bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric medications and the risk of autoimmune and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Larivuo Ilmari , Laukkala Heidi , Nevalainen Anna , Arponen Otso , Nevalainen Olli P. O.
Published: February 2023

Background

Pharmacovigilance reports have suggested that certain commonly used medications may trigger autoimmune diseases (ADs) and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate whether psychiatric medication use is associated with ADs and IMIDs.

Methods

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022296524) before the start of the study. We searched Medline Ovid and Scopus up to November 28th, 2021, for comparative studies, with any psychiatric medication as exposure and ADs and IMIDs as outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects modeling. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed in reporting. Study-level risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the overall certainty of evidence using GRADE.

Results

There were 7,265 citations from which 31 studies were eligible, all from high-income countries, covering 15 distinct immune diseases. The evidence for the association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use and higher risk of microscopic colitis (meta-OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.05–6.39, I2 97.5%, 6 studies) was of low certainty. A subgroup analysis by the histological type of microscopic colitis showed a statistically significant association only with lymphocytic colitis (meta-OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.60–3.18, I2 00.00%, three studies). In two case-control studies, SSRI use had no significant association with psoriasis (meta-OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.58–1.10, I2 82.4%). The risk of acute pancreatitis was slightly increased with exposure to SSRIs (meta-OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26, I2 00.0%), as was the risk of bullous pemphigoid after exposure to antipsychotics (meta-OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.17–2.73, I2 0%).

Conclusions

We reviewed the literature on whether psychiatric medications associate with the risk of ADs and IMIDs and concluded that, despite several signals, the credibility of evidence remains low at best. Prospective cohort studies would be needed as the next step to confirm the suggestions of increased risk.
Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for infertile women: A systematic review and meta-analysis with a focus on a method-critical evaluation
Authors: Kremer Franziska , Ditzen Beate , Wischmann Tewes
Published: February 2023

Background

Approximately seven to nine percent of couples of reproductive age do not get pregnant despite regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Various psychosocial interventions for women and men with fertility disorders are repeatedly found in the literature. The effects of these interventions on outcomes such as anxiety and depression, as well as on the probability of pregnancy, do not currently allow for reliable generalisable statements. This review includes studies published since 2015 performing a method-critical evaluation of the studies. Furthermore, we suggest how interventions could be implemented in the future to improve anxiety, depression, and pregnancy rates.

Method

The project was registered with Prospero (CRD42021242683 13 April 2021). The literature search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six databases were searched and 479 potential studies were discovered. After reviewing the full texts, ten studies were included for the synthesis. Not all studies reported the three outcomes: four studies each for depression, three for anxiety and nine studies for pregnancy rates were included in the meta-analysis, which was conducted using the Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software.

Results

Psychosocial interventions do not significantly change women’s anxiety (Hedges’ g -0,006; CI: -0,667 to 0,655; p = 0,985), but they have a significant impact on depression in infertile women (Hedges’ g -0,893; CI: -1,644 to -0,145; p = 0,026). Implementations of psychosocial interventions during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment do not increase pregnancy rates (odds ratio 1,337; 95% CI 0,983 to 1,820; p = 0,064). The methodological critical evaluation indicates heterogeneous study design and samples. The results of the studies were determined with different methods and make comparability difficult. All these factors do not allow for a uniform conclusion.

Methodological critical evaluation

Study design (duration and timing of intervention, type of intervention, type of data collection) and samples (age of women, reason for infertility, duration of infertility) are very heterogeneous. The results of the studies were determined with different methods and make comparability difficult. All these factors do not allow for a uniform conclusion.

Conclusion

In order to be able to better compare psychosocial interventions and their influence on ART treatment and thus also to achieve valid results, a standardised procedure to the mentioned factors is necessary.
SIFT-GVF-based lung edge correction method for correcting the lung region in CT images
Authors: Li Xin , Feng Bin , Qiao Sai , Wei Haiyan , Feng Changli
Published: February 2023

Juxtapleural nodules were excluded from the segmented lung region in the Hounsfield unit threshold-based segmentation method. To re-include those regions in the lung region, a new approach was presented using scale-invariant feature transform and gradient vector flow models in this study. First, the scale-invariant feature transform method was utilized to detect all scale-invariant points in the binary lung region. The boundary points in the neighborhood of a scale-invariant point were collected to form the supportive boundary lines. Then, we utilized a Fourier descriptor to obtain a character representation of each supportive boundary line. Spectrum energy recognizes supportive boundaries that must be corrected. Third, the gradient vector flow-snake method was presented to correct the recognized supportive borders with a smooth profile curve, giving an ideal correction edge in those regions. Finally, the performance of the proposed method was evaluated through experiments on multiple authentic computed tomography images. The perfect results and robustness proved that the proposed method could correct the juxtapleural region precisely.
Comparative analysis of magnetically activated cell sorting and ultracentrifugation methods for exosome isolation
Authors: Ciftci Eda , Bozbeyoglu Naz , Gursel Ihsan , Korkusuz Feza , Bakan Misirlioglu Feray , Korkusuz Petek
Published: February 2023

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes regulate cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and synthesis of the extracellular matrix, giving great potential for the treatment of different diseases. The ultracentrifugation method is the gold standard method for exosome isolation due to the simple protocol, and high yield, but presents low purity and requires specialized equipment. Amelioration of technical optimization is required for quick and reliable confinement of exosomes to translate them to the clinic as cell therapeutics In this study, we hypothesized that magnetically activated cell sorting may provide, an effective, reliable, and rapid tool for exosome isolation when compared to ultracentrifugation. We, therefore, aimed to compare the efficiency of magnetically activated cell sorting and ultracentrifugation for human mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome isolation from culture media by protein quantification, surface biomarker, size, number, and morphological analysis. Magnetically activated cell sorting provided a higher purity and amount of exosomes that carry visible magnetic beads when compared to ultracentrifugation. The particle number of the magnetically activated cell sorting group was higher than the ultracentrifugation. In conclusion, magnetically activated cell sorting presents a quick, and reliable method to collect and present human mesenchymal stem cell exosomes to clinics at high purity for potential cellular therapeutic approaches. The novel isolation and purification method may be extended to different clinical protocols using different autogenic or allogeneic cell sources.
Quality analysis of genomic DNA and authentication of fisheries products based on distinct methods of DNA extraction
Authors: Lutz Ítalo , Miranda Josy , Santana Paula , Martins Thais , Ferreira Charles , Sampaio Iracilda , Vallinoto Marcelo , Gomes Grazielle Evangelista
Published: February 2023

Molecular genetic techniques are an effective monitoring tool, but high-quality DNA samples are usually required. In this study, we compared three different protocols of DNA extraction: NaCl (saline); phenol-chloroform and commercial kit (Promega)—from three biological tissues of five individuals of Lutjanus purpureus under two methods of storage. The evaluated items included DNA concentration and purity, processing time and cost, as well as the obtaining of functional sequences. The highest average values of DNA concentration were obtained using the saline procedure and the commercial kit. Pure DNA was only obtained using the saline protocol, evaluated by the ratio of 260/280. The saline and phenol-chloroform protocols were the least expensive methods. The commercial kit costs are counterbalanced by the short time required. The procedure based on phenol-chloroform presented the worst results regarding DNA yield and the time required to perform all steps. The saline and commercial kit protocols showed similar results concerning the amount and quality of extracted DNA. Therefore, the final choice should be based on the available financial resources and the available time for carrying out each procedure of DNA extraction.
Cultural engagement as a learning environment in the artistic encounter zone SPA_LOW_SKY
Authors: Laven Rolf
Published: February 2023

In the middle of Vienna between the locations of a sculptor’s studio and an educational campus Spalowskygasse (‘Bildungsgrätzl Mariahilf’), an artistic encounter zone is being created through the participation of artists, schools and neighbourhood residents. This artistic intervention employs service-learning and engaged learning approaches. Based on cultural heritage and local history, plans for using various found materials and employing processes of recycling and upcycling have been developed. Such an artistic encounter zone initiates a public creative discourse. It aims to expand the circle of participants beyond already established knowledge alliances to create new synergies. The concept provides for broad participation from art and cultural institutions, schools, universities and social institutions. Participants are invited to take the initiative in community learning activities. This article reports on the initial phase of this service-learning project where workshops have already been conducted.
An interdisciplinary action for caring for the biodiversity of the Canary Islands through arts-based explorations
Authors: Peña-Sánchez Noemí , Camero-Arranz Ascensión
Published: February 2023

This visual essay is a reflective interdisciplinary encounter between three undergraduate students in a Bachelor of Elementary Education participating in a final year degree project narrated by two educators, one from art education and the other from science education. It applies a situated art intervention to sensory land walking methodologies to raise awareness about the loss of biodiversity in the Canary Islands. Walking as a pedagogical inquiry method supports the humanities in the post-human era for a new relationship between science and art. Art connects to science through the facilitation of sensate and kinaesthetic experiences that interweave the knowledge and methodologies of the educators, connecting lived experiences and memories of all participants in reshaping our teaching and learning culture. Our interdisciplinary approach broadens the perspectives of future educators towards an artistic practice engaged with nature, building civic commitment that pursues a holistic vision of a sustainable education that begins with the care of our immediate environment.
William Saroyan’s The Human Comedy and MGM’s vanished American pastoral
Authors: Connolly Thomas F.
Published: February 2023

William Saroyan’s novel The Human Comedy () may be the first significant American novel adapted from a screenplay. The author had been contracted to create a film for MGM, but with representative Hollywood chicanery, Saroyan was done out of his manuscript and had to settle for a mere ‘from the story by’ credit. No film crystallizes the MGM vision of America while implying the promises of readjustment to come when the war is over more completely than The Human Comedy. Louis B. Mayer believed it was the greatest film ever produced by MGM. It had a tremendous impact at the time; even critics who lambasted its sentimentality could not deny its melodramatic power. In a marketing twist, the film was advertised as being based on ‘Saroyan’s great novel’ even though the novel had not yet been published. The film may be dated and neglected, but the novel remains in print and is among Saroyan’s most important works. The film and novel retain the screenplay’s extensive dialogue and both raise questions about cinematic and literary narrative.
The expanding role of text on screen: Subtitling Eugene Kotlyarenko’s Spree
Authors: Kupisz Kacper , Deckert Mikołaj
Published: February 2023

The aim of this article is to investigate the additional layer of text on screen present in Eugene Kotlyarenko’s Spree (2020) and explore the translator’s perspective on the incorporation of such elements. The article discusses the participatory chat messaging systems accompanying live video of today and attempts to place them within an existing framework of text on screen as understood in audiovisual translation (AVT) and media accessibility (MA) studies as well as previous screen productions. The relationship between audience involvement and presence of modes of AVT is then explored to better highlight the importance of translation in audience reception. The authors characterize dynamic chat elements in the analysed movie to point to potential implications that further incorporation of elements of massive chat into filmic narratives might have for conventional modes of AVT, in particular for subtitling.
Cannibal adaptation or the trope of monstrosity
Authors: Weiser Frans
Published: February 2023

Led by Thomas deployment of the Hollywood vampire as a multifaceted analogy for the larger, equivocal practice of adaptation, the self-reflexive trope of monstrosity emerging in the past decade anticipates what Kamilla has recently labeled as the need for conceptualizing adaptation as adaptation rather than via other disciplines. While Julie defines vampires, zombies and Frankenstein’s creature as canonical monsters, this article instead examines the figure of the non-western cannibal as a distinct analogy for assimilative adaptation. In order to establish the basis of cannibal adaptation’s productive indifference to questions of originality, fidelity and influence, I examine the history of the cannibal and the Latin American origins of cultural anthropophagy. The movement’s multiple revivals across different political moments and artistic genres illustrate its relevance for macroscopic studies of transmedial adaptation. Simultaneously appropriative and assimilative, the cannibal offers an alternative ethics for the process of adaptation.
State legal order and polyculturality
Authors: Moor Pierre
Published: February 2023

Legal Theory is incumbent to analyze the mechanisms by which legal orders deal with the problems of polyculturality. This article focuses on the issue of community norms, particularly if they are regarded as material facts or as normative facts. The question is whether polyculturality can be the source of a normative fact that must be respected even if it does not agree with the dominant social values in society, or are these values to prevail. Taking into account a wide set of cases, the Author addresses the issue of the conflict of values and how it is – or should be – solved by public powers, taking into stock their function and the concrete cases at hand.
Heritage Strikes Back
Authors: Sadowski Mirosław Michał
Published: February 2023

Images of genocide, mass graves and torn families come to mind when one hears the term ‘war crime’. But does cultural heritage have similar legal rights? Is it protected by the Rome Statute? What lays in the future of cultural heritage protection against destruction? And where do the boundaries of law lie with regards to the rights of cultural objects? The purpose of this paper is to answer these questions by focusing on the 2016 International Criminal Court’s (ICC) judgement in the Al Mahdi case and the analysis of the 2021 ICC’s Policy on Cultural Heritage born in its wake, which will shape our perception of the cultural heritage protection in the years to come. In the first, introductory part of the paper the author ponders upon the concept of cultural heritage, trying to understand why it matters. In turn, the second part of the article focuses on the investigation of the many faces of interactions between cultural heritage and law. The third part of the paper is devoted to the analysis of the Al-Mahdi case heard before the ICC. The author explains how the case was brought before the ICC and the way in which the Court reached its now precedential decision, showing the various ways in which it pushed the boundaries of law and our understanding of what constitutes a war crime. In the fourth part of the paper the author turns his attention to the Policy on Cultural Heritage proposed by the ICC in June 2021 in close collaboration with UNESCO, looking into the new paths it puts forward for cultural heritage. The concluding part of the paper is focused on the question of what the ICC’s Policy means for the future of the prosecution of the crimes against cultural heritage, with the author asking whether it may be an effective tool and deterrent in fighting against the destruction of world’s heritage, and wondering how the rights of monuments may be further broadened in the coming years.
Comparison of the efficacy and perioperative pain between vessel sealing and suture ligation for median celiotomy in canine ovariohysterectomy
Authors: Sunghan Jutapoln , Manmoo Sareepah , Suriyasathaporn Wanna , Suriyasathaporn Witaya , Warrit Kanawee , Kusolphat Pradipa
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim: Vessel sealing (VS) is used widely in human medicine and veterinary practice during laparoscopic surgery; however, few studies have investigated VS in canine ovariohysterectomy (OHE) using the median celiotomy approach. This study aimed to compare the effect of VS and suture ligation (SL) on surgical time, blood loss, and perioperative pain in canine OHE through median celiotomy.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight dogs were randomly and equally assigned into two groups that underwent surgery either by SL at both the ovarian pedicle and uterus or using a disposable VS device. The short form of the Glasgow composite pain scale (SF-GCPS) and the Colorado state university canine acute pain scale (CSU-CAP) were used to determine pain pre-operatively (baseline); at 30 min; and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 72 h post-operatively. Perioperative physiological parameters, surgical duration, and percentage of blood loss were recorded. Repeated measures analysis was performed to determine the differences in all parameters among time-related tasks and between both groups. A significant difference was defined at p < 0.05.

Results: The duration from identification of the first ovary to uterus removal was shorter in VS than in SL (p < 0.05). No clinically relevant differences were found among physiological variables. Both groups showed higher SF-GCPS and CSU-CAP values after surgery compared with baseline. The SF-GCPS in SL at 1 h was higher than in VS (p < 0.05). Two dogs in the SL group required additional post-operative rescue analgesia. No differences were found between the groups in terms of blood loss.

Conclusion: The use of a VS device in dogs undergoing OHE celiotomy decreased post-operative pain and shortened the perioperative time, making it an effective alternative technique for this common surgery. However, the VS device must be applied 2–3 times in the same location during the OHE procedure to prevent technical failure. This disposable device was reused up to 5 times for economic reasons without device failure. Soft tissue damage during OHE using the VS device should be investigated in a future prospective study.
Prevalence, antibiotic resistance patterns, and biofilm formation ability of Enterobacterales recovered from food of animal origin in Egypt
Authors: Edris Shimaa N. , Hamad Ahmed , Awad Dina A. B. , Sabeq Islam I.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim: The majority of animal-derived food safety studies have focused on foodborne zoonotic agents; however, members of the opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae (Ops) family are increasingly implicated in foodborne and public health crises due to their robust evolution of acquiring antimicrobial resistance and biofilms, consequently require thorough characterization, particularly in the Egyptian food sector. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the distribution and prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae family members in animal-derived foods, as well as their resistance to important antimicrobials and biofilm-forming potential.

Materials and Methods: A total of 274 beef, rabbit meat, chicken meat, egg, butter, and milk samples were investigated for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae. All isolated strains were first recognized using traditional microbiological techniques. Following that, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry was used to validate the Enterobacteriaceae's identity. The isolated enterobacteria strains were tested on disk diffusion and crystal violet quantitative microtiter plates to determine their antibiotic resistance and capacity to form biofilms.

Results: There have been thirty isolates of Enterobacteriaceae from seven different species and four genera. Out of the three food types, Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest prevalence rate (4.1%). With three species, Enterobacter genera had the second-highest prevalence (3.28%) across five different food categories. In four different food types, the Klebsiella genera had the second-highest distribution and third-highest incidence (2.55%). Almost all isolates, except three Proteus mirabilis, showed prominent levels of resistance, particularly to beta-lactam antibiotics. Except for two Enterobacter cloacae and three P. mirabilis isolates, all isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively multidrug-resistant (XDR). The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) of the majority of isolates dropped between 0.273 and 0.727. The highest MARI was conferred by Klebsiella pneumoniae, at 0.727. Overall, 83.33% of the isolates had strong biofilm capacity, while only 16.67% exhibited moderate capacity.

Conclusion: The MDR, XDR, and strong biofilm indicators confirmed in 83.33% of the currently tested Enterobacteriaceae from animal-derived foods suggest that, if not addressed, there may be rising risks to Egypt's economy and public health.
Social Network Diversity and the Daily Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Greene-Higgs LaVana , Jordan Ariel , Sheehan Jessica , Berinstein Jeffrey , Admon Andrew J. , Waljee Akbar , Riehl Megan , Piette John , Resnicow Kenneth , Higgins Peter , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

To examine the association between social network, daily IBD burden, and related cognitive factors such as loneliness and psychological well-being.

Methods:

Using survey data, we compared the relationship between social network diversity and daily IBD burden with multivariable linear regression.

Results:

Patients with IBD with higher social network diversity reported a lower daily IBD burden. This association was more common among those who reported a higher degree of loneliness than those with a low degree of loneliness.

Conclusions:

We should consider diverse social connections as an indicator of risk for higher IBD burden, especially among lonely patients.
Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity, ABO Blood Type, and Pancreatic Cancer Risk from 5 Prospective Cohorts
Authors: Lee Alice A. , Wang Qiao-Li , Kim Jihye , Babic Ana , Zhang Xuehong , Perez Kimberly , Ng Kimmie , Nowak Jonathan , Rifai Nader , Sesso Howard D. , Buring Julie E. , Anderson Garnet L. , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Wallace Robert , Manson JoAnn E. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Stampfer Meir J. , Kraft Peter , Fuchs Charles S. , Yuan Chen , Wolpin Brian M.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Helicobacter pylori infection may be a risk factor for pancreatic cancer, particularly infection by strains without the cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) virulence factor. Non-O blood type is a known risk factor for pancreatic cancer, and H. pylori gastric colonization occurs largely from bacterial adhesins binding to blood group antigens on gastric mucosa.

METHODS:

We included 485 pancreatic cancer cases and 1,122 matched controls from 5 U.S. prospective cohorts. Prediagnostic plasma samples were assessed for H. pylori and CagA antibody titers. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pancreatic cancer. ABO blood type was assessed using genetic polymorphisms at the ABO gene locus or self-report.

RESULTS:

Compared to H. pylori seronegative participants, those who were seropositive did not demonstrate an increased risk for pancreatic cancer (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.65-1.06). This lack of association was similar among CagA seropositive (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.53-1.04) and seronegative (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.65-1.20) participants. The association was also similar when stratified by time between blood collection and cancer diagnosis (P-interaction=0.80). Consistent with prior studies, non-O blood type was associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk, but this increase in risk was similar regardless of H. pylori seropositivity (P-interaction=0.51).

DISCUSSION:

In this nested case-control study, history of H. pylori infection as determined by H. pylori antibody serology was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk, regardless of CagA virulence factor status. The elevated risk associated with non-O blood type was consistent in those with or without H. pylori seropositivity.
Effect of surface treatment on flexural strength and subcritical crack growth of lithium disilicate: an in vitro study
Authors: Carvalho Ronaldo Luís Almeida de , Miranda Jean Soares , Ramos Nathália de Carvalho , Weitzel Isabela Sandim Souza Leite , Amaral Marina , Kimpara Estevão Tomomitsu
Published: February 2023

Alternative surface treatments have been proposed for the cementation of lithium disilicate ceramics aiming to improve adhesive and flexural strength under fatigue. This study aimed to evaluate the slow crack growth (SCG) parameters of the lithium disilicate ceramic after hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching or air abrasion (AB) as surface treatments. Ceramic discs were treated with HF (5%, 20 s) or AB (30 µm silica-modified alumina particles, 2.8 bar, 10 mm distance, 15 s), and received a layer of resin cement. The surface roughness after surface treatment was evaluated (n = 5). Samples were tested in a piston-on-three-ball assembly to evaluate the flexural strength (n = 20), inert strength (n = 25), and to determine SCG parameters n and D (n = 35). The highest roughness (p < 0.01) was observed in the AB group, with the highest reliability according to the Weibull analysis, but the lowest SCG susceptibility. Flexural (p = 0.03) and inert strength (p < 0.01) were the greatest in the HF group. Despite exhibiting lower strength than 5% HF, air abrasion may be an alternative for the surface treatment of lithium disilicate surfaces, indicating the best prognosis over time.
Acute diarrheal diseases and their relationship with water quality in Araguatins, Tocantins, Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Silva Késia Chaves da , Suda Cecilia Nahomi Kawagoe
Published: February 2023

Diarrhea remains a significant cause of death worldwide among children under five years old. In Brazil, the highest incidence of the disease occurs in the north region, and the epidemiological characteristics of diarrhea in Araguatins, TO, northern Brazil, have not been reported. The present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of acute diarrheal diseases (ADD) in Araguatins between 2014 and 2019 and its relationship with the quality of the public water supply. The study also analyzed the correlation between ADD frequency and rotavirus vaccination coverage of children. The data were obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health (SIVEP-DDA database) and the Health Surveillance Agency of Araguatins. The reported cases of acute diarrheal diseases significantly increased in 2018 and 2019 compared to the other years, and the occurrence of greater severity in the age group of ³10 years increased in the same period. The highest incidence of diarrhea occurred in 2018 when the application of rotavirus vaccines to children was the lowest. In most years investigated, the cases of acute diarrheal diseases occurred in both rainy and dry periods. However, in 2016, diarrhea cases were concentrated in the dry period, and Escherichia coli and total coliforms were found more frequently in the public water supply. The highest frequency of contamination with E. coli and total coliforms occurred in the Downtown area. The conclusion was that diarrheal disease may be caused, at least partially, by water-conveying agents in the treated public water supply of the Araguatins.
Factor analysis and cronbach’s alpha for studying the knowledge of adolescents on HIV/AIDS: a construct validation study
Authors: Cordeiro Jéssica Kelly Ramos , Nóbrega Waleska Fernanda Souto , Oliveira Milena Edite Casé de , Gomes Kedma Anne Lima , Oliveira Tiago Almeida de , Oliveira Ângelo Giuseppe Roncalli da Costa
Published: February 2023

To analyze the efficacy and psychometric properties of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Questionnaire when applied to adolescents. It was a cross-sectional construct validation study. Ten questions on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS were selected from the questionnaire for further data analysis and applied to 623 adolescents attending high school. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0™ and Stata 14.0 software processed the data. Cronbach's Alpha verified the reliability of items, and the mean of each value ranged from 0.198 to 0.379. Factor analysis assessed the structure of correlations between variables. The resulting factors were lifestyle/habits, preventive actions, and endogenous and exogenous transmission. The scale was reliable for the studied population, ensuring the quality of the instrument.
Allelopathy of Ricinus communis and light spectrum variation decrease emergence and growth of Cyperus rotundus
Authors: Ferraz Rener Luciano de Souza , Costa Patrícia da Silva , Dias Guilherme Felix , Silva José Regis da , Viégas Pedro Roberto Almeida , Medeiros Aldair de Souza , Dantas Neto José , Melo Alberto Soares de
Published: February 2023

Weeds negatively influence agricultural production. However, those losses depend on weed specie, its time of emergence, and period of interference on agricultural crops. Synthetic herbicides are commonly used to control these plants species; however, they may cause damage to the environment, human beings and animals health, and this problem justify the need to develop alternative bioherbicides. To evaluate the allelopathic potential of Ricinus communis (Castor bean) and light spectrum variation on the emergence and growth of Cyperus rotundus L., a trial was carried out in a protected environment with 15% of brightness reduction at the Center for Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Paraíba State University. Four aqueous extract concentrations of R. communis leaves were tested (0, 5, 10, and 15%) and four light spectrums variations (white, purple, blue, and red lights). Variables such as emergence, length, dry matter accumulation and growth rates of shoots and root of C. rotundus seedlings were assessed. Data were analyzed by normality test, analysis of variance, polynomial regression, and averages test. Soot and root emergence, length, and dry matter accumulation of C. rotundus seedlings were reduced due to the allelopathy caused by R. communis aqueous extract leaves (15% concentration) and under purple or red light spectrum radiation.
Effects of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on the Testicular Parenchyma of Adult BALB/C Mice Submitted to a Hypercaloric Diet
Authors: Niemeyer Ruas Hilara , Lopes-Ferreira João Vitor , Dias Fernanda Carolina Ribeiro , Santos Maria Emília Soares Martins dos , Gomes Angelica de Oliveira , Freitas Mariella Bontempo , Gomes Marcos de Lucca Moreira
Published: February 2023

Oxidative stress due to obesity plays a detrimental role in the testicular microenvironment and sperm parameters. We explored the impact of a hypercaloric diet in male BALB/c mice as a condition to trigger damage to the spermatogenic process and the antioxidant effect of Aspalathus linearis as well. We used a hypercaloric diet in animals divided into 3 groups: Control, Hypercaloric diet control (HC) and Hypercaloric diet and Rooibos infusion (HCR). Morphometric parameters, enzyme dosages, cell viability, and tubular histopathology were evaluated. Body weight increased in HCR animals at weeks 3, 4, and 8. We found a reduction in seminiferous epithelium height, with an increase in the tubular diameter of the HCR group. Catalase levels were lower in HC and HCR, while carbonyl protein was decreased in HC. We estimate that it induces oxidative stress (OS) capable of affecting the seminiferous epithelium and that the infusion of A. linearis does not demonstrate a potential benefit in cell preservation.
Synthesis and evaluation of toxicity and antimicrobial activity of rifampicin associated with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: De Sousa Joyce Farias Louza , Naves Plínio Lázaro Faleiro , Guilherme Luciana Rebelo
Published: February 2023

Rifampicin has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, but it can cause nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic damage because high doses are required. Nanosystems emerge as a perspective to improve the transport systems of this drug. In this work, iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesised, functionalized with lauric acid, and rifampicin was incorporated into the nanosystem. The samples were characterized by spectroscopic techniques: electronics in the visible ultraviolet region (UV-vis), vibrational absorption in the infrared region (IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DSL). The toxicity of the nanocompounds and the antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 were studied by the Artemia salina lethality and disc diffusion techniques, respectively. As a result, IR analysis showed characteristic vibrations of laurate and rifampicin on the surface of the nanosystem. The presence of magnetic iron oxide was confirmed by XRD and the mean diameter of the crystallites was 8.37 nm. The hydrodynamic diameter of rifampicin associated with the nanosystem was 402 nm and that of the nanosystem without rifampicin was 57 nm. The compounds did not show toxicity to Artemia salina and the in vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was slightly decreased when rifampicin was associated with the nanosystem. In general terms, the results showed that iron oxide nanoparticles showed no toxicity and reduced the toxicity of rifampicin by 41.54% when carried compared to free rifampicin. Therefore, magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles may have the potential to act as a platform for associated drugs.
Genetic diversity of Macroptilium accessions considering the increase in air temperature
Authors: Nascimento Tiago Lima do , Barros Juliane Rafaela Alves , Oliveira Gilmara Moreira , Dos Santos Camila Barbosa , Voltolini Tadeu Vinhas , Antonio Rafaela Priscila , Angelotti Francislene
Published: February 2023

Climate changes can influence the genetic diversity of forage plants, which may contribute to the improvement and development of new species. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the influence of temperature increase on the genetic diversity of Macroptilium accessions based on morphoagronomic descriptors. The experiment was carried out in a growth chamber in a 2×16 factorial arrangement (temperature regimes x Macroptilium accessions), with the temperatures consisting of T1 (20–26–33 °C) and T2 (24.8–30.8–37.8 °C) and 16 accessions. Eleven morphoagronomic descriptors allowed estimating the diversity among accessions. The measurements of genetic dissimilarity enabled us to observe the genetic distance between the studied materials, standing out the accessions T1.M3 and T2.S4 as the most divergent (446.01). The morphoagronomic descriptors percentage of leaves and stem diameter were the most efficient for estimating the diversity between access. Genetic variability points to the adaptation of Macroptilium accessions in the climate change scenario. The accessions more divergent can be explored in genetic breeding programs for the species aiming at the expansion of genetic variability as an adaptation mechanism to heat stress.
Attitudes and knowledge about contraceptive use of saudi married women: a cross-sectional study approach
Authors: Alqahtani Ali Musfer , Orayj Khalid , Alshahrani Sultan Muhammad , Aldahish Afaf , Alqahtani Taha , Alshahrani Amani , Alshahrani Noura , Alshahrani Ahlam , Dajam Hajar Saad , Alqarni Aidah
Published: February 2023

The speedy change in the Saudi Arabian community's socio-demographic pattern will significantly influence reproductive attitudes and practices with increasing preferences toward family planning because of the use of contraceptives. The current study was conducted to determine the attitudes and knowledge of married women in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia regarding contraceptives use. Saudi married women from the Aseer region were the participants of this cross-sectional study. The study's objectives were covered via a standardized questionnaire, and the study comprised of 412 married women. A 100 % participant’s response was demonstrated, while 31.8 % of the respondents were 31-40 years old. Most of the participants have a great awareness and knowledge about contraceptives, while (n=324; 78.6%) had previously used contraceptives. Additionally, 297 (72.1%) have intention to use contraceptive methods in the future. Majority of the participants (n=297; 91.6%) considered the economic and family planning as a reason for using the contraceptives, while natural family planning was mostly preferred (n=202; 49%). Logistic regression analysis exhibited significant correlation between the age, education, employment, monthly income and children number. The findings show that Saudi married women have high perceptions and knowledge of contraception. However, more effort is required to raise awareness regarding family planning and contraceptives, whereas the policy makers must exclude the obstacles to women from using contraceptives.
Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Muatan Pelajaran Matematika Kelas 5 Melalui Metode Pembelajaran Mencongak di MIN I Yogyakarta
Authors: Sumarsih Sumarsih
Published: February 2023

ABSTRAK

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan efektivitas pembelajaran matematika dan hasil belajar matematika dengan metode pembelajaran Mencongak.

Metode – Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas, dengan 4 tahapan, yaitu perencanaan, pelaksaan, pengamatan, dan refleksi. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini dilakukan dengan dua siklus. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas 5B yang berjumlah 30 siswa. Adapun teknik pengumpulan data berupa teknik dokumentasi, observasi dan tes. Data dianalisi dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif dengan persentase capaian belajar keseluruhan siswa. Untuk mengetahui terdapat peningkatan hasil belajar dalam penelitian ini yaitu didasarkan pada ketetapan KKM.

Hasil – Temuan dari penelitian ini bahwa metode pembelajaran Mencongak terbukti dapat meningkatkan keaktifan, efektifitas pembelajaran dan hasil belajar siswa. Dengan methode ini siswa yang mencapai nilai di atas KKM ada 24 siswa dengan persentase 80%, sedangkan siswa yang mencapai nilai di bawah KKM ada 6 anak dengan persentasi 20 %, peningkatan hasil belajar ini terlihat pada nilai rata-rata yang dicapainya, yaitu sebesar 86,2. Sebuah nilai yang melampoi KKM, sedangkan nila rata-rata yang telah dicapai sebelumnya sebesar 33,7 sebuah nilai yang masih di bawah KKM. Keterbatasan penelitian ini hanya dilakukan di MIN I Yogyakrta, kelas 5B dengan jumlah 30 siswa
Upaya Peningkatan Hasil Belajar Bahasa Indonesia Melalui Tutor Sebaya Siswa Kelas VII A MTsN 6 Gunungkidul
Authors: Arifin Zainal
Published: February 2023

ABSTRAK

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa melalui tutor sebaya  pada siswa Kelas VII A MTsN 6 Gunungkidul tahun pelajaran 2022/2023. Titik berat masalah yang dihadapi dunia Pendidikan di Indonesia adalah masalah yang berkaitan erat dengan mutu atau kualitas pendidikan yang rendah. Dikatakan demikian karena capaian daya serap siswa terhadap materi pelajaran masih rendah. Permasalahan ini tentu harus ada pembenahan yang mampu memberi daya motivasi kepada siswa di kelas ke arah kemajuan.

Metode – Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas, dengan metode pengumpulan data dokumentasi, observasi dan tes. Tehnik analisis data dalam penelitian ini adalah PTK yaitu sebuah penelitian yang dilakukan oleh guru di kelasnya sendiri dengan merancang, melaksanakan dan merefleksikan tindakan secara kolaboratif dan partisipatif dengan tujuan untuk memperbaiki kinerja sebagai guru sehingga hasil belajar peserta didik meningkat. Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VII A MTs Negeri 6 Gunungkidul yang berjumlah 32 siswa.

Hasil – Hasil penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan sebagai berikut: terdapat peningkatan hasil belajar siswa yang dimulai sejak pra siklus sebesar 31% menjadi 81% pada siklus I dan akhirnya menjadi 94% pada siklus II, dengan demikian maka dengan melalui tutor sebaya mampu memberikan andil dalam kenaikan atau peningkatan hasil belajar siswa kelas VII A MTsN 6 Gunungkidul.
Efektivitas Pendekatan Proses dengan Teknik Deskripsi, Interpetasi, dan Evaluasi (DIE) dalam Meningkatkan Keterampilan Menulis Siswa
Authors: Dewi Yuni Iswari
Published: February 2023

ABSTRAK

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan perbedaan keefektifan pembelajaran menulis yang menggunakan pendekatan proses dengan teknik DIE dan yang tanpa menggunakan pendekatan proses dengan teknik DIE.

Metode – Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kuantitatif. Metode penelitian yang digunakan metode eksperimen. Populasi penelitian ini seluruh siswa SD Negeri di wilayah Tirtonirmolo, sebanyak empat SD Penentuan sampelnya dilakukan simple random sampling, sehingga diperoleh SD Padokan II Tirtonirmolo kemudian penentuan kelas kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol dilakukan dengan cara random dan diperoleh kelas VA sebagai kelompok eksperimen dan kelas VB sebagai kelompok kontrol. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah teknik tes. Sebelum dilakukan analisis data, dilakukan uji persyaratan analisis data yang berupa uji normalitas sebaran dan uji homogenitas varians. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan yaitu Uji t dan uji Tuckey's.

Hasil – Skor rerata pre-test kelompok eksperimen adalah 66,41 dan skor rerata pre- test untuk kelompok kontrol adalah 66,31. Skor rerata post-test kelompok eksperimen adalah 83,66 dan skor rerata post-test kelompok kontrol adalah 77,35 Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) berdasarkan hasil uji t, skor pre-test kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol tidak ditemukan perbedaan skor yang signifikan, sedangkan hasil uji t antarkelompok skor post-test kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol menunjukkan ditemukan perbedaan, dibuktikan nilai t t lebih besar dari t h (db=53) yaitu t h=7,120 dan t t=2,007. Dengan demikian, ada perbedaan antara pembelajaran menulis   eksperimen lebih besar dari skor rerata kelompok kontrol. Kemudian diperoleh nilai HSD test skor post-test sebesar 0, 1199. Dengan uji Tuckey's dimana selisih skor mean kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol lebih besar daripada nilai HSD test sebesar 6,309 > 0,1199, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran menulis menggunakan pendekatan proses dengan teknik DIE efektif dibandingkan pembelajaran menulis dengan tanpa menggunakan pendekatan proses dengan teknik DIE.
Upaya Meningkatkan Prestasi Belajar Operasi Hitung Bilangan Pecahan dengan Pendekatan Matematika Realistik pada Siswa Kelas V
Authors: Isnaini Badaruddin
Published: February 2023

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar matematika dalam pembelajaran operasi hitung bilangan pecahan pada siswa kelas V A MIN 1 Gunungkidul Yogyakarta dengan menggunakan pendekatan realistik.

Metode – Jenis penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas. Subyek penelitian adalah siswa kelas V A MIN 1 Gunungkidul Yogyakarta yang berjumlah 15 siswa dan guru kelas V A. Obyek penelitian adalah hasil belajar operasi hitung bilangan pecahan menggunakan pembelajaran matematika realistik. Untuk menguji validitas instrumen dalam penelitian ini menggunakan validitas konstrak dengan menggunakan pendapat ahli (experts jugdement). Data hasil penelitian diperoleh dari observasi dan tes hasil belajar. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara deskriptif kuantitatif dan deskriptif kualitatif.

Hasil – Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata hasil belajar menggunakan pendekatan matematika realistik adalah 67,00 pada siklus I, dan meningkat lagi menjadi 78,33 pada siklus II. Pada siklus I siswa yang tuntas belajar hanya  54,29% meningkat menjadi 75,68% pada siklus II.
Pengembangan Modul Matematika pada Materi Teorema Pythagoras dengan Pendekatan Problem Based Learning
Authors: Asmarawati Nur Idiah
Published: February 2023

Tujuan – Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menghasilkan modul pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan Problem Based Learning pada materi Teorema Pythagoras yang valid, praktis dan efektif untuk siswa kelas VIII SMP/MTs.

Metode – Metode penelitian yang digunakan untuk mengembangkan produk adalah research and development dengan Model pengembangan 4-D yaitu define, design, develop, dan disseminate. Penelitian ini menggunakan survei validitas, survei respon siswa, dan keefektifan modul.

Hasil – Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh skor pada uji validitas, modul pembelajaran dengan pendekatan Problem Based Learning ditempatkan pada kategori valid dengan persentase 89,58 untuk substansi dan 77,14 untuk media. Sementara itu, jawaban siswa termasuk modul pembelajaran dengan pendekatan Problem Based Learning dengan 78,30 persen kategori praktis. Hasil belajar setelah pembelajaran kelas eksperimen mendapat nilai 54,691, lebih tinggi dari nilai setelah pembelajaran kelas referensi 46,356. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa modul pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan Problem Based Learning sudah efektif.