bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dialectics of religious discourse, radicalism and terrorism
Authors: Ni Made Sumaryani  
Published: November 2024

An in-depth study conducted in the context of globalisation and modern social dynamics focuses on religious discourse, radicalism and terrorism. The complex interactions between religious rhetoric, radical understandings, and the emergence of acts of terrorism are discussed in this article. This research explores how religious discussions can be a fertile ground for the emergence of radical ideologies, which eventually lead to acts of terrorism, by integrating theological, psychological, and social perspectives. The research aims to gain a better understanding of the components that influence the radicalisation process by identifying the ways in which religious discourse supports radicalism. The data in this study was obtained through observation and literature review, and analysed by content analysis. This study shows that understanding how religion, radicalism and terrorism interact is crucial to stopping and countering threats to world security because radical thinking often fuels terrorism, which uses violence as a means to achieve certain goals.
Efeitos das intervenções não farmacológicas focadas na qualidade do sono, resultando em redução da compulsão alimentar em mulheres grávidas: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Lara Larissa Oliveira , Sousa Gabriel Ribeiro , Campos Sara Monteiro , Figueiredo Gabriel Henrique Pacheco de , Lima Lorrana Feleol 
Published: November 2024

Introdução: A compulsão alimentar em mulheres grávidas é frequentemente associada à insônia, o que compromete a saúde mental e o equilíbrio emocional. Intervenções não farmacológicas que melhorem a qualidade do sono, como Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental para Insônia (TCC-I), higiene do sono e Mindfulness, podem ser eficazes na redução desses episódios, proporcionando controle emocional e melhorando a saúde mental. Objetivo: Este estudo revisa o impacto da qualidade do sono na redução de episódios de compulsão alimentar em mulheres grávidas, com foco em intervenções não farmacológicas. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados PubMed, utilizando descritores “Sleep quality/qualidade do sono“, “Binge eating/compulsão alimentar”, “Pregnant women/mulheres grávidas”, identificando dezenove estudos. Após aplicar critérios de inclusão e exclusão, selecionaram-se dez estudos focados em TCC-I, higiene do sono e Mindfulness. Excluíram-se artigos que não abordavam o público-alvo, que não analisavam a relação entre sono e compulsão alimentar ou que incluíam intervenções farmacológicas. Após rigorosa triagem, quatro estudos foram escolhidos para análise final. Resultados: Os resultados destacam que a TCC-I é a intervenção mais promissora para melhorar a qualidade do sono e reduzir a compulsão alimentar, favorecendo o controle emocional, pois taxas de resposta dos grupos estudados variaram de 2% para o tratamento da bulimia nervosa (Thompson-Brenner, 2003) a 14% para o transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (Hunot et al., 2007). As intervenções de higiene do sono e Mindfulness também mostraram-se eficazes, sendo mais acessíveis e complementares. O Mindfulness, em particular, contribui para a redução de estresse e ansiedade. Conclusão: A TCC-I mostrou-se capaz de melhorar a qualidade do sono e no controle da compulsão alimentar. Abordagens complementares, como higiene do sono e Mindfulness, embora com efeitos mais sutis, podem ser promissores, porém não apresentam dados e resultados concretos como a TCC-I.
Prevalência e frequência do uso de drogas por universitários de cursos da saúde de uma instituição pública do sul do país
Authors: Rocha Maria Júlia Costa 
Published: November 2024

O controle de substâncias tóxicas é um dos pilares da Medicina do Estilo de Vida. O uso de drogas pode ter seu início na adolescência e juventude, ou até antes, e se tornar um vício, com risco de se estender por toda a vida. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é identificar a prevalência do uso de drogas por acadêmicos do 1o. ano de cursos da área da saúde de uma Universidade pública do Sul do país. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa em Humanos, sob o C.A.A.E. 75873123.80000.0104 e parecer no. 6.625.840. Participaram 92 estudantes dos cursos de Medicina (n=15), Odontologia (n=7), Enfermagem (n=26), Psicologia (n=1), Biomedicina (n=14), Educação Física (n=15) e Farmácia (n=14), que responderam a um questionário on-line sobre o tipo de drogas, a frequência e quando foi iniciado o seu uso. Verificou-se que os tóxicos mais utilizados foram: álcool (96,7% dos estudantes) e cigarros eletrônicos (61%). Apenas 3,3% alegaram nunca terem utilizado nenhuma droga. A maioria dos estudantes (65%) iniciou o uso do álcool, cigarro e cigarro eletrônico no ensino médio e 21% afirmaram ter iniciado na universidade. Verificou-se a frequência de 6,5% de uso diário, 27,2% semanal e 43,5% mensal. Em relação ao uso de maconha, crack, êxtase, lança perfume e cocaína, verificou-se que 39,2% fazem ou já fizeram o uso, sendo que 6,5% utilizavam diariamente, 27,2% semanalmente e 43,5%, mensalmente. Quando questionados sobre o início do uso, 17,4% responderam ter iniciado no ensino médio e 20,7%, durante a faculdade. Conclui-se que a prevalência e a frequência do uso de drogas entre estudantes universitários da saúde são altas, o que demonstra um grave problema de estilo de vida entre os acadêmicos, capaz de prejudicar a formação universitária, a sua própria saúde e da população atendida. Assim, faz-se necessário, o desenvolvimento de estratégias para educação, prevenção e auxílio aos acadêmicos em relação ao uso de substâncias tóxicas, tão prejudiciais para uma vida saudável.
Risk factors for Beta-lactam and carbapenem-resistant bacteria causing post-burn infections
Authors: Haider Muhammad Hayat , Akram Amina , Nasir Maira , Sherwani Rehan Ahmad Khan , Shareef Muhammad Umair , Ali Muhammad Nauman , Riaz Saba 
Published: November 2024

Background: Burn patients are predisposed to infection because of the loss of skin barrier protection and low immunity. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors of post-burn infections due to beta-lactam and carbapenem-resistant bacteria (CR) isolated from a major burn unit.Methods: The descriptive study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital Lahore’s Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre (JB & RSC) and the Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG), University of the Punjab, Lahore. The clinical specimens of wound swabs, including the age, gender, socio-economic status, residence, occupation, hospital stay, wards, burn degree, total burnt surface area (TBSA%), etiology of burn, and other factors were recorded. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), ESBL and CR screening (Beta- lactam and carbapenem resistant bacteria) were performed using CLSI guidelines 2017.Results: The most dominant strain was Pseudomonas spp. 26.5% (n=106), followed by 15% (n=60) Klebsiella spp., and 7.5% (n=30) Acinetobacter spp. with ESBL-producing strains. Compared to nosocomial infections, community-acquired infections were observed in 314 (78.5%) patients with more ESBL production. There was a significant relation between burnt people having an age of ≤ 29 years with ESBL (p=0.985) and carbapenemases (p=0.694) infections. None of the other factors, like low socioeconomic status and more hospital stays had a significant correlation (p > 0.05).Concluded: It has been concluded that MDR gram-negative strains play a serious role in burn infections and demand suitable methods to decrease their number. Pseudomonas spp. was the most common post-burn infection causing bacteria. Unfortunately, a high frequency of burn infections was observed in the patients at a young age.Keywords: Post burn infections; Gram negative; MDR; Beta- lactam; Carbapenem resistant
Bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutants by Pseudomonas putida under optimal conditions
Authors: Shandookh Fatima Kareem , Mohammed Melad Khalaf , Jabbar Ahmed Darweesh 
Published: November 2024

Background: The extreme toxicity of petroleum products to human and environmental health, particularly when linked to large-scale unintentional spills, has made them one of the most serious and current environmental pollution issue. Petroleum products are a complex mixture of hydrocarbons.Methods: Oil-contaminated soil samples were gathered and utilized to isolate hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial isolates. The bacterial isolates possessing bioremediation capabilities were identified using phenotypic determination and biochemical properties. The Optimal conditions including incubation period, temperature, different pH values and different carbon sources were studied for bioremediation of crude oil by bacterial isolates.Result: In Wasit province of Iraq, Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescens, and P. aeruginosa isolated from soil samples tainted with petroleum hydrocarbons. Pseudomonas putida have more ability for bioremediation of crude oil (68%) compared to P. aeruginosa and P. fluorescens (47%, 58%) respectively. The results of optical density (600nm), biomass and (E24%) index for Pseudomonas putida were (1.080, 1.98 and 60%) respectively. The Optimal conditions (incubation period, temperature, different pH values and different carbon sources) were studied for bioremediation of crude oil by Pseudomonas putida by using liquid BHM supplemented with 1% crude oil. The result of this study showed that the incubation period of 9 days was the optimum for bioremediation of hydrocarbons which was 88.33%. The optimum temperature and pH were 35 °C and 7 respectively. The carbon source (glucose and fructose) was optimal for hydrocarbon bioremediation.Conclusion: This bacterial isolate Pseudomonas putida can be use in petroleum hydrocarbon bioremediation process.Keywords: Pseudomonas putida; Bioremediation; Optical density
Characterization of garlic virus A, garlic virus D, and onion yellow dwarf virus infecting onion
Authors: Amer Mahmoud A. , Amir Muhammad , Hussain Khadim , Al-Shahwan Ibrahim M , Al-Saleh Mohammed A. 
Published: November 2024

Background: Allium cepa is one of the major vegetable crops cultivated in Saudi Arabia. This economically important crop faces several biotic stresses which adversely affect the quality and quantity of its production. Several virus groups (potyviruses, carlaviruses, tospoviruses, and allexiviruses) have been reported infecting Allium crops.Methods: During the growing season of 2021-2022, a total of 81 onion samples exhibiting virus-like symptoms were collected from two different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia. The serological technique (ELISA) was used to detect the important allexiviruses and potyviruses. RT-PCR amplification of partial genome sequence was done using degenerate primers for allexiviruses and potyviruses and the phylogenetic trees were constructed using different bioinformatic tools.Results: The results obtained from ELISA tests showed that 26% and 32% of onion samples were positive with both Garlic Virus A (GarV-A) and Onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV) respectively. RT-PCR amplification and sequencing results showed that two allexiviruses, GarV-A, garlic virus D (GarV-D), and one Potyvirus (OYDV) were detected in both regions. Sequence data were deposited in the GenBank database with accession numbers, OQ397545, OQ397546 for GarV-A, OQ397547 for GarV-D, and OQ397548, OQ397549 for OYDV, sequentially. Phylogenetic tree analysis of these virus isolates showed making clades with closely related isolates of their respective viruses. Pairwise nucleotide sequence identity showed their similarity with GarV-A, GarV-D, and OYDV isolates reported earlier in the GenBank.Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, these two distinct allexiviruses (GarV-A, GarV-D) and one Potyvirus (OYDV) were isolated for the first time from an onion crop in Saudi Arabia.Keywords: Allexiviruses; Potyviruses; Serological Detection; Allium cepa; RT-PCR; Sequence
Evaluation of the effectiveness of Azolla fern in removing the toxicity of lead and cadmium in water
Authors: Muttaleb Wurood Hamzah , Altameme Huda Jasim 
Published: November 2024

Background: Heavy metals are harmful to living organisms and are emitted into the environment from many different sources. Compared to alternative remediation technologies that are either too expensive or impractical, phytoremediation, in which plants are used to remove hazardous toxins from water and soil, is a viable option for use at extremely large field sites. Heavy metals may be removed from the environment by a wide variety of plants. Azolla, a kind of aquatic fern, is one example.Methods: Different concentrations of heavy elements (5,10, and 25mg/ L) were prepared and treated with the plant in different masses (0.2,0.4, and 0.8 grams)and over time periods of one and two weeks. The concentration of each element was measured before and after the treatment periods using an atomic absorption device.Results: As evidenced that spring Azolla (green type) was more effective at removing cadmium and lead elements than autumn Azolla (red type), where the spring Azolla recorded higher removal efficiency for Cd , where it was 1.80% under biomass 0.8g, contact time 10 days, and at metal concentration 10mg\L ,while the highest percentage removal for Pb , was 40.02% under biomass 0.4g, contact time 15 day and at metal concentration 5mg\L . Azolla has great potential for removing heavy metals from water resources and can be used in heavy metal phytoremediation initiatives in environmental improvement projects.Conclusion: This research suggests using the aquatic macrophyte Azolla, especially spring fern, to treat sewage and household wastewater containing Cadmium and Lead.Keywords: Azolla; Heavy metals; Phytoremediation; Cd; Pb
Photosynthesis microbial desalination cell: Analysis and kinetic study of microbial community contribute to biofilm formation, system performance and bioenergy recovery
Authors: Sadeq Ahmed Mustafa , Ismail Zainab Ziad 
Published: November 2024

Background: Detection of bacterial species using 16S rRNA is a popular approach in microbiology. This method focuses on 16S rRNA gene which includes both conserved regions shared among bacterial species and variable regions unique to each species. This study aimed for the first time to apply this technique for identifying and classifying the bacterial species which contribute to the formation of anodic biofilm in a tubular photosynthetic microbial desalination cell (PMDC).Methods: A tubular photosynthesis microbial desalination cell was designed and set up for simultaneous wastewater biotreatment and desalination of seawater associated with clean power generation.16S rRNA sequencing was used for characterization of the dominant microbial strains in the anodic biofilm. The materials involve DNA extracting from bacteria and PCR amplifying for 16S rRNA gene. The kinetic of the bacterial growth in relation to the substrate utilization was studied.Results: The results revealed the identification of 19 new dominant microbial strains; 13 in the initial shallow biofilm and 6 in the developed biofilm. Results of evaluating the PMDC performance demonstrated that maximum removal efficiency of organic content from sewage was 93±3% associated with power generation of 24.3±2.5 mW/m3 and 70±4% desalination efficiency of saline water. Results of the kinetic study of biomass growth demonstrated that among the 5 examined models, Monod and Blackman models significantly fitted the experimental data with determination coefficients (R2) of 0.951 and 0.907, respectively.Conclusion: This study adds to our knowledge of the anode biofilm's involvement in PMDC performance by identifying dominant microbial strains using 16S rRNA sequencing. The findings emphasize microbial contributions to simultaneous treatment of wastewater, desalination of sea water, and electricity generation. This experimental and theoretical investigation paves the way for future breakthroughs in microbial desalination technology, addressing crucial water scarcity issues.Keywords: Photosynthesis microbial desalination cell; Microbial characterization; Biofilm; Bacterial strains; Energy production
Exploring Natural Compounds Targeting the Bacterial SHV Protein to Combat Antibiotic Resistance: A Biocomputational Study
Authors: Anjum Farah , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Hawsawi Nahed , Alsaeedi Fouzeyyah Ali , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Alharthi Afaf , Almalki Abdulraheem Ali , Hulbah Maram Jameel , Alharthi Norah , Shafie Alaa , Bakhuraysah Maha 
Published: November 2024

Background: Antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria are rapidly spreading worldwide, posing a serious threat to antibiotic efficacy. Bacterial infections have emerged as a persistent threat following decades of antibiotic use. Sulfhydryl variable (SHV) is a well-known bacterial enzyme linked to AR. SHV has a high degree of genetic diversity, resulting in the existence of numerous distinct variants. Methods: The PyRx AutoDock VINA was used to conduct in-silico screening of a natural compound library to assess their interaction with the SHV-1 protein. SwissADME web tools were used to predict the physicochemical, drug-likeness, and ADMET properties of the selected compounds.Result: The compounds PSCdb00708, PSCdb00149, PSCdb00698, and PSCdb00175 bind strongly to the SHV-1 protein and interact strongly with the SHV-1 active site residues, as well as having several amino acid residue interactions in common with avibactam. These compounds exhibited higher binding affinity values than avibactam. Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated no violation of drug-likeness.Conclusion: The compounds PSCdb00708, PSCdb00149, PSCdb00698, and PSCdb00175 can be employed as SHV-1 inhibitors in the management of AR. However, experimental validation is required to optimize them as SHV-1 inhibitors.Keywords: Antibiotic-resistant; Antibiotic; Virtual screening; AutoDock; SHV-1 protein
Chemical Profiling and Pharmaceutical and Biological Activities of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. Seeds Collected from the Arid Zone of Qassim, Saudi Arabia against Aphis craccivora
Authors: Abdallah Emad M. , Ali Ahmed M. H. , Hashem Hanaa Fadl , Mujawah Adil A. , Elsharkawy Eman R. 
Published: November 2024

Background: Citrullus colocynthis L. (C. colocynthis) is a medicinal plant with a long history of traditional usage in Saudi Arabia, particularly for the treatment of digestive issues such as indigestion and stomach pain.Methods: C. colocynthis seeds were examined using qualitative and quantitative phytochemical methods. Antioxidant testing was conducted using DPPH assay and the reducing power test. Antibacterial properties were evaluated using the well-diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test. The effectiveness of the extract against Aphis craccivora (A. craccivora) was assessed using a leaf-dip bioassay, measuring generation time (GT), net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), doubling time (DT), and finite rate of growth (λ).Results: The methanolic extract of C. colocynthis seeds included diverse bioactive compounds, a good quantity of phenolic content (60.45 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (46.66 mg/g). The antibacterial tests showed that the extract was effective only against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. The extract recorded inhibition zones of 14.5 ± 0.7 mm and 10.5 ± 0.5 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus showed the greatest sensitivity, with MIC of 6.25 mg/mL and MBC of 25.0 mg/mL. The extract was found to have a fatal concentration (LC50) of 9.02% and a lethal concentration (LC95) of 20.50% against A. craccivora aphid.Conclusions: The current vitro study on C. colocynthis reported that the seeds are effective as antioxidants, antibacterial agents (only against Gram-positive bacteria), and aphicidal agents against aphids. More investigations are recommended to examine the possible toxicity and biochemical interactions in vivo.Keywords: Plants; Biological activity; In vitro study; Citrullus colocynthis; Aphis craccivora; Aphicidal
Bioinformatic Analysis of Oxygen Sensitivity in Arcobacter bivalviorum's Pyruvate:Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase (PFOR)
Authors: Alqurashi Abdulmajeed 
Published: November 2024

Background: Arcobacter bivalviorum is an emerging foodborne pathogen particularly found in shellfish and other bivalves. This bacterium's metabolic versatility is highlighted by its possession of both the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) and Pyruvate:Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase (PFOR). The PFOR enzyme is crucial for linking glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. Previous studies of PFOR enzyme reveal its susceptibility to oxygen damage due to its reliance on Fe-S clusters for electron transfer.Methods: The current study employs bioinformatic approaches to explore the oxygen sensitivity of A. bivalviorum's PFOR, comparing it with Desulfovibrio africanus and Moorella thermoacetica. The UniProt database was used to obtain the sequences of PFOR from D. africanus (CAA70873), A. bivalviorum (AXH11209), and M. thermoacetica (Q2RMD6). This comparative analysis sheds light on the structural similarities and differences between the enzymes, providing a deeper understanding of their functional mechanisms.Result: PFOR enzyme is a heterodimer, with its functional subunits containing three [4Fe-4S]²⁺ clusters. Its exposed Fe-S clusters are vulnerable to oxygen and ROS, leading to enzyme inactivation. A comparison of PFOR sequences from D. africanus, M. thermoacetica, and A. bivalviorum reveals a crucial difference: the final 43 residues at the C-terminal of D. africanus are missing in the other two enzymes, depriving the M. thermoacetica and A. bivalviorum enzymes of a self-protective mechanism.Conclusion: Pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) in A. bivalviorum lacks protection from oxidative damage due to the absence of the final 43 amino acids at the C-terminal.Keywords: PFOR; Homology modeling; oxygen sensitivity; Foodborne pathogen
Neimann-Pick Diseases: Beyond Lipid Accumulation – Genetic, Diagnostics, and Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Naffadi Hind M 
Published: November 2024

Rare genetic disorders are the group of disorders/diseases that occur in such a low count that they are not considered much active market for therapeutics unless encouraged by appropriate incentives and support. They are too rare to be fully investigated and managed by health professionals. Genetic disorders are caused by change in genes and are often serious and complex. Around the world, most affected individuals are found to be children. They can be progressive and might get worse as children grow older. Niemann-Pick diseases (NPD) is one such group of rare genetic diseases that are characterized by unwanted and abnormal accumulation of lipids within the cells. In this review, we discuss the history, genetic basis, clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for NPD. We further discuss the pathophysiology of accumulation of lipids and their impact on cellular functions and organ systems and various management strategies.Keywords: Rare disease; Genetic mutation; Lipid metabolism; Cholesterol trafficking; Neurological abnormalities