Scientific Protocols Research Articles

Front and Back Covers, Volume 41, Number 1. February 2025

Front and back cover caption, volume 41 issue 1INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND THE FOURTH RUSSELL TRIBUNALA poster announcing the Fourth Russell Tribunal on the Rights of the Indians of North, Central and South America. Rotterdam, 24–30 November 1980.This landmark event provided the first international platform for Indigenous peoples of the Americas to speak on their own behalf, marking a crucial moment for Indigenous women's advocacy.The tribunal heard the testimonies from Tukanoan women from the Upper Rio Negro of Brazil who had been trafficked from their communities and placed in domestic servitude in Manaus. Through spokesperson Álvaro Sampaio, the women's testimonies exposed how mission boarding schools had facilitated their exploitation, denying them contact with their families and communities.The tribunal's findings brought significant change. Within a year, the first Indigenous boarding school was dismantled, followed by others in the region. The Tukanoan women went on to establish AMARN (Associação de Mulheres Indígenas do Alto Rio Negro/Numia‐Kurá), Brazil's first Indigenous women's organization.Still active today, AMARN pioneered a movement that expanded Indigenous women's activism throughout Brazil. Janet Chernela's article in this issue examines this watershed moment in Indigenous rights and its enduring legacy for anthropological understandings of subaltern agency.Back cover caption, volume 41 issue 1CAPTIVATING DEATHThis giraffe's fur pattern dissolves into Copenhagen's urban skyline. It illustrates Mc Loughlin's article in this issue, which analyzes the tensions between scientific detachment and emotional attachment in modern zoo practice. It examines how Copenhagen Zoo cultivates ‘fascination’ as a particular form of attachment that enables rather than prevents detachment. The story of the culling and subsequent dissection of Marius, the giraffe, became a touchstone for debates about zoo management practices in which conservation science and public sentiment interplay.The blending of wild animal and city architecture reflects the zoo's position as a space where nature is simultaneously preserved and engineered. Zoos shape contemporary multispecies relations through careful orchestration of both connection and disconnection. The zoo aspires to transparency in managing captive populations – a stance that makes explicit the scientific rationale behind practices like culling, while engaging and disciplining public emotion through practices such as public dissections.Mc Loughlin describes the zoo's attempt to present an ‘authentic’ nature beyond Disney‐like portrayals of animals, where authenticity is carefully constructed through ethically and affectively sticky practices that combine scientific protocols with emotional engagement. Much as the image combines natural and urban elements, conservation institutions must navigate the rationale of scientific management and the affective demands of public attachment.

Construction of a nursing management program for early fluid resuscitation in patients with acute pancreatitis: a Delphi study in China

Aim and objectivesTo construct a set of scientific and feasible nursing management protocols for early fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis (AP) patients that can be used to guide clinical practice and enhance the treatment efficacy in these patients.BackgroundFluid resuscitation is a key means of early treatment for AP patients and has become a clinical consensus. Nurses are important practitioners of fluid resuscitation, and there is a lack of specific enforceable nursing management programs.MethodsThrough literature research, on-site research, semi-structured interviews, and other preliminary preparations of the first draft of the nursing management program for early fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis, the Delphi method was used to conduct two rounds of correspondence with medical and nursing experts, and then statistically analyzed.ResultsFifteen and 14 questionnaires were distributed in two rounds, respectively, and 15 and 14 questionnaires were recovered, respectively. The positive coefficient of experts was 100%, the authority coefficient was 0.970 and 0.975, respectively; the coefficient of variation coefficient was 0.05–0.21 and 0.00–0.20, respectively; the expert coordination coefficients of all levels of indices in this study are 0.166–0.335 and 0.189–0.364, respectively. The P values of the first, second, and third level indices are < 0.05 according to the test of Kendall’s harmony coefficient. A total of 5 primary indicators, 11 secondary indicators, and 36 tertiary indicators were used to construct the Nursing Management Program for Early Fluid Resuscitation in Acute Pancreatitis.ConclusionsThe constructed nursing management plan for early fluid resuscitation in acute pancreatitis patients puts forward clear requirements and standards for nursing care in the early stage of AP treatment. This plan is scientific, represent good clinical practice, are feasible for nurses to follow, and construct a standardized protocol for the management of early fluid resuscitation in patients with acute pancreatitis.

The Development and Validation of the Adolescent Problematic Gaming Scale (PGS-Adolescent).

This study aims to develop and validate the Adolescent Problematic Gaming Scale (PGS-Adolescent). Following established scientific protocols, we developed an initial version of the PGS-Adolescent scale and validated it using data from 448 valid survey responses collected from adolescents in China. The dataset was split into two parts: 225 responses were allocated for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and 223 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA and CFA processes necessitated the removal of 10 items due to low factor loadings, low communalities, misalignment with intended factors, and inadequate item retention. Significantly, all the survey items measuring daily-life disturbance (DD) were excluded. The final 20-item PGS-Adolescent scale includes four constructs: interpersonal relationships (IRE), schooling disruption (SD), physical consequences (Phy-C), and psychological consequences (Psy-C). Researchers may consider directly applying the validated PGS-Adolescent scale or evaluating its applicability and validity in diverse populations and contexts.

STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF METALS CONCENTRATION ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS OF WARWADE RESERVOIR, DUTSE, JIGAWA STATE-NIGERIA

Warwade water Reservoir and Oreochromis niloticus’s tissues (gills and liver) were evaluated by analyzing heavy metals concentrations and their effects on the oxidative stress enzyme from January to August 2022. Both field and laboratory assessments were conducted following established scientific protocols. Monthly sampling occurred between 6:00 – 7:00 am. Four stations denoted as A, B, C, and D, were chosen based on the diversity of anthropogenic activities surrounding the reservoir. The findings showed that heavy metals concentrations in the water ranked as follows: Chromium at 1.96mg/L, followed by Lead (1.74mg/L), Nickel (1.36mg/L), and Cadmium (1.03mg/L). Heavy metals values in fish tissues exhibited a significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in the following order for gill tissues (Pb &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Cd) and liver (Pb &gt; Cr &gt; Cd &gt; Ni). The recorded vlaues exceeded the recommended limits set by WHO (2021). Enzyme activities serving as oxidative stress biomarkers demonstrated a significant reduction (P&lt;0.05) for Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Transferase (GST), with higher mean activity observed in the gills with SOD (16.57 ±0.43), CAT (23.61±2.11) and GST (84.40±1.03) compared to liver samples of GST (81.10±0.51), SOD (14.32 ±1.08) and CAT (20.51±0.17) respectively. It may be inferred that the presence of metals in Oreochromis niloticus is a consequence of the discharge of pollutants into the water body, attributable to urbanization and the discharge of agrochemicals, which adversely impacted the water quality. Consequently, it is imperative to regulate uncontrolled discharges from human activities within the reservoir to mitigate the long-term degradation...

Is palaeoanthropology being built on scientific foundations?

The comparative method in palaeoanthropology has been predominant over the hypothesis-testing scientific method. Multiple interpretations over the same phenomena commonly co-exist given the relaxation of demarcation criteria. The contingent nature of non-reproducible phenomena in palaeoanthropology and the epistemological limits of the comparative method for addressing structural and more systematic palaeobiological processes have made it difficult to discern the extent to which palaeoanthropology is guided by scientific protocols. The imprint of corporative and neo-liberal policies in academia has found in essentially non-experimental disciplines a good field in which academic dynamics are ruled by patronizing networks of academic elites that produce and maintain trends, paradigms that do not need to be subjected to heuristics, research agendas frequently with specific political content, and control of the discourse of the past. Foucault argued that such a power-implanted structure is not intentional but emergent at the institutional level. This translates into a palaeoanthropological praxis that thrives on fact-collecting, and which produces interpretations that cannot be checked against any demarcation boundary to test their heuristics. This is reflected in the fact that paradigms may emerge and disappear in palaeoanthropology without need to confront them with their empirical content. Some examples are presented that justify this assertion

Tips from an expert panel on the development of a clinical research protocol

A research protocol is a document that outlines the proposed research idea and is submitted to funding agencies, institutions, or journals for approval. Writing a research protocol represents a challenge, particularly for early-career researchers. In this guide, we aim to provide detailed guidance with the key components and offer practical tips for crafting a research protocol in line with the various study designs. Specifically, the structure of a research protocol should contain the following items: (1) a title that is specific, catchy, and impressive within the word limitation; (2) an abstract that briefs the critical points of the study; (3) an introduction highlighting the study context from broad to narrow and defining the knowledge gap; (4) a justification underlining the significance of the proposed study; (5) Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) objective(s) and aim(s); (6) a methodology covering seven sub-items, including [i] study design and settings, [ii] study subjects, [iii] sample size calculation and sampling, [iv] participants recruitment and follow-up, [v] questionnaire development, [vi] potential variables and outcomes, and [vii] data analysis plan; (7) dissemination of the results; (8) ethics and conflict of interests; (9) budgets analysis/ funding disclosure; and (10) references. This guide will give an overview of these steps and provide clear and concise tips on how to successfully draft a scientific protocol. With careful planning and appropriate guidance, it is possible to develop a well-structured and compelling protocol to obtain approval for the conduction of the study or funding from agencies, institutions, or organizations.

INNOVATIVE MICROBIAL-BASED THERAPIES FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Aim. To investigate and systematize the literature data regarding the potential of novel biopreparations based on microorganisms as an innovative approach to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through their impact on the microbiome and nervous system. Material and Methods. Structural-logical analysis and bibliosemantic analysis were used in this study. The research materials comprised general scientific works and international health care protocols in Ukraine. The search for articles and other scientific papers published in English and Ukrainian was conducted online using electronic databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results. The relationship between microorganisms and the central nervous system through the so-called “enteric-cerebral axis” has been analyzed and systematized, revealing new opportunities for treating mental disorders, including PTSD. Studies indicate that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the gut-brain axis, influencing the neuroendocrine system, immune response, and behavioral outcomes. Conclusions. The use of probiotics and prebiotics has demonstrated a positive effect in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are critical components of PTSD. However, further clinical studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of these biological treatments in the management of PTSD.

Indoor laboratory experiments for beach litter spectroradiometric analyses

Marine pollution is a growing global issue, impacting both marine ecosystem and human health. High quantities of debris, mainly composed by plastic items, have been identified both in the coastal area and in the sea environment. Remote sensing techniques represent an useful tool (complementary to the in-situ campaigns) to monitor litter in the coastal environment, especially if the spectral signatures of the debris are known. In this framework, harvested beach litter (plastic items especially) were collected from two sandy beaches. The samples were spectrally characterised by implementing two indoor laboratory experiments with the aim to infer the best wavelengths to be used for beach litter detection via the spectral angle mapper index. Due to lack of a scientific protocol concerning the spectral data acquisition, two experimental setups were carried out to simulate the direct and diffuse illumination conditions. For around 30% of the samples, the spectral signatures are influenced by the two experimental setups. Outcomes suggest that for the majority of the samples green, blue, red-edge and some infrared bands are suitable for the beach litter detection.

Intersections of Compassion, Science, and Spiritual Care in Global Health for Public Health Benefits

Across the globe, spiritual care is offered by individuals, healthcare chaplains, and humanitarian, social and related spiritual groups on account of zeal, voluntary and paid services. Sometimes, services are provided without understanding the connectivity of compassion, spiritual care, and scientific protocols. There are instances where health professionals and managers disagree with spiritual caregivers or reject spiritual services because of poor service deliveries in conflict with healthcare protocols. Against this background, this article focuses on how spiritual care services can be provided scientifically to improve service delivery. It presents leading questions to link the scientific and compassionate approach to spiritual care. These include-What is science? What is compassion? What is spiritual care? What makes compassion and spiritual care scientific? Are there tenets of compassion in religions? How are compassion, science and spiritual care linked? What are the implications of the intersections for public health and safety? Hopefully, the provided answers may improve the service delivery performance of spiritual caregivers and their collaboration with healthcare professionals, social workers, and related groups.

Integrating theory and practice: knowledge exchange and engagement of nursery managers in ecological restoration

Ecological restoration requires the social collaboration of all stakeholders. Native plant nursery managers potentially possess substantial knowledge in native plant cultivation derived from their practical experience, and they could also be consumers of information generated by scientists. Furthermore, their active involvement in various stages of restoration projects could enhance efficiency and ensure successful outcomes. In this study, nursery managers from Argentina associated with restoration projects were surveyed to assess their level of knowledge exchange with the scientific community, the degree of participation in restoration projects, and their perceptions regarding this collaboration. The surveys were completed by 39 nursery managers from native plant nurseries in Argentina. Our findings indicated that, although nursery managers often adopted scientific protocols, there remains a significant communication gap between scientists and nursery managers. Nursery managers contributed beyond seedling production, including planning, planting, maintenance, and environmental education. Despite recognizing its importance, few nursery managers participated in project evaluations. Nursery managers could serve as both providers of cultural and practical insights and receivers of novel knowledge from the academic‐scientific realm. Moreover, as the nursery managers are familiar with the local context and can potentially facilitate connections with other local stakeholders, their involvement as additional social actors not only enhances the success but also adds legitimacy to the restoration projects they engage in. Such collaboration is crucial for achieving the goals of both international and national restoration initiatives.

Feasibility of organic fertilizer from poultry waste

All plant cultivation depends on good fertilization, be it chemical or organic. The general aim of this work is to assess the viability of organic fertilizer made from poultry waste. Its specific objectives are to characterize the chemical and physical properties of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, formulate doses of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, draft a technical scientific methodology for the use of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, propose a technical recommendation on the use of organic fertilizer from poultry waste and create a technical scientific protocol on the use of organic fertilizer from poultry waste. The data collected was submitted to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using the F test (P≤0.05), and regression analysis (P≤0.05) was carried out for the doses of organic fertilizer from poultry waste, with the choice of mathematical models based on the coefficient of determination (R2). The results show that the dose of 310 grams of organic material per square meter of soil (100% of the recommended dose) provides the best results.

Using Design-Based Research to Develop the Learning Outcomes of a Curriculum-Based Environmental Citizen Science Project

The Intertidal Monitoring Project (IMP) is a local, curriculum-based citizen science project intentionally designed to support the development of science competencies in elementary students. The focus of the IMP is the Research Days, where students follow an established scientific protocol to collect monitoring data on an introduced species of clam in British Columbia, Canada. The IMP represents a unique program to study because the school district funds transportation and programming costs so that all grade five students can engage in authentic place-based scientific research. A design-based research (DBR) approach was used to develop and refine the IMP activities between 2014 and 2023. This research is focused on a DBR Evaluation/Reflection phase that qualitatively assessed learning outcomes during the beta testing of a supplementary classroom activity. Student- and teacher-generated data were collected to understand the process of a class “coming to know” science and its community of practice during the IMP activities. This included student learning artefacts and a teacher interview. The findings show that participation in IMP activities: i) fostered the development of science competencies in a grade five learning community; ii) did not promote science identities; and indicated that iii) the Nature of Science (NOS) required more explicit instruction. Student-teacher-scientist partnerships (STSPs) emerged as a critical design element of curriculum-based citizen science.

IgE and non-IgE food allergy: A review of immunological mechanisms.

Food allergic (FA) conditions have been classified as immunoglobulin E (IgE) and non-IgE-mediated reactions that affect as many as 8% of young children and 2% of adults in Western countries, and their prevalence seems to be rising. Although the immunologic basis of IgE-mediated FA is well established, the mechanisms that govern non-IgE-mediated FA are not well understood and are marked by a paucity of comprehensive insights. The purpose of the present report is to examine the current classification and epidemiology of non-IgE-mediated FA, the latest immunologic mechanisms that underlie the three most commonly cited non-IgE FA conditions, viz., eosinophilic esophagitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis, and food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis, and explore what allergist/immunologists in practice should be aware of with regard to the condition. An extensive research was conducted in medical literature data bases by applying terms such as FA, non-IgE allergy, tolerance, unresponsiveness, cytokines, CD4+ T helper cell pathways, and key cytokine pathways involved in FA. Current evidence now supports the view that immune dysregulation and cytokine-induced inflammation are the fundamental bases for both IgE- and non-IgE-mediated FA. The existing non-IgE-related FA literature is mostly characterized by a relative dearth of mechanistic information in contrast to IgE-mediated FA, in which the immunologic underpinnings as a T helper type 2 directed entity are well established. Although the need for future methodologic research and adherence to rigorous scientific protocols is essential, it is also necessary to acknowledge past contributions that have given much to our understanding of the condition. In the present report, a novel signature cytokine-based classification of IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergy is proposed that may offer a novel template for future research in the field of non-IgE-mediated FA. The present report provides an overview of the current classification and frequency of IgE- and non-IgE-mediated FAs, and offers insights and potential solutions to address lingering questions, particularly when concerning the latest immunologic mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of non-IgE-mediated FA. Although some progress has been made in recent years toward making diagnostic and treatment options available for these conditions, there still remain many lingering questions and concerns to be addressed, which can be fully understood by future research.

Examining Organizational Values in Iraqi Colleges of Physical Education and Sports Science

The research endeavor was undertaken with the dual purpose of constructing a robust measure of organizational values within a selection of colleges specializing in physical education and sports sciences in Iraq, while concurrently exploring the multifaceted impact of these values. Employing a meticulous descriptive approach, the study enlisted a diverse sample comprising 775 male and female students drawn from 17 colleges across the region. Methodologically, the research team meticulously adhered to established scientific protocols to craft the measurement scale, thereafter, subjecting it to rigorous statistical scrutiny. The ensuing statistical analysis yielded encouraging results, affirming the scale's commendable validity and reliability. Notably, all statements exhibited statistical significance, underpinned by a notably high internal consistency coefficient, with Cronbach's alpha registering at 0.889. Following this validation phase, a subset of the sample, totaling 100 individuals, was selected to undergo the organizational values scale assessment. The ensuing findings served to underscore the pivotal role played by organizational values in shaping the cultural fabric of these academic institutions, and more broadly, in guiding the behavioral dispositions of their members. It became increasingly apparent that organizational values served as more than mere abstract principles; rather, they emerged as integral components of institutional identity, exerting a palpable influence on the cognitive processes and behavioral dynamics within the organizational milieu. This deeper understanding was gleaned from the participants' responses to the scale's prompts, which consistently underscored the significance of organizational values in defining the ethos of these educational establishments and in directing the conduct of their members within the practical sphere.

The effects of mobile phone dependence on athletic performance and its mechanisms.

Mobile phone dependence (also known as internet dependence, MPD), defined as a problematic behavior characterized by excessive use or intermittent craving to use a mobile phone, results in various social, behavioral, and affective problems in daily life. In sports, MPD is directly related to the physical and mental health and sports performance of athletes. The individual and environmental factors, neurobiological mechanisms and theoretical models of MPD affecting athletic performance were analyzed by reviewing previous studies, aiming to construct effective training and development protocols to prevent and control the occurrence of MPD in athletes. At present, athletic performance can be affected by MPD through individual factors and environmental factors. The neurobiological mechanisms between the two are based on the brain reward system and microwave radiation from mobile phones, with athletic performance being restricted by alterations in the corresponding brain regions. Relevant theoretical models mainly include the social cognitive model of self-regulation and the integrative model of self-control, which explain the interrelationship between MPD and athletic performance from the perspectives of athletes' self-regulation and self-control, respectively. As an emerging phenomenon, the influence pathways and mechanisms by which MPD affects athletic performance need to be further investigated. A longitudinal perspective should be adopted to trace the dynamic impact relationship between the two, and developing relevant theoretical frameworks from an interdisciplinary research perspective should be valuable for providing theoretical support for coaches and sports administrators to formulate scientific training protocols and thus improve the mental health of athletes.

Protocol implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic: experiences from a randomized trial of stress ulcer prophylaxis

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many intensive care units (ICUs) halted research to focus on COVID-19-specific studies.ObjectiveTo describe the conduct of an international randomized trial of stress ulcer prophylaxis (Re-Evaluating the Inhibition of Stress Erosions in the ICU [REVISE]) during the pandemic, addressing enrolment patterns, center engagement, informed consent processes, data collection, a COVID-specific substudy, patient transfers, and data monitoring.MethodsREVISE is a randomized trial among mechanically ventilated patients, comparing pantoprazole 40 mg IV to placebo on the primary efficacy outcome of clinically important upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the primary safety outcome of 90-day mortality. We documented protocol implementation status from March 11th 2020-August 30th 2022.ResultsThe Steering Committee did not change the scientific protocol. From the first enrolment on July 9th 2019 to March 10th 2020 (8 months preceding the pandemic), 267 patients were enrolled in 18 centers. From March 11th 2020-August 30th 2022 (30 months thereafter), 41 new centers joined; 59 were participating by August 30th 2022 which enrolled 2961 patients. During a total of 1235 enrolment-months in the pandemic phase, enrolment paused for 106 (8.6%) months in aggregate (median 3 months, interquartile range 2;6). Protocol implementation involved a shift from the a priori consent model pre-pandemic (188, 58.8%) to the consent to continue model (1615, 54.1%, p < 0.01). In one new center, an opt-out model was approved. The informed consent rate increased slightly (80.7% to 85.0%, p = 0.05). Telephone consent encounters increased (16.6% to 68.2%, p < 0.001). Surge capacity necessitated intra-institutional transfers; receiving centers continued protocol implementation whenever possible. We developed a nested COVID-19 substudy. The Methods Centers continued central statistical monitoring of trial metrics. Site monitoring was initially remote, then in-person when restrictions lifted.ConclusionProtocol implementation adaptations during the pandemic included a shift in the consent model, a sustained high consent rate, and launch of a COVID-19 substudy. Recruitment increased as new centers joined, patient transfers were optimized, and monitoring methods were adapted.

Genetic structure of ten Artemia populations from China: cumulative effects of ancient geological events, climatic changes, and human activities

This study investigated the population genetics and distribution patterns of Artemia populations from ten inland salt lakes in China. A total of 1,274,698 Artemia single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The results showed that these populations could be geographically and genetically divided into four distinct groups, and that the Tibetan populations were further divided into two subpopulations with a trend of decreasing genetic diversity from west to east. The Tibetan population had the highest genetic diversity, whereas the Shanxi population had the lowest. There was moderate genetic differentiation between the Tibetan populations and greater genetic differentiation between the Xinjiang and Shanxi populations. IBD (isolation by distance) suggested that geographical isolation contributes to genetic differentiation. In addition, there was some degree of gene flow among the ten populations, with A. sinica showing unidirectional gene flow in all populations in the eastern Nagri region. Species distribution modeling showed that mean annual temperature, temperature seasonality, and annual precipitation were the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of Artemia populations and suitable habitats for Tibetan populations will be further reduced in the future. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of germplasm resources and formulate scientific protocols for the sustainable development and utilization of Artemia resources.

Someone Like Me: A Trial of Context-Responsive Science as a Mechanism to Promote Inclusion

This paper provides evidence gathered from two suites of non-formal science activities that were intended to increase engagement in science by culturally diverse groups. Both studies involved the delivery of science activities that were designed, implemented and evaluated to show culturally contextualised science. The activities were run in two very different contexts (urban and very rural areas) and were designed to be of relevance to two distinctive cultural groups (those with links to South Asia, and those being educated through the medium of Gaelic, an indigenous minority language in Scotland), while also actively engaging with those beyond the target group. The link between language identity and culture was incorporated into the design of both sets of activities as well as the qualitative evaluation. The latter considers how the participants’ assessment of the interventions, implemented by writing or drawing on a blank postcard, was designed to provide unstructured responses and explores what the resulting data revealed about the impact of the interventions. The findings suggest that the set of activities that most strongly engaged participants on the value of diversity in the creation of scientific knowledge, as well as increasing their focus on the consequences of scientific activity, were those that facilitated a more exploratory approach to the subject matter. By contrast, activities that had to be done according to a standard scientific protocol produced growth in subject-specific knowledge. The present paper explores the principles of the inclusive pedagogies that informed the design of the activities and discusses how these were operationalised in two very contrasting cultural contexts. The key finding was that presenting science as social practice, rather than as being socially neutral, is key to promoting engagement, along with the benefits of explicitly demonstrating the relevance of science to participants’ daily lives.

Occurrence of ochratoxin A in Sichuan bacon from different geographical regions and characterization and biocontrol of ochratoxigenic Aspergillus westerdijkiae strain 21G2-1A

Sichuan bacon represents the most prevalent dry-cured meat product across Southwest China, but it is vulnerable to fungal spoilage. In the present study, a total of 47 Sichuan bacons were obtained from different regions of the Sichuan Province and analyzed for the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA), yielding a positive rate of 23.4 % (11/47). All the observed OTA concentrations exceeded the maximum admissible dose in meat products (1 μg/kg) established by some EU countries, with the highest OTA concentration being 250.75 μg/kg, which raises a food safety concern and reveals the need for a standardized scientific processing protocol. Then, an OTA-producing fungus named 21G2-1A was isolated from positive samples and found to be Aspergillus westerdijkiae. Further characterization suggested a positive correlation between fungal growth and OTA production. The optimal temperature for the former was 25 °C, while it was 20 °C for the latter. Although the A. westerdijkiae strain 21G2-1A demonstrated greater mycelium growth in the presence of NaCl, OTA production was significantly dismissed when the salinity was greater than 5 %. Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened out as antagonists against the ochratoxigenic fungus. In vitro evaluation of the antagonists revealed that live cells inhibited fungal growth, and adsorption also contributed to OTA removal at different levels. This study sheds some light on OTA control in Sichuan bacon through a biological approach.

Oral Complications and Management Strategies for Cancer Patients: Principles of Supportive Oncology in Dentistry.

It is recognized that patients undergoing cancer treatment experience different adverse effects depending on the type of therapy they received. The objective of this work is to provide a scientific evidence-based protocol for oral care in cancer patients. Cancer resection surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can cause important complications that impact patients' quality of life. Cancer patients, from the moment of diagnosis to the end of treatment and subsequent follow-up, have diverse care needs, both from a systemic and local point of view. The implementation of oral care protocols before, during, and after cancer therapy is essential because it helps to identify risk factors for the development of predictable oral complications. It is essential to establish that all cancer patients, before starting treatment, undergo a systematic dental check-up to avoid limitations during treatment and also alter their quality of life. Regular professional oral care maintenance and follow-up programs are essential to maintaining a patient's long-term oral health.