bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on Impact of Work/Family Conflict on Occupational Future of IT Employees
Authors: Karlapudi Thriveni Kumari
Published: January 2022

Introduction: In recent years, with the increase in growth of Information Technology (IT) companies and diversified workforce, there is an increased research on Work\family conflict and occupational future. Objective: The objective is to study about the work\family conflict relation with occupational future with the effect of environmental support (support from organization and family) as moderator. Methodology: The data is gathered from 392 Information Technology employees working in different Information Technology companies in India. The data is analyzed with hierarchical regression and correlation Results: The outcomes of the study divulged a positive relation between work\family conflict and occupational future. And also, the results showed that every environmental item does not moderate between work family conflict and occupational future. Conclusion: Therefore work and occupational future is significant for the existence of IT industry, provide practical awareness of employee welfare and improve balanced life which might differ under certain specific conditions.
Deep Learning-Based Tomato's Ripe and Unripe Classification System
Authors: Das Prasenjit , Yadav Jay Kant Pratap Singh , Singh Laxman
Published: January 2022

Effective productivity estimates of fresh produced crops are very essential for efficient farming, commercial planning, and logistical support. In the past ten years, machine learning (ML) algorithms have been widely used for grading and classification of agricultural products in agriculture sector. However, the precise and accurate assessment of the maturity level of tomatoes using ML algorithms is still a quite challenging to achieve due to these algorithms being reliant on hand crafted features. Hence, in this paper we propose a deep learning based tomato maturity grading system that helps to increase the accuracy and adaptability of maturity grading tasks with less amount of training data. The performance of proposed system is assessed on the real tomato datasets collected from the open fields using Nikon D3500 CCD camera. The proposed approach achieved an average maturity classification accuracy of 99.8 % which seems to be quite promising in comparison to the other state of art methods.
A Hybrid Approach for Feature Selection Based on Correlation Feature Selection and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Rani Pooja , Kumar Rajneesh , Jain Anurag
Published: January 2022

In today's world, machine learning has become a vital part of our lives. When applied to real-world applications, machine learning encounters the difficulty of high dimensional data. Unnecessary and redundant features can be found in data. The performance of classification algorithms employed in prediction is harmed by these superfluous features. The primary step in developing any decision support system is to identify critical features. In this paper, authors have proposed a hybrid feature selection method CFGA by integrating CFS (Correlation feature selection) and GA (genetic algorithm). The efficiency of proposed method is analyzed using Logistic Regression classifier on the scale of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F-measure and execution time parameters. Proposed CFGA method is also compared to six other feature selection methods. Results demonstrate that proposed method have increased the performance of the classification system by removing irrelevant and redundant features.
Machine Learning Model to Predict Automated Testing Adoption
Authors: Noor Muhammad Nouman , Khan Tamim Ahmed , Haneef Farah , Ramay Muhammad Ismail
Published: January 2022

Software testing is an activity conducted to test the software under test. It has two approaches: manual testing and automation testing. Automation testing is an approach of software testing in which programming scripts are written to automate the process of testing. There are some software development projects under development phase for which automated testing is suitable to use and other requires manual testing. It depends on factors like project requirements nature, team which is working on the project, technology on which software is developing and intended audience that may influence the suitability of automated testing for certain software development project. In this paper we have developed machine learning model for prediction of automated testing adoption. We have used chi-square test for finding factors’ correlation and PART classifier for model development. Accuracy of our proposed model is 93.1624%.
ICHC Framework
Authors: Abdelmoumni Ouadie , Chenfour Noureddine
Published: January 2022

The Goal in this paper is to propose a cultural heritage data model and evolve towards the creation of a framework based on MongoDB that will allow to manage a JSON model representing the cultural heritage of a city ICHC (Intelligent Cultural Heritage of a City). This manuscript per the authors noticed that during the census of cultural heritage, the presence of human resources linked to heritage is not something that is represented in a smart engine of a framework. Which is why the goal is to integrate the human resource and therefore add a relational aspect to the NoSql documents so that the resulting framework can have a smart engine to link data.This model is a set of ICHD (Intelligent Cultural Heritage Document) which are JSON documents that represent of the different types of cultural heritage entities. Those documents will be managed in a MongoDB repository architecture that will allow to them, so that the microservices-based ICHC framework can offer a big data context that can handle a huge variety, volume and velocity of data and be based on distributed operations.
Bone Marrow Transplantation Rescues Monocyte Recruitment Defect and Improves Cystic Fibrosis in Mice
Authors: Fan Zhichao , Pitmon Elise , Wen Lai , Miller Jacqueline , Ehinger Erik , Herro Rana , Liu Wei , Chen Ju , Mikulski Zbigniew , Conrad Douglas J , Marki Alex , Orecchioni Marco , Kumari Puja , Zhu Yanfang Peipei , Marcovecchio Paola M , Hedrick Catherine C , Hodges Craig A , Rathinam Vijay A , Wang Kepeng , Ley Klaus
Published: January 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited life-threatening disease accompanied by repeated lung infections and multiorgan inflammation that affects tens of thousands of people worldwide. The causative gene, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), is mutated in CF patients. CFTR functions in epithelial cells have traditionally been thought to cause the disease symptoms. Recent work has shown an additional defect: monocytes from CF patients show a deficiency in integrin activation and adhesion. Because monocytes play critical roles in controlling infections, defective monocyte function may contribute to CF progression. In this study, we demonstrate that monocytes from CFTRΔF508 mice (CF mice) show defective adhesion under flow. Transplanting CF mice with wild-type (WT) bone marrow after sublethal irradiation replaced most (60–80%) CF monocytes with WT monocytes, significantly improved survival, and reduced inflammation. WT/CF mixed bone marrow chimeras directly demonstrated defective CF monocyte recruitment to the bronchoalveolar lavage and the intestinal lamina propria in vivo. WT mice reconstituted with CF bone marrow also show lethality, suggesting that the CF defect in monocytes is not only necessary but also sufficient to cause disease. We also show that monocyte-specific knockout of CFTR retards weight gains and exacerbates dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis. Our findings show that providing WT monocytes by bone marrow transfer rescues mortality in CF mice, suggesting that similar approaches may mitigate disease in CF patients.
Altered Basal Lipid Metabolism Underlies the Functional Impairment of Naive CD8+ T Cells in Elderly Humans
Authors: Nicoli Francesco , Cabral-Piccin Mariela P , Papagno Laura , Gallerani Eleonora , Fusaro Mathieu , Folcher Victor , Dubois Marion , Clave Emmanuel , Vallet Hélène , Frere Justin J , Gostick Emma , Llewellyn-Lacey Sian , Price David A , Toubert Antoine , Dupré Loïc , Boddaert Jacques , Caputo Antonella , Gavioli Riccardo , Appay Victor
Published: January 2022

Aging is associated with functional deficits in the naive T cell compartment, which compromise the generation of de novo immune responses against previously unencountered Ags. The mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon have nonetheless remained unclear. We found that naive CD8+ T cells in elderly humans were prone to apoptosis and proliferated suboptimally in response to stimulation via the TCR. These abnormalities were associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism under homeostatic conditions and enhanced levels of basal activation. Importantly, reversal of the bioenergetic anomalies with lipid-altering drugs, such as rosiglitazone, almost completely restored the Ag responsiveness of naive CD8+ T cells. Interventions that favor lipid catabolism may therefore find utility as adjunctive therapies in the elderly to promote vaccine-induced immunity against targetable cancers and emerging pathogens, such as seasonal influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Considerazioni condivise alla luce delle recenti novità nell’ambito dello scompenso cardiaco: ottimizzazione della gestione del paziente con scompenso cardiaco in medicina interna - Dal ricovero al follow-up
Authors: Dentali Francesco , Campagna Giuseppe , Cavalleri Maurizio , Gallucci Fernando , Pieralli Filippo
Published: January 2022

Nuova classificazione dello scompenso cardiaco: ridenominazione di Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction in Heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), con raccomandazioni terapeutiche più precise in questa fascia di pazienti

Il nuovo algoritmo per il trattamento dello scompenso cardiaco a frazione di eiezione ridotta: Simultaneous or Rapid Sequence Initiation of Quadruple Medical Therapy for Heart Failure

Ottimizzazione della terapia: l’ospedalizzazione come opportunità. Impiego precoce di sacubitril/valsartan nel paziente ospedalizzato, stabilizzato. Effetti sulla riduzione della mortalità e delle re-ospedalizzazioni. Effetti sul rimodellamento cardiaco. Effetti sulla QoL

Sicurezza dell’uso di sacubitril/valsartan anche in presenza di comorbidità e gestione dell’ipotensione

Intervento di ottimizzazione della terapia anche nel paziente con scompenso cardiaco cronico ricoverato per altra patologia acuta

Terapia delle comorbidità - non cardiovascolari: diabete, iperkaliemia, carenza di ferro e cancro

Terapia non farmacologica ed educazione/formazione del paziente e del caregiver

Gestione post-ricovero dello scompenso cardiaco: l’ambulatorio divisionale e la rete territoriale
Bioactive effects of citrus flavonoids and role in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cancer
Authors: Giammanco Marco , Plescia Fulvio , Giammanco Manfredi M. , Leto Gaetano , Gentile Carla
Published: January 2022

Citrus fruits are the main fruits of the Mediterranean diet and have been long recognized for their beneficial effects on human health. Observational studies have shown a significant association between dietary flavonoid intake and reduced risk of cardiovascular and malignant diseases. The beneficial effects of citrus fruits on human health appear to be due to their high content in vitamins, minerals and fibers. In particular, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have been indicated as some of the mechanisms through which citrus fruits may thwart the development of chronic degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. This review would critically examine the results from numerous experimental and clinical studies carried out in order assess the contribute of citrus flavonoids to the prevention of chronic pathological conditions including atherosclerosis and cancer.
Association between Organ Donation Awareness and Willingness among Saudi University Students
Authors: Al Moweshy Abdullah Ahmed , Fabella Eduardo L. , Al-Hassan Yasser Taher , Alramadan Hassan Abdulfatah , Al Abdullah Ali Jameel , Al Hassan Hassan Ibrahim , Bu-Khamsin Ahmed Yousef , Al Abdullah Ali Habib , Albather Murtadha Radhi
Published: January 2022

Background

As the global incidence of end-stage organ failure increases, the gap between organ donors and recipients continues to widen. This study was conducted to determine the association between organ donation awareness and organ donation willingness among students of a Saudi university.

Design and methods

This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Multi-stage stratified random sampling was used to select the required 723 sample size. Estimation of proportion of students who were aware about organ donation and those who were willing to donate their organs was performed using EpiInfo© Version 7. Association between organ donation awareness and willingness was determined using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Nearly 98% of the participants were aware that organ donation saves lives (95% CI: 96.27%-98.53%); 84.09% were aware that Islam allows organ donation (95% CI: 81.25%- 86.58%); 64.87% were aware that organ donation is successfully done in Saudi Arabia (95% CI: 61.32%-68.26%); 32.64% were aware that the government gives incentives to the family of an organ donor (95% CI: 29.32%-36.14%). Over half (56.71%) of the students (95% CI: 53.07-60.28%) expressed willingness to donate their organs. Positive association was found between awareness on the position of Islam on organ donation (OR=2.7023, p<0.0001) and awareness of that organ donation can be successfully performed in Saudi Arabia (OR=1.9447, p=0.0001).

Conclusions

Awareness that Islam allows organ donation and awareness that organ donation is successfully done in Saudi Arabia increased the students’ willingness to donate.
Didactismo y moralidad en la labor de traducción de Joaquina García Balmaseda (1837-1911)
Authors: Pérez-Bernardo María Luisa
Published: January 2022

Joaquina García Balmaseda (1837-1911) es hoy en día una escritora conocida por sus contribuciones a la literatura y el periodismo de mediados del siglo XIX. Existen muchas referencias a su producción literaria y a sus colaboraciones en revistas femeninas de la época, diseminadas en artículos y capítulos de libros; sin embargo, su labor como traductora no ha sido tan estudiada. El inmenso catálogo de traducciones de Balmaseda pone de relieve la importancia que tuvo esta parcela en su propia obra y, a la vez, muestra cómo contribuyó a divulgar los escritores europeos más importantes de su tiempo (George Sand, Paul Féval, Alexandre Dumas y Wilkie Collins, Charles Dickens y Mary Elizabeth Braddon entre otros). García Balmaseda ejerció un papel muy importante como mediadora cultural, sobre todo, en La Correspondencia de España (1860-1925), revista en la que colaboró asiduamente con sus traducciones. Destaca la inmediatez con la que tradujo las obras, lo dificultoso que resultaba trasladar y acortar novelas de grandes dimensiones para acomodarlas a la prensa. Ahora bien, sus convicciones ideológicas se hallan en el germen de sus producciones literarias y de traducción. En estas, suprime partes que no considera apropiadas para el lector de la época; modifica el argumento y lo acomoda para que forme parte de esa «literatura edificante» tan propia de la época isabelina. En la mayoría de los casos, las supresiones o cambios afectan a cuestiones políticas, morales y religiosas, a expresiones contrarias a la tradición, matrimonio, familia o valores de la patria.
Barrera lingüística y victimización secundaria
Authors: Toledano-Buendía Carmen
Published: January 2022

La ayuda lingüística a la población extranjera que desconoce o no domina la lengua de la comunidad que la acoge debe entenderse como un derecho fundamental, pues permite el disfrute de todos los demás derechos –y el cumplimiento de las obligaciones– en condiciones de igualdad. Proporcionar esa asistencia puede considerarse, en consecuencia, una responsabilidad ética de los gobiernos. Hay situaciones en las que la ausencia de asistencia lingüística no solo provoca discriminación y empece la prestación de servicios básicos, como la justicia o la sanidad, sino que puede llegar a convertirse en una segunda causa de victimización para colectivos en una situación de especial desprotección. Tal sería el caso de las mujeres extranjeras víctimas de violencia de género. En este trabajo, trataremos de visibilizar cómo la (falta de) respuesta institucional en España a las necesidades de asistencia lingüística de este colectivo puede dar lugar a situaciones en las que conllevan una revictimización de las mujeres. A partir de los testimonios de mujeres extrajeras supervivientes de violencia de género recogidos en diversos estudios, se han podido recoger tres instancias en las que esta circunstancia se produce y que serán analizadas: victimización secundaria debida a la desinformación de las víctimas, a tener que comunicarse en una lengua que no dominan y al trato dispensado por intérpretes y agentes.
Francisco Tomsich, Barbara Pregelj (eds.) (2020). Bivališča Branislave Sušnik: dokumenti, besedila, podobe, pričevanja. Moradas de Branislava Susnik: documentos, textos, imágenes, testimonios
Authors: Markič Jasmina
Published: January 2022

El libro monográfico Bivališča Branislave Sušnik/Moradas de Branislava Susnik se publicó en 2020 para conmemorar el centenario del nacimiento de Branislava Sušnik (Medvode, Eslovenia, 1920 – Asunción, Paraguay, 1996), antropóloga, arqueóloga, lingüista eslovena que vivió y trabajó en el Paraguay. La publicación bilingüe en esloveno y en español a cargo de Barbara Pregelj y Francisco Tomsich, que son también autores de algunos capítulos del libro, es fruto de un proyecto de investigación llevado a cabo entre 2019 y 2020 sobre la doble identidad, la doble pertenencia y la doble importancia de la obra de Sušnik en los ámbitos culturales de Eslovenia y del Paraguay, tal como se especifica en la introducción. Las cuatro partes de las que se compone la obra reúnen documentos, textos, fotografías, contribuciones, ensayos, testimonios de autores eslovenos y extranjeros. Los capítulos presentados reflejan diferentes aspectos de la vida de la científica y de su trayectoria profesional.
Martin McLaughlin, Javier Muñoz-Basols (eds.) (2021). Ideology, Censorship and Translation
Authors: Markič Jasmina
Published: January 2022

La obra Ideology, Censorship and Translation (Ideología, censura y traducción) editada por Martin McLaughlin y Javier Muñoz-Basols, profesores e investigadores de la Universidad de Oxford (Reino Unido), publicada en inglés en la prestigiosa editorial Routledge, es un volumen compuesto de ocho capítulos escritos por diferentes autores y una introducción de los editores. Los capítulos están organizados cronológicamente y analizan diferentes temas y géneros (textos científicos, industria editorial, propaganda, traducciones de obras literarias, teatro, cine, estudios culturales, ensayos filosóficos y críticos, historia de las ideas, teoría de la traducción y relaciones de poder). La temática del volumen versa sobre cuestiones siempre actuales referentes a la ideología y la censura e invita al lector a reflexionar sobre el papel de la traducción a lo largo de la historia y en la actualidad como también sobre las repercusiones éticas y el involucramiento ideológico del traductor en diferentes épocas y contextos. Este volumen especial es un libro importante no solo para los expertos en el tema, los teóricos de la traducción y los traductores, sino también para el público general que de esta manera obtiene un conocimiento sobre la importancia y las repercusiones en la sociedad de la traducción tanto en su aspecto práctico como en el teórico y de su papel crucial en la vida del ser humano y de la sociedad global en general.
La formación ética de los futuros intérpretes de lengua de signos española
Authors: González-Montesino Rayco H. , Calle-Alberdi Lourdes , Saavedra-Rodríguez Silvia
Published: January 2022

La profesionalización de la interpretación de lengua de signos española (LSE) es relativamente joven y, desde sus inicios, la ética y su regulación mediante códigos de actuación ha sido esencial (De los Santos y Lara Burgos, 2004). A nivel internacional, nuevos modelos de análisis del trabajo de los intérpretes como el Demand-Control Schema (Dean y Pollard, 2011, 2013) y el Role Space (Llewellyn-Jones y Lee, 2014) han tenido un importante impacto académico, replanteando el marco de análisis éticos y, por ende, la formación de estos profesionales está en plena transformación (efsli, 2013). Tales modelos adoptan una perspectiva teleológica de la ética profesional, cuestionando el tradicional enfoque deontológico (Calle-Alberdi, 2015). Este trabajo examina la formación recibida sobre ética profesional en el único programa universitario que forma a intérpretes de LSE en este país: el Grado en Lengua de Signos Española y Comunidad Sorda de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Para ello, se han elaborado unos supuestos prácticos que propician un dilema ético, basado en los pilares fundamentales del código deontológico propuesto por la Federación Española de Intérpretes de Lengua de Signos y Guía-intérpretes (FILSE, 2002), y se han presentado a una muestra de alumnado del último curso de dicho grado. A través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y atendiendo a los patrones de razonamiento que usan en la aplicación de su ética profesional, se han extraído diversas conclusiones que nos indican cómo articulan la toma de decisiones para aplicar el código deontológico. Esta primera aproximación ha permitido concluir que, ante situaciones específicas, el alumnado genera ese dilema entre la deontología y la teleología por el que se aboga en los nuevos modelos de análisis, aunque queda patente la necesidad de ahondar más en los mismos durante el período formativo de los futuros intérpretes de LSE.
Volver a la patria
Authors: Kutková Martina
Published: January 2022

El presente artículo toma los conceptos de la ética y la responsabilidad social como los puntos de partida para la conservación de la lengua judeoespañola y como los agentes que influyen en la traducción del judeoespañol a otras lenguas, poniendo énfasis en la lengua y cultura checas. Teniendo en cuenta la actual actitud internacional respecto al tema (por ejemplo, la fundación de la Academia Nacional del Ladino) y nuevos campos de interés dentro de la traductología (como el estudio de las lenguas marginadas y marginales hasta hace poco), la comunicación pretende estudiar la motivación de las traducciones checas del judeoespañol. Para tal fin, examina los paratextos que acompañan dichas traducciones. Puesto que la autora abre dicho tema dentro de la traductología checa, el estudio se basa aquí en sus descubrimientos actuales que comprenden: discos de canciones sefardíes, libros que conllevan pasajes judeoespañoles, etcétera. El estudio de dichos paratextos destaca los temas de la ética y la responsabilidad social escondidos en las dos catástrofes que ocurrieron en la historia sefardí –la expulsión de la península ibérica por los Reyes Católicos y el Holocausto– y los presenta como las motivaciones para traducir y, consecuentemente, salvar al idioma y su cultura.
Ethical challenges of interpreter training at the University of Ljubljana
Authors: Maček Amalija , Biffio Zorko Helena
Published: January 2022

Modern society is changing and becoming increasingly multilingual and multicultural. There is a growing need for interpreting in different contexts and for languages that were previously rarely required in the Slovene context (e.g., Albanian, Arabic, and Persian). This paper is based on the premise that if higher interpreter education is to be performed ethically, it must respond to these changes within its capacity and educate interpreters for the languages and fields that society actually needs, thus ensuring respect of human rights in medical, asylum or judicial procedures. In the past, interpreter training at the University of Ljubljana was limited to conference interpreting. However, due to changes in practice the Faculty of Arts has responded to the emerging needs and also formed educational modules for interpreters working in court and asylum procedures, state administration and in medical settings. It continues to invest efforts to expand the range of language combinations to include languages of lesser diffusion, and to offer quality interpreter training to the interpreters of Slovenian sign language. In the academic environment, we are also constantly confronted with internal ethical dilemmas related to the assessment, enrolment, and accreditation processes. It is the latter that significantly slow down the response of the Faculty to needs in society. Despite the numerous administrative, financial and human resources challenges, we may conclude that the Faculty of Arts is committed to investing its maximum efforts and responding with a high level of awareness to the changing interpreting profession which has experienced, through the rapidly growing use of online interpreting platforms, the greatest leap since the introduction of simultaneous interpreting. All this can only be achieved in close cooperation with all the related stakeholders: professional associations, long-standing external trainers and state authorities.
Editorial
Authors: Jansen Stefan
Published: January 2022

None
Dexmedetomidine alleviates diabetic neuropathic pain by inhibiting microglial activation via regulation of miR618/P2Y12 pathway
Authors: Song Jiannan , Cong Shan , Qiao2 Yan
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathy pain (DNP) in rats and elucidate its mechanism of action.Methods: The DNP rat model was established by injecting STZ (70 mg/kg) following dexmedetomidine treatment. Next BV-2 cells were stimulated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 ng/mL) and then administered 20 μM dexmedetomidine. Blood glucose levels, body weight, and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were measured once a week in DNP rats. Transfection was performed, and luciferasereporter assay was used to verify microRNA (miR)-337 binding to Rap1A mRNA. Reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure the levels of miR-618 and P2Y12 while the protein levels of P2Y12 and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) were determined by western blot analysis.Results: Dexmedetomidine treatment significantly increased PWT (p < 0.01) in DNP rats and decreased miR-618 expression (p < 0.01) but increased P2Y12 expression (p < 0.01) in the spinal cord of DNP rats. Luciferase reporter assay data showed that the presumed binding site of miR-618 is located in the 3′-untranslated regions of P2Y12. MiR-618 overexpression significantly reduced P2Y12levels (p < 0.01). Dexmedetomidine upregulated P2Y12 expression (p < 0.01) but decreased IBA-1 expression (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine application attenuates DNP by inhibiting microglial activation via the regulation of miR-618/P2Y12 pathway. This finding provides a potential therapeutic strategy for DNP management.

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, Diabetic neuropathy pain, Paw withdrawal threshold, Calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, MiR-618, P2Y12
A nationwide study on the knowledge, awareness, and practices towards COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi Yaser M. , Al Thagfan Sultan S.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate public knowledge, awareness and practice regarding COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, with a 16-item self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected using social media as the platform a day after the lockdown commenced in Saudi Arabia and data collection lasted from March 25 to April 25, 2020. Chi-square test was performed to determine the association between the variables.Results: The results showed that 96 % (n = 1505) of adults were aware of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and 57.9 % (n = 908) correctly identified that a stuffy nose and sneezing were less common in persons infected with the virus. A majority (95.4 %, n = 1495) agreed that there was no established therapeutic treatment for COVID-19. Further, 91.7 % (n = 1437) agreed that the virus could spread via respiratory droplets and only 46.2 % (n = 724) acknowledged that wearing face mask helped prevent transmission. The results also showed that 83.2 % (n = 1299) of the participants thought that visiting crowded places increased the likelihood of transmission.Conclusion: The findings of this study reveal that adults in Saudi Arabia are cognizant of COVID-19 and maintained good attitudes and practices regarding it. Furthermore, health education programs aimed at improving awareness of the disease and appropriate control measures will be beneficial in curbing the virus pandemic.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia, Coronavirus, Pandemic, COVID-19, Flu, Symptoms
Prescription pattern of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) among community patients with musculoskeletal and co-morbid conditions: A crosssectional study from an Iraqi province
Authors: Al-Taie Anmar , Hussein Ali N. , Albasry Zahraa
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To determine the pattern of prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) co-prescription with NSAIDs in a sample of patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders with and without co-morbid cardiovascular (CV) disease conditions in Baghdad Province, Iraq.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess the clinical characteristics of patients that used NSAIDs alone or with PPIs for the treatment of different musculoskeletal disorders with and without co-morbid cardiovascular (CV) disease conditions.Results: A total of 102 participants were enrolled in the study. More than half of the participants had comorbid disease conditions (53.9 %), particularly hypertension (47.1 %). Nearly a quarter of the participants with CV disease conditions used non-selective NSAIDs (25.5 %). The majority of NSAIDs intake were orally administered for more than one month (79.4 %). Physicians were the major source for patient education about the risk of NSAIDs-associated complications according to 59.6 % of the participants. The majority of participants reported non-adherence to the prescribed PPIs (86.5 %). There was a statistically significant difference between the participants that used NSAIDs alone, and those with PPI co-prescription within the age group of 31 - 60 years (p < 0.0001) and for a duration of more than one month for NSAIDs administration (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: There is improper use of NSAIDs, particularly the non-selective agents, among patients with co-morbid cardiovascular disease conditions, as well as poor medication adherence and improper co-prescription of PPIs. This requires periodic revision for long-term intake of NSAIDs, while applying more care to high-risk patients regarding co-prescription of NSAIDs with PPIs.

Keywords: Cardiovascular, Co-morbidity, Gastrointestinal complications, NSAIDs, Proton-pump inhibitors
A comparative study of the analgesic effects of sevoflurane and propofol in children following otolaryngology surgical procedures: A pilot study
Authors: Wang Yanwu , Yao Fan , Lin Yulong , Xiao Shugen
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To determine the analgesic effects of sevoflurane (Sev) and propofol (Pro) in children whounderwent otolaryngology surgical procedures, and their post-operative conditions.Methods: A total of 62 (ASA I or ASA II) pre-medicated children who were about to undergootolaryngology surgical procedures were chosen and divided equally into Sev and Pro groups, with 31patients per group. During the surgical procedure, Sev was administered via a mask, while Pro wasgiven i.v. Each anesthesia was followed with fentanyl administration.Results: Pain scores such as verbal rating scale (VRS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were slightlylower in Sev group than in Pro group. However, post-operative conditions such as emergence delirium(ED) and emergence agitation (EA) were significantly elevated in Sev group, when compared to Progroup (p < 0.05). In addition, patients in Sev group had higher levels of hemodynamic parameters(blood pressure), and much higher number of adverse events than those in Pro group. Thus, the overallsatisfaction score and recovery characteristics, i.e., hospitalization time and recovery were slightlybetter in Pro-anesthetized children than in those given Sev.Conclusion: These results suggest that except for pain score, Pro-anesthetized children fared better interms of speedy recovery and reduced adverse effects than those given Pro. Thus, Pro may berecommended as general anaesthetic for children undergoing otolaryngology surgical procedures.Keywords: Sevoflurane, Propofol, Pain score, Emergence agitation, Otolaryngology
Minocycline improves learning and memory functions in ischemic stroke rats via reduction of cerebral ischemia-induced neuroinflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Li Li , Xing Xiaolian , Li Qian , Zhang Qinqin , Fu Lu , Liu Yi
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To study the effect minocycline on learning and memory functions in ischemic stroke rats, and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: 60 adult male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, ischemic brain damage (6 and 24 h MACO) groups; and 6 and 24 h minocycline groups, with 12 rats in each group. The volume of cerebral infarction, neuronal cell apoptosis, NF-κB protein expression, learning and memory ability, and the number of Iba-1+CD206-positive cells, and CD206/CD68 mRNA expressions in sham group, 6 h MACO group and 6 h minocycline group were determined and compared.

Results: The number of iba-1 +CD206-positive cells, expression level of CD206 mRNA, frequency of platform crossing, and percentage of third quadrant route in 6 h minocycline group were significantly higher than the corresponding values in 6 h MACO group. However, the cerebral infarction volume, number of Nini-positive cells, and the NF- B protein expression levels were markedly reduced, relative to corresponding values in 6 h MACO rats. The number of iba-1+CD206-positive cells was significantly lower in 6 h MACO rats than in sham rats, while the expression level of CD68 mRNA was significantly higher (p < 0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells in 6 and 24 h minocycline groups were markedly lower than that in 6 h MACO group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Minocycline improves learning and memory of ischemic stroke rats by relieving the neuroinflammation induced by cerebral ischemia and cell apoptosis. Thus, the compound can be further developed for management learning and memory deficits in stroke patients.
Protective effect of purple sweet potato leaf (Ipomoea batatas Linn Convolvulaceae) against alcohol-induced liver damage in mice
Authors: Kang Hyun , Lee Sung-Gyu
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Ipomoea batatas extract against alcohol-induced liver damage in mice.

Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n = 10). Normal Group: The animals received distilled water 5 ml/kg for 7 days; Alcohol Group: The animals received alcohol 5 ml/kg of 40 % w/v alcohol for 7 days; Alcohol + Purple sweet potato leaf extract (PSPE) Group: PSPE 400 mg/kg was for 7 days. The animals received alcohol 5 ml/kg of 40 % w/v alcohol for 7 days; Alcohol + Hovenia dulcis Thunb extract (HDE) Group: HDE 400 mg/kg was for 7 days. To confirmed to the liver protection effect of PSPE, it was calculated, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) in serum were detected. To evaluate changes of histological in alcohol-fed mice, liver tissue was determined by H&E staining.

Results: Blood alcohol concentration in purple sweet potato leaf extract (PSPE) 200 mg/kg and Hovenia dulcis (H. dulcis) extract (HDE) 200 mg/kg treated group significantly decreased compared to - alcohol with water treated group (p < 0.05). Serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) were markedly reduced. Liver sections in mice stained with H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) stain to displayed the physiological changes in the liver tissue. Furthermore, the results showed that inflammatory cells increased in the alcohol group compared to the normal group, but spontaneously decreased in the PSPE or HDE-treated group.

Conclusion: These results demonstrate that Ipomoea batatas may be therapeutically effective in protecting the liver from alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and fatty liver.
Aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract ameliorated CdCl2- induced alterations in blood formation and spermatogenesis in albino rats
Authors: Mbegbu Edmund Chidiebere , Odo Rita Ifeoma , Ozioko Paul Tobechukwu , Awachie Mark Ebubechukwu , Nwobi Lotanna Gilbert , Obidike Ikechukwu Reginald
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the ameliorative effect of aqueous garlic extract (AGEx) on cadmium chloride (CdCl2-induced) alterations in the blood and testicles of rats.

Methods: A total of 24 male rats (160 - 200 g), randomly assigned into 4 groups (A - D; n = 6), were used to investigate the claimed protective effect of AGEx on blood and spermatogenic tissues following CdCl2-intoxication in albino rats. The rats in Group A served as controls and were given 5 mg/mL of deionized water. Group B rats were given 300 mg/kg of AGEx. Group C rats were given 2 mg/kg of CdCl2. Rats in Group D first received 2 mg/kg of CdCl2, and 300 mg/kg of AGEx 2 h later. All treatments were done every 48 h for a period of six weeks.

Results: CdCl2 administration to group C rats reduced (p < 0.05) haematocrit value (PCV), concentration of haemoglobin (Hb), red cells count (RBC), total leucocytes count (tWBC), eosinophil, neutrophil, testicular weights and sperm reserves; but elevated (p < 0.05) lymphocytes count compared with the controls. AGEx 300 mg/kg in group D rats significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the altered parameters compared with the controls.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that administration of aqueous Allium sativum (garlic) extract to male rats enhances spermatogenesis, and ameliorates testicular and haematological alterations induced by cadmium poisoning. Therefore, the spermatogenic principle in AGEx is a potential candidate for the clinical management of male infertility.
A study on the utilization of rice husk as a biosorbent material for Cr (VI) removal from industrial effluent
Authors: Naeem Aniqa , Batool Rida
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To study Cr (VI) removal from waste water using chromium-resistant bacterial strains in combination with rice husk.

Methods: Two strains of Exiguobacterium sp. resistant to chromium (VI) were applied in the present work. Rice husk (RH) was used as an agricultural waste for Cr (VI) removal. The elimination of Cr from the husk was chemically facilitated using hydrochloric, sulphuric and citric acids, as well as formaldehyde and potassium dihydrogen phosphate Investigation of optimum physical factors such as pH, temperature, shaking speed and biomass concentration on Cr (VI) removal was carried out using citric acid-processed rice husk alone, and in combination of bacterial strains. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed to determine the contributions of different functional groups involved in Cr (VI) binding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of treated and untreated RH was also performed.

Results: Citric acid-processed RH was most effective in the removal of chromate (97.3 %). The two bacterial strains combined with rice husk proved highly efficient in Cr (VI) removal from sterile and non-sterile industrial effluents. FTIR spectra showed the involvement of esters, amines and aliphatic functional groups in Cr (VI) binding, while SEM displayed the damaging effects of Cr (VI) on the surface of RH; however, bacterial inoculation minimized the damage.

Conclusion: Exopolysaccharides from Exiguobacterium strains and citric acid-processed rice husk demonstrated high efficiency for Cr (VI) removal. Hence, RH with these bacterial strains are potential biosorbents for control of heavy metal contamination arising from industrial effluents.
Molecular docking study on columbin isolated from Tinospora cordifolia as a cholinesterase inhibitor
Authors: Onoja Joel O. , Elufioye Taiwo O. , Sherwani Zaid A. , Ul-Haq Zaheer
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potential of columbin and also to assess its binding affinity against AChE protein.

Methods: Crystals of columbin were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Tinospora cordifolia using column chromatography and its structure was determined using x-ray crystallography. Ellman colorimetric assay was used to determine the AChE inhibitory effect in vitro while molecular docking was performed using the MOE 2015.010 software. The selected protein data bank (PDB) was modeled using PDB ID: 10CE (pacific electric ray).

Results: The crystal and structure refinement data of columbin were: C20H22O6, Orthorhombic, P212121, a = 7.4951(2) Å (α = 90°), b = 11.6451(3) Å (β = 90°), c = 19.5882(5) Å (γ = 90°), V=1709.68(8) Å3, Z = 4, Density (calculated) = 1.392 Mg/m3, absorption coefficient = 0.851 mm-1, goodness-of-fit on F2 =1.091, T = 100(2) K. Columbin demonstrated good AChE inhibitory effect with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.2993 ± 0.17 mg/mL. Molecular docking data revealed that it exhibited hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions with the surrounding residues, and this accelerated complexation between the ligands and the active site of the enzyme.

Conclusion: Columbin may be useful in the management of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Cytotoxic effect of Leurius quinquestratus (scorpion) venom in different human cancer cell lines in vitro
Authors: Salama Wesam M. , El-Naggar Sabry A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose: In this study, the cytotoxicity of scorpion Leurius quinquestratus crude venom (LQCV) was evaluated in vitro in selected human cancer cell lines.

Methods: Breast (MCF-7), hepatocellular (HepG-2), colon (CaCo-2), cervix (HeLa) and alveolar (A-549) adenocarcinoma cell lines were tested. MTT assay and median inhibition concentration (IC50), apoptotic assay, caspase 3, P53, Bcl-2 proteins and cell cycle were determined.

Results: 24 hrs post-treatment, CaCo-2 represented the most sensitive cell line (IC50 of 4.12 μg/mL). Due to the exposure to 1/10 IC50 of LQCV, the percentage of the apoptotic cells, caspase 3, and P53 proteins were increased significantly (P<0.05) while Bcl-2 was decreased in comparison to untreated cells. Treatment with LQCV induced cell cycle arrest at G1 and G2/M phases.

Conclusion: LQCV displays potent cytotoxicity against selected human cell lines in vitro. Thus, the material could become a potent agent for the management of some cancers.
Effect of styrene oxide and diethyl maleate on expression of cytochrome P450 family 1 and glutathione store in mouse liver
Authors: Chatuphonprasert Waranya , Jarukamjorn Kanokwan
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of the glutathione (GSH) suppressors styrene oxide (SO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) on the hepatic expression of cytochrome P450 family 1 (Cyp1) isoforms that are related to carcinogenesis including Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, and Cyp1b1.

Methods: Seven-week-old ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected with SO (150 and 300 mg/kg/day), DEM (175 and 350 mg/kg/day), or N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 300 and 600 mg/kg/day) for 7, 14, or 28 days. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, hepatic Cyp1 expression, total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were determined.

Results: ALT and AST levels were markedly increased by SO and DEM while GSH/GSSG ratio was decreased by SO in all treatments (p < 0.05), while high dose (350 mg/kg/day) DEM significantly suppressed GSH/GSSG ratio at 28 days (p < 0.05). The expressions of Cyp1a1, Cyp1a2, and Cyp1b1 were induced by SO and DEM, corresponding with induction of ethoxy/methoxy-resorufin O- dealkylase activities.

Conclusion: The Cyp1 family metabolizes procarcinogens to carcinogenic DNA adducts; exposure to the industrial solvents, SO and DEM, raises the risk of carcinogenesis via GSH depletion coupled with Cyp1 induction.
Development and validation of a novel chemiluminescent immunoassay for diagnosing primary aldosteronism
Authors: Ge Li , Ma Jian-Jun , Wu Meng-Ru , Jia Yun , Xu Ya-Li , Xu Hong-Feng
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) in primary aldosteronism (PA) using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) methods.

Methods: Both RIA and CLIA were used to analyze the PAC, PRA and ARR with subjects in standing or supine position, before and after a saline infusion test (SIT). The correlation between RIA and CLIA was measured by regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy by RIA and CLIA.

Results: A positive correlation was found between PAC and PRA after SIT using RIA and CLIA (0.1745 and 0.3085, respectively). A positive correlation was found between the PAC and PRA in standing and supine position using RIA and CLIA (0.3979 vs 0.2399 and 0.1885 vs 0.4032, respectively). There was no obvious difference in AUCs of PAC, PRA, and ARR between RIA and CLIA (PAC: 0.91 vs. 0.89; PRA: 0.88 vs. 0.87; ARR: 0.93 vs. 0.92). In standing posture, the AUCs of PAC, PRA and ARR using RIA were 0.63, 0.72 and 0.78, respectively, and the results of CLIA were 0.65, 0.75 and 0.82, respectively. In supine posture, the AUC of PAC, PRA and ARR using RIA was 0.65, 0.68 and 0.71, respectively, and the results of CLIA were 0.68, 0.70 and 0.79, respectively.

Conclusion: Chemiluminescent assay is reliable for diagnosis of PA when compared with radioimmunoassay.
Future ethical implications and potential health consequences of nanotechnology research in Jordan: A scientometric analysis
Authors: Akkam Yazan , Khatatbeh Moawiah
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the implanted legislation and regulations in Jordan, in order to minimize nanotechnology research-related health concerns.

Methods: In the first part, all nanotechnology published research in Scopus database and the Jordanian National Database for Researchers were mined. The growth in nanotechnology research was analyzed by calculating the relative growth rate (RGR), doubling time (DT), and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Thereafter, the results were compared to global preferences. Furthermore, this research explored all possible factors that may influence decision-makers and health policies in Jordan.

Results: Data analysis showed that the quantity of nanotechnology research in Jordan is exponentially increasing with RGR (1.96), DT (0.37), and CAGR (33 %) very close to the figures obtained worldwide. The trend line analysis (R2 = 0.9638) expected that more than 65 % of nanotechnology research will be produced within the next 5 years. Moreover, no legislation has been adapted in Jordan to regulate nanotechnology research and industry.

Conclusions: Adopting nanotechnology without having any corresponding legislation constitutes a violation of the ethical codes of research, and ignorance of public safety. Moreover, the research suggests a set of steps to organize the crafting of nanotechnology and research in Jordan, and other similar contexts in developing countries.