bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-production of urban knowledge: Context approach for effective and efficient governance of cities
Authors: Onyango George Mark , Dymitrow Mirek , Oloko Michael , Agong Stephen Gaya
Published: February 2021

Effective and efficient governance is driven by the policies that prevails in urban contexts. Policies are usually result of the knowledge co-production but the efficacy of the process of translating knowledge into policy is still not well defined in the Kenyan context. One example of this is the city of Kisumu in Kenya, which has been the focus of knowledge co-production by researchers from Kisumu and Gothenburg in which there is active involvement of academicians, policy makers and the private sector. The creation of networks and platforms has been instrumental in knowledge production and has allowed for multi-level coproduction facilitating governance of the city at different spatial and administrative levels. Understanding of the different contexts that have been key in the knowledge production, in turn, is important in the process of determining how these have been drivers of urban knowledge for governance in Kisumu.
Self-Directed Learning of Prospective Teachers through Active Learning Strategies: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ajmal Fouzia , Akhtar Zarina , Saira
Published: February 2021

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of active learning strategies for developing Self Directed learning of prospective teachers. It was a one-shot experimental study. The prospective teachers were selected through purposive sampling technique. The active learning strategies were used as an independent variable, whereas self-directed learning was used as dependent variable of the study. The researchers administered the Likert scale at the start and end of treatment as a tool for data collection. The data analyses were done through mean score and t-test. It was found active learning strategies significantly increases some variables of self-directed learning such as planning, evaluation, reflection, effort, and self-efficacy of prospective teachers whereas self-monitoring, self-management and desire for learning were not affected by active learning strategies used. It is recommended that teachers assign some individual tasks to prospective teachers to enhance their desire for learning, self-management and self-monitoring.
A Conceptual Analysis of Training and Development Programs: Its Benefits for Employees and Organizations
Authors: Khan Muhammad Mussa , Ahmad Riaz , Fernald Lloyd W.
Published: February 2021

This paper conceptually evaluates and analyzes secondary data about the benefits associated with training and development programs conducted for employees by their organizations. Firstly, the elements and structure of training and development programs are investigated, and the benefits of these programs are presented. For most of the organizations, success or failure highly depends on their employees; therefore, employees are the esteemed assets of organizations, whether the organizations are large or small. In the digital era, new training and development programs have been introduced, which can effectively turn a normal employee into a more professional and skilful. It is of high importance for the organizations to consider T&D programs as it helps both employees and employers in many aspects, and thus the organizations can survive and gain a competitive advantage in the market.
Role of Parental Income and its Implications for Unemployed Educated Youth: A Case Study of Turbatkech, Balouchistan
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Barkat Nooral , Sultana Aneela
Published: February 2021

Parental household income plays an essential role in the personality development and well-being of its members. The study aims to discover the perception of unemployed educated youth towards the tradition of cousin marriages. The study was conducted TurbatKech, southern part of Balochistan, by employing qualitative research design. Data for this purpose was collected through qualitative techniques from 30 unemployed educated young adults who were selected through purposive sampling. Economic dependency and financial constraints are considered the key driving forces among unemployed educated youth that persuade them to prefer consanguinity. Furthermore, caste system within the society induces individual to prefer their own blood while making spouse selection. The present study illustrates lack of economic independence among educated youth. In order to bring positive behavioral change among youth what matters the most is to give them socio-economic independence and alternatives other than marrying them off
Prognostic significance of transforming growth factor β receptor II in clinical stage III breast cancer patients - a pilot study
Authors: Refaat Sherif , Shamaa Sameh , Elkhodary Tawfik , Atwan Nadia , Ghazy Hayam , Akl Tamer , Abdelwahab Khaled , Foda Abd AlRahman Mohammad , El-Badrawy Adel , Emarah Ziad
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor–β (TGFβ) has a dual function in breast cancer, having a tumor suppressor activity in early carcinomas while enhancing tumor metastasis in advanced breast carcinoma. Consequently, the prognostic role of TGFβ and its signaling cascade in breast cancer remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between TβRII expression, clinic-pathological characteristics, and prognostic significance of TβRII expression in clinical stage III breast cancer. METHODS: Biopsy from the primary tumor was obtained from 30 newly diagnosed clinical stage III breast cancer patients before receiving any therapy. Expression of TβRII, ER, PR, Her2 and Ki-67 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: TβRII expression was positive in 66.7% of cases and was significantly associated with advanced nodal stage and distant metastases. After a median follow up of 42.3 months, TβRII was associated with poor disease-free survival and it was an independent factor for predicting the poor outcome for breast cancer patients, especially in node positive tumors, ER/PR positive and Her2-negative tumors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the usage of therapeutic drugs that target TGFβ in advanced breast cancer patients may be effective. Nevertheless, blockage of the tumor promoting and sparing of the tumor suppressor effect of TGFβ pathway should be taken into consideration. We suggest that these therapies might have more benefit in ER and PR positive tumors.
Timucua Hand Use: Dispelling the Myth of Left-Hand Preference
Authors: Broadwell George Aaron
Published: February 2021

At the time of Spanish contact, the Timucua were the original people of northern central Florida. Granberry (1996) claimed in a provocative article that Timucua constitutes an exception to the universal or near-universal property of preference for the right hand, and showed a preference for the left hand instead. This article critically examines Granberry's argument, and shows that there is no good linguistic evidence to support left-hand preference in Timucua
Serum GRP-78 Düzeyleri Tedaviden 3 Ay Sonrasında Halen Yüksek Seyretmektedir: Bir Kohort Çalışması
Authors: SABIRLI Ramazan , KÖSELER Aylin , GÖREN Tarık , KEMANCI Aykut , TÜRKÇÜER Neslihan , TÜRKÇÜER İbrahim , KURT Özgür
Published: February 2021

GRP-78 proteininin bat koronavirüs, Mers-Cov, ebola virüs, deng virüsü, japon ensefalit virüsü, influenza virüs ve zika virüs gibi birçok virüsün hücreye girişinde rol oynadığı bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada COVID-19 enfeksiyonu geçirmiş ve tedavi almış ve tamamen iyileşmiş olan hastalarda tedavi başlangıcından üç ay sonrasındaki Glucose Regulated Protein-78 (GRP-78) düzeylerini incelemeyi amaçladık. Daha öncesinde Sabırlı ve ark. tarafından yapılan çalışma grubunda yer alan, COVID-19 hastalığı tanısı almış ve hastalığı geçirip tamamen iyileşmiş olan 20 hasta prospektif kohorta dahil edildi. Hastaların acil servise ilk tanıda başvurusu ve 3 ay sonra kontrole çağrıldığında alınan kanlardan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) metodu ile GRP-78 düzeyi çalışıldı. Acil servise ilk başvuruda alınan kanda serum GRP-78 düzeyi 1393,31 ± 306,33 pg/ml; tedavi başlangıcından 90 gün sonra bakılan serum GRP-78 düzeyi ise 1451,73 ± 336,65 pg/ml olarak saptandı. İlk başvuru ve 3 ay sonraki kontrolde ölçülen GRP-78 düzeyleri açısından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık saptanmadı (p=0,451). Sonuç olarak bu çalışmada COVID-19 infeksiyonunda tedavi başlangıcından 3 ay sonrasında dahi yüksek seyrettiğini ortaya koyduk. GRP-78 düzeyinin yüksek kalmasının kişinin Sars-CoV-2 virüsüne karşı immunitesi konusunda fikir verdirici olabilir fakat bu hususun gerek hücre kültürü çalışması ve gerekse daha uzun süreli kohort çalışması yapılarak incelenmesine ihtiyaç vardır.
PENGARUH NILAI KERJA TERHADAP TINGKAH LAKU KERJA INOVATIF DAN KESEJAHTERAAN PSIKOLOGI: MODAL PSIKOLOGI SEBAGAI PENGANTARA (The Influence of Work Values on Innovative Work Behaviour and Psychological Well-Being: The Psychological Capital as a Mediator)
Authors: Mat Norazila , Abdullah Nur Atiqah , Abu Hassan Norhafizah , Juhdi Noor Hasni
Published: February 2021

Tujuan makalah ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh nilai kerja ke atas tingkah laku kerja inovatif dan kesejahteraan psikologi pekerja. Kajian ini juga menguji peranan modal psikologi sebagai pengantara dalam perhubungan ini. Data kajian (n=227) dikumpulkan daripada pegawai pengurusan dalam sektor awam di Putrajaya, Malaysia. Analisis Pengesahan Faktor (Confirmatory Factor Analysis, CFA) digunakan untuk menguji kesahan konvergen model pengukuran konstruk. Analisis pemodelan persamaan struktur digunakan untuk menganggarkan kesepadanan model hipotesis dengan data kajian. Keputusan kajian menunjukkan nilai kerja mempengaruhi kedua-dua modal psikologi dan kesejahteraan psikologi secara langsung. Hasil kajian juga menunjukkan nilai kerja mempengaruhi tingkah laku kerja inovatif secara tidak langsung melalui modal psikologi sebagai pengantara. Dapatan kajian ini menyarankan dengan memupuk dan memperbaiki nilai kerja dapat memberi kesan yang positif terhadap modal psikologi pekerja dan seterusnya dapat meningkatkan tingkah laku kerja inovatif dan kesejahteraan psikologi di tempat kerja. Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of work values on innovative work behaviours and employees’ psychological well-being. This study also examines the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationships. Data were collected (n=227) from the management officers of the public sector in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to examine the convergent validity of the construct measures. The structural equation modeling was used to estimate the fit of the hypothesised model to the data. The findings reveal that work values influenced directly both the psychological capital and psychological well-being. The findings also show that work values ​​indirectly influence the innovative work behaviours through the psychological capital as mediator. The study suggests that nurturing and improving work values will have positive impacts on employees’ psychological capitals thus will enhance innovative work behaviours and psychological well-being in the workplace. Keywords: Work values, psychological capital, innovative work behaviour, psychological well-being, Malaysia.
Ergenlerde Benmerkezci Düşünce Yapısının Riskli Davranışlara Etkisi
Authors: TALU Ertuğrul , GÜMÜŞ Gökhan
Published: February 2021

Ergenlik dönemi insan gelişiminin önemli ve kritik dönemlerinden bir tanesidir. Bu dönem içerisinde fiziksel, bilişsel ve sosyal gelişim alanlarında bir dizi değişimleri barındırmaktadır. Bu değişimlerden biri de bilişsel yapıda ortaya çıkan algılamalara yönelik değişmelerdir. Ergen benmerkezciliği adı verilen düşünce yapısındaki bu değişimler bazı ergenlerde riskli davranışların görülmesine neden olabilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı ergenlik dönemi ile ortaya çıkan önemli düşünce yapılarından biri olan benmerkezci düşünce yapısının ergenlerde riskli davranışların ortaya çıkmasına olan etkisinin tespit edilmesidir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda Malatya ilindeki iki devlet lisesinde eğitimine devam eden toplam 348 (176 kız, 172 erkek) öğrenciden oluşan bir örneklem grubu ile çalışılmıştır. Çalışma grubunu belirlenmesinde rasgele örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında “Kişisel Bilgi Formu“, “Riskli Davranışlar Ölçeği“ ve “Yeniden Kişisel Söylence Ölçeği“ kullanılmıştır. İlişkisel tarama deseni kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen bu araştırma sürecinde değişkenler arasındaki ilişkiyi tespit etmek için korelasyon analizi (r, rs), benmerkezciliğin riskli davranışlara olan etkisini belirlemek için basit doğrusal regresyon analizi, ve değişkenlerin cinsiyete göre farklılaşmasının tespit edilebilmesi için t test ve Mann Whitney U testi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma bulgularına göre ergenlerdeki benmerkezci düşünce yapısının riskli davranışların oluşmasında önemli bir yordayıcılığı olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu yönüyle çalışmanın literatüre önemli katkılar sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
NEOLIBERALISM AND HIGHER EDUCATION IN IRAN: A CRITICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Mirzamohammadi Mohammad Hasan , Mohammadi Hamdollah
Published: February 2021

Present research aims to explore the effects of Neoliberalism on higher education based on the Henry Giroux's artistic view points and to examine the process of commercialization and privatization of higher education in Iran, from the same perspective. Giroux considers market-oriented reforms in higher education as a part of the hegemony of Neoliberalism, which seeks to realize the competitive homo economicus, as the ideal man, through using the new techniques of governmentality. Today market-oriented reforms in higher education are prevalent throughout the world. But what is currently in progress as privatization and commercialization in the higher education of Iran is a pale copy of Neoliberalism’s logic which is to justify the profit-oriented view of the knowledge and university. Market-oriented reforms of this type are not compatible with Islamic educational goals and will do much harm to Iranian higher education and will have negative impacts on Iranian universities.
Keywords: neoliberalism, Henry Giroux, higher education, Iran.
Effect of Concurrent Chemo Radiation in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Carcinoma of Tongue
Authors: Mitra Tapash , Uddin Md Mokhles , Yousuff Sajjad Mohammad , Awal Mohammad Abdul , Chowdhury Ali Asgar , Md Nizamuddin -
Published: February 2021

This quasi experimental study was conducted to observe the effects and toxicities of concurrent chemo radiation in locally advanced tongue cancer from January 2009 to December 2009 in the Radiotherapy Department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital. A total number of forty patients were purposively selected according to inclusion criteria. Among them, 30 patients presented with lesion in anterior two third & 10 patients in posterior one third. Thirty patients were male & ten were female. All of the patients having betel nut chewing habit & 90% were smoker & tobacco leaf chewer. The mean age of patient was 56.25 years. All patients received chemotherapy on D1, D8, D15, D22, D29, D36, D43 & 66 Gy external beam radiotherapy in 200 cGY/day in six and half weeks. Pretreatment status of mean size of primary lesion of anterior two third and posterior one third of tongue cancer patients significantly decreased in last follow up. Mean size of lymph nodes significantly decreased from pretreatment to last follow up in both anterior two third and posterior one third of tongue cancer patients. Over all response of patients treated with concurrent chemo radiation only three patients of anterior two third & one patient of posterior one third showed complete response followed by seventeen patients of anterior two third & five patients of posterior one third showed partial response. Response is better in stage III than stage IV patients in both anterior two third and posterior one third of tongue cancer. The common toxicities are mucositis, skin reaction, anemia & leucopenia in both anterior two third and posterior one third of tongue cancer patients. In the treatment of locally advanced carcinoma of tongue, coneurrent chemoradiation showed better symptom improvement, manageable toxicities. So, concurrent chemoradiation may be one of the treatment modality in locally advanced carcinoma of tongue patients. Period of study and number of patients were small. So, long term follow-up and large number of patients should be included to conduct more in-depth research and more specific comments.

JCMCTA 2012; 23(1): 36-41
Knowledge about health service waste among health professionals in a municipality in central Tocantins state, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Reobbe Aguiar , Kozusny-Andreani Dora Inés
Published: February 2021

The objective of this work was to evaluate the knowledge about the management of health service waste among the professionals of the Basic Health Units of a municipality in the central region of the State of Tocantins, Brazil. It is a descriptive, exploratory study, with a quali-quantitative approach. The interviews were carried out with 89 health workers, being constituted a sample of 26 (29%) nurses, odontologists and doctors, and 63 (71%), professionals with high school education (community health agents, nursing technicians and oral health technicians). Among the workers with higher education 25 (96.1%) interviewed correctly conceptualized the RSS, thus demonstrating knowledge on the subject, however, among the workers with secondary education 48 (76.1%) gave an assertive response, drawing attention in this group the fact that 15 (23.8%) did not answer the question correctly. Waste from health services is still understood as hospital waste by most questionnaires and the perforating ones are the most mentioned.
The Trojan Horse Model in Paracoccidioides: A Fantastic Pathway to Survive Infecting Human Cells
Authors: Giusiano Gustavo
Published: February 2021

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most relevant systemic endemic mycosis limited to Latin American countries. The etiological agents are thermally dimorphic species of the genusParacoccidioides. Infection occursviarespiratory tract by inhalation of propagules from the environmental (saprophytic) phase. In the lung alveoli the fungus converts to the characteristic yeast phase (parasitic) where interact with extracellular matrix proteins, epithelial cells, and the host cellular immunity. The response involves phagocytic cells recognition but intracellularParacoccidioideshave demonstrated the ability to survive and also multiply inside the neutrophils, macrophages, giant cells, and dendritic cells. Persistence ofParacoccidioidesas facultative intracellular pathogen is important in terms of the fungal load but also regarding to the possibility to disseminate penetrating other tissues even protected by the phagocytes. This strategy to invade other organsviatransmigration of infected phagocytes is called Trojan horse mechanism and it was also described for other fungi and considered a factor of pathogenicity. This mini review comprises a literature revision of the spectrum of tools and mechanisms displayed byParacoccidioidesto overcame phagocytosis, discusses the Trojan horse model and the immunological context in proven models or the possibility thatParacoccidioidesapply this tool for dissemination to other tissues.
An Inflammatory Loop Between Spleen-Derived Myeloid Cells and CD4+ T Cells Leads to Accumulation of Long-Lived Plasma Cells That Exacerbates Lupus Autoimmunity
Authors: Jang Eunkyeong , Cho Somi , Pyo Sungjin , Nam Jin-Wu , Youn Jeehee
Published: February 2021

Splenic long-lived plasma cells are abnormally numerous and deleterious in systemic autoimmune diseases, yet how they accumulate remains poorly understood. We demonstrate here that a pathological role of spleen-derived CD11b+Gr-1+myeloid cells (SDMCs) underpins the accumulation of splenic long-lived plasma cells in a lupus-prone model named sanroque. We found that SDMCs were progressively accumulated in sanroque mice from the early clinical phase. Transcriptome profiles revealed that SDMCs have a predominant shift toward an inflammatory phenotype relative to the bone marrow-derived counterparts and are distinct from neutrophils and monocytes. SDMCs were expandedin situvia splenic extramedullary myelopoiesis under the proinflammatory cytokine milieu during lupus progression. SDMCs promoted the development of IFN-γ-secreting Th1 and follicular helper T cells, thereby licensing CD4+T cells to be pathologic activators of SDMCs and plasma cells. SDMCs also directly promoted the survival of plasma cells by providing B-cell activating factor of the TNF family. The frequency of SDMCs correlated with that of splenic long-lived plasma cells. Selective depletion of CD11b+Gr-1+cells reduced autoantibody production in sanroque mice. Thus, our findings suggest that SDMCs expandedin situestablish a positive feedback loop with CD4+T cells, leading to accumulation of long-lived plasma cells which exacerbates lupus autoimmunity.
Arthroscopic Guided Synovial Biopsies
Authors: Orr Carl Kieran , Vieira-Sousa Elsa , Fonseca João Eurico , Veale Douglas
Published: February 2021

Synovial tissue can be safely and reliably collected for research and clinical purposes using arthroscopy. This technique offers the obvious advantage of allowing direct visualization, and targeted biopsy of specific areas of interest within the joint, as well as for the collection of tissue which will include a lining layer. Much has been learnt by studying the synovium retrieved using this technique concerning the pathobiology of inflammatory arthritis. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that the tissue retrieved may enable the identification of unique pathotypes that will allow for a precise approach to treatment selection in individual patients. Although ultrasound guided techniques for sampling synovial tissue have gained in popularity over the last decade, both methodologies are expected to compliment each other, each having unique benefits and drawbacks. We present here a detailed description of the arthroscopy technique reporting on our collective experience at two centers in Europe.
Next Generation Sequencing in Cytopathology: Focus on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Pisapia Pasquale , Pepe Francesco , Iaccarino Antonino , Sgariglia Roberta , Nacchio Mariantonia , Conticelli Floriana , Salatiello Maria , Tufano Rossella , Russo Gianluca , Gragnano Gianluca , Girolami Ilaria , Eccher Albino , Malapelle Umberto , Troncone Giancarlo
Published: February 2021

Molecular cytopathology is a rapidly evolving field embracing both conventional microscopy and molecular pathology. Its growing popularity stems from the fact that in many types of advanced cancers, including non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cytological samples often constitute the only available specimens for morphomolecular analysis. Indeed, non formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) cytological samples feature a higher quality of extracted nucleic acids than histological specimens. However, because of the growing complexity of molecular testing, several efforts should be made to validate the analytical performance of the wide array of currently available molecular technologies, including next generation sequencing (NGS). This technology has the terrific advantage of allowing simultaneous detection of scores of predictive biomarkers even in low-input DNA/RNA specimens. Here, we briefly review the role of the modern cytopathologist in the morphomolecular diagnosing of advanced stage NSCLC and the adoption of NGS in conventional cytopreparations (cell blocks, direct smears, and liquid-based cytology) and supernatants.
Characteristics and Specialist Linkage to Care of Patients Diagnosed With Chronic Hepatitis C Across Different Settings in an Urban Academic Hospital: Implications for Improving Diagnosis and Linkage to Care
Authors: Im Dan C. S. , Reddy Susheel , Hawkins Claudia , Galvin Shannon
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health problem. Strategies to identify more HCV infections and improve linkage to care (LTC) are needed. We compared characteristics, treatment and LTC among chronic HCV patients in different health care settings.

Methods

Newly diagnosed HCV antibody positive (anti-HCV+) patients within settings of acute care, inpatient and outpatient in one health system were studied. Proportion of LTC and treatment were analyzed only for HCV RNA positive patients. Chi-square, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression were used to compare the characteristics and outcomes in the three care settings. Patients in acute care settings were excluded from multivariate analyses due to low sample size.

Results

About 43, 368, and 1159 anti-HCV+ individuals were identified in acute care, inpatient, and outpatient, respectively. Proportion of RNA positivity in acute, inpatient, and outpatient were 47.8, 60.3 and 29.2%, respectively (p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, insurance type, race, and gender, outpatients had higher odds of LTC and of treatment (OR 4.7 [2.9, 7.6] and 4.5 [2.8, 7.3]).

Conclusions

Inpatients had lower proportion of LTC and treatment compared to outpatients. Use of LTC coordinators and the provision of integrated service for specialty care may improve outcomes.
Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies Three Novel Mutations in the ASPM Gene From Saudi Families Leading to Primary Microcephaly
Authors: Naseer Muhammad Imran , Abdulkareem Angham Abdulrahman , Muthaffar Osama Yousef , Sogaty Sameera , Alkhatabi Hiba , Almaghrabi Sarah , Chaudhary Adeel G.
Published: February 2021

Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a neurodevelopmental defect that is characterized by reduced head circumference at birth along with non-progressive intellectual disability. Till date, 25 genes related to MCPH have been reported so far in humans. TheASPM(abnormal spindle-like, microcephaly-associated) gene is among the most frequently mutated MCPH gene. We studied three different families having primary microcephaly from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were done to identify the genetic defect. Collectively, three novel variants were identified in theASPMgene from three different primary microcephaly families. Family 1, showed a deletion mutation leading to a frameshift mutation c.1003del. (p.Val335*) in exon 3 of theASPMgene and family 2, also showed deletion mutation leading to frameshift mutation c.1047del (p.Gln349Hisfs*18), while in family 3, we identified a missense mutation c.5623A>G leading to a change in protein (p.Lys1875Glu) in exon 18 of theASPMgene underlying the disorder. The identified respective mutations were ruled out in 100 healthy control samples. In conclusion, we found three novel mutations in theASPMgene in Saudi families that will help to establish a disease database for specified mutations in Saudi population and will further help to identify strategies to tackle primary microcephaly in the kingdom.
Associations of Body Dissatisfaction With Lifestyle Behaviors and Socio-Demographic Factors Among Saudi Females Attending Fitness Centers
Authors: Albawardi Nada M. , AlTamimi Abeer A. , AlMarzooqi Mezna A. , Alrasheed Lama , Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To examine body image perception and the associations of body dissatisfaction (BD) with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors among Saudi women attending fitness centers in Riyadh.

Methods

Saudi females aged 16 years and older were recruited from 12 randomly selected fitness centers in Riyadh, using stratified clustered sampling technique (n = 460). Height and weight were measured to calculate actual body mass index (BMI). A previously validated instrument was used to collect socio-demographic and lifestyle variables including physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, sleep and dietary habits. Stunkard Figure Rating Scale silhouettes were used to assess perceived and desired body shape.

Results

The participants had a mean (SD) age of 29.2 (8.2). The majority were not married (57%), with no children (66%) and had college degrees (78%). While 63% were overweight or obese, nearly 40% of women underestimated their perceived body shape. The majority of respondents (87%) were dissatisfied with their body shape including 68% of normal weight women. Females who had BD were significantly older, had higher BMI, reported more weight loss attempt and had expended less time in vigorous (p = 0.033) and total (p = 0.042) PA than those who were satisfied with their body shape. However, when adjusting for socio-demographic variables, logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations of BD with higher BMI, shorter membership duration of fitness club, and reduced dairy products and energy drinks consumption.

Conclusion

Except for BMI and decreased dairy products and energy drinks consumption, many lifestyle behaviors did not associate with BD among Saudi females attending fitness centers. The findings can inform healthcare providers when intervention strategy is implicated for females with BD. Future studies should compare the associations of BD with lifestyle behaviors between males and females attending fitness centers and seeking weight loss.
Examining the Relationships Among Parental Overprotection, Military Life Adjustment, Social Anxiety, and Collective Efficacy
Authors: Bark Kyounghee , Ha Jung Hee , Jue Juliet
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to verify the relationships among parental overprotection (PO), military life adjustment (MLA), social anxiety, and collective efficacy (CE). There have been studies examining the influence of each of these variables in isolation, but no study has examined these variables simultaneously. Two hundred and thirty-one male conscript soldiers participated in the study. Results indicated that all four variables were correlated with one another. Through hierarchical regression analysis, we determined that social anxiety fully mediated the relationship between PO and MLA. Furthermore, we found that CE moderated the relationship between PO and social anxiety. Finally, we confirmed the moderated mediation effect of CE in our proposed model. We discuss the implications and limitations of this model.
Foodshed, Agricultural Diversification and Self-Sufficiency Assessment: Beyond the Isotropic Circle Foodshed—A Case Study from Avignon (France)
Authors: Vicente-Vicente José Luis , Sanz-Sanz Esther , Napoléone Claude , Moulery Michel , Piorr Annette
Published: February 2021

The regionalization of food systems in order to shorten supply chains and develop local agriculture to feed city regions presents particular challenges for food planning and policy. The existing foodshed approaches enable one to assess the theoretical capacity of the food self-sufficiency of a specific region, but they struggle to consider the diversity of existing crops in a way that could be usable to inform decisions and support urban food strategies. Most studies are based on the definition of the area required to meet local consumption, obtaining a map represented as an isotropic circle around the city, without considering the site-specific pedoclimatic, geographical, and socioeconomic conditions which are essential for the development of local food supply chains. In this study, we propose a first stage to fill this gap by combining the Metropolitan Foodshed and Self-sufficiency Scenario model, which already considers regional yields and specific land use covers, with spatially-explicit data on the cropping patterns, soil and topography. We use the available Europe-wide data and apply the methodology in the city region of Avignon (France), initially considering a foodshed with a radius of 30 km. Our results show that even though a theoretically-high potential self-sufficiency could be achieved for all of the food commodities consumed (>80%), when the specific pedological conditions of the area are considered, this could be suitable only for domestic plant-based products, whereas an expansion of the initial foodshed to a radius of 100 km was required for animal products to provide >70% self-sufficiency. We conclude that it is necessary to shift the analysis from the size assessment to the commodity-group–specific spatial configuration of the foodshed based on biophysical and socioeconomic features, and discuss avenues for further research to enable the development of a foodshed assessment as a complex of complementary pieces, i.e., the ‘foodshed archipelago’.
Selenium Biofortification of Wheat as a Strategy to Improve Human Nutrition
Authors: Radawiec Aleksandra , Szulc Wiesław , Rutkowska Beata
Published: February 2021

This paper analyses the effects of soil and foliar fertilization with sodium selenate (VI) on the selenium content in spring wheat grain. The research was carried out at the Departmental Experimental Station of the Institute of Agriculture WULS in Skierniewice in 2018 and 2019. The dose of selenium used was 5.00 g Se·ha−1 in various development stages of spring wheat. The results showed that selenium fertilisation did not affect the size of the grain yield, but both soil and foliar fertilisation significantly increased the content of selenium in wheat grain compared to the control group. The highest Se content was obtained with the method of soil fertilisation combined with the foliar application with a total dose of 10.00 g·ha-1 Se in the stem elongation phase (S + F2), and in the tillering and stem elongation phase (S + F1 + F2), which resulted in the values of 0.615 and 0.719 mg·kg−1 Se in grain, respectively. On this basis, it was concluded that the best time to carry out foliar fertilisation treatment is in the stem elongation phase (BBCH 30–39). The results show that the greatest increase in selenium content in the grain is achieved with soil and foliar fertilisation combined.
A Seasonal Study of Koi Herpesvirus and Koi Sleepy Disease Outbreaks in the United Kingdom in 2018 Using a Pond-Side Test
Authors: Cano Irene , Worswick John , Mulhearn Brian , Stone David , Wood Gareth , Savage Jacqueline , Paley Richard
Published: February 2021

Fluorescence real-time LAMP assays were designed for the orf43 gene of CyHV-3 European genotype and the p4a gene of the CEV genogroup I. A third LAMP assay to detect the ef1a gene of the host common carp was designed as an internal control. The limit of detection was 102 and 103 viral copies under 25 min for CyHV-3 and CEV, respectively. The specificity of the CyHV-3 LAMP assay was 95.6% of 72 fish herpesviruses tested. Sixty-three non-lethal common carp mucus swabs were collected across 16 sites during disease investigations. DNA extractions were performed in under 10 min using the QuickExtract™ digestion buffer. The LAMP amplification of CyHV-3 DNA in mucus swabs from clinical cases was detected from 4 to 13 min in 13 sites, while a co-infection of CyHV-3 and CEV was confirmed by LAMP in a single site. The LAMP results agreed with the results of the reference laboratory. The common carp ef1a was amplified only in 61% of the mucus swabs collected, preventing its use as a robust internal control to distinguish false negatives from invalid tests. After further optimization, these tests could be implemented for border inspection posts surveillance and decentralizing testing during disease outbreaks.
Role of Dietary Fiber in Poultry Nutrition
Authors: J. Tejeda Oscar , K. Kim Woo
Published: February 2021

Dietary fiber (DF) is an intrinsic component in plant feedstuffs that has been associated with physiological, structural, and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract. DF is composed of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), oligosaccharides, and lignin that scape digestion and enzymatic hydrolysis. In general terms, fiber can be classified as insoluble or soluble based on their solubility in water. Both fiber types have direct nutritional implications in broiler diets. Inclusion of insoluble DF in broiler diets modulates intestinal morphology, digestive organ development, nutrient absorption, growth performance, and intestinal microbiota. Soluble DF is thought to increase intestinal viscosity and is associated with negative changes in intestinal microflora and reduction in nutrient absorption. Nevertheless, there is a group of soluble fibers, integrated by oligosaccharides, that function as prebiotics positively modulating intestinal microbiota. Due to the changes in chemical structure and subsequent variation in functionality, it is a difficult task to assign clear attributes to DF as a whole. Therefore, the following review paper compiles data from research conducted using DF and tries to unify such information into practical decisions to be considered when using DF as a functional nutrient in poultry nutrition.
Effect of Artemisia absinthium and Malva sylvestris on Antioxidant Parameters and Abomasal Histopathology in Lambs Experimentally Infected with Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Mravčáková Dominika , Sobczak-Filipiak Małgorzata , Váradyová Zora , Kucková Katarína , Čobanová Klaudia , Maršík Peter , Tauchen Jan , Vadlejch Jaroslav , Mickiewicz Marcin , Kaba Jaroslaw , Várady Marián
Published: February 2021

This study evaluated the effect of Artemisia absinthium and Malva sylvestris on antioxidant response and histopathological changes in the abomasa of the Haemonchus contortus infected lambs. Twenty-four lambs were divided into four groups: unsupplemented lambs (UNS), lambs supplemented with A. absinthium (ART), lambs supplemented with M. sylvestris (MAL), and lambs supplemented with both plants (ARTMAL). Lambs were infected orally with approximately 5000 third-stage (L3) larvae of H. contortus. The experiment was conducted for 75 d (days), all animals were then slaughtered, and the abomasal tissues were examined for antioxidant parameters and histopathology. The concentration of malondialdehyde in the abomasal mucosa was lower in ARTMAL (p < 0.05), and the total antioxidant capacity was higher in MAL (p < 0.05), than in UNS. Increased mucus production was observed in the ARTMAL. The number of mast cells in UNS and ART was significantly higher than the number in MAL (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). Plasma cell numbers were higher in ARTMAL than the number in MAL (p < 0.05). Abomasal tissue regenerated more frequently in ARTMAL. These results represent the first report of the impact of A. absinthium and M. sylvestris on antioxidant parameters and local immune responses of abomasal mucosa of lambs infected with a GIN parasite.
Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits
Authors: Logan Alyssa A. , Nielsen Brian D.
Published: February 2021

Conflicting research and anecdotal evidence have created disagreement among equestrians as to whether two-year-old horses should be trained and raced. The objective of this literature review is to evaluate epidemiological studies, as well as physiological data on equine bone, articular cartilage, and tendons to better determine the impact of training and racing two-year-old horses. The evaluation of numerous studies on the topic provides evidence that a horse which is trained or raced as a two-year-old has a lower risk of injury and better adapted tissues for the rigors of racing. Unfortunately, the current prolific use of pain-mitigating substances in the racing industry does place horses, including young cohorts, at greater risk of injury, and should be used with caution.
Effect of Mixed Invasions of Hypoderma bovis and Ostertagia ostertagi in Cattle on Milk Yield and Contents in Polish Dairy Farms
Authors: Wiszniewska-Łaszczych Agnieszka , Wysok Beata , Wojtacka Joanna , Sołtysiuk Marta
Published: February 2021

Wide distribution of ecto- and endoparasites in cattle is a serious problem in the sustainability of a farm, due to the negative impact on animals’ health and productivity. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of antibodies against Ostertagia and Hypoderma in udder milk samples and the comparison of milk yield and content of the basic components of milk in ELISA-positive and ELISA-negative cows. Milk samples were collected from 148 lactating cows from 3 herds. Antibody detection was performed using specific ELISAs for Ostertagia ostertagi and Hypoderma bovis. Milk yield and content of protein, fat, and dry matter were studied in samples from each individual cow 11 times per year at 4 week intervals. The extensiveness of dual parasitic invasions in individual herds, estimated on the basis of udder milk testing with the ELISA test, varied and amounted to 3.22%, 11.36%, and 4.76% in the three studied herds, respectively. No antibodies were found in 61.2%, 22.7%, and 57.1% of the milk samples from the cows in each herd. The milk yield of ELISA-positive cows was significantly lower in comparison to the efficiency of ELISA-negative cows and amounted to 294 kg and even to 3672 kg of milk per year, per cow. No significant differences were found between the fat and protein contents of milk between ELISA-positive and -negative cows for both parasites.
Differences in Reproductive Success in Young and Old Females of a Long-Lived Species
Authors: Segura Amalia , Rodriguez-Caro Roberto C. , Graciá Eva , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: February 2021

Long-lived species are particularly interesting for investigation of trade-offs that shape reproductive allocation and the effective contribution to the next generations. Life history theory predicts that these species will buffer environmental stochasticity via changes in the reproductive investment, while maintaining high adult survival rates. The spur-thighed tortoise was selected as a case study in order to investigate the relationship between the linked maternal characteristics (size and age) and related traits in their hatchlings. We tracked naturally emerging hatchlings from young and old females under semi-natural conditions to test variations in hatchling numbers, body mass, size and survival over two years. We used linear mixed-effect models to analyze variations in hatchling body mass and size, and a mark–release–recapture framework to model their survival. Our study illustrates that old females of long-lived species have greater offspring numbers, greater survival and smaller size when compared with those of young females. The interannual variability evidenced the reduced offspring number and survival in the lower autumn rainfall and spring mean temperature year. Our results highlight the role of maternal age and climatic conditions in the population dynamics and the need for long-term studies of reproduction traits for designating adequate conservation strategies.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acids and Their Inclusion in Semen Extenders on Bovine Sperm Quality
Authors: Liman Mohammed S. , Franco Vittoria , Cardoso Claudia L. , Longobardi Valentina , Gasparrini Bianca , Wheeler Matthew B. , Rubessa Marcello , Esposito Giulia
Published: February 2021

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) enhances circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels. Furthermore, fertility rate of breeding bulls is positively correlated to seminal plasma IGF-I concentration. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary CLA supplementation and inclusion to the semen extender on bovine semen quality and freezability. Fourteen bulls, randomly assigned to control (CTL) and CLA (50 g/day) groups, were supplemented for 10 weeks. Samples were collected at Weeks −2 (before supplementation), 0, 4, 6 (during supplementation), 10, and 11 (after supplementation). Blood and seminal plasma were analyzed for IGF-I; the ejaculates were frozen in the following subgroups: CTL (no addition to semen extender), CLA c9, t11 (50 µM), CLA c9, t11 (100 µM), CLA t10, c12 (50 µM), CLA t10, c12 (100 µM), and CLA mix (50 µM each of CLA c9, t11 and CLA t10, c12). Sperm motility, morphology, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxidative species were assessed. CLA supplementation decreased ejaculates’ total volume, increased sperm concentration, beat cross frequency, and decreased oxidative stress; it also increased plasma and seminal plasma IGF-I levels compared to the CTL. The inclusion of CLA c9, t11 100 µM and CLA mixture in the extender increased live spermatozoa percentage post-thawing compared to other groups. Our results show a beneficial effect of CLA supplementation on semen quality; however, further studies evaluating fertilization rates are necessary to corroborate the results.
Anandamide Influences Interleukin-1β Synthesis and IL-1 System Gene Expressions in the Ovine Hypothalamus during Endo-Toxin-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Tomczyk Monika , Tomaszewska-Zaremba Dorota , Bochenek Joanna , Herman Anna , Herman Andrzej P.
Published: February 2021

This study evaluated the effect of anandamide (AEA) on interleukin (IL)-1β synthesis and gene expression of IL-1β, its type I (IL-1R1) and II (IL-1R2) receptors, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) in the hypothalamic structures, involved in the central control of reproduction, during inflammation. Animals were intravenously (i.v.) injected with bacterial endotoxin-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (400 ng/kg) or saline, and two hours after LPS administration., a third group received i.v. injection of AEA (10 μg/kg). Ewes were euthanized one hour later. AEA injection (p < 0.05) suppressed LPS-induced expression of IL-1β protein in the hypothalamus. The gene expression of IL-1β, IL-1RN, and IL-1R2 in the hypothalamic structures was higher (p < 0.05) in animals treated with both LPS and AEA in comparison to other experimental groups. AEA administration did not influence LPS-stimulated IL-1R1 gene expression. Our study shows that AEA suppressed IL-1β synthesis in the hypothalamus, likely affecting posttranscriptional levels of this cytokine synthesis. However, anti-inflammatory effect of AEA might also result from its stimulating action on IL-1RN and IL-1R2 gene expression. These results indicate the potential of endocannabinoids and/or their metabolites in the inhibition of inflammatory process at the level of central nervous system, and therefore their usefulness in the therapy of inflammation-induced neuroendocrine disorders.
Characterization of a Novel Bacteriophage Henu2 and Evaluation of the Synergistic Antibacterial Activity of Phage-Antibiotics
Authors: Li Xianghui , Hu Tongxin , Wei Jiacun , He Yuhua , Abdalla Abualgasim Elgaili , Wang Guoying , Li Yanzhang , Teng Tieshan
Published: February 2021

Staphylococcus aureus phage Henu2 was isolated from a sewage sample collected in Kaifeng, China, in 2017. In this study, Henu2, a linear double-stranded DNA virus, was sequenced and found to be 43,513 bp long with 35% G + C content and 63 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Phage Henu2 belongs to the family Siphoviridae and possesses an isometric head (63 nm in diameter). The latent time and burst size of Henu2 were approximately 20 min and 7.8 plaque forming unit (PFU)/infected cells. The Henu2 maintained infectivity over a wide range of temperature (10–60 °C) and pH values (4–12). Phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses indicate that Staphylococcus aureus phage Henu2 should be a new member of the family of Siphoviridae class-II. In this paper, Phage Henu2 alone exhibited weak inhibitory activity on the growth of S. aureus. However, the combination of phage Henu2 and some antibiotics or oxides could effectively inhibit the growth of S. aureus, with a decrease of more than three logs within 24 h in vitro. These results provide useful information that phage Henu2 can be combined with antibiotics to increase the production of phage Henu2 and thus enhance the efficacy of bacterial killing.