bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical Realization in Godard’s Histoire(s) Du Cinéma
Authors: Smith Steven G. ,   Society for the Philosophic Study of the Contemporary Visual Arts
Published: March 2021

Based on a bold equation of cinema with history, Jean-Luc Godard’s essay-film Histoire(s) du Cinéma (1988–1998) provokes new thoughts about what historical understanding involves and how cinematic revelation can happen. This paper discusses how Histoire(s) engages conventional standards of historical understanding while also taking us into uncharted depths of historical realization, examining the undeniable historical evidence presented in the film (mainly documenting the content of Hollywood and European films along thematically suggestive lines), undismissable insights into relations among historical data, and possibly valid judgments of historical truth (notably that cinema failed in its essential mission by not filming the Holocaust). Reaching for non-obvious connections, Godard risks misleading decontextualization of his materials. But by stocking our minds with pertinent film selections, new treatments of those images, and various writers’ musings he draws us into his quest for a practically decisive realization of the significance of the recent history of our civilization.
Embracing e-Philosophy
Authors: Pan Dawei ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2021

Online classes have brought with them challenges, as well as opportunities, for philosophy and philosophical education. The democratization of interactions, the creative tension between anonymity and publicity, and the virtualization and centralization of information that compel participants to focus on the mobility of ideas together make up what the present article calls e-philosophy. The article presents three issues essential to teaching philosophy via the internet: building a framework for communication, syllabus design, and engaging participants. Two major problems specific to China, where the author teaches and works as a philosopher of science, and those related to philosophical education in the internet era in general, are discussed.
Closing the Feedback Loop
Authors: Roupa Vicky ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2021

The study presented here is concerned with the pedagogical and technical issues around the provision of feedback. More specifically, it looks at how feedback is received and interpreted by students and how it can become integrated in a comprehensive plan for supporting philosophy students and helping them develop critical and analytical writing skills. It is especially relevant in post-Covid-19 educational settings, where face-to-face contact is limited and feedback is delivered remotely, potentially opening a gap between instructors’ intentions and student perceptions of the feedback they receive. I discuss tools for eliciting students’ responses to feedback and argue that having a strategy for receiving feedback from students can have a lot of benefits: it provides a timely tool for instructors to check on the effectiveness of their feedback, helps solidify the learning partnership and circumvents some of the problems digital technologies pose for teaching and learning.
How Serbian local tourist organizations use Facebook
Authors: Ćamilović Dragana
Published: March 2021

The use of the Internet, and particularly social networks, has changed the way people inform themselves about potential tourist destinations today. People are often browsing the Internet to find inspiration for their next trip. A nice photograph or a video posted on a Facebook page, for example, can motivate them to further explore the destination and become interested in visiting it. Since local tourist organizations in Serbia play an important role in promoting and supporting tourism on a local level, they need to use the marketing potential of social networks to its fullest. This paper provides an overview of the most commonly used social networking services and the benefits of their use. It also sheds light on the use of Facebook by the local tourist organizations of popular Serbian destinations. The author has investigated Facebook pages of five Serbian local tourist organizations and conducted a comparative analysis according to the number of their fans (i.e., total page likes), total page likes growth comparing to the previous week, the number of their posts in the observed week, and the engagement rates of their fans (in the observed week).
Media culture in modern society
Authors: Ljajić Samir
Published: March 2021

The importance of media culture in contemporary society is extremely large because it shapes a modern man life, the creation of political attitudes and social behavior of individuals. The products of media culture, paintings, sounds and performances are increasingly organizing free time of a contemporary man, shaping his thinking and identity. Based on the content of radio, television, film, and new media technologies, a person creates an image of himself, his own potentials, values, success, as well as his own affiliation, a certain class, race, nationality, and thus media culture has a remarkable social significance. A number of relevant authors state that media culture shapes people's perceptions of the world, the value system, morality, good and evil. Worldwide, the contents of the media culture today constitute a general culture and are seen as the basis for new forms of global culture. A complex spectrum of actions that make media, primarily radio television, film, and media of modern technologies, creates the need for a more precise definition of the term media culture, bearing in mind its breadth and complexity. In this context, the main goal of this paper is to define the concept of media culture, in order to better understand all aspects, as well as the complexity of the whole that this term implies. Media culture is determined by the terms which provide an insight into a better understanding of this term, and in this paper they are given considerable attention. D. Kelner in the Media Culture section points to the following important determinants: a wide range of media resources that form an integral part of the media culture; performances created by the combination of picture and sound; creation of features and symbols of contemporary social life; media culture as a high technology culture (techno-culture); the relation between media culture and society; theory of media and cultures.
Molecular docking analysis of furfural and isoginkgetin with heme oxygenase I and PPARγ
Authors:   Department of Physiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai - 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India, Santhakumar Preetha
Published: March 2021

Inflammatory is cascade process triggered by pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory. In the present study anti-inflammatory activity of Stachydrine and Sakuranetin were studied against the inflammatory target proteins IL-6 and TNF-α by using molecular docking analysis. Both compounds showed the good binding with selected target proteins. Compared to Sakuranetin, the Stachydrine have lowest binding energy and good hydrogen bond interactions. Hence results of study indicated that Stachydrine possessed high and specific inhibitory activity on tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6.
Los primeros dientes de anquilosaurio (Ornithischia: Thyreophora) descritos en el Cretácico Inferior de España
Authors: Canudo José Ignacio , Ruiz Omeñaca José Ignacio , Cuenca-Bescós Gloria
Published: March 2021

Se describen por primera vez en España, dos dientes de un Ankylosauria del Cretácico Inferior. El material proviene de la Formación Blesa en La Cantalera (Josa, Teruel), datada con carofitas como Hauteriviense terminal-Barremiense basal. Sus caracteres diagnósticos son el esmalte liso y una base inflada, sin cíngulo. En las propuestas filogenéticas de Ankylosauria la ausencia de cíngulo se considera como el estadio primitivo para este carácter. Sin embargo los grupos hermanos considerados en estas propuestas tienen un cíngulo desarrollado. Por tanto consideramos que en Ankylosauria la presencia de cíngulo es el estadio primitivo, y la ausencia es el derivado. Los dientes de La Cantalera comparten la ausencia de cíngulo con el polacántido Gastonia (Barremiense de EE.UU.), por lo que hemos clasificado al Ankylosauria de La Cantalera como Polacanthidae indet.
Estudio del sentido de enrollamiento en los foraminíferos bentónicos del Marjal de Torreblanca (Castellón)
Authors: Guillem Jordi , Usera Mata Juan
Published: March 2021

Se ha analizado el sentido de enrollamiento de siete especies de foraminíferos bentónicos procedentes del marjal de Torreblanca localizado al norte de la Comunidad Valenciana, Este de España. Si bien en ninguna especie se ha observado un marcado predominio en el sentido de enrollamiento, dos de ellas muestran una preferencia leve pero estadísticamente significativa: Ammonia beccarii tepida es predominantemente dextrógira y Metarotaliella simplex? preferentemente levógira. Trochammina inflata, Jadammina macrescens y Rubratella sp. no muestran preferencia alguna en el sentido de enrollamiento. En Torreblanca no se ha observado ninguna relación entre la tendencia de enrollamiento y los parámetros ambientales. Como las formas microsféricas en Ammonia beccarii tepida representan sólo el 1-2% del total de individuos, no se pudo determinar la influencia del ciclo vital sobre la tendencia en el enrollamiento, si bien ambas características no parecen relacionadas. El sentido de enrollamiento en Ammonia beccarii parece en cambio estar relacionado con las variantes morfológicas de esta especie, consideradas por algunos autores como especies genéticamente diferenciadas. Según los pocos datos disponibles, Ammonia beccarii beccarii se caracterizaría por un marcado predominio de formas levógiras mientras que Ammonia beccarii tepida mostraría sólo un ligero predominio de uno u otro sentido de enrollamiento o bien ninguna preferencia, dependiendo de las condiciones ambientales. Si bien se necesitan muchos más datos, si este patrón se confirmase, el sentido de enrollamiento en Ammonia podría ser el resultado de la compleja combinación entre un control genético general y una cierta influencia ambiental.
Nuevos datos sobre el registro malacológico del Pleistoceno Superior-Holoceno de la Cueva de Nerja (Málaga, España)
Authors: Lozano-Francisco M. Carmen , Vera-Peláez José Luis , Simón Vallejo María Dolores , Cortés Sánchez Miguel
Published: March 2021

Se ha realizado un estudio sistemático, autoecológico y antrópico de los moluscos e invertebrados recuperados en una intervención arqueológica en la Sala del Vestíbulo de la Cueva de Nerja (Málaga). Los sedimentos en los que se han recuperado se encuadran entre el Pleistoceno superior-Holoceno (21.000-6.000 B.P.). Hemos identificado 48 especies de invertebrados, de las que 45 son moluscos: dos especies de escafópodos, 15 de bivalvos y 30 de gasterópodos. Estos últimos son en su mayoría marinos, de la zona intertidal rocosa, si bien hay una especie de ambiente fluvial (Melanopsis laevigata Lamarck, 1818) y otras cinco de helícidos (pulmonados), de procedencia continental, recogidos en los alrededores de la cueva. Los otros invertebrados son un erizo de mar (Echinodermata): Paracentrotus lividus (Linné, 1758) y dos crustáceos (Balanus sp. y Brachiura sp.). En el Paleolítico Superior (Würm III-IV a Tardiglacial) el ambiente costero sería fundamentalmente de playa, lo que propiciaría la captura de fauna infralitoral arenosa-fangosa. Al menos tres especies de moluscos fueron utilizados en exclusiva como elementos ornamentales, los dos escafópodos: [Antalis inaequicostatum (Dautzenberg, 1896) y Antalis vulgare (Linné, 1758)] y un gasterópodo, Jujubinus exasperatus (Pennant, 1777), de fuerte color rojo.
Miocene lithological, foraminiferal and palynological data from the Belverde borehole (Portugal)
Authors: Legoinha Paulo , Sousa Lígia , Pais João , Ferreira João , Rita Amado Ana , Ribeiro Isabel
Published: March 2021

Preliminary data on lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the Belverde borehole (http://www.dct.fct.unl.pt/Sondagem/Sondagem/coluna/index_col.html) is presented. The borehole attained 619,77 m of depth, crossing 130 m of Plio-Pleistocene and 460 m of Miocene deposits. Main lithologies are fine sands, marls and biocalcarenites. A coral reef was recognized in the lower part of the borehole (530-585 m). Gamma ray, neutrons and sonic diagraphies were obtained. Eight 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ages (H. Elderfield, Cambridge University) and the presence of some of the main planktonic foraminifera markers were used to establish the chronostratigraphic framework. Planktonic spikes are related to the major transgressions of the Lower Tagus Basin (LTB): M. Burdigalian (sample Belv 459; 446 m), L. Serravallian (Belv 76; 244 m) and L. Tortonian (Belv 51, 202 m). Benthic assemblages are dominated by Ammonia, Elphidium and Nonion. Spores suggest a mild and humid climate during the uppermost Burdigalian to the Tortonian. Pollen is scarce. Thirty dinoflagellates taxa (26 Gonyaulacoids and 4 Peridinioids) have been identified, indicating coastal to shallow marine environments. In the uppermost Burdigalian to the Tortonian the presence of peridinioids and scarce acritarchs suggest influence of inshore to brackish environments. Several 87Sr /86Sr ages obtained by H. Elderfield (Cambridge University) fit well with the biostratigraphy for the Lower and Middle Miocene, but values given by Howarth and Mcarthur (1997) are closer to the Upper Miocene biostratigraphic data.
Primer registro de Dusicyon gymnocercus (Fisher, 1814) (Carnivora: Canidae) en el Pleistoceno de Entre Ríos (Argentina)
Authors: Prevosti Francisco Juan , Noriega Jorge Ignacio , García Esponda César Mariano , Ferrero Brenda Soledad
Published: March 2021

Se reporta el primer registro paleontológico de Dusicyon gymnocercus (Fischer, 1814) procedente de la Formación Arroyo Feliciano (Edad Lujanense; Pleistoceno Tardío-Holoceno Temprano) de la provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina. El ejemplar (CICYTTP-PV-M-22) consiste en un cráneo completo sin mandíbula cuya morfología cráneo-dentaria es indistinguible de la especie viviente Dusicyon gymnocercus. El tamaño general del cráneo y las medidas cráneo-dentarias tomadas se encuentran dentro del rango de variación de Dusicyon gymnocercus. Los análisis multivariados permitieron llegar a la misma conclusión. Este constituye el primer registro de un cánido para el Lujanense de Entre Ríos y la Mesopotamia Argentina y amplía la distribución geográfica de Dusicyon gymnocercus durante el Lujanense.
Paleobiogeografía de Cyrtinopsidae (Braquiópodos Delthyridina del Silúrico y Devónico)
Authors: García-Alcalde Jenaro L.
Published: March 2021

La Familia Cyrtinopsidae está constituida por dos subfamilias, Kozlowskiellininae y Cyrtinopsinae. Las formas más antiguas de ambos grupos aparecieron en el Silúrico, los Kozlowskiellininae en el Wenlock y los Cyrtinopsinae en el Pridoli. El origen geográfico de los Cyrtinopsidae se encuentra, posiblemente, en el extremo bohémico de Gondwana. Los Kozlowskiellininae aprovecharon la escasa extensión de los llamados océanos Reico y Japeto para colonizar, durante el Silúrico Superior, Avalonia y parte de Laurencia, extinguiéndose en dichas áreas antes de acabar el Silúrico. En su región de origen, sin embargo, el tronco principal de la subfamilia originó algunas nuevas especies a lo largo del Devónico Inferior. El taxón más moderno del grupo parece ser Boucotiellina, del Emsiense de China Meridional y Norte de España. El origen concreto de Boucotiellina y las modalidades de dispersión de sus especies entre China Meridional y España son todavía desconocidas.
Los Cyrtinopsinae aprovecharon igualmente la reducción de barreras oceánicas entre Gondwana y los paleocontinentes septentrionales para extenderse prácticamente por todo el mundo. Megakozlowskiella, el género ancestral de la subfamilia, apareció en el nordeste de Laurencia hacia el final del Silúrico y alcanzó, más tarde, Siberia, por una parte, y Australia y Nueva Zelanda, por la otra, extinguiéndose a fines del Emsiense. A su vez, Cyrtinopsis produjo varias especies a lo largo del Devónico Inferior y desapareció en el curso del Eifeliense Inferior. Cyrtinopsis originó en el área bohémica una rama menor de vida efímera, Jehlanaria, durante el Praguiense.
Integrated biochronology of the pliocene deposits of the Estepona basin (Málaga, S Spain). Palaeobiogeographic and palaeoceanographic implications
Authors: Aguirre Julio , Cachão Mario , Domènech Rosa , Lozano-Francisco M.ª Carmen , Martinell Jordi , Mayoral Eduardo , Santos Ana , Vera-Peláez José Luis , Da Silva Carlo M
Published: March 2021

In the Estepona basin (Málaga, S Spain), the richest and the most diverse Pliocene sites of marine invertebrates (mostly molluscs) of the Mediterranean are found. Most of the species described up until now (~95% out of 892 identified species) occur at the Parque Antena and the Velerín Area (Velerín, Velerín-Carretera and Velerín-Antena) sites. Although molluscs are very well known, the age of these important sites is still controversial. In this paper, a biochronological study of these sites based on an integrated study of the microfossil (calcareous nannoplankton and planktonic foraminifers) and macrofossil (molluscs) assemblages is presented.
The Parque Antena and Velerín-Carretera sites can be attributed to the late Zanclean (uppermost part of the early Pliocene) based on the presence of Globorotalia margaritae, Gr. puncticulata and Gr. group crassaformis (including Gr. crassaformis s.s.). Nannoplankton assemblages agree with this age, and can be attributed to the CN11b biozone of Okada & Bukry (1980) due to the presence of small Gephyrocapsa, Sphenolithus abies and Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica. At the Velerín-Antena section, the bioindicators of the early Pliocene Gr. margaritae, Sphenolithus abies and Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica are absent.
The molluscs found in the studied sites correlate with the Mediterranean Pliocene Molluscan Unit 1 of Raffi & Monegatti (1993) (MPMU1).
Finally, the coexistence of Gr. margaritae and Gr. group crassaformis in the Mediterranean domain is described for the first time.
Presencia de Teredolites en la Formación Arcillas de Morella (Cretácico Inferior, Castellón)
Authors: Ferrer Oriol , De Gibert Jordi M
Published: March 2021

En el presente trabajo se da a conocer la presencia de troncos con perforaciones en la Formación Arcillas de Morella (Aptiense Inferior, Castellón). Se han reconocido dos formas correspondientes a dos icnoespecies diferentes: Teredolites clavatus y Teredolites longissimus. Las perforaciones se asignan a la actividad perforante de bivalvos de las familias Pholadidae y Teredinidae. La presencia de estas perforaciones en los niveles superiores de la Formación Arcillas de Morella, junto con el contenido paleontológico asociado a éstas, así como las estructuras sedimentarias de los diferentes materiales, confirman que estos depósitos poseen una clara influencia mareal. La base del nivel con Teredolites corresponde a una superfi cie transgresiva (TS) que separaría los depósitos continentales del cortejo de bajo nivel del mar (LST) caracterizado por las facies de arcillas rojas de la mitad inferior de la unidad, de los del cortejo transgresivo (TST), constituido por las facies heterolítico-arenosas de la parte superior de esta formación, de clara influencia mareal.
Evidencia icnológica de un dinosaurio terópodo gigante en el Berriasiense (Cretácico Inferior) de Laurasia (las Villasecas, Soria, España)
Authors: Barco José Luis , Canudo José Ignacio , Ruiz-Omeñaca José Ignacio , Rubio José Luis
Published: March 2021

El registro mundial de dinosaurios en el Berriasiense es pequeño en comparación con el del Jurásico Superior y el Cretácico Inferior más alto. En la cuenca de Cameros existen un gran número de yacimientos de edad Titónico-Berriasiense, con gran abundancia y diversidad de icnitas de saurópodos, terópodos, ornitópodos y aves. Las icnitas de dinosaurios terópodos son muy abundantes, sin embargo únicamente la icnita aislada de Las Villasecas (Soria) y un rastro de Treguajantes (La Rioja), ambos registros de edad Berriasiense inferior, pueden asignarse a un terópodo gigante. La icnita soriana mide 69 cm de longitud y muestra gruesos dedos, impresiones de las uñas muy marcadas, sin impresión de hallux y un característico desplazamiento medial del dedo II. Esa morfología es similar a la del rastro de Treguajantes, compuesto de tres icnitas de entre 64 y 70 cm de longitud. Estas icnitas son diferentes de los icnogéneros de terópodo de edad y talla similar. Los ángulos interdigitales son diferentes en Megalosauripus e Irenesauripus. Bueckeburgichnus muestra una evidente impresión del hallux, además de otras diferencias morfológicas. Aunque el gigantismo se ha desarrollado en diversos grupos de terópodos desde el Jurásico Medio hasta el Cretácico Superior, los alosáuridos fueron los que ocuparon ese papel en el tránsito Jurásico-Cretácico. Sin embargo existe controversia sobre las icnitas producidas por este grupo, lo que unido a la prueba cladística de la diversificación de los carcarodontosáuridos en el Jurásico Superior, conduce a identificar al posible productor de las icnitas de Cameros como un alosauroideo indeterminado.
Cazuma 1, nueva localidad de micromamíferos (Mammalia, Rodentia) del Aragoniense superior en la cuenca de Quesa - Bicorp (prov. Valencia)
Authors: Ruiz-Sánchez Francisco J , De Santisteban Carlos , Lacomba José I
Published: March 2021

En el presente trabajo se describe la asociación de Megacricetodon crusafonti (Freudenthal, 1963), Megacricetodon sp. y Heteroxerus aff. grivensis (Forsyth Major, 1893) de Cazuma 1, localidad situada en el sector de Bicorp, en la cuenca terciaria de Quesa - Bicorp (Prov. Valencia). La edad atribuida a esta localidad es Aragoniense Superior. Hasta el momento, con ésta, ya son cinco las localidades conocidas de mamíferos en el Aragoniense de la cuenca de Quesa - Bicorp (Cazuma 1, Quesa 0, Quesa 2, Quesa 3 y Quesa 6).
Las Hipótesis de Eduardo Boscá sobre la alimentación del megaterio y el montaje del ejemplar de la colección Rodrigo Botet (1902-1928)
Authors: Salinas Jaques M.ª Amparo
Published: March 2021

La colección paleontológica J. Rodrigo Botet, formada por restos de mamíferos del Pleistoceno Argentino, es una colección singular en su género y, desde el punto de vista histórico, probablemente única en el mundo. Importada a Valencia (España) en 1889, hoy se encuentra depositada en el Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales de Valencia. El montaje del ejemplar más popular de la colección, un individuo muy completo de Megatherium americanum Cuvier, 1796, procedente de la cuenca del Río Samborombón, es el objeto de este artículo. Se informa de los estudios acerca de su modo de vida, llevados a cabo por Eduardo Boscá, y se destaca la influencia determinante de sus criterios en la demora del ensamblaje del ejemplar por más de 25 años. Eduardo Boscá murió en 1924, y fue su sucesor en la dirección del Museo, Francisco Beltrán Bigorra, quien, bajo criterios muy diferentes, culminó el montaje del esqueleto en 1928.
Nautílidos del Aptiense inferior (Cretácico Inferior) de la subcuenca de Oliete, Cordillera Ibérica oriental (Teruel, España)
Authors: Martínez Ricardo , Grauges Antoni
Published: March 2021

Este estudio trata de la fauna de nautílidos del Aptiense inferior de la subcuenca de Oliete (provincia de Teruel). A partir de la revisión de colecciones y de material de campo obtenido por los autores, se aportan nuevos datos sobre la especie Nautilus lacerdae Vilanova, 1870, estableciéndose un nuevo género, Josanautilus, para ubicarla sistemáticamente. Del género Heminautilus se describen dos especies, una de la cuales, Heminautilus tejeriensis, es nueva, y Heminautilus saxbii Morris, 1848.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Moringa oleifera Leaves Extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Issa Sheriffdeen Bale , Muazu Muhyiddeen , Rabi’u Isma’il
Published: March 2021

This study tests the antibacterial activities of Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, obtained from Microbiology laboratory, Al-Hikmah University Ilorin. Phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of tannins in all the three extracts (Aqueous, ethanolic and N-hexane), while. flavonoids, alkaloids and Saponins were only present in the Aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The leaves extracts were screened for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method, employing five different extracts concentrations (100mg/ml, 80mg/ml, 60mg/ml, 40mg/ml and 20mg/ml). The aqueous extracts had a mean activity of 11.50±0.70mm, 7.50±0.70mm and 8.5±0.70mm for S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa respectively. The ethanol extracts had a mean activity of 12.00±1.41mm, 10.00±1.41mm and 8.00±1.21mm for S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa respectively, while the N-hexane extracts exert no any activity. The antibiotics discs exert more inhibitory effect compared to the extract. The MIC for the aqueous extracts are at a concentrations of 60mg/ml for S. aureus, 80mg/ml for P. aeruginosa and 80mg/ml for E. coli. While that of the ethanol extract of the leaves are at a concentration of 60mg/ml for S. aureus, 80mg/ml for E. coli and 100mg/ml for P. aeruginosa. The MBC for the aqueous Extract of the leaves are at a concentration of 80mg/ml for S. aureus, 100mg/ml for P. aeruginosa and 100mg/ml for E. coli, while that of the ethanol extract are at a concentration of 80mg/ml for S. aureus and 100mg/ml for E. coli), while no any MBC was recorded for P. aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity tests indicate that the ethanol extract was more active. Among the three isolates, S. aureus is more sensitive to the aqueous and ethanol extracts. The activity exhibited by the extracts may be related to the presence of a number of Phytoconstituents.
A Comparative Assessment of Access to Healthcare of People Living in Ekiti and Kogi States of Nigeria
Authors: Oluwadare C. T. , Olorunfemi A. A. , Atiba A. S. , Ijabadeniyi O. A.
Published: March 2021

Aim: To undertake a comparative assessment of healthcare access of people in Ekiti and Kogi States of Nigeria. This further provided hard data for health program development towards attainment of universal health coverage and health sustainable development goal.

Study Design: A comparative research design was employed using questionnaire for data collection.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted in Ekiti and Kogi States of Nigeria representing Southern and Northern parts of the nation. The fieldwork was conducted in October and December 2019.

Methodology: Multistage sampling technique was used starting from random selection of one local government area from each of the three senatorial districts in the two states. From each of the local government areas, five political wards were randomly selected from the existing number of wards. From the selected wards, equal number of 144 sampled respondents were contacted for the structured interviews to make 856 administered copies of questionnaire.

Results: Most of the respondents could identify available health care facilities in their environment. However about 70 percent patronized secondary health facilities in Ekiti State while tertiary health facilities were visited mostly in Kogi State. Costs of health care is higher in Kogi compared to Ekiti State. 49% of Ekiti have a challenge in paying for treatment compared to 69% in Kogi State while from the two states, only about 19% have health insurance coverage. Respondents in Ekiti State experience strike actions of health workers than those in Kogi State. On appropriateness, Ekiti state has better scores while Kogi State has better score in acceptability.

Conclusion: Pronounced challenge to healthcare access is unaffordability of health care as a result of very low health insurance scheme coverage in the two states through Ekiti State has better indicators of quality healthcare.
Effect of Heat Treatment and Gamma Irradiation on Protein of Selected Millet Grains
Authors: Sujatha M. , Hymavathi T. V. , Devi K. Uma , Banu Nasreen
Published: March 2021

The present investigation was conducted to find out the effects of heat or irradiation combined on protein. Sorghum, pearl millet, foxtail millet were used in the study. Whole (WC) and dehulled (DC) grains were treated either with heat (170°C) or irradiation at 1.0 kGy / 2.5 kGy and stored for 90 days. There was a significant (p<0.05) effect of treatments, storage and grain and their interactions on protein. The mean protein was 9.89 percent and there was a reduction in protein content of the grains due to treatments by 11.8% in DC and 8.8% in WC. Irradiation combination treatment could prevent the loss of protein in WC but not in DC over heat treatment. The mean loss of protein during storage was 3.56 percent. The loss of protein in heat treated grains was 6.0 and 5.4 percent in DC and WC. Heat treatment increased the losses by 6.0 and 5.4 percent which were reduced to 4.1 and 1.58 when irradiation was combined with 1.0 kGy dose in DC and WC. The losses reduced with dosages of 2.5 kGy to 2.97 and 2.5 percent in DC and WC.
Platelet Indices before Vaginal Delivery in Healthy Teenage Pregnant Women Compared to Healthy Adult Pregnant Women
Authors: Covali Roxana , Socolov Demetra , Pavaleanu Ioana , Carauleanu Alexandru , Boiculese Lucian Vasile , Socolov Razvan
Published: March 2021

Aims: This work aimed to study whether there are any differences in platelet indices of the teenagers compared to adult pregnant women, differences that could be used for the benefit of the patients.

Study Design:  Prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study included all consecutive patients admitted for delivery between July 2019 and December 2019 in the Elena Doamna Obstetrics and Gynecology University Hospital, Iasi, Romania, who met the inclusion criteria.

Methodology: There were 167 patients (ranged between 14-46 years old). Complete blood count just before vaginal delivery was analyzed.

Results: A statistical difference (P=0.043) was found between plateletcrit values of healthy adolescents compared with healthy adult pregnant patients. No statistical difference was found between plateletcrit values in the 4 consecutive age groups. No pregnant patient had abnormal plateletcrit value. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher (P=0.024) in adolescents versus the over 40 age group; moreover, the teenage median values were slightly over the normal limits. The NLR values were significantly higher (P=0.013) in adolescent patients versus adult pregnant patients.

Conclusion: Even if plateletcrit or NLR values in teenage pregnant patients may be slightly higher than in adults, this was normal to happen in healthy patients, and required no therapeutic measures.
Effect of Cyclosporin A on Hearing Status in Children with Difficult to Treat Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Rageh Mohammed Tawfik Ramadan , El-Nemr Shimaa Basyony , El- Gharib Amani Mohamed , Abdelnabi Hend Hassan
Published: March 2021

Background: Cyclosporin A (CsA) is an important drug regimen for difficult to treat nephrotic syndrome (NS) with few information known about its ototoxicity.

Aims: Assessment the hearing status in children with difficult to treat idiopathic NS on CsA treatment.

Material and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 2 groups: Group I: 15 children with steroid sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome on steroids only as a line of treatment was used as comparing group to group II which included 15 children recently diagnosed difficult to treat NS starting CsA as steroids sparing drug, hearing functions were assessed using standard, high-frequency audiometry and transient otoacoustic emissions (TOAEs) at base line for both groups and after 6 months of CsA treatment for group II.

Results: There was significant elevation of hearing threshold in extended high frequency (> 8 KHz) (subclinical hearing loss) after six months of CsA. There was positive correlation between Cyclosporin A trough level and elevated hearing threshold in pure tone audiometry and extended high frequency (> 8 KHz). There was insignificant difference between groups according to TOAEs. There was statistically significant positive correlation between extended high frequency range and serum trough CsA level in group II.

Conclusions: CsA is a potential cause of hearing impairment in children with difficult to treat NS so all patients on CsA need routine audiological assessment especially with high serum CsA level and long duration.
The Mask of Personal Protection as a Cause of Depersonification of the Learners in Formal Education
Authors: Fykaris Ioannis , Matiaki Vasiliki , Geroulidou Despoina-Chrysovalantou
Published: March 2021

Aims: The purpose of the article is to highlight the factors affected by the use of the mask in special situations, like the one of the covid-19 pandemic. With the research of social, educational and psychological factors, evidence and conditions emerge, which deteriorate the psychic and social children’s life, studying in the formal education. The aim is to be understandable the significance of the person and his elevation in the modern educational and social reality, in an area where the use of mask is essential.

Methodology: The examination of the topics in this article follows the characteristics of the interdisciplinary approach. The article develops the consequences of using a protective mask in the educational, social and theological field. The approach is interdisciplinary, attempting to theoretically substantiate the issue, in order to lead to exploratory approaches to the issue within the scientific community. Therefore, this article does not refer to any research conducted by the authors, but the main interest is in structuring those factors that make the face mask a means of depersonalizing people, as a form of learned behavior, which is attempted to be acquired in the teacher environment. For this reason, this article is not presented structurally in the form of research presentation articles, quantitative or qualitative, but is developed as a theoretical research article in the field of paper review.

Conclusion: During the covid-19 pandemic, the use of a mask interferes with the effective communication and teaching relationship, which can lead to depersonalization. The concealment of facial features has socio-emotional consequences which disrupt the interpersonal relationships of learners. The educator must perceive the learner as a “person” and focus on his development. The didactic act should be based on the treatment of the learners as individuals, a fact that will restore the balance and increase their adaptive capacity towards the threat of depersonalization.
Antiurolithiatic Evaluation of α- Mangostin Fraction Isolated from Garcinia mangostana Pericarp through Computational, in vitro and in vivo Approach
Authors: Kumaran Akash , Sukumaran Prabhu
Published: March 2021

Background: The aqueous crude extract of Garcinia mangostana fruit pericarp was already proven to contain antiurolithiatic property. Based on this previous study the current study was focused on analysing the anti-urolithiatic property of α- mangostin, a xanthone polyphenol isolated from the fruit pericarp of G. manostana, which has not been tested for its anti-urolithiatic property till now.

Objective: The aim of this present study is to evaluate the anti-urolithiatic property of the isolated α- mangostin from G. mangostana fruit pericarp using in silico, in vitro and in vivo analysis.

Study Design: Antiurolithiatic activity of α- mangostin through Molecular docking study à In vitro S.S.M model study à Animal studies.

Place and Duration: Department of Biotechnology, Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Post Bag No.1, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur Tk, Kancheepuram Dt, TN-602117, India.

Materials and Methods: In silico Molecular docking of α- mangostin with Kidney stone forming proteins- Xanthine dehydrogenase (Xdh), Oxalate oxidase and Tamm-Horesefall Protein (THP) were performed using AutoDock 4.0 and was visualised in Discovery studio software. In vitro Simultaneous Static flow Model (S.S.M) was performed to investigate its Antiurolithiatic property against Calcium Oxalate (CaOx) and Calcium Phosphate (CaP) crystals. Based on the in silico and in vitro analysis, the study was extrapolated to Ethylene Glycol (EG) induced urolithiasis rat models. The animal study was performed with 36 Albino Wistar rats which were divided into 6 groups. All group except group I received EG (0.75% in drinking water) for the induction of Urolithiasis for 28 days under curative regimen. Group III was administered orally with Cystone (750 mg/kg) from 15th to 28thday. Group IV to VI was administered orally with GMPE (300 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg) from 15thto 28th day.

Results: Molecular Docking studies showed an inhibitory interaction of α- mangostin with oxalate oxidase, Xdh and THP with binding affinity of -4.47, -4.00 and -3.41 Kcal/mol respectively. S.S.M showed 54.71% inhibition for CaOx crystals and 62.21% inhibition of CaP crystals. The animal studies showed significant results in reduction of serum calcium (P<0.01), serum phosphate (P<0.01), urine calcium(P<0.001) and urine phosphate(P<0.01).

Conclusion: Thus, α- mangostin proved to be potent Anti-urolithiatic agent by reducing and disintegrating the urinary crystals.
L'idiotypie comparée des anticorps qui, dans le sérum d'un lapin immunisé contre la sérumalbumine humaine, sont dirigés contre des régions différentes de cet antigène
Authors: Cazenave Pierre-André
Published: July 2002

Idiotypy has been studied in rabbit antibodies against human serum albumin. Antibodies which are directed against three different regions of serum albumin have similar idiotypic specificities. The molecular distribution of idiotypic determinants may be different in antibodies with specificity for different determinants as revealed for example by their precipitability or non precipitability by the same anti‐idiotypic antibodies. The anti‐albumin antibodies which are not precipitable by the anti‐idiotypic antibodies, though they do combine with them, become precipitable after being mildly polymerized. Similar idiotypic specificities may be found in antibodies to serum albumin and in immunoglobulins apparently devoid of anti‐serum albumin antibody function.
GTP interacts with the γ‐subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF‐2
Authors: Kurzchalia T.V. , Bommer U.-A. , Babkina G.T. , Karpova G.G.
Published: July 2002

Eukaryotic initiation factor eIF‐2 is an oligomeric protein consisting of three different subunits. During initiation of protein synthesis eIF‐2 interacts with GTP, Met‐tRNAf and 40 S ribosomal subunit. By affinity labeling with a photo‐reactive GTP analogue it was shown that in the binary complex [eIF‐2 · GTP] GTP is in contact with the γ‐subunit of eIF‐2.
Induction of human γ interferon by Sarcophaga peregrina humoral lectin
Authors: Tamura Motoko , Natori Shunji
Published: July 2002

Humoral lectin isolated from the hemolymph of injured Sarcophaga peregrina(flesh‐fly) larvae was found to activate human peripheral blood cells to produce interferon activity. This interferon was inactivated by dialysis against a solution of pH 2.0 and by heat treatment at 56°C for 30 min, indicating that it was a γ interferon. The role of this lectin in the defence mechanism is discussed from the viewpoint of comparative immunology.
Genetic studies of the phs locus of Escherichia coli, a mutation causing pleiotropic lesions in metabolism and pH homeostasis
Authors: Rowland G.C. , Giffard P.M. , Booth I.R.
Published: July 2002

E. coli
pH regulation
Melibiose
Glutamate
Binding of actin to chromaffin granules and mitochondrial fractions of adrenal medulla
Authors: Kao Lung-Sen , W. Westhead Edward
Published: July 2002

Binding of actin to chromaffin granules was confirmed and shown to be salt dependent and eliminated by prior trypsin treatment of the granules. However, purified granules bind less actin than do crude granules. A mitochondria‐enriched fraction was found to bind substantially more actin per mg protein than did the secretory vesicle fraction. Binding of actin by the secretory vesicles therefore is not a good indication that actin plays an active role in exocytosis.
Inositol trisphosphate activates pyruvate dehydrogenase in isolated fat cells
Authors: Koepfer-Hobelsberger B. , Wieland O.H.
Published: July 2002

Inositol trisphosphate, when added to permeabilized rat fat cells, led to a several‐fold increase of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity due to conversion of the inactive phospho form (PDHb) to the active, dephospho form (PDHa). It is suggested that inositol trisphosphate, probably through intracellular Ca2+‐mobilisation, acts as a physiological mediator of insulin for activation of the mitochondrial PDH‐complex.
Effects of protease inhibitors on nuclear binding of glucocorticoid hormones in C3H10T½ cells
Authors: Umans Robert S. , Radner Babette , Kennedy Ann R.
Published: July 2002

We have measured incorporation of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisone into nuclear hormone‐receptor complexes in the C3H10T
½ cell line. As we had found cortisone to be capable of malignantly transforming these cells in vitro, and certain protease inhibitors have been shown to suppress transformation in this cell line, we investigated the effects of these protease inhibitors (antipain, chymostatin and the Bowman‐Birk inhibitor) on the formation of nuclear cortisone‐receptor complexes. All 3 inhibitors were found to suppress wholly or partially formation of nuclear cortisone‐receptor complexes, suggesting that such complexes may be involved in the process of glucocorticoid‐enhanced transformation.
The antilipolytic effect of insulin does not require adenylate cyclase or phosphodiesterase action
Authors: Gabbay Robert A. , Lardy Henry A.
Published: July 2002

Insulin antagonized the lipolytic actions of epinephrine in rat epididymal adipocytes when the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, Ro 20‐1724, was present. Adipocytes were depleted of functional cAMP by inhibiting adenylate cyclase with N
6‐phenylisopropyladenosine in the presence of adenosine deaminase such that Ro 20‐1724 no longer stimulated lipolysis. The cAMP analogs 8‐thioisopropyl‐cAMP or 8‐thiomethyl‐cAMP, which are resistant to phosphodiesterase hydrolysis, were subsequently added to bypass adenylate cyclase and phosphodiesterase action. Under these conditions, insulin antagonized the lipolytic effects of these analogs, even in the presence of Ro 20‐1724.
Cyclic AMP as an intraspheroidal differentiation signal in Volvox carteri
Authors: Gilles R. , Moka R. , Gilles C. , Jaenicke L.
Published: July 2002

The action of the macromolecular inducer glycoprotein on sexual reproduction in the green alga Volvox
carteri can be modified by altering the external (intraspheroidal) cAMP concentration. Direct proof for the presence of cAMP in the spheroids is given. Protein binding assay and HPLC‐fluorimetric analysis independently demonstrate the existence of cAMP in the matrix, cells, and culture medium. Its concentration is higher in sexual cultures, pointing to a transmitting function in sex induction. The presence in the matrix of other members of a protein phosphorylation system suggests an induction‐specific signal cascade in this plant.
Na+‐channel antagonists act as electron donors while agonists act as electron acceptors in reactions with dye free radicals
Authors: Marinov Beniamin S.
Published: July 2002

The reactions of Na+‐channel antagonists and agonists with dye free radicals were studied by the methods of pulse and continuous absorption spectroscopy. All Na+ antagonists tested except tetrodotoxin act as electron donors while agonists act as electron acceptors in the reactions with photogenerated dye free radicals. Qualitative correlation between electron donor activity of the Na+‐channel blockers and their electrophysiological potency was observed. The relation of discovered regularity to the Na+ channel operating was discussed.
Parthenogenetic activation decreases the polyphosphoinositide content of frog eggs
Authors: Le Peuch C.J. , Picard A. , Dorée M.
Published: July 2002

Polyphosphoinositides were quantified in metaphase II‐arrested eggs of the amphibian Xenopus
laevis, and 8–10 min later in eggs activated by pricking. The content of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐biphosphate (PIP2) was remarkably high in metaphase II‐arrested eggs with respect to that of phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PIP). It was found to drop dramatically at activation. In contrast PIP content did not change significantly.
The amiloride sensitive Na+/H+ antiport in guinea pig pancreatic acini
Authors: Dufresne Marlène , Bastie Marie-José , Vaysse Nicole , Creach Yves , Hollande Etienne , Ribet André
Published: July 2002

Amiloride and analogs decrease the initial rate of 22Na+ uptake by dispersed acini from guineapig pancreas in a dose‐dependent manner. The initial rate of amiloride‐sensitive 22Na+ uptake depends on external Na+ and H+ concentrations and on internal pH. These results provide evidence for the existence of a Na+H+ antiport in pancreatic acinar cells. Caerulein, a cholecystokinin analog, stimulates the activity of the Na+/H+ antiport.
Comparative studies on lens neutral endopeptidase and pituitary neutral proteinase: two closely similar enzymes
Authors: Ray Kunal , Harris Harry
Published: July 2002

A neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.5) previously thought to be unique to the eye lens has been found to be closely similar if not identical in native molecular size, component polypeptides and antigenic structure to a neutral proteinase from pituitary. Here we investigated some subtle differences in properties of the two enzymes, such as the effects of temperature, divalent cations and SDS on their activities with respect to different substrates. We conclude that the pituitary enzyme may have a relatively more compact structure requiring relaxation by low SDS concentration or higher temperature for maximum activity.
Formation of diacyl‐ and alkylacylphosphatidylcholine by the membranes of human platelets
Authors: McKean Margaret L. , Silver Melvin J. , Authi Kalwant S. , Crawford Neville
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the distribution and fatty acid preference of two acyl‐CoA transferase activities in a human platelet mixed membrane fraction and in well‐characterised surface and intracellular membrane subfractions prepared from it by high‐voltage free‐flow electrophoresis. One transferase inserts long‐chain unsaturated fatty acids into 1‐acyllysophosphatidylcholine (1‐acyl‐LPC) and the other into lyso‐platelet‐activating factor (LPAF). Both transferase activities were approx. 4‐fold enriched in the intracellular membranes with respect to their specific activities in the mixed membranes. The surface membrane activities were correspondingly depleted. Using 1‐acyl‐LPC as the acceptor, all the intracellular membrane preparations showed transferase preference for the CoA ester of 8, 11, 14‐eicosatrienoic acid. In contrast when LPAF was the acceptor the CoA esters of linoleic and arachidonic acid were the preferred donors.