bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Table Grapes: There Is More to Vitiviniculture than Wine…
Authors: Cristina Agulheiro-Santos Ana , Laranjo Marta , Ricardo-Rodrigues Sara
Published: January 2022

Table grapes are fruits intended for fresh human consumption due to their sensory attributes and nutritional value. The objective of this chapter is to review the existing knowledge about table grapes, including a description of different varieties, with particular emphasis on the new highly appreciated seedless varieties. Following an introductory note on the world distribution and production of table grapes, also considering the impact of climate change, selected varieties of table grapes will be characterized in terms of their physiology, postharvest features, and consumer preferences. A morphological description of each variety, with emphasis on grape skin, grape rachis and grape cluster will be included. A final note on the drying of table grapes into raisins, and the most appropriate varieties for drying, will be given. The major changes occurring throughout the growth, development, and ripening phases of table grapes production will be discussed, regarding both physical (skin color and skin and pulp texture) and chemical (phenolic compounds, sugar content and acidity) parameters, as well as growth regulators.
Temperament and Personality Traits in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Khoshkhui Maryam , Kamrani Maedeh , Emadzadeh Maryam , Jafari Zahra , Faridhosseini Farhad
Published: January 2022

Background: Considering the psychobiological aspects of various dermatological diseases and the role of personality traits in the development of chronic skin diseases such as chronic urticaria, the present study aimed to assess the personality traits of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) compared to healthy individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study during 2016 - 2018, all patients with CSU who referred to Immunology and Allergy Clinic of Ghaem hospital, the Center of reference and excellence in urticaria (UCARE), considered as research community; 100 patients with CSU were selected using the convenience sampling method. Moreover, 100 healthy participants were selected as the control group. Research instruments were Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and a demographic checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and chi-square test using SPSS Software version 23. Results: The patients had higher scores in novelty-seeking (P = 0.041) and harm avoidance (P = 0.015), while the healthy individuals had higher scores in self-directedness (P = 0.003) and cooperativeness (P = 0.001). Moreover, male patients had higher scores in novelty-seeking (P = 0.006) and reward dependence (P = 0.013); however, female patients had higher scores in self-transcendence (P = 0.001) and cooperativeness (P = 0.019). Furthermore, there was a correlation between the disease duration of with reward dependence, self-directedness, and self-transcendence. Conclusions: Personality traits seem to be associated with CSU. In this regard, patients with CSU had higher scores in novelty-seeking and harm avoidance and lower scores in self-directedness and cooperativeness than healthy individuals.
Medicinal Importance of Ajuga Species in Iran: Ethnobotanical and Traditional Applications, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Studies
Authors: Rahiminiya Aysan , Herizchi Ghadim Hamideh , Sadati Lamardi Seyede Nargess , Haghir Ebrahimabadi Mohsen , Fazljou Seyyed Mohammadbagher , Ayati Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2022

Context: Five species of the genus Ajuga (Lamiaceae) having the common name of "bugle" are found in Iran. In Persian medicine (PM), the genus Ajuga (Kamaphytus) is used for treating jaundice, joint pain, gout, amenorrhea, sciatica, and wound healing. This study aimed to review the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and biological activities of Ajuga species that grow in Iran to determine their therapeutic potentials and suggest further studies on the healing properties of this genus in Iran. Evidence Acquisition: Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched for studies on Ajuga species in Iran, including "Ajuga austro-iranica," "Ajuga chamaecistus," "Ajuga comata" (Syn.: "Ajuga chia," "Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. Chia"), "Ajuga orientalis," and "Ajuga reptans." The search period was from 1966 to February 2021. The related articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the current study. Results: Several ethnobotanical and pharmacologic reports have verified the traditional uses of the genus Ajuga for anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, analgesic, anabolic, anti-arthritis, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective activities. Numerous phytochemicals have been identified from Ajuga species involving phytoecdysteroids, neo-clerodane-diterpenes, iridoids, flavonoids, withanolides, phenylethyl glycoside, and essential oils. Conclusions: Due to the beneficial therapeutic effects of Ajuga genus, it can be considered in future clinical studies as a source of natural antioxidants, dietary supplements in the pharmaceutical industry, and stabilizing food against oxidative deterioration.
Natalia Ginzburg. «Scrivere con il corpo» sul margine del «buco del Reale»
Authors: Floriani Mariaelena
Published: January 2022

Quest’articolo si propone di illustrare il legame tra corpo e scrittura che caratterizza la parabola creativa di Natalia Ginzburg (1916-1991) attraverso alcuni strumenti ermeneutici della psicanalisi lacaniana. Nella prima parte dell’articolo - Linguaggio e Inconscio - si definisce la natura del soggetto lacaniano, scisso tra parola soggettiva e struttura linguistica, tra il sé e l’illusione del sé: due poli divisi da un’opacità connaturata all’esistenza, che il linguaggio e la scrittura non possono risolvere. La seconda parte - La frammentazione come strumento narrativo e psicanalitico – indaga i modi in cui Natalia Ginzburg ha assunto su di sé la responsabilità di questa scissione trasformandola in contenente e contenuto di tutta la sua narrativa: da un lato, la frattura si manifesta tramite lo strumento della frammentazione, nelle diverse voci sperimentate dalla Ginzburg fra il 1942 e il 1984; dall’altro, la crepa diventa strumento psicanalitico-esistenziale per l’indagine del rapporto problematico tra soggetto e mondo. Ogni (non) presa di parola da parte dell’autrice o dei suoi personaggi è sintomo di un vuoto personalissimo e sempre diverso a seconda delle storie raccontate. Tenteremo di ricondurre la molteplicità di questi soggetti scissi all’unità tramite alcune delle pathosformeln descritte da Lacan, investendole di nuova luce. Nella terza parte - Scrivere con il corpo - si riassumono le strategie elaborate dalla scrittrice per rispondere al suo enjeux biografico, ovvero riuscire a scrivere malgrado l’infelicità causata dal rapporto con il «buco del Reale». Ogni parola vergata dalla penna di Natalia Ginzburg è una presa d’atto dell’intangibilità della vita e un atto di amore verso «l’opacità dell’enunciazione che soggiace agli enunciati che ne derivano».
Quality of life related to residual snoring after adenotonsillectomy: a pilot study
Authors: Bariani Rita Catia Brás , Guimaraes Thais Moura , Moura Wilana , Cappellette Junior Mario , Tufik Sergio , Moreira Gustavo A. , Fujita Reginaldo Raimundo
Published: January 2022

Introduction Few studies have addressed long-term quality of life related to residual snoring after adenotonsillectomy. The aim of this study was to compare scores from the OSA-18 questionnaire between children with residual snoring and non-snoring children two or more years after adenotonsillectomy.

Material and Methods The sample comprised 25 children divided into two groups, a group of 14 snoring children, and a control group of 11 non-snoring children. The OSA-18 questionnaire was applied to the volunteers. In the control group, it was completed by the caregivers of the children, while in individuals with residual snoring it was completed by the caregivers of children in the presence of a doctor or dentist. A statistical comparison was made using a generalized linear model.

Results The snorer group had a higher total OSA-18 score, and a higher score in all five domains compared to the control group.

Conclusion Children with residual snoring two or more years after adenotonsillectomy may have a worse quality of life compared to the control group.
Polysomnographic survey of sleep architecture in patients with methamphetamine dependence during remission
Authors: Rezaei-Ardani Amir , Rezaei-Talab Fariborz , Afshari-Saleh Lahya , Asad-Pour Hadi , Amjadi-Goojgi Zahra
Published: January 2022

Introduction Methamphetamine dependence is common in the world. Methamphetamine affects sleep architecture through changes in the monoaminergic activity of the brain. Limited studies investigated the sleep architecture in patients with methamphetamine dependence during prolonged abstinence. Therefore, this study investigated the sleep architecture of methamphetamine ex-users in the remission phase by polysomnography.

Material and Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted during 2015-2017 in Mashhad, Iran. 12 methamphetamine ex-users in early full remission phase were selected from residential treatment centers through the convenient sampling method. The clinical interview was made to confirm the diagnosis and assess the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We performed urine dipstick tests to detect any relapses. Participants underwent a one-night polysomnographic evaluation, voluntarily. The collected data were analyzed by independent sample t-test and chi-square test, using SPSS-16. The level of significance was less than .05.

Results The mean total sleep time of participants was significantly lower than the total sleep period (333.6±79.1 vs. 403.0±52.9 minutes, respectively; p=0.001), leading to a significant low sleep efficiency (75.7±14.4%, p=0.047). Evaluation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep showed a significant increase in the REM latency compared to the healthy population (p<0.001). Stages 1 and 3 of non-REM sleep were increased compared to the healthy population, too (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively).

Conclusion Former methamphetamine users continue to experience some long-term abnormalities in sleep architecture a few months after drug cessation
¿Harry Potter en Educación Deportiva? Percepciones del profesor, estudiantes y familias
Authors: Menéndez Santurio José Ignacio
Published: January 2022

The goal of this study was to examine teacher, students and parents’ perceptions of a quidditch-muggle Sport Education season at a primary school. Fifty-two sixth-grade students from one primary school participated in the study. A case study research design was followed. One Physical Education specialist with expertise in the Sport Education Model agreed to participate and conducted a season based on the quidditch-muggle sport (17 sessions; 60 minutes/each, two days/week). Finally, forty-five parents, 86.52% of the total sample, agreed to provide their insights on their children’s Harry Potter experience. Several instruments were used to collect qualitative data: teacher’s diary, students’ open-ended question, parents’ open-ended question and students’ discussion groups. From the analysis of all data obtained, four positive categories emerged: enjoyment, novelty, learning and self-construction and one negative: competitiveness. Teacher, students and parents highlighted the usefulness of the SEM despite of the overemphasis on the competition.

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar las percepciones del profesor, estudiantes y familias de una temporada de Educación Deportiva de quidditch-muggle. 52 estudiantes de 6º de Educación Primaria de un colegio participaron en la investigación. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de caso. Un profesor de Educación Física experto en el modelo de Educación Deportiva participó en el estudio y dirigió la temporada de quidditch-muggle (17 sesiones; 60 minutos por sesión, dos días a la semana). Finalmente, 45 familias, esto es un 86,52% del total de la muestra, aceptaron participar y proporcionar sus puntos de vista acerca de la experiencia de Harry Potter de sus hijos. Se utilizaron diferentes instrumentos de recogida de datos: diario del profesor, preguntas abiertas del alumnado, preguntas abierta de las familias y grupos de discusión del alumnado. Del análisis de datos se extrajeron cuatro categorías positivas: diversión, novedad, aprendizaje y autoconstrucción y una negativa: competitividad. El profesor, el alumnado y las familias destacaron la utilidad del modelo a pesar de la competitividad presente.
Establishment of developmental gene silencing by ordered polycomb complex recruitment in early zebrafish embryos
Authors: Hickey Graham JM , Wike Candice L , Nie Xichen , Guo Yixuan , Tan Mengyao , Murphy Patrick J , Cairns Bradley R
Published: January 2022

Vertebrate embryos achieve developmental competency during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) by establishing chromatin states that silence yet poise developmental genes for subsequent lineage-specific activation. Here, we reveal the order of chromatin states in establishing developmental gene poising in preZGA zebrafish embryos. Poising is established at promoters and enhancers that initially contain open/permissive chromatin with ‘Placeholder’ nucleosomes (bearing H2A.Z, H3K4me1, and H3K27ac), and DNA hypomethylation. Silencing is initiated by the recruitment of polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1), and H2Aub1 deposition by catalytic Rnf2 during preZGA and ZGA stages. During postZGA, H2Aub1 enables Aebp2-containing PRC2 recruitment and H3K27me3 deposition. Notably, preventing H2Aub1 (via Rnf2 inhibition) eliminates recruitment of Aebp2-PRC2 and H3K27me3, and elicits transcriptional upregulation of certain developmental genes during ZGA. However, upregulation is independent of H3K27me3 – establishing H2Aub1 as the critical silencing modification at ZGA. Taken together, we reveal the logic and mechanism for establishing poised/silent developmental genes in early vertebrate embryos.
Autophagosomes fuse to phagosomes and facilitate the degradation of apoptotic cells in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Peña-Ramos Omar , Chiao Lucia , Liu Xianghua , Yu Xiaomeng , Yao Tianyou , He Henry , Zhou Zheng
Published: January 2022

Autophagosomes are double-membrane intracellular vesicles that degrade protein aggregates, intracellular organelles, and other cellular components. During the development of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, many somatic and germ cells undergo apoptosis. These cells are engulfed and degraded by their neighboring cells. We discovered a novel role of autophagosomes in facilitating the degradation of apoptotic cells using a real-time imaging technique. Specifically, the double-membrane autophagosomes in engulfing cells are recruited to the surfaces of phagosomes containing apoptotic cells and subsequently fuse to phagosomes, allowing the inner vesicle to enter the phagosomal lumen. Mutants defective in the production of autophagosomes display significant defects in the degradation of apoptotic cells, demonstrating the importance of autophagosomes to this process. The signaling pathway led by the phagocytic receptor CED-1, the adaptor protein CED-6, and the large GTPase dynamin (DYN-1) promotes the recruitment of autophagosomes to phagosomes. Moreover, the subsequent fusion of autophagosomes with phagosomes requires the functions of the small GTPase RAB-7 and the HOPS complex. Further observations suggest that autophagosomes provide apoptotic cell-degradation activities in addition to and in parallel of lysosomes. Our findings reveal that, unlike the single-membrane, LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) vesicles reported to facilitate phagocytosis in mammals, it is the canonical double-membrane autophagosomes that facilitate the clearance of C. elegans apoptotic cells. These findings add autophagosomes to the collection of intracellular organelles that contribute to phagosome maturation, identify novel crosstalk between the autophagy and phagosome maturation pathways, and discover the upstream signaling molecules that initiate this crosstalk.
Case C-181/19, Jobcenter Krefeld: The End of the Union Citizenship as Previously Understood?
Authors: Paju Jaan
Published: January 2022

The European Court of Justice has taken a restrictive approach vis-à-vis economically inactive Union citizens ever since its rulings Brey and Dano. In a recent preliminary ruling, Case C-181/19 Jobcenter Krefeld, the Court confirms this approach with regard to social security
benefits that resemble social assistance. Such benefits fall, just as the Court in held in Brey and Dano, under the Citizenship Directive and can be made dependent upon a right to reside. Thereby, the Court holds that the Citizenship Directive overrule Regulation 883/2004, that coordinates
social security benefits, and its equal treatment principle which rule out additional residence requirements. However, the Court clarifies that if there is a right to reside on basis of Regulation 492/2011, such a right overrides the more restrictive right to reside that follows from the Citizenship
Directive. Different standards seem to apply to economically active Union citizens and economically inactive Union citizens. Challenges lie ahead for the Member States' administrations as different authorities apply the respective Union law instruments.
Developmental exposure to the DE-71 mixture of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants induce a complex pattern of endocrine disrupting effects in rats
Authors: Ramhøj Louise , Mandrup Karen , Hass Ulla , Svingen Terje , Axelstad Marta
Published: January 2022

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are legacy compounds with continued widespread human exposure. Despite this, developmental toxicity studies of DE-71, a mixture of PBDEs, are scarce and its potential for endocrine disrupting effects in vivo is not well covered. To address this knowledge gap, we carried out a developmental exposure study with DE-71. Pregnant Wistar rat dams were exposed to 0, 40 or 60 mg/kg bodyweight/day from gestation day 7 to postnatal day 16, and both sexes were examined. Developmental exposure affected a range of reproductive toxicity endpoints. Effects were seen for both male and female anogenital distances (AGD), with exposed offspring of either sex displaying around 10% shorter AGD compared to controls. Both absolute and relative prostate weights were markedly reduced in exposed male offspring, with about 40% relative to controls. DE-71 reduced mammary gland outgrowth, especially in male offspring. These developmental in vivo effects suggest a complex effect pattern involving anti-androgenic, anti-estrogenic and maybe estrogenic mechanisms depending on tissues and developmental stages. Irrespective of the specific underlying mechanisms, these in vivo results corroborate that DE-71 causes endocrine disrupting effects and raises concern for the effects of PBDE-exposure on human reproductive health, including any potential long-term consequences of disrupted mammary gland development.
Capitalismo, Estado y políticas sociales en Brasil en tiempos de crisis
Authors: Stampa Inez , Rodrigues Vicente ,   Pesquisador associado do Laboratório de Estudos Institucionais (LETACI), Gomes Cláudia ,   Professora Associada da Universidade Federal da Paraíba.
Published: January 2022

Este artículo pretende trazar un panorama de la relación entre las políticas sociales y el neoliberalismo en el Estado brasileño, desde los años 90 hasta la actualidad. El estudio se basó en una investigación cualitativa, adoptando una revisión bibliográfica fundamentada en autores del campo marxista, además de la investigación documental en sitios web oficiales de Brasil y en los medios de comunicación. Los resultados de la investigación indican que las relaciones entre el Estado, la sociedad, el neoliberalismo y las políticas sociales en Brasil, asociadas a la actual crisis sanitaria provocada por la pandemia del Covid-19 y a las exigencias y retrocesos del gobierno de Jair Bolsonaro, afectan significativamente a la cuestión democrática de este inicio del siglo XXI, con graves repercusiones para las políticas sociales. Tales procesos se tradujeron en un terreno fértil para la reanudación del ultraconservadurismo y el resurgimiento neoliberal, produciendo una concentración de riqueza y miseria sin precedentes en el país.
The Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Perceptions of Religiosity and Moral Judgment of University Students
Authors: ALTUN Veysel Karani
Published: January 2022

İnsanların ahlaki olgunlukları üzerinde pek çok faktörün etkisinden söz edilebilir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, ahlaki yargı düzeyleri üzerinde dindarlık algı düzeylerinin etkisinden söz etmek ve ahlaki yargı düzeyi ile dindarlık algı düzeyini
karşılaştırmalı olarak incelemektir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda demografik gibi bazı bağımsız değişkenlerle gençlerin dindarlık düzeyi ahlaki yargı düzeyinde bir değişimi etkileyip etkilemediği incelenmiştir. Bu araştırmada yöntem olarak
tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Bu araştırma İnönü Üniversitesinin çeşitli fakültelerinde okuyan öğrencileri üzerinde gerçekleşmiştir. Araştırma verileri 2015 yılında dindarlık algı ölçeği, kişisel bilgiler formu ve ahlaki yargı
testi ile toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizi için SPSS analiz programı kullanılmış ve değişkenlerin kendi aralarındaki ilişkilerini ortaya koymak için regresyon analizinden yararlanmıştır. Bu araştırmada ilk olarak dindarlık ile ahlaki
yargı arasında nasıl bir ilişkinin olduğunu ortaya çıkarmak amacıyla yapılan regreyon analizi sonucunda iki düzey arasında yüksek olmasa da pozitif yönde bir ilişkinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Dindarlığın inanç düzeyi ile ahlaki
yargı düzeyi arasında da pozitif yönde anlamlı bir ilişki bulunurken dindarlığın ibadet düzeyi ile ahlaki yargı düzeyi arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunamamıştır. Elde edilen veriler ışığında genel dindarlığın artmasıyla ahlaki
yargının da artacağı sonucu çıkarılabilir. Dindarlığın inanç düzeyi de aynı şekilde ahlaki yargıyı yordarken ibadet düzeyi ile ahlaki yargı arasında herhangi anlamlı bir ilişki bulunamamıştır. Bir başka deyişle ahlaki yargının
artması dindarlığın ve inanç düzeyinin artmasıyla açıklanabilirken ibadet düzeyi ile açıklanamamaktadır.
Comparison of Bupivacaine and 2-Chloroprocaine with and without Fentanyl for Subarachnoid Block in Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Tiwari Avan , Singh Sarvesh , Singh Meena , Sanghwan Mukesh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Providing an adequate intraoperative anaesthesia with a prolonged pain-free interval is the prime priority of an anaesthesiologist. Since the decline in use of 2-chloroprocaine in 1956, due to side-effects of its preservative sodium bisulfite, the preservative free drug has recently witnessed a comeback in clinical practice. Aim: To compare the efficacy of bupivacaine and 2-chloroprocaine with and without fentanyl in subarachnoid block for inguinal hernia repair surgery. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled study was carried out on 102 male patients of 18-65 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II, scheduled for inguinal hernia repair. The study was conducted from May 2019 to November 2020. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of 34 each. In group A, the subarachnoid block was administered with injection 0.5% bupivacaine (H) 10.5 mg. In group B, patients were administered, injection 2-chloroprocaine 40 mg diluted with 0.5 mL of saline. In group C, the patients were administered with injection 2-chloroprocaine 40 mg with 25 μg of injection fentanyl (0.5 mL). The adequacy of intraoperative anaesthesia in terms of onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, haemodynamic parameters, postoperative urinary retention and other side-effects were evaluated. The parameters were compared using Analysis of variance test (>2 groups). If statistically significant difference was found in ANOVA, appropriate post-hoc (LSD/Bonferroni) was used to assess statistical significance of pair-wise comparisons. Results: The mean time of onset of the motor and sensory block was faster in group B (3.57±0.66, 2.68±0.58 min), by almost 1 minute than in the bupivacaine and fentanyl group (4.57±0.79, 3.59±0.61 min) (4.99±1.01, 4.04±0.99 min) respectively. The mean difference was statistically significant (p-value <0.05). The mean duration of the motor and sensory blocks between the groups revealed statistically significant difference between groups A and B as well as groups A and C. However, between groups B and C, there was no significant difference as far as motor block duration is concerned. Group B had significantly shorter duration of the motor and sensory block amongst the three groups. Conclusion: Addition of intrathecal fentanyl significantly prolonged the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, with minimally extending the time to complete recovery.
Non Clostridial Gas Gangrene Leading to Stroke in Postoperative Period- A Case Report
Authors: Singh Sukhvir , Shabeen Gazala
Published: January 2022

Gas gangrene is a life threatening infection of muscles and soft tissues which is associated with very high mortality rate. Non clostridial gas gangrene is a rare phenomenon that mostly occurs in diabetic patients. Gas gangrene leads to various systemic manifestations. A 66-year-old female patient, diabetic with chronic kidney disease, on haemodialysis was presented as a rare case of non clostridial right great toe gas gangrene, which progressed to systemic toxicity and stroke within a period of 72 hours in postoperative period. The source of infection in this case may have been Acinetobacter which is a gram-negative bacterium. Despite prompt diagnosis and intensive therapy, the patient died 15 days after the operation. After going through literature, no case was found to be reported of stroke in postoperative period due to non clostridial gas gangrene thus making it a unique case to report. Also, only few cases of life threatening non clostridial gas gangrene are reported in literature.
Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Nalbuphine vs Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants to Ropivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Abdominal Hysterectomies: A Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Tarigonda Sumanth , Voleti Vishnuvardhan , Krishnamurthy Dinesh , Rangappa Sheela Shikaripura
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block has been practised as an effective alternative to systemic analgesics to achieve adequate postoperative analgesia, with minimal systemic side effects. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist and nalbuphine, an opioid, have been studied as adjuvants to local anaesthetics to improve the analgesic profile of regional anaesthetic blocks. Aim: To compare the duration and quality of postoperative analgesia of dexmedetomidine and nalbuphine when used as adjuvants to ropivacaine for TAP block. Materials and Methods: This was a randomised double blinded study conducted on 60 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomies under spinal anaesthesia. Patients were randomly distributed into two groups of 30 patients each, to receive either 39 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine+50 μg dexmedetomidine (1 mL) (group D) or 39 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine+10 mg nalbuphine (1 mL) (group N), for bilateral TAP block. Postoperative pain scores, time for first rescue analgesic request and incidence of side effects were compared. Results: Duration of postoperative analgesia was similar in both groups (409.14±48.92 minutes in group D vs 419.03±54.11 minutes in group N) (p-value=0.462). Postoperative pain scores and total amount of rescue analgesic requirement (105.17±42.98 vs 106.45±46.08) was also similar in both the groups (p=0.912). In Nalbuphine group, 16.7% reported pruritis (p-value=0.02) and 13.3% reported nausea (p-value=0.213). However, in group D only one patient reported nausea two hours postoperatively. Conclusion: Nalbuphine when compared to dexmedetomidine, as an additive to ropivacaine for TAP block, provides similar postoperative analgesic duration and efficacy, but increases the incidence of pruritus and nausea.
The Potency of Ludwigia adscendens and L. octovalvis as Phytoremediator Macrophytes in Indonesia
Authors: Amin Radjali , Mafikalita Sari Rizky Agustri , Rahyuni Dewi
Published: January 2022

The potency of Ludwigia adscendens and L. octovalvis as phytoremediator macrophytes in Indonesia was reviewed. The characteristics of these species might be essential information for operators who wanted to implement phytoremediation in their sites. Information and articles about these species in Indonesia was collected through Google-Scholar during the first week of February 2021 and reviewed. Many studies about phytoremediation focused only on the capabilities of macrophytes to remove contaminants from water and paid only little attention to their compatibility with the ecosystem leading to upset the ecosystem. To Indonesia, these two species were introduced and became weeds, with different ecological characteristics. In Indonesia, scarce phytoremediation studies using these species were detected. Therefore, although these species were classified as weeds it was, remained, worthwhile to investigate further these species to be used in the phytoremediation of water.
Perception and Determinants of Gender Preference among Men in Isoko South Local Government Council, Oleh, Delta State
Authors: Nwamaka Kanikwu Phoebe
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Some couples do not have the gender of children they prefer which could result in physical, psychological, sexual, obstetric and several other consequences. The present study was conducted among men to determine their perception of gender preference and factors responsible for their gender preference.

Objective: To assess the perception of gender preference and factors responsible for gender preference among men.

Methods: A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select 143 out of 221 male Civil Servants from nine (9) different departments. The instrument used for data collection was a self-developed Questionnaire on Perception and Determinants of Gender Preference (QPDGP). The reliability of the instrument was established through the test-retest method using Cronbach’s alpha which yielded co-efficient of 0.82. Data collected were summarized using frequencies and percentages.

Results: The results showed that 90 (62.9%) men preferred male gender. For 79 (55.2%) men, the choice of gender was aimed at psychological satisfaction in marriage. Also, 77 (53.8%) preferred male children because they had better initiative, were easier to train 101 (70.6%), to allow for security of family inheritance 142 (99.3%) and continuity of family name 141 (98.6%). Some reasons given for female child preference were better ability to take care of younger ones 99 (69.2%), more supportive to aged parents 115 (80.4%) and being a reliable emotional support 88 (61.5%).

Conclusion: Male gender preference is strongly perceived among the men. It was recommended that reproductive health services be modified to allow male involvement.
Ethanolic Extract of Whole Unripe Plantain Musa paradisiaca Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rat
Authors: Ogunmoyole Temidayo , Johnson Olaitan Daniel , Yusuff Adewale Akeem
Published: January 2022

Aim: Globally, burden of liver and kidney diseases has been on the increase in recent times. The present study therefore investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of unripe plantain Musa paradisiaca on CCl4-induced oxidative damage in albino rat. This was with the aim of providing a locally available and potent therapeutic alternative to the conventional drugs used in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti between July 2018 and January, 2019. 

Methodology: Twenty-five adult male albino rats were placed into seven groups of 5 animals each. Group I animals received distilled water throughout the duration of the experiment, while group II were exposed to CCl4 only. Groups III, IV, V and VI received 3 ml/kg b.w of CCl4 intraperitoneally but were post treated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of unripe plantain extract respectively while group seven were post-treated with silymarin by oral gavage. Animals were sacrificed for the excision of the liver and kidney. Activities of creatinine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as levels of urea, uric acid, bilirubin and lipid profile were assessed. Tissue antioxidant level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also determined.

Results: Exposure to CCl4 caused a significant derangement in lipid profile, resulting in the increase in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) while high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was diminished. Liver and kidney biomarkers (ALT, AST, ALP, CK, urea, uric acid and bilirubin were also significantly elevated in the serum relative to the control animals following exposure to CCl4.  Activities of antioxidant enzymes in the serum were markedly inhibited by CCl4 exposure.  Treatment with Musa paradisiaca extract caused a dose-dependent restoration of all biochemical parameters determined, while histopathological observation was in agreement with biochemical results.

Conclusion: These findings showed that Musa paradisiaca extract exhibited positive modulatory effects on the liver and kidney subjected to oxidative attack, hence, its potential usefulness in the management diseases associated with these organs.
Selection of Suitable Type of Nozzles for Development of Electrostatic Induction Nozzle
Authors: Kanth B. Krishna , Ramana C. , Reddy S. Joseph , Eadukondalu L. , Reddy B. Ravindra
Published: January 2022

The electrostatic induction mechanism, which superimposes charges on pesticide spray droplets, creates an impact on deposition and wraparound effect on leaf surfaces Smaller droplets have a higher capability to charge accumulation over the surface of the droplet as compared with larger droplets. This paper studied the effect of nozzle type (flat fan, hollow cone, and full cone nozzle), orifice area (1 and 1.5 mm2), and operating pressure (3-5kg cm-2) on spray droplet characteristics on soil bin. Water-sensitive papers were analysed by image analysis software to get the droplet characteristics.   The smallest droplets of a hollow cone, flat fan, and full cone were 130, 142, and 279.76 µm respectively produced at 5kg cm-2 and orifice opening 1 mm2.  With an increase of pressure droplet size and relative span was decreased for all selective nozzle. From the selected nozzles, the lowest relative span of 0.89 was found with a hollow cone nozzle at 5 kg cm-2 pressure and orifice size of 1 mm2. Among all the selected nozzles hollow cone nozzle produced the smallest droplet sizes and lowest relative span for all selected parameters.
Antibacterial Activity, Antioxidant Potential and Stigmasterol Isolation from Laggera aurita Linn (Asteraceae)
Authors: Yohanna C. , Kwaji A. , Atiko R.
Published: January 2022

The study was aimed at the in-vitro investigation of the antibacterial activity, antioxidant potential and bioactive compound isolation from ethyl acetate crude fraction of Laggera aurita (L. aurita) Linn. The crude fraction was tested against five gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis) and three gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis) using macro dilution technique. The antioxidant potentials were evaluated using two different but complementary methods namely ferrous ion chelating activity (FICA) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). Phytocompound isolation was carried out on low pressure open column chromatography. The crude fraction displayed moderate to significant activity against all tested bacteria exhibiting both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The crude fraction showed Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in the range of 62.50-250 µg/mL and 125-1000 µg/mL respectively. The crude fraction was bactericidal to all tested pathogens except E. coli. The fifty percent effective concentration (EC50) of EDTA standard and the ethyl acetate fraction were obtained as 10.87 μg/mL and 25.77 μg/mL respectively. Similarly the FRAP determinations for ascorbic acid and ethyl acetate fraction yielded 153.63 and 134.40 Fe2+ Equivalent per g of fraction indicating 80.06% and 70.61% FRAP units respectively. The isolated phytocompound coded LAE was obtained as a white crystalline solid with melting point of 136‐138°C and Rf of 0.56 in hexane: ethylacetate (6:4). The isolated compound was identified by spectroscopic data analysis from FT-IR, GC-MS, 1D and 2D NMR and in comparison with literature. The compound was identified as stigmasterol. The observed significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties demonstrated by L. aurita in this study validate its widespread use in traditional medicine. Therefore the study had shown that L. aurita contains bioactive principles and may serve as a source for potential antibacterial and oxidative stress therapeutic agents.
In-vivo Anti-plasmodial Activity of Ethanol Tetracarpidium conophorum Seed Extract and Its Anti-typhoidal Activity In-vitro
Authors: Oladipo Faith Temiloluwa , Dada Ebenezer Oluyemi
Published: January 2022

Aim: This study was conducted to assess the in-vivo anti-plasmodial activity of ethanol Tetracarpidium conophorum seed extract and its anti-typhoidal activity in-vitro.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Methodology: Standard methods were conducted to determine the acute toxicity test of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed ethanol extract, determination of Body Weight and Temperature of Mice, determination of antibacterial activity of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed crude extract and antibiotic sensitivity testing of clinical and typed Salmonella Typhi isolates

Results: There were no signs of toxicity such as paw licking, sleeping, reduced activity,             respiratory distress observed in mice and there were no mortality. Changes occurred in the              weight of mice in group 1 (mice treated with 200mg/kg) from 19.71g to 14.50g wherein significant increment was observed only from day 3 to 4 (18.67g to 16.00g), group 2 (mice treated                       with 400mg/kg) 19.71g to 16.00g). The ethanol extract of Tetracapidium conophorum were all resistant to typed isolates of Salmonella typhimurium and clinical isolates of Salmonella typhimurium at 6.01±0.10 mm. Ciprofloxacin (5 µg) had the highest zone of inhibition at 32.50±2.50 mm against typed Salmonella typhimurium while tetracycline (30 µg) had the least at 15.50±0.50 mm.

Conclusion: This study has revealed the anti-plasmodial efficacy of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed. Findings have shown that the ethanol seed extract of T. conophorum relatively possess anti-plasmodial and anti-typhodial activities compared to the positive antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella typhi. Auxiliary evaluation must be conducted to establish the anti-typhoidal activity of ethanol T. conophorum extract in-vivo.
A Comparative Study of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Tecoma stans, Acalypha indica and Abutilon indicum Plant Leaf Extract
Authors: Sivasubramanian Priyanka , Devi R. Gayatri , Selvaraj J. , Priya A. Jothi
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Inflammation is said to be the response of the body to an injury. It is a body defence reaction to reduce or eliminate the spread of injurious agents. It is essential that steps should be taken to introduce new medicinal plants and to develop cheaper, effective and safe analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The main aim of this study is to assess the potential anti-inflammatory activity of Tecoma stans, Acalypha indica and Abutilon indicum plant is being studied.

Materials and Methods: Protease inhibition assay was done by Bovine serum albumin was added to plant samples with increase in concentrations as per the standard methods. In this study, Aspirin was used as a standard anti-inflammatory drug.The data were analyzed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test to see the statistical significance among the groups. The results with p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant.

Results: In this study, it was observed that the plant leaf extract of Tecoma stans, Acalypha indica and Abutilon indicus contain anti-inflammatory activity. The protein denaturation inhibitory activity of leaf extract of Tecoma stans, Acalypha indica and Abutilon indicum, plant extract was represented graphically. Tecoma stans, was observed to contain the anti inflammatory activity.

Conclusion: This study revealed that Tecoma stans, Acalypha indica and Abutilon indicum are important medicinal plants with diverse pharmacological spectrum and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, this research has been taken to collect and compile the pharmacological uses of these plant extracts which will be useful to the society to venture into a field of alternative systems of medicine.
Ipsilateral Neck/Inter-Trochanteric and Mid-shaft Femoral Fractures Treated with Dual Construct Implants
Authors: Chaudhary Rahul , Samal Nitin , Chaudhary Sanjeev
Published: January 2022

Background: Various management protocols for ipsilateral neck/intertrochanteric and shaft fracture femur have been formulated, there have been many disagreements related to their ideal fixation plan. The aim of this study was to discuss the various type of fixation system available for such kind of complex injuries and the advantages of using dual construct fixation system.

Patient and Methods: In the present study we prospectively evaluated ipsilateral neck/intertrochanteric and shaft fracture femur in 7 cases managed from January 2018 to December 2020. All the patients were managed with dual constructs fixation system using dynamic hip screw (DHS) and locking plate. The outcome was evaluated using Friedman and Wyman scoring system.

Results: The average surgical time was 120.4 min (range 98–143 minutes) with a blood loss ranging from 290-565 mL (average 460 mL). In 6 patients follow-up was undertaken between 10 and 22-months after surgery, with a mean follow-up time of 16.2 months. 1 patient lost follow-up at 3-month. The neck/IT fractures achieved union in 6 patients at the final follow-up. 3-6 months was the duration for bone union, with an average of 4.1 months. The mid-shaft femur fractures achieved solid union in 6 cases at the most recent follow-up. 3 to 11 months was the duration of union, with a mean of 5.1 months. 1 patient went into non-union 11 months after the surgery.  According to Friedman and Wyman scoring, 4 patients the functional outcome was good, in 2 patients the functional outcome was fair, and in 1 patient the functional outcome at the final follow-up was poor. The problems noted were surgical site infection in 1, Angulations (varus/valgus) of femoral neck in 1, non-union of neck femur fracture in 1, and avascular necrosis of femoral head in 1.

Conclusion: The management of ipsilateral neck/intertrochanteric and shaft fracture femur with dual construct implants dynamic hip screw for neck/IT fracture and locking plate for shaft femoral fractures yielded good union rates and good functional outcomes.
Posterior Gastric Perforation – Rare Surgical Emergency: A Case Report
Authors: Nagtode Tushar , Lamture Y. R. , Rewale Venktesh , Tanveer P. , Mundada Aditya
Published: January 2022

Background: Incidence of perforation on posterior wall of stomach is rare throughout world; its occurrence has not been found till now in literature of central India. diffuse symptoms with delayed presentation to health center and poorly skilled faculty with facilities make a way to raise in total number of deaths associated with posterior gastric perforation.

Objective: To report a rare case of posterior gastric perforation at a tertiary health care center in Central India, which would be first to be documented.

Case Presentation: A 74-year-old male patient was referred to Department of General Surgery, AVBRH, with chief complaint of acute abdominal pain for two days. He had a history of alcohol consumtion which was stopped 2 years back A moderately distended, distinctly tender abdomen accompanied by guarding, rigidity and excluded bowel sounds was unveiled by abdominal examination. Patient has been resuscitated with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and analgesics. Consequently, an emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed a significant collection of purulent peritoneal fluid, 1x1 cm sized perforation on posterior wall of stomach. Perforation was repaired and thus patient recovered in a satisfactory way.

Conclusion: And since posterior gastric perforation is extremely uncommon and expected to worsen, associated with increased morbidity and mortality leading to missed presence, this case report indicates that evaluation of patients with gastric perforation, identify risk factors and ability to repair perforations right away along with resuscitation will greatly enhance clinical outcome.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dental Students and Practitioners towards Virtual Reality Based Technologies in Central India: A Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Lahoti Krishankumar S. , Dandekar Sayali G. , Gade Jaykumar R. , Agrawal Megha J. , Jaiswal Karan V.
Published: January 2022

Background: Virtual reality based technologies, which are broadly used in aviation and telecommunication, is now emerging rapidly in the field of dentistry. This technology has progressed tremendously and is simultaneously being refined according to the requirements of the healthcare sector. Such technologies aid in better understanding in an educational setting and provide efficient learning ways which can reduce harm and help to improve patient treatment outcomes.

Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of dental students and practitioners towards Virtual reality based technologies in Central India.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study a total of 270 dental students and practitioners across Central India were included. A questionnaire consisting of 26 Questions with regard to VRBT’s was designed and the questionnaire was circulated through a web designed program. The responses were collected, and data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS Statistics for Windows version 24.0.

Results: 90.37 % agreed that VRBT’s could offer many advantages in comparison to conventional technologies used in dental education and practice. 91.1% had not used dental simulators but 35.93% of them believed that dental simulators can be used as a reliable evaluation tool in developing preclinical skills. 75.93 % estimated that VRBT’s will gain popularity in dental practice within 5-10 years.

Conclusion: Learning and including these VRBT’s as a part of undergraduate and continued education programmes could affect the willingness and utilization of these trends in future dental practice.