bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of the relationships within the North American pitcher plant genus, Sarracenia
Authors: Stephens Jessica
Published: February 2022

The North American pitcher plants (Sarracenia) are arguably one of the most charismatic groups of carnivorous plants and have garnered a great deal of attention for their diversity in trapping structures. The first Sarracenia specimen was described as early as 1570, and since then, the relationships among the species have remained an enigma for researchers. Originally, there were several attempts at describing relationships among Sarracenia through morphological measures, but with little consensus. The first genetic studies did little to improve our understanding of the relationships within Sarracenia, but did identify Darlingtonia californica (Cobra Lily) as the most ancient of the Sarraceniaceae family, with Heliamphora sharing a recent common ancestor with Sarracenia. The most recent genetic approach attempted to uncover species relationships using eight genes provided some resolution within the genus, most species relationships remained a mystery; however, they were able to date the genus to roughly 0.5-3 million years old, which is extremely recent in evolutionary time. In addition, members of the Sarracenia genus are prone to rampant hybridization with one another, making it even more difficult to determine the relationships among species.
Several pygmy Sundew species possess catapult-flypaper traps with repetitive function, indicating a possible evolutionary change into aquatic snap traps similar to Aldrovanda
Authors: Hartmeyer Siegfried R. H. , Hartmeyer Irmgard
Published: February 2022

Approximately 50 species of pygmy Sundews (genus Drosera, section Bryastrum) occur in the South of Australia and one each in New Zealand (D. pygmaea) and Venezuela (D. meristocaulis). They grow mainly as small stemless rosettes possessing minute trapping leaves of 1-2 mm diameter with prominent marginal tentacles, or have elongated erect stems. The caulescent species possess only mucus-producing tentacles that are most effective in capturing small flying insects. The acaulescent species in contrast are specialized on crawling prey and have developed mucus-free snap-tentacles, able to bend surprisingly rapidly towards the leaf center. They lift prey like, e.g. springtails (Collembola) from the ground and carry it with a 180°-movement from the periphery of the plant onto the sticky leaf.
New cultivars
Authors: Bourke Greg , Morrow Eric
Published: February 2022

The cultivars Utricularia 'Brazilian Beauty' and Sarracenia 'Leigha Simone' are described.
Pinguicula ramosa Miyoshi ' a botanical review
Authors: Shimai Hiro
Published: February 2022

Pinguicula ramosa Miyoshi (Lentibulariaceae), endemic to Japan, is one of the most unique Pinguicula species often having a branched pedicel. Ecologically it occurs on cliffs formed by tuffs, porous volcanic rocks, which is also unusual as many Pinguicula species can be more commonly found on calcareous soils or serpentinite rocks. However, little attention has been previously given to this tiny endangered species with very few references in the literature outside of Japan, or even in there. To reveal the species, observations of the plants in situ, herbarium specimen examinations, and review of the literature have been performed. In addition, comparisons with morphologically and phylogenetically closely related species, P. variegata Turcz. and P. villosa L., will be summarized. This work is a botanical review overall P. ramosa discussing its morphology, distribution, taxonomy, ecology, history, conservation, and other scientific matters.
Entre aproximações e distanciamentos
Authors: Carneiro Everton
Published: February 2022

Everton Nery Carneiro nos apresenta um vasto conteúdo sobre religião, diversidade, fenômeno religioso e suas práticas pedagógicas. Essas temáticas convidam o leitor a se posicionar e se implicar com esse mundo religioso, experienciado de forma intolerante e agressiva que exclui e demoniza aqueles que não se afirmam e se firmam como cristãos. Às vezes, é preciso professar uma fé religiosa para ser aceito(a) e respeitado(a), e quando isso não acontece, a conduta religiosa do estudante ou colega é excluída, negada, demonizada e estigmatizada. Partindo dessa constatação do cenário educacional, o autor propõe nesta obra uma prática pedagógica inclusiva com adesão dos estudantes e professores no sentido de buscar juntos a construção de um projeto pedagógico que tenha como princípio educativo a ética, inclusão, diversidade religiosa e humana. Isso exige uma nova postura pedagógica humanizada nos espaços pedagógicos e um engajamento respeitoso dos atores que compõem a escola e buscam construir uma pedagogia freireana. Assim sendo, a obra Ensino religioso: política, diversidade, fenômeno religioso e práticas pedagógicas nos convida a pensar e engajar em uma perspectiva de educação que inclui, humaniza, compartilha saberes e produz conhecimentos necessários à transformação social, educacional e política de cada sujeito. Em suma, o autor mostra para nós, leitores, que é possível construir uma pedagogia com base na discussão dos valores religiosos e não religiosos dos estudantes, com ênfase à formação humana e o reconhecimento dos valores sociais, culturais das tradições religiosas dos sujeitos, atores dos espaços escolares e da sociedade. Prof.ª Dr.ª Áurea da Silva Pereira
Ética e hermenêutica
Authors: Carneiro Everton
Published: February 2022

Os textos publicados nesta obra, de autoria do Professor Dr. Everton Nery Carneiro, aduzem discussões pertinentes sobre temas e subtemas de extrema relevância, interligando a ética e a hermenêutica. O diálogo proposto na escrita possibilita ao leitor degustar e adentrar em uma excelente viagem acerca da temática, portanto, estimula a reflexão e a interpretação do leitor de forma instigante. No decorrer do livro são descritos subtemas como: Ética de Jesus; Hermenêutica: um viés ético; e Os Paralytikos. Sendo toda a discussão pautada em evangelhos e textos bíblicos tanto do Novo, quanto do Antigo Testamento. Além disso, o autor também dialoga com outros escritores que são importantes referências sobre a ética e a hermenêutica como Heidegger, Gadamer e Aristóteles. Discorre ainda sobre a hermenêutica bíblica associada a perícope de Mateus que relata o milagre do Paralytikos. Nessa perspectiva, o autor aborda as diversas deficiências e limitações que podem acometer o ser humano. Tal discussão acontece à luz da ética de Jesus, sobretudo nas dimensões do amor, do respeito, do perdão e da misericórdia. Misturando ciência e religião, Everton desperta reflexões históricas e atuais para uma sociedade em evolução que anseia o porvir.
Comparison of Menstruation-Related Symptoms Before and During Menstruation of University Students in Japan, a Year after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Matsuura Yukie , Tran Nam Hoang , Yasui Toshiyuki
Published: February 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the daily lifestyle of people, including many aspects affecting young women. Subsequent to the COVID-19 pandemic stress and anxiety have been reported related to menstrual disorders (Takmaz, Gundogmus, Okten, & Gunduz, 2021). The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensity and to compare menstruation-related symptoms before and during menstruation among university students in Japan. We conducted an online cross-sectional study from May to July 2021 using a menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ) to assess symptoms experienced before and during menstruation. Our results showed that of 141 students, five students (3.5%) did not report any symptoms before menstruation and one student (0.7%) had no symptoms during menstruation. We found that the most frequently experienced symptoms before menstruation were skin blemishes or disorder, mood swings, irritability, swelling, cramps, fatigue, take naps, stay in bed, feeling sad or blue, weight gain and difficulty concentrating. The most frequently experienced symptoms during menstruation were cramps, fatigue, irritability, mood swings, take naps, stay in bed, feeling sad or blue, backache, swelling, skin blemish or disorder, and poor school/work performance. The total MDQ score was significantly higher during menstruation than before menstruation. Among the MDQ eight scales, the scores of five scales including pain, autonomic reaction, impaired concentration, behavior change, and control were significantly higher during menstruation than before menstruation. The prevalence of increased appetite and craving for sweets were higher than MDQ symptoms before menstruation. The prolonged exposure to pandemic may have more effect on psychological symptoms than on physical symptoms.
Morphological features of pilonidal cysts of the sacrococcygeal region
Authors: Feleshtynskyi Yaroslav , Balan Ihor , Dyadyk Olena , Beketova Julia
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Despite the fact that the pilonidal cyst of the sacrococcygeal region is a long-known disease, the mechanism of accumulation or absence of hair in the cyst remains unclear, which affects the accuracy of the name of the disease, as well as understanding of its pathogenesis.
Aim: Aim to perform morphological examination of pilonidal cysts of the sacrococcygeal region, to determine the nature of the cysts, the frequency of hair in the cyst cavity and to determine the causes and mechanism of its accumulation in cysts.
Materials and methods: A morphological study of skin areas with altered tissues of the sacrococcygeal region after radical surgical treatment of 235 patients with a coccygeal cyst of the sacrococcygeal region was carried out. The gender distribution of patients with pilonidal cysts was as follows: 220 (93.4%) male patients, 15 female patients (6.6%).
Results: Among 235 patients who underwent radical surgical treatment, the absence of hair shafts was recorded in 112 (46.8%) cases, hair in the cyst structure – in 123 male patients (53.2%), both visually and under a microscope, and in 4 of them (0.9%) only under a microscope. Among 15 patients, hair in the cyst cavity was found in 1 case (0.4%), in 14 patients they were not detected either visually or by microscopic examination.
Discussion: Having observed the formation of foreign body granuloma and the accumulation of polynuclear histiocytes of foreign bodies around the hair in the pilonidal cyst cavity, a proportional increase in histiocytes depending on the number of hairs, that is, the body's reaction to the foreign body was registered. However, multinucleated histiocytes in lower numbers were also observed in cases in which hair shafts were not found either microscopically or macroscopically, which may indicate both completed phagocytosis and formation of a cyst without a hair component, registering the reaction of histiocytes to inflammatory changes in the cyst cavity. The detection of atypically located pilonidal cysts (cheek, navel) provides additional confirmation of the formation of pilonidal cyst as a result of disturbance of hair growth through the hair funnel due to inflammatory changes in the hair follicle and their accumulation subcutaneously.
Zivil- und familienrechtliche Grundlagen der Sozialen Arbeit
Authors: Lorenz Annegret
Published: February 2022

Das Kompendium richtet sich an die Studierenden im Bachelor-Studiengang „Soziale Arbeit“, die sich die zivil- und familienrechtlichen Grundlagen ihres Fachs aneignen wollen.

Das Werk ist nach den relevanten Einzelmaterien aufgebaut, wie sie für das vorlesungsbegleitende Studium und für das eigene Erschließen des Zivil- und Familienrechts bedeutsam sind. Anwendungsbezogen wird das für den späteren Berufsalltag notwendige inhaltliche und methodische Rüstzeug vermittelt, um die rechtlichen Hürden im Kontext der Sozialen Arbeit zu bewältigen. Zur Aneignung, Wiederholung und Vertiefung des Wissens arbeitet das Buch mit deskriptiven Elementen, Beispielen und Übersichten. Übungsfälle mit Lösungshinweisen erleichtern den Transfer des Gelernten in konkrete Fallgestaltungen, wie sie sich typischerweise im späteren Berufsalltag stellen werden.

Die 4. Auflage berücksichtigt bereits die 2023 in Kraft tretenden Rechtsänderungen, darunter

die Änderungen im Gefolge des Jugendstärkungsgesetzes, insbesondere die Etablierung der Dauerpflegschaft,

das Verbot geschlechtsangleichender Operationen durch das Gesetz zum Schutz von Kindern mit Varianten der Geschlechtsentwicklung,

die Neuausrichtung der Verfahrensbeistandschaft durch das Gesetz zur Bekämpfung sexualisierter Gewalt gegen Kinder,

das Gesetz zur Reform des Vormundschafts- und Betreuungsrechts.
Beieinander an getrennten Orten
Authors: Burow Johannes F.
Published: February 2022

Despite digital mediation and physical distance, there are perceptions of closeness or shared atmospheres in video conferences. Such interactions can be theoretically deduced and empirically investigated with an expanded neo-phenomenological sociology in line with Hermann Schmitz. A grounded theory approach with interviews as the central data source allows for analysis of the opportunities and limits of this togetherness in physically separate places. Video conferences show that in digital communication it is not only technology that enables interactions, but that it is the passionate construction work of the participants that can create ‘Leiberspace’ (a sphere in which the proximity of another body is felt) in order for them to come closer to each other during digital mediation.
Bienestar emocional en Agustín y el estoicismo
Authors: Chan Jimmy ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: February 2022

Both the Stoics and Augustine seek to explore under what circumstances are emotions considered ‘good’? There is one distinct question that Augustine attempts to explore in the aspect of emotional wellness: “What is the theological significance of emotions?” This paper not only demonstrates the interwoven relationship between Augustine and Stoicism on emotions, but also argues that Augustine has not been able to disentangled from the Stoic thoughts on emotions, to the extent that it is necessary for him to transform the Stoic ideas of emotions for his theological and rhetorical purposes.
Agustín sobre la metafísica de la creación y los milagros
Authors: Djuth Marianne ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: February 2022

This essay explores Augustine philosophical conception of miracles in the context of a longstanding debate on the status of miracles expressed primarily in the De Genesi ad Litteram and De Trinitate. Over a half century ago P. D. Vooght remarked that Augustine “had opened up some profound and subtle views on the problem of miracles.” Dissatisfied with De Vooght’s conclusions, John Mourant and Leopold Tanganagba subsequently offered interpretations of their own on Augustine’s conception of miracles. Because Augustine’s conception of miracles is complex, unsystematic, and open to further consideration, it deserves additional scrutiny as no satisfactory answer has yet been found. I begin the essay by briefly examining the significance of Augustine’s definition of a miracle in De utiltate credendi. This definition functions as a starting point for an exploration of the doctrine of seminal reasons and its relation to divine and natural causality. The difficulty of understanding Augustine’s philosophy of miracles against this background calis to mind four possible interpretations of miracles found in De Vooght’s article. These interpretations in turn provide the focal point for providing a new assessment of Augustine’s philosophy of miracles in the final section of the essay.
La Trinidad, el amor al prójimo y el Cuerpo de Cristo
Authors: Drever Matthew ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: February 2022

Augustine’s late writings on grace and predestination raise myriad problems, among them what place the Bishop of Hippo envisions for ethical relations toward others. Where does the second great commandment -love your neighbor- fit into his account of grace? Does it find a constitutive place or is it drowned out by his claims on grace and predestination? This article takes up these enduring questions by examining the trinitarian framework in which Augustine develops his account of the body of Christ. Here we will see that our inclusion in Christ’s body involves not simply an outward reforming of our love toward the other but also a relocating of it within Christ’s body where the discrete separation between the other and myself is bridged and united through the Spirit’s love. Augustine’s model of the totus Christus offers here not only a proleptic eschatological vision of heaven to come, but also places an ethical demand on the historical church. We might say that our genuine humanity, which is being formed through our participation in Christ’s body, entails also a new and redeemed type of existence lived in and through our love of God and neighbor.
El amor de Dios, la Teología Trinitaria de Agustín en la controversia pelagiana
Authors: Humphries Thomas ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: February 2022

This paper poses the question “Why did Augustine not use his Trinitarian theology to better effect in the Pelagian controversy?” I demonstrate first that Augustine’s mature Trinitarian theology would be directly relevant to the Pelagian discussions after the year 415. Second, I show a slight progression in Augustine’s treatment of relevant issues from 418 through the end of his life in his anti-Pelagian corpus. I argue that Augustine does not use his Trinitarian theology to his full advantage in the anti-Pelagian corpus. I suggest that Augustine avoided these connections at least in parí because the Trinitarian reflections on “God is love” (I Jn 4) would ultimately push the anti-Pelagian reflections on God’s love for Jacob (Rom 9:13) towards universalism, but Augustine had already rejected universalism.
Los variados sentidos del conocimiento en las primeras obras de Agustín
Authors: Manninen Eetu ,   Order of Augustinian Recollects
Published: February 2022

This article examines Augustine’s thought conceming the relationship between sensation and knowledge in his early dialogues. A special focus is on Augustine’s concept of cognitio per sensum. First, I determine Augustine’s epistemological starting point by examining his thought as it appears in Contra Académicos (386). Second, I study the relationship between sensation and knowledge in De quantitate animae (387-388) and observe the development in Augustine’s thought concerning sense-perception. Finally, I analyse Augustine’s concept of cognitio per sensum, which occurs in De quantitate animae, and make some important observations about the relationship between sensation and knowledge in Augustine’s early thought. In this regard Augustine’s possible influences are also considered. The conclusion of this article is that although Augustine had adopted a version of Platonic epistemology that is very critical toward sense-perception, his considerations in De quantitate animae, especially regarding cognitio per sensum, point towards a more harmonious relationship between the two than his Platonic epistemology in Contra Academicos would lead us to think.
The Sacrifice of Heidegger
Authors: Ferraris Maurizio , Fulvi Daniele ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2022

In this article, Ferraris examines the notion of sacrifice in the philosophy of Heidegger. Focusing specifically—but not exclusively—on Heidegger’s Beiträge zur Philosophie, Ferraris shows that sacrifice is a fundamental aspect of Heidegger’s thematization of human finitude. More specifically, Ferraris shows the central role played by sacrifice in highlighting the radical level of truth and authenticity that the event of death carries within itself. Hence, Ferraris argues that it is through sacrifice—and mourning—that we understand what death is, as the self-transcendence of Dasein makes the transcendence of Being possible.
Nursing in Wartime: Edith Stein and Simone Weil on Empathic Attention
Authors: Astell Ann W. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2022

Edith Stein and Simone Weil both trained as Red Cross nurses for wartime service. For both philosophers, the activity of a nurse demands an empathic attention to the afflicted. Stein envisions herself as an attendant nurse in her memoirs; Weil similarly casts herself in a nurse’s role in her proposal for an elite, sacrificial nurses’ corps. This essay examines the practice of wartime nursing as a school for, and an expression of, their complimentary philosophies of human beings seen in their physical, epistemological, and spiritual interrelatedness.
Pathology Engagement in Global Health: Survey Data of Global Pathology Interest and Barriers
Authors: Razzano Dana , Gardner Jerad M. , Hall Allison , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara”
Published: February 2022

Context.—

Although pathology is essential to almost every practice in medicine, laboratory medicine professionals do not routinely volunteer in global health practice.

Objective.—

To gather information about the experience and interest levels of the pathology community in global health work.

Design.—

Data were analyzed from an 8-question, online, anonymous survey directed toward anyone working in the field of pathology and laboratory medicine. The survey collected data from respondents on their interest level in participating in global health pathology, potential barriers to participation, and the types of volunteer opportunities that would be of interest.

Results.—

A total of 267 people participated in the survey, of whom 142 (53%) were American citizens. One hundred seventy (64%) indicated that they had never volunteered in a low-resource setting. The majority of respondents (237; 89%) indicated interest in global pathology opportunities. More than half of the 267 respondents indicated interest in short-term trips (136; 51%), digital education opportunities (138; 52%), and reviewing slides/cases digitally (160; 60%). Lack of time to travel and lack of financial support were the 2 most cited reasons for lack of participation. One hundred nine respondents (41%) indicated that they were “willing and able, but do not know where to start.”

Conclusions.—

Our data demonstrate that laboratory medicine professionals are highly interested in global pathology efforts, but factors such as lack of time, lack of funding, and lack of knowledge of potential volunteer opportunities are barriers to participation. A significant number of respondents were willing and able to participate, indicating that pathology and laboratory medicine professionals may be an untapped resource for global health volunteers.
An extensive solution to prevent wax deposition formation in gas-lift wells
Authors: Nguyen Van , Nikolaevich Aleksandrov , Konstantinovich Rogachev
Published: February 2022

In recent years, an insurmountable problem in high-wax oil production has been the intensive formation of organic deposits in the bottom-hole zone of the formation, downhole and surface equipment, leading to a dramatic loss in wells production, transportation capability, and subsequently has a detrimental effect on efficiency. Gas-lift is a widely used method, where compressed high-pressure gas is injected through the tubing annulus. Consequently, the current fluid level in the annulus decreases and increases in the tubing string. The compressed gas enters the tubing through gas-lift valves, mixing with the liquid. During production, changes in pressure, temperature, and fluid composition along the well bore highly depend upon the compressed gas injected into the well. At temperatures below the wax appearance temperature, organic wax crystals will form either in bulk volumes of fluid or on cold surfaces of equipment, consequently, covering the surface. Wax formation is a hazardous and costly task in the oil and gas industry, especially when operating gas-lift wells. Hence, the prevention of wax formation in gas-lift wells is of utmost importance. Although, numerous methods have been implemented to handle the wax formation problem in recent decades, questions concerning their economic viability as well as their effectiveness remain relevant. In this paper, a complete algorithm for determining changes in the oil component composition in a gas-lift well during the injection of associated petroleum gas is detailed. The obtained results play a pivotal role in the study of wax deposition. A technological scheme has been developed to prevent wax deposit formation in the tubing strings during gas-lift well operation. A simulation using the introduced process and technology has been run, and an observed result obtained. After running the simulation, we determined the optimal composition of the associated petroleum injection gas based on the required flow rate of the working agent and the lowest value of the wax appearance temperature. This method offers potential solutions to increasing gas-lift well production efficiency under complex wax formation conditions.
Metastatic Spiradenocarcinoma Managed With PD-1 Inhibition
Authors: Wargo Jeffrey J. , Carr David R. , Plaza Jose A. , Verschraegen Claire F.
Published: February 2022

Spiradenomas are rare skin adnexal tumors, usually benign, appearing in early adulthood. The etiology of this tumor is still debated. The tumor suppressor gene CYLD, responsible for the Brooke-Spiegler syndrome, causes spiradenomas, trichoepitheliomas, and cylindromas. With time, spiradenomas can degenerate into aggressive spiradenocarcinomas. With only 117 malignant cases reported, treatment recommendations are based on case reports and expert opinion. There is no standard of care beyond surgical resection for localized disease and no guidelines for management of metastatic disease. With the advent of immunotherapy and PD-1 inhibition, we present the first reported case of a metastatic spiradenocarcinoma managed with pembrolizumab.
Entre el cuerpo y el lenguaje: "Romance de la Negra Rubia" de Gabriela Cabezón Cámara "la gauchita"
Authors: Geremek Zuzanna
Published: February 2022

La prosa de Gabriela Cabezón Cámara aparece en el horizonte de la narrativa contemporánea argentina como una ruptura, una subversión, un golpe, desafiando las tradiciones literarias canónicas y reconfigurando las normas establecidas. De esta nueva estética, que siguiendo a María Moreno llamaremos “la gauchita”, nacen subjetividades muy particulares: desobedientes, marginales, poderosas, fluidas y no-binarias. La subjetividad de la protagonista en Romance de la Negra Rubia de Gabriela Cabezón Cámara se configura como un tejido de varios discursos, relaciones (también violentas) y en constante proceso de construcción. Estos transcursos están inevitablemente ligados a la corporalidad: el cuerpo, como “superficie de inscripción de acontecimientos” (Foucault 1983) y lugar donde suceden procesos simbólicos, por ende, se convierte en un espacio de lucha por el poder. Siguiendo las líneas metodológicas de las teorías biopolíticas (Foucault 2014, Agamben 1998, Mbembe 2011), feministas (Butler 2002, 2007) y deconstruccionistas (Derrida 1989), se intentará investigar cómo los discursos y el lenguaje actúan en el proceso de establecimiento de la subjetividad de la protagonista. Asimismo, se analizará cómo la presencia del otro invade este proceso y lo dirige, lo que termina también en fundar las relaciones de sometimiento y opresión. Sin embargo, estas figuras de la otredad, encarnaciones de los discursos coloniales y falologocéntricos permiten finalmente a los cuerpos zoé (Agamben 1998) entrar en la esfera del poder, de las vidas bios.
Graphene oxide modified tilted fiber Bragg grating for 10–12 level heavy metal ion sensing
Authors: Li Xing-Long , Zhao Hao-Yu , Wu Wen-Jie , Jiang Wei-Feng , Zheng Jia-Jin , Zhang Zu-Xing , Yu Ke-Han , Wei Wei ,   College of Electronic and Optical Engineering, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China,   Jiangsu Provincial Engineering Research Center for Fabrication and Application of Special Optical Fiber Materials and Devices, Nanjing 210023, China
Published: February 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) is an ideal label-free sensing material with its super large specific surface area and abundant surface functional groups. Considering its insulating characteristic, the GO is suitable for optics-based heavy metal ion sensing. However, given the large surface tension of water and the hydrophilicity of GO, the agglomeration or wrinkles of GO nanosheets is usually inevitable during coating with aqueous dispersion. This reduces the accessible surface area and surface functional groups of GO, thereby degrading the sensing performance. Here, an ultra-sensitive GO functionalized tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG) sensor is designed to detect heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. Firstly, a strategy of free energy manipulation is employed to avoid the wrinkles and agglomeration of GO nanosheets. In the scenario of aqueous dispersion, the GO nanosheets will wrinkle as the water droplets evaporate and shrink. In contrast, using the lower-surface-tension ethanol as the dispersant and a high-surface-energy substrate processed by oxygen plasma, the dispersion will evenly spread on the substrate instead of forming droplets. When ethanol evaporates, GO nanosheets are attached to the substrate in largest possible area to reduce the free energy of the system, by which a GO film without agglomeration or wrinkles can be obtained. Secondly, the intrinsic sensitivity of TFBG is conducive to the detection of heavy metal ions in water. Mode interference occurs between the cladding mode and the core mode in the TFBG, and the wavelength and intensity of the interference are highly sensitive to the surrounding temperature, stress, and refractive index. Combining the above characteristics, the GO functionalized TFBG is highly sensitive to Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ ions in water. These heavy metal ions are adsorbed by the GO, and thus causing the effective refractive index to increase. The results show that the adsorption of heavy metal ions makes the interference peaks red-shifted in the transmission spectrum. The lowest detection limit for Pb2+ and Cd2+ can reach 10–10 mol/L (ng/L level), and the corresponding sensitivities are 0.426 and 0.385 dB/(nmol·L–1) (2.06 and 3.43 dB/(μg·L–1)), respectively. These superior sensing performances benefit from the high specific surface area and accessible carbonyl groups of the unfolded GO, and also rely on the excellent intrinsic sensitivity of TFBG. The GO functionalized TFBG sensor has a promising potential application in environment monitoring.
Animal trait variation at the within-individual level: erythrocyte size variation and malaria infection in a tropical lizard
Authors: Cruz Virnaliz , Cruz-Pantoja Omar , Tremblay Raymond , Acevedo Miguel
Published: February 2022

High levels of within-individual variation (WIV) in reiterative components in plants such as leaves, flowers, and fruits have been shown to increase individual fitness by multiple mechanisms including mediating interactions with natural enemies. This relationship between WIV and fitness has been studied almost exclusively in plant systems. While animals do not exhibit conspicuous reiterative components, they have traits that can vary at the individual level such as erythrocyte size. It is currently unknown if WIV in animals can influence individual fitness by mediating the outcome of interactions with natural enemies as it has been shown in plants. To address this issue, we tested for a relationship between WIV in erythrocyte size, hemoparasite infection status, and body condition (a proxy for fitness) in a Caribbean anole lizard. We quantified the coefficient of variation of adult erythrocytes size in $n = 95$ infected and $n = 107$ non-infected lizards. We found higher degrees of erythrocyte size variation in infected lizards than in non-infected individuals. However, we found no significant relationship between infection status or erythrocyte size variation, and lizard body condition. These results suggest that higher WIV in erythrocyte size in infected lizards is not necessarily adaptive but likely a consequence of the host response to infection. Many hemoparasites destroy their host cells as part of their life cycle. To compensate, the host lizard may respond by increasing production of erythrocytes resulting in higher WIV. Our results emphasize the need to better understand the role of within-animal variation as a neglected driver or consequence of ecological and evolutionary interactions.
Open Method Versus Flap Closure in Pilonidal Sinus in a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital, Karnataka- A Cohort Study
Authors: Kumar MB Satish , Geetha K Avadhani , Sachin K
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Open excision is one of the simple surgical techniques for the correction of pilonidal sinus, in the recent times, the rhomboid excision with limberg flap is being practiced commonly due to increased patient’s satisfaction, reduced pain, etc. Aim: To assess the surgical outcome of open excision and rhomboid excision with limberg flap for the correction of pilonidal sinus. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cohort study was done among patients with pilonidal sinus requiring surgical treatment, in Department of Surgery in Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, B.G. Nagar, Bellur, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. The study was conducted during June 2018 to December 2019. Participants who underwent open excision were included in group A (n=40) and rhomboid excision with Limberg’s flap were included in group B (n=40). Patients were followed-up for a period of one month. The key outcome assessed were mean duration of surgery, pain during the first three postoperative days, time taken for discharge and return to work, complications and patients satisfaction. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: Rhomboid excision with Limberg’s flap was found to be significantly better than open excision method in terms of pain, duration of hospital stay, time taken to return to profession, patient’s satisfaction and overall complications but there were no significant difference noted with respect to individual complication and duration of time taken for surgical procedure. Conclusion:RhomboidexcisionwithLimberg’sflapiscomparatively better than open excision.
Association of Chest CT Severity Scores and Vaccination Status in COVID-19 Disease: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Vishwanath TT , Rajalakshmi BR , Sadananda KS , Manjunath CN
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic with substantial morbidity and mortality. While global efforts towards mitigating the infection are focused on the vaccination of population, studies are warranted to prove the efficacy of vaccine in prevention of infection or reducing the severity of infection in affected patients. The 25-point High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) severity score has proved to be an effective tool in estimating the severity of lung infection and correlates with laboratory parameters and disease outcome. The HRCT scores hence provide an objective evidence to prove the efficacy of vaccines in vaccinated individuals by assessing the extent of lung involvement. Aim: To compare the chest CT severity score in vaccinated and unvaccinated COVID-19 infected patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology, at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India. The data of HRCT scores and vaccination status was collected during the month of April 2021 from patients who were suspected to have COVID-19 infection and underwent a chest HRCT scan. The severity of lung infection in vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals was compared based on the HRCT scores and the association between these variables were analysed. The association between the respective variables were studied using Fischer’s-exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: The study involved a total of 178 subjects (males were 98), where 127 (71.3%) were unvaccinated and 51 (28.6%) were vaccinated with one or both doses {Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) vaccine or Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccine approved by Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA)}. The frequency of disease was least in 14 (7.9%) among fully vaccinated subjects. Severe COVID-19 associated pneumonia with severity score of 18 or more was seen in 7% of unvaccinated individuals, while none of the partial/fully vaccinated individuals had severe disease. The median CT severity score was significantly higher among unvaccinated patients compared to partially and fully vaccinated patients (p-value=0.001). Fully vaccinated patients had almost low CT severity score indicating mild form of disease. Conclusion: To the best of authors knowledge, this study is the first to describe the chest CT severity scores of vaccinated individuals in comparison with the unvaccinated COVID-19 infected patients. The disease severity was significantly higher among unvaccinated patients compared to partially and fully vaccinated patients. The present study has provided substantial evidence of vaccine efficacy in reducing the disease severity in COVID-19 infected patients.
A Review of Calendula OfficinalisMagic in Science
Authors: Patil Karthikeya , Sanjay CJ , Doggalli Nagabhushana , Devi KR Renuka , Harshitha N
Published: February 2022

Calendula officinalis (Calendula), a member of the Asteraceae family, is often known as English Marigold or Pot Marigold. Marigold is a fragrant herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Calendula species have been highlighted in order to better understand their diverse biological activities and modes of action. Carotenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and sterols, quinines, volatile oil, and amino acids are all found in abundance in this plant. Calendula oil is still used as an anti-tumour agent in medicine, which is also a wound healing agent. Among herbal medicines, calendula suspension or tincture is used to treat acne locally, reduce inflammation, control bleeding and soothe irritated tissues. This Calendula plant's extract, a pure chemical extracted from it, have been shown to have a variety of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oedematous, anti-oxidant activity, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity, anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and antiviral activity, wound healing and immunostimulant activity. Anti-cytotoxic, hepato-protective, spasmolytic properties and also impacts on exhibiting increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha and Interferons (IFN)-gamma and acute phase protein, C-reactive protein. C.officinalis may have an important future impact on the development of new cancer treatment strategies, and until now it has been specifically used to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy. This review looked at the organoleptic, in-vitro, and in-vivo pharmacological activities, as well as the description, cultivation, and active chemical constituents of Calendula officinalis, in order to fill in the gaps in current knowledge about this plant and to highlight its potential applications as a medicinal agent.
Effectiveness of Dexamethasone as an Adjunct Drug in Treatment of Critical COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Single Cohort
Authors: Singh Arvinder Pal , Kukreja Sahiba , Arora Rohit , Gill Manmeet Kaur
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Corticosteroids have shown controversial results in severe infections. Limited data is available to prove the efficacy of this drug against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) infection. Such studies have highlighted that steroids such as dexamethasone can be effective against the patients who are exhibiting severe symptoms of COVID-19. Aim: To determine the effectiveness of dexamethasone as adjunct drug in treatment of in critical COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This observational single cohort study was conducted on all COVID-19 positive patients admitted to the tertiary care hospital, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Amritsar, Punjab, India during August 2020 to October 2020. Critically ill patients suffering from COVID-19 receiving 6 mg dexamethasone along with standard treatment protocol as prescribed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) were included in this study. Serum interleukin-6, D-dimer, ferritin, levels along with CT values from RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab were recorded on the day of admission and after 7 days of dexamethasone therapy along with standard treatment protocol of ICMR. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and paired-t test. Results: There were 22 males and 28 females enrolled in the study with mean age of males as 55 years and mean age of females as 56 years. The mean weight of males was 68.4 kg, while the mean weight of females was 59.8 kg. Statistically significant decrease in serum levels of interleukin-6, D-dimer, and ferritin after 7 days of dexamethasone treatment along with standard treatment protocol of ICMR was observed. The results were found to be significantly different with p-values=0.001, 0.003 and 0.002, respectively. Conclusion: Dexamethasone, as an adjunct drug, is an important corticosteroid that is efficient in countering the inflammatory response generated in COVID-19 patients along with standard treatment protocol of ICMR. It reduces the inflammatory markers in patients suffering from COVID-19.
A comparison of virtual and in-person instruction in a physical examination course during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Niu , He Xiaohua
Published: February 2022

Objective

To compare virtual and in-person physical examination (PE) learning among chiropractic students.

Methods

Preexisting assessment data from 69 students enrolled in a Head and Neck PE course were analyzed for this study. The course comprised three 50-minute labs and one 50-minute lecture each week. Students had the option to attend the lab class in person or online. The virtual classroom was broadcasted simultaneously with the in-person class. Relevant class materials, including slides and videos, were available to all students on the learning management system. Student performance was evaluated through 8 weekly quizzes and 2 objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs). Data for after-school practice and learning for each topic were also collected.

Results

Our results indicated that OSCE and weekly quiz scores were positively correlated with in-person class attendance (p = .000, r = .619 and p = .000, r = .488, respectively). Participants were broken down into 2 groups: (1) higher than 50% attendance rates and (2) 50% or lower attendance rates. The mean OSCE (p = .000) and quiz scores (p = .001) for group 1 (49.41 ± .72 and 22.48 ± 1.06) were significantly higher than those for group 2 (48.13 ± 1.30 and 21.22 ± 1.29). By contrast, the mean number of videos watched was lower for group 1 compared with group 2 (3.23 ± 2.61 vs 5.70 ± 3.35, p = .011). There were no significant differences in the number of practices between the 2 groups (p = .18).

Conclusion

Students who participated in in-person PE learning outperformed those in virtual learning in this study.
Attitude of Farmers on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Tumkur District of Karnataka
Authors: Nagesha G. , Moorthy Ganesh , Raju R. , Hani Umme
Published: February 2022

To remove the inherent flaws in the existing crop insurance schemes Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna was launched in India since 2016. This scheme has ensured farmers to pay lesser premium to insure their crops. Even though scheme is farmer friendly, many farmers have not accepted and adopted the scheme. Hence, there is a need to study on the factors affecting the attitude levels of the farmers on the new crop insurance scheme. Therefore, the study was undertaken in Tumkur district of Karnataka. A total of 120 farmer beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana were selected for the study by using the proportionate random sampling technique. Sixteen independent variables were selected based on judges' relevancy rating and were quantified using measurement devices. The data were collected using a pretested structured interview schedule and suitable statistical tools were used to analyze the data. Majority of the respondents (48.33%) had a favourable attitude towards the scheme. The variables, namely, age, education, land holding, annual income, farming experience, extension contact, extension participation, social participation, scientific orientation, risk orientation, economic motivation, credit orientation and crops cultivated had positive and significant association at five per cent level. Cosmopoliteness and achievement motivation had positive and significant association at one per cent level. The study revealed that the attitude of farmers has played a pivotal role for complete acceptance of developmental programme of the government such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Analgesic Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Christmas Bush) on Wistar Rats
Authors: Ogheneochuko E. Harrison , Peters Dikoye , Uwaezuoke C. Awarajih , Blessing Ukoro
Published: February 2022

Disease conditions leading to pain are major healthcare problem worldwide. Incidences of pain related disorders have been on the increase worldwide. Although, several synthetic agents are available in treatment of these disorders, long-term usage has been reported to potentially lead to undesired effect. Hence Analgesic effects of aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia on wistar rats were investigated. Twenty wistar rats of both genders weighing between 110-178 g were utilized. Acetic acid was used for induction of pain. The rats were grouped into five groups of 4 per group in each study. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received 400, 800 mg/kg b.w of aqueous extract and reference drug respectively after induction. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and negative controls. Rats were sacrificed and blood samples collected for hematological and biochemical analyses. Phytochemical screening of the plant revealed the presence of alkaloid, phenolic compounds, Tannins and Quinine. The result showed significant increase (p≤ 0.05) in paw size, and number of writhing in group 2 and non-significant reduction (p ≥ 0.05) in group 4 were seen when contrasted to group 1 and 2 respectively. Highest pain inhibition (16%) was seen in group 4. Significant (p≤0.05) increase in C-reactive protein and nitric oxide concentrations were observed in groups 3 and 4 when contrasted to group 2 in the study. Non-significant differences in all hematological parameters in all treated groups were observed when compared to group 2. Aqueous leaf extract of Alchornae cordifolia displayed an analgesic effect.