bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Healthcare Providers’ Experiences Related to use of Telehealth as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Kisicki Abby , Becker Sara , Chaple Michael , Gustafson David H. , Hartzler Bryan , Jacobson Nora , Murphy Ann A. , Tapscott Stephanie , Molfenter Todd
Published: November 2021

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers were forced to shift many services quickly from in-person to virtual, including substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health (MH) treatment services. This led to a sharp increase in use of telehealth services, with health systems seeing patients virtually at hundreds of times the rate as before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.By analyzing qualitative data about SUD and MH care providers’ experiences using telehealth, this study aims to elucidate emergent themes related to telehealth use by the front-line behavioral health workforce.Methods: This study uses qualitative data from large-scale web surveys distributed to SUD and MH providers between May and August 2020. At the end of these surveys, the following question was posed in free-response form: “Is there anything else you would like to say about use of telehealth during or after the COVID-19 pandemic?” The 391 responses to this question were analyzed for emergent themes using a conventional approach to content analysis.Results: Three major themes emerged in the data: COVID-specific experiences with telehealth, general experiences with telehealth, and recommendations to continue telehealth delivery. Convenience, access to new populations, and lack of commute were frequently cited advantages, while perceived ineffectiveness of and limited access to technology were frequently cited disadvantages. Also commonly mentioned was the relaxation of reimbursement regulations. Providers supported continuation of relaxed regulations, increased institutional support, and using a combination of telehealth and in-person care in their practices. Conclusions: This study advanced our knowledge of how the behavioral health workforce experiences telehealth delivery. Further longitudinal research comparing treatment outcomes of those receiving in-person and virtual services will be necessary to undergird organizations’ financial support, and perhaps also legislative support, of virtual SUD and MH services.
The Potential CircRNAs in Imatinib Resistance of GIST
Authors: Yan Jingyi , Chen Xiaolei , Dong Qiantong , Lin Ji , Sun Xuecheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Recent studies have found that circular RNA is an abundant RNA species, belongs to part of the competing endogenous RNA network(ceRNA), which was proved to play an important role in the development, diagnosis and progress of diseases.Methods: We determined the expression of circular RNAs in paired normal gastric tissues(N), primary GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) tissues (Y or YC) and imatinib mesylate secondary resistance GIST tissues(C) with microarray and predicted 8677 dysregulated circular RNAs.Results: We identified 15 circRNAs was up-regulated and 8 circRNAs were down-regulated in C group. Gene ontology (GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that these host linear transcripts that differentially express circular RNAs are involved in many key biological pathways., predicting the potential tumor-genesis and drug resistance mechanism was related with HIF-1 pathway, later we draw the cirRNA-miRNA-mRNA network involved in the HIF-1 pathway, found that several dysregulated circRNAs and the relationship between circRNA-miRNAs-mRNA, such as circRNA_06551, circRNA_14668, circRNA_04497, circRNA_08683, circRNA_09923(Green, down-regulation) and circRNA_23636, circRNA_15734(Red, up-regulation). Conclusions: Taken together, we identified a panel of dysregulated circRNAs that may be potential biomarkers even therapy relevant to the GIST, especially imatinib secondary resistance GIST.
Feasible location identification & potential assessment of micro-hydropower: Gilgel Beles River, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebiru Semahegn , Kifelew Mekash
Published: November 2021

Ethiopia is endowed with huge natural resources especially water resources that is why Ethiopia is the water tower of East Africa. But having the capability of generating a huge amount of electricity Ethiopia is under an energy crisis especially the rural peoples of Ethiopia. To overcome this problem utilization of renewable sources of energy like wind, solar and hydro are the best options. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess and identify the micro hydropower potential of the Gilgel-Beles river which is located in the Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions of Ethiopia. For data preparation and analysis, Arc GIS, HEC-GEOHMS, and HOMER software were used. Typical energy demand categories (lighting, radio, television, injera Mitad, stove, water pumps, schools, churches, and health centers) for Alefa Kacha Village were considered. The result showed that there is 88% excess energy from Hp site8 to supply other villages in addition to Alefa Kacha. Based on the estimated total technical ROR hydro potential of Gilgel-Beles River 660.01Kw technical power and 5608.222MWh annual energy was determined. The amount of coal or wood that can be saved per year as a result of the energy produced by the potential Micro Hydropower of Gilgel-Beles River is also determined. Finally, 9 sites were identified and a ranking of hydropower sites has been done for decision-makers to make a reasonable decision as to which sites should be given the top priority for future micro hydropower development.
The efficacy and safety of denosumab in gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving short-term periodic steroid premedication for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (ESPRESSO-02/HGCSG1602).
Authors: Nakamura Michio , Muranaka Tetsuhito , Yagisawa Masataka , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Satoshi Yuki , Ishiguro Atsushi , Dazai Masayoshi , Kobayashi Yoshimitsu , Sogabe Susumu , Harada Kazuaki , Sawada Kentaro , Miyagishima Takuto , Tsuji Yasushi , Kikuchi Yasuka , Komatsu Yoshito
Published: November 2021

Purpose
We previously reported that the periodic premedication of glucocorticoids during chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) caused the reduction of bone mineral densities (BMD) (ESPRESSO-01). We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of denosumab in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced decreased BMD.
Methods
Forty-two Japanese patients were studied. Denosumab was administered as a single 60 mg subcutaneous injection before the start of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was BMD change in the lumbar spine from baseline to 16 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in serum cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (sNTX) and bone alkaline phosphatase (sBAP), complications including hypocalcemia and osteonecrosis of the jaw, new bone fractures, changes in the Japanese Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire.
Results
Lumbar spine BMD significantly increased in 71.4% of cases: 2.772% (95% CI, 1.350–4.195%: P < 0.0001). There were also significant decreases in sNTX (P = 0.034) and sBAP levels (P < 0.001). Although one case (2.4%) of jaw osteonecrosis was diagnosed, no fractures occurred. In a cross-trial comparison with ESPRESSO-01, there was no significant difference in the incidence of National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 3 or higher adverse events. However, inclusion of grade ≤2 showed significantly higher incidence of hypocalcemia with any CTCAE grade in ESPRESSO-02 (28.4% in ESPRESSO-01, 54.8% in ESPRESSO-02, P = 0.006)
Conclusion
Denosumab administration prevented secondary BMD reduction in GIC patients undergoing chemotherapy, and was associated with decreased serum levels of the bone turnover markers BAP and NTX.
‹Online ist besser als Ausfall, Präsenz ist das Beste›
Authors: Hammerich Helen , Krämer Oliver
Published: November 2021

Die deutschen Musikhochschulen standen im vergangenen Jahr angesichts der flächendeckenden Hochschulschliessungen im Zusammenhang mit der Corona-Pandemie vor besonderen Herausforderungen. Grosser Nachholbedarf bestand im Hinblick auf digitale Technik, Medienkompetenz und didaktische Erfahrung im Umgang mit digitalem Lehren und Lernen. Insbesondere in den künstlerischen Unterrichtsfächern (Gesangs- und Instrumentalausbildung, Ensemblemusizieren) gab es praktisch keine gesicherten Vorerfahrungen mit Online-Formaten. Mit mehreren Befragungen von Lehrenden und Studierenden haben wir den Prozess des notgedrungenen digitalen Wandels an den Musikhochschulen über das vergangene Jahr hinweg begleitet und dabei vor allem zwischen wissenschaftlich und künstlerisch Lehrenden grosse Unterschiede festgestellt, was die Akzeptanz von Online-Lehre im Allgemeinen, aber auch was die konkrete Arbeitssituation und die Abschätzung von Langzeitfolgen der Corona-Pandemie für den Prozess der Digitalisierung und die universitäre Bildung betrifft. In unseren Befragungen zeigt sich, dass die Möglichkeiten digitaler Lehre derzeit noch längst nicht ausgeschöpft werden. Insbesondere digitale Formate ohne persönlichen Kontakt zwischen Lehrenden und Studierenden werden kaum genutzt. Durch die Analyse von Freitextkommentaren konnten wir zudem wiederkehrende Begründungsmuster für die Akzeptanz bzw. Ablehnung von Online-Lehre auf personaler, sozialer und fachlich-didaktischer Ebene identifizieren. Angesichts der Ergebnisse scheint uns die Entwicklung eines Leitbilds digitaler Lehre an Musikhochschulen für die Zukunft unabdingbar.
HABERMASIAN DISCOURSE THEORY OF MORALITY: A CRITIQUE
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Philosophy, Tripura University (A Central University), Suryamaninagar, Tripura - 799022, India., Bhattacharjee Gobinda
Published: November 2021

In this present work, I have made an attempt to discuss the concept of discourse ethics with its basic characteristics, and finally the main problems concerning Habermasian discourse theory of morality. Discourse ethics is an approach to ethics that is founded upon rules of dialogue, and which encourages participants to approach an ethical dilemma with both pure rational reason and experience firmly in hand. Habermasian discourse ethics is widely known as deliberative democratic theory often praised for its ideals. The concept of communicative action plays a central role in the development of Habermas discourse morality. It is a theory of morality, which claims that moral norms concerning justice can be tested rationally in an argumentative dialogue the ideal precondition is that dialogue should be free from domination. With its various characteristics, some main problems concerning Habermasian Discourse ethics is also discussed in this paper.
MEMORY RESPONSE OF CAPITAL MARKET PERFORMANCE TO INTEREST RATES ANNOUNCEMENT: ATHEORETICAL EVIDENCE IN NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Nigeria., Igoni Suoye , Onigah Peter ,   Department of Banking and Finance, University of Calabar, Nigeria., Ike Olisekebe Valentine ,   Department of Banking and Finance, University of Nigeria, Nigeria.
Published: November 2021

Despite the management of interest rates by the monetary policy authorities over these years, the performance of the capital market has not been impressive in Nigeria. The study analyzed the memory response of the capital market performance to interest rates announcement in Nigeria. The study used monetary policy rate, and deposit market rate as against market capitalization. The study sourced data from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin between 1985 and 2020. The study adopted the Augmented Dickey-Fuller, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag for the analysis. The findings showed that, deposit money rate was stationery at levels, while monetary policy rate, and market capitalization were at first differences, and no long run co-integrating equation. The theoretical evidence from the Error correction test findings revealed that, interest rates announcement did not constitute significant variables on the memory of the Nigerian capital market performance. Regular monitory and downward review of interest rates by the Nigerian monetary policy committee were recommended.
EVALUATION OF BIOCHEMICAL AND OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS AS PREDICTIVE TOOL FOR DIAGNOSIS OF BIRTH ASPHYXIA AND ENCEPHALOPATHY IN NEW BORN
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi, India., Singh Shweta , Singhal Babita ,   Department of Biochemistry, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi, India., Upadhyay Bhumika ,   Department of Biochemistry, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi, India., Mohan Kumar Chandra ,   Department of Pediatrics, Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi, India.
Published: November 2021

Background:Birth asphyxia and resultanthypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), are leading cause of mortality and morbidity in newborns. Delayed diagnosis may lead to progression of HIE as its clinical features may not be evident at birth as they evolve with time. This study was done to identify asphyxia and HIE in term neonates by evaluating biochemical and oxidative stress markers in umbilical cord blood sample taken immediately after delivery. Methodology: This prospective cross sectional study was done on term neonates in a tertiary care hospital (n=60)Thestudy population was then divided into two equal groups on the basis of Apgar score at 1 minute, with score < 7 as cases (n=30) and Ã¢Â‰Â¥7 as controls ( n=30) . The umbilical cord blood was evaluated for biochemical and oxidative stress markers like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase brain isoform (CK BB), superoxide dismutase (SOD,malondialdehyde (MDH) and catalase. Result: The mean values of LDH, CK BB, and MDA were higher in cases than controls and the differences were highly significant statistically. The mean values of SOD and catalase were higher in cases than controls and the differences were significant statistically. However, mean value of LDH & CKBB of cases with prolonged asphyxia with Apgar score < 7 at 5 minutes (n=4) versus cases with Apgar score > 7 (n=26) was not statistically significant at 95% CI. Conclusion: This study helps in diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia at an early stage thereby preserving the normal functioning of neonatal brain so that the brain functioning is not compromised.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYSICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BOREHOLE WATER IN KOGI STATE
Authors:   Department of Chemistry Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Anyila Azeez
Published: November 2021

Water is an essential part of human existence. It is universally utilized for various purposes ranging from drinking to other domestic purposes. The need for access to water has been a significant challenge for governments all over the world. In Nigeria, there is a growing concern about the water shortage in various communities across the country. In a bid to overcome water scarcity, the government providesboreholes in many places. However, the inadequacy of functional public boreholes has led to the proliferation of private boreholes across the country, which the quality is doubtful. The purpose of the present study was to compare the physical and bacteriological compositions of the public and private boreholes in Kogi state, Nigeria. A total of ten water samples were collected from different public and private boreholes in three locations in the state. Standard procedures were followed in analyzing the samples. The analysis revealed the presence of salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa in the private boreholes.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE ATTITUDES OF SCIENCE AND NON-SCIENCE STUDENTS TOWARDS STATISTICS: THE ROLE OF STATISTIC ANXIETY
Authors:   Department of Mathematics Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., G. Adeniyi Sunday
Published: November 2021

Statistics is an essential part of the curriculum in Nigerias education landscape taught in the science and non-science classrooms. However, there has been a growing concern about the students attitudes towards statistics across every level. The present study aimed to determine whether there would be a difference between science and non-science students attitudes towards statistics and whether statistics anxiety contributes to the variations in students attitudes towards statistics in the tertiary education level in Nigeria. A convenience sample of two hundred and twenty-two first-year students pooled from three public tertiary institutions in the Kogi State of Nigeria participated in the study. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The participants completed a self-report measure of Survey of Attitude toward Statistics (SATS-36),initially developed by Schau (2003), and a modified version of the Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale (SARS) developed initially by BaloÃ‡Â§lu (2002). An independent t-test performed on the data established a statistically significant difference in the attitudes of the science and non-science students towards statistics at MD = 1.78, t (200) = 13.632, P< = .05. The result of a regression analysis performed on the data revealed that statistics anxiety positively predicted attitudes towards anxiety. It was concluded that the variation between the attitude of science students and non-science students towards the teaching and learning of statistics is moderated by statistics anxiety. The study recommends that robust attitude change strategies be adopted to reshape the attitudes of the non-science students towards statistics.
EFFECT OF TEACHERS LIKABILITY ON STUDENTS ATTITUDE TOWARDS CHEMISTRY
Authors:   Department of Chemistry Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., M. Obaje Gabriel , Eje John ,   Department of Chemistry Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa.
Published: November 2021

Chemistry is among the essential science subjects taught at the secondary school level in Nigerias education landscape. There has been a persistent concern about the poor performance in chemistry in Nigeria. The present study investigated teachers likability as a scarcely explored variable that could explain the variation in students attitudes towards chemistry. A cross-sectional survey was employed for the analysis, and the population of the study comprised senior secondary school students in the Kogi State of Nigeria. Participants included males and females senior secondary school students enrolled in the science classes. One hundred and fifty-three students participated in the study. The respondents completed a self-report measure of the Teachers Likability Scale and the Attitude Toward Chemistry Lessons Scale (ATCLS). The finding showed that most of the participants indicated a negative attitude toward the subject (M = 2.89, SD = 3.32), compared to others (M = 1.18, SD = 3.39) that exhibited an unfavorable attitude towards the chemistry. A linear regression analysis was conducted to test the study hypothesis, and the result showed that teachers likability statistically significantly predicted attitude towards chemistry F (1,151), 124.716, P< .05. Therefore, the study concluded that a teachers likability is an essential determinant of students attitudes towards chemistry. Thus, it is recommended that teachers should improve in their personal and professional attributes.
ENHANCING COMMITMENT TO PHYSICS USING LOCALLY SOURCED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Authors:   Department of Physics Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Joan Emmanuel
Published: November 2021

Physics is an integral part of the science curriculum in the educational landscape of Nigeria. The subject has attracted extensive research attention primarily due to its relevance and growing concern about the accompanying poor performance. Numerous literatures abound that suggest varying approaches to increasing students interest, motivation, and performance in the subject. However, effort geared towards improving students commitment to the subject is scarcely documented. The present study was aimed to determine whether there would be a difference in commitment to physics between students taught with locally sourced materials and those taught with the conventional learning materials in a convenience sample of 201 senior secondary school students. The students were pooled from the Kogi state secondary education system. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test research design were adopted. The result found a statistically significant difference between the research conditions. Thus, the study concludes that the locally sourced instructional materials are an indispensable teaching approach that might increase students commitment to physics. The practical implication of the study is discussed.
EVALUATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT AND BIOACTIVE CONTENT OF MONODORA MYRISTICA SEED
Authors:   Department of Chemistry Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Benjamin Kwasi
Published: November 2021

For many decades, the area of alternative medicine has attracted considerable attention from researchers worldwide. Interestingly, evidence abounds that affirms the efficacy of alternative medicine in the various healthcare domain. Moreso, the plants properties have been well explored relating to its medicinal compositions. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the antimicrobial and bioactive contents of the M. Myristica seed. The samples were collected and soaked for 24 hrs with different solvents to extract the medicinal component. The qualitative analysis shows the positive result in saponin, glycoside, steroid, and alkaloid, while flavonoid and tannin are negative. The quantitative analysis for M. Myristica seed show 32% to saponins, alkaloid 8.35%, phenol 55.7%, flavonoid 0.0707 mg/ml, and glycoside 5.2% while-tannin is negative. The result shows that M. Myristica can be used to produce vaccines because of saponin, while flavonoids were found to play biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidants.
PARENTAL ATTITUDE AS A PREDICTOR OF STUDENTS MOTIVATION AND INTEREST IN LEARNING FRENCH LANGUAGE
Authors:   Department of French Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Nneka Onoja Helen
Published: November 2021

The increase in economic globalization has created the need for the promotion of foreign languages in Nigeria. As an official second language in Nigeria, the French language has not received the desired attention in the countrys educational system as most students show less motivation and interest in learning the French language. Perhaps, insinuations suggest a widespread negative attitude towards the teaching and learning of the French language in the school system. Thus, the primary objective of the present study was to explore parental attitudes as a factor that could predict the variation in students motivation and interest in learning the French language. The studys participants included adults identified as parents, and they were randomly pooled from different locations in Kogi State, Nigeria. They completed a self-report measure to ascertain their overall attitude towards the French language. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and the simple regression analysis revealed that parental attitude significantly predicted students motivation and interest in learning French. The study concluded that parents attitude is an essential determinant of students motivation and interest in learning the French language.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENTS ATTITUDE TOWARDS COMPUTER BASED TEST
Authors:   Department of Computer Science Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Mohammed Umar
Published: November 2021

In recent times, the educational landscape of Nigeria has witnessed an increasing adoption of the computer-based test (CBT) for students assessment, especially in tertiary institutions. Perhaps, the phenomenon has been utilized for various purposes in the world of work. However, insinuations suggest a disparity in students attitudes towards the adoption of the system for exam purposes. Thus, the present research aims to examine computer anxiety and self-esteem as socio-psychological constructs contributing to the variation in students attitudes towards CBT in tertiary institutions. Two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A convenience sample of one hundred and ninety-five undergraduates pooled from various faculties in three public tertiary institutions in the Kogi state participated in the study. The respondents completed a self-report measure of attitude towards CBT, a computer anxiety scale, and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. The result revealed that computer anxiety positively predicted the respondents attitude towards CBT. However, self-esteem negatively correlated with the students attitudes towards CBT. The study concludes that computer anxiety positively determines students attitudes towards adopting CBT for assessment purposes.
THE ROLE OF COMPUTER GAMES IN ENHANCING PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ATTITUDE TOWARDS MATHEMATICS
Authors:   Department of Mathematics Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., A Pius , Agashi P. ,   Department of Mathematics Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa., Yusuf Stephen ,   Department of Mathematics Kogi State College of Education, Ankpa.
Published: November 2021

Numerous research findings have applauded the integration of technology in the classroom especially in mathematic to develops positive attitudes. The advancements in technology may provide a better opportunity to impact mathematical literacy and skills on young learners. Perhaps, attitudes towards mathematics are declining in recent years. The study aimed to enhance the students attitude toward learning mathematics by using games app embedded in computer software used as an instrument to teach the subject. A total of ninety-one primary school students drawn from different primary schools in the Kogi state participated in the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test study design. The result revealed that the computer game influenced the respondents attitude towards mathematics at MD = 13.65 (95% CI, 8.91 to 16.17), t (88) = 6.328, p = .001. Thus, the study concludes that computer game is an indispensable tool in impacting positive attitudes towards mathematics, especially among the primary school students. The recommendations are discussed.
Protective Effect of Beta-Caryophyllene on Doxorubicin Induced Multiple Organ Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Veleti Kowmudi , Kumar Hemanth , Begum Nazia , Kondra Sharath , Nallavelli Prashanth
Published: November 2021

The major limiting factor in doxorubicin’s long-term administration is the development of cumulative dosedependent
cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Also, doxorubicin causes deterioration in hepato-renal
function. It significantly increases the levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine transaminase, and
aspartate transaminase distortion in normal renal and hepatic histology. The present study was undertaken to
find out the protective role of beta-caryophyllene (BCP), an anti-oxidant against doxorubicin-induced multiple
organ toxicities in experimental animals. In this study, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first
group, control group, was administered with vehicle (2.5% tween 20); the second group received doxorubicin
(15 mg/kg intraperitoneally at a single dose), third and fourth groups (treatment groups) received BCP plus
doxorubicin (15 mg/kg) at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively. BCP was given orally for 15 days and
doxorubicin was given on 13th day of treatment. Cardiac function was assessed by measuring electrocardiogram
changes and cardiac biomarkers—doxorubicin-induced significant lengthening of QT-interval and ST-elevation,
which was completely prevented by BCP treatment. Doxorubicin caused oxidative stress as indicated by a significant
decrease in reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione level, and catalase activity with an increase in
malondialdehyde compared to control. Doxorubicin and BCP significantly reversed these values compared to
doxorubicin in heart, kidney, and liver. The histopathological examination has also shown signs of toxicity in
doxorubicin treated groups, and healing effect was noticed in treatment groups.
Simple and Rapid Method for Rat Estrous Cycle Identification Using Crystal Violet- Hormonal Consideration
Authors: Begum Nazia , Manipriya Kandavalli , Begum Rahathunnisa , B Veeresh
Published: November 2021

Rat estrous cycle determination or vaginal smear staining is paramount for studies related to endocrinology
and reproduction; in the present study; we have reported a simple and rapid method for estrous cycle determination
in rats using crystal violet. With this technique, the identification of stages can be done even on the
next day. Hormonal variation in blood and histomorphological changes in ovaries at different stages of the
estrous cycle were studied in female Wistar rats, which can be used to determine the hormone levels in works
related to hormonal drugs, further ovarian morphology can be used to study changes in ovaries during the
estrous cycle. This study aims to report a rapid and simple method for vaginal cytology using crystal violet
and to report normal hormonal levels and histomorphology of ovaries in various phases of the estrous cycle.
Synergetic Potential of Combination Probiotic Complex with Phytopharmaceuticals in Valproic Acid Induced Autism: Prenatal Model
Authors: Sunand Katta , Mohan G. Krishna , Bakshi Vasudha
Published: November 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developing neuronal disorder with hindered social correspondence and repetitive behaviors. Hereditary and ecological factors have been related to this problem, including the introduction of valproic acid during pregnancy. Dysbiosis is the most common comorbid condition in autism, numerous probiotic strains have been known to forestall social impairments in autism. Method: Prenatal autism model was done on 12th embryonic day of pregnancy in Wistar rats with the valproic acid dose 400 mg/kg, i.p. Those offspring exhibiting autistic symptoms were selected for study and were treated with polyphenols, probiotics and their combination for the study period of postnatal day (PND) 08-50. Results: Prenatal model showed significant autistic and dysbiotic symptoms in the animals. With the probiotic and polyphenols treatment combination it was understood that bio-activation of polyphenols are crucial in the correction of neurochemical abnormality, oxidative stress, behavioral deficits and neuroprotection. Probiotic complex with acetyl-l-carnitine combination was also essential for the growth of gut bacteria, functionality of brain. Through this combination study behavioral and biochemical alterations were recovered. Conclusion: Establishing a good ecosystem in the gut with good probiotics and polyphenols-like compounds is essential, gut targeted brain functionality is a remarkable way to challenge autistic disorder, advice on this combination may be helpful in the right way of accessing the gut-brain-axis and useful in amending of autism.
Sensor Applications in Analysis of Drugs and Formulations
Authors: Thakur Rajan , Devi Anjana
Published: November 2021

Biosensors are currently widely used in biomedical diagnostics, as well as point-of-care assessment of therapy and disease advancement, environmental sensing, food safety, drug development, forensics, and biomedical research. Biosensors may be developed using several different approaches. Due to the growing requirement for efficient and low-cost analytical methods, biosensors have gained increasing attention for application in the quality analysis of pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutically relevant analytes. Biosensors enable the analysis of active ingredients in pharmaceutical formulations as well as the determination of degraded products and intermediates in biological matrices. The current study discusses several types of biosensors and their applications in drug analysis and formulations.
Characterization and thermoluminescence study of gamma irradiated Tb-doped ZnO and undoped ZnO synthesized by spray pyrolysis method
Authors: Ortiz-Morales Alejandro , García-Hipólito Manuel , Cruz-Zaragoza Epifanio , Gómez-Aguilar Ramón
Published: November 2021

High gamma dose-resistant undoped ZnO and Tb-doped ZnO thermoluminescent (TL) micro-phosphors were prepared by the spray pyrolysis method. Scanning electron microscopy shows crystalline rods with hexagonal morphology, (0.1-0.4 µm diameter, and about 1 µm length). Raman spectra dispersion reveals a würtzite form. Photoluminescence (PL) study of irradiated zinc oxide films indicates the generation of defects produced by gamma irradiation resulting in an increased probability of electron-hole exciton recombination. PL spectrum shows emission bands from 5D4-7Fj=6,5,4,3 transitions ascribed to Tb3+ dopant in zinc oxide phosphor. X-ray diffraction patterns for both types of films growth (undoped ZnO and Tb-doped ZnO) are typical of zinc oxide crystalline structure, with no noticeable effect of Tb ions. Dosimetric properties, for both samples, show a low TL fading signal and TL reproducibility signal for undoped ZnO and Tb-doped ZnO samples was 29 and 57 %, respectively. The kinetic parameters such as activation energy E, frequency factor s, and Rm values, were obtained by Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) assuming Mixed Order Kinetic model (MOK). The results show that the MOK well described the glow curves of zinc oxide films. The heating rate effects produced a broadening of glow peak located at 420 K. For purposes like radiation detector, atomic effective number (Zeff) was obtained: 27.74 and 56.47 for undoped ZnO and Tb-doped ZnO samples, respectively. The samples were exposed to gamma radiation in a wide range of 0.25–20 kGy dose. TL properties of undoped ZnO and Tb-doped ZnO samples show that these materials could be used to detect high doses in a gamma radiation field.
O EFEITO SMART MONEY EM PERÍODOS DE CRISE FINANCEIRA
Authors: Malaquias Fernanda Francielle de Oliveira , Malaquias Rodrigo Fernandes , Souza Flaida Êmine Alves de , Mamede Samuel de Paiva Naves , Oliveira Ana Clara Lacerda de
Published: November 2021

O objetivo principal deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito Smart Money considerando-se o controle por períodos de crise financeira. Foram selecionados 285 fundos Long and Short brasileiros, no período de 03 de janeiro de 2005 a 12 de setembro de 2013. Com a aplicação de ferramentas quantitativas como a análise de regressão multivariada, análise de regressão logística, complementada com a estatística descritiva e análise de gráficos, os principais resultados mostraram que: i) os cotistas dos fundos de investimento, em média, escolhem os fundos com melhor performance passada para realizar seus investimentos; ii) os fundos que receberam captação líquida positiva apresentaram, em média, melhores indicadores de performance futura que os demais fundos, mesmo para a performance ajustada ao risco; e iii) em períodos de crise, o efeito Smart Money foi anulado, tendo inclusive o seu sinal invertido, talvez por haver menor relação entre performance passada e performance futura quando se tem restrições financeiras impostas pelo mercado. Assim, foram apresentados indícios de que, em períodos de crise, os investidores, em média, não necessariamente apresentam habilidades de seletividade na escolha dos fundos que apresentarão a melhor performance, contrariando o efeito Smart Money para períodos de restrições financeiras.Palavras-chave: Efeito Smart Money. Fundos de Investimento. Crise Financeira.
O comportamento dos eventos de precipitação extrema e dos períodos de seca em São João do Tigre - PB
Authors: Barros Leticia de Araújo Rocha
Published: November 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo entender o comportamento e a recorrência dos eventos de precipitação e os períodos de seca no município de São João do Tigre – PB. Fazendo uso de uma metodologia baseado em cenários pluviométricos distintos baseados em anos secos, úmidos e regulares, nos quais os valores do volume de precipitações podem estar sobre influência de fenômenos atmosféricos como o El Nino ou a La Nina ou outros fenômenos que podem provocar o aumento ou diminuição a intensidade no volume de precipitação. Sendo possível classificar quais os anos foram mais secos ou quais os anos foram mais chuvosos, e quais os anos regulares. Para os dois postos pluviométricos analisados, observou-se um controle do aumento da altitude no aumento do volume total de precipitação. Contudo, a variação no volume total durante anos úmidos está ligada a variação na intensidade da chuva durante o período chuvoso, e não na diminuição dos meses secos no ano.
Erosão diferencial e propriedades geomorfológicas das rochas – exemplos do NE Brasileiro
Authors: Maia Rubson Pinheiro
Published: November 2021

Vários condicionantes litológicos e estruturais influenciam os processos de erosão diferencial do embasamento. No Nordeste Brasileiro é possível identificar muitos exemplos onde a erosão têm distinguido formas de relevo segundo seus controles lito-estruturais. Esses controles são representados principalmente pelo grau de faturamento, pela litologia/faciologia e pelos planos de foliação ígnea, metamórfica e de acamamento, nos terrenos sedimentares. O presente artigo fará uma análise de diferentes padrões de relevo que se desenvolvem em tipos litológicos distintos ou em uma mesma unidade litológica a partir da correlação de fácies.  Nesse sentido, a manutenção de topografias elevadas no embasamento resulta da menor erosão em núcleos de resistência mecânica aos processos denudacionais. Essa resistência se deve sobretudo as características litológicas, faciológicas, petrográficas e estruturais que se somam para aumentar ou diminuir a coesão físico-química da rocha frente à meteorização.
Utilização da Trilha Ecológica como Instrumento de Educação Ambiental: Parque da Cidade Dom Nivaldo Monte, Natal/RN
Authors: Maciel Ana Beatriz Câmara , Lima Zuleide Maria Carvalho , Morais Ana Clézia Simplício de
Published: November 2021

A importância dada às questões ambientais tem sido crescente e a educação ambiental desempenha um papel importante nesse desafio que é a conscientização. No Brasil, e ao redor do mundo inteiro, a educação ambiental vem sendo trabalhada de diversas formas, amparando uma gama de métodos, estratégias e ferramentas que auxiliam no despertar para um auto avaliação do comportamento do homem como sujeito ativo no meio. Baseado nisso é que o presente trabalho buscou avaliar uma dessas ferramentas que é bastante utilizada para a promoção da educação ambiental: a trilha interpretativa. Foi realizada uma avaliação do papel da trilha interpretativa no Parque da Cidade Dom Nivaldo Monte, Natal-RN, através da aplicação de questionários com os responsáveis pelos grupos visitantes, a fim de compreender qual o seu papel para a promoção de uma educação ambiental transformadora. Verificamos que a trilha interpretativa realizada no Parque da Cidade exerce importante função na conscientização ambiental dos visitantes, com destaque o desempenho essencial dos guias. A maioria dos entrevistados declarou ter aprendido muitas informações novas em diversas áreas do conhecimento e que desejam obter mais conhecimento. Eles também dizem sentir-se muito motivados a mudar sua postura frente às necessidades de preservação ambiental, o que demonstra o potencial transformador existente nesta ferramenta que é a realização de trilhas interpretativas.
Ocorrências de desastres naturais nos principais arranjos populacionais da Sub-região Leste do Nordeste brasileiro
Authors: Marques Guilherme Barroca , Silva Tatiane dos Santos , Moura Marcelo de Oliveira
Published: November 2021

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar os desastres naturais de origem hidrometeorológica e geológica e os danos associados nos principais arranjos populacionais da sub-região Leste do Nordeste brasileiro no período de 2003 a 2016. A partir das informações adquiridas através do Ministério da Integração Nacional foi possível quantificar os reconhecimentos dos desastres quanto ao tipo e a intensidade (Situação de Emergência - SE e Estado de Calamidade Pública - ECP). Criou-se um banco de dados com as informações sobre os principais espaços urbanos afetados e, em seguida elaborou-se a representação espaço-temporal dos desastres naturais. Foram verificados 152 registros de desastres hidrometeorológicos e geológicos nos espaços urbanos, dos quais 95% foram classificados como Situação de Emergência e 5% como Estado de Calamidade Pública. O ano de 2011 destaca-se com o maior registro de desastres (28 registros). Por meio de consulta dos formulários disponíveis sobre os desastres (AVADAN E FIDE), constatou-se que 49 dos 152 registros ocorreram durante a estação chuvosa, isto é, 32% do total concentram-se nos meses de maior pluviometria da sub-região Leste. Os desastres registrados na região afetaram 124 mil pessoas e promoveram um prejuízo econômico próximo a 470 milhões de reais.
Os Brejos de Altitude no contexto das Áreas de Exceção do Nordeste brasileiro.
Authors: Fonseca de Medeiros Jacimária , Cestaro Luiz Antonio
Published: November 2021

O artigo "Os Brejos de Altitude no contexto das Áreas de Exceção do Nordeste brasileiro", do número especial: I workshop de Biogeografia Aplicada, de autoria de Jacimária Fonseca de Medeiros e Luiz Antonio Cestaro, foi excluído tendo em vista que o mesmo já havia sido encaminhado para publicação em outro periódico.
Interpretation of 3rd order depositional sequences in the Mesozoic of the Prebetic and the Miocene of the Gulf of Valencia: an approximation to its sedimentary architecture
Authors: Martínez del Olmo Wenceslao
Published: November 2021

In the 1980s and 1990s the interpretation of the depositional sequences and the system tracts that they are made up of was one of the most evident advances that could be applied to the geological interpretation of the platform, slope and basins. Since then, there have been no notable conceptual changes, which is why studies from the 1990s can be considered again as long as they were conceived according to the basic rules of interpretation: the existence of three sea level episodes, low (LST and SMW), transgressive (TST) and high (HST) which differentiate the areas of erosion and deposit from the sedimentary inputs to be distributed by the marine environment which receives them. The Prebetic and the Gulf of Valencia cross section that can be constructed by the interpretation of sedimentary columns provided by some deep wells are the object of this paper and allow us to differentiate a minimum of 51 or 52 depositional sequences of 2nd and 3rd order that make it possible to draw the sedimentary architecture and characterize the three stages that formed its apparent complexity: the rift phase (Triassic-Lower Jurassic, with 5 or 6 depositional sequences), the passive margin phase (Middle Jurassic-Lower Miocene, with 36 depositional sequences) and the molasses phase (Miocene, with 9 depositional sequences). Such an interpretation cannot be made for the Paleogene and Neogene of the Prebetic due to the absence of wells that could to test this characterization.
Theranostic Applications of Nanomaterials in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Multifunctional Approach
Authors: Tripathi Priyanka , Shukla Poonam , Bieberich Erhard
Published: November 2021

:

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents the transfer of many therapeutic drugs across the brain.
Therefore, the leading treatment strategies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are often unsuccessful. Another challenge
is to achieve specific targetability across BBB and diagnosis. Herein, theranostic-based strategies are
emerging in order to combine therapeutic, targeting, and diagnostic capabilities. Recent nanotechnological advancements
enable a common platform for the formulation and development of efficient theranostics. This can
be attained by engineering some of the properties of nanomaterials, thus enabling them to become efficient and
suitable theranostics. In this review, we discuss the various novel approaches of theranostic nanomaterials owing
to multimodal functionality across the brain as an effective and probable treatment as well as early (timely)
diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. In this respect, we conducted a PubMed search to review the latest development
in theranostic nanomaterials, especially for Alzheimer’s (major type of dementia) therapy that led us to
discuss the present theranostic nanomaterials utilizing drug carriers that include cargo, targeting ligands, and
imaging agents for delivery to particular tissues, cells, or subcellular components. Our focus is on strategies for
syntheses, but we will also consider the challenges and prospects associated with this evolving technology. The
current review includes knowledge of the history, overview of AD, and therapeutics with a future approach of
using theranostic nanomaterials as personalized medicines.
Higher Teicoplanin Blood Level Needed in Elderly Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Wang Ling , Chen Mingguang , Ye Hong , Lin Xiaolan , Li Yixuan , Ruan Junshan , Lin Fenghui , Lin Yuxing
Published: November 2021

Background:

Significant changes in the pathophysiology of older critically ill patients may affect the
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of teicoplanin. This study aimed to determine the optimal teicoplanin
blood level in this patient population.

Materials & Methods:

128 older critically ill and 86 older non-critically ill patients were involved and analyzed.

Results:

The target thresholds of teicoplanin blood concentrations in older critically ill patients and non-critically ill
patients should be 31.4mg/L and 15.3mg/L, respectively. The dose of teicoplanin in older critically ill patients should
be greater than 800 mg to achieve the target blood level.

Conclusion :

An individualized dosing approach of teicoplanin based on therapeutic drug monitoring is necessary for
older critically ill patients.
Oxidative Stress as a Molecular Mechanism of Exposure to Organophosphorus
Pesticides: A Review
Authors: Freyre Eva Ortega , Valencia Alfredo Tellez , Guzmán Dealmy Delgadillo , Maldonado Irais Castillo , Ledezma Laura Ernestina Barragán , Carrillo Maira Fernanda Zambrano , Escorza Martha Angelica Quintanar
Published: November 2021

:

Exposure to organophosphorus pesticides is an important public health issue due to a
large number of occupationally exposed populations, as well as their effects mainly at the level of
the nervous, reproductive, and immune systems. It has been reported that one of the molecular
mechanisms by which adverse effects of exposure to organophosphorus pesticides can be explained
is oxidative stress, which leads to alterations at the cellular level that, if chronic, could affect
the functionality of different organs and tissues. These data constitute the basis of the relevant
literature on its toxicity. The induction of oxidative damage, which has been referred to, increases
the occurrence of processes such as eryptosis and/or hemolysis in erythrocytes that promote greater
susceptibility to clinical conditions such as anemia, dehydration, and chronic kidney disease. Thus,
it is mentioned that the determination of oxidative damage parameters could be useful to monitor
occupationally exposed people by exploring their oxidative status. This review focuses on presenting
the state of knowledge in recent years on the toxicity of organophosphorus pesticides and their
relationship with the oxidative damage evaluated in erythrocytes.