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ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WEIGHTS OF SCHOOLBAG WITH MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS AMONG SAMPLE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Full text linkBackground: A heavy schoolbag is one of the most common health problems worldwide among school aged children. Frequently using the heavy schoolbag and using it incorrectly during school days may cause risk of musculoskeletal symptoms (involving pains in neck, both shoulders, back, waist, elbow, hand and wrist, thigh, knee, and foot), and can be a risk factor for other health problems including a change in body posture and spinal cord deformity. The study objectives were to investigate the association between the weight of schoolbags and the occurrence of neck, lower back, and shoulders and hand/wrist symptoms among primary school children.
Material & Methods: A descriptive (cross-sectional) design was carried out in public schools in Erbil city, during the academic year 2022-2023. Epi Info 7 (produced by CDC) computer program was used for sample size estimation. The sample involved 624 students aged 6 to 12 years from 12 primary schools in Erbil city.
Results: The majority (79.6%) of the students were using risky (heavy) weight schoolbag. The prevalence of pain (in one or more sites) was 41.3%. There was significant association between prevalence of pain and hand type of schoolbag (p=0.022), weight of bag (p=0.011), and ratio of weight of bag/body weight of more than 10% (p=0.020). Prevalence of pain was higher among students aged ≥10 years, who were using hand type bag, and who used to carry risky weight bag. Regression analysis showed that the following factors were associated with pain: age (≥10 years), lifting heavy weight, not practicing exercise.
Conclusion: In conclusion the prevalence of Musculo-skeletal pain was relatively high, which was multi-factorial
Evaluation of Alkali-Activated Mortar Incorporating Combined and Uncombined Fly Ash and GGBS Enhanced with Nano Alumina
Full text linkThe present research focuses on assessing the fresh and hardened properties as well as the durability performance of alkali-activated mortar in an ambient environment and the impact of integrating nano-alumina (NA) at a 2% ratio as a substitute for binder materials in alkali-activated mortar (AAM). Additionally, it assesses the effectiveness of alkali-activated mortar employing different blends of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash as environmentally friendly substitute building materials. Fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast slag (GGBS), and an equal mixture of GGBS and FA make up these binder ingredients. As a result, the main binders contain GGBS, FA, or a 50/50 mixture of GGBS and FA. The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration is fixed at a 12-molarity level, and the alkali activator solution to binder ratio is kept at 0.5. In the alkali solution, the ratio of sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide is always 2.5. The study evaluates various properties of AAM, such as compressive strength, flowability, unit weight, flexural tensile strength, and durability, under ambient conditions at a steady room temperature of 23±3°C. Results indicate that AAM mixtures devoid of NA exhibit a higher flow rate compared to those containing NA. Nonetheless, the flowability of AAM mixtures aligns well with standard requirements, being modest yet adequate. Significantly, the inclusion of NA enhances the mechanical properties and durability of AAM, demonstrating its beneficial effects
Correction: The local medicinal plant knowledge in Kashmir Western Himalaya: a way to foster ecological transition via community-centred health seeking strategies
Full text linkFollowing publication of the original article, it was
brought to the journal’s attention that afliation 5 was
incorrectly detailed. Afliation 5 has since been corrected
in the article to the following: Department of Botany and
Microbiology, College of Sciences, King Saud University,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Te authors thank you for reading this erratum and
apologize for any inconvenience caused
Gathering and Cooking Seaweeds in Contemporary Ireland: Beyond Plant Foraging and Trendy Gastronomies
Full text linkSeaweed has historically been essential for coastal communities worldwide. Following a period of decline in the last century, Ireland has seen a recent resurgence in the appreciation and use of seaweed. This research explores the evolution in seaweed foraging practices, with a specific focus on gastronomical uses in two Irish regions: the southwest and the west and midwest. It examines the diversity of seaweed and its present and past uses, comparing abandonment, continuation and revitalisation trajectories. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 27 individuals who forage seaweed for commercial or personal use. We identified 22 seaweed species across the study areas, predominantly from the Fucaceae, Laminariaceae and Ulvaceae families. There was a fair divergence between the seaweed species used in the two study areas (16 seaweed species in the southwest region and 17 seaweed species in the west and midwest region), with 11 species mentioned in both areas. Different trajectories of resurgence were identified. In the west and midwest region, the revitalisation of local ecological and gastronomic knowledge related to seaweeds seems to be deeply entrenched in the territory’s historical legacy, showing a sort of continuation with the past and having followed a more commercially oriented path. Conversely, in the southwest region, the revival seems to be fostered by new knowledge holders with a contemporary interest in reconnecting with the marine landscape and promoting educational activities centred around seaweed. This research contributes to discussions on sustainable food systems and food heritage promotion, emphasising seaweed’s potential role in Irish coastal communities’ foodscapes
A bitter flavonoid gum from Dorema aucheri accelerate wound healing in rats: Involvement of Bax/HSP 70 and hydroxyprolin mechanisms
Full text linkBackground
Dorema aucheri gum (DAG) is a bitter flavonoid gum widely used for numerous medicinal purposes including wound recovery. The present work investigates the acute toxicity and wound-healing effects of DAG in excisional skin injury in rats.
Materials and methods
Sprague Dawley rats (24) were clustered into four groups, each rat had a full-thickness excisional dorsal neck injury (2.00 cm) and addressed with 0.2 mL of the following treatments for 15 days: Group A (vehicle), rats addressed with normal saline; Group B, rats received intrasite gel; C and D, rats addressed with 250 and 500 mg/kg of DAG, respectively.
Results
The results revealed the absence of any toxic signs in rats who received oral dosages of 2 and 5 g/kg of DAG. Wound healing was significantly accelerated following DAG treatments indicated by smaller open areas and higher wound contraction percentages compared to vehicle rats. Histological evaluation revealed higher fibroblast formation, collagen deposition, and noticeably lower inflammatory cell infiltration in granulated skin tissues of DAG-addressed rats compared to vehicle rats. DAG treatment caused significant modulation of immunohistochemical proteins (decreased Bax and increased HSP 70) and inflammatory mediators (reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and magnified IL-10), which were significantly varied compared to vehicle rats. Moreover, topical DAG treatment led to significant upregulation of the hydroxyproline (HDX) (collagen) and antioxidant content. At the same time, decreased the lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels in healed tissues obtained from DAG-treated rats.
Conclusion
The present wound contraction by DAG might be linked with the modulatory effect of its phytochemicals (polysaccharides, flavonoids, and phenolic) on the cellular mechanisms, which justify their folkloric use and provokes further investigation as therapeutic drug additives for wound contraction
Synergistic interactions of zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange: A holistic approach to optimizing aquaculture performance of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Full text linkEffective water management is an essential component of sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in the context of global water scarcity. The accumulation of ammonium ions (NH4+) from fish metabolism necessitates frequent water changes, posing a challenge to the sustainability of fish farming operations. Zeolite materials have emerged as a promising solution, offering enhanced ammonium cation removal compared to conventional nitrifying bacteria. This innovative approach alleviates the pressure on water resources and promotes environmental sustainability in fish farming. Over 75 days, this study examined how zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange affected European seabass water quality and growth. 250 kg of seabass, 25.61 ± 2.39 g/fish. Three factors: zeolite levels (Z: 0, 10, and 15 ppt), density (D: 1, 2.5, and 5 kg/m3), and water exchange (W: 10, 25, and 50 %), using 81 hapas with 0.5 m3 vol each (triplicates for each treatment) fixed in concrete ponds, fish were randomly distributed among 81 experimental hapas in 27 ponds. This research illuminates the potential benefits of various therapies. Zeolite in seabass culture improved water quality. It reduced ammonia derivatives, improving water quality. Adjusting seabass stocking density to low or high improved water quality measures. This change kept dissolved oxygen levels within the target range, providing a good home for farmed fish. Zeolite supplements, reduced stocking density, and optimum water exchange improved European seabass growth, along with water quality improvements. These interventions improved feed consumption and growth rates. These approaches promoted fish growth and reduced stress by limiting the negative effects of high stocking density. The study also examined immune-related, hematobiochemical, and plasma biochemical characteristics after the interventions. Zeolite supplementation, to low stocking density, and water exchange improved these characteristics. They strengthened the European seabass' immune system and preserved healthy plasma and hematobiochemical parameters. In conclusion, optimizing European seabass culture with zeolite (15 ppt), stocking density (1 kg/m3), and water exchange (50 %) enhances water quality, growth performance, and physiological parameters. This contributes to improved aquaculture sustainability and efficiency. Further research is required to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms of those factors that affect fish health and aquaculture practices
A dynamic panel data approach of corporate tax avoidance and debt financing in Nigeria
Full text linkThis study examines the influence of corporate tax avoidance on the debt financing of listed conglomerate firms in Nigeria. The study utilized documentary data collected from the annual reports and accounts of the sampled companies from 2010 to 2021. The data were analyzed using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The results of the main analysis indicate that CETR and BTD have a negative and strong association with debt policy, proxied by debt to equity and debt to total assets. These findings imply that tax avoidance is positive and therefore more likely to increase the debt capital of listed companies in Nigeria. Hence, it is recommended that the management of conglomerate firms strive to strike a balance between non-debt tax shields and a tax shield in its effort to reduce its taxable income, as the cost of conventional debt is lower
Impacts of Industrialization on Foraging in Peri-Urban Areas. Insights from Padua, NE Italy
Full text linkWestern European societies, ecologies, and economies were significantly impacted by industrialization after WWII. Steadily increasing urbanization and the abandonment of traditional agricultural activities led to a rapid erosion of local environmental knowledge (LEK). We conducted 40 semi-structured interviews in Padua, one of the most industrialized areas of Italy, to identify changes and drivers of change in plant foraging. We documented the use of 56 plant, fungal, and animal taxa, including the most foraged Humulus lupulus, Silene vulgaris, and Papaver rhoeas. These are mainly prepared in risottos, frittatas, and boiled mixtures. During their lifetime, 68% of the interviewees redirected their foraging area, 25% completely abandoned their foraging practice, and 7% abandoned foraging but resumed it after retirement. Changes in the foraging area and foraging abandonment were mainly driven by increased pollution and lack of land accessibility, as well as partially related lifestyle changes and (micro)climate change. In the face of such changes and with the aim of re-establishing the connection between peri-urban communities and their land, some local committees are struggling to take back the unused spaces of the industrial area and prevent future loss of land accessibility and consequent loss of LEK
Gut-Brain Connection; IBS linked to Anxiety, Quality of Life, and Academic Performance in Undergraduate Students
Full text linkBackground: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disease that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. It causes several distressing abdominal symptoms that affect the quality of life, emotional well-being, and academic performance of undergraduate students. Chronic stress affects many processes including immunity and angiogenesis. Our cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of IBS and its impact on anxiety levels, quality of life, and academic performance among undergraduate students. Method: A total of 357 students (male and female) were randomly selected. IBS prevalence was assessed using Rome III criteria and Birmingham IBS Symptom Questionnaire. Anxiety and quality of life were measured using Beck Anxiety Inventory and IBS-Quality of Life Questionnaire respectively. Results: About 16% of students had IBS with the majority from medical departments. Females had a higher IBS prevalence due to diet, lifestyle, and cultural habits. Students with IBS showed high levels of anxiety, below-average quality of life, low academic performance, and insufficient knowledge of IBS. Interestingly, negative, and positive correlations (p =.000) were found between the demographic variables. However, the anxiety levels and quality of life were significantly correlated. Conclusion: Several factors, such as social characteristics, diet, and posttraumatic stress disorder caused by wars, are significantly correlated with IBS development, and could impact students' lives. Our findings can pave the way for creating preventive measures, including stress management and health education programs, to curb the incidence of IBS and anxiety among undergraduate students. Therefore, appropriate interventions are necessary to address the student’s mental health with IBS and improve their academic and personal lives
Curcumin and Berberine Arrest Maturation and Activation of Dendritic CellsDerived from Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Full text linkBackground:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease recognized by elevated activity of autoimmune cells, loss of tolerance, and
decreased regulatory T cells producing inhibitory cytokines. Despite many efforts, the definitive treatment for lupus has not been fully understood.
Curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) have significant immunomodulatory roles and anti-inflammatory properties that have been demonstrated in
various studies. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of CUR and BBR on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
(DCs) with an special focus on the maturation and activation of DCs.
Methods:
Human monocytes were isolated from the heparinized blood of SLE patients and healthy individuals, which were then exposed to cytokines (IL-4
and GM-CSF) for five days to produce immature DCs. Then, the obtained DCs were characterized by FITC-uptake assay and then cultured in the
presence of CUR, BBR, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 48 h. Finally, the maturation of DCs was analyzed by the level of maturation using flow
cytometry or real-time PCR methods.
Results:
The results showed promising anti-inflammatory effects of CUR and BBR in comparison with LPS, supported by a significant reduction of not
only co-stimulatory and antigen-presenting factors such as CD80, CD86, CD83, CD1a, CD14, and HLA-DR but also inflammatory cytokines such
as IL-12.
Conclusion:
CUR and BBR could arrest DC maturation and develop a tolerogenic DC phenotype that subsequently promoted the expression of inhibitory
cytokines and reduced the secretion of proinflammatory markers