bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on podocytes, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN)
Authors: Liu Jie , Guo Shanshan , Li Hui , Liu Xu-ying
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To investigate the effects of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) liraglutide on podocytes, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: Eighty-four DN patients treated by the department of endocrinology of the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University during December 2017 and March 2019 were randomly assigned to a control group and a treatment group (n=42, respectively), with the control group prescribed with conventional DN medications and the treatment group receiving liraglutide treatment in addition to the conventional therapy. The course of treatment lasted for 12 weeks. hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), urine podocalyxin (PCX), urine nephrin, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress markers such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured pre- and post-treatment for intergroup comparison.

Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, HbA1C, BMI, TC, and TG in both groups were reduced in comparison with the pre-treatment levels, with the levels in the treatment group lower than in the control group (p<0.05); reduced levels of UAER, PCX, and nephrin were detected in the two groups, with the treatment group exhibiting a significant reduction in these markers compared with the control group (p<0.05); the 12-week treatment led to decreases in the TNF-α, MCP-1, and MDA levels in both groups, with the decline in the treatment group exceeding that in the control group, whereas both groups had an increased level of GSH-Px, with the level in the treatment group higher than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusions: Liraglutide protects the kidneys and improves DN by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, reducing urinary albumin excretion and podocyte damage and supporting renal function in addition to its hypoglycemic properties.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.4719

How to cite this:Liu J, Guo S, Li H, Liu X. Effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on podocytes, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.4719

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical Effects of MOTOmed Intelligent Exercise Training Combined with Intensive Walking Training on the Rehabilitation of Walking, Nerve and Lower Limb Functions among Patients with Hemiplegia after Stroke
Authors: Hu Yajing , Tian Jingjing , Wen Xiaoliang , Lu Can , Tian Ningning
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To investigate the clinical effects of MOTOmed intelligent exercise training combined with intensive walking training on the rehabilitation of walking, nerve and lower limb functions among patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial was used in this study. Fifty-two patients with hemiplegia after stroke treated in 82nd Army Group Military Hospital from February 2017 to February 2018 were selected as the subjects and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group, each with 26 cases. The control group underwent intensive walking training, and the observation group underwent MOTOmed intelligent exercise training on the control group basis. Both groups’ rehabilitation of walking function, nerve function and lower limb function were observed.

Results: Both groups had significantly increased FAC score and 10-m maximum walking speed (P < 0.05), and the observation group had significantly higher results than those of the control group (P < 0.05); both groups had significantly higher FMA scores than before treatment (P < 0.05), and the observation group had significantly higher scores than those of the control group (P < 0.05); both groups after two months of treatment had significantly increased NGF, NT-3 and BDNF (P<0.05), and the observation group had significantly higher levels than those of the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: MOTOmed intelligent exercise training combined with intensive walking training can significantly improve the walking function, nerve function and lower limb function among patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5259

How to cite this:Hu Y, Tian J, Wen X, Lu C, Tian N. Clinical Effects of MOTOmed Intelligent Exercise Training Combined with Intensive Walking Training on the Rehabilitation of Walking, Nerve and Lower Limb Functions among Patients with Hemiplegia after Stroke. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5259

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Ηθική και αρετές κατά τον Αριστοτέλη και η ερμηνεία των από σχολιαστές του
Authors: Κωνσταντινοπούλου Αφροδίτη
Published: April 2022

Σκοπός της παρούσης διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η έρευνα των αρετών κατά τον Αριστοτέλη, μέσα από την ηθική του διδασκαλία, καθώς και η εξέταση των επιδράσεων της αριστοτελικής αρετολογίας επί της χριστιανικής αρετολογίας, όπως προκύπτει από τη μελέτη σχολιαστών του έργου του φιλοσόφου. Αρχικώς εξετάζεται πώς εξελίχθηκε η έννοια της αρετής από τους Προσωκρατικούς μέχρι τον Αριστοτέλη και, εν συνεχεία, κάνουμε μια επισκόπηση της αριστοτελικής θεωρίας περί των αρετών, έτσι ώστε να αποτελέσει τη βάση της έρευνας που αφορά την ερμηνεία τους από τους βασικότερους σχολιαστές του.
Le compositeur grec Jani Christou (1926-1970)
Authors: Μπονέλης Σπύρος
Published: April 2022

Ο συνθέτης Γιάννης Χρήστου θεωρείται ένας από τους σημαντικότερους εκπροσώπους της ελληνικής μουσικής σκέψης του 20ου αιώνα. Αποτελεί μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον για εμάς να καταδείξουμε την ποικιλομορφία των συνθέσεών του κατά τη διάρκεια των δέκα τελευταίων χρόνων της ζωής του, το προσωπικό του ύφος και την αισθητική που απορρέει από αυτό, καθώς και τον τρόπο που προσέγγιζε τις τεχνικές των πρωτόγονων εκφράσεων (τελετουργία, θυσία) δια μέσου της "μετάπραξης", και τη σχέση που εδραιώνεται ανάμεσα στην τέχνη και τη μεταφυσική. Για να κατανοήσουμε επαρκώς την εν λόγω περίοδο, πρώτα απ' όλα θα παρουσιάσουμε τα κύρια γεγονότα που σημάδεψαν τη ζωή του συνθέτη σκιαγραφώντας ταυτόχρονα τα πιο ουσιαστικά χαρακτηριστικά των συνθέσεων του έως το 1960. Στη συνέχεια θα αναλύσουμε τα σημαντικότερα έργα του κατά τη διάρκεια της περιόδου που μας απασχολεί (1960-1970) για να δείξουμε τις τεχνικές γραφής και τις εξωμουσικές ιδέες (πολύ συχνές στο έργο του Γιάννη Χρήστου) που επηρέασαν βαθιά τις συνθέσεις του. Δεδομένου ότι δεν στοχεύουμε να κάνουμε μια παρουσίαση της μουσικής του παραγωγής, η μελέτη μας θα επικεντρωθεί στις μουσικολογικές και αισθητικές απόψεις του συνθέτη, ενώ ταυτόχρονα θα προσπαθήσουμε να τοποθετήσουμε αυτά τα στοιχεία σε σχέση με την εποχή του και τους σύγχρονούς του συνθέτες.
Associations among smoking, IDH mutations, MGMT promoter methylation, and grading in glioma: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Malueka Rusdy Ghazali , Hartanto Rachmat Andi , Alethea Maria , Sianipar Christina Megawimanti , Wicaksono Adiguno Suryo , Basuki Endro , Dananjoyo Kusumo , Asmedi Ahmad , Dwianingsih Ery Kus
Published: April 2022

Background 

Several molecular markers have important roles in glioma management. Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) gene are associated with the grading and prognosis of glioma. Methylation in the promoter region of the O (6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene is an important determinant of glioma sensitivity to alkylating agents. Studies in various cancers indicated that IDH1 mutations and MGMT promoter methylations were associated with smoking habits. However, these associations in gliomas are still unclear. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the association among smoking, IDH1 mutations, MGMT promoter methylation, and grading in glioma patients. 

Methods 

Patients were recruited from Dr. Sardjito General Hospital (a referral hospital in Yogyakarta and Central Java region) and its network hospitals. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples or fresh glioma tissues. Identification of IDH1 mutation was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) or DNA sequencing. Methylation-specific real-time PCR was performed to identify MGMT promoter methylation status. Smoking status was obtained by history taken from the patient or family members. 

Results 

In total, 122 patients were included in this study. As many as 35 patients (28.7%) had a smoking history. Most smokers (57.1%) smoke less than ten cigarettes per day. However, most of them (68.8%) have been smoking for more than 20 years. Smoking patients have a significantly higher proportion of high-grade glioma than non-smokers (80% vs. 55.2%, p=0.01). Among 122 patients, 24 (19.7%) of them carried IDH1 mutation. Smoking patients have a significantly higher proportion of IDH1 mutation compared with non-smokers (31.4% vs. 14.9%, p<0.001). No significant association was found between intensity and duration of smoking with IDH1 mutations and glioma grading. No significant association was found between smoking and MGMT promoter methylation.  

Conclusions 

In glioma patients, smoking is associated with IDH1 mutations and grading but not with MGMT promoter methylation.
Adamant: a JSON schema-based metadata editor for research data management workflows
Authors: Chaerony Siffa Ihda , Schäfer Jan , Becker Markus M.
Published: April 2022

The web tool Adamant has been developed to systematically collect research metadata as early as the conception of the experiment. Adamant enables a continuous, consistent, and transparent research data management (RDM) process, which is a key element of good scientific practice ensuring the path to Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable (FAIR) research data. It simplifies the creation of on-demand metadata schemas and the collection of metadata according to established or new standards. The approach is based on JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) schema, where any valid schema can be presented as an interactive web-form. Furthermore, Adamant eases the integration of numerous available RDM methods and software tools into the everyday research activities of especially small independent laboratories. A programming interface allows programmatic integration with other software tools such as electronic lab books or repositories. The user interface (UI) of Adamant is designed to be as user friendly as possible. Each UI element is self-explanatory and intuitive to use, which makes it accessible for users that have little to no experience with JSON format and programming in general. Several examples of research data management workflows that can be implemented using Adamant are introduced. Adamant (client-only version) is available from: https://plasma-mds.github.io/adamant.
Development and implementation of a tool for measuring the training effectiveness of the patient-centered consultation model
Authors: Jorgensen Merete , Thorsen Hanne , Siersma Volkert , Winther Bang Christine
Published: April 2022

Background: The patient-centered consultation model comprises four elements: exploring health, illness and disease experiences, understanding the whole person, finding common ground, and enhancing the patient-doctor relationship. This method is taught at the course in general practice at Copenhagen University. The aim of the study was to develop a simple tool consisting of a questionnaire about the patient-centered elements and a test video consultation. The outcome is the change in the students’ ability to identify these elements. Used as a pre-course and post-course test it can inform the teachers which elements of the patient-centered consultation need intensifying in the teaching.

Methods: The students from a course in general practice volunteered to participate in all steps of the development. They took part in individual interviews to select items from an already existing questionnaire (DanSCORE). The preliminary questionnaire was tested for face and content validity, pilot-tested and tested for test-retest reliability. All video consultations were transcribed and assessed for patient-centered elements through a conversation analysis. The videos showed medical students seeing real patients.

Results: The preliminary version of the questionnaire (called DanOBS) had 23 items. In the subsequent interviews, items were reduced to 17, each with three response options. After a pilot test, the questionnaire was further reduced to 13 items, all strictly relevant to the model and with two response options. The final questionnaire had acceptable test-retest reliability. The number of test consultation videos underwent a reduction from six videos to one.

Conclusions: The DanOBS combined with a test video consultation, used as a pre-and post-course test demonstrates for teachers which elements in the patient-centered consultation need to be intensified in the teaching.
Institutional Aspect of Disclosing Key Audit Matters in the Auditor’s Report
Authors: Kazakova Nataliya
Published: April 2022

Th e article considers the application of ISA 701 “Informing about key audit issues in the auditor’s report”, taking into account industry risks and the signifi cance of audited organizations, including as participants in public procurement. An analysis was made of the selection of key audit issues as areas of increased audit risk, their use to increase the information content of stakeholders about the quality of audit procedures, an approach was formulated to typology of information disclosed in the audit process, taking into account the institutional specifi cs of the audited organizations.
Wykład anatomii szczególnej ciała ludzkiego: zeszyt 1. Wstęp i opis kości wraz z należącymi do nich częściami
Authors: Bierkowski Ludwik
Published: April 2022

LECTURE ON THE ANATOMY OF THE HUMAN BODY An unpublished source, Ludwik Bierkowski’s Lecture on the anatomy of the human body, was most probably written around 1837. It contains Passive organs of movement, that is, a description of the bones found in the human body. The author goes from the spine through the skull, thorax and pelvis one by one, describing the type of bones and the connections between them. He also pays attention to the bones of the face. It describes the shapes and types of bones, when they develop in the human body, and the degeneration they can undergo. Ludwik Bierkowski (1801-1860), professor of surgery at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, known for his organizational, teaching and research activities. He reorganized the Surgical Clinic in Krakow and established a surgical outpatient clinic, very popular with the local population. He was the founder of the anatomo-pathological museum, gymnastic school and orthopedic clinic. He was the first in Poland to perform an operation using ether as an anesthetic. A proficient surgeon, an excellent teacher, educated many students. Decorated with the Virtuti Militari Order for his participation in the November Uprising. He is buried at the Rakowicki Cemetery in Kraków.
Covid-19: consecuencias y desafíos en la economía colombiana. Una mirada desde las universidades
Authors: Cortés Darwin , Villamizar Villegas Mauricio , Posso Christian Christian Manuel
Published: April 2022

Este libro reúne diferentes hallazgos, perspectivas y efectos ante un fenómeno que, más de un año después, todavía representa un reto científico, médico y social para todos. Igualmente, esta obra representa el objetivo de la Red Investigadores de Economía: aunar esfuerzos para encontrar respuestas y para fortalecer la investigación en el país, aumentar la difusión de trabajos de calidad y propiciar el encuentro entre académicos, universidades y el Banco de la República. Las investigaciones expuestas en este libro pasaron por un proceso de selección por parte del comité científico, asegurando que hubiese una pluralidad de miradas y de instituciones educativas, además del Banco, donde se relacionaran los efectos de la pandemia y la actividad económica en el país, las consecuencias sociales y regionales. El texto está dividido en cuatro partes. En la primera se hace un análisis macroe-conómico de los efectos de la pandemia; para ello se examinan los efectos de la emergencia sanitaria a nivel nacional y regional mediante modelos macroeconómicos que permiten obtener respuestas ante preguntas muy relevantes. La segunda sección trata sobre el impacto en el mercado laboral, el efecto del Covid-19 en la distribución del ingreso y el efecto de corto plazo en el mercado urbano. La tercera parte aborda los efectos de la pandemia en los agentes económicos y en otros mercados. Ello incluye la exposición del empleo al Covid-19, la vulnerabilidad económica de los hogares en el país y su respuesta en el consumo, patrones de actividad laboral y salud mental, efectos en la educación, inseguridad alimentaria de la población migrante, entre otros. Por último, el cuarto segmento hace un énfasis especial en los efectos diferenciales entre las regiones del país y la heterogeneidad de dicho impacto; para ello se analizan temas de informalidad, vulnerabilidad, fuerza de trabajo disponible, entre otros, en distintas regiones del país.
A Critical Review on The Integration of Metal Nanoparticles in Biopolymers: An Alternative for Active and Sustainable Food Packaging
Authors: Tirado-Kulieva Vicente Amirpasha , Sánchez-Chero Manuel , Palacios Jimenez Denesy Pelagia , Sánchez-Chero José , Ygnacio Santa Cruz Abraham Guillermo , Minchán Velayarce Hans Himbler , Pozo Suclupe Luis Antonio , Carbajal Garcia Luis Omar
Published: April 2022

The use of plastic polymers in food packaging causes serious environmental and health problems and as a result, natural biopolymers are being developed (NBPs). Although NBPs have several shortcomings as a packaging material, these can be overcome with the help of nanotechnology. In this context, this review will report on the main findings about the effect of the integration of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) on the characteristics of NBPs. A systematic review was carried out using PRISMA methodology to select relevant studies from the last 5 years. According to the analysis performed, MNPs provide NBPs with a broad spectrum against bacteria, fungi and even viruses of interest. MNPs have also been shown to improve the physical, mechanical, optical, antioxidant and barrier characteristics of NBPs. MNPs are used at low concentrations (generally 0.5 to 5%) and this avoids their potential toxicity. MNPs are shown to be efficient materials to obtain bionanocomposites suitable for active food packaging. Studies focusing on the control of the antimicrobial effect of MNPs on desirable microorganisms are suggested. In addition, further studies on the evaluation of the potential toxicity of MNPs are needed to ensure food quality and safety.
Detection of Genetically Modified Additives in Meat Products in Riyadh City
Authors: Aljabryn Dalal Hamad
Published: April 2022

Vegetable proteins such as soybean protein have numerous nutritional and functional characteristics, and consequently, their utilization in meat products development has dramatically increased in recent decades. Due to high demands for soybean, transgenic Roundup Ready (RR) soybean line grains were developed and widely distributed into global markets. The current study was designed to investigate the presence of transgenic soybean in meat products sold in Riyadh food retails, Saudi Arabia. After extraction of DNA from meat product samples, qualitative duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the genetically modified (GM) soybean products in the meat samples using pairs of primers targeting the lectin gene and the 35S promoter. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the percentage of RR soy products in the positive samples. The results clarified that out of 96 tested meat product samples (minced, burger, luncheon, canned, and sausages), 75 samples were positive for the presence of lectin gene, of which 42 samples representing 43.75% of total meat product samples were positive for the presence of 35S promoter. All positive samples for 35S promoter contained RR soy below 0.1%. The results of the consumer acceptance questionnaire of GM additives in meat products proved the presence of several critical aspects of concerns to consumers of meat products in different localities of Riyadh city.
Investigation of the Effect of Technological Processing on the Quality of Goat's Milk Cheese
Authors: Matibayeva Аinur , Jetpisbayeva Bagila , Zhexenbay Nurshash , Izteliyeva Raushan , Kuzembayeva Gaukhar , Abdiyeva Karlygash
Published: April 2022

In this article, the possibility of using goat's milk in the production of cheeses is investigated and justified. In order to improve the functional and technological properties of cheeses, the influence of technological processes on the quality indicators of cheeses has been studied. Taking into account the conducted research and practical experience, it is advisable to carry out the maturation of thermized goat's milk at 65°C, followed by its pasteurization at 72-75°C. The use of partial salting of cheese in grain in an amount of 0.5-0.7 kg of table salt per 100 kg of milk increases the moisture content of the product by 2.2-2.8%, provides a more uniform salting of cheese heads and reduces the duration of salting by 1-2 days. Reducing the duration of salting, maturation in brine and carrying out brine-free storage of cheeses helps to reduce the content of sodium chloride to 4-5% versus 6-7% in control. Thus, it was found that reducing the duration of salting brine cheeses in brine 20-22% concentration to 4-5 days instead of 20-30 and carrying out without brine maturation increases the moisture content in the finished product by 2.5-3.5% and reduces the salt content by 2.0-2.5%, which intensifies the process of cheese maturation. Production modes have been optimized and the expediency of using bacterial starter culture and a preparation for brine cheeses consisting of salt-resistant strains of mesophilic lactic acid streptococci and L.casei sticks has been proved. This makes it possible to intensify microbiological and biochemical processes and accelerate the maturation of cheeses by 2 times.
Development of Plant-Based Yoghurt Rich in Bioavailable Essential Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds from Ingredients Available in East Africa
Authors: Dusabe Angelique , Chacha Musa , Vianney John Mary , Raymond Jofrey
Published: April 2022

The main aim of the present study was to formulate a convenient plant-based yoghurt (PBY) with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds comparable to that of cow's milk using locally available ingredients in East Africa. Linear programming (LP) was applied for ratios optimization. The fermentation technique was deployed using commercial yoghurt culture (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) to develop a palatable and functional yoghurt. Laboratory analysis was conducted to validate the nutritional and functional values calculated by LP, and their relative difference was also calculated. PBY was analyzed for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viability and storage stability for the 1st, 7th, and 14th day of refrigeration storage (4°C). Results showed that LP-optimized PBY could be formulated at a low cost of USD 0.9/kg, which is 60% cheaper than Alpro natural PBY. The formulation contained 37.87% and 18.88% of total Monounsaturated Fatty acids (MUFAs) and total Polyunsaturated Fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively. PBY riches in essential nutrients and functional properties enough to meet the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for 2-10-year old children. Formulated PBY were microbiologically stable for 14 days of storage and were found within acceptable standards specified by the Food Standard Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) and the East African Standard for yoghurt (EAS 33:2006). Plant-based yoghurt rich in nutrient bioavailability and bioactive compounds can be formulated using locally available ingredients and considered as an alternative to yoghurt.
Development and Quality Evaluation of Noodles Supplemented with Germinated Horse Gram Flour
Authors: Narwal Jyoti , Yadav Ritika
Published: April 2022

Germinated horse gram flour (GHF), refined wheat flour (RWF) and different blends (10, 20, 30, and 40% GHF) were analyzed for their functional properties such as water absorption, oil absorption, swelling capacity, solubility index, color, and pasting properties. The noodles were developed by the incorporation of germinated horse gram flour in refined wheat flour in different proportions (10, 20, 30, and 40% GHF) and analyzed for their textural, cooking, and sensorial properties. The reduction in cooking time, cooked weight and water absorption were noted with the increase in the percentage of substitution of GHF. However, the cooking loss increased with increase in the concentration of GHF in RWF. The noodles from 100% RWF showed the highest value for hardness whereas sample A (90% RWF: 10% GHF) showed the lowest value for hardness. Among the blends, the hardness, chewiness, and springiness of cooked noodles increased with increase in the concentration of GHF. The decreased value of cohesiveness for GHF blended cooked noodles than control noodles described the less sticky nature of noodles. The addition of GHF also affected the sensory properties of cooked noodles. The noodles developed from blends of GHF with RWF were darker in color than control noodles. The noodles prepared from 40% GHF had the lowest score for overall acceptability. The overall acceptance of noodles prepared with 10% and 20% GHF were similar to the control.
Antibacterial Activity of Black Pepper Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Formulated by Emulsion Phase Inversion Method
Authors: Hien Ly Thi Minh , Anh Dao Dong Thi
Published: April 2022

Black pepper essential oil has been proved to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in many recent studies. However, free essential oils are often lipophilic and difficult to use in food products. The nanoemulsion has some advantages such as good dispersion, long-term stability, and transparency. In our study, the Emulsion Phase Inversion method was utilized to formulate black pepper essential oil nanoemulsion. After 6 months, the nanoemulsion retained the droplet size about 18 nm and there was a rise in polydispersity index from 0.087 to 0.608. Besides, concentrations of important components (α-pinene, β-pinene, D-limonene, 3-carene, and β-caryophyllene) in the BPEO phase of nanoemulsion were similar to pure essential oil. This study was also showed that Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica were sensitive to black pepper essential oil nanoemulsion than free essential oil. Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations of nanoemulsion for E. coli and S. enterica (137 and 273 µg/mL, respectively) were higher than those of free essential oil (547 µg/mL). In addition, nanoemulsion inhibited these bacterial growth on pork samples. When utilizing nanoemulsion as a meat preservative, meat samples, which contained nanoemulsions, observed significantly lower aerobic microbial counts than control samples.
Ozone as a Solution for Eliminating the Risk of Aflatoxins Detected in Some Meat Products.
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Hamdy , Ammar Mahmoud Ammar Mohamed , Zaki Zakaria Mukhtar , Youssef Alaa Eldin Kamal
Published: April 2022

The current study was designed to assess the efficiency of ozone (O3) as a green technology in the detoxification of aflatoxins (AFs) in luncheon and kofta. Both products can deliver AFs to consumers where all samples revealed more than one of the major AF B1, B2, G1, and G2. Kofta contained a higher level (15.2 ppb) of total AFs compared to luncheon (4.8 ppb). By exposing samples to O3, the degree of detoxification was proportional to O3 concentration. At 20 ppm O3, the most detoxified AFs were AFB2 (67.1%) and AFG1 (68.3%) while the reduction in other AFs ranged from 11.6 – 55.2% and 44.7 – 61.4% for luncheon and kofta, respectively. By 40 ppm O3, the most detoxified AFs were AFG1 (100%) and AFB2 (91.7%) while the reduction in other AFs ranged from 54.6 – 85.7 % and 61.4 – 78.4%, respectively. By the two applied concentrations, O3none significantly lowered the pH values of samples. Lipid stability was inversely proportional with O3 concentration as fat was more stable at 20 compared to 40 ppm O3, where kofta appeared higher stability compared to luncheon. Ozone appeared able to eliminate or significantly reduce AFs in raw and ready-to-eat meat products with negligible changes in physicochemical properties.
Effect of Micronutrient Concentration on the Growth of Children in Central Rural Highland of Ethiopia: Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Hailemiriam Abebe Ferede , Lema Tefera Belachew , Wordofa Muluemebet Abera
Published: April 2022

The objective of study designed to concur whether micronutrient concentration change reduces the high burden of growth defect of young children age 6 to 59 after nutrition behavior exertions end in Central highland Ethiopia. We used a cluster parallel, non-inferiority randomized control trial. “Kebeles” [lower administrations] selected from central highland districts randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control cluster. At the baseline survey, 1012 children aged 6-59 months and paired mothers were selected from randomly assigned kebeles using a systematic sampling method. The intervention cluster was appointed to exploit nutrition behavior intervention through 15 months. The baseline and end-line data contained median urine iodine, hemoglobin, anthropometry, and other variables analyzed using independent t-test and Generalized Estimate Equation (GEE) using SPSS version 21 software. At the end-line, about 715 study participants completed the nutrition Behavior Change Communication (BCC) intervention. A very high (42.1%) prevalent growth defect observed at baseline and reduced to high level (28.67%) at the end-line. Baseline iodine concentration by 0.69 cm (B=0.69, P < 0.05) and end-line by 0.271 cm (B=0.271, P < 0.05) somewhat increased average end-line height compared to iron concentration. The difference of height (Ht) baseline – end-line between intervention and control group was 0.51 cm. Being in the intervention cluster increased Ht by 10.8 cm (beta [β] = 10.8, standard error [SE] = 1.023) than other predictors of growth of children. This community-based study implied the need for efforts to improve the linear growth of children at an early age through inspiring nutrition behavior.
Exploring the Five-Factor Structure of the Need for Closure Scale on Indian Samples Using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Paliwal Deepshikha , Kumar Ritesh
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted to explore the five-factor structure of the Need for Closure scale on Indian samples using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were initially collected from 450 samples which were reduced to 235 cases later based on the lie score criteria of the Need for Closure Scale. To rule out the problems caused by all questionnaire items like low reliability and low communalities, parceling of the items (creating three parcels from each facet) was done before the multivariate analysis (EFA and CFA). In the results, EFA showed that the five-factor structure of the NFC scale explains 52% of the variance. The goodness of fit statistics in the CFA model met the criteria (χ2 = 190.153, GFI = 0.908, TLI = 0.855, CFI = 0.890, RMSEA = 0.077) for the reasonable fit of the single factor structure of the NFC construct. In conclusion, this study presented the good psychometric properties of the NFC scale. It can be used to assess the individual's need for closure in the wider contexts of Indian studies.
O Silenciamento da Cobertura Local no Webjornalismo: o Caso do Portal Gaúcho Noroeste Online
Authors: Granez Marcio da Silva
Published: April 2022

Este artigo é uma investigação sobre a presença do jornalismo local no webjornalismo. Conceitualmente, ampara-se nas características do webjornalismo (CANAVILHAS, 2014) e na noção de jornalismo local (AMARAL, 2012). A investigação empírica se baseia na Análise de Conteúdo (BARDIN, 2009) das matérias do portal de notícias Noroeste Online, da cidade de Ijuí, RS. Os dados mostram que as matérias com foco na realidade local representam menos de um terço do total de matérias do portal. A menor presença de conteúdos produzidos por sites e portais de alcance local, como se observa no caso analisado, é um dado que vai ao encontro de uma tendência mais ampla, de concentração e de padronização pelas grandes empresas na produção de conteúdos. Menos diversidade na cobertura local é um indício de menos pluralidade no jornalismo.
O sonho de um sound designer: Um Lugar Silencioso e o som em primeiro plano
Authors: Carreiro Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

Este ensaio busca analisar a banda sonora do filme A quiet place (Um lugar silencioso, John Krasinski, 2018), destacando o uso do silêncio e a espacialização dos sons como elementos dramáticos cruciais para a modulação afetiva do enredo. A fim de instrumentalizar a análise, utilizaremos os conceitos de ponto de escuta e continuidade intensificada. Com isso, pretendemos lançar luz para alguns artifícios criativos com que o filme molda a experiência estética da plateia, afetando-a a ponto de alterar o comportamento dos espectadores diante do filme.
O PODCAST como prática pedagógica: Uma experiência de inovação nas aulas de comunicação e sociedade
Authors: Furlin Neiva
Published: April 2022

Este texto tem como objetivo relatar a experiência de uma prática pedagógica inovadora, realizada no curso de Publicidade e Propaganda da Unoesc, com o protagonismo de estudantes tanto no processo de ensino-aprendizagem como na promoção da cidadania para a comunidade externa, por meio da socialização de saberes úteis à sociedade. Entre as estratégias de aprendizagem utilizadas nas aulas, damos destaque à produção de podcasts. Os resultados apontam a importância do uso de práticas pedagógicas que envolvem os discentes e transformam as aprendizagens mais significativas.
The benefits of index telephone consultations in patients referred on the two-week wait colorectal cancer pathway
Authors: Wanigasooriya K , Sarma DR , Woods P , O’Connor P , Matthews A , Aslam MI , Dando C , Ferguson H , Francombe J , Lal N , Murphy PD , Papettas T , Ramcharan S , Busby K
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to hospitals in the UK substituting face-to-face (FtF) clinics with virtual clinic (VC) appointments. We evaluated the use of virtual two-week wait (2-ww) lower gastrointestinal (LGI) clinic appointments, conducted using telephone calls at a district general hospital in England.

Methods

Patients undergoing index outpatient 2-ww LGI clinic assessment between 1 June 2019 and 31 October 2019 (FtF group) and 1 June 2020 and 31 October 2020 (VC group) were identified. Relevant data were obtained using electronic patient records. Compliance with national cancer waiting time targets was assessed. Environmental and financial impact analyses were performed.

Results

In total, 1,531 patients were analysed (median age=70, male=852, 55.6%). Of these, 757 (49.4%) were assessed virtually via telephone; the remainder were seen FtF (n=774, 50.6%). Ninety-two (6%, VC=44, FtF=48) patients had malignant pathology and 64 (4.2%) had colorectal cancer (CRC); of these, 46 (71.9%, VC=26, FtF=20) underwent treatment with curative intent. The median waiting times to index appointment, investigation and diagnosis were significantly lower following VC assessment (p<0.001). The cancer detection rates (p=0.749), treatments received (p=0.785) and median time to index treatment for CRC patients (p=0.156) were similar. A significantly higher proportion of patients were seen within two weeks of referral in the VC group (p<0.001). VC appointments saved patients a total of 9,288 miles, 0.7 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions and £7,482.97. Taxpayers saved £80,242.00 from VCs. No formal complaints were received from patients or staff in the VC group.

Conclusion

Virtual 2-ww LGI clinics were effective, safe and were associated with tangible environmental and financial benefits.
Ocorrência de oofagia em girinos de Leptodactylus troglodytes (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae)
Authors: Silva Márcio Borba da , Juncá Flora Acuña
Published: April 2022

Dois girinos de Leptodactylus troglodytes foram registrados comendo ovos de Physalaemus albifrons em uma área do semi-árido do estado da Bahia, Brasil. O girino oófago estava no estádio 37 (Gosner, 1960). Um deles apresentou 458 ovos no seu trato intestinal, estando 71% mais largo que os outros girinos de L. troglodytes que não foram observados comendo ovos. Girinos desenvolvendo-se em hábitats sujeitos a estresse hídrico podem suplementar suas dietas com alimentos alternativos, adotando comportamento oofágico facultativo. Os girinos de L. troglodytes provavelmente são oofágicos oportunistas podendo também consumir ovos de outras espécies, assim como ovos de P. albifrons.
Primer registro de Hubbardiidae (Arachnida: Schizomida) encontrado en un fragmento de Floresta Atlántica en el Nordeste brasileño (Recife-Pernambuco-Brasil)
Authors: Peres Marcelo Cesar Lima , Benati Kátia Regina , Oliveira-Alves Alder
Published: April 2022

El conocimiento sobre el orden Schizomida en Brasil es bastante escaso, principalmente en ambiente de Mata Atlántica. En Brasil existen datos de los estados de Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo y de la región Amazónica. El objetivo fue registrar el primer hallazgo de Schizomida para el Nordeste brasileño, concretamente en ambiente de Floresta Atlántica. El animal examinado mide cerca de 3,55 mm de longitud; está depositado en la colección del Museu Nacional da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brasil. El espécimen fue capturado mediante el uso de trampas de “pitfall trap” húmedo, en el Parque Estadual de Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE. Este posee una extensión de 384,4 hectáreas, se clasifica como Floresta Ombrófila Densa y se encuentra aislado dentro de una área con predominancia urbana. Sugerimos colectas orientadas para la captura de estos arácnidos con el objetivo de obtener datos más precisos sobre su distribución geográfica.
Gorceixia decurrens (Compositae: Vernonieae): new for Bahia State, Brazil
Authors: Hind D. J. Nicholas , Giulietti Ana Maria , Harley Raymond M.
Published: April 2022

Recent fieldwork and collections have added a new genus to the Compositae flora of Bahia State, Brazil. Gorceixia decurrens is newly recorded for the State from Caatinga woodland along the lower part of the Estrada Real, in the municipality of Rio de Contas. A full description is provided, its distribution and conservation status discussed; likely affinities in the Vernonieae are discussed with the conclusion that it belongs to the subtribe Piptocarphinae.
Flora da Bahia: Portulacaceae
Authors: Coelho Alexa Araújo de Oliveira P. , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: April 2022

É apresentado o levantamento florístico das espécies de Portulacaceae da Bahia, Brasil, como uma contribuição ao estudo da flora do Estado. O trabalho foi baseado na análise morfológica dos espécimes depositados em diversos herbários ou obtidos através de coletas realizadas pelas instituições envolvidas no Projeto da Flora da Bahia. Foram reconhecidas nove espécies para a Bahia incluindo duas espécies de Talinum – T. paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. e T. triangulare (Jacq.) Willd., e sete espécies de Portulaca – P. elatior Mart., P. halimoides L., P. hirsutissima Camb., P.mucronata Link., P. oleracea L., P. umbraticola Kunth e P. werdermannii Poelln. São apresentadas chaves analíticas para os gêneros e espécies, além de descrições, ilustrações e comentários gerais para as espécies.
The Artist’s Way: Mohsin Hamid Confesses an Artistic Trauma in his Non-Fiction
Authors: Madiou Mohamed Salah Eddine , Al-Khawaldeh Samira
Published: April 2022

While critics take a particular interest in discussing Mohsin Hamid as a novelist of globalization, migration, war, politics, economics, and capitalism, I contend that Hamid manifests a strong interest in, even obsession with, art in his fiction and non-fiction, which also makes him a novelist of art. Relying on his own words in his non-fiction, I argue that Hamid expresses a direct, often indirect concern about his artistic life, which includes his artistic experiences, ways, pursuits, and struggles in the globalized world of art. This article aims to ground my obstinate claim that Hamid symbolically exposes his own artistic life in his fiction in reality; it does this by focusing on Hamid’s non-fiction where his personal confessions can be said to be the most pronounced in contrast to his fiction where these are symbolic and, therefore, less definite. It establishes the basis on which my subsequent claim that Hamid speaks about his artistic experiences in his fiction can stand and, by extension, the claim that his fiction, besides being metafictional, can also be considered autobiographical.
On Humanitarian Law and the U.S. Double Standard
Authors: Talhami Ghada Hashem
Published: April 2022

U.S. criticism of its client/ally Saudi Arabia regarding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi immediately diminished the kingdom’s ability to secure funds for its latest mega development project, the Neom convention center. U.S. intelligence pinned the crime on aides to Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS). At the same time, a seemingly unauthorized operation, later attributed to former president Donald Trump, killed a top Iranian commander, Qasem Suleimani, by a drone strike. Congress was not involved and the UN protested this as a violation of Article 51 of its Charter, emphasizing that this was justified in a case of imminent threat, undertaken only by a state. Encouraged by drone technology, the U.S. found it easy to locate the target and minimize collateral damage. International lawyers and military experts are still debating the legitimacy of such action. The U.S. is persisting in claiming that it upholds the standards of international humanitarian law which sometimes sanctions targeted killing. A number of international law professors continue to deride U.S. action as illegal, while the latter continues to describe its actions as defensive in nature. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch lament the reluctance of previous U.S. presidents to define targeted killing.
Una teología destituyente
Authors: Herrera Esaú Segura
Published: April 2022

This article provides an overview of the Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination. After a brief development of their origins, it breaks down some of their central beliefs. Next, it seeks to unveil and disentangle what lies behind what they call «political neutrality» and how this involves them in dilemmas vis-à-vis national states. The article concludes by demonstrating the compelling incidence of the private sphere —such as the religious and theological elements— on the public sphere, which recognizes the blurring of the line separating the two registers.
The Usmeka System of Thought
Authors: Vargas-Mariño Andrés Felipe
Published: April 2022

The ontological turn in humanities and social sciences exposed how the power structures supporting scientific knowledge production exclude non-Western relational knowledges as epistemologically invalid. Thus, the responses to this exclusionary knowledge production infrastructure range from anti-scientific to using science to validate indigenous knowledges. However, those responses overlook subaltern spiritualities and how they decolonise science to open epistemic emancipatory spaces. Based on ethnographic research, this article describes the Usmeka community in Bogotá. While addressing scientific knowledge as a mid-level language to dialogue with nature, it mobilises epistemological emancipation possibilities. The analysis contributes to understanding how colonial subjects subvert scientific inquiry as a tool of epistemic control.
US Imperial Quests
Authors: Craven James M.
Published: April 2022

What kinds of persons, organizations, cultures, or indeed systems←→ideologies speak and use the language of domination, control, self-proclaimed Number One in undefined and immeasurable ways? Prominent transnational neo-lib/con (purple fusion) ideologues, politicians, militarists do not speak of strategic parity or security or defense, but speak of dominance and dominating all other nations and/or non-state actors even daring to challenge their self-somberly-asserted doctrine. They do not speak of strategic dominance in terms of battle spaces (land, sea, air, space, cyberspace, cognito-space, electromagnetic space) but forms of offensive and defensive weapons; influence in strategic global institutions; control over strategic resources, technologies, R&D centers; control of key educational institutions and their curricula. This paper explores some of the contradictions, causes, effects, dynamics, failures of evolving imperial doctrines and institutions governing various declared and undeclared forms, methods, and arenas of global dominance sought now and in the future.
Value and Price
Authors: Laibman David
Published: April 2022

Controversy has prevailed since the problem of “transforming” values into prices first emerged in the late 19th century. Progress has, regrettably, been hampered by attempts to “vindicate” Marx’s work exactly, rather than treating him as a pioneer upon whom his successors must build, using the latest scientific methods. To make progress, the question must be faced squarely: what does the value dimension—assuming that we can define it and determine its properties with rigor and precision—actually do? How does a value-theoretic political economy provide superior insights into capitalist laws of motion, which could not be attained by critical study of the empirically received categories (prices, wages, profits, production) alone? Insights from Marx and Engels into the formation of a general balance of the opposing class forces of capitalist society may help us in our search for answers to these questions.
Capital–Labor Relations in the Japanese Construction Industry
Authors: Shibata Teppei
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to identify the causes of and solutions to the shortage of human resources in Japan’s construction industry from the perspective of the transformation of the capital–labor relations. The findings are as follows. The main reason for the shortage of human resources is the low level of working conditions brought about by the structure of multiple subcontracting and the reproduction of day laborers as a low-wage sector. Therefore, correction of this structure is required. In the 2000s, it became clear that dependent contractors and foreign workers were forming a new low-wage sector. In light of the above, correction of the multi-layered subcontracting structure and improvement of working conditions in the low-wage sector are required to solve the human resource shortage.