filled with Demolished Concrete Lumps
Authors: Li Wei Wei , Zhang Hui Feng
Published: April 2021

The demolished concrete lumps (DCLs) have been demonstrated to replacement partial coarse aggregates when casting concrete. However, few studies had focused on the sensitivity of factors affecting mechanical behavior of slender square steel slender columns filled with DCLs and fresh concrete (FC) under axial compression. This research was carried out on the basis of Bo Wu's study. The Orthogonal design method was adopted in this experiment. The experimental studied involved 12 Concrete-Filled Steel Tube (CFST) columns. Each columns diameter was 159mm, the length of specimens was 2000, 2200 and 2400 mm. The Diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio was 79, 53 and 40. The replacement ratio of FC by DCLs was 0, 20, 40 and 60%. Test results indicated that the slenderness ratio was the most sensitive factor on the bearing capacity of slender columns under axial compression, followed by D/t ratio, and the DCLs replacement ratio was smallest factor. The ultimate bearing capacity decreased slightly with increasing DCL replacement ratio. The DCLs had slightly affect on the mechanical performances of slender CFST columns. the code CECS 28:2012 was used to calculate the bearing capacity of slender CFST columns filled with DCLs under axial compression.
Strength of Concrete-Filled Plastic Tube Stub Columns Using a Normalized Stiffness Approach
Authors: Abdulla Nwzad Abduljabar
Published: April 2021

The polymeric plastic tube can encase concrete and provide an external shell for confining and insulating concrete core from the impact of the surrounding environment. The effect of the tube and concrete strength on the concrete-filled plastic tubes (CFPT) stub columns specimens was investigated. Test results show that the tube provides passive confinement to the concrete core, which increases both the maximum peak load and the ultimate strain capacities. However, the tube has low stiffness, which affects its confinement capacity and hindrance its applications for structural use. To examine the role of tube stiffness and express the strength of a concrete-filled plastic tube, a previously proposed normalized stiffness approach for both active and passive confinement of FRP-confined concrete was adopted for the present study. From the perspective of stiffness and to better understand the behavior of CFPT specimens under uniaxial compression loads, a database of recent studies were assembled combined with the results of the present study. Several existing strength models for FRP-confined concrete were also used to predict the mechanical strength of CFPT. Two models were proposed with good predictions of the experimental results of the database.
Numerical Analysis and Experimental Study of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Joints under Bending Load
Authors: Luo Xi Lin , Wei Jian Hui , Zhu Xue Kang , Yin Hong
Published: April 2021

Three dimensional finite element models of composite joints were established to investigate the load-displacement behavior, failure mode of multi-axial tubular joints under bending load, and stress-strain relationship in some key positions. The joints were prepared by plain weave fabric. The effective elastic constants of fabric composite were calculated using meso-mechanics theory. A progressive failure analysis was performed using ABAQUS software to obtain the ultimate strength and failure mode of the sample. In addition, the damage process, failure mode and damage position was further studied. The bending properties of the joints were also presented by quasi-static load test using a three-point bending test device. Results of the ultimate load and damage analyses are compared to experimental data. The accuracy of the method was proved by the consistency of the relation between the load displacement curve trend and the correlation of the damage position and failure pattern.
Non-Woven Barrier Properties of External Layer for Wound Matrix
Authors: Ali Marwa Atif
Published: April 2021

Non-woven is commonly used in disposable medical products especially after external surgeries to reduce the infection transfer and improves wound healing. In addition, low its production cost. This study is aimed to engineer the external layer of the wound matrix from non-woven webs and investigation from its barrier performance for fluids leakage, biological odor, and electrostatic charge. The external layer of matrix was suggested to consist of two or three sub-layers from 100% polyester and viscose/polyester (70:30)%. These webs were enhanced by activated carbon (AC) and powdered aloe leaves (A). The final produced samples were evaluated by the radar chart area for the tested properties, in order to determine the best samples produced for the external layer system of the wound matrix. The final samples produced from two and three sub-layers, which were enhanced with powder aloe leaves presented the best performance results, followed by the sample produced from three sub-layers that enhanced with activated carbon, and powdered aloe leaves together. Finally, the activated carbon and powdered aloe leaves that used for enhancing application had a significant effect on the odor absorption with different behavior for each one. The activated carbon absorbed the odor and appeared in its particles. While powdered aloe leaves were absorbed more odor than activated carbon, but it concealment the odor.
Role of Pneumococcal NanC in the Severe Disease of Streptococcus pneumoniae Superinfection with Influenza
Authors: Dutta Avijit , Chen Yi-Yin , Chen Tse-Ching , Chang Chia-Shiang , Huang Yu-Lin , Chen Ting-An , Lin Yung-Chang , Lin Chun-Yen , Hsieh Yu-Chia , Huang Ching-Tai
Published: April 2021

Bacterial superinfection aggravates the disease of influenza. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial pathogen. Synergistic virulence has been demonstrated between influenza neuraminidase and pneumococcal NanA and NanB. NanC, the other pneumococcal neuraminidase infrequently present in clinical isolates, is not well characterized. In this study, we report that superinfection with a NanC-negative pneumococcus strain suppresses anti-influenza immunity and impairs viral clearance with higher TGF-β activation in mice. Bacterial load in the lungs also increases as the host immunity is suppressed. NanC-positive isogenic mutant reverses wild type S. pneumoniae–mediated immune suppression and facilitates virus clearance. However, it causes more severe disease as the augmented inflammation causes collateral damage. Both virus-mediated damage and immune response–mediated inflammation are important for pathogenesis of severe influenza. Inflammation may be more critical than virus-mediated damage in influenza with bacterial superinfection.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of olanzapine
Authors: Junutula Srinivas Pramod , Dubasi Sai Kiran , Padide Sai Geethika Reddy , Miryala Gireesh Kumar , Koppolu Manasa Soumya , Sheshagiri Sharvana Bhava Bandaru , Eggadi Venkateshwarlu
Published: April 2021

AIM:

The current work establishes an easy, reliable technique for the estimation of serum Olanzapine concentration which correlates it clinically.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

The work was agreed in 61 schizophrenic patients who were on olanzapine. Serum drug amount was estimated by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and brief psychiatry rating scale was used to determine disease progression.

RESULTS:

Samples provided 61 patients, 40 were under sub-therapeutic range, 18 were under therapeutic range and 3 were above the therapeutic range.

CONCLUSION:

Therapeutic drug monitoring must be a part of clinical practice in psychiatric hospitals for optimizing the dose of an individual patient along with the correlation of serum concentration with the clinical assessment scales.
Construction of time-response curve for neuronal and vascular endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Bansal Seema , Chopra Kanwaljit
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND:

Studies have shown that there is a critical time period to start hormone therapy after the loss of ovarian function during menopause. The length of estrogen deprivation may evolve different pathophysiological manifestations.

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the present study was to investigate behavioral, biochemical, and molecular alterations at different time points after surgical menopause with an aim and identify various pathophysiological targets to exploit “window of opportunity” and to design newer therapeutic modalities for menopause-associated neurobehavioral and vascular deficits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to induce surgical menopause and estrogen deficiency state. Menopause-associated neuronal and vascular dysfunctions were noted after 1, 2, and 3 months of the study.

RESULTS:

Neuronal and vascular endothelial dysfunction post ovariectomy revealed that behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and vascular endothelial dysfunction appeared after 1 month of ovariectomy except hyperglycemia, which occurs after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Time-response studies measuring behavioral, biochemical, and molecular markers at various time points after ovariectomy reveal that there is a fast onset of neuronal and vascular complications, but the duration of insulin resistance is a relatively late phenomenon.
Potential ameliorative effect of Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats
Authors: Pattanashetti Laxmi A. , Patil Basanagouda M. , Hegde Harsha V. , Kangle Ranjit P.
Published: April 2021

AIM:

The present study explored Cynodon dactylon hydro-ethanolic extract (CDE) effect on scopolamine-induced amnesic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

C. dactylon extract was subjected to antioxidant (DPPH and H2O2) and acetylcholinesterase enzyme tests by in vitro methods. Scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to rats except for normal control. Donepezil (3 mg/kg, p.o), CDE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o) were administered to treatment groups. Behavioral paradigm: Morris water maze (MWM), elevated plus maze (EPM), and passive avoidance test (PAT) were conducted. Later, rats were sacrificed and brain homogenate was tested for levels of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione, and lipid peroxidase. Histopathology examination of cortex and hippocampus of all the groups was done.

STATISTICAL METHOD:

The statistical methods used were ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

RESULTS:

CDE antioxidant activity was demonstrated by decreasing DPPH and H2O2 levels confirmed through in vitro analysis. Treatment group rats reversed scopolamine induced amnesia by improvement in spatial memory, decreased transfer latency and increased step through latency significantly (P<0.001) in behavior models such as morris water maze, elevated plus maze and passive avoidance task respectively. CDE modulated acetylcholine transmission by decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme level (P < 0.001) and scavenging scopolamine-induced oxidative stress by increased reduced glutathione levels and decreased lipid peroxidation levels in the rat brain. CDE and donepezil-treated rats showed mild neurodegeneration in comparison to scopolamine-induced severe neuronal damage on histopathology examination.

CONCLUSION:

C. dactylon extract provides evidence of anti-amnesic activity by the mechanism of decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme level and increased antioxidant levels in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats.
Determination of in vitro human whole blood-to-plasma ratio of THJ-018 utilizing gas chromatography–Mass spectrometry
Authors: Kumar Sachil , Alkhibery Remal Nahar Khleel , Bakdash Abdulsallam , Abdelhady Mohamed Sultan Mohamed
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES:

This study was aimed to determine in vitro human whole blood-to-plasma ratio (KWB/P) of THJ-018 by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The samples (human blood) were sprayed with THJ-018 and an internal standard and extracted using solid-phase extraction. THJ-018 was determined in the final extracts by GC/MS.

RESULTS:

The value for KWB/P was 1.56 (1.38–1.81), and red blood cell partitioning was 1.01 (1.01–1.02). The distribution of THJ-018 between whole blood and plasma was observed to be affected by temperature.

CONCLUSION:

The data analysis supports the proposition that the ratio of the plasma to whole blood concentrations (1.56) is a suitable parameter characterizing THJ-018 distribution in whole blood. For toxicological analysis, it would be best to refrain from converting any drug concentration measured in whole blood to that anticipated in plasma or serum; however, toxic and therapeutic concentrations should be determined for the individual specimens collected.
Early implementation challenges in electronic referral and feedback mechanism for patients with tuberculosis using Nikshay – A mixed-methods study from a medical college TB referral unit of Delhi, India
Authors: Arora Reema , Khanna Ashwini , Sharma Nandini , Khanna Vishal , Shringarpure Kalpita , Kathirvel Soundappan
Published: April 2021

Background:

Diagnosis, notification and timely initiation of treatment is an important cornerstone for the elimination of tuberculosis (TB). The referral and feedback mechanism under National Tuberculosis Programme of India has been changed from paper-based to web-based electronic system (Nikshay) since 2018. The current study was carried out to assess the effect of Nikshay in referral and receipt of feedback on treatment initiation and to understand the early implementation challenges.

Methods:

A mixed-methods study was conducted in a medical college referral unit (MCRU) of Delhi, India. The electronic TB notification data for July 2018–March 2019 were abstracted from Nikshay portal and analysed. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risk (aRR) was calculated to assess the factors associated with the receipt of feedback. Themes and subthemes were generated from qualitative data obtained through key-informant interviews of healthcare providers.

Results:

Of the total 4395 patients handled by MCRU during the study period, 3315 (75.4%) were referred out within and outside Delhi for treatment. Feedback was received among 797 (24.0%) of the patients who were referred out. Patients with extrapulmonary TB (aRR: 1.3, confidence interval (CI): 1.1–1.8), previously treated (aRR: 1.2, CI: 1.2–1.3) and registered for drug-resistant TB care (aRR: 1.4, CI: 1.1–1.8), had high chance of receiving feedback. Four broad themes emerged, namely, (a) awareness of programme and Nikshay; (b) tracking of patients; (c) user-friendly portal and (d) workload.

Conclusion:

The low feedback on treatment initiation of patients with TB needs further research after health system-level quality improvement interventions. Real-time tracking of patients is the need of the hour towards the path for TB elimination.
The influence of social media on body dissatisfaction among college students
Authors: Alruwayshid Mashael Suwailem , Alduraywish Shatha Ahmed , Allafi Abrar Hmod , Alshuniefi Abeer Sluman , Alaraik Enas Fahad , Alreshidi Fatmah , Almughais Ebtehaj , Alruwayshid Norah Suwailem
Published: April 2021

Background:

Social media is growing rapidly in the last few years and it became daily used by individuals, especially adolescents and young adults. Although social media has several benefits such as easy communication between individuals, it has also other drawbacks and negative influence on individuals.

Aim:

To assess the association between the level of social media use and body dissatisfaction among male and female college students and to examine these associations according to different types of social media.

Method:

This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on students at King Saud University in Riyadh—Saudi Arabia, using self-administrated questionnaire “The Body Shape Questionnaire BSQ-8.” Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (Version 21.0).

Results:

The present study included 204 students, females were more dominant (53.9%). Around 47.1% of participants spent >4 h, and the most used type of social media used was Twitter (46.6%). There were 71.1% who had low dissatisfaction. Several factors significantly had an impact on the level of dissatisfaction including upper class status (P = 0.015), using social media for 3–4 h (P = 0.05) and suing social media for more than 4 h (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:

There was low level of dissatisfaction level among students, however this level didn't differ between gender, so social media in Saudi Arabia didn't have the huge effect seen in other countries, especially among females.
Suraksha Chakra
Authors: Sureka Binit , Tak Vibhor , Nag Vijaya Lakshmi , Rani Raj , Garg Mahendra Kumar , Misra Sanjeev
Published: April 2021

Doctors, nurses, house cleaning staff and hospital ward attendants are at increased risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) if there is a breach in the personal protection equipment. A new simple, easy to implement scoring system has been developed by our Suraksha Chakra team which can be used by the policy makers and hospital administrators. The scoring system is not to discourage anyone but constantly reinforce the healthcare workers for safe practices during patient care.
Evaluation of Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) as a noninvasive biomarker of hepatic fibrosis in patients with Hepatitis B virus–related compensated chronic liver disease
Authors: Das Amit , Kamrul-Hasan ABM , Kabir Mohammed Ruhul , Das Shantanu , Zaki KMJ , Al Mahtab Mamun
Published: April 2021

Background:

Liver biopsy is the gold-standard method for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, but the procedure is invasive, not available in the primary health care facilities, and not free from complications. Noninvasive serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis are the current research focus.

Objectives:

To assess the correlation between serum Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) levels and histological severity in patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-related compensated chronic liver disease (CLD).

Material and Methods:

This cross-sectional study evaluated 50 treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B with compensated CLD. Liver biopsy was done, and hepatic fibrosis was categorized using the METAVIR scoring system; we divided the study subjects into three groups; group 1 included subjects with F0 and F1, group 2 having F2 group 3 having F3 and F4. Serum CHI3L1 was measured in all by immunoassay.

Result:

Among 50 patients, only one had METAVIR score F0, seven had F1, 33 had F2, nine had F3, and none had METAVIR score F4. The median value of CHI3L1 was 460.8 (IQR 340.1-570.3) in all study subjects; 359.5 (IQR 272.8-526.9) in group 1, 450.0 (IQR 307.75-5332.0) in group 2, and 1355.5 (IQR 530.75-1580.5) in the group 3. The difference in median CHI3L1 across the groups was statistically significant. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score had significant positive correlations with CHI3L1 levels. CHI3L1 also had significant positive correlations with METAVIR scores.

Conclusion:

This study found a positive correlation between serum CHI3L1 level and hepatic histological severity in patients with HBV-related compensated CLD. Further larger-scale research is needed to establish the fact.
Perspective of Covid-19 pandemic in Middle East countries
Authors: Alabdulkarim Nouf , Altwaijri Nouf , Alsultan Fahad , Albaradie Raidah S. , Bashir Shahid
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 has emerged as the world's biggest challenge that has not only threatened human lives but also had an immense impact on the economy, safety and religious practices. The situation has worsened due to the lack of proper guidelines for fighting the sudden unexpected outbreaks. The world was not prepared for this situation. This review highlights some important steps the Middle East countries is taking and their impact on controlling the COVID-19 outbreak. We also discuss some hypothetical predictions for the coming months.
A cross--sectional study of mental wellbeing with practice of yoga and meditation during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Priyanka  , Rasania S. K.
Published: April 2021

Background:

COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased mental health issues. Yoga and meditation can help in alleviating mental stress and improving psychological wellbeing.

Methods:

It was a community-based online cross-sectional study involving adult general population. Data collection was done by using a Google form link that was circulated via online platforms. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 22. Qualitative data were expressed in proportions or percentages and quantitative data were expressed in mean and standard deviation. Chi-square test was used to check the association of various factors and mental wellbeing.

Results:

A total of 649 (58.4%) subjects had normal mental wellbeing score, whereas 279 (25.1%) were found to be at risk of developing psychological distress and 184 (16.5%) were at risk of depression. A significantly larger proportion of subjects with normal mental wellbeing was found with the practice of both yoga and meditation (66.2%), followed by practice of only meditation (62.1%), only yoga (59.9%), and none of them (50.6%). A similar association of yoga and meditation practices was found with the change in eating, sleeping patterns, and family relations. The frequency of practice was positively associated with a higher level of mental wellbeing in the case of both yoga as well as meditation, with daily practice having the highest wellbeing scores.

Conclusion:

The practice of yoga and meditation, preferably both of them, is associated with higher level of mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.