bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pensar los afectos: una puerta de entrada al análisis de la dimensión emocional.
Authors: Nobile Mariana
Published: July 2020

Reseña:Ana Abramowski y Santiago Canevaro (Comp.).Pensar los afectos. Aproximaciones desde las ciencias sociales y las humanidades. Los Polvorines, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Ediciones UNGS Universidad Nacional de General Sarmiento (UNGS), 2017. 316 páginas; ISBN: 978-987-630-283-8.
Visibilidades, jerarquías y ciudadanías en disputa: una contribución al estudio del servicio doméstico en América Latina desde el arte y la literatura.
Authors: Canevaro Santiago
Published: July 2020

Reseña:María Julia Rossi y Lucía Campanella (Comp.). Acerca de Los de abajo. Tres siglos de sirvientes en el arte y la literatura en América Latina. Rosario, Argentina: Editorial de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario, 2018. 246 páginas; ISBN: 978-987-702-274-2.
Dossiê Trabalho, Cuidado e Emoções
Authors: Casanova Erynn Masi de , Brites Jurema Gorski
Published: July 2020

Este dossiê tem como objetivo discutir as dimensões importantes da politização da vida íntima. Os textos apresentados discutem e estabelecem relações com os conceitos de trabalho doméstico, care work e trabalho emocional. Para destacar esta temática fundamental, nesse início de milênio, a Revista Século XXI reúne nesta edição artigos que revisitam as definições temáticas dos conceitos de care work, trabalho doméstico e trabalho reprodutivo. As contribuições advindas da Sociologia, Ciência Política, Antropologia, Enfermagem e Educação colocam estes debates em cenários de pesquisas empíricas, o que traz maior proximidade às suas múltiplas realidades. Os artigos indicam a importância global destes estudos e revelam realidades de vários estados do Brasil, além de inserir escritos sobre Uruguai e Portugal.
Ensino de físico-química: perspectivas e dificuldades elencadas por alunos de uma escola pública de ensino médio do Maranhão
Authors: Rodrigues Jocelia Silva Machado , Rodrigues Maria Virlene de Araujo , Rodrigues Aldimar Machado
Published: July 2020

A dificuldade que alguns estudantes do Ensino Médio apresentam em compreender os conteúdos de Físico-Química é um assunto muito discutido. Frente a isso, esse trabalho procura identificar, através de uma pesquisa de campo com estudantes, algumas dificuldades dos estudantes de uma escola de Ensino Médio com esta disciplina. Os resultados apontam que parte da dificuldade com a Química do 2º ano é decorrente das consequências de uma base matemática frágil, visto que os estudantes afirmam encontrar maiores dificuldades com operações matemáticas inerentes ao estudo da Química. Assim, uma possibilidade de melhorar a aprendizagem dos alunos frente à Química do 2º ano do Ensino Médio é fortalecer a base matemática dos mesmos.
Cognitive-Behavioral and Pharmacological Treatments for Insomnia: A Combined Approach
Authors: Cicolin Alessandro , Giordano Alessandra
Published: July 2020

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder (10-40%). It is defined as the subjective perception of difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation, or quality that occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep and that results in some form of daytime impairment. Among the typical symptoms, there are fatigue, decreased mood or irritability, general malaise, and cognitive impairment. According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders 3rd edition, ICSD-3, it has been defined as chronic (lasting more than three months) or short-term insomnia (less than three months).In clinical practice, the usual therapeutic approach is pharmacological (benzodiazepines, z drugs, slow wave sleep enhancers), even if the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the European Sleep Research Society (ESRS) guidelines suggest that the first clinical choice should be non-pharmacological (cognitive behavioral therapy). A combined (non-pharmacological and pharmacological)approach could be considered in poor responders to manage drug dependence and to increase compliance to treatment and patients’ quality of life.
Transparencia y economía circular: análisis y valoración de la gestión municipal de los residuos sólidos urbanos
Authors: Rodríguez-Martín Alejandro , Palomo-Zurdo Ricardo , González-Sánchez Francisco
Published: July 2020

La gestión adecuada por parte de los ayuntamientos españoles de la recogida y tratamiento de los residuos sólidos urbanos (RSU) y su incidencia en el medioambiente, es un factor clave en los momentos actuales en los que se pretende avanzar hacia un nuevo modelo de economía circular, que genera interés y preocupación en los ciudadanos y las Administraciones Públicas (AAPP). Por otro lado, la desconfianza hacia las instituciones públicas españolas como consecuencia de los múltiples casos de corrupción que han salpicado a nuestro país en los últimos tiempos, ha motivado que las políticas basadas en la transparencia y la apertura se conviertan en una herramienta clave para que las AAPP puedan recuperar la legitimidad perdida.Este trabajo presenta una propuesta para evaluar el nivel de transparencia municipal en la gestión de los RSU, a partir de un panel de 64 indicadores, distribuidos en 7 áreas de evaluación de distinta índole, legal, presupuestaria, infraestructuras, calidad de la información y actividades de recogida y tratamientos de los residuos municipales, a partir de la información publicada en las webs y los portales de transparencia de los 96 ayuntamientos españoles analizados.
Diferencia entre habilidades tecnológicas e informativas
Authors: Cruz María del Carmen
Published: July 2020

¿Quién no ha escuchado alguna vez la expresión «los bebés vienen con un pan debajo del brazo»? Sin embargo, los tiempos cambian y ahora podríamos decir que «los bebés vienen con una herramienta tecnológica bajo el brazo» dado que, de manera sorprendente y a muy corta edad, las niñas y los niños se desenvuelven con gran soltura con cualquier dispositivo móvil.
JOGOKARIYAN MOSQUE IN YOGYAKARTA: AS A LEGENDARY AND PHENOMENAL AGENT OF CHANGE
Authors: Letmiros Letmiros
Published: July 2020

A mosque is the Muslims’ primary place of worship. The term ‘mosque’ is derived from an Arabic word meaning a place for sujood (salah). However, verily, not only is a mosque merely the Muslims’ place for salah, but it may also be taken advantage of as a place for enhancing social and economic conditions of the neighboring residents regardless of their races, ethnic groups and religions. This is what Jogokariyan Mosque in Yogyakarta has exemplified. Located in Jogokariyan Kampong, Mantrijeron Sub-district, Yogyakarta City, the mosque started to be built on September 20th 1966, with the initial size of which measuring 15 by 9 meter and occupying 660 square meters of land. It was inaugurated in August 1967. When directly observing it for several days in July 2018, I noticed that this Jogokariyan Mosque had many facilities, distinctions, and uniqueness that most mosques did not have in general. For instance, very few or probably no mosques had inns with dozens of rooms with three-star-hotel facilities. The mosque’s management had applied three steps in enhancing Jogokariyan residents’ quality of life from mapping, giving services, to the society’s empowerment as the completion stage. To Muslims who had not made salah jamaah at the mosque, they were officially invited like that of a wedding invitation. In the society’s prosperity sector, the mosque’s management had renovated several needy families’ houses. With those many facilities, distinctions, and uniqueness, Masjid Jogokariyan had successfully played its role as an agent of change, so this mosque became legendary and phenomenal; therefore, in 2016 the Ministry Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia bestowed it an award and made it a Pilot National Grand Mosque.
BLOCKING AND EXTENDED EXPONENCE OF SUFFIX PRONOUNS IN ARABIC PERFECTIVE VERB CONJUGATION
Authors: Mardiah Zaqiatul , Hizbullah Nur , Niswah Awaliyah Ainun
Published: July 2020

Noyer (1997) utilized blocking and extended exponence to encode pronouns in the conjugation of imperfect verbs in Arabic. His findings were criticized by Stump (2001) and Xu (2010), because the formulation was considered too complex. Xu (2010) offered a unified integrated account based on Optimality Theory while still relying on blocking and extended exponence. However, their for-mulation only focuses on the pronouns of imperfect verb conjugations. So far, the optimality of conjugations of perfective Arabic verbs which are also complex in nature, have not been considered yet in their studies. This study extends the work of Xu (2010) by developing the formulation of the optimal forms of the suffix pronouns of the Arabic perfective verb conjugations. The results of study reveal that several exponences which in different situations, each can realize several assingments. Instead, there is an assignment that is realized by more than one exponence
Effect of Metatarsal Head Shape on the Development of Hallux Valgus Deformity: 10 Years of Natural Follow-up
Authors: Kanatli Ulunay , Unal Onur , Ataoglu Muhammet Baybars , Ayanoglu Tacettin , Ozer Mustafa , Cetinkaya Mehmet
Published: July 2020

Background

We investigated the role of first metatarsal head shape in the etiology of hallux valgus. By pedobarographic analysis, we evaluated whether first metatarsal head shape causes an alteration in plantar pressure values that would result in metatarsalgia.

Methods

Referrals to our clinic for metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, and calcaneal spur were scanned retrospectively. Patients with severe hallux valgus, pes planus, gastrocnemius stiffness, generalized joint laxity, neuromuscular disease, or a history of lower-extremity orthopedic surgery were excluded. Sixty-two patients with plantar pressure assessment and radiographic evaluation were included. These patients were invited for reassessment after 10 years. Feet were divided into three groups by metatarsal head shape: round, square, and chevron. On anteroposterior radiographs, the hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles, relative first metatarsal length, lateral sesamoid subluxation, and presence of bipartite sesamoid were noted. Plantar pressure was assessed with pedobarography.

Results

Feet with round-shaped first metatarsal heads had a statistically significantly greater progression in hallux valgus angle than the other shapes. Plantar pressures under the first, second and third, and fourth and fifth metatarsals increased with time. This can explain the mechanism of transfer metatarsalgia and painful callosities under the first metatarsal in hallux valgus. There was no correlation between hallux valgus angle, relative metatarsal length, and lateral sesamoid subluxation.

Conclusions

We found a strong relation between round-shaped first metatarsal head and hallux valgus angle progression. No patients had a risk factor responsible for hallux valgus. In other words, this study gives approximately 10-year natural history results in nearly normal feet.
Retronychia: A Literature Review
Authors: Au Andrew S. , Leung Wai Y. , Tran David
Published: July 2020

Retronychia is an uncommonly reported condition among the category of nail pathologies. It often presents mimicking similar nail disorders, such as onychocryptosis, onychomycosis, and paronychia. This pathologic condition has recently seen an increased presence in the literature, mainly in the form of case studies. Literature on retronychia was collected using PubMed, the US National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health's online database, life science journals, and online books. References cited by these articles were also reviewed for additional relevant publications. Reviews, case studies, and retrospective articles were compiled and analyzed for commonalities in cause, patient demographics, clinical signs, and treatment. Retronychia may be more common than previously suggested. Proper knowledge and education of this pathologic nail condition is important to health-care professionals to achieve early and correct diagnosis.
Schwannoma of the Sural Nerve: A Case Report
Authors: Pundu Anusha , Lehnert Bruce
Published: July 2020

A schwannoma is a slow-growing, neurogenic tumor composed of Schwann cells arising from a peripheral nerve sheath. The authors present a rare finding of a schwannoma of the sural nerve that was overlooked in a 51-year-old female with radiating foot pain. This case highlights the clinical implications and important teaching points in recognizing a schwannoma of the foot.
Novel Branching Pattern of the Common Fibular Nerve: Emergence of the Superficial Fibular Nerve Within the Anterior Crural Compartment
Authors: Chaney Morgan E. , Smith Christopher M. , Fredieu John R. , Belovich Stephanie J. , Siesel Kathy J.
Published: July 2020

Distal to its origination from the sciatic nerve, the common fibular (peroneal) nerve divides into the superficial and deep fibular (peroneal) nerves. Whereas the deep fibular nerve continues its course into the anterior compartment, the superficial fibular nerve (SFN) usually arises near the fibular neck and projects distally within the lateral crural compartment before entering the superficial fascia proximal to the ankle. In this report, we describe a unilateral case where the SFN arises within the anterior crural compartment and remains there for the remainder of its course deep to the deep fascia of the leg. Surgeons should be aware of anomalies such as this, for example, when performing fasciotomies to avoid inadvertently damaging an anomalously placed SFN.
Relationship between iron status markers and insulin resistance: an exploratory study in subjects with excess body weight
Authors: Vaquero M. Pilar , Martínez-Maqueda Daniel , Gallego-Narbón Angélica , Zapatera Belén , Pérez-Jiménez Jara
Published: July 2020

Background

Controversy exists on the relationship between iron metabolism and cardiometabolic risk. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a link between dysmetabolic iron and cardiometabolic markers in subjects with excess body weight.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with fifty participants presenting overweight or obesity and at least another metabolic syndrome factor. Determinations: anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, insulin, leptin, areas under the curve (AUC) for glucose and insulin after an oral glucose tolerance test, hs-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), blood count, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation (TSAT), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). Gender-adjusted linear correlations and two independent samples t tests were used.

Results

Ferritin was positively correlated with insulin-AUC (r = 0.547, p = 0.008) and TSAT was negatively correlated with waist-hip ratio (r =  − 0.385, p = 0.008), insulin (r =  − 0.551, p < 0.001), and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, r =  − 0.586, p < 0.001). Subjects with TSAT ≤ 20% had higher insulin (p = 0.012) and HOMA-IR (p = 0.003) compared to those with TSAT > 20%. In conclusion, the observed results suggest that iron transport and storage are altered in subjects with overweight/obesity, at the same time that they exhibit the characteristic features of insulin resistance. Nevertheless, this occurs without iron overload or deficiency. These results should be validated in wider cohorts since they suggest that iron transport and storage should be assessed when performing the clinical evaluation of subjects with excess body weight.
Functional characterization of the chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation activity of human cytochrome P450 2E1 allelic variants in Han Chinese
Authors: Wang Ting , Du Huihui , Ma Jingsong , Shen Lu , Wei Muyun , Zhao Xianglong , Chen Luan , Li Mo , Li Guorong , Xing Qinghe , He Lin , Qin Shengying
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds

Cytochrome P450 (P450) 2E1 is one of the primary enzymes responsible for the metabolism of xenobiotics, such as drugs and environmental carcinogens. The genetic polymorphisms of the CYP2E1 gene in promoter and coding regions have been identified previously in the Han Chinese population from four different geographic areas of Mainland China.

Methods

To investigate whether genetic variants identified in the CYP2E1 coding region affect enzyme function, the enzymes of four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in the coding region (novel c.1009C>T, causing p.Arg337X, where X represents the translational stop codon; c.227G>A, causing p.Arg76His; c.517G>A, yielding p.Gly173Ser; and c.1263C>T, presenting the highest allele frequency), two novel alleles (c.[227G>A;1263C>T] and c.[517G>A;1263C>T]), and the wild-type CYP2E1 were heterologously expressed in COS-7 cells and functionally characterized in terms of expression level and chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation activity. The impact of the CYP2E1 variant sequence on enzyme activity was predicted with three programs: Polyphen 2, PROVEAN and SIFT.

Results

The prematurely terminated p.Arg337X variant enzyme was undetectable by western blotting and inactive toward chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation. The c.1263C>T and c.[517G>A;1263C>T] variant enzymes exhibited properties similar to those of the wild-type CYP2E1. The CYP2E1 variants c.227G>A and c.[227G>A;1263C>T] displayed significantly reduced enzyme activity relative to that of the wild-type enzyme (decreased by 42.8% and 32.8%, respectively; P < 0.01). The chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation activity of the c.517G>A transfectant was increased by 31% compared with the wild-type CYP2E1 enzyme (P < 0.01). Positive correlations were observed between the protein content and enzyme activity for CYP2E1 (P = 0.0005, r2 = 0.8833). The characterization of enzyme function allelic variants in vitro was consistent with the potentially deleterious effect of the amino acid changes as determined by prediction tools.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2E1, i.e., c.1009C>T (p.Arg337X), c.227G>A (p.Arg76His), and c.517G>A (p.Gly173Ser), could influence the metabolism of CYP2E1 substrates, such as chlorzoxazone.
Development Method for Spectrophotometric Analysis of Sulfamethoxazole Using Vanilline Reagent
Authors: Mohammed Nidhal Sher , Sabha Theia'a N. Al- , Jabar Payman Abdul-
Published: July 2020

This study involves a development method for spectrophotometric analysis of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) with vanillin reagent in acidic medium. The reaction mechanism was proposed by Schiff's base reaction of the amine group in SMZ with the carbonyl group in vanillin. The spectrum of SMZ complex showed high absorbance at 399.09 nm following the Beer–Lambert law in the concentration levels ranging from 5 to 80 µg.mL-1 with good sensitivity. The stability constant of the product was determined. The values of relative standard deviation (≤ 6.63) and recovery (> 98.73%) indicated a reasonably precise and accurate method with a good limit of detection and quantification. The present method was compared with other spectrophotometric methods in the literature. The procedure of the method showed to be simple since no need for temperature control and solvent extraction. The suggested method was used to determine of SMZ in commercial pharmaceutical drops and compared with the certified method.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Large-Scale Agricultural Investment in Ethiopia: An Analysis of the Disconnects between Expectation and Reality
Authors: Shete Maru
Published: July 2020

This article examines whether expectations held by different stakeholders from Large-Scale Land Acquisition (LSLA) have been realized in Ethiopia. Data were collected from key informants working at different levels in government organizations in Benshanguel, Oromia and Gambella regional states. Primary data were collected from households directly affected by the two large-scale farms in Oromia and Benshanguel Gumuz regional states. The samples were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The findings indicated that LSLA rarely met prior expectations and highlighted the difficulty in realizing a win-win situation.
The Relationship between Personality Big-5 and Integrity among Leader in Northern University of Malaysia
Authors: Darus Mariah , Muslim Sakinah
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the relationship between BIG-5 personality and integrity among leaders in the Northern University of Malaysia. The integrity issue can be observed by the increasing public complaints on government service delivery systems. Public complaints can become a measurement index to the quality level of service delivery system as it is an expression of public dissatisfaction towards government services. One of the main challenges for the public servant is to improve the awareness of integrity among public servants especially the leaders. Previous research shows that the main factor that contributes to the integrity is the personality of the individual. Besides that, previous research also shows that the relationship between personality BIG-5 and integrity is not consistent. The study used quantitative methods with 5-point Likert scale measurement. The Big Five Inventory consists of 25 items as measurement and 25 items for integrity scale. The subjects of this study are 30 leaders from the Northern University of Malaysia. The use of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 will be implemented in the acquisition of the results though reliability test, description analysis, and correlation. The findings show that personality Big-5 has a relationship with integrity.
Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the Variations of Atmospheric Radionuclides Concentration in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Seif Dorice Rashid , Koleleni Yusuf Ismail
Published: July 2020

Atmospheric concentrations of 7Be and 212Pb were measured for 11 years (2008 – 2018) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The mean activity concentrations of 7Be and 212Pb were found to be within the range of 1.29 – 5.71 mBq/m3 and 10.85 – 50.06 mBq/m3, respectively. The annual mean activity concentrations of 7Be and 212Pb were 4.72 ± 1.18 mBq/m3 and 29.76 ± 13.63 mBq/m3, respectively. Distinct annual trends were depicted on 7Be and 212Pb, suggesting that the two radionuclides were affected differently with atmospheric conditions. Monthly atmospheric concentrations of 7Be showed a strong seasonal variation trend with the highest in January and February and lowest in April. 212Pb depicted the highest concentration during June and July and lowest in January and December. The regression analysis for 7Be and 212Pb activity concentrations together with number of meteorological parameters revealed that the relative humidity, rainfall, air temperature, absolute humidity and wind speed are the most significant parameters affecting radionuclides activity concentrations in the atmosphere. The sunspot numbers show 66.7% of its variability with 7Be activity concentration which further suggesting that other parameters may influence its variation. 212Pb, on the other hand, shows only 27.3% of its variability which clearly indicates that the existence of cosmic rays does not affect its activity concentration in the atmosphere.
Determination of Combining Ability in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Saba Nousheen , Hussain Syed Bilal , Bakhsh Ali , Zubair Muhammad
Published: July 2020

A 5×5 direct-crosses of Chickpea geneotypes (CM-98, Noor-91, Brittle-98, Punjab-2000 and Karak-1) were undertaken at Research area of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, FAS&T, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. Then Model-I and Model-II of Griffing approach (1956) of half-diallel was used for combining ability analysis. The results pertaining to menas of all traits relative to general and specific combining ability were found highly significant (P≤ 0.01) which evidenced presence of ample differences among studied geneotypes. However, variance showed by specific combining ability for traits like fibre content, free extract (N.F.E.), protein content, fat, ash and nitrogen content, moisture content, plant height and biomass per plant as compared to general combining ability. These results are suggestive of predominantly under the control of non-additive gene action. On the other hand, the magnitude of variance resulted from GCA was higher than from SCA for pods per plant, 100-seed weight and grain yield that showed that additive genetic effects were important for them.
Evaluation of Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Cirrhinus mrigala among the Different Freshwater Rivers of Pakistan Using Molecular Marker: Study Implications and Its Importance in Aquaculture
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Masud Samrah , Naeem Zara , Naeem Ammar Danyal , Khalid Muhammad , Hassan Shoaib
Published: July 2020

Cirrhinus mrigala (Family Cyprinidae) have vast presence in different studied rivers of Pakistan. Present study was designed to formulate the genetic diversity of desired sites in Cirrhinus mrigala populations using nine Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Total hundred individuals were used to conduct this study and were collected from three distinct rivers (River Indus, Chenab and Ravi) with four specified sites with wild of Pakistan were used to study. A random Amplified Polymorphic DNA primer analyzes various bands of polymorphic loci. Mean genetic diversity within and between populations found 81.53% and 2.27% respectively by using analysis of molecular variance. Fixation index was found variably and Pairwise Fst analysis showed significant difference between different sites of studied populations. Genetic divergence information would mark essential in order to improve genetic programming its management and conservation of natural inhabitation. In order to quantify the study of population divergence by using these molecular markers is an efficient way to pin point the genetic diversity within and among population.
Dynamics of Land Use Pattern in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu in Nexus with Common Property Land Resources
Authors: Geetha I. Rosalin , Vidhyavathi A. , Rani S. Padma
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the dynamics of land use in Madurai district as it possesses the largest other fallow lands (48.28 per cent). Time series data on nine-fold classification for the study district of Tamil Nadu was collected from Season and Crop Reports of Tamil Nadu. The collected data from 1997-98 to 2017-18 were analysed using Compound Growth Rate, Cuddy Della Instability Index. Retention probability of land use pattern and forecasting was done using Markov Chain Analysis. The results revealed an increasing trend of Common Property Land Resources (CPLRs) due to declining nature of net sown area (-2.24 per cent per annum) and low retention capacity of current fallows. The erratic distribution of rainfall and water stress due to dry climatic conditions extends the current fallows into other fallow lands (4.54 per cent per annum). The predicted land use changes have also reflected the threatening scenario of increasing nature of current fallows and other fallow lands and declining nature of net sown area for the next decade. The study found Socio economic developments like Population growth and urbanization, and climatic conditions are drivers of change in land use pattern in Madurai district. Hence, the study suggest the promotion of less water intensive crops, water harvesting technologies like farm ponds and to give awareness about water saving technologies like micro irrigation to increase the productivity and profitability of agricultural lands where water and labour resources are scarce. Afforestation can be done in barren lands. Institutional arrangements should focus on framing Community User Group and women cooperatives to manage and effective utilisation of the increasing CPLRs in a better manner to ensure rainwater harvesting, fodder and fuel security, providing livelihood to rural poor as well as to sustain ecological balance.
Spatial Variability and Associated Risk Assessment of Nitrate and Ammonium Concentration in Hail Haor Wetland, Northeastern Bangladesh
Authors: Murshed Humyra B. , Rahman Arafat , Uddin M. J. , Rahman Muhaiminur
Published: July 2020

Nitrate-nitrogen and ammonium-nitrogen concentration were evaluated to assess the current nutrient condition of an ecologically as well as economically important wetland of Bangladesh. The contamination condition of surface water nitrate and ammonium of Hail Haor wetland was assessed to understand its probable risk to human health using the water samples collected from total-fifty monitoring stations, 25 each for two different seasons within 2018 to 2019. Nitrate concentration was measured using the spectrophotometer by colorimetric method, whereas ammonium was quantified using the micro Kjeldahl's distillation method. Statistical and geo-spatial analysis revealed an extensive understanding of the temporal and spatial variability as well as possible source identification of the nutrients in the studied area. Medium to a low level of nitrate ranging from 0.95 up to 9.25 mg/L and high ammonium with values from 0.32 up to 1.92 mg/L was a sporadic trend observed in wetland water, with low water season having more concentration than that of wet high water season. Hazard quotients (HQ) obtained from wetland water for four individual age groups recognized wetland water to be safe for consumption (HQ<1) based on its nitrate level. Wetlands can provide valuable ecosystem services, conserve the native and exotic wetland inhabitants and mitigate flood along with their purifying properties of nutrient removal to lessen the public health concerns about nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water. Therefore, appropriate rein in measures, incentivizing water use efficiency, and continuous monitoring of water quality will ensure safety for wetland habitats, also may aware of the risks or opportunities associated with using wetland water for both drinking and agricultural use.
Effect of Storage on the Nutritional Composition and Mycoflora of Sphenostylis stenocarpa Stored for Twenty Weeks
Authors: Fagbohun Emmanuel Dayo , Samuel Fakiyesi Ifeoluwa , Ogundahunsi Ayodeji Segun
Published: July 2020

The nutritional and mycoflora changes in dried African yam beans (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) were investigated during a storage period of twenty weeks. The result of the proximate analysis (g/100 g) showed that the following moisture content decreased from 11.15-9.80, fat 1.25-0.49, crude fibre 6.18-2.64, crude protein 77.92-62.14 while the ash content increased from 3.20-3.78, carbohydrate content 0.36-18.32. The mineral analysis (mg/100 g) showed a decrease in all parameters investigated, sodium (Na) 2.57-1.35, potassium (K) 42.26-31.75, calcium (Ca) 21.45-12.56, magnesium (Mg) 27.75-20.72, iron (Fe) 0.25-0.12, zinc (Zn) 0.06-0.05, copper (Cu) 0.03-0.03, phosphorus (P) 32.08-22.03, manganese (Mn) 0.11-0.06, chromium (Cr) 0.002-0.001. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) were not detected. Five fungi comprising four genera were isolated using direct plating, washing and dilution methods on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and identified using their cultural and morphological features with reference to standard procedures. The fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Mucor sp. and Phytophthora palmivora. It can be concluded that storage encourages proliferation of mycoflora thereby leading to reduction in the nutritional and mineral composition of the stored sample.
Comparison of Serum Level of Bone Resorption Markers with Bone Densitometry in Elderly Individuals in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Authors: Adekemi Kiyesi , Odum Ehimen Phyllis , Wakwe Victor Chukwuma
Published: July 2020

Introduction: This study concentrated on serum bone markers, N and C- telopeptide and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and their concentrations were evaluated in the serum of elderly participants and compared with that of the young of the same gender. Markers for bone resorption are proteins, and they are mainly measured in the urine and serum, where they serve to assess bone turnover.

Methodology: A cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the orthopaedic and Family Medicine Departments of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, a public tertiary healthcare facility located in Choba and Alakahia communities of Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers state, Nigeria, among elderly patients aged 60 years and above.

Results: Considering the age of the test population, all the females were post-menopausal and no statistical difference was observed in relation to the results for gender in the study. Also, the plasma creatinine, calcium and albumin results of both controls and participants were within normal reference range. The study was necessitated by the fact that, in the environment of the study (Port Harcourt), elderly individuals frequently complain of bone pain, thus, the serum levels of the aforementioned bone resorption markers (N and C telopeptide and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase) was estimated among these elderly individuals, with the view that its outcome can help physicians to initiate protocols that will prevent the consequences of increased bone resorption, intervenes before bone becomes fragile and aid the prediction of osteoporosis.

Conclusion: This study was able to establish that the serum levels of NTX, CTX and TRAP were increased in elderly participants above the age of sixty years than controls.
Evaluating the Effect of Chloroform Inhalation as a Method of Euthanasia on the Cerebellum and Hippocampus of Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Aguwa Ugochukwu Samuel , Nnamdi Okeke Somadina , Nnabuihe Ezejindu Darmian , Elizabeth Eze Chinyere , Ogechi Azurunwa , Nzube Obinwa Benedict , Felix Ovie Ogbo. , Chukwuemeka Obi Kelvin , Sopuru Onwuelingo , David Okonkwo , Ogbuokiri Doris , Chijioke Okeke
Published: July 2020

Chloroform inhalation is a common method of rodent euthanasia in Nigeria for research purposes. This work is designed to evaluate the consequence of this method of sacrifice on the cerebellum and hippocampus of Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing between 160 and 180 were divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group A served as control and was sacrificed using cervical dislocation (a widely acceptable non-inhalation method of sacrifice). Groups B, C and D were exposed to chloroform for 5 minutes once a day (group B), once a day for 2 days and once a day for 3 days. The brains were removed; four from each group was processed for antioxidant assay while one from each group was fixed in Bouin’s fluid for histological studies. Our results show that chloroform inhalation adversely affected the results of the antioxidant parameters studied in a dose-dependent fashion. That means that the adverse effect worsened as the number of days increased. This was also the case with the histology results as there was evidence of cell necrosis in the cerebellar and hippocampal tissues. This also showed dose dependence. We therefore conclude from our results that when studying the brain tissues or carrying out brain related researches, chloroform inhalation is not the method of choice for rat euthanasia.
A Comprehensive Review on Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nithyashree R. S. , Deveswaran R.
Published: July 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis is an enduring inflammatory disease that is categorized by bumping off the joint and rigidity, bone and cartilage devastation all above the joints. It is an autoimmune disease or disease caused by factors like smoking, obesity, etc. Cytokines are the main inducers for rheumatoid arthritis which produce interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 factors that cause the devastation of synovium and cartilage present at the joints. The deformation of skeletal muscles is observed in an arthritic patient. The present review is a discussion on rheumatoid arthritis that includes etiology, pathology and pathogenesis, signs and symptoms, clinical complications, diagnosis, treatment, therapy, certain patents and applications. The patents include the development of numerous novel techniques for the management of rheumatoid arthritis and diseases associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The targets to treat rheumatoid arthritis are interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, sialoprotein I and several other factors. Different biomarkers are used for different types of rheumatoid arthritis and the mechanism also varies. Certain marketed formulations were enlisted. Recent trends in the management of rheumatoid arthritis are the main concern of this article.
Biomarkers: An Important Tool for Diagnosing and Treating Breast Cancer
Authors: Sharma Anil , Chakraborty Tulshi , Gupta Sumeet , Sharma Abhishek , Pahari Pratyay Kumar
Published: July 2020

Breast cancer is a type of tumor in which individual cases deviate from each other in morphology, protein expression, molecular phenotype, genetic characteristics, and prognosis. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most-common invasive cancer in women. A patient with breast cancer may have the following symptoms:- lumps, skin dimples, nipple discharge, nipple height, nipple withdrawal, pain and burning sensation. There are many causes and risks of breast cancer, including family history (heriditary), obesity, active smoking, early and late childbearing, breast feeding for less than two weeks, exposure to estrogen and oral contraceptive pills. Most breast cancers are diagnosed through estrogen receptor (ER) -positive determination and rely on estrogen for cell growth and survival. Breast cancer treatment has encountered a few progressions in the previous decades with the revelation of explicit prescient prognostic biomarkers that make conceivable the use of individualized treatments. Blocking estrogen biosynthesis by aromatase inhibitors (AI) has, subsequently, become a first-line endocrine treatment for menopausal ladies with ER-positive breast disease. Various conventional diagnosing and treating methods of breast cancer is available but there have limitation of accuracy and treating. For that reason now a day’s various biomarkers like Molecule or Biochemical biomarkers like Estrogen receptor, Progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), human Mammaglobin (H-MAM), Osteopontin, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2), Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Physiologic Biomarkers like Carcinoma Antigen 15-3(CA 15–3), Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125), Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Anatomic Biomarkers Oncotype Dx, and Cystic fibrosis Trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR). These biomarkers are of great importance in the evaluation and diagnosis process, which leads to better patient’s care and protection of the patients. Due to its various advantages, biomarkers are considered as an innovative tool in the progression of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Factors Associated and Management of Functional Failure after External Dacryocystorhinostomy at Zonal Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Mashamba Daniel , Musheiguza Edwin , Makupa William
Published: July 2020

Aims: To determine factors associated and management of functional failure after Dacryocystorhinostomy among patients attending the eye department at KCMC hospital Moshi Kilimanjaro, from January 2007 to July 2018.

Study Design: A retrospective cross-section hospital-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Eye Department Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Hospital, between August 2018 and August 2019.

Methodology: We recruited 184 patients who underwent external DCR surgery from January 2007 to July 2018. The analysis was done using STATA version 14. Chi-square was used to establish the difference in proportions across groups, multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the associated factors for functional failure. The 95% confidence intervals were constructed; associations were considered to be statistically significant when a P-value was less than 0.05.

Results: Out of 184 external DCR done, 37 (20.1%) had functional failure, 174 (94.6%) attained anatomical success while147 (79.9%) attained functional success. Fifty-one (27.4%) of cases had a primary function failure, of this 50% was managed by probing and irrigation. Functional failure was associated with postoperative complications (AOR=10.58 (95% CI: 2.24 - 49.88).

Conclusion: Functional failure after external Dacryocystorhinostomy was 20.1%, the anatomical success of external DCR was 94.6% and functional success was 79.9% in our study. The strongest associated factors for functional failure were a post-operative complication and increased age. Therefore, careful post-operative follow-up after DCR procedure should be emphasized to lacrimal surgeons. On the other hand, external DCR remains the surgical management options with good success.
Demyelination in hereditary sensory neuropathy type‐1C
Authors: Saba Sadaf , Chen Yongsheng , Maddipati Krishna Rao , Hackett Melody , Hu Bo , Li Jun
Published: July 2020

Objective

Sphingolipids are enriched in the nerves. Serine‐palmitoyltransferase (SPT) catalyzes the key step of sphingolipids biosynthesis. Mutations in SPT subunits (SPTLC) lead to the excessive production of neurotoxic deoxysphingolipids (DoxSLs) in patients with Hereditary Sensory Neuropathy Type‐1C (HSN1C). HSN1C is an autosomal dominant peripheral neuropathy characterized by sensory loss and distal muscle weakness. In this study, by leveraging a HSN1C family with a previously reported N177D mutation in SPTLC2, we aim to further define the spectrum of DoxSL species and the peripheral neve pathology of the disease.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing along with Sanger confirmation was performed for family members and healthy controls. LC‐MS was used for lipidomic analysis in participants’ plasma. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) was performed to study sciatic nerve pathologies.

Results

A heterozygous N177D mutation in SPTLC2 was co‐segregated in individuals with sensory‐motor deficits in the limbs. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) revealed nonuniform slowing of conduction velocities. In line with the NCS, qMRI detected a pattern of nerve changes similar to those in acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies. Additionally, we detected a significant increase in multiple species of deoxysphingoid bases and deoxyceramides in patients’ plasma.

Interpretation

Mutations in the SPTLC2 cause a demyelinating phenotype resembling those in acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy. The species of increased DoxSLs in HSN1C may be more diverse than originally thought.
Intestinal Organoid Culture in Polymer Film‐Based Microwell Arrays
Authors: Kakni Panagiota , Hueber Rui , Knoops Kèvin , López‐Iglesias Carmen , Truckenmüller Roman , Habibovic Pamela , Giselbrecht Stefan
Published: July 2020

As organoids offer a promising tool to study cell biology and model diseases, organoid technology has rapidly evolved over the last few years. Even though intestinal organoids are one of the most well‐established organoid systems, they currently rely on the embedding into an excess amount of poorly defined, tumor‐derived extracellular matrix. Here, a novel suspension method is suggested to grow mouse intestinal organoids inside thermoformed microwell arrays. This platform promotes the controlled growth of organoids under matrix‐reduced conditions, with Matrigel only used as medium supplement. Hence, this system provides numerous advantages over the previously established methods. Based on the findings, viable and functional mouse intestinal organoids can be preserved for longer periods than in traditional Matrigel domes. Additionally, this microwell‐based technique renders a novel organoid culture system in which the heterogeneity of the organoids is significantly reduced. The method paves the way toward more controlled organoid culture systems that can also be beneficial for further downstream applications, such as automated imaging techniques and micromanipulations, which constitute valuable tools for high‐throughput applications and translational studies.
Tyrosine‐Rich Peptide Insulator for Rapidly Dissolving Transient Electronics
Authors: Namgung Seok Daniel , Song Min‐Kyu , Sung Taehoon , Cho Ouk Hyun , Ju Misong , Kim Hyeohn , Lee Yoon‐Sik , Nam Ki Tae , Kwon Jang‐Yeon
Published: July 2020

Transient electronics is a good platform for human implantable biomedical devices for diagnosing diseases and delivering therapeutic materials because additional surgery is not required to retrieve the device. Surrounding bio‐fluids inevitably dissolve device components, and the remaining electronic debris can trigger hazardous inflammation reactions within human body. Therefore, it is important to reduce the total dissolution time of devices even after they stop working. Thus, fast‐dissolving tyrosine‐based peptides are suggested as an insulator instead of SiO2, which has been used as a dissolution retarder in transient electronics. By combining a peptide insulator, zinc oxide semiconductor, and tungsten conductor, a biocompatible and biodegradable thin film transistor is fabricated. The device exhibits moderate performance (ON/OFF >103 and field‐effect mobility of ≈0.6 cm2 V−1 s−1) and is fast‐dissolving (<3 h) in bio‐fluids.
Bionic‐Fin‐Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Undersea Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Chuguo , Zhao Zhihao , Yang Ou , Yuan Wei , Zhou Linglin , Yin Xing , Liu Li , Li Yanhong , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: July 2020

In situ harvesting undersea energy is a vital method for undersea detector to realize its long‐term and real‐time undersea research. Herein, inspired by the fins with excellent hydrodynamic characteristic and the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with the merits of light‐weight and high‐efficiency at low frequency, an energy harvesting device is designed to harvest undersea energy by bionic‐fin‐structure assisted with multilayer‐structured triboelectric nanogenerator (BFM‐TENG). The good design of geometry and structure enable BFM‐TENG to harvest energy efficiently by the driving of water‐flow from multidirections. Besides, based on the multiarea contact structure and ultrathin dielectric material, the BFM‐TENG could achieve a peak power density of 444 W m−3 under ideal test condition, which is about 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than that of previous work for harvesting wave energy. The findings not only provide a new in situ undersea energy harvesting method for undersea detectors to realize the real‐time, long‐term, and self‐powered undersea research, but also provide a potential strategy to achieve large‐scale undersea energy harvesting.
Polarization‐Sensitive Dielectric Membrane Metasurfaces
Authors: Yang Quanlong , Liu Mingkai , Kruk Sergey , Xu Yuehong , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Singh Ranjan , Han Jiaguang , Kivshar Yuri , Shadrivov Ilya V.
Published: July 2020

Dielectric metasurfaces composed of subwavelength resonators are widely employed for manipulating electromagnetic waves over a broad frequency spectrum ranging from microwaves to optics. Here, a novel type of metasurfaces, created by a periodic lattice of elliptical holes fabricated in a thin dielectric membrane, is studied both theoretically and experimentally. Such membrane metasurfaces demonstrate polarization‐selective behavior, and they change their specific functionality from a reflective magnetic mirror, for one polarization, to a transparent Huygens' surface, for the orthogonal polarization. Such a polarization dependence is achieved by manipulating the interference of Mie‐resonant multipoles through optimizing the design of the elliptic holes in the dielectric membrane. Such membrane metasurfaces can be employed as flat components with polarization‐multiplexed functionalities, bringing benefits for the integration of ultracompact signal manipulation systems.