bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La librería del impresor conquense Guillermo Reymon: un análisis a través de la carta de dote de su viuda, Juana de Mata
Authors: Alfaro-Torres Paloma
Published: November 2022

The printer and bookseller Guillermo Reymon, of French origin, worked in the city of Cuenca in the first half of the 16th century. His widow, Juana de Mata, on October 27, 1545, following the customs of the time, remarried another bookseller Pedro López de Villaseca, a resident of Alcalá de Henares so that he could continue the bookstore business. The manuscript analyzed here collects the memorials that accompany the dowry letter of Juana de Mata, preserved in the Provincial Historical Archive of Cuenca, transcribed at the end of this article, where the goods that she brings to the marriage are collected, including this interesting bookstore. There are 12 and a half pages, with 408 bibliographic entries of a priced inventory that is the object of this research and that allows us to delve into the commercial activity around the world of books in a time of economic prosperity for the Castilian city.

El impresor y librero Guillermo Reymon, de origen francés, ejerció su actividad en la ciudad de Cuenca en la primera mitad del siglo XVI. Su viuda, Juana de Mata, el 27 de octubre de 1545, siguiendo las costumbres de la época, se vuelve a casar con otro librero Pedro López de Villaseca, vecino de Alcalá de Henares de forma que éste pudiera continuar el negocio de librería. El manuscrito aquí analizado recoge los memoriales que acompañan a la carta de dote de Juana de Mata, conservada en el Archivo Histórico Provincial de Cuenca, transcritos al final de este artículo, donde se recogen los bienes que ella aporta al matrimonio, incluida esta interesante librería. Son 12 hojas y media, con 408 asientos bibliográficos de un inventario tasado que es objeto de esta investigación y que nos permite profundizar en la actividad comercial en torno al mundo del libro en una época de bonanza económica para la ciudad castellana.

O impressor e livreiro Guillermo Reymon, de origem francesa, trabalhou na cidade de Cuenca na primeira metade do século XVI. A sua viúva, Juana de Mata, a 27 de Outubro de 1545, seguindo os costumes da época, voltou a casar com outro livreiro, Pedro López de Villaseca, residente de Alcalá de Henares, para que pudesse continuar o negócio da livraria. O manuscrito aqui analisado contém os memoriais que acompanham a carta de dote de Juana de Mata, preservados no Arquivo Histórico Provincial de Cuenca, transcritos no final deste artigo, onde estão listados os bens que ela contribuiu para o casamento, incluindo esta interessante livraria. Há 12 páginas e meia, com 408 entradas bibliográficas de um inventário avaliado que é o objecto desta investigação e que nos permite mergulhar na actividade comercial que envolve o mundo dos livros num período de prosperidade económica para a cidade castelhana.
Avatares icónicos de lo humano y lo no humano en Yo, robot (2004) y El hombre bicentenario (1999)
Authors:   Universidad del País Vasco / Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, Gastaca Eguskiza Ignacio , Iturregui Motiloa Víctor
Published: November 2022

¿Qué significa hoy en día ser humano? El presente artículo tiene como objetivo abordar esa pregunta a partir de dos filmes que comparten un gen literario: ambas son adaptaciones de obras de Isaac Asimov (escritor y científico, creador de las tres leyes de la robótica), por lo que el mundo potencial-futurístico que plantean pertenece al mismo universo imaginario, bajo el arreglo de normas compartidas. Los dos títulos son, en concreto, El hombre bicentenario (Bicentennial Man, Chris Columbus 1999) y Yo, robot (I, Robot, Alex Proyas 2004). Se han seleccionado estas dos películas, además, porque permiten explorar las variables de un(os) mundo(s) posible(s), pues en las narraciones de ficción reside el saber tan hipotético y humano que supone imaginar el futuro. Este estudio no consiste en establecer sentencias en torno a las ideas planteadas, sino que pretende hacer ver las posibilidades ideológicas, temáticas, artísticas y narrativas que ofrece dicha discusión. Para ello, la herramienta que mejor se adapta a dicha empresa es el análisis fílmico de corte estructuralista, que pondrá el foco en las formas, figuras y estructuras de cada filme, incidiendo en qué se dice (y cómo) sobre la frontera humano-no humano. En suma, se buscará confrontar posturas y reflexiones, tanto históricas como contemporáneas, acerca de la robótica y el ser humano y su consiguiente impacto ético-filosófico.
La gestión en las revistas académicas: ¿qué sabemos?
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Ollé Candela
Published: November 2022

Las revistas científicas son una pieza clave en la vida académica del profesorado, puesto que sin publicaciones no se puede progresar –de momento– en el alpinismo universitario. Una revista, mirada con ojos de autoría, es una cabecera que tiene unas características de indexación, posicionamiento según las citas, tarifas más o menos caras –pocas sin APC (cargo por procesamiento de artículos)–, una web más o menos amigable, quizás una edición en papel, un equipo editorial, plazos diferentes en los procesos de aceptación, unas instrucciones de autoría concretas, etc. Pero, con la mirada de editora o directora, ¿qué sabemos? El ejemplo de la revista BiD nos ayudará a conocer este mundo editorial.
Robotic multi-probe single-actuator inchworm neural microdrive
Authors: Smith Richard D , Kolb Ilya , Tanaka Shinsuke , Lee Albert K , Harris Timothy D , Barbic Mladen
Published: November 2022

A wide range of techniques in neuroscience involve placing individual probes at precise locations in the brain. However, large-scale measurement and manipulation of the brain using such methods have been severely limited by the inability to miniaturize systems for probe positioning. Here, we present a fundamentally new, remote-controlled micropositioning approach composed of novel phase-change material-filled resistive heater micro-grippers arranged in an inchworm motor configuration. The microscopic dimensions, stability, gentle gripping action, individual electronic control, and high packing density of the grippers allow micrometer-precision independent positioning of many arbitrarily shaped probes using a single piezo actuator. This multi-probe single-actuator design significantly reduces the size and weight and allows for potential automation of microdrives. We demonstrate accurate placement of multiple electrodes into the rat hippocampus in vivo in acute and chronic preparations. Our robotic microdrive technology should therefore enable the scaling up of many types of multi-probe applications in neuroscience and other fields.
Systematic analysis of membrane contact sites in Saccharomyces cerevisiae uncovers modulators of cellular lipid distribution
Authors: Castro Inês Gomes , Shortill Shawn P , Dziurdzik Samantha Katarzyna , Cadou Angela , Ganesan Suriakarthiga , Valenti Rosario , David Yotam , Davey Michael , Mattes Carsten , Thomas Ffion B , Avraham Reut Ester , Meyer Hadar , Fadel Amir , Fenech Emma J , Ernst Robert , Zaremberg Vanina , Levine Tim P , Stefan Christopher , Conibear Elizabeth , Schuldiner Maya
Published: November 2022

Actively maintained close appositions between organelle membranes, also known as contact sites, enable the efficient transfer of biomolecules between cellular compartments. Several such sites have been described as well as their tethering machineries. Despite these advances we are still far from a comprehensive understanding of the function and regulation of most contact sites. To systematically characterize contact site proteomes, we established a high-throughput screening approach in Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on co-localization imaging. We imaged split fluorescence reporters for six different contact sites, several of which are poorly characterized, on the background of 1165 strains expressing a mCherry-tagged yeast protein that has a cellular punctate distribution (a hallmark of contact sites), under regulation of the strong TEF2 promoter. By scoring both co-localization events and effects on reporter size and abundance, we discovered over 100 new potential contact site residents and effectors in yeast. Focusing on several of the newly identified residents, we identified three homologs of Vps13 and Atg2 that are residents of multiple contact sites. These proteins share their lipid transport domain, thus expanding this family of lipid transporters. Analysis of another candidate, Ypr097w, which we now call Lec1 (Lipid-droplet Ergosterol Cortex 1), revealed that this previously uncharacterized protein dynamically shifts between lipid droplets and the cell cortex, and plays a role in regulation of ergosterol distribution in the cell. Overall, our analysis expands the universe of contact site residents and effectors and creates a rich database to mine for new functions, tethers, and regulators.
Mcm2 promotes stem cell differentiation via its ability to bind H3-H4
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Hua Xu , Brown Kyle , Ren Xiaojun , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: November 2022

Mcm2, a subunit of the minichromosome maintenance proteins 2–7 (Mcm2-7) helicase best known for its role in DNA replication, contains a histone binding motif that facilitates the transfer of parental histones following DNA replication. Here, we show that Mcm2 is important for the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. The Mcm2-2A mutation defective in histone binding shows defects in silencing of pluripotent genes and the induction of lineage-specific genes. The defects in the induction of lineage-specific genes in the mutant cells are likely, at least in part, due to reduced binding to Asf1a, a histone chaperone that binds Mcm2 and is important for nucleosome disassembly at bivalent chromatin domains containing repressive H3K27me3 and active H3K4me3 modifications during differentiation. Mcm2 localizes at transcription starting sites and the binding of Mcm2 at gene promoters is disrupted in both Mcm2-2A ES cells and neural precursor cells (NPCs). Reduced Mcm2 binding at bivalent chromatin domains in Mcm2-2A ES cells correlates with decreased chromatin accessibility at corresponding sites in NPCs. Together, our studies reveal a novel function of Mcm2 in ES cell differentiation, likely through manipulating chromatin landscapes at bivalent chromatin domains.
Endosymbiotic selective pressure at the origin of eukaryotic cell biology
Authors: Raval Parth K , Garg Sriram G , Gould Sven B
Published: November 2022

The dichotomy that separates prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells runs deep. The transition from pro- to eukaryote evolution is poorly understood due to a lack of reliable intermediate forms and definitions regarding the nature of the first host that could no longer be considered a prokaryote, the first eukaryotic common ancestor, FECA. The last eukaryotic common ancestor, LECA, was a complex cell that united all traits characterising eukaryotic biology including a mitochondrion. The role of the endosymbiotic organelle in this radical transition towards complex life forms is, however, sometimes questioned. In particular the discovery of the asgard archaea has stimulated discussions regarding the pre-endosymbiotic complexity of FECA. Here we review differences and similarities among models that view eukaryotic traits as isolated coincidental events in asgard archaeal evolution or, on the contrary, as a result of and in response to endosymbiosis. Inspecting eukaryotic traits from the perspective of the endosymbiont uncovers that eukaryotic cell biology can be explained as having evolved as a solution to housing a semi-autonomous organelle and why the addition of another endosymbiont, the plastid, added no extra compartments. Mitochondria provided the selective pressures for the origin (and continued maintenance) of eukaryotic cell complexity. Moreover, they also provided the energetic benefit throughout eukaryogenesis for evolving thousands of gene families unique to eukaryotes. Hence, a synthesis of the current data lets us conclude that traits such as the Golgi apparatus, the nucleus, autophagosomes, and meiosis and sex evolved as a response to the selective pressures an endosymbiont imposes.
Perception of final year radiography students towards the proposed six-year Doctor of Radiography/Medical Imaging program
Authors: Fiagbedzi Emmanuel , Gorleku Philip Nii , Nyarko Savanna , Frimpong Bernard , Adjei Alberta , Nkrumah Abel
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Medical imaging or radiography as a profession has evolved considerably. As a result, the radiography/medical imaging program would need to be upgraded to keep up with the changes. The purpose of this study was to find out how final-year radiography students feel about the proposed six-year Doctor of Radiography/Medical Imaging program.
Methods: From June to October 2021, a cross-sectional study of final-year radiography students was undertaken at the University of Cape Coast. All students received pilot tested questionnaires through email. There were 29 questions in all, grouped into three sections A, B and C. Data was analyzed statistically with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.
Results: This survey drew a total of 83 students, with 62 males (75%) and 21 females (25%) participating. The mean of all the listed items in section B was 1.78 while C was 1.77. This indicated strong optimistic about the proposed program's ability to generate high-quality, exceptional and diverse imaging specialists.
Conclusion: The final year students had a favorable perception toward the proposed six-year Doctor of Radiography/Medical Imaging program. As a result, they are confident that the program would result in more flexible imaging experts than the four-year bachelor's degree.
Effectiveness Analysis of Unwanted Fire Alarm Using Carbon Monoxide Sensors
Authors: Shin Young Min , Lim You Ri , Kim Bong Jun , Kim Hwang Jin , Han Dong Hun , Lee Chang Seop
Published: November 2022

A carbon monoxide sensor was applied with smoke detectors, which trigger unwanted fire alarms, to improve detection reliability. Standardized fire and unwanted fire tests according to UL 268 and scenario-based tests for unwanted fire alarms were performed to analyze the detection effectiveness in fire and unwanted fire situations. Studies on improving unwanted fire alarms using carbon monoxide sensors have been conducted in various fields. However, additional concentration measurements using carbon monoxide sensors in various fire and unwanted fire conditions should be performed for institutional approval of detection effectiveness. Further research is required to determine the carbon monoxide concentration that can clearly distinguish unwanted fires from actual fires.
Real-scale Fire Experiment Considering Ventilation Factor and Fire Load for Obtaining Time-temperature Curves
Authors: Kweon Oh-Sang , Kan Hyun
Published: November 2022

Obtaining time temperature curves is critical for evaluating the performance of compartments that are designed for safe – operation in the event of a fire accident. The main factors influencing the time temperature curves are ventilation factor and – fire load. In this study, a real-scale fire experiment was carried out by considering the fire load and ventilation factor for obtaining time temperature curves. In the real-scale fire experiment, two types (A-type: 2.2 (L) m × 2.0 (H) m and B-type: – 2.2 (L) m × 1.0 (H) m) of single openings were applied to a section of mock compartment (dimensions: 2.4 (L) m × 3.6 (W) m × 2.4 (H) m), and the fire loads were set to 162.4 (1st) and 194 .6 (2nd) MJ/m2. Wood cribs, used as combustibles, were placed in two types, and a small heptane pool was used as an initial fire source at the bottom. The temperature change inside the compartment was measured, and the ceiling showed the maximum temperature. An average maximum temperature of 354 .8 and 507.1 °C was measured for the 1st and 2nd fire loads at A-type opening, respectively, whereas average temperature of 570.0 and 612.5 °C was measured for the 1st and 2nd fire loads, respectively, at B-type opening.
s Alar Cinch Suture Effective in Controlling Alar Base Widening in Le Fort 1 Osteotomy?
Authors: Jha Gaurav Kumar , Kshirsagar Rajesh , Singh Vikram , Nair Vivek , Kedia Daksh
Published: November 2022

Le Fort I osteotomy causes nasolabial alterations that may be unattractive, such as expansion of the alae and alar bases and thinning of the upper lip. After maxillary impaction, there is a propensity for the tip to elevate, and in some circumstances, this may even become excessive. The nasolabial angle closes and similar alterations are observed with maxillary advancement. When Le Fort I impaction or maxilla advancement occurs, the alar base cinch suture is frequently utilised to reduce the unfavourable rise in nasal width. There are significant changes in the nasolabial morphology associated with Le Fort 1 osteotomy. Numerous changes occur after the surgical intervention in the maxilla namely- widening of the alar base of the nose, upturning of the nasal tip, flattening and thinning of the upper lip and down turning of the commissures. Widening of the alar bases of the nose appears to be the most common undesirable outcome. Some people may benefit aesthetically from nasal widening. For instance, the long face syndrome is frequently characterised by a narrow nose with a large dorsum. In these situations, superior maxillary relocation typically improves the look of the nose by enlarging the bases of the arches. However, excessive alar base broadening and superior retraction would cause the alar-facial groove to aesthetically deepen, giving the patient an older appearance, and may cause asymmetry in the alas. It is crucial for the surgeon to comprehend the preoperative aesthetic facial linkages and anticipate any potential impact the surgical operation may have on the nasolabial region before performing maxillary surgery. To control the width of the alar base after maxillary osteotomy clinicians have advocated the placement of cinch sutures, reduction of the anterior nasal spine and use of V-Y closure technique. There are inconstant opinions on the effect of the cinch suture.
Right-sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (Morgagni Hernia)- A Rare Clinical Manifestation in an Adult
Authors: Saxena Megha Dhirendrakumar , Kumar K Senthil , Anantharamakrishnan R
Published: November 2022

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), usually presents in the childhood period. It presents as an idiopathic human malformation. It is a condition where the organs of the abdomen enter the thorax due to a defect in the diaphragm, that is, herniation from the pleuroperitoneal fistula. Morgagni hernias are commonly incidentally diagnosed on a chest radiograph or a patient may have cardiorespiratory or abdominal symptoms. Repair of hernia without the use of mesh is advised in asymptomatic cases also due to feared complications like strangulation and incarceration. The treatment of Morgagni Hernia is primary surgical repair which can be done either transthoracically or transabdominally. It is advised that surgical repair should be done even in asymptomatic cases. This report is about a 66-year-old female patient with a right-sided Morgagni hernia, who presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Since the patient was symptomatic, surgical approach was preferred and she underwent laparoscopic abdominal surgery which was converted to open abdominal approach. Postoperatively, the patient recovered from her symptoms and had no complications.
Molecular Typing of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus using Coa Gene Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hema P , Appalaraju B , Someshwaran R
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are the most important multidrug resistant pathogen of humans causing a wide array of infections. Polymorphic Coagulase gene (coa) could be targeted for specific typing of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. ‘Possible source’ can be identified and discriminated rapidly for control and prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections especially in case of suspected outbreaks. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) have high discriminatory power and enhanced reproducibility. Mutation and variation in number of short sequence repeats lead to distinct amplification of this region of coa gene by PCR. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) fragments of different sizes obtained by digestion with specific restriction enzymes like Arthrobacter luteus I (AluI) help to discriminate various types based on the patterns produced as a result of PCR-RFLP. Aim: To determine molecular typing of MRSA by coa gene PCR-RFLP. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Microbiology involving 150 clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus obtained from various clinical specimens. Genotypic identification of MRSA was done by detecting coa gene and mecA gene by PCR. Molecular typing of MRSA was done by coa gene PCR-RFLP. Results: Coa gene PCR identified six Genotypic codes (Code I to Code VI) ranging from 300 bp-800 bp size. Restriction digestion of the amplicons of the coa gene by PCR-RFLP using the enzyme AluI provided 17 unique restriction patterns among MRSA isolates in toto. The predominant coa gene PCR Genotype code was “Type IV” which was 600 bp size and predominant RFLP fragment for Genotype code “Type IV” was RFLP Pattern ‘b’ (500 bp, 240 bp and 140 bp fragments) among the study population. Conclusion: Genotype code ‘IV’ and RFLP pattern ‘b’ was found to be predominant coa gene type among MRSA in this study
Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Incremental Layer of Self-etch Self-adhesive Novel Flowable Composite after Salivary Contamination: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Makhijani Divya , Kamat Sharad , Hugar Santosh , Nanjannawar Girish , Kinikar Sonali , Kadu Tanvi
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Contamination of composite restoration during incremental placement leads to decrease in the incremental bond strength. Adhesive application on freshly contaminated resin surface increases the bond strength but is a complex and time-consuming procedure. Recently composite systems combining etchant, bonding agent and flowable composite into a single component have been introduced to simplify bonding and save time. In this study incremental layer shear bond strength is utilised to assess bond stability at resin-resin interface after salivary contamination. Aim: To evaluate shear bond strength of incremental layer of self-etch self-adhesive novel flowable composite after salivary contamination. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study included 55 acrylic resin cylinders (2×2.5 cm) with square shaped cavity (5×5 mm, thickness 2 mm) restored with DMGTM CONSTIC flowable composite that were randomly divided into five groups with eleven specimens per group. Group I: No salivary contamination, Group II: Salivary contamination followed by air drying, Group III: Salivary contamination followed by rinsing and air drying. Group II and III were subdivided into subgroup a: application and brushing of 0.5 mm of CONSTIC followed by light curing and filling of rest of mold by CONSTIC, subgroup b: direct application of 2 mm of CONSTIC. Shear bond strength between increments of composite was determined by Universal Testing Machine. Data were analysed using One-way ANOVA test and Independent t-test. Level of significance was kept at 5%. Results: Incremental shear bond strength (MPa) was highest for group I (12.09±1.99) followed by group IIIa (10.21±3.49), group IIa (10.08±3.21), group IIb (7.59±2.31) and lowest for group IIIb (7.35±3.06). Conclusion: Active application of self-etch self-adhesive flowable composite successfully restores the incremental shear bond strength after salivary contamination.
Loneliness and Social Support Experienced by COVID-19 Patients Attending a Telemedicine Centre of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dutta Sinjita , Shukla Vineeta , Srivastava Smiti Rani , Bysack Ratul Kumar , Mukherjee Meghna , Basu Mausumi
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Telemedicine acted as one of the biggest medium in treating Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients during the second wave of the still ongoing pandemic. Although the symptoms were taken care of and treated through teleconsultation, the loneliness and social support system of these patients went largely unrecognised. The morbidity pattern, effect of self-isolation and quarantine, uncertainties in social support were major contributors to loneliness among patients suffering from COVID-19. Aim: To estimate the proportion of loneliness and level of social support experienced by COVID-19 patients seeking advice from a telemedicine centre of Kolkata and to find out their socioclinical profile and the associated relationship. Materials and Methods: An observational study with crosssectional design was conducted on 403 COVID-19 patients who had taken advice from the telemedicine centre of Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGME and R), Kolkata for a period of 12 weeks (May-July 2021). Loneliness was assessed by the 11-item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scale, whereas social support was assessed using 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support scale through telephonic interview. Data were tabulated in the Microsoft Office Excel 2019 (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA, USA) and the analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM, New York City, USA) version 25.0. Results: Out of 403, more than half of the study population, 194 (48.2%) belonged to 18-35 years of age. Of the total, 235 (58.3%) were males, 319 (79.2%) were currently married and 300 (74.4%) were Hindus. About 142 (35.2%) respondents had experienced severe loneliness, while 297 (73.7%) had experienced high social support. There was a significant negative correlation found between loneliness and social support (r=-0.495, p-value <0.01). It was found that being male, belonging to nuclear family, education upto higher secondary level, being addicted, loneliness due to physical distancing, and those who had socialised frequently had higher odds of loneliness, whereas unemployed, unskilled, semiskilled and skilled occupation, having one chronic disease had lower odds of social support. Conclusion: About 338 (84%) patients had experienced loneliness which was strikingly high. This shows a deeper aspect into the actual picture of how COVID-19 impacts mental health of those who are affected. Future interventions are needed to address loneliness and develop social support system along with addressing healthcare needs of COVID-19 patients.
Efficacy of Probiotic and Herbal Chewing Gums on Salivary pH in 6-11 years age group Children: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Tatiya Neeti , Pattanshetti Kirti , Lunia Shreya , Malagi Sachin , Ali Saif , Sarkar Dipaneeta
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Saliva is a crucial diagnostic tool to evaluate oral health. Chewing sugar-free gum is an effective method to increase salivary flow and can also be employed a medium for the administration of medicinal ingredients. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of chewing xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums on salivary acidogenicity levels. Materials and Methods: A single centre, randomised, double blind, parallel clinical trial was conducted on 60 children aged between 6-11 years. Baseline salivary pH was recorded With the pH meter and then the participants were asked to consume chocolate and salivary pH was recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. Then children were randomly allocated to Group A-Xylitol chewing gum (control group, n=20), Group B-Herbal chewing gum (n=20), and Group C-Probiotic chewing gum (n=20) and instructed to chew gum according to their assigned group and salivary pH was again recorded at an interval of 5, 30, and 60 minutes. The change in salivary pH was evaluated using ANOVA and Post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: The mean age of the study population was 9.23±1.38 years. Statistically significant (p<0.001) increase in pH was recorded post consumption of probiotic, xylitol and herbal chewing gums and the mean salivary pH values recorded at 60 minutes were 7.20±0.21, 7.01±0.23 and 6.43±0.22, respectively. Conclusion: The observations of the study showed that xylitol, herbal and probiotic chewing gums reversed the fall in salivary pH after an acidogenic challenge with probiotic being better among the three groups.
Kangaroo Mother Care versus Prone Position in Preterm Neonates: A Non Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Naskar Arghya Roy , Biswas Prativa , Karar Neha , Halder Dipanjan
Published: November 2022

Introduction: One of the major problems of preterm neonates is immature alimentation. This may lead to inadequate weight gain, higher chances of sepsis and increased mortality. Positioning during and after feeding affects nutritional tolerance. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a method of skin-to-skin contact between mother and neonate, claimed to improve infant outcomes. Aim: To compare prone and Kangaroo Mother Care positioning of preterm neonates of 28 to 32 weeks gestational age during orogastric tube feeding. Materials and Methods: The study was a non-randomized crossover clinical study, carried out at Sick Newborn Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Department of Paediatrics, R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India, from April 2020 to March 2021. The studied parameters included gastric residual volume (3 hours postprandial), vital signs like respiratory rate, heart rate, SpO2 level, body temperature, Capillary Blood Glucose (CBG), also comfort scores using a comfort scale. Total 110 preterm neonates of 28 to 32 weeks gestational age were sampled as per inclusion criteria and divided into two groups. Each group was fed by orogastric tube feeding in its respective position, in which they were kept for 3 hours. Vital signs, comfort scores and gastric residual volume were re-assessed. Groups were crossed over on the next day. Statistical analysis was done by t-test. Results: Of the total 110 neonates, KMC sample and prone position sample were compared after 3 hours. Heart rate was 147.5±4.3 and 151.08±9.1 beats per minute and respiratory rate 52.8±2.9 and 55.6±4.9 cycles per minute, which were lower in KMC than in prone position. There was better glycemic control {n=107 (97.27) and 80 (72.73) mg/dL}, higher comfort scores (11.2±1.1 and 10.1±2.0) and minimal to negligible gastric residuals (0.03±0.05 mL and 0.13±0.12 mL) in KMC position, when compared to prone position, respectively. Conclusion: Kangaroo mother care produced more stable physiological indices, and was more comfortable for preterm neonates and resulted in better feeding, absorption and metabolism.
Near Miss Obstetric Events and Its Correlates at a Teaching Hospital in South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Alegbeleye Justina Omoikhefe , Alabere Ibidabo David
Published: November 2022

Background: Maternal Near Miss refers to a woman who nearly died but survived a complication during pregnancy, delivery, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. It serves as a tool that allows clinicians and health facilities to assess and improve the quality of maternal health care.

Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the factors associated with maternal near-miss morbidity at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Materials and Methods: A retrospective institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. A stratified sampling method was used to select the folders of 610 women who were managed during pregnancy, labour or postpartum period, abortion and ectopic pregnancy between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020. Data collection tool was used to obtain socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics from folders and SPSS 25 used for analysis. Mean and standard deviation was used to summarize descriptive data, while the test for association was done using chi-square test and logistic regression. The results are presented in tables.

Results: The majority 214 (35.1%) of the women were aged 30 - 34 years, with a mean age of 31.57 ± 5.0 years. Most 541, (88.7%) of the women were married, more than half 335 (54.9%) had tertiary education, while 273 (44.8%) were engaged in partly skilled jobs. About one-fifth 138 (22.6%) of the women were booked. Single marital status (aOR: 2.46; 95% CI: 0.99-6.13; p=0.043), unbooked status (aOR=4.74, 95% CI: 1.93-11.68, p=0.001) gravidity (aOR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.63-6.85, p=0.001) and parity (aOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.14-0.70, p=0.005) were observed to be significant determinants of MNM.

Conclusion: There is a huge burden of maternal near-miss conditions at UPTH. Early detection and treatment of these potential causes may provide a window of opportunity to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
The Effect of Different Natural Antioxidants on Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Akinwumi A. O. , Oshodi O. A. , Olawuyi B. S. , Atandah R. A. , Olukade B. C. , Ogunsola O. M. , Ajani R. A. , Oyenekan O. I. , Olagoke O. C.
Published: November 2022

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of natural antioxidants (black pepper, green tea, roselle and their combinations) on meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 270 1 - day old Arbor Acre broiler chicks were randomly distributed into nine treatments of three replicates each (10 birds in each replicate) in a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement for 2 inclusion levels (0.5g and 1.0g per kg of feed) of natural antioxidants (Control (CT), Green tea (GT), Roselle (RS), Black pepper (BP) and combination (CM) of the 3 antioxidants). At the end of the feeding trial (at 8 weeks), nine birds per treatment were immobilized, slaughtered, dressed, weighed and cut into primal cuts. The growth (initial and final body weight gain, average daily feed intake and weight gain, and feed conversion) and blood assay (haematology and serum biochemistry) of the birds were monitored while the breast and thigh meat cuts were subjected to physico-chemical and sensory analysis. The result indicated that, among examined natural antioxidants, BP improved the bird’s live weight. High Density Lipoprotein value was highest (p<0.05) in control and closely followed by birds on GT, CM, BP and RS. The lowest blood (p<0.05) cholesterol was recorded in RS which was closely followed by GT and CM. Carcass evaluation showed that birds fed BP had better (p<0.05) live weight (2.05kg) and highest acceptability (p<0.05) for organoleptic properties. The breast meat weight was also highest (p<0.05) in BP. It was concluded that the natural antioxidants increased live weight, improved performance and reduced abdominal fat. RS reduced blood cholesterol while RS, CM (GT + RS + BP) inclusion improved serum total protein of broiler chickens. Inclusion of natural antioxidant in the diets of broiler is hereby advocated for achieving optimum broilers performance and meat quality.
Effect of Different Organic and Inorganic Inputs on Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max) in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Azu D. E. O. , Ijearu S. I. , Nwanja O. U. , Nweke P. E.
Published: November 2022

This study was carried out at the teaching and Research farm, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, to investigate the integrated effects of organics (lime, Inoculum) and mineral fertilizers, (single superphosphate and muriate of potash) on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The input omission trial was composed of 16 treatment combinations of phosphorus (75 kg/ha), potassium (88 kg/ha), lime (1500 kg/ha), and inoculum (400g/100kg seed). Each set of 16 treatments were randomized and replicated 3 times. The soybean variety “TGX1951-3F” was planted in 0.5 m by 1 m plots with a seed spacing of 5 cm. Data on number of nodules and nodule viability at 45 days after planting, plant height at 90 days after planting, number and weight of 100 seeds per plot and yield per plot at harvest were collected and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in R using the package “car” to test the main treatment effects, 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way treatment interactions in the omission trial. Results showed highly significant effects of treatments on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The no input treatment generally had the most appreciable improvement in plant height, nodule viability, weight of 100 seeds and yield. Inoculated seeds had the highest number of nodules and percent nodule viability (5 and 69% respectively). . 2.12ton/ha yield generated by the no input treatment shows the potential for future higher yield especially when climatic and good agronomic strategies are employed.
Comparison and Reasons for Diet-intake before and after COVID-19 Lockdown in Selected Households in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Ifeoma Ucheh Bernadette , Charles Umeh Chisom , Itanyi Onuche Job
Published: November 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic between 2019-2020 resulted in lockdowns and travel restrictions worldwide. This could however, significantly influence the dietary habits of humans worldwide considering its economic, financial and health impacts.

Aims: The study aims to investigate dietary habits in selected households in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Methodology:  24 hour dietary recall was used to collect dietary data on meals consumed a day before interview both before and after the lockdown was lifted using the same questionnaire, a total of 50 respondents, 25 female and 25 male. Convinience sampling was used in the knowledge, attitude and practice study.

Results:  The respondents had an improvement in diet choices post COVID-19 lockdown as show on the charts above, the increase in the consumption of fruits /vegetable (7%) and spice/seasoning (5%) food groups was majorly as a result of their associated health and wellbeing benefits however, there was also a reduction in the percentage intake of protein (5%) and complex carbohydrates (13%) probably due to the overall reduction in caloric intake. An increase of 4% was also recorded in the intake of simple carbohydrates.

Conclusion: There was an overall improvement in diet choices and lifestyle post Covid-19 in the Study Area.
Potentials of Cassava, Bambara Groundnut and Tigernut in Biscuit Production: A Review
Authors: Tochukwu Ubaka Izunna , Obioma Agu Helen , Tope Victor-Aduloju Adeyemisi , Chinenye Mba Joy
Published: November 2022

Due to varying changes in lifestyle, economic level and urbanization in the developing countries, the consumption of biscuit and the development of food products using composite flour have increased and are attracting much attention from researchers in bakery and pastry productions. This work reviewed the potentials of cassava, bambara groundnut and tigernut composite flours in biscuit production. This study also includes studies on the use of flours from other tubers, legumes, cereals, and fruit sources in place of wheat flour to make a variety of food products in varying amounts. It was revealed that flour made from cassava, bambara groundnut and tigernut used to produce biscuit products has the capacity of maintaining similar characteristics to products made from full-wheat flour. The finished result demonstrates the cumulative impact of this option in terms of its functional and physicochemical features, as well as the health advantages of raw mixed flour and percentage blending.

In addition, composite flour is an excellent new strategy for employing unusual food products becaue its use produced goods with a range of qualities and features, depending on the types and proportions of wheat flour used in the formulation.

Also this review stated some possible challenges likely to be encountered in case Nigeria changes from use of wheat flour to composite flours and blends of non-wheat flours.
Influence of Foliar Application of Panchagavya and Fish Extracts and Application of Organic Substances on Yield and Quality of Ash Gourd under Organic Farming
Authors: Dhanushkodi V. , Nageswari R.
Published: November 2022

Recently, farmers are shifting to organic farming and are interested in the adoption of various plant and animal waste as nutrient sources in organic agriculture to supply the nutrients for getting the expected yield.  Currently, farmers believe that the application of panchagavya and fish extracts play a major role in enhancing the biological efficiency of crop plants.  Hence, a field study was conducted to assess the effect of foliar application of panchagavya, fish extracts and organic substances on yield and quality of ash gourd under organic farming during Kharif,   2020 at Murungai village in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. The results of the study indicated that foliar application of Panchgavya @ 3%, and fish extracts @ 0.5% along with soil application of FYM @25 t/ha, Groundnut cake @ 100 kg/ha and Neem cake @ 200kg/ha recorded significantly higher fruit yield (25.55 t/ha) compared to other treatments. Further, nutrient contents of ash gourd were studied under various foliar applications of organics and the fruit pulp was used for analysis. The quality parameters viz., protein content of fruit (0.54 g/100 g), Fat (0.13 g/100 g), carbohydrate (2.44 g/100 g), Fibre (1.14g/100 g), Zinc (0.14mg/100 g), Iron  (0.44 mg/100 g) recorded were significantly higher with the application of Panchagavya, fish extract and oil cake application. Therefore, it is found that foliar application of Panchgavya @ 3%, and Fish extracts @ 0.5% along with FYM (25 t/ha), Groundnut cake (100 kg/ha) and Neem cake (200 kg/ha) could be used for getting more yield under organic farming system.
People’s Perception about Plant-based Formulated Diets as a Non-chemical Method of Rodent Population Control in Nigeria
Authors: Badmus H. A. , Alarape A. A.
Published: November 2022

A total number of two hundred and thirty five (235) respondents responded to the self-structured (online Google form) questionnaires administered to them without being bias to sample their opinions on the performance of common rodent population control methods and their readiness to embrace plant-based formulated diets as a method of rodent population control in Nigeria. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the questionnaires.  The results showed that rodent population should be controlled to reduce their damage to agricultural crops (97.4%), to reduce zoonotic diseases (94.9%), and for conservation reasons (82.6%) in Nigeria. It was also revealed that some of the common rodent population control methods were found to be humane, cost effective, acceptable, and effective but at different levels. The plant-based formulated diet as a method of population reduction would be humane (69.8%), acceptable (65.1%), and effective (68.5%) method. The plant-based formulated diet was viewed as a promising method and this indicated readiness to adopt the method as an alternative to the common methods of rodent population control.
Catalytic Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Sugarcane Bagasse: Effect of Crystallization Time of Fe-MCM-41 and Process Parameters
Authors: Govindasamy Gopalakrishnan , Sharma Rohit , Subramanian Sunu
Published: November 2022

Sugarcane is both food and energy crop providing sugar and energy products. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is gaining importance for the conversion of sugarcane bagasse to bio-oil, whose yield depends on the deoxygenation activity of the catalyst employed and process parameters. In this study, mesoporous Fe-MCM-41 catalysts were synthesized with crystallization time varied from 12 to 72 h, characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), textural analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and evaluated for the HTL of sugarcane bagasse. All the Fe-MCM-41 catalysts gave higher bio-oil yield with lower oxygen content compared to non-catalytic HTL, confirmed their deoxygenation activity. Among them, Fe-MCM-41 synthesized after 24 h of crystallization was found to have the highest crystallinity, and surface area thus gave the highest bio-oil yield of 56.2% containing the least amount of oxygen of 15.3 wt% at 250 °C, initial CO pressure of 45 bar, reaction time of 120 min, Water/Biomass weight ratio of 28, Catalyst/Biomass weight ratio of 0.4 and 0.2, respectively. Overall process of HTL of sugarcane bagasse was found to involve two consecutive equilibria, first conversion of lignocellulose of sugarcane bagasse by hydrolysis to water soluble organics (WSO) followed by its deoxygenation to bio-oil. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
New Federal Efforts to Address Food and Nutrition Insecurity
Authors: Lynch-Smith Miranda , Bleich Sara N. , Sommers Benjamin D.
Published: November 2022

This JAMA Forum discusses the expansion and improvement of federal food and nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, to combat food insecurity.
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Interleukin 2 for Primary Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: He Jing , Chen Jiali , Miao Miao , Zhang Ruijun , Cheng Gong , Wang Yifan , Feng Ruiling , Huang Bo , Luan Huijie , Jia Yuan , Jin Yuebo , Zhang Xiaoying , Shao Miao , Wang Yu , Zhang Xia , Li Jing , Zhao Xiaozhen , Wang Han , Liu Tian , Xiao Xian , Zhang Xuewu , Su Yin , Mu Rong , Ye Hua , Li Ru , Liu Xu , Liu Yanying , Li Chun , Liu Huixin , Hu Fanlei , Guo Jianping , Liu Wanli , Zhang Wen-Bin , Jacob Alexander , Ambrus Julian L. , Ding Changhai , Yu Di , Sun Xiaolin , Li Zhanguo
Published: November 2022

Importance

Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with dysregulated immune cells, with no efficient therapy. There is a need to study potential therapeutic approaches.

Objective

To investigate the efficacy, safety, and immune response of low-dose interleukin 2 (LD-IL-2) in the treatment of pSS.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted with a 2-group superiority design from June 2015 to August 2017. Sixty patients, aged 18 to 70 years, were recruited from Peking University People’s Hospital. Efficacy analyses were based on the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Data were analyzed from December 2018 to March 2020.

Interventions

Patients with pSS were treated with LD-IL-2 or placebo for 12 weeks and accompanied by 12 weeks of follow-up.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was defined as a 3-point or greater improvement on the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) by week 24. The secondary end points included other clinical responses, safety, and changes of immune cell subsets at week 12 and 24.

Results

Sixty patients with pSS were recruited, with 30 in the LD-IL-2 group (mean [SD] age, 47.6 [12.8] years; 30 [100%] women) and 30 in the placebo group (mean [SD] age, 51.0 [11.9] years; 30 [100%] women), and 57 completed the trial. More patients in the LD-IL-2 group (20 [66.7%]) achieved ESSDAI score reduction of at least 3 points than in the placebo group (8 [26.7%]) at week 24 (P = .004). There were greater resolutions of dryness, pain, and fatigue in the LD-IL-2 group than placebo group at week 12 (dryness: difference, −18.33 points; 95% CI, −28.46 to −8.21 points;P = .001; pain: difference, −10.33 points; 95% CI, −19.38 to −1.29 points;P = .03; fatigue: difference, −11.67 points; 95% CI, −20.65 to −2.68 points;P = .01). No severe adverse events were observed in either group. In addition, the LD-IL-2 group showed a significant decrease in infection compared with the placebo group (1 [3.3%] vs 9 [30.0%];P = .006). Immunological analysis revealed that LD-IL-2 promoted an expansion of regulatory T cells and regulatory CD24highCD27+B cells.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, LD-IL-2 was effective and well tolerated in patients with pSS, and it restored immune balance, with enhanced regulatory T cells and CD24highCD27+B cells.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02464319