bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Virtual Nutrition Training Based on the Health Belief Model on the Awareness of Patients with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Jafari Mostafa , Ashtarian Hossein , Nokhasi Parvin
Published: July 2021

Background: Various teaching methods could be used to reduce complications in diabetic patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition training based on the health belief model (HBM) and electronic methods on the awareness of patients with type II diabetes in Kermanshah, Iran in 2012. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at a diabetes clinic in Kermanshah City. In total, 60 patients were selected via convenience sampling and divided into three groups of 20, including SMS, blog, and collaborative blog. Data were collected before, immediately after, and three months after the educational intervention using a standard questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Friedman’s test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The mean score of awareness was considered significant (P < 0.01). In addition, significant differences were observed in the perceived sensitivity and barriers, cue to action, and self-efficacy in the blog group (P < 0.05) before and three months after the intervention. In the collaborative blog group, a significant difference was denoted in the perceived severity and cue to action before and three months after the intervention (P < 0.05). Cue to action also differed significantly in the SMS group, and the self-efficacy score significantly changed only in the blog group after the intervention (P = 0.006). Conclusions: According to the results, using blogs, group/collaborative blogs, and SMS could effectively increase the awareness of the diabetic patients. Therefore, virtual training could enhance the structures of the HBM, with the exception of the perceived sensitivity domain.
Prevalence of Oral Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in 2018 - 2019
Authors: Rezvaninejad Raziyehsadat , Dadmehr Majid , Rezvaninejad Rayehehossadat
Published: July 2021

Background: The oral mucosa is damaged in a significant percentage of patients with lupus, with the main oral lesions being ulcers, erythematous lesions, and discoid lesions. The prevalence of these lesions is estimated to vary from 9% to 45% in systemic disease and 3% to 20% in local skin disease. Objectives: One of the symptoms of lupus is its oral manifestations. Therefore, we decided to conduct a study to investigate the prevalence of oral manifestations in lupus patients referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the recorded information of patients with lupus referred to Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas from 2018 to 2019 was reviewed. All enrolled patients met the American College of Rheumatology criteria for classifying lupus. Recorded information, including demographic characteristics and various clinical manifestations, was recorded after examining the patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software. Results: A total of 76 patients were studied. Of them, 23 (30.2%) were males, and 53 (69.8%) were females. The mean age of the participants was 6.1 ± 42.9. The most common site of oral lesion in the participants was the lip area (36 patients), followed by buccal mucosa (22 patients), hard palate (14 patients), and dorsal surface of the tongue (four patients). The majority of the clinical manifestations of the lesion were wounds (36 individuals), followed by white and red lesions (20 patients), non-cleansing white lesions (12 patients), and red lesions (eight individuals). Conclusions: Oral symptoms are usually the first signs of this disease. For this reason, dentists have an important role to play in diagnosing emerging autoimmune diseases. Ulcers are the most prevalent clinical manifestations, according to this study, and the lips are the most prevalent location. As a result, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, these two findings should be given greater importance than others.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Different Sources
Authors: Hatem Zainab Amer , Jasim Saade Abdalkareem , Mahdi Zainab Hussein
Published: July 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen that can cause a wide range of nosocomial infections. Nasal colonization by S. aureus plays an important role both in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of infection. Objectives: This study aimed at detecting the biofilm-forming capacity of clinical isolates and detection of icaA and agr genes. Methods: A total of 150 clinical specimens was collected from patients in different hospitals in Baghdad. The clinical samples included wounds, abscess, sputum, and ear infections. The suspected isolates were cultured for one day at 37 °C on mannitol salt agar in an aerobic environment. Results: The results showed that of 150 samples, 44 isolates were S. aureus (29.3%), of wounds samples, 22 isolates (45.83%) were S. aureus, 13 (37.14%) were from abscess, 7 (17.95%) from sputum, and 2 isolates (7.14%) from ear samples. This study found that most isolates formed biofilm, but the levels of biofilm were distributed across three ranges. The results also indicated that 47.7% of the isolates produced a strong biofilm, as well as 38.6 and 13.6% produced moderate and weak biofilms, respectively. The present molecular results showed that S. aureus from different samples were 13 (59.1%), 4 (30.77%), 3 (42.85%), 0 (0%) from wounds, abscess, sputum, ear, respectively, were positive for agr gene. While the results showed 18 (81.8%), 10 (76.9%), 5 (71.4%), 1 (50%), respectively, were positive for icaA gene. Conclusions: Most S. aureus isolates isolated from wound were biofilm positive. These isolates bore icaA and agr genes in a high quantity.
Determining Health Literacy Level and Its Related Factors Among Pregnant Women Referred to Medical and Health Centers of Tehran in 2019: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Taheri Safoura , Tavousi Mahmoud , Momenimovahed Zohre , Direkvand-Moghadam Ashraf , Rezaei Nazanin , Sharifi Nasibeh , Taghizadeh Ziba
Published: July 2021

Background: The ability to acquire, process, and understand health information to make informed decisions about health is defined as health literacy. A low level of health literacy disrupts women’s ability to understand and use health information in order to take appropriate and timely measures during pregnancy. Objectives: Due to the importance of health literacy during pregnancy and its direct impact on fetal health, this study was conducted to determine the level of health literacy and its related items among the pregnant women referred to medical and health centers in Tehran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 270 pregnant women referred to the medical and health centers of Tehran in 2019. The participants in this study were selected by the mixed sampling method (cluster and random methods to select health centers and the convenience method to select participants). Data collection tools included a questionnaire for demographic and midwifery characteristics and a specialized questionnaire for maternal health literacy in pregnancy (MHELIP). Data analysis was performed by SPSS-19 software. Results: The mean age of the participants was 28.16 ± 5.70 years, and the mean gestational age was 24.50 ± 9.25 weeks. The mean score of health literacy among pregnant women was 63.14 ± 9.63, and 48.9% of them had limited (inadequate and insufficient) health literacy. The results showed positive correlations between the total score of health literacy and the demographic variables of age (P = 0.025), education (P = 0.003), and income (0.008), but no significant relationship was found between the mean total score of health literacy and employment status (P = 0.614) or parity (P = 0.614). Conclusions: It was found that limited health literacy had a high prevalence among pregnant women. Given the importance of pregnancy, it seems necessary for healthcare policymakers to design programs to promote women’s health literacy during pregnancy.
Origins of the Karl Rahner Society
Authors: Masson Robert L. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2021

This article describes the origin in 1991 of the Karl Rahner Society, which meets every year within the annual convention of the Catholic Theological Society of America. The Rahner Society’s origins include the role of William M. Thompson-Uberuaga as Founding Coordinator, the contributions of the earliest members of the Coordinating Committee, and the relation between the KRS and the CTSA. Society members found a vehicle for publication in the Marquette University journal Philosophy & Theology whose founding editor was Andrew Tallon. The journal continues to publish the society’s “Rahner Papers” annually.
Enterochromaffin-like Cell Hyperplasia–Associated Gastric Neuroendocrine Tumors May Arise in the Setting of Proton Pump Inhibitor Use
Authors: Rais Rehan , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Liu Jingxia , Chatterjee Deyali
Published: July 2021

Context.—

Hypergastrinemia states such as achlorhydria from gastric mucosal atrophy or a gastrin-producing tumor in humans have been associated with the development of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell hyperplasia and gastric neuroendocrine tumors (GNETs). Whether drugs that can elevate serum gastrin levels, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can produce the same tissue effect is not known, and there is no concrete evidence linking the use of PPIs to GNETs outside animal models and case reports.

Objective.—

To explore the clinicopathologic association for GNETs of presumed ECL cell origin that cannot be reliably placed into any of the 3 established categories currently recognized by the World Health Organization.

Design.—

This is a retrospective clinicopathologic study of GNETs in the body/fundus during a period of 15 years (2005–2019).

Results.—

Of a total of 87 cases, 57 (65.5%) were associated with atrophic gastritis, 2 (2.3%) were associated with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and 28 (32.2%) were unclassified. Of the latter, 11 were consistent with true sporadic/type 3 GNETs, while 17 had background mucosal changes of parietal cell and ECL cell hyperplasia but without underlying detectable gastrinoma, and 88.2% (15 of 17) of patients from this group had documented long-term PPI use. This subtype of GNETs was more commonly multifocal and of higher grade (P = .03) than “true” sporadic GNETs.

Conclusions.—

A subset of GNETs arises in the background of gastric mucosal changes suggestive of hypergastrinemia, but without underlying gastrinoma, and could be linked to long-term PPI use.
O Mercosul e a burguesia agrária brasileira no período 2016-2020
Authors: Granato Leonardo , Uberti Guilherme Bratz , Menger Katiele Rezer
Published: July 2021

O presente trabalho objetiva analisar os interesses da burguesia agrária brasileira em relação ao Mercosul, durante o período de 2016 a 2020. Para tanto, utilizou-se da técnica de análise de conteúdo para identificar o posicionamento de três relevantes entidades representativas do setor sob análise em relação ao lugar do Mercosul na política externa brasileira, bem como em relação ao modelo de integração a ser adotado, em termos de regionalismo aberto ou multidimensional e de cunho autonomista. Dentre os resultados da pesquisa, ao se constatar uma narrativa contraditória de defesa do modelo de regionalismo aberto com proteção do Estado nacional, outras divergências de interesses ao interior da fração evidenciam as suas fragmentações e disputas.
Functionality of Geogebra in the field of interactive fairy tales creating
Authors: Živanović Milan , Pavličević Slavica , Todorov Vesna
Published: July 2021

Modern interactive teaching at preschool teacher training colleges, in accordance with the rapid and progressive changes in the world of information and communication technologies, implies the application and use of series of programme packages enriching and facilitating not only the education of future preschool teachers, but also the practical work with children of preschool age. The goal of the research conducted on the sample consisting from the students of the Preschool Teacher Training College in Kruševac, as the part of teaching the Methodology of initial mathematical notions and the Methodology of speech development, was to test the functionality of the educational software GeoGebra in the domain of interactive fairy tales creation. Several variables have been tested with regard to functionality, among them: Applicability of Geogebra programme of in mathematical and didactical games of preschool children; Suitability of Geogebra for the interactive fairy tales creation; Possibility of use of mathematical and didactical games in correlation with the speech development games; Possibility of including games from Geogebra programme in educational work; Quality of mathematical and didactical games in Geogebra programme. The methodological plan implied having 2 groups of testees which practiced Geogebra. In group 1, an experimental factora was introduced - the increased number of weeks practicing Geogebra (6 weeks of practicing in comparison with 4 weeks of practicing in the 2nd group of students). After the practicing period, using Questionnaire (construed for the research needs), as well as five-degree Likert-type assessment scales, the testing was conducted with regard to the opionion of students in both groups on the functionality of the Geogebra programme package concerning the interactive fairy talses creation. The research results have shown there is a positive effect of practicing Geogebra to the interactive fairy tales creation (the students from the group in which the expiremental factor had been introduced assessed more positively The applicability of Geogebra programme than the students from the control group which practiced Geogebra for fewer hours). Similar results have been obtained in the domain of Usability of mathematical and didactical games from the Geogebra programme, where the students from the experimental group achived substantially higher scores on the functionality scale.
Sources of mathematics self-efficacy of gifted and non-gifted students in high school
Authors: Ozcan Bahadir , Kontas Hakki , Unisen Ali
Published: July 2021

Sources of mathematics self-efficacy (SMS), which foster the development of self-efficacy belief, can develop differently in students with different cognitive characteristics. The objective of this study was to compare SMS of gifted and nongifted students after controlling for mathematics achievement. Participants of the study consisted of 106 gifted and 118 non-gifted students in high schools. The study was a causal-comparative design. The data was collected through the Sources of Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale, and students' self-reported previous fall mathematical grades. The results of the study revealed that after controlling for mathematics grades, while SMS of gifted children sharply decreased, SMS in the nongifted group slightly increased. In addition, only vicarious experience dimensions of SMS were significantly different between gifted and non-gifted children. In conclusion, being gifted or non-gifted has an impact on the vicarious experience dimensions of SMS after controlling for mathematics achievement. Mathematics grade positively affects SMS in the gifted group and negatively affects the non-gifted group. Teachers are suggested to use achievement as a reinforcer for gifted students but not for non-gifted students.
What are the expectations of parents from preschool education institutions: Why do they choose? What are they waiting for?
Authors: Yoleri Sibel
Published: July 2021

The goal of this study was to investigate the expectations of the parents with a child enrolled at a preschool education institution from preschool education institutions. This research was designed as a survey study. The sample of this study consisted of 326 children, enrolled at preschool education institutions in the center of Usak province, and their parents. "Parents' Expectations from Preschool Institutions Questionnaire" developed by Simsek and Ivrendi (2014), and "Demographics Information Form" were used as data collection tools to determine the expectations of parents from preschool education institutions. It was concluded as a result of the study that the parents had a "low level" expectation related to the sub-scales of (teacher, education-family, school policy, informing) of the Parents' Expectations from Preschool Institutions Questionnaire. A significant difference in favor of males was found out in the informing sub-scale according to the t-test results carried out related to parents' expectations in line with the gender of children. The expectations of parents from preschool institutions showed a significant difference according to income status. It was found out that the expectations of families with low income level from preschool institutions were higher compared to the expectations of families with middle- and high-income levels regarding the sub-scales of teacher and education-family.
Training of undergraduate preschool teachers in Montessori education in Slovakia and the Czech Republic
Authors: Slovacek Matej , Minova Monika
Published: July 2021

The paper presents a description and comparison of the undergraduate student teacher training and kindergarten teacher continuing education in the Montessori Method of Education encompassed in formal education in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The theoretical part of the paper aims at depicting Montessori education, still an attractive pedagogical direction in both countries, in a thorough, unconventional and innovative way. Even though Montessori education has been rooted worldwide for centuries, in Slovakia and the Czech Republic it presents relatively new alternative education, considering that an integrated school system, introduced in these countries in 1948 and lasting almost to the end of20thcentury, did not allow the use of other alternatives in addition to the mainstream education. A description of (preschool) education in both countries and an analysis of kindergarten teacher's personality and his/her lesson plans are included in the theoretical part of the paper. The empirical part contains pedagogical research of qualitative design, conducted in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in order to identify and map the current state, level and possibilities of formal education of pre-service and in-service teachers in Slovak and Czech kindergartens.
What predicts Swedish teachers' disposition for text talk: A survey study
Authors: Reichenberg Monica
Published: July 2021

The significance of reading comprehension can hardly be overestimated. Nevertheless, teachers vary in their disposition or willingness to teach reading comprehension. A wealth of field experimental studies have confirmed the importance of text talk, in class or in teacher-guided small groups, for students' reading comprehension. However, researchers have not yet fully explored what makes teachers practice text talk in the classroom. This study aimed to describe and predict teachers' disposition to practice text talk. The study posited two hypotheses based on professional development theory and social capital theory. The data came from a survey study of 320 Swedish teachers (of grades 1 to 12). The study used (a) item response estimation for measurement and (b) linear regression for analysis. It was found that attitudes towards professional development varied with disposition for text talk, on average, after adjusting for other predictors. It was furthermore found that social capital varied with disposition for text talk, on average, after adjusting for other predictors. The conclusion is that the data offer support for both teacher development theory and social capital theory.
Urban planning of Novi Sad in the period of post-socialism
Authors: Vukadinović Vanja
Published: July 2021

Urban planning in the post-socialism period is presented in this paper through the case study of Novi Sad, the capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The research is undertaken in order to understand the image of the city which has changed radically, which is still undergoing transformations, but also in order to understand the role of urban planning in creation of the urban structure in diverse social circumstances. The accent has been placed on the influence of the social changes in the post-socialist period upon the urban planning of Novi Sad. Social changes affect the urban development and the manner of planning and are the cause of the continuous transformation in the way of thinking and planning. Urban transformation under the influence of the social changes is one of the significant planners issues raised in the recent years in the countries undergoing transition. All those changes in urban planning require special prudence and it can be questioned whether undertaking of the more extensive new construction in that period and in the time of diminishing quality was the most advisable undertaking.
From land-use, regulative planning to strategic spatial visions: A long and difficult transition in Italy
Authors: Bussadori Virna
Published: July 2021

The national planning tradition in Italy dates back to the '40. This article studies the evolution of the discipline in the last seventy years, highlighting the process that has evolved from a strict hierarchic system based on regulative land-use planning and national competencies to regional and local diversification highlighting the new attempts at striving to more strategic spatial visions.
Methanotrophic activity and microbial community dynamics in a UASB sludge
Authors: Siniscalchi Luciene Alves Batista , Siqueira Juliano Curi de , Assemany Paula Peixoto , Batista Ana Maria Moreira , Martins Giuliano Siniscalchi , Araújo Juliana Calabria de
Published: July 2021

This study determined the methanotrophic activity in anaerobic sludge from a pilot-scale UASB reactor. Four batch experiments, with three replicates, were performed in 110 mL antibiotic flasks. The results showed that the maximum rate was 115 µmolCH4.d-1 and the methanotrophic activity was 2.3 mmolCH4.gTVS-1.d-1, indicating that the methanotrophic microorganisms play a key role within the UASB reactor since they are part of the sludge microbiota and may consume some of the methane produced inside the reactor. Therefore, these microorganisms may reduce possible methane losses, either atmospheric and/or dissolved in the treated effluent. The microbial community was investigated by molecular tools (PCR-DGGE) and two DNA sequences related to methanotrophic bacteria, Methylocystis sp. (similarity of 93%) and Methylocaldum sp. (similarity of 98%) to 16S rRNA gene sequences, were detected. The methanotrophic activity and the identification of the community of main microorganisms involved allow the reduction of methane into the atmosphere and contribute to the system’s mass balance between production and consumption.
Impacto da urbanização nas águas superficiais de uma microbacia urbana no município de Capanema/PA, Brasil
Authors: Costa Antônio Reynaldo de Sousa , Aragão Rafael Magalhães de , Sousa Junior Pedro Moreira de , Alves Mateus Higo Daves , Gonçalves Auriane Consolação da Silva , Teixeira Orivan Maria Marques , Monteiro Gabrielle Costa , Faial Kelson do Carmo Freitas
Published: July 2021

Os usos múltiplos do solo têm efeitos diferentes sobre a qualidade da água, e a magnitude desses efeitos depende da área ocupada, sendo o processo desordenado de urbanização uma das causas mais comuns de impactos nos corpos hídricos nas cidades. Esta pesquisa objetivou realizar um estudo da influência da urbanização na qualidade da água da microbacia hidrografia do rio Ouricuri na cidade de Capanema – PA. Foram analisados quatro parâmetros: temperatura, oxigênio dissolvido, pH e sólidos totais dissolvidos. As amostras foram coletadas tomando três características: (1) amostras do rio Ouricuri, (2) de córregos urbanos e (3) de tributários. Os resultados foram avaliados com base na resolução do CONAMA nº 357 de 2005. Através dos resultados dos testes estatísticos ANOVA e Tukey, identificou-se que o rio Ouricuri e os córregos demonstram evidencias de ações impactantes nas características físico-químicas e a sazonalidade surgiu como fator preponderante de diferenciação em função do pH, assim como OD e STD em relação aos corpos hídricos analisados. O modelo de regressão gerado pelo método stepwise, evidenciou a interação entre OD e STD eficiente em predizer condições de hipóxia ou anoxia em corpos hídricos de áreas urbanas.
Status report on the second round of the NIST lightweight cryptography standardization process
Authors: Sonmez Turan Meltem , McKay Kerry , Chang Donghoon , Calik Cagdas , Bassham Lawrence , Kang Jinkeon , Kelsey John
Published: July 2021

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is in the process of selecting one or more authenticated encryption and hashing schemes suitable for constrained environments through a public, competition-like process. In February 2019, 57 candidates were submitted to NIST for consideration. Among these, 56 were accepted as first-round candidates in April 2019, and after four months, NIST selected 32 of these as second-round candidates. In March 2021, NIST announced 10 finalists to move forward to the final round of the standardization process. This report describes the evaluation criteria and selection process based on public feedback and internal review of the second-round candidates. The following candidates are selected as finalists: ASCON, Elephant, GIFT-COFB, Grain128-AEAD, ISAP, Photon-Beetle, Romulus, Sparkle, TinyJambu, and Xoodyak.
¿Qué es la teoría?: enfoques, usos y debates en torno al pensamiento teórico
Authors: Juncosa Blasco José Enrique , Garcés Velásquez Luis Fernando
Published: July 2021

La teoría integra el sentido común académico y se ejerce en la cátedra universitaria casi siempre sin reparar en su condición de realidad abstracta sujeta a continuas discusiones y transformaciones. Para dar cuenta de su carácter problemático y problematizable, los autores afrontan dos preguntas: qué es una teoría?, ¿en qué consiste teorizar? En la búsqueda de respuestas, recorren, con rigor y detalle, los aportes más significativos provenientes tanto de la filosofía de la ciencia y la epistemología como de los estudios culturales y el diálogo de saberes. La trayectoria lograda ratifica que la teoría se despliega de modos diversos atravesada por la permanente tensión entre pensar para conocer y pensar para vivir en colectivo; tiene vida más allá de la lógica investigativa y se constituye en práctica teórica cuando se inserta en proyectos políticos. Redactada para contribuir a la docencia universitaria, la obra apunta a fomentar puntos de encuentro y conversación entre docentes, investigadores y estudiantes de todas la áreas del conocimiento ofreciéndoles la posibilidad de nombrar sus propias praxis teóricas situándolas en medio de otras posibles.
Role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in neurodevelopmental deficits and experience-dependent plasticity in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Gore Sayali V , James Eric J , Huang Lin-chien , Park Jenn J , Berghella Andrea , Thompson Adrian C , Cline Hollis T , Aizenman Carlos D
Published: July 2021

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a secreted endopeptidase targeting extracellular matrix proteins, creating permissive environments for neuronal development and plasticity. Developmental dysregulation of MMP-9 may also lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (ND). Here, we test the hypothesis that chronically elevated MMP-9 activity during early neurodevelopment is responsible for neural circuit hyperconnectivity observed in Xenopus tadpoles after early exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a known teratogen associated with ND in humans. In Xenopus tadpoles, VPA exposure results in excess local synaptic connectivity, disrupted social behavior and increased seizure susceptibility. We found that overexpressing MMP-9 in the brain copies effects of VPA on synaptic connectivity, and blocking MMP-9 activity pharmacologically or genetically reverses effects of VPA on physiology and behavior. We further show that during normal neurodevelopment MMP-9 levels are tightly regulated by neuronal activity and required for structural plasticity. These studies show a critical role for MMP-9 in both normal and abnormal development.
Pak1 kinase controls cell shape through ribonucleoprotein granules
Authors: Magliozzi Joseph O , Moseley James B
Published: July 2021

Fission yeast cells maintain a rod shape due to conserved signaling pathways that organize the cytoskeleton for polarized growth. We discovered a mechanism linking the conserved protein kinase Pak1 with cell shape through the RNA-binding protein Sts5. Pak1 (also called Shk1 and Orb2) prevents Sts5 association with P bodies by directly phosphorylating its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Pak1 and the cell polarity kinase Orb6 both phosphorylate the Sts5 IDR but at distinct residues. Mutations preventing phosphorylation in the Sts5 IDR cause increased P body formation and defects in cell shape and polarity. Unexpectedly, when cells encounter glucose starvation, PKA signaling triggers Pak1 recruitment to stress granules with Sts5. Through retargeting experiments, we reveal that Pak1 localizes to stress granules to promote rapid dissolution of Sts5 upon glucose addition. Our work reveals a new role for Pak1 in regulating cell shape through ribonucleoprotein granules during normal and stressed growth conditions.
An actin-related protein that is most highly expressed in Drosophila testes is critical for embryonic development
Authors: Schroeder Courtney M , Tomlin Sarah A , Mejia Natividad Isabel , Valenzuela John R , Young Janet M , Malik Harmit S
Published: July 2021

Most actin-related proteins (Arps) are highly conserved and carry out well-defined cellular functions in eukaryotes. However, many lineages like Drosophila and mammals encode divergent non-canonical Arps whose roles remain unknown. To elucidate the function of non-canonical Arps, we focus on Arp53D, which is highly expressed in testes and retained throughout Drosophila evolution. We show that Arp53D localizes to fusomes and actin cones, two germline-specific actin structures critical for sperm maturation, via a unique N-terminal tail. Surprisingly, we find that male fertility is not impaired upon Arp53D loss, yet population cage experiments reveal that Arp53D is required for optimal fitness in Drosophila melanogaster. To reconcile these findings, we focus on Arp53D function in ovaries and embryos where it is only weakly expressed. We find that under heat stress Arp53D-knockout (KO) females lay embryos with reduced nuclear integrity and lower viability; these defects are further exacerbated in Arp53D-KO embryos. Thus, despite its relatively recent evolution and primarily testis-specific expression, non-canonical Arp53D is required for optimal embryonic development in Drosophila.
Influence of Safety Culture on Employee Safety Motivation and Error Behaviour in Selected Petroleum Industries in Niger-Delta
Authors: Ekong Akaninyene Edet , Ugbebor John N. , Brown Bara Kabaka.
Published: July 2021

The study assessed the influence of safety culture on employee safety motivation and error behaviour in selected petroleum industries in the Niger-delta. Perceived process safety culture has significant impact on employees’ safety motivation and employee error behaviours in petroleum industries were the hypothesis tested for the study. Numerous empirical examinations states process safety culture failure as largely responsible for catastrophic occurrences in oil and gas platforms which has resulted in loss of lives, properties and caused diverse dangers to the environment. The study methodology is descriptive statistics utilising regression analysis. The field production / process plant operations workers of the Local/National and International Oil Companies were considered. The Population of the study: includes workers of the processing unit of ExxonMobil, Total Exploration & Production, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Agip Oil Company, Savannah Energy Public Limited Company (PLC), Network Exploration & Production, Frontier Oil, Aieteo Eastern Exploration & Production Company, Universal Energy Resources Ltd and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Population consist of one thousand workers of the processing unit of ten companies with a proportion of five selected International Oil Companies (IOCs) and five Local Oil Companies (LOCs) selected by convenience sample techniques with only 816 valid responses. The sampling technique was purposive, convenience and quota sampling. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM 20 was the software utilised for the analysis. The primary source of data collection was questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of Three (3) Sections and contains Thirty-seven (37) questions including the Socio-demographic data. Cronbach alpha coefficient from the reliability test carried out on the pre-test data showed an overall outcome of 0.872, which is considered very strong since and not far from 1.0. The study reveals that the Perceived process safety culture has no significant impact on employees’ safety motivation. Also, perceived process safety culture has a significant impact on employee error behaviours in petroleum industries. The study recommended that organisations should continue performing activities that keeps employees personally motivated. While employees must find ways to motivate themselves towards safety. Employee safety trainings should be organised to improve safety culture and avoid error behaviour.
Breast Cancer Knowledge and Mammography Uptake among Women Aged 40 Years and Above in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria
Authors: Okaliwe Grace , Nja Glory Mbe Egom , Ogunkola Isaac Olushola , Ejemot-Nwadiaro Regina Idu , III Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
Published: July 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer among women globally. Early screening remains a critical approach to reducing morbidity and mortality. Mammography, one of such screening tools, is vital in improving outcomes and survival. However, poor knowledge and ignorance have been touted as major barriers to health services uptake in Low/Middle-income countries. This study therefore determined breast cancer knowledge and mammography uptake among women aged ≥40 years in Calabar Municipality.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to elicit information from 365 women that were randomly selected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20. The results were descriptively presented by frequencies and percentages. Pearson Chi-Square (ꭓ2) analysis was performed to detect the association between variables at 5% level of significance (p-value of ≤ 0.05).

Results: Majority of the 365 study participants 121 (33.3%) were aged between 40 – 44 years and had attained tertiary level of education 231 (63.2%). Most of the respondents had low knowledge score 214 (58.6%) of breast cancer and mammography. Only 36 (9.9%) of the respondents have had mammography out of which most 22 (61.0%) used it only once. Knowledge level of breast cancer and mammography was statistically significantly associated with uptake (p = .00001). Conversely knowledge of breast cancer and mammography was not statistically significantly associated with educational attainment (p = .54).

Conclusions: Knowledge level of breast cancer and uptake of mammography among women aged ≥40 in Calabar Municipality was very poor. The need to increase awareness about breast cancer and breast cancer screening are highly advocated.
Phenotypic Characterization of Diverse Rice Fertility Restorers
Authors: Tiwari S. , Koutu G. K. , Singh Y. , Pathak N.
Published: July 2021

Characterization of restorer lines of rice based on seedling and plant morphology contributes in assessment of varietal identity and further its utilization in development of hybrids. With this objective the work was carried over with 90 restorer lines with three replications during Kharif season 2018. The experiment conducted under Rice Improvement Project at Seed Breeding Farm, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.).Out of 41  morphological traits as per DUS guidelines, variability was reported for all traits except leaf sheath anthocyanin colouration, presence of leaf auricle, presence of leaf collar, presence of leaf ligules, white colour of leaf ligules, absence of stem anthocyanin colouration of internodes, male sterility and presence of secondary branching in panicle. The genotypes Mahamaya, ANP-526 and ANP-553 revealed distinctness for most of the traits.
In-vitro Efficacy of Fungicides against Rhizoctonia solani Causing Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight of Maize
Authors: Debbarma Manashi , Rajesh Thangaswamy , Devi R. K. Tombisana
Published: July 2021

An experiment was carried out to find out the in-vitro efficacy of systemic and contact fungicides against the pathogen of maize banded leaf and sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani f. sp. sasakii) by using poisoned food technique. The present experiment was conducted in College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam, Meghalaya for the evaluation of different fungicides against the pathogen R. solani f. sp. sasakii. Eight systemic (Carbendazim, Tebuconazole, Propiconazole, Myclobutanil, Azoxystrobin, Metalaxyl, Tricyclazole, Pyraclostrobin), three contact (Mancozeb, Captan and Chlorothalonil) and combination of systemic and contact fungicide (Carbendazim + Mancozeb) were used for the experiment with different concentrations. Among twelve fungicides, Carbendazim was found to be the most effective at concentration of 0.1 % with 95.96 % growth inhibition. Suimilarly, Metalaxyl at concentration of 0.28 % was found to be the least effective with growth inhibition of 55.55 %. The results showed significant differences between different fungicides to inhibit the growth of R. solani.
Easy Protocol Assessment in Children Emergency Room, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Nigeria
Authors: Adaugo Owobu , Chinenye Kesieme , Juliet Idialu , Clifford Owobu , Chiedozie Ike , Sylvanus Okogbenin
Published: July 2021

Aim:  To determine the effect of the EASY (Early Attention to Sepsis in the Young) protocol on sepsis outcomes in children admitted into the children's emergency unit.

Methodology: Sixty participants (24 males and 36 females) aged 1 month - 16 years were recruited into two arms- The EASY protocol and the non-EASY protocol (control) arm. The researchers obtained relevant treatment history and clinical and laboratory data, which were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 25.

Results: Twenty-five (80%) patients on EASY protocol received saline boluses compared to 5 (16.7%) in the control group. The difference was significant: χ2 = 24.09, p ˂ .001. Similarly, more patients on EASY (10; 33.3%) than the control (3; 10.0%) received continuous positive airway pressure: χ2 = 4.81, p = .03.

Where the symptoms were predominantly restricted to one organ system, those on EASY protocol spent less time in the emergency unit (0.98 ± 0.43 days) than the control (1.87 ± 0.97 days): F = 13.02, p = .001. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall duration of hospital admission in both groups: t = 1.33, p = 0.20.

In the EASY arm, the particular EASY treatment used correlated with the presence of underlying chronic disease and the approximate duration of current illness; p= 0.001, R2= 0.37 - 0.59; as well as the presence of abnormal blood cell counts; p= 0.022, R2= 0.39 - 0.64.

Conclusion: The EASY protocol increased the intensity of treating children with sepsis in the emergency unit and reduced the critical phase.
Potentials of Microorganisms in Human Health
Authors: Elshafei Ali Mohamed
Published: July 2021

There are large numbers of powerful species of microorganisms present within our bodies that make up the diverse human microbiomes. Microbiomes, the collective genomes of the microorganisms in a particular environment, support and maintain our health, but they are disturbed in some fashion in case of the presence of some diseases such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. Different food products provide different growth conditions for microorganisms. Microbial growth is also controlled by some factors such as pH, nutrients, moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, and gases. Thus the growth of microorganisms in optimum conditions results in spoilage and degradation of food products resulting in a sour or foul-smelling, in addition to a visible change in color, effervescences on the food surface, etc. Microbial contamination of food can occur at any point in the food production process starting from growth, harvesting, transport, storage, or final preparation. A variety of environmental factors can influence intestinal microbial imbalance, which has a close relationship with human health and disease. There are many numerous potential probiotics or beneficial bacteria that may prevent or treat certain diseases such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. On the other hand, a few destructive microorganisms play a major role in the development and progression of major human diseases such as infectious diseases, liver diseases, gastrointestinal cancers, metabolic diseases, respiratory diseases, mental or psychological diseases, and autoimmune diseases. With the increased understanding of the relationship between the human microbiome and a variety of diseases, the use of these findings to predict or diagnose diseases has attracted a great deal of attention. Thus, the aim of the present work was to review briefly the role of microorganisms in human health, during the development of autoimmune and tumor diseases. This review article also includes microbiota diversity, colonization, and normalization of perturbed intestinal microbial communities, the safety of gastrointestinal tract, and the beneficial role of probiotics.
The Effect of Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and Heat Treatments on Seed Germination of Rice: An Approach to Restore Seed Viability
Authors: Sutradhar Monoj , Samanta Subhasis , Singh Brijesh Kumar , Ali Md. Nasim , Mandal Nirmal
Published: July 2021

Dormancy in rice serves as a mechanism of survival by protecting the seed from germinating in the mother plants; however, it becomes a problem in germination during sowing in soil or under in vitro conditions. This study was conducted to determine the effect of heat treatment and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) treatment of seeds on dormancy alleviation. The seeds included both freshly harvested seeds and one-year-old stored seeds, which were tested for germination after different types of seed treatments. Both the treatments increased the germination percentage in seeds, however, it was lesser in the case of old seeds. The best results were obtained from 2% NaOCl treatment for 24 hrs in new seeds, i.e. 92.84±0.103 % germination percentage (GP). However, the higher GP in old seeds were obtained from 48 hrs of heat-treated seeds i.e. 82.9±0.509 % GP. The results of the experiment revealed that rice seeds start to lose viability within a year due to seed dormancy, but this can be reversed with proper measures. These methods of breaking seed dormancy can be considered effective to break seed dormancy and improve seed germination in rice.
An Observational Study on Immune-related Disorders and Their Treatment Response in Ayurveda- Case Series
Authors: Pradeep K. , Abhilash M. , Reshma M. A. , Viswambaran Bindu K.
Published: July 2021

Immune-related disorders are common health problems in the world. Based on the principal immunologic mechanism they are classified into four types. One of the four types includes immediate hypersensitivity which is an IgE antibody and mast cell-mediated reaction. Ayurvedic treatments have sometimes delivered good results in the treatment of these disorders. This work is a humble effort to streamline Immune-related diseases in the settings of Govt Ayurveda Medical College, Tripunithura, Kerala, India. In this case series study patients with allergic rhinitis and urticaria were selected. Their symptoms and blood parameters were assessed both before and after the Ayurvedic treatment for one month. In both allergic rhinitis and urticaria, there was a significant reduction in the symptoms. In the case of blood investigations, only IgE showed a significant change in allergic rhinitis. Even though Ayurvedic immunology has a strong potential to treat allergic disorders with its pro-nature individualized holistic approach to make significant changes in immune parameters administration of rejuvenators for more than one month is very essential.
Formulation, Evaluation and Comparison of the Poly Herbal Anti-Diabetic Tablet with the Commercial Tablets
Authors: Nidhi N. Chauhan , Rujuta Mistry , Drasti Mandale , Ismail Ugharatdar Siddik , Ezaj Dadubhai , Vaishnavi C. Patel
Published: July 2021

Objective: To formulate a poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet and to evaluate and compare its physicochemical properties with the marketed herbal tablets.
Materials and Methods: The poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet was formulated by adding the powder of extract of  Enicostemma littorale in powder of  roots of Aconitum heterophyllum rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa and fruits of Piper longum in different proportions to an  aqueous 5 % Starch solution and  Several tests such as visual inspection, ash values, moisture content, Water soluble extractive value and Alcohol soluble extractive value, disintegration time, Uniformity of weight of tablets, Determination of hardness of tablets, Determination of friability of tablets etc and Preliminary phytochemical screening and qualitative chemical examination were performed and compare Laboratory formulated tablets with  commercial tablets.
Results: The study showed that Laboratory formulated poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet has good flow property and compressibility. The moisture content of laboratory formulations was found to be 4.8%. Water extractive value was found to be 28.14% W/V result shows that laboratory formulation consisted of higher amount of water soluble substances like carbohydrates. Alcohol extractive value was found to be 20.08% W/V denotes the amount of alcohol soluble constituents present in the formulation. Disintegration of tablet was found to be 3 mins results shows laboratory formulation was within the limit as it was prepared with starch paste (5%w/v) as a binding and disintegrating agent. Disintegration of tablet is not more than 30 minutes.  The laboratory formulation was found to have 3 (Kg/Cm2) hardness, 0.38 % Friability and weight variation within pharmaceutical limits. However, further research and development is required to improve its quality and safety.
Conclusion: The aim of this study was to formulate a completely poly herbal antidiabetic tablet. Our Laboratory formulated tablets showed comparable good results as compare to that of marketed tablets but further research and development is required to improve its overall quality.