bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and demographics of mysids (Crustacea: Mysida) as prey for gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) in northwest Washington state
Authors: Allyn Elizabeth Marina , Scordino Jonathan J. , Akmajian Adrianne M.
Published: January 2024

Background

The movement and distribution of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) during the feeding season is likely dependent on the quality of foraging opportunities and the distribution of prey species. These dynamics are especially important to understand for the Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) of gray whales which spend the feeding season along the coast from northern California, USA through northern British Columbia, Canada. In Washington state, no previous work has been done to describe available gray whale prey. The main goal of this research was to initiate studies on an important gray whale prey item in northwest Washington, mysid shrimp (Mysida), by establishing a baseline understanding of mysid swarm demographics in the area and investigating patterns in gray whale and mysid presence.

Methods

Prey samples were collected during June through November 2019 and June through September 2020 using a vertically-towed plankton net at seven sites in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and seven sites in the Pacific Ocean in areas where gray whales were known to feed. Mysids collected in the samples were counted and the sex, length, species, maturity, and gravidity were documented. Patterns in gray whale and mysid co-occurrence were explored through data visualization.

Results

Seven species of mysids were observed in the survey area. In 2019, the number of mysids per tow increased steadily through the season, the most abundant species of mysids were Holmesimysis sculpta and Neomysis rayii, and sampled mysids averaged 4.7 mm in length. In 2020, mysids were abundant in tow samples in June and July but were not abundant in the remaining months of the sampling season. The average length of mysids in 2020 was 13.3 mm, and a large portion were sexually mature males and brooded females identified as H. sculpta. Throughout the survey area, the majority of whale sightings occurred later in the season in 2019 and earlier in the season in 2020, coinciding with the trends of sampled mysids.

Discussion

This study provides the first description of mysid swarm composition and temporal variation in northwest Washington. Tows were dominated by a similar assemblage of mysid species as what is observed in other areas of the PCFG range. The differences in sampled mysid assemblages between years, and the presence of whales in the survey area in times and at sites where samples with high mysid counts were collected, suggest evidence for interesting predator-prey dynamics that warrant further investigation.
Antimalarial target vulnerability of the putative Plasmodium falciparum methionine synthase
Authors: Leela Nirut , Prommana Parichat , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Taechalertpaisarn Tana , Shaw Philip J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Plasmodium falciparum possesses a cobalamin-dependent methionine synthase (MS). MS is putatively encoded by the PF3D7_1233700 gene, which is orthologous and syntenic in Plasmodium. However, its vulnerability as an antimalarial target has not been assessed.

Methods

We edited the PF3D7_1233700 and PF3D7_0417200 (dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase, DHFR-TS) genes and obtained transgenic P. falciparum parasites expressing epitope-tagged target proteins under the control of the glmS ribozyme. Conditional loss-of-function mutants were obtained by treating transgenic parasites with glucosamine.

Results

DHFR-TS, but not MS mutants showed a significant proliferation defect over 96 h, suggesting that P. falciparum MS is not a vulnerable antimalarial target.
A simulation study evaluating how population survival and genetic diversity in a newly established population can be affected by propagule size, extinction rates, and initial heterozygosity
Authors: Vera-Escalona Iván , Brante Antonio
Published: January 2024

The introduction and establishment of invasive species in regions outside their native range, is one of the major threats for the conservation of ecosystems, affecting native organisms and the habitat where they live in, causing substantial biological and monetary losses worldwide. Due to the impact of invasive species, it is important to understand what makes some species more invasive than others. Here, by simulating populations using a forward-in-time approach combining ecological and single polymorphic nucleotides (SNPs) we evaluated the relation between propagule size (number of individuals = 2, 10, 100, and 1,000), extinction rate (with values 2%, 5%, 10%, and 20%), and initial heterozygosity (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) on the population survival and maintenance of the heterozygosity of a simulated invasive crab species over 30 generations assuming a single introduction. Our results revealed that simulated invasive populations with initial propagule sizes of 2–1,000 individuals experiencing a high extinction rate (10–20% per generation) were able to maintain over 50% of their initial heterozygosity during the first generations and that under scenarios with lower extinction rates invasive populations with initial propagule sizes of 10–1,000 individuals can survive up to 30 generations and maintain 60–100% of their initial heterozygosity. Our results can help other researchers better understand, how species with small propagule sizes and low heterozygosities can become successful invaders.
Immunohistochemical Expression of HER2/Neu in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bakhshi Guneet Kaur , Sharma Manisha , Manjari Mridu
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Urothelial Carcinoma (UC) is a disease with significant mortality, estimated to be the ninth most common cause of cancer worldwide and the thirteenth most common cause of death from cancer. It has a significant impact on public health and will continue to do so due to the high prevalence of smoking. To combat the growth of urothelial cancer, awareness regarding primary prevention must be underscored, and smoking cessation programs need to be encouraged and supported. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the expression of Human Epidermal Receptor 2 (HER2)/neu in UC and its association with age, size, type, grade, and invasion of the tumour. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (a tertiary care centre) in Amritsar, Punjab, India, from January 1st, 2019, to December 31st, 2020. Fifty histopathologically proven cases of UC were examined. HER2/neu expression was studied using immunohistochemistry, and its correlation with age, size, type, grade, and invasion was analysed. The findings of the study were statistically analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0, a statistical program for Microsoft Windows. Results: A total of 50 patients were analysed for the study (40 males and 10 females, with a mean age of 60.4 years at presentation). Nineteen cases were low-grade, and 31 cases were high-grade, with high-grade cases being more invasive. Thirteen cases showed HER2/neu expression, of which 11 were high-grade, indicating a statistically significant relationship between grade and HER2/neu expression. Similarly, expression was higher in cases with lamina propria and muscularis propria invasion. Out of the 34 cases showing lamina propria invasion, 10 cases were positive for HER2/neu expression, constituting 29.4%. Among the 42 cases involving muscularis propria in the biopsy, 16 cases showed muscularis propria invasion by the tumour, with four cases (25%) being positive for HER2/neu expression. Conclusion: The expression of HER2/neu increases with grade and shows more positive expression in high-grade invasive tumours involving lamina propria or muscularis propria. This indicates that HER2/neu protein overexpression is associated with aggressive disease and serves as a negative prognostic marker. Targeted therapy against HER2/neu may prove to be beneficial in such patients.
Immunohistochemical Expression Status of HER2/neu and E-cadherin in Prostate Adenocarcinoma: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Reddy Pradnya N , Javalgi Anita P , Parmesh Priyanka
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a common tumour, accounting for 92% of malignancies in the male genital tract. Due to the high recurrence rate, it is important to identify prognostic markers in prostate cancer. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and Epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) are speculated to be associated with carcinogenesis, but the literature has provided controversial results. Aim: To investigate the expression of HER2/neu and E-cadherin in prostatic adenocarcinoma and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, SDM University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. The study duration was one year and five months, from October 2020 to March 2022. A total of 45 cases diagnosed as prostatic adenocarcinoma between October 2016 and September 2019 were included. Clinicopathological parameters such as age, Prostate- Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, metastasis, perineural invasion, Gleason score, Gleason grade, and two-year survival were retrieved from hospital records and through telephone interviews. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for HER2 and E-cadherin was performed and assessed by pathologists. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0, and the Chi-square test was applied. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 69.6 years, ranging from 52 to 95 years. The rates of HER2/neu overexpression/positivity and reduced E-cadherin expression were 25 (55.5%) and 14 (31.1%), respectively. No statistically significant associations were found between HER2 and E-cadherin expression and age, PSA levels, perineural invasion, Gleason score, Gleason grade, and two-year survival (p>0.05). However, a statistically significant association was observed between HER2 expression and distant metastasis (p-value=0.006), whereas no significant association was found with E-cadherin (p-value=0.81). Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant association between HER2/neu overexpression and tumour metastasis, suggesting that HER2/neu could serve as a prognostic parameter to assist surgeons. In contrast, E-cadherin showed no association with clinicopathological parameters, raising questions about its involvement in the progression of prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Assessment of the Performance of Drip-Irrigated Green Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under Poly-House and Open-Field Conditions
Authors: Abegunrin T. P. , O. I. Ojo  , Lasisi M. O.
Published: January 2024

Sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L.) is one of an important group of vegetables grown extensively, widely cultivated and used as foods in almost every country of the world. It is a high productivity crop, it has high remunerative and nutritive values. Sweet pepper consumption in Nigeria is growing recently because of increasing demand by rural and urban consumers as a result of rapid population growth and water scarcity calls for an alternative means of production system for sustenance of the human race. The experiment was carried out during the dry seasons of 2020.2021 and 2021/2022 at the Teaching and Research Field of Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The beds were prepared, nursery was raised, drip irrigation system was installed and fumigation was carried out before transplanting. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCBD) with nine replications in each environment. The same design was applied to both poly-house and open-field conditions. The factors are environment (poly-house and open-field) and irrigation intervals of 5, 6 and 7 days (I5, I6 and I7). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) was used for multiple comparison. Drip irrigation was applied to all plots at different irrigation intervals. Number of leaves (NL), plant height (PH), stem girth (SG) and weight of fresh fruit (WFF) were recorded. The respective results of performance of green pepper at different irrigation treatments under poly-house and open-field in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 growing seasons were: NL-I5: 180, I6: 185, I7: 171 and I5: 120, I6: 139, I7: 122 in 2020/2021 growing season while I5: 157, I6: 173, I7: 160 and I5: 108.3, I6: 118.3, I7: 118 during 2021/2022 growing season. PH-I5: 128.7, I6: 139.3, I7: 125.3 and I5: 108.3, I6: 118.3, I7: 104.7 cm in 2020/2021 growing season while I5: 117.7, I6: 129.7, I7: 120 and I5: 102, I6: 115, I7: 99.3 cm during 2021/2022 growing season. SG-I5: 30, I6: 29.7, I7: 29.6 and I5: 25.1, I6: 26, I7: 25 mm in 2020/2021 growing season while I5: 20.3, I6: 23.3, I7: 21.3 and I5: 18.5, I6: 20, I7: 17.9 mm during 2021/2022 growing season. WFF-I5: 20.3, I6: 29.2, I7: 19.8 and I5: 13.3.1, I6: 21, I7: 14.2 kg/m2 in 2020/2021 growing season while I5: 14.6, I6: 23.5, I7: 14.7 and I5: 9.5, I6: 17.8, I7: 8.8 kg/m2 during 2021/2022 growing season.
The controlled conditions provided by the poly-house resulted in best overall performance compared to the open field environment. It is recommended that the assessment of long-term sustainability and economic viability of poly-house cultivation for green pepper production be conducted.
Digital Technology Improving Financial Inclusion in India: Post Covid Evidence
Authors: Sinha Aastha
Published: January 2024

Technology is transforming the financial inclusion landscape and growing the digital infrastructure that is essential to accomplishing numerous national objectives. The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns imposed in 2020–21 significantly impacted economies worldwide due to restricted mobility and disrupted goods and services, while also exposing the vulnerabilities of traditional financial systems. Amidst this challenging scenario, technology played a crucial role in bridging gaps and enhancing financial access.

There has been a pivotal role of digital technology in improving financial inclusion prospects, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, when access to digital transactions and financial services became a necessity to prevent economic collapse. Governments around the world responded by offering financial support to citizens, creating both opportunities and difficulties for promoting financial inclusion.

Due to its ability to enhance the lives of those with low incomes, financial inclusion is still a subject of extensive investigation. Subsequent analyses highlight the mutually beneficial connections between digital technology, financial inclusion, and economic expansion.

This research has been carried out in the Indian context using only secondary sources of data, to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of the role of digital technology in improving financial inclusion with particular reference to the Pre- and Post-Covid eras.  A variety of published reports and articles, including newspaper stories, journal articles, and policy papers, have been utilized to conduct the semi-systematic evaluation.

Drawing from secondary sources of data through documentary analysis, this study uncovers compelling evidence of how digital technology has expanded financial inclusion in India and the Covid-19 pandemic has acted as the prime catalyst of this process. The evidence presented herein also contributes to the growing body of research on financial inclusion's impact on low-income livelihoods and serves as a catalyst for future studies on leveraging technology for economic growth and improved financial well-being.

The study's overall conclusions indicate that there is a strong correlation between the acceleration of financial inclusion in India and the Covid-19 measures for the quick, simple, and widespread accessibility of digital technology. The post-COVID increase in the RBI's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) underscores India's astonishing leap in digital payment usage, which has been fuelled mostly by the success of UPI. The use of Aadhaar and digital payment options, as well as increased competition, has increased financial inclusion, all made possible through contributions from the implementation of the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile).
Enhancing 7th-Grade Writing Skills in Jambi City with Project-Based Learning and Animated Video Assistance
Authors: Lufiah Qonita , Hadiyanto  , Kusmana Ade
Published: January 2024

Learning effectiveness influences interrelated components: teachers, students, objectives, methods, models, materials, learning tools (media), and evaluation. This research aims to determine the effectiveness of learning to write fantasy texts for class VII students at SMP Negeri 10 Jambi City using the PjBL model assisted by animated videos. This research was carried out at SMP Negeri 10 Jambi City. The type of research used in this research is Quasi-Experimental research with a non-equivalent control group design. The population in this study were all class VII students of SMP Negeri 10 Jambi City. The sample in this study was class VII E, the experimental class, and class VII B, the control class, with 25 participants in each class. The technique used is a simple random sampling technique. The analysis results in this study show that learning to write fantasy texts is effective using the PjBL model assisted by animated videos. It is based on the average data obtained by students in class VII E (experimental class) who were treated using the PjBL model assisted by animated videos; the number was 69.44, while in class VII B (control class) who were treated with the conventional model, the number was 54.40. In addition, carrying out the t-test produces t count ≥ t table (5,087 ≥ 2,956). Based on the data above, it can be concluded that using the project-based learning model assisted by animated videos is effectively applied in learning to write fantasy texts for class VII students at SMP Negeri 10 Jambi City. The research has implications for changing teachers' approaches, methods, and strategies in implementing Indonesian language learning, especially in writing fantasy texts.
Evaluation of Upland Rice Response to Water Stress Using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG -6000) at Germination and Early Seedling Stage
Authors: Pope Emmanuel Momolu , Opile Wilson , Ngode Lucas , Chepkoech Emmy
Published: January 2024

Water stress is one of the most important crop growth limiting factors which leads to low crop productivity and yield instability. Water stress affects crop growth and development, especially during the germination and seedling period. The experiment was conducted in the growth chamber at the seed physiology laboratory of the Department of Seed, Crop and Horticultural Sciences, University of Eldoret to evaluate sixteen upland rice varieties to water stress tolerance at germination and early seedling growth stage. These varieties were tested against four levels of water stress imposed by Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG - 6000) at 0%, 5%,10% and 15% concentration. The lay out of the experiment was complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Osmotic stress induced by PEG levels significantly (P<.001) reduced plant growth parameters. The result showed that the germination percentage, germination index, Relative seedling height (%), seedling dry weight, Seedling fresh weight, Seedling length, seedling vigor index and mean germination time of all tested rice varieties were found decreasing trends with increasing the levels of PEG from 0 to 15% concentration levels. Among all the sixteen varieties, NERICA rice varieties followed by MWUR, White rice, Kpatawee, and Komboka had an outstanding performed in terms of germination percentage, germination index, seedling height, seedling dry weight, root length and relative dry weight under water induced stress by using PEG concentration levels compared to other varieties. Therefore, these varieties could be useful in breeding programs and can be cultivated in arid and semi-arid environment or where water shortage is a regular constraint.
Assessing the Impact of Phosphorus 30C and 200C Potencies on the Growth and Yield of Pisum Sativum (Green Pea)
Authors: Surekha T. , Anusha P.
Published: January 2024

Pisum Sativum is one of the commonest crops grown in India. Therefore, increasing the yield of green pea plants without harming the soil with chemicals are important. In places wherever there is deficiency of phosphorus in soil resulted in decreased production of green pea plants. The parameters were analysed by using statistical tool ANOVA test. The Conclusion derived from the study was Phosphorus 200C has significantly influenced in the growth and yield of Pisum Sativum plant in regards to Height of the plant, Number of Pods per Plant, Length of the Pod, and Number of Seeds per Pod.
Antibiotics Prescriptions in the Otolaryngology Department of the Departmental and Teaching Hospital of Borgou-Alibori in 2020
Authors: Attinsounon Cossi Angelo , Kouton Elmida , Yehouenou Carine , Ametonou Bruno , Bouraïma Fatiou , Flatin Marius
Published: January 2024

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the quality of antibiotic prescriptions in the ENT department of the Departmental and Teaching Hospital of Borgou-Alibori (DTH-BA).

Study design:  This was a prospective descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Departmental and Teaching Hospital of Borgou-Alibori (DTH-BA), from June 15 to September 15, 2020.

Methodology: All patients admitted to the department during the study period who had received a on for an antibiotic and had given informed consent were recruited exhaustively. A team of experts consisting of an infectious diseases physician and an ENT physician was responsible for analyzing and assessing the quality of antibiotic prescriptions.

Results: Of the 455 consultations recorded over the period, 141 patients were included, 132 of them treated on an outpatient basis and nine hospitalized. The most frequently diagnosed conditions were acute otitis media (AOM) in 36 patients (25%), chronic otitis media (COM) in 24 patients (16.7%) and sinusitis in 14 patients (9.7%). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were penicillins (84 patients or 59.6%), followed by macrolides (30 patients or 21.3%) and cephalosporins (21 patients or 14.9%). Antibiotic therapy was justified in 54.6% of cases, and dosage and duration were correct in 73.9% and 37.7% respectively.

Conclusion: This study suggests that ENT doctors should be given more training in the basics and procedures for the proper use of antibiotics.
Active Packaging for Improving the Shelf Life and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)
Authors: Shahida C. , Swarup D.
Published: January 2024

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is a popular berry of the world but it is highly perishable in nature and possesses an extremely short shelf life. Active packaging in plastic punnets of size 17cm x 11 cm x 3.5 cm of 100 gm capacity with the treatment of Ethylene absorber + moisture absorber + Clo2 (5ppm) increased the shelf life by 7 days as compared to control 3 days. Physiological Loss in weight 4.4%) and decay incidence was also reduced 36% as compared to control showing PLW 9% and decay incidence of 65%. The mean value after storage of quality parameters such as TSS (10.8 0 Brix), Titratable acidity (0.8%), Anthocyanin (61.2 mg/100gm) and Ascorbic acid (65.16mg/100g) content was observed which performed better with the organic treatment as compared to the treated fruits.
Morpho-physiological Evaluation of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) Genotypes for Drought Tolerance
Authors: Bhavya M  , Dinesh Kumar M  , Girijesh G K  , Vidya N T
Published: January 2024

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) is a nutritious and climate-resilient crop with a C4 type carbon fixation pathway. The present study was aimed to assess the drought tolerance capacities of twenty short medium-late duration finger millet genotypes under water stress (WS) for 15 days during reproductive stage to identify the traits and genotypes for drought tolerance using statistical analysis. The shoot length (16.74 %), leaf area (28.21 %), shoot dry weight (30.20 %), relative water content (32.70 %), membrane stability index (37.53 %), test weight (14.64 %), grain yield (36.48 %) and straw yield (31.34 %) were decreased and found sensitive to water stress, but the root length (by 13.45 %), root to shoot ratio by length (36.15 %) and proline (146.96 %) were increased. From the present investigation, among the 20 genotypes tested,  KMR-204 and GPU-45 in short duration, ML-365, PR-202 and GPU-28 in medium duration, KMR-301 and L-5 in long duration showed identical performance for maximum number of traits under consideration. Hence, our results provide inputs to the breeders to select genotypes as parents and to design effective strategies in crop improvement programs.
Exploring the Hidden Threats: A Comprehensive Study on Incidence and Insect Pest Diversity on Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) in Kashmir, India
Authors: Anees Mehreen , Sherwani Asma , Mukhtar Malik , Sufi Tariq , Maqsood Saima , Zahoor Sobiya , Ali Iqra , Mushtaq Tahmina
Published: January 2024

In recent years, mushroom farming has gained popularity across the globe as the enterprise assists in transforming agricultural wastes into highly healthy nutritional foods. However, mushrooms are affected adversely by a large number of biotic and abiotic agents. Among the biotic agents, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, insects and mites cause damage to mushrooms directly or indirectly posing serious threats to their cultivation. Kashmir valley is one of the most promising regions for the cultivation of mushrooms, therefore, a study was carried out to document the insect pest complex infesting button mushroom and to quantify the pest incidence at different locations (SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Budgam, Baramulla and Pulwama) of the Kashmir valley. The study revealed that various insect pests viz., sciarid fly (Lycoriella castanescens), picture winged fly (Physiphora sericea), springtail (Achorutes armatus), mould mite (Tyrophagus putrescentiae) and flour mite (Acarus siro) were found infesting button mushroom in different months of the year. Further, the study also witnessed the overall incidence of different pests was highest (75 per cent) at Budgam, followed by an incidence of 70 per cent at Baramulla, 68 per cent at Pulwama, while the lowest incidence of 63.80 per cent at SKUAST-K, Shalimar; besides, the pest incidence was maximum in the months of July and August with highest and lowest incidence of sciarid flies and mites, respectively.
Comparative Analysis of Income and Feasibility of Rice Farming Jajar Legowo in Tasuk Village, Sub District Gunung Tabur, Berau Regency
Authors: Galingging Herwan , Haq Arsyadani Sabilal , Candra Syaril Asnawi
Published: January 2024

The research aims to determine productivity, income, feasibility, and break-even price for milled dry unhulled rice in lowland rice farming using the jajar legowo 5:1 system and the jajar legowo 6:1 system. The research was carried out from May–August 2022 in Tasuk Village, Gunung Tabur District, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The determination of the research location was carried out purposively based on the consideration that this village is one of the potential agricultural areas in lowland rice farming, namely as one of the lowland rice producing centers in Berau Regency. Data collection was carried out by interviewing farmers using questionnaires. The total population in this study was 28 respondents obtained from the "Slovin" calculation consisting of 14 farmers who carried out lowland rice farming using the jajar legowo 5:1 system and 14 farmers who carried out lowland rice farming using the jajar legowo 6:1 system. Data analysis methods, namely; statistical analysis of the difference between the means of two independent samples (independent t-test), productivity, break-even price (BEP), and analysis of farming feasibility (R/C ratio). The results of the research show that there is no significant difference between rice farming income from the jajar legowo 5:1 system and the jajar legowo 6:1 system, the average productivity of the jajar legowo 5:1 and 6:1 systems is 4,096.94 Kg ha-1 and 2,948.98 Kg.ha-1. The average BEP price for the jajar legowo system  5:1 and 6:1 are IDR Kg-1 5,268 and IDR Kg-1 5,765. The average R/C ratio values for the jajar legowo 5:1 and 6:1 systems are 2.06 and 1.84.
Antibiogram of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates Tested for Pan, Extensive and Multidrug Resistances
Authors: Maduakor Uzoamaka , Eleazar Clara , Nwafor Chidozie , Emenuga Veronica
Published: January 2024

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa usually cause nosocomial infections with concurrent morbidity and mortality and is generally resistant to many antibiotics.

Aim: This study was aimed to determine the proportion of pan-drug-resistant (PDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains recovered from human samples.

Methodology: The retrospective study was conducted in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu in 2023. Clinical samples obtained from patients between October 2022 and April 2023 were analysed. A total of 100 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates recovered from 780 clinical samples were used. Standard microbiological techniques were used to identify and categorize the isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results:  Isolates recovered from wound was 38%, voided urine, catheter tip urine, ear swab, and high vaginal swab samples recorded 29%, 11%, 10% and 4%, respectively. Ceftazidime recorded the highest level of resistance (70.0%) and the least was Colistin (20%). Resistance patterns showed that 32(32.0%) bacterial strains were MDR,   68(68.0%) were XDR and no PDR was recorded.

Conclusions: For the best selection of empirical therapy, P. aeruginosa susceptibility monitoring is essential due to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. The resistance pattern raises the possibility of misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Treatment for bacterial infections should be directed by the results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
Strategies to Increase the Competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Hurdawaty Ramon , Tukiran Martinus
Published: January 2024

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are one of the important pillars of the country's economy. MSMEs have an important role in creating jobs, increasing economic growth, and improving community welfare. The competitiveness of MSMEs is vital for their success and for driving economic growth. To increase the competitiveness of MSMEs, the right strategy is needed. This strategy must be adapted to the characteristics of MSMEs, such as the business sector, target market, and competitive conditions. These research questions are: 1) What are the strategies for increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs?, and 2) What supporting factors can increase the competitiveness of MSMEs? The research method used is a narrative literature review of five references taken from the ScienceDirect database from 2020 to 2023 that discuss strategies for increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs. These five papers have a strong connection because they all discuss the relationship between innovation and the performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The results of the narrative literature review show that thera are several strategies can be used to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs namely digitalization, product and service innovation, business process innovation, and marketing and sales innovation. Beyond these strategies, the studies emphasize the importance of several supporting factors, such as government support, access to financial resources, networking, and collaboration opportunities. The implication of this research is to contribute ideas to the government and owners of MSMEs in the form of a model increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs in the global market.
The Role of Downstreaming the MSME Industry and the Green Economy in Supporting National Economic Growth
Authors: Triandarto Farid , Hwihanus  , Riyadi Slamet
Published: January 2024

The downstream program issued by the Indonesian government is not only for the mining sector, but also other sectors including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).In the midst of the potential for downstreaming, there are various challenges that are still emerging, both the impact of downstreaming on the economy which needs to be expanded, as well as challenges related to production factors, as well as regulations in terms of implementing green industry. With the implementation of this green industry, it is hoped that it can increase competitiveness with environmentally friendly production processes and results. This research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the influence of downstream policies for the MSME industry and the implementation of a green economy on national economic growth. The analysis technique used is SEM (Stuctural Equation Modeling) which is operated through the AMOS 24 application. The test results found that the economic downstream policy, apart from supporting economic growth, also provides added value and diversification of Indonesia's superior export products. The downstreaming of various commodities also supports the Green Economy in Indonesia. This industrial downstream policy is also an important foundation for advancing the Indonesian economy in making leaps in Indonesia's economic growth globally. These findings can support the next Indonesian government to continue the industrial downstream policy until Indonesia becomes a developed country.
A Longitudinal Examination of the Transition into Senior High School for Adolescents from Urban, Low‐Income Status, and Predominantly Minority Backgrounds
Authors: Reyes Olga , Gillock Karen L. , Kobus Kimberly , Sanchez Bernadette
Published: December 2002

The current 6‐year study investigates the impact of the elementary (K–8)‐to‐high school (9–12) transition on the school completion outcomes of 107 adolescents from urban, minority, low‐income status backgrounds. Descriptive findings provide a longitudinal profile of students' enrollment status throughout high school. Students who had graduated or were Active in the school system at the end of the study evidenced more marked change in perceptions of social support following the transition to the ninth grade compared to Inactive students, dropouts, who evidenced little change. With respect to academic performance, while both groups evidenced declines following the transition and failed to recover sustained losses, Inactive students declined more sharply in grades and attendance. Findings are discussed in terms of the mixed support for the transitional life events perspective. In addition, study limitations and directions for future research are discussed, including variables that should be considered in research with the targeted group.
Antecedents of Physical and Sexual Victimization Among Homeless Women: A Comparison to Homeless Men
Authors: Wenzel Suzanne L. , Koegel Paul , Gelberg Lillian
Published: December 2002

Homeless women experience extensive health risks including physical and sexual victimization. Few studies that have gathered information on homeless persons have reported results separately for women or have compared them directly with men. Research that both investigates antecedents of victimization among homeless women and compares them to those for men is necessary to determine whether prevention efforts must be different for each group. We investigated potential antecedents of recent (past 30 days) physical and sexual victimization in a probability sample of 394 homeless women and compared findings to those for 1159 homeless men. As hypothesized, mental disorder, substance dependence, and engaging in economic survival strategies significantly predicted victimization among homeless women. With few dissimilarities, these characteristics also predicted victimization among homeless men. Although differences in the needs and experiences of homeless women and men must be recognized, both women and men require assistance to establish and maintain safe residences, treatment of any substance use and mental disorder, and alternatives to economic survival strategies that place them at risk for victimization.
Money Doesn't Talk, It Swears: How Economic Stress and Resistance Resources Impact Inner‐City Women's Depressive Mood
Authors: Ennis Nicole E. , Hobfoll Stevan E. , Schröder Kerstin E. E.
Published: December 2002

We examined the differential impact of chronic versus acute economic stress on depressive mood among a sample of 1241 low‐income, single, European and African American women. Based on Hobfoll's (1988, 1989) conservation of resources (COR) theory, we predicted that acute resource loss would be more distressing than chronic economic lack. That is, although chronically impoverished conditions are stressful, the attendant resource losses created will be more distressing. We further predicted that mastery and social support would be more beneficial in offsetting the negative consequences of acute resource loss than the negative consequences of chronic economic lack, because acute loss creates identifiable demands that resources may address. Hence, we hypothesized that mastery and social support would show stress buffering effects only for material loss, not chronic lack. The findings generally supported the hypotheses, but mastery buffered only European American women's resource loss and social support buffered only African American women's resource loss. The findings are discussed in light of implications for prevention within theoretical and cultural contexts.
Self‐Determination and Empowerment: A Feminist Standpoint Analysis of Talk about Disability
Authors: Sprague Joey , Hayes Jeanne
Published: December 2002

In this paper we offer a feminist analysis of talk about self‐determination and empowerment in the context of disability, focusing on the case of developmental disabilities. We find strains of the same patterns feminist epistemologists have argued shape the organization of formal knowledge from the standpoint of the privileged. At the extreme, people with developmental disabilities appear as objects without selves, outside of the context of interpersonal and social structural relationships that constrain who they can be by defining them as other, often in multiple and interacting ways. Empowerment, from the dominant standpoint, becomes an abstract attribute or condition; something a person has or does not have. Taking the standpoint of women and other marginalized people offers a view of self‐determination as a person's development of his or her self. Empowerment becomes a potential characteristic of a social relationship, one that facilitates the development of someone's self. The most empowering relationships are mutual, recognizing and building on the diverse contributions and needs of participants in ways that seek to minimize inequalities over time. The reason some of us are self‐determining is that we are in interpersonal and social structural relationships that empower us. To construct interpersonal and social structural relationships that empower people with developmental disabilities requires challenging the way dominant conceptualizations of independence and productivity also express the standpoint of the privileged. The standpoint of women allows all of us to talk more of how we connect with and facilitate one another's developing selves within communities.
Clinical expression, genetics and therapy of adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency
Authors: Hershfield M. S. , Arredondo‐Vega F. X. , Santisteban I.
Published: December 2002

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency was the first known cause of primary immunodeficiency. Over the past 25 years the basis for immune deficiency has largely been established. Now it appears that ADA deficiency may also cause hepatic toxicity, raising new questions about its pathogenesis. The ADA gene has been sequenced and the ADA three‐dimensional structure solved. The relationship between genotype and phenotype is being analysed, and ADA deficiency has become a focus for novel approaches to enzyme replacement and gene therapy.
Combined malonic and methylmalonic aciduria with normal malonyl‐coenzyme A decarboxylase activity: A case supporting multiple aetiologies
Authors: Gregg A. R. , Warman A. W. , Thorburn D. R. , O'Brien W. E.
Published: December 2002

We identified a patient who excreted large amounts of methylmalonic acid and malonic acid. In contrast to other patients who have been described with combined methylmalonic and malonic aciduria, our patient excreted much larger amounts of methylmalonic acid than malonic acid. Since most previous patients with this biochemical phenotype have been reported to have deficiency of malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase, we assayed malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase activity in skin fibroblasts derived from our patient and found the enzyme activity to be normal. We examined four isocaloric (2000 kcal/day) dietary regimes administered serially over a period of 12 days with 3 days devoted to each dietary regimen. These diets were high in carbohydrate, fat or protein, or enriched with medium‐chain triglycerides. Diet‐induced changes in malonic and methylmalonic acid excretion became evident 24–36 h after initiating a new diet. Total excretion of malonic and methylmalonic acid was greater (p<0.01) during a high‐protein diet than during a high‐carbohydrate or high‐fat diet. A high‐carbohydrate, low‐protein diet was associated with the lowest levels of malonic and methylmalonic acid excretion. Perturbations in these metabolites were most marked at night. On all dietary regimes, our patient excreted 3–10 times more methylmalonic acid than malonic acid, a reversal of the ratios reported in patients with malonyl‐CoA decarboxylase deficiency. Our data support a previous observation that combined malonicand methylmalonic aciduria has aetiologies other than malonyl‐CoA decar‐boxylase deficiency. The malonic acid to methylmalonic acid ratio in response to dietary intervention may be useful in identifying a subgroup of patients with normal enzyme activity.
The association of protein‐losing enteropathy with cobalamin C defect
Authors: Ellaway C. , Christodoulou J. , Kamath R. , Carpenter K. , Wilcken B.
Published: December 2002

We report a male infant with cobalamin C defect whose clinical course was complicated by diarrhoea suggestive of a protein‐losing enteropathy, failure to thrive, macrocytosis and thrombocytopenia which resolved with hydroxocobalamin treatment. Protein‐losing enteropathy has not previously been reported in association with cobalamin C defect and, if unrecognized, could cause considerable morbidity.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: Cox T. M.
Published: December 2002

Partial deficiency of the last enzyme of haem biosynthesis, ferrochelatase, leads to a distinct syndrome of photosensitivity caused by overproduction of protoporphyrin by erythropoietic tissue. Erythropoietic protoporphyria has an indeterminate pattern of inheritance and may be complicated by fulminating liver disease. The recent development of simple assays for ferrochelatase activity and cloning of the human ferrochelatase gene promises to shed light on the transmission of this disorder and may allow clinical expression of disease to be predicted. This review surveys the pathological features, genetics and treatment of porphyria.
The case for mild hyperhomocysteinaemia as a risk factor
Authors: Boers G. H. J.
Published: December 2002

The high incidence of vascular complications in severe hyperhomocysteinaemia in homozygotes for cystathionine β‐synthase deficiency has focused attention upon homocysteine as an atherogenic and thrombophilic agent. For two decades there has been accumulating evidence of mild hyperhomocysteinaemia as risk factor of vascular disease. Pooled data on hundreds of coronary, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial disease patients show that mild hyperhomocysteinaemia was detectable in about 20‐30%. In a recent meta‐analysis of 27 studies up to 1994, including about 4000 patients and as many controls, it is calculated that the summary odds ratio of elevated homocysteine levels was 1.7, with 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5‐1.9, for coronary heart disease; it was 2.5, with 95% CI 2.0‐3.0, for cerebro‐vascular disease; and it was 6.8, with 95% CI 2.9‐15.8, for peripheral vascular disease. The relevance of this newly recognized risk factor will be demonstrated by the outcome of the European Comac study on ‘Hyperhomocysteinaemia and Vascular Disease’, a multicentre case‐control study on 800 vascular patients and 750 controls. Despite the selection for epidemiological reasons of a relatively low cut‐off level as the criterion for mild hyperhomocysteinaemia in this study ‐ the upper 20% of the distribution of control levels ‐ the relative risk of thus‐defined hyperhomocysteinaemia for arterial disease is about 2. This equals the relative risk of hypercholesterolaemia and of smoking; hypertension leads to a higher excess risk. The observed synergistic interaction between hyperhomocysteinaemia and hypertension and smoking may warrant a change in the now generally followed procedure of screening for hyperhomocysteinaemia only if conventional risk factors have not been detected in the patient. Those vascular patients with combined risk factors leading to synergism in their joint effect may profit most from homocysteine‐lowering intervention.
Molecular genetic research into carbamoyl‐phosphate synthase I: Molecular defects and linkage markers
Authors: Summar M. L.
Published: December 2002

Deficiency of the hepatic enzyme carbamoyl‐phosphate synthase I (CPSI), results in lethal or near‐lethal hyperammonaemia. As part of our work on CPSI deficiency we have explored the development of markers for prenatal diagnosis, and the determination of molecular defects resulting in CPSI deficiency. We have determined a set of highly informative microsatellite markers flanking the CPSI gene. We have found 14 mutations in individuals with CPSI deficiency. During our mutation studies, we have made extensive use of cell lines not normally expressing CPSI through amplification of ‘illegitimate’ transcripts. We summarize these findings and review our current understanding of this important enzyme.
A near homoplasmic T8993G mtDNA mutation in a patient with atypic Leigh syndrome not present in the mother's tissues
Authors: Degoul F. , François D. , Diry M. , Ponsot G. , Desguerre I. , Héron B. , Marsac C. , Moutard M.L.
Published: December 2002

We report an interesting case of a T8993G mutation in the muscle mtDNA of a 2‐year‐old girl who presented with myoclonia, developmental delay, increased lactate concentration in CSF and cerebral MRI abnormalities without retinopathy, suggesting an atypical form of Leigh syndrome. Search for mutant molecules in the blood and skin fibroblasts of the patient's healthy mother as well as in the blood of the also unaffected patient's sister was unsuccessful. This ‘sporadic’ case of 8993 mtDNA mutation may be due either to a de novo mutation arising during oogenesis (or early embryogenesis) or to a mutation pre‐existing in oocytes in a few mtDNA molecules and selected through a narrow bottleneck mechanism. Whatever the mechanism involved, this observation illustrates a complete shift of the mtDNA type in only one generation: from 0 to nearly 100% of mtDNA molecules with the T8993G mutation.