bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crecimiento, desarrollo y rendimiento de genotipos de chile habanero
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Núnez-Ramírez Fidel , Ramírez Meráz Moisés ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Morales Maza Antonio ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Samaniego-Gámez Blancka Yesenia ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Samaniego-Gámez Samuel ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Valle Gough Raúl Enrique ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Vázquez-Angulo Juan Carlos ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mendoza-Gómez Aurelia ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Escobosa-García Isabel ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Bazante-González Isidro ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Suarez Hernández Manuel Ángel ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Published: January 2023

El cultivo de chile habanero [Capsicum chinense Jacq.], es una hortaliza conocida por su gran pungencia, aroma y color. En el Valle de Mexicali, se han comenzado a implementar pequeñas superficies de este cultivo, específicamente bajo malla sombra. Al respecto, es necesario conocer el desarrollo del rendimiento de materiales que se adecuen a las condiciones específicas del clima de esta región. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar siete genotipos de chile habanero cultivado bajo malla sombra en el valle de Mexicali. Los materiales evaluados incluyeron hábitos de crecimiento indeterminado y determinado, con color de fruta naranja y roja. Los materiales fueron distribuidos en bloques completos al azar y cuatro repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron número y peso de la fruta así como rendimiento.
From Chaos to Control: One-Page Tip Sheet, a Nursing Professional Development Specialist's Essential Tool for Just-in-Time Education
Authors: Shaw Denise Rodriguez , Steiner Pritam , Bradley Kathleen
Published: January 2023

The speed of change in health care dictates that information and education must be rapidly disseminated. One-page tip sheets summarize and highlight the most important information at the point of care and provide links to further resources. The nursing professional development specialist plays a key role in facilitating and enabling rapid organizational change.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2023;54(1):11–15.]
Genetics in the NICU: Nurses' Perceived Knowledge and Desired Education
Authors: Shields Kathleen , Czerwinski Jennifer , Dauwe Tracie , Hashmi Syed , Hillman Paul , Mowrey Kate , Gunther Kathryn
Published: January 2023

Background

Many infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have genetic conditions. Previous research has shown that gaps exist in the genetics knowledge of nurses and that they lack comfort applying genetics information to clinical practice. Studies assessing the knowledge or comfort of NICU nurses with genetics have not previously been completed.

Method

A total of 122 NICU nurses completed a survey assessing perceived knowledge of genetics, comfort with clinical scenarios involving genetics, and desired genetics education.

Results

Perceived knowledge and overall comfort were correlated with highest degree received, how prepared a nurse felt by the genetics education received in their training, and having a close relationship with someone with a genetic condition. Almost all respondents (96%,
n
= 117) desired additional genetics education.

Conclusion

Gaps exist in the genetics knowledge of neonatal nurses in our cohort, and their overall comfort working with clinical scenarios involving genetics was low. There is significant interest in additional genetics education.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2023;54(1):16–24.]
Effect of a Nursing Research Council on System-Wide Practice Changes: An Evidence-Based Practice Process Improvement
Authors: Zipp Jennifer Stephenson , Mustapha Silifat O. , Hancock Jessica M. , Perry Deborah L. , Harris Lynn M. , Aneni Jennifer A. , Liberto Stephanie A. , Shekie Annmarie N. , Dean Cynthia A. , McCabe Patricia A. , Yan Yu , VanDerVoort Robin S. , Sherbert Brittany , Minter Catherine L. , Rowland Jennifer N. , Estes Susan L. , Bardsley Joan K.
Published: January 2023

Ensuring that evidence-based practice is adopted across hospital systems is difficult. A system-wide Nursing Research Council in a large academic health care system in Maryland implemented a unique strategy to support the evidence-based practice process by collaborating with other system-wide councils. As a result, new system-wide evidence-based practices were adopted and improved organizational outcomes were seen.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2023;54(1):25–31.]
A Mother's Loss and a Case of Failed Cultural Humility
Authors: Walsh Madeline , Huggins Bronwyn , Kondas Cathy A.
Published: January 2023

We describe a case of a 25-year-old Quiché (or K'iche') speaking G2P2022 (2 pregnancies, 2 term births, 2 live births) woman who was transferred from an outside hospital on postpartum day 3, to preserve mother-baby dyad while her infant required a higher level of care after suffering an apneic episode at 22 hours of life. Although the patient was a known Quiché speaker, lack of access to Quiché interpreters in the hospital led to the use of Spanish interpreters. Her treatment team subsequently described her affect as “flat” and reported “poor maternal care,” leading to a report to the Administration for Children's Services. As we analyze this case, we use person-centered maternity care as a framework to discuss areas for improvement in providing care to peripartum individuals, as well as cultural safety and humility as solutions to cultural gaps between patients and providers.

[
Psychiatr Ann.
2022;52(12):500–503.]
Early-Onset Effectiveness of Adjunctive Aripiprazole in Patients With Depression With Inadequate Response to First-Line Antidepressants
Authors: Lee Yunna , Kim Eun Young , Lee Hyun Jeong , Rhee Sang Jin , Cho Sung Joon , Kim Se Hyun , Ahn Yong Min
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the early effectiveness of adjunctive aripiprazole treatment on the clinical symptoms and quality of life in patients with major depressive disorder. In this 8-week study, subjects were randomly assigned to the early treatment group (
n
= 26) or the delayed treatment group (
n
= 20), which started adjunctive aripiprazole treatment from the first and third weeks of the study, respectively. Clinical symptoms and quality of life were evaluated using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version. The mean MADRS score and three MADRS items (apparent sadness, reported sadness, and reduced appetite) were significantly improved in the early treatment group than in the delayed treatment group only at week 2. In the total treatment group, depression significantly improved from week 2. The quality of life related to psychological health, physical health, and environment was significantly improved at week 4. Adjunctive aripiprazole treatment did not increase the severity of adverse events. Our results suggest the early effects of adjunctive aripiprazole treatment on depression and quality of life, especially for core mood symptoms and appetite. Hence, adjunctive aripiprazole treatment may be a clinically meaningful therapeutic alternative for patients with depression.

[
Psychiatr Ann.
2022;52(12):518–526.]
Reports About Paradoxical Lucidity from Health Care Professionals: A Pilot Study
Authors: Teresi Jeanne A. , Ramirez Mildred , Ellis Julie , Tan Amil , Capezuti Elizabeth , Silver Stephanie , Boratgis Gabriel , Eimicke Joseph P. , Gonzalez-Lopez Paloma , Devanand Davangere P. , Luchsinger Jose A.
Published: January 2023

Although clinicians caring for persons at the end of life recognize the phenomenon of paradoxical/terminal lucidity, systematic evidence is scant. The current pilot study aimed to develop a structured interview instrument for health care professionals to report lucidity. A questionnaire measuring lucidity length, degree, content, coinciding circumstances, and time from episode to death was expanded to include time of day, expressive and receptive communication, and speech during the month prior to and during the event. Thirty-three interviews were conducted; 73% of participants reported ever witnessing paradoxical lucidity. Among 29 events reported, 31% lasted several days, 20.7% lasted 1 day, and 24.1% lasted <1 day. In 78.6% of events, the person engaged in unexpected activity; 22.2% died within 3 days, and 14.8% died within 3 months of the event. The phenomenological complexity of lucidity presents challenges to eliciting reports in a systematic fashion; however, staff respondents were able to report lucidity events and detailed descriptions of person-specific characteristics. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49
(1), 18–26.]
Effect of harvesting age and drying condition on andrographolide content, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees
Authors: Chokthaweepanich Hathairat , Chumnanka Chuleeporn , Srichaijaroonpong Sribud , Boonpawa Rungnapa
Published: January 2023

Quality of dried Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees materials is important to determine its effectiveness in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to investigate an effect of harvesting age and drying condition on andrographolide content and its consequences on antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The plants were cultivated and harvested at 90,100,115, and 127 days after sowing (DAS) prior to drying under the sun or using hot air oven at 50, 65, and 80 ℃. The results indicated that drying condition significantly influenced andrographolide content, antioxidant capacities, and antibacterial activity of A. paniculata, whereas the harvesting age had no significant impact on those parameters. The andrographolide contents ranged from 0.74–4.11% (w/w) dry weight. The highest andrographolide contents were obtained at 90 DAS/65 ℃, 127 DAS/65 ℃, and 127 DAS/65 ℃. A. paniculata extracts were found to exhibit antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacterial strains (B. cereus, M. luteus, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus), which the highest antibacterial activity was observed at 90 DAS/65℃. The used of hot air oven at 65 ℃ effectively preserved andrographolide content and antibacterial activity of A. paniculata. In contrast, drying at 50 ℃ was the preferable drying condition for antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant activities of A. paniculata extracts ranged from 3.43–26.73 and 1.93–17.28 mg Trolox/g dry weight for DPPH• scavenging activity and FRAP reducing power activity, respectively. Overall, A. paniculata is suggested to dry using hot air oven at 65 ℃ to maintain high levels of andrograhpolide and antibacterial activity. Drying using hot air oven at 50 ℃ is advised, if antioxidant activity is the main focus. Even though the harvesting age is not a key parameter, A. paniculata is suggested to harvest at 50% flowering stage onward for a better total herbage and andrographolide yield.
A micro-CT evaluation of bone density around two different types of surfaces on one-piece fixo implants with early loading-an experimental study in dogs at 3 months
Authors: Calvo-Guirado Jose Luis , Carrillo Nuria García , de Carlos-Villafranca Félix , Garces-Villala Miguel Angel , Mahesh Lanka , Ibanez Juan Carlos , Martinez-Martinez Francisco
Published: January 2023

The study's main objective was to evaluate the bone density and osseointegration around dental implants with two different implant surfaces with early loading, using a micro-CT device. Twenty-four Fixo® implants (Oxyimplant, Biomec Italy) 3.5 × 8.5 mm with Laser (test group) and acid-etched surface (control group) were placed in six young beagle dog's mandibles. MicroCT (Albira, Germay) evaluation with seven regions of interest was defined in each implant on two different surfaces. A total of 168 sites were studied, and four isocountours were also done in each implant at coronal, transversal, and sagittal scanned areas to evaluate bone density location. The effect on the bone evaluation of two different surfaces variables was evaluated at the mesial and distal positions, showing crestal, medial, and apical types of bone density. Implant positions (P2, P3, P4, and M1) were also analyzed to determine bone density areas. The results of hard tissue density indicated a statistical significance for laser surface at crestal ROIs level (p < 0.001) and position of implants (p = 0.032) related to P3 areas compared to the acid-etched surface in Fixo® implants. Density D4 was the most common type of bone surrounding Fixo® standard implants at three different positions and density D3 was the most found on Fixo® laser surfaces. Micro-CT evaluation was a powerful tool for measuring the type of bone quality and location surrounding dental implants. Micro-CT study revealed that the most common density type found around Fixo® laser surface (test) implants was density D3 at the mesial and distal coronal part and density D4 at the middle and apical part. Fixo® implant with acid-etched surface showed the type of density D4 bone in hole implant at 3 months follow-up. It is a complementary histologic and histomorphometric analysis method for implant surrounding bone density.
Two theorems on direct products of gyrogroups
Authors: Suksumran Teerapong
Published: January 2023

We extend two standard theorems on groups to gyrogroups: the direct product theorem and the cancellation theorem for direct products. Firstly, we prove that under a certain condition a gyrogroup $ G $ can be decomposed as the direct product of two subgyrogroups. Secondly, we prove that finite gyrogroups can be cancelled in direct products: if $ A\cong B $, then $ A\times H\cong B\times K $ or $ H\times A\cong K\times B $ implies $ H\cong K $, where $ A, B, H, $ and $ K $ are finite gyrogroups.
The Influence of Shariah Supervisory Board on the Financial Stability of Islamic Banks
Authors: Khalil Afef , Chihi Sabrine , Abdelli Mohammed El Amine , Ben Slimene Imen , Bentouir Naima
Published: January 2023

The chapter studies the impact of the shariah board's characteristics on the financial stability of Islamic banks. Regression analysis is used to investigate the effect of the shariah board's characteristics on the financial stability of Islamic banks, employing a panel data set of 60 Islamic banking from 2015 to 2018. The findings show that a skilled shariah scholar and a female member have a negative effect on the financial stability of Islamic banks. However, the interlocked shariah scholars and foreigners positively influence the financial stability of banks. Plus, the results indicate that the religious leader (Mufti) and shariah board's size have no significant influence on the financial stability of Islamic banking. This study enhances the literature analysis on corporate governance frameworks and their effect on Islamic banking's financial stability.
Can Industry 4.0 Technologies Offer a Solution for the Sustainability of SMEs?
Authors: Karakuş Güzide
Published: January 2023

Digital transformation tools within the scope of the fourth industrial revolution continue to improve with changing needs and are an issue that maintains its importance. The fact that these technologies have an important place in the sustainability of businesses is a primary motivation of this study. Similarly, it is critical for SMEs, which have an important place in the national and global economy, to protect their assets in this process. In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five SME managers in Turkey to understand whether SMEs, which are important actors of economic development, see Industry 4.0 technologies as an opportunity for their sustainability. In line with the findings obtained, it has been concluded that SMEs see Industry 4.0 technologies as an opportunity in terms of their sustainability, ability to perform digital transformations in line with their own needs in business functions, and ability to prepare a roadmap for the future.
From Resilience to Resurgence
Authors: Kakkar Vanshika , Singh Anurag
Published: January 2023

This study throws light on new or different factors of the disputable view, which has presumed that, at any point in future, the global automobile industry can reach a maturity level and would naturally resettle in the key developing countries where the auto market is expected to grow fast-paced and wages are significantly bottommost. The authors analysed that the gateway facing by a developing country trying to create domestic automobile industry which has arisen due to recent developments: a wave faced due to technological and structural innovation, and pressure caused by pandemic. These results suggest that the automobile industry has been affected during the pandemic but expected to see effective growth in future. An abnormal situation in the pandemic every day signifies the decline in the auto market, and the deep impact it had on the auto sector market and its returns.
Implementation of Lean Tools in Internal Logistic Improvement
Authors: Sá José Carlos , Dinis-Carvalho José , Costa Bruna , Silva Francisco J. G. , Silva Olga , Lima Vanda
Published: January 2023

Lean thinking is a philosophy that allows organizations to move towards perfection through continuous improvement. With the applications of lean tools, it is possible to identify waste within an organization and present simple, effective, and cost-effective solutions to achieve higher productivity and profitability. The present article is a result of the work carried out in a company responsible for designing and projecting automated material handling and storage systems. Using lean tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), it was possible to identify several wastes and improvement opportunities throughout the productive chain. This article aims to present the solutions developed to reduce wastes in the internal logistics department. Subsequently, the application and evaluations of the impact of lean tools, it was possible to calculate the impact in the internal logistics which results in a decrease of 16% in the production costs.
Teachers as Disruptors of the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Authors: Nobel Michele McMahon
Published: January 2023

This chapter seeks to provide context for teachers' overreliance on punitive discipline practices and how these practices contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. If preservice teachers course content can be enhanced, it may help teachers learn about their own bias, more proactive responses to challenging behavior, trauma and its manifestations, and trauma-informed alternatives to challenging behavior. These changes may lead to classrooms that are more trauma-sensitive and culturally relevant, which will allow teachers to disrupt punitive discipline systems that are contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. This chapter provides an overview of relevant literature and suggestions for ways that teacher training programs can prepare teachers to be more trauma-sensitive. Topics include positive behavioral interventions and supports, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed approaches. Specific classroom practices will be described.
The Implementation of Halal Supply Chain in the Cosmetics Industry
Authors: Anisa Fatikha Mulya
Published: January 2023

Islam is one of the largest religions in the world, especially in Indonesia. The majority of Indonesians embrace Islam. The rapid growth of Indonesia's Muslim population has forced many companies, including cosmetic companies, to sell their products with the halal label. Cosmetics company is a company engaged in the field of beauty. Cosmetics can improve the beauty of the face and body and increase self-confidence. Therefore, consumers who are mostly women like cosmetics. However, many companies are gradually selling cosmetics, ignoring the halalness of their products. In addition, due to the high price range for quality cosmetics, some women choose to buy beauty products at relatively low prices, but not necessarily certified as halal and not necessarily registered with the BPOM (food and drug supervisory agency). So, the ingredients and the content and the effect are not guaranteed. Therefore, this study identifies the implementation of the procurement of halal cosmetics.
An Overview of Rumor and Fake News Detection Approaches
Authors: Jawad Zainab Ali , Obaid Ahmed J.
Published: January 2023

People in this day and age like to keep up with the most recent news on social media since it is economical, simple, and can be obtained in a short amount of time. However, social media can be a double-edged sword, since it may propagate fake news or information that cannot be relied upon. The dissemination of false information could adversely affect both individuals and society as a whole. Therefore, researchers gave their all to devise a system that could identify fake news before its publication. This article gives an overview of the most major attempts that have been made to construct a system that can filter online news and detect false news with a decent amount of accuracy. Data mining approaches were reviewed in the detection phase, including feature extraction and model construction.
An Introduction to Deepfakes on Cryptographic Image Security
Authors: Boobalan P. , Gunasekar K. , Thirumoorthy P. , Senthil J.
Published: January 2023

The level of protection afforded to the encryption key is directly proportional to the level of security afforded to the data being encrypted. Data transmission via networks is the primary application for encryption use. There have been many different methods developed and put into use, all of which are utilized for safeguarding sensitive image data from any kind of illegal access. Text, audio, video, graphics, and still photos are some of the numerous types of data that can be included within multimedia files. A rise in the use of multimedia content transmitted over the internet has resulted in an increase in the sortage for the content. The vast majority of current encryption algorithms are typically reserved for use with informations since they are mismatched with digitalized data. A block-based transformation technique was utilized for this project.
A Machine Learning-Based Image Segmentation for Real-Time Images in Smart Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Jayalakshmi S. , Aswin Kumer S. V.  , Ranga Jarabala , Venkatasubramanian K. , V. N. S. L. Narayana A.  , Lavanya Y.
Published: January 2023

In the ever-evolving world of computer vision, image recognition is critical task including using image processing to solve real-world problems like reducing human involvement in the art of driving. We face many challenges in completing this mission, including object detection and segmentation. By integrating Keras and TensorFlow with instance segmentation and binary masks, the challenges are effectively overcome by the method proposed in this chapter. The technique instantaneous segmentation is adopted for separating and detecting each individual object of interest in an image based on their pixel characteristics. The Mask RCNN model outperforms the current CNN models in terms of object detection accuracy and performance. Also, the objects of interest are classified using regional proposal networks (RPN) instead of selective search algorithm by CNN. The instance segmentation system is conceptually clear, versatile, and general. The method successfully finds items in acquired input and also produces good results by masking for each case.
Techniques and Applications of Optimal Cluster Head Selection With Trusted Multipath Routing and MANET Intrusion Detection
Authors: Srinivasan Venkatasubramanian , Rajarajeswari P. L. , Kumar T. Sathis
Published: January 2023

A MANET (mobile ad hoc network) is a self-constituted wireless setup that operates independently of existing infrastructure and centralized control. In various daily uses, such as automotive, military, and other field networks, it is possible to find MANET on wireless systems. In contrast with MANET, a fixed or cable data and computer connectivity system are required for many networks. The WiFi, satellite networking, and smartphone network include fixed infrastructure technology. Moreover, MANET is a dynamic energy and security vulnerable system. The fundamental problem of energy efficiency optimization has been addressed effectively by Routing Protocols (R.P.) among the most extant techniques. This work, therefore, offers an efficient multi-track routing in a MANET-based optimization procedure. The intrusion detection and optimal cluster head (C.H.) selection approach, namely firefly algorithm (FFA) based fuzzy clustering and Random Forest (R.F.), is used to address the energy and security crises in the MANET effectively. The multipath routing is then carried out using secure nodes based on the R.P., Bird swarm with Mayfly algorithm (BS-MFA). The best routes are chosen founded on fitness features such as trust, energy connectivity, and throughput. The approaches are compared using existing techniques and various performance metrics such as energy consumption, Delay, and detection rate.
Implementation of Dynamic Gesture Interpretation of Sign Language for Impact on Hearing and Speech Impairment
Authors: Judy Flavia B.  , Aarthi B.  , Charitharyan P. , Thanmai Renuka , Kesana Meghana
Published: January 2023

Expression of languages is a basic survival skill to make conversations in this world. To convey thoughts and express themselves vocally and nonverbally, mankind relies on a variety of languages. Hearing-impaired people, on the other hand, are unable to communicate verbally with others. Because sign language communicates one's message through signs using fingers, arms, head, and body, as well as mannerisms, it has become the major means of nonverbal communication for the deaf. Sign recognition is an ideal step in communicating in this non-verbal communication. Much research on languages that signers use and study have been conducted based on their respective regional sign languages such as the American (ASL) and Indian (ISL). Identifying patterns in the nuances of these different non-verbal languages helps us understand what a person is trying to communicate via signs. Since not all gesticulations are universally centralized, a few of them are single-handed; a few others, particularly the majority, use both the hands (or a mix of both).
Practical Approaches to Machine Learning for 5G and Beyond Wireless Network
Authors: M. M. Kamruzzaman  , Hossin Md Altab , Alrashdi Ibrahim
Published: January 2023

Wireless communication is now the market segment that is expanding the fastest, and this is because it can offer ubiquitous access to a wide range of applications and services at very low costs. This issue makes it difficult to analyze energy consumption and maximize that energy. Additionally, it might raise certain financial and environmental issues. Modern energy service companies are working to develop and implement energy solutions using cutting-edge technologies. Machine learning is overemphasized by all data scientists while being a widely used technology in the fields of advanced sciences. Automated decision-making is the foundation for advanced machine learning features. It has been noted that every industry is attempting to adopt and utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence in order to reduce reliance on humans. As the field of information technology continues to advance quickly, developers are working to incorporate machine learning for energy management in wireless systems.
Macronutrient Composition, Functional and Textural Properties of Selected Traditional Sweetmeats of Sri Lanka
Authors: Mihiranie M. K. S. , Jayasinghe J. M. J. K. , Wanasundara J. P. D. , Jayasinghe C. V. L.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Sri Lankan traditional sweetmeats occupy a special place in regular consumption, festivities and religious offerings. Sweetmeats are popular food items since ancient times, however, their compositional information are limited. The objective of this study is to provide information on macro-nutrients, energy intake, antioxidant potential and bioactive compounds of selected sweetmeats.
Research method: Twenty-five sweetmeat prepared with standardized recipes were analyzed for major nutrients using standard analytical methods. Methanol (80%, v/v) extracts of these products were evaluated for antioxidant potential (AP) by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP), 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity and 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging assays.
Findings: Almost all tested sweetmeats were energy-dense foods. Among the deep-fried foods, Beraliya kevum had the highest fat content 28.23±1.06 %. Kos eta aggala (68.05±1.30%) reported the highest carbohydrate content and Unduwalalu had the highest protein content (8.70±0.33%) among all the sweetmeats. The AP of Hal helapa made of rice flour, finger millet flour and Vateria copallifera was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to all other sweetmeats; 222.44±5.34 mM TEAC/g dry matter by DPPH assay and 240.28±5.62 mM TEAC/g dry matter by ABTS assay. Stable polyphenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products generated during high temperatures of processing may be contributing to high AP.
Originality/Value: These findings are useful to enhance the consumer awareness in making food choices based on the major nutrients and antioxidant potential. These data can be used to improve the health-related parameters of traditional sweetmeats by reformulating with healthy ingredients and meeting the health concerns of consumers.
Aflatoxin Occurrence, Contamination, Detection, and Decontamination with Special Emphasis on Coconut Oil: A Review
Authors: Wanniarachchi Piyumi Chathurangi , Uthpala T. G. G. , Ranaweera K. K. D. S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Coconut oil is one of the commonest and profusely used plant oils in Asian cuisine. Many studies are being carried out aiming at preventing/eliminating potential aflatoxin contamination of the oil or its products along the value chain. The present review analytically provides an overview of aflatoxin occurrence, contamination, detection, and decontamination of vegetable oils with special emphasis on coconut oil.
Research Method: Findings and conclusions of studies related to aflatoxins, that are published in authentic sources were reviewed and presented in a chronological manner. Based on the information, current detection and decontamination methods for aflatoxins in edible plant oils were demonstrated.
Findings: Complete decontamination of aflatoxins from edible oils seemed impossible, but reducing the accumulated concentrations below the permissible levels seemed possible. The use of chemical agents like alkalis, the most commonly practiced method on a commercial scale, adversely affects human health and the environment. UV irradiation is a promising physical decontamination method of oil with aflatoxins and combining UV irradiation with other potential methods such as the use of adsorbents showed an enhanced efficacy. However, further studies are required to ensure the effective and safe use of biological methods in aflatoxin-contaminated edible oils.
Research Limitations: Research gaps in the application of biological decontamination methods in edible oils especially in coconut oil were found.
Originality/ Value: This paper critically and aimfully analyzes the relevant information with a view to find gaps thereby showing new directions for applied research to assess nutritional, sensory, and quality attributes in the oils and value-added products, subjected to biological treatments.
A Survey on Consumer Awareness on Proper Usage of Edible Oils in North-Western and Western Provinces in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamage C. S. , Pathirage K. P. D. A. , Samarakoon E. R. J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Lack of the consumer awareness on edible oil usage is an important question to be addressed since the awareness on preserving the quality of oil assists in preventing harmful health effects. The main objective of this study was to determine consumer awareness on storage conditions and proper usage to preserve the oil quality. Moreover, the study evaluated the consumers' awareness on the health effects of edible oils.
Research Method: An online survey was conducted using 295 participants from North-Western and Western provinces, Sri Lanka. The data was analysed using-Pearson correlation, chi-square and factor analysis.
Findings: The main findings suggested that a majority of respondents (96.6 %) used coconut oil as the frying oil. The respondents showed inadequate knowledge on proper storage: 12 % did not practice any precautionary storage methods, while 53 % of the respondents were particularly aware on common health effects and 58 % was aware on proper usage of oil. The results showed that consumers from North-Western and Western provinces in Sri Lanka were not sufficiently knowledgeable on proper storage of edible oil which can lead to adverse health effects.
Research Limitations: It is beyond the scope of the study to address the awareness of the consumers on proper usage of oil in other provinces in Sri Lanka.
Orginality/Value: The study facilitates identifying the misconduct of consumers in using edible oil and thereby obtains the status of consumer awareness on proper usage practices of edible oil.
Physicochemical, Rheological and Moisture Adsorption Characteristics of Two Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties Differing in Amylose Content
Authors: Bandara A. G. A. , Prasantha B. D. R. , Kemashalini K. , Chandrasiri K. A. K. L.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical, viscosity and moisture sorption properties of high-amylose (At-306) and low-amylose (At-405) basmati varieties.
Research Method: The viscometer method was used to measure the apparent viscosity of the flour samples at 65 and 75°C. Moisture adsorption isotherms were determined by the gravimetric method at 28, 35 and 45°C.
Findings: The bulk-density, grain-hardness, gelatinization temperature, protein and amylose contents of the At-306 and At-405 varieties were in the range of 794-780 kg m-3, 55.5-49.7 N, 70.34-66.14°C and 8.80-8.00% and 26.70-15.37%, respectively. At-405 samples showed significantly higher viscosity (8-13.5 Pa s) at 65°C and lower viscosity (1.4-5.3 Pa s) at 75°C but the opposite trend was observed for the At- 306. The flow behavior index, varied with temperature between 0.55-0.54 and 0.75-45, respectively, for At-306 and At-405. At-306 showed a higher equilibrium moisture content (EMC) value compared to At- 405 when aw>0.70. The GAB isothermal model best described the experimental EMC data (R2adj>0.98 and MRD<3.8). At-306 has a higher specific surface area (≈115.5 m2 g-1 d.b) and higher monolayer moisture content (≈3.3 g/100 g) than At-405. The effective pore size of At-306 and At-405 varied between 1.04-12.82 and 0.73-9.18 nm, respectively. The isosteric-heat of adsorption was significantly higher for At-405 than At-306.
Research Limitations: Further studies with medium amylose basmati are needed to confirm the applicability of these findings.
Originality/ Value: This result provides some information of the physicochemical, rheological and storability characteristics of low and high basmati flours for the food industry application.
Fibrotic Lung Disease Alters Neutrophil Trafficking and Promotes Neutrophil Elastase and Extracellular Trap Release
Authors: Warheit-Niemi Helen I , Huizinga Gabrielle P , Edwards Summer J , Wang Yizhou , Murray Susan K , O’Dwyer David N , Moore Bethany B
Published: January 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, irreversible disease characterized by collagen deposition within the interstitium of the lung. This impairs gas exchange and results in eventual respiratory failure. Clinical studies show a correlation between elevated neutrophil numbers and IPF disease progression; however, the mechanistic roles neutrophils play in this disease are not well described. In the present study, we describe alterations to the trafficking and function of neutrophils after the development of fibrosis. We observed increased numbers of total and aged neutrophils in peripheral tissues of fibrotic mice. This appeared to be driven by an upregulation of neutrophil chemokine Cxcl2 by lung cells. In addition, neutrophil recruitment back to the bone marrow for clearance appeared to be impaired, because we saw decreased aged neutrophils in the bone marrow of fibrotic mice. Neutrophils in fibrosis were activated, because ex vivo assays showed increased elastase and extracellular trap release by neutrophils from fibrotic mice. This likely mediated disease exacerbation, because mice exhibiting a progressive disease phenotype with greater weight loss and mortality had more activated neutrophils and increased levels of extracellular DNA present in their lungs than did mice with a nonprogressive disease phenotype. These findings further our understanding of the dynamics of neutrophil populations and their trafficking in progressive fibrotic lung disease and may help inform treatments targeting neutrophil function for patients with IPF experiencing disease exacerbation in the future.
The Lack of Natural IgM Increases Susceptibility and Impairs Anti-Vi Polysaccharide IgG Responses in a Mouse Model of Typhoid
Authors: Alugupalli Akhil S , Cravens Matthew P , Walker Justin A , Gulandijany Dania , Dickinson Gregory S , Debes Gudrun F , Schifferli Dieter M , Bäumler Andreas J , Alugupalli Kishore R
Published: January 2023

Circulating IgM present in the body prior to any apparent Ag exposure is referred to as natural IgM. Natural IgM provides protective immunity against a variety of pathogens. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans. Because mice are not permissive to S. Typhi infection, we employed a murine model of typhoid using S. enterica serovar Typhimurium expressing the Vi polysaccharide (ViPS) of S. Typhi (S. Typhimurium strain RC60) to evaluate the role of natural IgM in pathogenesis. We found that natural mouse IgM binds to S. Typhi and S. Typhimurium. The severity of S. Typhimurium infection in mice is dependent on presence of the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (Nramp1) allele; therefore, we infected mice deficient in secreted form of IgM (sIgM) on either a Nramp1-resistant (129S) or -susceptible (C57BL/6J) background. We found that the lack of natural IgM results in a significantly increased susceptibility and an exaggerated liver pathology regardless of the route of infection or the Nramp1 allele. Reconstitution of sIgM−/− mice with normal mouse serum or purified polyclonal IgM restored the resistance to that of sIgM+/+ mice. Furthermore, immunization of sIgM−/− mice with heat-killed S. Typhi induced a significantly reduced anti-ViPS IgG and complement-dependent bactericidal activity against S. Typhi in vitro, compared with that of sIgM+/+ mice. These findings indicate that natural IgM is an important factor in reducing the typhoid severity and inducing an optimal anti-ViPS IgG response to vaccination.
Microarray analysis reveals novel insights into immunity to H1N1/09 influenza vaccine in aviremic HIV infected children and adolescents in IMPAACT P1088 (VIR2P.1024)
Authors: de Armas Lesley , George Varghese , Steel Courtney , Filali Ali , Wilkinson Peter , Parmigiani Anita , Andreansky Samita , Gonzalez Ivan , Weinberg Adriana , Cunningham Coleen , Trautmann Lydie , Sekaly Rafick-Pierre , Cameron Mark , Pahwa Savita
Published: January 2023

HIV infected persons often exhibit poor responses to influenza vaccine despite effective HAART-mediated viral suppression. The goal of the present study was to identify gene expression profiles that characterize vaccine driven antibody responses in aviremic pediatric and adolescent HIV infected patients (4-25 yrs) given two doses of Novartis/H1N1 09 vaccine 21 days apart during the pandemic H1N1 influenza outbreak in 2009. Blood samples were collected in Paxgene tubes on days 0, 21, and 31 post-vaccination for microarray analysis. Supervised clustering analysis for contrasts between vaccine responders (R) and vaccine non-responders (NR) was performed and top pathways were ranked by Ingenuity Pathway analysis. Cutoffs for fold change (<-1.3, >1.3) and p value (0.05) were applied to assess the top upregulated and downregulated genes in pathways. Patients were segregated by age into 2 groups for analysis: 1) <12 yrs, n=16 and 2) ≥13 yrs, n=28. In group 1, R showed upregulation of genes related to cell growth and metabolism at both d0 and d21. At d21, B cell differentiation, cell survival and stress response pathways were also upregulated. In group 2, R showed upregulation of innate signaling pathways at d0, and at d21 showed reduced TNF and upregulation of genes involved in T helper differentiation and B cell signaling pathways. Our results reveal signatures of successful vaccine response in HIV infected subjects and may identify favorable targets for improved vaccine design.
Identifying highly conserved and immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T Cell Epitopes for Vaccine Design
Authors: Carmona Jacqueline , Wilson Eric A , Yuvaraj Padhmavathy , Ulrich Peaches R , Singharoy Abhishek , Anderson Karen S
Published: January 2023

Vaccines to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) induce antibody responses against the spike (S) protein. However, the continued emergence of variants such as Omicron (B.1.1.529), with 30 amino acid changes in the S protein, underscores the need to find conserved targets that induce adaptive immunity. Natural infection induces CD8+ T cell activation against the viral proteins S, membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) as well as NSPs (non-structural proteins). Our study seeks to find conserved and immunogenic MHC class I epitopes throughout the SARS-CoV-2 peptidome. We used Ensemble MHC, a novel consensus predictive algorithm to select highly immunogenic CD8+ T cell epitopes presented by 52 of the most common HLA-I alleles, covering > 98% of the world’s population. We selected 658 high confidence predicted peptides from the SARS-CoV-2 immunopeptidome and prioritized testing 108 structural epitopes derived from the S, M, N, and E proteins. We collected PBMCs from unexposed, healthy, and convalescent individuals (n=31) covering ~ 85% of HLA alleles in the population, and measured T cell immunity by IFNγ secretion ELISpot and Activation Induced Marker (AIM) flow cytometry. In convalescent individuals, all predicted epitopes tested so far (n=36) were immunogenic (IFNγ response >2 fold than background) but 3/19 tested donors were unreactive. Samples from pre-pandemic (2017–19) unexposed healthy donors are reactive to 42% of tested epitopes, which indicate cross-reactivity to common cold coronaviruses (CCC) and possibly pre-existing protection against SARS-CoV-2. In summary, we have identified 45 highly conserved and immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ T cell epitopes as potential targets for vaccine design.

Supported by a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS)
HDAC6 knockout alleviates pristane-induced lupus
Authors: Xu Dao , Reilly Christopher M
Published: January 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by excessive inflammation and production of pathogenic antibodies. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is a class IIb histone deacetylase. It has been reported that selective HDAC6 inhibition decreases inflammation in lupus mice models. C57BL/6 mice develop SLE-like symptoms following pristane injection. In this study, sex and age-matched wild type and HDAC6−/− mice on the C57BL/6 background were administered 0.5 ml pristane or PBS intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 8–12 weeks-of-age and were euthanized 10 days later. At sacrifice, body weight and spleen weight were measured, sera were collected, splenocytes and peritoneal cells were harvested for flow cytometry. We found pristane administration increased the spleen weight with no difference between WT mice and HDAC6−/− mice. Flow cytometry results showed that there was no difference in T cell or B cell populations in the spleen. Pristane administration promoted the population of CD11b+ Ly6Chigh inflammatory monocytes and CD11b+ Ly6G+ neutrophils. Peritoneal recruitment of these inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in HDAC6−/− mice was significantly decreased compared to the WT mice. Pristane administration also induced the interferon (IFN) signature genes, like Mx1, Oas1a, Irf7, Irf9, Cxcl10, Isg15. qRT-PCR revealed that these IFN signature genes were decreased in HDAC6−/− mice compared to the WT mice. In summary, our results show that HDAC6 knockout inhibits the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils in the peritoneum in early inflammation response to pristane. HDAC6 deletion also inhibited the expression of IFN signature genes with pristine stimulation.
3D-IBEX: Achieving multiplex 3-dimensional imaging for deep phenotyping of cells in tissues
Authors: Arroyo-Mejías Armando Javier , Ichise Hiroshi , Chu Colin , Hor Jyh Liang , Yaniv Ziv , Kabat Juraj , Croteau Joshua , Lowekamp Bradley , Radtke Andrea J , Germain Ronald N
Published: January 2023

2D multiplexed antibody-based imaging provides a framework to study cell-cell interactions in thin tissue sections but lacks the ability to interrogate spatial relationships in larger 3D anatomical structures. Several methods for 3D imaging of optically cleared tissue exist, but current approaches do not provide the marker depth afforded by high content 2D imaging. To overcome this constraint, we combined a fast hydrophilic tissue clearing technique, clearing-enhanced 3D (Ce3D), with the recently developed Iterative Bleaching Extends Multiplexity (IBEX) technique, and created 3D-IBEX. 3D-IBEX offers a high-resolution multiplex 3D imaging method. It has been used to analyze murine lung, lymph nodes, retina, and cornea as well as human retina and jejunum, yielding seamless views of large-scale tissue structures while obtaining single-cell resolution of multiple markers, permitting the identification of discrete cell subsets and structures. To date, up to 15 markers have been visualized in a single sample using 3 iterative staining and imaging cycles. This represents a major advance in the emerging field of multiplexed high-resolution 3D imaging but requires further refinements to address issues such as slow antibody penetration, the need for new computational algorithms to process large datasets, and implementation of methods for optimal registration of iterative images. When fully realized, 3D-IBEX will open new avenues for characterization of rare cell subsets missed in thin tissue sections, visualization of structures like nerves and vessels whose trajectories in a tissue are disrupted by sectioning, and delineation of mesoscale tissue domains that contribute to homeostasis and are often the substrates for pathology.

Intramural NIAID Research Opportunities (INRO) program.