bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF ASPIRIN EFFECT ON STABILITY OF MEMBRANES OF RAT BLOOD ERYTHROCYTES BY ACIDIC HEMOLYSIS METHOD
Authors: Mikaelyan Marieta S. , Shahinyan Mariam A. , Poghosyan Gayane H. , Sargsyan Evelina G. , Nerkararyan Anahit V.
Published: August 2022

In this work the effect of aspirin on stability of rat blood erythrocyte membranes was studied, using acidic hemolysis method. Hemolysis rate of erythrocytes was shown to depend on preservation time of rat erythrocyte suspension. With increasing of preservation time the original value of optic density of rat erythrocyte suspension decreases and hemolysis time reduces. It was also shown that in the presence of aspirin the membrane stability of low-stable erythrocytes increases, moreover, hemolysis duration enhances, while aspirin leads to decreasing of membrane stability of both high-stable and enhanced-stable erythrocytes of rats.
Judgement of agency as a measure of efficacy prediction
Authors:   RANEPA, Kulieva Almara
Published: August 2022

In psychology, the idea has been repeatedly expressed that the perceptions of a possible outcome influence the actual outcome. According to this idea, the efficacy prediction simultaneously affects the results and is based on the results, which complicates the possibility of experimental research in this area. One problem is developing a method for measuring the efficacy prediction. This study proposes a retrospective method to measure the efficacy prediction based on the sense of agency. The method is based on the hypothesis that task outcomes that do not match the efficacy prediction will be accompanied by a low sense of agency. Two experiments were conducted in which participants had to perform a sensorimotor task related to the evaluation of time intervals. A screen showed two objects: a moon (the target) and a rocket located on a vertical line. The task was to “land the rocket on the moon” without vision control. In order to achieve the goal, the participants had to press the spacebar twice: the longer the participants waited before the second press, the further the rocket would go. The distance and size of the target were used as variables that determined the difficulty of the task. We hypothesized that the hits in the difficult tasks would be attributed to the computer more often than the hits in the simple tasks. The results agreed with our hypothesis. The participants were more likely to attribute to the computer the hits on more difficult targets and the misses on easier targets. We concluded that the judgement of agency can be used as a valid method for measuring efficacy control, although further research is planned to investigate an alternative explanation for the results.
ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF SOME ESSENTIAL OIL COMPONENTS ON GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF WHEAT
Authors: Tutenocakli Tulay , Coskun Yalcin , Tas Ismail , Oral Ayhan , Turker Gulen
Published: August 2022

In the study, it was aimed to determine whether the essential oil components (geraniol, carvacrol, citronellol and thymol) and their different concentrations (0, 2, 5, 10 and 20 ml/petri) would cause any allelopathic effects on the germination of wheat seeds. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory environment according to the divided plots experimental design in random plots. The effects of allelochemical species (Carvacrol, Thymol, Geraniol, Citronellol) and their doses were found to be statistically significant (p<0.01) on the germination rate and seedling dry weight of wheat seeds. The effects of allelochemical species (p<0.05) and doses (p<0.01) on seedling fresh weight were found to be statistically significant. As a result, it was determined that some of the herbal allelochemicals used were effective on seed germination and seedling growth in wheat, and the effect ratio increased as the dose increased. It is thought that some essential oil components can be used in the production of bio-herbicides for winter grass weeds, provided that similar studies are carried out on winter crop plants.
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings on the Predictability of the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: JOLY Brandon , STOJSAVLJEVİC Tom , DİK Mehmet
Published: August 2022

Since 1992, the International Federation of Association Football

(FIFA) has been ranking senior men’s national soccer teams based on a variety

of criteria. In 2003, FIFA extended the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings into

ranking senior women’s national soccer teams. The FIFA/Coca-Cola World

Rankings published just before the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA, 1998 FIFA

World Cup France, 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, 2006 FIFA World Cup

Germany, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil,

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, 2003 FIFA World Cup USA, 2007 FIFA World

Cup China, 2011 FIFA World Cup Germany, 2015 FIFA World Cup Canada,

and the 2019 FIFA World Cup France were considered. These rankings were

compared to the final results of those FIFA World Cups based on two different

methods of displaying the teams finish and were analyzed. Of the top 16

teams in each of the Men’s FIFA World Cups, 74.1% of those teams advanced

to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, 83.9% of the top 12 teams in each of the

Women’s FIFA World Cups advanced to the Round of 16 or Quarterfinals.

The Pearson correlation coefficient between the Pre-Tournament rankings and

final results was calculated using both ranking methods. The Women’s World

Cups had higher Pearson correlation coefficients for both methods than the

Men’s World Cups. In addition, the Women’s World Cups had higher t-values

and z-scores than the Men’s World Cup when tested for independence and

association between the Pre-Tournament rankings and final results using both

ranking methods. These findings indicate that the Women’s World Cups were

more predictable than Men’s World Cups based on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World

Rankings.
Effects of Relative Inertial Load on Quadriceps Electromyography during Maximal Effort Flywheel-based Iso-Inertial Training (FIT) Squats
Authors: Lance Bollinger
Published: August 2022

The effects of inertial load on quadriceps electromyography (EMG) during flywheel-based iso-inertial training (FIT) squats is unclear. Healthy, resistance-trained males (n=8) and females (n=8) completed five sets of five maximal-effort squats with varying inertial loads in a randomized order.  Sagittal plane knee joint angles and surface EMG activity of the vastus lateralis (VL) were measured. Average knee angular velocity, but not peak knee flexion or total excursion, decreased during both the concentric and eccentric phases with increasing inertial load (p<0.001) in both sexes.  Integrated EMG (iEMG) activity increased with increasing inertial load for all muscles (p<0.001).  VL iEMG and peak amplitude were significantly greater in females.  However, peak EMG amplitude was not significantly different among inertial loads for either sex. Mean EMG amplitude during the concentric phase and eccentric phases of the VL tended to be greater in females.  Increasing relative inertial load increases quadriceps iEMG activity due to greater exercise duration, but has minimal effects on EMG amplitude.
HUMOR E IRREVERÊNCIA NA LITERATURA CEARENSE DO SÉCULO XIX
Authors: Silva Antonio Edson Alves da , Freitas Roberto Coelho
Published: August 2022

O presente trabalho direciona-se para o programa de instalação da Padaria Espiritual, agremiação literária fundada em Fortaleza – CE, em 1892. Objetiva-se, com este artigo, identificar os aspectos de irreverência e humor presentes nos documentos oficiais da agremiação. Para tanto, toma-se como referencial teórico-metodológico, tendo em vista a natureza bibliográfica desta pesquisa, Azevedo (1996), Marques (2018a, 2018b) e Silva, Silva e Almeida (2019). O desenvolvimento deste estudo viabiliza a conclusão de que a intenção dos “padeiros” era romper com velhos paradigmas para possibilitar a inovação das artes cearenses, bem como criticar alguns posicionamentos sociais, especialmente, em relação à educação.
“MISSA DA MEIA-NOITE”
Authors: Valadares Flavio Biasutti , Gentile Paola
Published: August 2022

O artigo aborda a construção da personagem Bev (Beverly), da série “Missa da Meia-Noite”, quanto às representações discursivas que ela apresenta na comunidade da Ilha Crockett e de como há uma legitimação do discurso por meio da mobilização de campos de poder. Para tanto, valemo-nos da base teórica amparada na Análise Crítica do Discurso (FAIRCLOUGH, 2001[1992], 2003, 2004; FAIRCLOUGH E WODAK, 1997; MELO, 2011; MISOCZKY, 2005; WODAK, 2003, 2013; WODAK E MEYER, 2009) e adotamos como procedimento metodológico a recolha, com contexto suficiente ao nosso objetivo, de falas que envolvem a personagem em análise. Como resultados, afirmamos que a personagem Bev insere-se numa formação discursiva aliada à ideologia da Igreja Católica para manter e intensificar as relações de manipulação e de poder que ela constitui na comunidade. Concluímos que, com os recursos linguísticos disponíveis, Bev estabelece a hegemonia do discurso religioso, silenciando falas contrárias e inferiorizando as que conseguem emergir em algumas interações sociais, obtendo êxito em seus objetivos de uma pretensa perspectiva de mudança para aquela comunidade.
CENAS ENUNCIATIVAS DE UM ROMANCE
Authors: Castelo Branco Luis Felipe da Silva
Published: August 2022

Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo propor uma análise discursiva do gênero romance. Para tanto, selecionamos como corpus a obra Vida Gemida em Sambambaia (1985), de autoria do literato piauiense Fontes Ibiapina. Como fundamentação teórica, nos baseamos nos postulados de Maingueneau (2005, 2015, 2018) acerca do discurso literário, mais especificamente, de sua proposta de trabalhar os gêneros discursivos pela perspectiva das cenas de enunciação. Trata-se de um trabalho de natureza aplicada, de abordagem qualitativa, descritivo quanto aos objetivos, e bibliográfico e documental no tocante aos procedimentos de coleta de dados. Como resultados, observamos que a obra em questão busca legitimar e ser legitimada por meio da utilização e interação de uma cena englobante literária, da cena genérica de um romance e investindo, ainda, em cenografias de um sertão nordestino conforme as formas de representação cristalizadas, revivendo as imagens de pobreza, sofrimento e tradição. Desse modo, foi possível reforçar a existência de um enlace entre o romance e as suas condições de produção, assim como de uma possibilidade de diálogo entre os estudos linguísticos e literários.
ENGAJAMENTO LITERÁRIO NOS CONTOS “O ARTESÃO” E “MENINOS AO ALVO, ATIRAR!”, DE RAIMUNDO CARRERO
Authors: Mesquita Fábio Albert , Mesquita Cristina Albert
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar o engajamento literário na escrita de Raimundo Carrero a partir dos contos “O artesão” e “Meninos ao alvo, atirar!”, ambos publicados na obra Estão matando os meninos, lançada em 2020. Por meio de histórias inspiradas nos noticiários, os contos tematizam os mais diversos tipos de agressões sociais praticadas contra meninos e meninas que são assassinados em meio à violência das operações policiais em combate ao crime. Para a análise dos contos, partimos de estudos que refletem sobre o engajamento literário e a escrita literária de resistência, tais como se encontram em autores como Sartre (2004), Denis (2002) e Bosi (1996). Como resultados, percebemos que Carrero se utiliza da linguagem como recurso estético para abordar temas éticos que permeiam a realidade sociopolítica do país, em um engajamento que se converte em ação. Com a leitura dos dois contos, visualizamos que o engajamento literário se revela como agente fundamental para promover a reflexão e a transformação na sociedade.
GÊNEROS DIGITAIS NO LIVRO DIDÁTICO DE LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Silva Ana Carolina Ribeiro da , França José Marcos Ernesto Santana de
Published: August 2022

Sabemos que o espaço digital produz muitos campos de interação, e neles as práticas de linguagem são as mais diversas. Isso nos permite observar as possibilidades de comunicação através dos meios digitais, o que pode explicar o surgimento de gêneros textuais próprios desse meio ou gêneros que foram “adaptados” ao ambiente virtual. Em vista disso, percebemos que a escola vem se mostrando cada vez mais disposta a aderir à cultura digital como ferramenta que auxilia no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Apesar dessa “invasão” tecnológica no espaço escolar, o livro didático impresso, de modo geral, ainda é uma ferramenta didática muito utilizada pelo sistema educacional. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a consonância da abordagem dos gêneros digitais no livro didático de língua portuguesa do ensino fundamental com a proposta da BNCC e como esses gêneros são abordados metodologicamente no suporte impresso. Para atingir nosso objetivo, realizamos uma pesquisa de natureza analítico-qualitativa e teve como corpus de análise o livro didático do 6º ano da coleção Se liga na língua: leitura, produção de texto e linguagem (2018), de autoria de Wilton Ormundo e Cristiane Siniscalchi. Para subsidiar nossas discussões sobre os gêneros digitais, nos embasamos nos estudos de Marcuschi (2010) e Xavier (2005); sobre textos multimodais, em Rojo (2012) e em outros autores. Após as análises do corpus, constatamos que o livro didático em questão aborda os gêneros digitais de forma satisfatória, procurando seguir o que está orientado na BNCC. Entretanto, concluímos que o suporte impresso é parcialmente adequado no trabalho com os gêneros digitais, visto que ele consegue transmitir com objetividade o que pretende ao abordar certos gêneros, mas, em relação a outros, não há como suprir a necessidade da prática por meio do manuseio do computador ou do aparelho celular.
CAZUZA
Authors: Santos Valéria de Carvalho , Morais Solange Santana Guimarães
Published: August 2022

Publicada em uma época em que o processo de escolarização e suas implicações para a vida das crianças eram temas em pauta, a obra Cazuza (2002), do escritor maranhense Manuel Viriato Corrêa Baima do Lago Filho (1884-1967), surge trazendo esses assuntos mais uma vez para o centro das discussões, só que agora sob uma perspectiva completamente diferente: o olhar de uma criança. Corrêa dá voz às crianças em sua obra através do personagem principal, cujo nome corresponde ao título do livro: Cazuza. Assim, este artigo propõe-se a apresentar as diferentes percepções do menino a respeito das escolas que frequentou, bem como expor alguns conceitos de infância adotados ao longo do tempo, e sua relação com o desenvolvimento dos sistemas de ensino, que unidos relegaram à Literatura Infantil uma imagem inferior enquanto gênero. Para tanto, a pesquisa bibliográfica agregou ideias de autores como Philippe Ariès (1981), Salles (2012) e Lajolo e Zilberman (2007), com trabalhos voltados paras as diferentes noções de infância, a escolarização de crianças e o gênero Literatura Infantil.
DESAFIO DE GARANTIR UM ENSINO-APRENDIZAGEM BASEADO EM UMA PERSPECTIVA CRÍTICA NO CONTEXTO DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
Authors: Santos Luiza Carvalho
Published: August 2022

O presente trabalho reflete sobre o desafio de garantir uma aprendizagem voltada a uma perspectiva crítica em meio as condições de crise vivenciadas na pandemia de Covid-19, cenário que explicitou o fato de que desigualdades existentes no mundo off-line se reproduzem também no on-line e que boa parte das escolas, professores e alunos não estavam preparados para a mudança repentina ao mundo digital para a continuidade das atividades escolares (CGI.br, 2021a, 2021b). Para isso, usa como objeto de estudo a ferramenta de iniciativa privada AprendiZAP, à luz das affordances propiciadas pelo digital, conforme Cope & Kalantzis (2017), e a contribuição (ou não) da ferramenta para uma formação crítica de alunos, conforme as teorias dos novos letramentos (LARSON; MARSH, 2005; KNOBEL; LANKSHEAR, 2007).
DESLOCAMENTOS IDENTITÁRIOS NO ROMANCE HOW THE GARCÍA GIRLS LOST THEIR ACCENTS DE JULIA ALVAREZ
Authors: Silva Lara Portella da
Published: August 2022

Os estudos de literaturas de fluxos migratórios procuram investigar os efeitos do deslocamento espacial e cultural em imigrantes e como as suas vidas são afetadas pelo contexto sociocultural em que estão inseridos. No romance How The García Girls Lost Their Accents, as histórias de vida de uma família dominicana-americana são abordadas com enfoque nas personagens Carla, Sandra, Yolanda e Sofía, as irmãs, cujas identidades são o eixo de estudo do artigo. O texto contempla a forçada mutação de identidades, o que tem como causa o ambiente espacial e o contexto social norte-americano. O presente artigo pretende trazer uma interpretação sobre os fenômenos que contribuíram tanto para as tentativas de construção das identidades americanas como para o apagamento das identidades dominicanas das meninas. Utiliza-se o aporte teórico de textos que abordam os estudos culturais a fim de analisar os temas centrais do enredo da obra ficcional. Assim, será demonstrado como as meninas García sofrem o processo de descentralização de si mesmas como consequência do deslocamento identitário pelo qual passam, resultando na fragmentação do “eu” de cada uma.
EDITORIAL: PONTO PARA A CIÊNCIA!
Authors: França José Marcos Ernesto Santana de , Moraes Rozania Maria Alves de
Published: August 2022

Encontramos, neste número, trabalhos, de estudos linguísticos, sob os aportes da Análise do Discurso francesa e Análise Crítica do Discurso, analisando, inclusive, obras literárias e textos midiáticos, quanto da Teoria da Argumentação, analisando um texto religioso etc.; já em relação aos estudos literários, encontramos, predominantemente, estudos crítico-analíticos de/sobre obras literárias, especificamente, de autores consagrados e de autores da literatura contemporânea que (ainda) não fazem parte do cânone literário.
Book Review: Brandon L Garrett Autopsy of a Crime Lab: Exposing the Flaw in Forensics (2022)
Authors: Klatzow David
Published: August 2022

None
Notes: Managing and participating in a criminal enterprise under POCA: Duplication of convictions? A discussion of the conflict between S v Prinsloo and S v Tiry
Authors: van der Linde Delano Cole
Published: August 2022

Some debate exists as to whether convicting an accused of both participating in and managing a criminal enterprise under chap 2 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 constitutes an impermissible duplication of convictions. This note analyses the relevant provisions of the Act, and the concept of duplication of convictions, against two conflicting Supreme Court of Appeal judgments, namely S v Prinsloo 2016 (2) SACR 25 (SCA) and S v Tiry 2021 (1) SACR 349 (SCA). In these two cases the court reached diametrically opposite conclusions on the same legal question, creating uncertainty. Ultimately, the question whether a duplication of convictions has occurred depends on the facts of each case, and the extent to which managers-cum-participants have ‘dirtied their hands’ in the pursuit of the criminal enterprise. Foreign perspectives from United States constitutional jurisprudence will also be considered.
When the legal pathways for sound financial management and spatial justice collide: The case of South African cities
Authors: du Plessis Anél
Published: August 2022

This article probes one aspect of spatial (in)justice and slow spatial transformation in South Africa’s cities. The focus is not so much on case studies or an analysis of persisting spatial injustices. Instead, the article focuses on the legal premises and the apparently colliding legal pathways for sound municipal finance management and spatial justice. It specifically questions, through a mixed research method, the extent to which the co-existence of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 (‘SPLUMA’) and the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 (‘MFMA’), as two Acts in the suite of post-apartheid South African local government legislation, runs the risk of thwarting local government efforts to transform social and physical space in the country’s cities. This question is considered through an exploratory review of the Acts, empirical findings, and a consideration of the limited theory on the interoperability of laws.
Low level laser therapy: An effective tool to enhance quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors:   Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, A.J. Institute of Dental Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Mangalore, India, Colaco Ashwini Savia
Published: August 2022

Patients treated for head and neck cancer commonly suffer from oral mucositis, ulceration, bacterial infection causing pain, discomfort, impairment of speech and deglutition, leading to dehydration, poor nutrition, and mortality. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a promising state-of-the-art method which can be used effectively to reduce these side effects. It works on the principle of photo-bio stimulation. LLLT induces a biological response through energy transfer within the cells. It has anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates the immune system, increases of blood flow, upsurges cellular metabolism, and boosts rapid wound healing.
Comparative anti-hyperglycemic effects of the aqueous extracts of Combretum molle twigs in rats
Authors:   Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Maroua, Far North Region, Cameroon, Miaffo David
Published: August 2022

Aim: To evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the aqueous extracts of Combretum molle twigs in rats. Methods: For the anti-hyperglycemic tests, the extracts at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg were administered orally to the normal rats and their glycemia was evaluated every 30 minutes during 4 hours. Type 1 diabetes was induced by the intra-peritoneal injection of alloxane (150 mg/kg) in rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced by the sub-cutaneous injection of the dexamethasone (1 mg/kg). Afterwards, animals were treated at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg of the decoction for 14 days (type 1 diabetes) and 8 days (type 2 diabetes). Body weight, glycemia, lipid parameters, and atherogenic index were evaluated. Results: The decoction (250 mg/kg) produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the postprandial glycemia at 90 minutes. However, at 120 minutes, a significant regulation of the blood glucose was observed at the dose of 500 mg/kg of the decoction (p < 0.01), maceration (p < 0.05), and infusion (p < 0.05). In addition, the doses 250 and 500 mg/kg of the decoction of C. molle prevented a significant reduction in body weight, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, and a significant increase in atherogenic index, which were observed in the type 1 and 2 diabetic subjects. Conclusion: The decoction was showed the greatest hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic activities, thereby confirming his ethnopharmacological use of this extract in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Significance of serum uric acid level in prediabetic and diabetic patients
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal., Khan Seraj Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Research has shown strong links between uric acid (UA) levels and medical conditions that are related to insulin resistance, which increases the chance of acquiring diabetes, though discrepancies in result have also been reported. Aim: This study aims to investigate the role of UA in diabetic and prediabetic subjects and compare them with euglycemic control. Methods: In this hospital-based comparative cross-section study, 220 subjects were enrolled, out of which 76 were diabetic, 74 prediabetic, and 70 euglycemic control. The male and female ratio was almost the same in the three groups. Diabetes mellitus was defined as fasting glucose ≥126mg/dl, non-fasting glucose ≥200mg/dl, or use of oral hypoglycemic medication or insulin. Around 3 ml of fasting blood samples were collected and analyzed for fasting blood glucose (FBG), and UA. Two-hour post-meal blood was collected for postprandial glucose (PPG) estimation. For comparison of variables among the group’s chi-square for categorical and student’s t-test, Mann Whitney U and analysis of variance for continuous data were applied. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationships between variables. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age of the diabetic, prediabetic, and euglycemic control was 56.16 ± 12.58 years, 53.69 ± 14.92 years, and 48.97 ± 14.74 years, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.009). The mean UA level was also statistically different in the three groups (p = 0.010), the highest level (7.50 ± 2.24 mg/dl) in diabetic patients and lowest level (6.44 ± 2.06 mg/dl) in euglycemic control. There was a positive and significant correlation between UA and FBG, PPG (r = 0.253, p =0.002; r = 0.134, p = 0.048) in the participants. Conclusion: We observed a significant association of UA in diabetic, prediabetic, and euglycemic control; however, it is not associated with the outcome of diabetes.
Sub-chronic oral propylene glycol administration sustained normal liver function and histology: A suitable alternative vehicle for hydrophobic test-compounds
Authors:   Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria., Gracious Oke Oluwamayowa
Published: August 2022

Background: An undocumented controversy exists on the suitability/unsuitability of propylene glycol as a solvent or vehicle for hydrophobic test-compounds in animal experimentation(s). This is partly due to the paucity of evidence that aims to probe its histological effects beyond Hematoxylin and Eosin assessment. Objective: To determine the potential suitability/unsuitability of oral propylene glycol as a vehicle for hydrophobic test-compounds by assessing its histological and biochemical effects in female Wistar rats. Methods: The study recruited 10 Wistar rats which were divided into two groups of five rats each as follows: Group 1 received distilled water (2 ml/kg, po) for four consecutive weeks while group 2 received propylene glycol (2 ml/kg, po) for the same period of time. Results: Propylene glycol caused no alteration in liver function as indicated by the plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and hepatic total protein level when both groups were compared (p > 0.05). No significant difference between both groups was also recorded in the oxidative stress status (glutathione and catalase) of their liver homogenates. Histological examinations using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) (general histoarchitecture) as well as special stains such as Gordon and Sweet (reticular fiber formation), Masson’s trichrome (collagen fibers), and periodic acid-Schiff (glycogen content) did not reveal any feature of pathology. Quantification analyses of their liver sections, using image J, further revealed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in their histoarchitectural features. Conclusion: Propylene glycol is a suitable alternative vehicle for hydrophobic test-compounds in experimental studies, as its sub-chronic administration sustained normal liver function and histology
Self-reported health profile of adolescents’ school students in an Egyptian village
Authors:   Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt., El-Masry Ragaa
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Although adolescents comprise a considerable portion of Egypt’s population, they have received insufficient indicators of their health status, especially in rural areas. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the health profile of adolescent school students and its associated socio-demographic factors in an Egyptian village. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted during the scholastic year 2016–2017 on 378 adolescent students recruited from preparatory and secondary schools in Tonnamel village, Egypt. A self-reported questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and included the modified Child health and illness profile-Adolescent edition questionnaire. Results: Health profile taxonomy and ranking revealed the worst health status as the most frequent one among students (69.6%). Age, gender, and mother education were significant predictors of health status whereas having illiterate mothers [p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) = 4.3, and confidence interval (CI) = 1.62–11.9], being females (p = 0.003, OR = 2.54, and CI = 1.38–4.66) and older age group of 15–18 years (p = 0.02, OR = 2.23, and CI = 1.13–4.38) were significant risk factors for the poor to worst health among adolescents. Conclusions: This study reflected the worst health status as the most frequent and highly prevalent health profile among the studied adolescent students. This is mostly related to age and sex of students and to the education of their mothers whereas being female, owning older age and illiterate mother were risk factors for worst health status of adolescents. Addressing the health characteristics of adolescents is valuable to tailor suitable and specific health improvement interventions.
A sub-acute toxicity study to assess the effects of methanol extract of date palm fruit on kidney functions in adult Wistar rats
Authors:   Department of Physiology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria., Emojevwe Victor
Published: August 2022

Background: Phoenix dactilifera (PD) has been used as a medicinal remedy for swollen limbs, aching legs, cough, sneezing, and acceleration of hair growth. Although studies have suggested the beneficial aspects of this agent to human health, it is not yet clear of the dosage that may become detrimental. Methods: Twenty adult albino rats divided into four groups of five rats each were used in this experiment. Methanol extract of PD was orally administered at doses of 4, 8, and 16 mg/kg to groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively, while group 1 (control) received distilled water. After 8 hours, blood was collected from the animals for the assessment of packed cell volume, serum urea, creatinine, glucose, potassium, chloride, and sodium. The data generated were expressed as the mean ± standard error of mean. The means were compared with Student’s t-test and analysis of variance with a p-value of 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: In all parameters analyzed, kidney function was improved only at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg, which was attributed to the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of PD. A higher dose of 16 mg/kg significantly increased the K+ (36.0 ± 4.5/22.6 ± 2.3 mEq/l) and serum urea (32.0 ± 3.8 mg/dl/25.2 ± 1.4 mg/dl) concentrations when compared with the control but other parameters measured were unchanged. These revealed that high doses of PD might impair normal renal functions. Conclusions: It was, therefore, concluded that methanol extract of PD fruit improved kidney functions at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg and that at 16 mg/kg, PD might be deleterious to the kidney by impairing urea and potassium excretion.
Experience of interpersonal violence and subjective levels of aggression among healthcare staff in a Nigerian hospital
Authors:   Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria., Oluwole Lateef Olutoyin
Published: August 2022

Background: Workplace violence in the health sector is an issue of major public health. Little is known of assessment of aggression among victims of violence is quite relevant. Objective: A cross-sectional descriptive study of the occurrence of violence experienced by healthcare staff of a tertiary healthcare facility. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study of 127 healthcare workers. The instrument comprised of an explorative questionnaire and an extract of the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Results: Eighty-five (66.9%) of 127 respondents had experienced work-related violence. Verbal attack was most frequently reported (83.5%). Patients and relatives were the most cited perpetrators of violence. Nurses and doctors constituted 75% of health workers who were exposed to violence. Sociodemographic characteristics such as age group, sex, and experience at work were significant risks for violence. Study revealed the majority of respondents who experienced violence had elevated scores on the subjective aggression scale. Conclusion: Seventy percent of respondents experienced work-related violence; 62.4% of the perpetrators were patients and relatives. The reasons for violence included health workers long waiting time and health workers’ elevated scores on the subjective aggression scale. Training and educating health workers on identifying early signs of aggression and also anger management would help in reducing violence at the workplace.
Update on Ghanem’s new scientific discoveries in physics, Physiology, and Medicine
Authors:   Retired Consultant Urologist Surgeon & Independent Investigator, No1 President Mubarak Street, Mansoura 35511, Egypt., Ghanem Ahmed N
Published: August 2022

Introduction and objective: To report the new scientific discoveries in physics, physiology and medicine by one author. Material and Methods: Results of my research are summarized. It is based on 2 clinical studies one prospective and the second case series on hyponatraemia (HN) of the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) syndrome. A physics study on porous orifice (G) tube proves Starling’s law is wrong. I reported prospective study on nephroptosis revealing its link with the loin pain haematuria syndrome (LPHS) and curative surgery for it. Results: Two physics and two physiological discoveries are reported. Acute HN presents as shock during surgery. It is induced by massive gain of sodium-free fluid recognized as volumetric overload shock (VOS). Features of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occur, include ARDS, Acute renal failure (ARF) and Coma. The prospective study demonstrated volumetric overload is the most significant in patho-aetiology. The case series demonstrated mistaking VOS for a known shock and treating it with further volume expansion cause death. Correct diagnoses as VOS and treating it with hypertonic sodium is lifesaving. The physics study on the G tube demonstrated that proximal, akin to arterial, pressure induces suction not filtration producing the hydrodynamic phenomenon that replaces Starling’s law. The link of LPHS with nephroptosis is demonstrated by the IVU 7 sign. The curative surgery for LPHS is renal sympathetic denervation and nephropexy. Conclusion: Dilution HN presents as shock that is mistaken for known shocks and treated with volume expansion causing death or ARDS. Manifestations include shock, ARDS, ARF and Coma. The correct treatment is hypertonic sodium. Starling s law has proved wrong. The correct replacement is the hydrodynamics of G tube. The puzzle of LPHS was also resolved.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Admissions and Mortality Rate During Covid-19 Pandemic in Gaza
Authors:   Cardiology Department, Alshifa Hospital, Gaza, Palestine., Habib Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Background: What is the nature and duration of changes to admissions for different types of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), among patients during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Gaza? Methods: The investigators analyzed data on hospital admissions in Gaza for types of ACS from August 25-2020, to October 1, 2020, that were recorded in the Alshifa Hospital Cardiology Department Service Admitted Patient Care database. Admissions were classified as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEACS and we calculate the diagnostic and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rate. Results: Hospital admissions for ACS declined from rate of 99 admissions to 40 admission in 2020in this time, a reduction of 60%. During the period of declining admissions, there were reductions in the number of admissions for all types of ACS, including both STEMI and NONSTEACS, but relative and absolute reductions were larger for NSTEMI, (from 73 patients in 2019 to 26 patients in 2020) with a percent reduction of 64% In parallel, reductions were recorded in the STEMI ( from 26 patients in 2019 to 14 patients in 2020) percent reduction 46 %, the mortality rate for STEMI patient was 4% in 2019 and 21% in 2020, for non-STEMI patient was 0% in 2019 and 4% in 2020. The diagnostic coronary angiography decrease from 130 to 31 cases (76%) and PCI decrease from 35 to 18 cases (49%) during this period Conclusions: We found that significant reduction in the number of patients with ACS who were admitted to the hospital during the pandemic, but increase in mortality rate by 17% in STEMI and 4% in NON-STEACS in Gaza strip
Consciousness Field Theory
Authors:   West Virginia State University, The Mocombeian Foundation, Inc, USA., Mocombe Paul C
Published: August 2022

This work contrasts Paul C. Mocombe’s consciousness field theory (CFT) of phenomenological structuralism (PS) with conscious electromagnetic information theory (CEMI). The author posits a cognitive developmental psychology that is tied to PS’s emergent logico-metaphysical materialist account regarding the constitution and perpetuation of the multiverse, consciousness, society, and the individual. Against CEMI, the author concludes that consciousness is an emergent force of the universe that is received by the brain and integrated by its electromagnetic field.
Anti-Hypercholesterolemic and Anti-Atherogenic Potential of Aqueous Extract of Dansonia Digitata Stem Bark Induced By Heated Palm Oil Supplemented With Egg in Rat
Authors:   Department of Biological Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Christian Bonabe
Published: August 2022

Aim: To investigate the antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects of Adansonia digitata (AD.) in in heated palm oil/cholesterol supplemented with egg in rat. Methods: Quantitative phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of A. digitata was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential was evaluated. The antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerosis activity of A. digitata was evaluated by inducing hypercholesterolemia in rats with heated palm oil/cholesterol diet supplemented with egg for 10 weeks. At the end of induction period, animals were divided into 5 groups of 8 rats each after 6 weeks of induction: Group I (normocholesterolemic rat, NCR), Group II (hypercholesterolemia rat, HCR), Group III (Atorvastatin 2 mg/kg), Groups IV (AD. 100 mg/kg) and V (AD. 200 mg/kg). Hemodynamic parameters, lipid profile, atherogenic indices and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Results: A digitata significantly reduced the systolic arterial blood pressure (SBP), diastolic arterial blood pressure (DBP), pulsatile pressure (PP) and heart rate. Plant extract reveal important flavonoids and phenolic contents and has significant in vitro and in vivo antioxidant efficacy. Both doses 100 and 200 mg/kg of A. digitata or atorvastatin significantly attenuated the lipid levels, atherogenic indices and histological abnormalities and significantly (p < 0.01) increased increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of A. digitata possessed antihypercholesterolemic and anti-atherogenic effects via modulation overproduction of reactive oxygen species and endothelial dysfunction.
New Variant of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa
Authors:   Ph.D. Microbiology, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq., Dawood Ali Adel
Published: August 2022

Viruses often mutate and take different shapes. There are thousands of known strains of the coronavirus. However, some variants are strongly transmissible, including variants first observed in the UK, Brazil and South Africa, and are concerned about their decreased effectiveness in the V aggregation of vaccines.
Pool of Free Blood Plasma Amino Acids in Cardiovascular Insufficiency and Substantiation of Methods for Its Metabolic Correction (Mini-Review)
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry Yanka Kupala Grodno State University, Belarus., Nefyodov L
Published: August 2022

A mini-review of data on the mechanisms of formation of the pool of free amino acids in cardiovascular insufficiency and methods for correcting of metabolic imbalance.
Correlation between Platelet Count, TSH and Thyroxine in a Patient Presenting with Myxedema
Authors:   Department Of Internal Medicine, Saint John’s Episcopal Hospital, New York, United States., Malik Zohra
Published: August 2022

Myxedema is a very rare and life threatening endocrine emergency which results from severe hypothyroidism and effects almost every organ system. We-hereby-present a 64-year-old-woman with PMH of hypothyroidism, liver cirrhosis, DM, HLD who presented to our ED because of altered mental status and dizziness. Patient reported feeling ill for the last two days, appeared lethargic, and responded slowly to questions. She denied headache, fever, changes in vision/smell, neck pain, chest pain, cough/ wheezing, abdominal pain, bowel or urinary symptoms. On arrival to the ED, patient was hypothermic with temperature of 93.2 F, hypotensive with blood pressure of 99/49 mm Hg, heart rate of 53 beats per minute and respiratory rate of 15 breaths per minute. On examination, the patient was lethargic, confused at times, heart sounds regular, no murmurs, soft, non-tender ab-domen, no significant findings on neck exam. Laboratory work-up was significant for white cell count of 2.6 L x 103 /uL, Hb 11.6 g/dL, HCT 33.8%, platelet count 53 x 103 /uL, TSH at presentation 73.30 mIU/L, free T4 was 0.12 ng/dL. Patient was treated with 200 mcg of IV levothyroxine, 10 mcg of leothyronine, 100 mg of hydrocortisone. In the ED, patient was given broad spectrum anti-biotics for the possibility of an infection triggering her myxedema. Over the course of days, it was observed that as the TSH trended down, the thyroid hormone level increased and the platelets trended up.
Marijuana Induced Troponinemia- An Unusual Case of Elevated Troponins
Authors:   Department Of Internal Medicine, Saint John’s Episcopal Hospital, New York, United States., Malik Zohra
Published: August 2022

Marijuana (pot, weed, hashish), a very renowned drug, used initially as a medicinal herb, now to ease pain and inflammation is abused worldwide. In the context of the easy availability, easy affordability, the popularity and the rising use of this recreational drug, we review a case where the use of marijuana caused elevated troponins that were alarming and interventional procedures were done to find out the cause, but when the catheterization failed to reveal any evidence of obstruction, marijuana-induced vasospasm was considered the possible culprit of the elevated troponins.
Subacute Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with Malignancy
Authors:   Department Of Internal Medicine, Saint John’s Episcopal Hospital, New York, United States., Malik Zohra
Published: August 2022

We hereby present a 57-year-old woman with a history of asthma and hypertension who presented to the emergency department with shortness of breath, syncope and loss of consciousness. Patient complained of decreased appetite, constipation and 20lbs weight loss over one month. Patient denied fever, chills, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, pain or swelling in lower extremity, trauma, hemoptysis. Vitals at presentation: temperature 99.8 F, pulse 124 bpm, BP 135/93 mm Hg, respiratory rate 18 pm, oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Non-contrast CT scan of the brain was unremarkable. Cervical spine CT did not show any acute bony fracture or subluxation or central canal stenosis. Chest xray showed right upper lung infiltrate and very small right pleural effusion. Chest CT showed: small pulmonary emboli involving right lower lobe and left upper lobe sub segmental pulmonary arteries, large pericardial effusion, right upper lobe ground glass pulmonary infiltrates, right upper lobe pulmonary mass with multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules concerning for metastatic process, small right-sided pleural effusion, bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy concerning for metastatic disease, multiple ill-defined hepatic lesions. EKG showed sinus tachycardia without electrical alternans. Echocardiogram showed: left ventricular ejection fraction 50- 55%, grade 1 diastolic dysfunction consistent with impaired relaxation and normal filling pressures. There is a large circumferential pericardial effusion and right ventricular diastolic collapse suggesting tamponade physiology evident on echocardiogram. Pericardiocentesis was done, about 700 cc of fluid was removed and the patient’s symptoms improved. This patient had pericardial effusion most likely due to malignancy. Pericardial fluid buildup and subsequent tamponade in a malignancy is usually subacute. In malignancy, fluid accumulates slowly, pericardium stretches with time allowing ample fluid to be accumulated vs in an acute tamponade as there is very rapid, large pericardial effusion, pericardium does not have time to stretch and may present with more alarming signs and symptoms. Sub-acute tamponade as is seen in malignancy presents with less alarming signs and symptoms and might be missed. Patients with subacute tamponade may be asymptomatic or complain of fatigability, chest discomfort, dyspnea caused by decreased cardiac output and increased filling pressures.
Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient with Well’s Score of Zero
Authors:   Department Of Internal Medicine, Saint John’s Episcopal Hospital, New York, United States., Malik Zohra
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary embolism is a condition in which a blood clot blocks a vessel in the lungs. It is a venous thromboembolism that is common and sometimes may prove to be life threatening. Well’s score/Well’s criteria calculates the risks of developing deep vein thrombosis and subsequently pulmonary embolism. Well’s score is based on clinical symptoms of DVT (leg swelling, pain with palpation)(3.0 points each), other diagnosis less likely than pulmonary embolism (3.0 points each), heart rate more than 100 (1.5 points each), immobilization or surgery in the last four weeks (1.5 points each), previous DVT/PE (1.5 points each), hemoptysis (1.0 points), malignancy (1.0 points). If the patient scores 3 or higher there is a high risk of DVT. 1 or 2 score is a moderate risk of DVT. In patients with moderate or higher probability for DVT (cut-off scores of 2), the Well’s score was able to detect patients at risk of developing DVT with a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 90%. We hereby present a 40-year-old lady with no significant past medical history, who presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of non-radiating right sided chest pain and shortness of breath worsened with walking. Patient denied smoking, recent travels, OCP, recent surgeries, immobilization, previous DVT, pulmonary embolism, hemoptysis, malignancy, miscarriages, lupus. No family history of coagulopathies. Vitals were stable with Blood pressure of 101/60 mmHg, heart rate of 77 beats/minute, afebrile, Respiratory rate of 18, saturating 99% on room air. On examination no leg swelling or tenderness noted, no Intercostal Retraction, no use of accessory muscles, lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. Venous Doppler study was unremarkable. Chest x ray did not show any cardio-pulmonary disease. The Well’s score came out to be zero with pulmonary embolism very low in the differential. We decided to do CT chest which showed small pulmonary emboli involving bilateral lower lobe sub-segmental pulmonary arteries. D-dimer came out to be 1938. All the rest of the labs and the coagulation factors were within normal limits. We started the patient on lovenox subQ 60 mg Q12 hourly with improvement in the shortness of breath. Patient was discharged on Xarelto. The possibility of DVT should still be considered if the patient presents with shortness of breath with zero Well’s Score.