Contemporary Views Research Articles

Contemporary Views of the Extraction, Health Benefits, and Industrial Integration of Rice Bran Oil: A Prominent Ingredient for Holistic Human Health.

Globally, 50% of people consume rice (Oryza sativa), which is among the most abundant and extensively ingested cereal grains. Rice bran is a by-product of the cereal industry and is also considered a beneficial waste product of the rice processing industry. Rice bran oil (RBO) is created from rice bran (20-25 wt% in rice bran), which is the outermost layer of the rice kernel; has a lipid content of up to 25%; and is a considerable source of a plethora of bioactive components. The main components of RBO include high levels of fiber and phytochemicals, including vitamins, oryzanols, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, which are beneficial to human health and well-being. This article summarizes the stabilization and extraction processes of rice bran oil from rice bran using different techniques (including solvent extraction, microwaving, ohmic heating, supercritical fluid extraction, and ultrasonication). Some studies have elaborated the various biological activities linked with RBO, such as antioxidant, anti-platelet, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-mutagenic, aphrodisiac, anti-depressant, anti-emetic, fibrinolytic, and cytotoxic activities. Due to the broad spectrum of biological activities and economic benefits of RBO, the current review article focuses on the extraction process of RBO, its bioactive components, and the potential health benefits of RBO. Furthermore, the limitations of existing studies are highlighted, and suggestions are provided for future applications of RBO as a functional food ingredient.

Contemporary views on the clinical, epidemiological and molecular genetic characteristics of melanoma of the skin and mucous membranes

Melanoma of the skin and mucous membranes remains a global medical problem, which is associated with the increasing prevalence of this disease and the lack of adequate molecular genetic markers for its diagnosis and prognosis. The development of molecular approaches in the treatment of this type of tumor is associated with the identification of mutations, and with the development of immunotherapeutic and targeted drugs that can improve the effectiveness of treatment of patients with this pathology. However, the heterogeneity of the mechanisms of tumor development and the formation of resistance are a problem. It is worth noting the presence of many epigenetic mechanisms that are promising markers of the development, diagnosis and prognosis of the effectiveness of treatment of melanoma of the skin and mucous membranes. This review contains up-to-date information on the molecular mechanisms of the disease associated with the genetic characteristics of the tumor and biological factors of resistance to therapy. Of particular interest is the intersection of signaling pathways associated with melanocyte-inducing transcription factor (MITF), which is associated with transcription and growth factors, and is a target of epigenetic regulation using microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs.

Manifestation of Culture in B2C Websites of Digitally Transformed Businesses in Emerging Asian Economies

ABSTRACT Emerging Asian economies are undergoing significant economic expansion and cultural adaptation aided by globalization and the pervasive spread of ICT. This study empirically examines the depiction of cultural values in digitally transformed business websites from India, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia to determine if website culture is showing a shift from the national culture of the selected countries taken up in the study. We empirically examined 53 B2C websites, and the findings show that aside from the government-owned, organizations are demonstrating a marked shift from high context to low context cultural attributes. The study findings also indicate that organizations are increasingly leaning toward culture-neutral designs. Prior studies in this domain have focused on developed countries, and no comparable study exists on emerging economies. The findings of this research can shed light on the contemporary world views of the audiences from the selected country contexts, which in turn can enable firms to adopt appropriate engagement strategies.

A systematic review on exploration of therapeutic potential of Aparajita (Clitoria Ternatea Linn)

Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea Linn), is an herb widely distributed in the humid, lowland tropics of Africa, Asia, and Central America. Aparajita is known for its katu, tikta, kashaya rasa, and vishaghna (which alleviate toxins) properties. It is used in the treatment of various diseases and is a major ingredient in various anti-poisonous formulations. Pharmacologically, it has actions like insecticidal, cholinergic, antioxytocic, antihistaminic, analgesic, diuretic, purgative, laxative, and abortifacient. A systematic review is attempted based on preclinical studies to prepare a strong platform for the clinical utilisation of Aparajita as a main drug. The research papers reporting the study of Clitoria ternatea Linn in animals (In vivo and in vitro) were searched for systematic review. The literature search was performed using keywords like 'preclinical studies on Aparajita,' 'animal studies on Aparajita,' and 'pharmacological studies on Aparajita,' in combination with various effects in animals, in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, AYUSH Research Portal, and DHARA for studies published up to December 2021. Many preclinical studies reported that Clitoria ternatea Linn has diuretic, nootropic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. In the contemporary view, several pharmacological studies and preclinical studies prove the effectiveness of Clitoria ternatea Linn in various diseases. However, very few clinical studies of Clitoria ternatea Linn were done. Further clinical research should be conducted to establish the therapeutic potential of the drug Aparajita.

ISSUES OF EXTRACURRICULAR EDUCATION ON THE PAGES OF «THE RUSSIAN SCHOOL» JOURNAL

In the second half of the XIX – early XX century extracurricular education was actively developing in Russia. It was aimed at educating the adult population and included organization of public libraries, public houses, public universities, Sunday schools and other cultural and educational institutions. Periodicals were one of the key ways to promote progressive ideas of the intelligentsia and people’s education. Among the large number of pedagogical journals of that period, “The Russian School” journal deserves special attention, articles on the problems of extracurricular education were regularly published on its pages. The purpose of the study is to study comprehensively the issues of “The Russian School” journal, stored in the funds of the scientific reference library of the State Historical Archive of the Chuvash Republic. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that on the basis of a historical source, such as a periodical, the materials on the theory and practice of extracurricular education are characterized. Materials and methods. A significant source of research is the materials of the periodical press, namely the pedagogical journal “The Russian School”. The research used the method of content analysis, as well as synthesis, analogy, systematization and the principles of historicism, objectivity, consistency and concreteness. Study results. Based on the analysis of the content in various issues of the journal, one can see an active discussion of the role and importance of extracurricular education in the country’s socio-economic development, accentuating the key tasks of adult personal development and education, considering organizational and thematic aspects in the work of new extracurricular institutions. Special attention is paid to the reflections of various authors on extracurricular education on the pages of the journal, since they contributed to this process understanding by a wide range of the public. Conclusions. “The Russian School” journal is a good source, because, firstly, it contains specific factual material, and, secondly, it reflects the views of contemporaries on the problem of extracurricular education development. It also provides correspondence from the field on the state and development of extracurricular education, as well as it contains a variety of information, including theoretical articles, practical materials and statistical data.

Contemporary Views and Practices on GME Dizziness and HINTS Exam Curricula: A National Survey of Emergency Medicine Residency Program Directors

Contemporary Views and Practices on GME Dizziness and HINTS Exam Curricula: A National Survey of Emergency Medicine Residency Program Directors

CURRENT ISSUES IN RADIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS OF SALIVARY STONE DISEASE: REVIEW ARTICLE

Relevance. Salivary stones, also known as sialoliths, pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the lack of a definitive etiology and the limitations in preventive measures. Numerous studies have presented diverse and often conflicting explanations for the formation of salivary stones, hindering the development of effective preventive strategies.
 Objective of this study is to synthesize existing literature on the etiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of salivary stone disease.
 Materials and methods. A systematic review of the available literature was conducted to explore current perspectives on salivary stone disease. The review synthesized and systematized contemporary views on the etiology of the disease, its pathogenesis, preventive strategies, and treatment approaches.
 Results. Most of the authors, analyzing the main causes and accompanying factors of the occurrence of salivary stone disease, suggest to use various radiological diagnostic methods for its diagnosis.
 Radiological methods of research are key in the plan of carrying out differential diagnosis of salivary stone disease with other diseases and determining an adequate method of treatment.
 Conclusion. The review of scientific publications allows us to state that currently there are a large number of diverse and contradictory opinions about the etiology of the occurrence of salivary stone disease, and its pathogenesis is poorly studied. The methods of diagnosis of salivary stone disease proposed by the authors of scientific publications are based on the desire to find optimal and minimally invasive methods of early and accurate diagnosis of the disease.

A Contemporary View of Menopausal Hormone Therapy.

Enthusiasm for the use of hormones to ameliorate symptoms of perimenopause and menopause has waxed and waned over the years. Both treatment for symptoms and training of women's health care practitioners in the management of menopause have sharply declined since publication of the Women's Health Initiative initial results in 2002. Findings from that trial, which treated a population of older, asymptomatic patients, have been extrapolated over the past 21 years to all estrogen products, all menopausal women, and all delivery mechanisms. Our patients deserve a more nuanced, individualized approach. Conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate are no longer the predominant medications or medications of choice available for management of menopausal symptoms. All hormones are not equivalent any more than all antiseizure medications or all antihypertensives are equivalent; they have different pharmacodynamics, duration of action, and affinity for receptors, among other things, all of which translate to different risks and benefits. Consideration of treatment with the right formulation, at the right dose and time, and for the right patient will allow us to recommend safe, effective, and appropriate treatment for people with menopausal symptoms.

For a more reflexive and humanistic scientific education: the contribution of Sandra Harding’s critical view of science

This text aims to present a synthesis of the main ideas of Sandra Harding’s critical feminist epistemology of science, with the aim of integrating these ideas into science education for the development of more reflective, humanistic citizens resistant to any form of discrimination. Some contemporary epistemological views are brought into dialogue, with the goal of inspiring students and teachers in basic education to rethink stereotypical conceptions of science that still persist today. Given the complexity and theoretical scope of Harding’s analysis, we focus on one of her main works and some articles. We hope that the concepts and layers discussed here can stimulate debates about feminist thought and encourage some teachers to discuss aspects of epistemology and the history of science in their science classes, bringing different perspectives to the process of scientific evolution.

A contemporary view on the significance of the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer in the diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma

The provided review reflects the modern methods of early diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma applied today, evaluating their positive and negative aspects. One of the diagnostic criteria for glaucoma is the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. A high diagnostic value has been established for determining the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer in primary open-angle glaucoma. Literature analysis shows that early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma at the initial stage of its development are most effective in preventing the progression of the glaucomatous process and exacerbating its course, which can lead to blindness and disability. This underscores the necessity for further refinement and study in this field.

Emancipatory Education and Development of Alternative Educational Practices

Drawing on the standpoints of Critical Pedagogy and the Emancipatory view of education, this paper addresses the issue of developing alternative educational practices that can lead to a change in relationships in the classroom and possibly in the broader social context. In relation to some of the contemporary pedagogical views, some alternative pedagogical models are presented that promote changes in the relationships between teachers and students, and between students themselves. In an effort to create a more democratic environment, we address the question of how these models can also be establisheded in contemporary schools. Starting from the promotion of didactic teacher strategies that support student autonomy, some theoretical and practical pedagogical implications are highlighted that can encourage teachers to actively and cooperatively change the classroom and wider social relations and conditions with students. In addition, the paper provides an overview of contemporary education and gives a general recommendation for education workers who want to actively work for education based on ideas of emancipation.

Disease: An ill-founded concept at odds with the principle of patient-centred medicine.

Despite the at least decades long record of philosophical recognition and interest, the intricacy of the deceptively familiar appearing concepts of 'disease', 'disorder', 'disability', and so forth, has only recently begun showing itself with clarity in the popular discourse wherein its newly emerging prominence stems from the liberties and restrictions contingent upon it. Whether a person is deemed to be afflicted by a disease or a disorder governs their ability to access health care, be it free at the point of use or provided by an insurer; it also influences the treatment of individuals by the judicial system and employers; it even affects one's own perception of self. All existing philosophical definitions of disease struggle with coherency, causing much confusion and strife, and leading to inconsistencies in real-world practice. Hence, there is a real need for an alternative. In the present article I analyse the variety of contemporary views of disease, showing them all to be inadequate and lacking in firm philosophical foundations, and failing to meet the desideratum of patient-driven care. Illuminated by the insights emanating from the said analysis, I introduce a novel approach with firm ethical foundations, which foundations are rooted in sentience, that is the subjective experience of sentient beings. I argue that the notion of disease is at best superfluous, and likely even harmful in the provision of compassionate and patient-centred care. Using a series of presently contentious cases illustrate the power of the proposed framework which is capable of providing actionable and humane solutions to problems that leave the current theories confounded.

Reconsidering the Curse of Ham in Milton’s Paradise Lost: Canaan, “Vitious Race,” and Renaissance Biblical Commentary

ABSTRACT John Milton writes in Paradise Lost of a “vitious Race,” which many scholars have taken to signal his endorsement of the slavery of Black Africans. Yet these scholars often mistakenly associate Milton’s language with certain contemporary views that were indeed racist. For Milton, the “curse” on the “vitious Race” does not refer to a European subjugation of Black Africans in the slave trade but is at once more general and more specific. He subsequently in the epic applies this curse specifically to Israel’s conquest of the Canaanite people while also suggesting the impact of the curse on many “Nations,” including his own England.

Divergent suicidal symptomatic activations converge on somato-cognitive action network in depression

Individuals with depression have the highest lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts (SA) among mental illnesses. Numerous neuroimaging studies have developed biomarkers from task-related neural activation in depressive patients with SA, but the findings are inconsistent. Empowered by the contemporary interconnected view of depression as a neural system disorder, we sought to identify a specific brain circuit utilizing published heterogeneous neural activations. We systematically reviewed all published cognitive and emotional task-related functional MRI studies that investigated differences in the location of neural activations between depressive patients with and without SA. We subsequently mapped an underlying brain circuit functionally connecting to each experimental activation using a large normative connectome database (n = 1000). The identified SA-related functional network was compared to the network derived from the disease control group. Finally, we decoded this convergent functional connectivity network using microscale transcriptomic and chemo-architectures, and macroscale psychological processes. We enrolled 11 experimental tasks from eight studies, including depressive patients with SA (n = 147) and without SA (n = 196). The heterogeneous SA-related neural activations localized to the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN), exhibiting robustness to little perturbations and specificity for depression. Furthermore, the SA-related functional network was colocalized with brain-wide gene expression involved in inflammatory and immunity-related biological processes and aligned with the distribution of the GABA and noradrenaline neurotransmitter systems. The findings demonstrate that the SA-related functional network of depression is predominantly located at the SCAN, which is an essential implication for understanding depressive patients with SA.

M.E. Lobashev’s physiological theory of the mutation process and the formation of contemporary views on mutational changes in genetic material

Changes in mutation rates can significantly impact population size and its genetic structure, leading to the emergence of new traits and species. At the same time, the destabilization of genetic material is the main cause of hereditary and oncological diseases and aging. M.E. Lobashev was the first to point out the connection between mutations and repair. He introduced the concept of a premutation state or primary lesion of genetic material and suggested that mutagenesis is a physiological process in which mutations occurs during the repair of damaged genetic material due to non-identical restoration of its structure. The theories of M.E. Lobashev laid the groundwork for understanding the causes and mechanisms of inherited changes in genetic material, which have been experimentally confirmed in studies of replication, repair, and recombination. It is now known that mutations arise through a multistep process over time, due to ambiguity of one of template processes — DNA synthesis. Recent research made it possible to establish the physical nature of primary lesions and mutations, to develop various methods for their identification, and estimate the impact of primary lesions and mutations in the phenotype formation.

Child feeding and nutrition: a contemporary view

Child feeding and nutrition: a contemporary view

Exploring Contemporary Chinese Women's Views on Love, Marriage, and the Fear of Marriage

The institution of marriage has undergone significant changes throughout history, and in recent times, there has been a noticeable shift among women towards prioritizing love and personal fulfillment as key factors influencing their decision to marry. As women's education has advanced, there has been a corresponding decrease in the rate of marriage to a certain degree. Nevertheless, a discernible pattern has emerged wherein modern women are increasingly articulating apprehension towards the institution of marriage, citing a multitude of factors including familial obligations, economic encumbrances, and the potential curtailment of individual autonomy. This study employs a literature review method to examine the various aspects that contribute to the phenomenon of marriage apprehension among women in modern society. Specifically, it investigates the evolving perspectives of women towards love, marriage, and cultural norms as key determinants of this anxiety. The primary objective of this study is to examine women's perspectives on marriage and the factors contributing to their decision to remain unmarried. By doing so, this research aims to shed light on prevailing societal issues and the unrealistic societal expectations and demands placed on women in Chinese culture.

Re-thinking assimilation and why it matters: an intellectual, career and life journey – Richard Alba in conversation with Paul Statham

ABSTRACT Richard Alba, the American sociologist whose research is known for developing assimilation theory to fit the contemporary multi-racial era of immigration, reflects on the evolution of his thinking, influences and future directions for sociology in this interview. In a wide-ranging discussion, Alba talks about his early motivations and personal experiences that brought him to the topic of assimilation and his way of doing sociological research. He then moves on to discuss the impact of Re-making the American Mainstream (2003), co-authored with Victor Nee, one of the most highly cited books in sociology. After offering his thoughts on the benefits and limits of cross-Atlantic exchanges on integration and assimilation, Alba addresses recent challenges from postcolonial and critical race theories. The conversation then shifts to examine in detail some of his contemporary views outlined in The Great Demographic Illusion (2020) and elsewhere. Finally, Alba looks forward to the next steps of his journey.

Bouveret’s syndrome: a contemporary view on diagnostic and treatment strategies

Bouveret’s syndrome: a contemporary view on diagnostic and treatment strategies

Fate, Human Character, and Divinatory Perception in Early Modern Metoposcopy

Metoposcopy, the early modern divinatory practice that reads the pattern of lines on a person's forehead for their signification, has been the object of studies primarily focused on the discipline's historical evolution. This article analyzes the complex origins of this practice, its concrete techniques, and its possible legal and medical applications. The essay opens with a reassessment of Girolamo Cardano's Metoposcopia by emphasizing the essential influence exerted by the art of memory, which he mentions in a key passage of his De sapientia. The essay investigates the problematic role played by Cardano's treatise, which is usually considered as the first and most comprehensive examination of metoposcopy, even though it was published posthumously in 1658 when interest in this science was waning. A fundamental aspect that hasn't received significant attention is the connection between metoposcopy, focused on the upper part of the head, and contemporary views of human intellectual faculties that granted this science special significance.