bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology of the Biblical Root ḥ-­b-­q
Authors: Samet Nili
Published: September 2021

This paper discusses the stem variance of the root ḥ­b­q in the Bible, suggesting that its inconsistent conjugation does not reflect the original Biblical Hebrew, but rather results from an anachronistic pronunciation created by the Masoretes. The paper reviews the research of Masoretic anachronisms and the methodologies developed to identify them, applying these to the case of the root ḥ­b­q. It concludes that ḥ­b­q belongs to a specific type of Masoretic anachronism, in which original Qal forms were misvocalized by the Masoretes as Piel under the influence of Mishnaic Hebrew. After presenting biblical and extra-biblical evidence to support this conclusion, the paper briefly discusses some of its main implications for the diachronic study of ancient Hebrew: the "late spelling paradox," the scope of the phenomenon of substituting Piel for Qal, and the relation between Masoretic anachronisms and the scholarly debate about the linguistic reliability of the Masoretic text.
From Home-produced to Store-bought- How Lifes Changing: Consumption of Milk and Milk Products through Decades
Authors: Bhatt Yamini , Kulshrestha Kalpana
Published: September 2021

Aims: This study aimed present a comprehensive picture of trends in the consumption pattern of milk and milk products with the objective to determine the shift in their consumption through different decades and locations. 

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Methodology: The study was conducted in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The sample population comprised of both male and female subjects between the age group of 15 years to 55 onwards. The respondents were categorized into three age groups range as- 15-35 years, 36-55 years, and above 56 years. Starting from the age of 5 years, each age group is also categorized decade-wise. Being descriptive in nature the study was carried out through a field survey method using face-to-face interviews. 

Results: The results showed that during earlier decades, milk was consumed daily by the majority of the population depending upon the fact that it was produced by the domesticated cattle and easily available. However, a high frequency of daily consumption was observed among the 15-35 years of age group, though it was more of purchased from store or dairy. Curd, however, was earlier prepared by milk produced at home, now mostly prepared at home from milk bought from stores or dairy. The practice of preparing buttermilk and butter/ghee milk products daily from the milk produced by domesticated cattle is experiencing a great drop, especially in the rural areas. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) has got popular in the past few decades, though its consumption is highly dependent upon the location and economic condition of the household. 

Conclusion: There is a great need for promoting cattle rearing and dairy farming for increasing production and consumption of home-produced healthy products from milk. Making people aware of the dietary requirements of milk and milk products during various life stages is also of prime importance.
The Impact of Trade Cost on Readymade Garment Export: The Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Khuky Mahmuda Akter
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of this study is to understand whether the trade cost influences the export of Readymade Garment (RMG) export of Bangladesh. Theoretically, with an increase in the volume of exported goods, the costs will also increase. Therefore, this study is to examine the impact of trade costs on the readymade garment export performance of Bangladesh for the period of 2007 -2015. This study applied two types of panel data models: pooled OLS model and the Poisson-Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimation procedure have been employed in the estimation. The main contribution of the paper compared to other studies on Bangladesh lies in its approach in addressing the impact of trade costs on exports and using PPML gravity equation estimation. The results of the study indicate that trade costs have a significant negative impact on exports of Bangladesh. The major findings show that trade cost has a negative and significant impact on Bangladesh's bilateral RMG export performance. This implies that the Bangladeshi government should work to reduce domestic trade costs in order to boost efficiency and sustainably promote RMG export.
Comparative Evaluation of the Levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cells, Viral Load, and Some Immunomodulatory Trace Elements in ART and ART-naïve HIV Patients in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Chioma Ugochukwu , Waribo Helen Anthony , Onwuli Donatus O.
Published: September 2021

Aim: To evaluate the levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, viral load, and some immunomodulatory trace elements in ART and ART-naïve HIV patients in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 150 subjects (males and females) between the ages of 20 and 79 were recruited for the study, out of which 50 subjects were apparently healthy (those who tested negative for HIV), and were used as the control group, while the remaining 100 subjects were those who tested positive for HIV, and were used as the test group; out of this 100 subjects, 70 subjects were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART), while the remaining 30 subjects were not on anti-retroviral therapy (ART naïve). About 13 mls of venous blood was collected from the antecubital fossa of each subject. 3mls was dispensed into an EDTA-anticoagulant bottle, and used for the estimation of CD4+ and CD8+ counts using a BD fluorescent activated cell sorter count (FACSC count) automation. Also, 5mls of the venous blood was dispensed into another EDTA-anticoagulated bottle; it was spun to obtain the plasma which was used to analyze the viral load using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COBAS TaqMan 48 Analyzer. Then, another 5 mls of the venous blood was dispensed into lithium heparin bottle; it was spun to obtain the plasma, which was used for the analysis of copper, iron, zinc and magnesium by colorimetric method using semi auto-analyzer WP 21E, and selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer with graphite furnace technique SN-SG 710690.

Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean levels of CD8+ T-cell, iron and magnesium between the HIV-positive subjects (ART HIV-positive and ART-naïve HIV-positive) and the control. However, the mean levels of CD4+ T-cell and plasma copper were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the HIV-positive subjects compared to the control; also, the mean levels of the CD4+ T-cell in the ART-naïve subjects were significantly lower compared to the ART subjects. The viral load in ART-naïve subjects were significantly higher compared to the ART subjects and control. However, the mean levels of zinc and selenium were significantly lower in the HIV-positive subjects compared to the control.

Conclusion: Based on these results, it may be stated that some immunomodulatory trace elements such as zinc and selenium were deficient in HIV-positive subjects, and as such, addition of zinc and/or selenium supplements in the treatment regimen for HIV-positive subjects may be helpful in boosting their immunity and effective management.
Risk Asessment and Thromboprophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in the Antenatal Population in a Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria
Authors: Abbey Mkpe , Kinikanwo Green
Published: September 2021

Aim: To review the venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis in the antenatal population in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria and to perform a retrospective VTE risk assessment of the patients with a view of determining those patients that would have needed VTE prophylaxis.

Design: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria from the 1st of February to the 30th of April, 2020.

Materials and Methods: The following data were extracted from the hospital notes of 347 consecutive antenatal patients: history/demographic characteristics, risk factors for VTE, thromboprophylaxis, diagnosis and treatment of VTE, using the RCOG guideline 37a of 2015 as a benchmark for comparison. Data was analysed with the aid of a Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software, version 18.

Results: VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis  was not a routine practice at the UPTH. Apart from antenatal admission, the most frequent VTE risk factors in pregnancy were  BMI ≥30, Parity ≥ 3, Age > 5 years and current pre-eclampsia at 48.48%, 41.04%, 36.04% and 15.56% of the study population respectively. 131 (37.75%) of the 347 antenatal population fulfilled the criteria for venous thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) but they were not assessed and the drug was not given. 63 (18.16%) of the study population was to receive LMWH from 28 weeks of pregnancy while 68 (19.60%) of them were to be given from the first trimester. The prevalence of VTE was however very low at 0.02% (1 patient out of the 347 maternities), irrespective of the fact that 41 (11.82%) of the patients had symptoms and signs of VTE.

Conclusion: 131 (37.75%) out of the total 347 antenatal patients fulfilled the criteria to be given thromboprophylaxis but the prevalence of VTE was low at 0.02%. It was therefore recommended that a unified Nigerian national guideline should be written.
Alteration of the Pharmacokinetics of Theophylline by Paullinia cupana Kunth in Rats
Authors: Yared Batista Nayana , Neves de Lima Ádley Antonini , Nascimento Corrêa José Wilson do , De Souza Tatiane Pereira , Santos Magalhães Igor Rafael dos
Published: September 2021

Aims: Paullinia cupana Kunth has been popularly used to prepare different beverages by the Amazonian inhabitants for a long time ago mainly due to its stimulant properties. Although the utilization of this herbal drug has been increasing lately, little is known regarding the possibility of drug interactions. Therefore, this research tried to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of P. cupana on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline (TPH), a CYP1A marker in rats.

Methodology: The extract was prepared according to the popular recipe and subjects received different once daily doses of extract (vehicle, 82.1 mg/Kg and 821 mg/Kg) by oral gavage during two weeks. Non-compartimental analysis was carried out to obtain the pharmacokinetic parameters.

Results: Animals treated with P. cupana (AUC: 1,197.2 ± 284.4 and 346.6 ± 37.0 µg.h/mL for 82.1 and 821 mg/Kg, respectively) had lower exposition to TPH than controls (3,539.48 ± 278.4 µg.h/mL). On the other hand, drug clearance was higher in treated subjects (2.44 ± 0.4 and 7.27 ± 0.7 L/h/kg for 82.1 and 821 mg/Kg, respectively) than controls (0.71 ± 0.0 L/h/kg).

Conclusion: Therefore, the multiple oral administration of an aqueous extract of P. cupana caused a significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of TPH in rats.
An Analysis between Patient Demographics and Non-attendances in General Surgery Clinics at an NHS Trust: An Audit
Authors: Ng A. W. Y. , Lim G. H. C. , Winarski A. , Ross E. , Nevins E. J. , Gilliam A.
Published: September 2021

Background: Missed clinic appointments can have bearing on a multitude of factors including patient care, hospital management and resources.

Aim: To assess the non-attendance rates to surgical clinics within our trust. Secondary outcomes will be to assess the correlation between travel distances to clinic, time of year, patient demographics, and whether the appointment is a new patient or follow-up, on DNA rate. 

Methods: Retrospective audit including all patients attending outpatient general surgical appointments at all 5 district general hospitals within the trust between the fiscal years of April 2016 to March 2018. Using case notes and electronic patient records, data on patient demographics, type of appointment, time of year and distance from hospital were collected. 

Results and Conclusions: There is correlation between DNAs and age, gender, ethnicity, subspecialty, and distance from hospital. The reasons behind DNAs will be multifactorial and efforts should be made to investigate the barriers to attendance.
Effects of Xylopia aethiopica Pod Extract on Reproductive Hormones in Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Okonkwo C. G. , Ogbunugafor H. A. , Oladejo A. A.
Published: September 2021

Plants and their metabolites have been used in the treatment of various disease conditions from time immemorial. This study investigated the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of pods of Xylopia aethiopica on reproductive hormone (follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone) in female Wistar rats. Thirty female wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of six animals per group, per cage (n=6). Group A served as the normal control group and was administered distilled water while group B served as positive control and was administered 5 mg of standard drug (Clomid-Clomiphene Citrate). Groups C, D and E served as the treatment group and was administered 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg extract of X. aethiopica respectively for seven days. Administration of drugs and extract was done via oral route. The rats were thereafter copulated with their male counterparts for 72 hours and the female rats were observed throughout their gestation and the numbers of litters produced were recorded. The hormonal assay was carried out using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Result showed a significant increase in FSH and Progesterone level (p<0.05) in treated group when compared with the control group while no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed for the luteinizing hormone in the treated groups. The work thus showed that the plant could exert a positive effect on female fertility by enhancing levels of female reproductive hormones.
Screening and Risk Factor Associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis among Factory Workers
Authors: Walke Monali , Pohekar Savita
Published: September 2021

Background: Venous thrombo embolism (VTE) its a form of vascular disorder becomes important disease condition now a days. Basically VTE is term used for both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is defined as a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein usually in the legs, also in the calf and thigh veins. It is 3rd largest cause for mortality and morbidity. Deep vein thrombosis occur mostly there are no symptoms but in some cases lower extremity will be painful, warm redden, and also superficial veins may engorged. In such cases when there is massive embolism thrombolytic therapy agent as streptokinase or urokinase or tissue plasminogen activation used for dissolve the thrombus or resolve the obstruction. For relieving chances of venous thrombosis like range of motion, physiotherapy, graduated stocking can be categorized as important mechanical methods for the prevention of DVT.

Objective: In this study 1. To Screen   the deep vein thrombosis among factory workers

To assess the risk factor of deep vein thrombosis among factory workers

To associate the screening and risk factor of deep vein thrombosis among factory workers with their selected demographic variables

Methodology: Descriptive research design will use for this research study. Sample will be factory workers. Non probability purposive sampling technique will use for the study. This research study will include 120 Factory workers from Mahalakshmi Steel factory Pvt. Ltd, Deoli, Dist.Wardha, Maharashtra. Factory workers must select according to requirements for inclusion and exclusion criteria. 1.Factory workers who were   completed   5 years   in steel   factory & Factory workers who are willing participate in study are inclusion criteria. Exclusion Criteria: 1.Factory workers who   already taking treatment for deep vein thrombosis. 2. Factory workers those were participated in similar kind of study. 3. Office workers are excluded in this study.

Expected Results: Outcome includes Screening and risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis among factory workers for the study are low probability, moderate probability, high probability with the clinical validated tool Wells criteria for screening of deep vein thrombosis. Risk factor associated with deep vein thrombosis assess with structure questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from (DMIMS(DU)/IEC/DEC-2019/8684). 

Conclusion: It will be drawn from the results.
Total Phenolic, Flavonoid and Carotinoid Content and Anticoagulation Activities of Sapparin Tablet
Authors: Chuluunbaatar Erdenechimeg , Buyantogtokh Dejidmaa , Begzsuren Dagvatseren
Published: September 2021

Aims: Sapparin tablet, a medicine used for the treatment of blood diseases specially curing blood thickening or impure blood, liver disease in Mongolian Traditional Medicine.  The objectives of the study were to determine total biological active substances and analyze the anticoagulation activity of the Sapparin.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry and Technology and Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Medicine and Technology of Mongolia.

Methodology: Quantitative determination of the total active constituents (phenolic, flavonoid, and carotinoids) of the methanol extracts of Sapparin was performed by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, aluminium chloride reagent by spectrophotometry.

A totally of forty weighing between 220-250 gm were used. Effect of Sapparin was assessed on coagulation parameters following 7, 14, 21 and 28 days administration of 37 mg/kg, 56 mg/kg, 113 mg/kg to healthy rats. The blood coagulation parameters such as prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were measured by means of Quick’s one-stage assay and modified aPTT assay respectively in the rats. Additionally, thrombin activity test was estimated in rats with PT assay using a hemagglutination analyzer. The levels of serum X and von Willebrand factor were measured in Sapparin and control groups by ELISA.

Results: The total content of the phenols measured as 5.33±0.0005%, flavonoids as 12.95± 2.21% and carotinoids as 4.31±0.96%.

There was significant increase in all assays except fibrinogen, prothrombin time, thrombin, aPTT. Sapparin treatment significantly reduced levels of serum X factor and von Willebrand factor was significantly decreased in rats.

Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that Sapparin shows considerable anti-anticoagulant activity in animals and has potential to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Indicators of the Spectrum of Lipids of the Water-Lipid Mantle of the Skin Before and after Pathogenetically Sound Therapy of Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Stepanenko Roman Leonidovich , Mohammed Ali , Stepanenko Viktor Ivanovich , Konovalova Tetiana , Tsekhmister Yaroslav Volodymyrovych
Published: September 2021

Aim: The aim of the study is to analyze the features of the spectrum of lipids of the water-lipid mantle of the skin before and after pathogenetically sound therapy of patients with psoriasis.

Methods: Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of monotherapy with the immunobiological drug Humir (adalimumab), as well as its combination with a non-hormonal drug based on natural components Psori Active (cream) in the examined patients with psoriasis vulgaris was performed according to the dynamics of regression of dermatoses clinical manifestations erythema, infiltration, peeling of the skin psoriatic rash, changes in the index PASI, PGA, BSA.

Results: The study involved 137 patients. Changes in the level of other components of the lipid spectrum of the water-lipid mantle of the skin, in particular phospholipids, cholesterol and cholesterol esters in patients of the first observation group changed insignificantly compared to their values before treatment. When comparing the normalization of the level of the studied spectrum of lipids of the water-lipid mantle of the skin in patients of the second group with different seasonal types (autumn-winter, spring-summer, off-season) and previously diagnosed with varying severity treatment, no statistically significant differences were found between seasonal types of dermatosis.

Conclusion: Analysis of the results of clinical follow-up of the examined patients with psoriasis of the first and second groups after completion of treatment and achieving clinical clinical remission indicates significant benefits of systemic immunobiological therapy in combination with topical therapy with Psori Active.
Abundance of Multiple-Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Strains in Fecal Samples of Rhinoceros unicornis of the Kaziranga National Park, India
Authors: Saha Tilak , Paul Dibyendu , Chakraborty Ranadhir
Published: September 2021

Aims: This study was undertaken to assess the abundance of multiple-antibiotic-resistant (MAR) Salmonella strains in fecal samples of Rhinoceros unicornis of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP), India.

Study Design: Antibiotic-resistance profile of the Salmonella isolates from fecal samples of rhinoceros was carried out by replica plating on Muller Hinton Agar (MHA) plates containing antibiotics. The presence of class 1 integrons in metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) producing Salmonella isolates was determined by multiplex PCR.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out on rhinos of KNP situated in the Golaghat district of Assam, India in April 2015.

Methodology: Fresh rhino fecal samples (designated as 1R, 2R, 3R, 4R and 5R) were dilution plated onto MacConkey agar. Purified bacterial colonies were then streaked separately on bismuth sulphite (BS) agar plates. All black colonies which are characteric growth of Salmonella were selected and used to make master plates on Luria Agar. To determine the antibiotic-resistance profile of the isolates, master-plates of purified single colonies of Salmonella spp. were                  replicate-printed on plates containing antibiotics from the β-lactam, aminoglycoside, or quinolone groups. To detect the presence of an integron, a conserved segment polymerase chain reaction was used.

Results: 97.6% of the Salmonella isolates tested were resistant to >1 antibiotics (multidrug resistant or MAR). A total of 100 isolates from two fecal samples, 4R and 5R, were found to be imipenem resistant; 52 of them tested positive for the presence of MBLs. Five of the twenty MBL producing strains contained class 1 integrons.

Conclusion: Because Salmonella is usually spread by drinking contaminated water, it is likely that water bodies in KNP are contaminated with MAR Salmonella strains. In case of Salmonellosis outbreak among Indian one-horned rhinos, our antibiogram will assist the veterinarians to choose the appropriate regimen of antibiotics for the rhinos in the KNP.
Multi Detector Computed Tomographical Assessment of Anatomical Variants of Paranasal Sinuses
Authors: Rajavarthini P. K. Roopa , Venkatraman I.
Published: September 2021

Multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) scan of paranasal sinuses has become mandatory for all patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. It depicts the anatomical variations in much simpler way and acts as a roadmap for endoscopic sinus surgery. In this study the maximum of participants were in the age group of 41- 50 years (32 %). The mean age of the study participants was observed to be 43.8 ± 15.6 years. HRCT PNS results shows nasal septum was found to be the most common anatomical variant (DNS- 94%). Concha Bullosa in right side were seen in 37.5% and left side were 21.9% (total unilateral cases- 59.4%) and bilateral Concha Bullosa were seen in 40.6% of the cases. Agger nasi were found to be present in 58% of the CRS cases among which right AN was 41%, left side was 30.8%, and bilateral AN were seen in 28.2% of the cases and Paradoxical Middle Turbinate were seen in 42% of cases in our study. Medialised uncinate was seen in 22% of the cases.
Prevalence and Age-Related Association of Abnormal Endocrine Changes among Women with Menstrual Disorder
Authors: Mughal Faizah , Kumar Ashok , Maheshwari Jai Dev , Bijarani Ali Nawaz , Kazmi Tayyaba , Nangrejo Ruqaya
Published: September 2021

Background: The menstrual cycle describes the healthy reproductive system of the women which is controlled by different hormones.

Aim: The goal of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of irregular menstruation in different endocrine changes and to identify their association with the age of women in reproductive life.

Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted on women attending the gynecological clinic of Karachi from March 2019 to June 2019. Of the 165 women with different hormonal changes 100 presented with menstrual cycle abnormality.

Results: Among the women with menstrual irregularities 51% women presented with insulin resistance, 23% with hyperandrogenism, 19% with hypothyroidism and 7% hyperprolactinemia. Age-related association was observed in menstrual irregularities women with insulin resistant and hyperandrogenism.

Conclusion: Menstrual cycle is a physiological process, any irregularities in cycle can be caused by  even  minimal  hormonal  imbalance.  As  a  result,  it  is  critical  to  address  endocrine abnormalities in order to improve women's reproductive health.
Perancangan Online Market Place Makanan Tradisional Untuk Usaha Kecil dan Menengah di Surabaya
Authors: Prasetyo Didit , Dwitasari Putri , Darmawati Nurina Orta
Published: September 2021

Perkembangan teknologi yang pesat di saat sekarang ini membawa konsekuensi terjadinya disrupsi, perubahan pola hidup dan perubahan gaya hidup menjadi efek yang dirasakan paling awal pada disrupsi, penggunaan teknologi menjadi syarat bagi sebuah bisnis untuk berkembang dan bertahan diantara ekosistem bisnis itu sendiri, dalam hal ini UKM menjadi sektor usaha yang rentan menghadapi era disrupsi, pembekalan dan penerapan teknologi bagi UKM menjadi syarat agar UKM dapat terus berkembang. Dalam hal pengembangan teknologi informasi ini maka perancangan mengambil objek pada Kampung Kue di Rungkut Penjaringan Kota Surabaya, Selama ini UKM di Kota Surabaya tersebut hanya dikenal melalui brosur maupun secara lisan kepada masyarakat. Hal ini dirasa kurang efektif karena membutuhkan waktu yang lama dan informasi yang didapat pun kurang lengkap. Oleh karena itu perancangan aplikasi online market place UKM Kampung Kue Rungkut Penjaringan sebagai media informasi, transaksi dan sebagai media yang mampu meningkatkan kredibilitas para pelaku usaha produksi makanan tradisional. Peranan aplikasi ini diharapkan menjadi bagian yang terintegrasi dengan branding Kampung Kue Rungkut Penjaringan, dimana salah satu branding yang dirancang adalah branding melalui media online, aplikasi Kampung kue diharapkan dapat menjadi pilihan konsumen jaman kini untuk mencari kebutuhannya.
Multivariate analyses of indigenous bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces of Oman
Authors: Al Lawati Ali Hussain , Nadaf Saleem Kaseemsaheb , Saady Nadiya Abubakar Al , Al Hinai Saleh Ali , Almamari Almandhar , Al Maawali Abdulaziz , Al Maawali Abdulaziz
Published: September 2021

Oman is endowed with enormous diversity of important food crops that have global significance for food security and has ancient history of cultivation of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with its divergent landraces, which are useful in crop improvement. 55 indigenous Omani accessions conserved at the USDA were evaluated in the winter season (November to April) of the years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 on loamy soil under sprinklers in augmented design with 5 check varieties in 5 replications following crop husbandry practices as per national recommendations using 9 quantitative (descriptors) and 6 qualitative traits (anthocyanin pigmentation on plant parts). The data on traits were subjected not only for PC values and D values after varimax rotation through Kaiser normalization in Principal Component Analysis (PCA) but also for Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC). The results indicated that indigenous bread wheat accessions were significantly different (p>0.05) for all the quantitative traits except number of tillers. The multivariate analyses led to formation of four diverse clusters from PCA analyses corresponding to four quadrants of bi-plot graphs and three clusters from AHC analysis corresponding to main clades of dendrogram. The parents were selected from common accessions of distinct clusters in all the multivariate analyses for hybridization for improving characters of growth for higher yield or productivity with pigmentation on one or two plant parts useful for DUS test of varieties. The indigenous bread wheat landraces / accessions were genetically diverse and have potential for use in national crop improvement programs for earliness and higher grain productivity with distinct identification markers.
Effects of partial quantity rationing of credit on technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in Bangladesh: Application of the stochastic frontier model
Authors: Rabbany Md Ghulam , Mehmood Yasir , Hoque Fazlul , Sarker Tanwne , Khan Arshad Ahmad , Hossain Kh Zulfikar , Hossain Mohammad Shakhawat , Roy Rana , Luo Jianchao
Published: September 2021

In this study, we analyzed the effects of the partial quantity rationing of credit on the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers in the Pabna district of Bangladesh. Before conducting the field survey, we designed a theoretical framework and identified farm households affected by the partial quantity rationing of credit. Data were collected from 174 Boro rice growers and analyzed in two stages, where the technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was assessed using stochastic frontier analysis, and the inefficiency effects model was then applied to evaluate determinants of the technical efficiency. The mean technical efficiency of Boro rice growers was 78%, which indicates that their technical efficiency was 22% beyond the production frontier curve. The variables comprising the household head’s age, education level, seed quality, formal training, access to the market, farm labor, tillage cost, fertilizer cost, irrigation cost, and price of seedlings significantly affected the technical efficiency of rice growers. The variables of interest comprising the rate and partial quantity rationing of credit had significant negative effects on the technical efficiency of rice growers. The findings obtained in this study will help to enhance the actual production level using the available resources and improve the food security situation in Bangladesh.
Outbreaks of crown rot in Fragaria x ananassa caused by Neopestalotiopsis mesopotamica in Ecuador
Authors: Reyna Hamilton Octavio Intriago- , Figueroa Fernando José Rivas- , Casignia Álvaro Mauricio Rivera- , Romero Pablo Israel Álvarez- , Ferreira Ana Francisca Tibúrcia Amorim Ferreira e
Published: September 2021

Strawberry crown rot is one of the most important diseases in Ecuador, with an incidence of up to 70% in the field. In the world, the strawberry crown rot is caused by different etiological agents, which makes efficient control of the disease difficult. In this study, 12 samples of strawberry plants were collected, at different stages of disease development, to determine the causative agent in Ecuador. The fungal isolates, consistent with the isolation, were identified and characterized using molecular and morphological approaches, and finally, Koch's postulate was carried out. Based on the form of growth, mycelial color, conidial morphology, and molecular characteristics (sequencing of the ITS and EF-1α region), the pathogen associated with the symptoms showed 99% similarity with the species Neopestalotiopsis mesopotamica. The result of Koch's postulates showed symptoms similar to those observed in field plants, in addition, the same inoculated isolate was recovered from artificially inoculated tissues. This is the first report of this fungus causing strawberry crown rot in Ecuador and in the world.
Cost‐effective and simple flow cytometry quantification of receptor‐mediated autophagy using fluorescent tagging
Authors: Marinković Mija , Rožić Ana , Polančec Denis , Novak Ivana
Published: December 2024

Mitophagy, a selective clearance of damaged or superfluous mitochondria via autophagy machinery and lysosomal degradation, is an evolutionarily conserved process essential for various physiological functions, including cellular differentiation and immune responses. Defects in mitophagy are implicated in numerous human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and metabolic conditions. Despite significant advancements in mitophagy research over recent decades, novel and robust methodologies are necessary to elucidate its molecular mechanisms comprehensively. In this study, we present a detailed protocol for quantitatively assessing mitophagy through flow cytometry using a mitochondria‐targeted fluorescent mitophagy receptor, GFP‐BNIP3L/NIX. This method offers a rapid alternative to conventional microscopy or immunoblotting techniques for analyzing mitophagy activity. Additionally, this approach can theoretically be adapted to utilize any fluorescent‐tagged selective autophagy receptor, enabling the direct and rapid analysis of various types of receptor‐mediated selective autophagy.
Kinship, Gender, and Ancient DNA
Authors: Frieman Catherine J. , McNeil Emma
Published: December 2024

Despite their importance to social and cultural anthropology, kinship studies have rarely featured in archaeological research. This situation has rapidly changed, in large part as a response to the explosion of paleogenomic data, and a whole raft of new approaches to kinship, relationality, and biological relatedness are emerging. Here, we discuss this dynamic new field of archaeological kinship research with regard to both its genomic and social archaeological aspects. We build on feminist critiques of bio‐essentialism to draw out the limitations of genetic data for telling us about social relations and take inspiration from First Nations scholarship to argue that an expansive, complex, and deeply social understanding of kinship is accessible to archaeologists.
Repatriation of Anthropological Knowledge
Authors: Ween Gro
Published: December 2024

The question of repatriation of anthropological knowledge is perhaps best considered by comparing past and present museum practic es. To investigate what it means to repatriate knowledge, we must understand the processes involved in repatriating museum objects, including what it involves to become a museum object. Such knowledge may produce new insights into our disciplinary histories as well as our current practices of anthropological knowledge production.
China, Anthropology in
Authors: Chen Gang
Published: December 2024

Anthropology was introduced into China at the beginning of the twentieth century along with other Western social sciences. In the early 1950s, anthropology was eliminated as an academic discipline from universities in China. It was replaced by ethnology. In 1981, with the implementation of the reform policies in China, anthropology was revived and reestablished as an academic discipline in universities in China. Since then, though it has encountered many difficulties, anthropology has developed substantially in China. It has made great contributions to world anthropology in many areas of study, such as kinship systems, religion and ritual, comparative politics, economic cultures, modernization, and culture change.
Highly Stable Magnetostriction in Nanoheterogeneous Fe81Ga19 Alloy Enabled by Uncoarsening of Nanoprecipitates Due to Negative Interfacial Energy
Authors: Qiao Boying , Zhao Shuoyu , Yao Jichao , Yan Keyu , Feng Xiang , Wang Jingmin , Kang Dazhuang , Liu Jinghua , Shang Jiaxiang , Zhang Qianfan , Wu Yuye , Zhan Wei , Chen Ruiqiang , Jiang Chengbao
Published: December 2024

Nanoprecipitates are crucial for determining diversse properties of nanoheterogeneous materials. For instance, the tetragonal L60 nanoprecipitates dispersing in the body‐centered cubic A2 matrix yield the large magnetostrictive effect in Fe‐Ga alloys. Nanoprecipitates are usually coarsened under thermally activated circumstances in most of nanoheterogenous materials, which typically leads to the degeneration of the material performance. This is a bottleneck issue for the long‐time usage of nanoheterogeneous materials under thermally activated conditions. In this study, it is found that the L60 nanoprecipitates in large‐magnetostriction Fe81Ga19 single crystals are superiorly stable under accelerating aging experiments, as evidenced by the almost unchanged phase structure, average size, volume fraction and tetragonality. Accordingly, the large magnetostrictive effect is highly stable upon long‐time thermal excitations. Systematic studies combing experimental and theoretical efforts reveal that the stronger chemical bonding between the L60 nanoprecipitates and the A2 matrix relative to the original chemical bonding within the A2 matrix results in a strikingly negative interfacial energy that stabilizes the nanoprecipitates. Thus, this work provides a promising strategy for stabilizing nanoprecipitates via interfacial chemical bonding strengthening induced negative interfacial energy and hence achieving highly stable performance of nanoheterogeneous materials.
A Highly Conductive and Tough Binary Metalgel
Authors: Song Jie , Ye Tingting , Li Yiran , Bai Chenyu , Wang Jiacheng , Jiao Yiding , Wang Yuanzhen , He Er , Li Xusong , Lu Jiang , Li Qianming , Li Fangyan , Yang Shuo , Zou Kuangyi , Zhao Shupeng , Hou Xinxin , Wu Ming , Zhang Ye
Published: December 2024

Materials that combine metallic electrical conductivity and high toughness are in great demand for advancing flexible electronics. However, such materials are still lacking. Previously reported flexible materials with metallic conductivity (≥1 × 106 S·m‒1) usually compromise on toughness (<3 MJ·m‒3). Here, a binary metalgel is presented that features a binary metal continuum stabilized by a three‐dimensional polymer network. The binary metal continuum consists of hard metal particles encapsulated by soft liquid metal. The continuous conductive pathways within the polymer network enable a metallic electrical conductivity of 2.50 × 106 S·m‒1. Additionally, the combination of hard metal particles, soft liquid metal, and polymer network facilitates stress transfer throughout the material, creating a triple‐mode energy dissipation mechanism that enhances toughness to 14.40 MJ·m‒3. This strategy offers a valuable framework for developing materials that achieve both superior electrical and mechanical properties.
Optimized and Uniform Strain Control in Intrinsic Stretchable Mechanochromic Materials with Color‐ and Polarization‐Separating Encryption Using Kirigami Cuts and Rigid Strain‐Stoppers
Authors: Shin Jun Hyuk , Yang Hak Jun , Park Ji Yoon , Han Sang Hyun , Kim Dongjun , Nam Seungmin , Choi Su Seok
Published: December 2024

Intrinsically stretchable devices often suffer from non‐uniform strain distributions under direct‐stretching conditions due to their large‐scale, patterned designs, leading to inconsistent performance. To address these issues, mechanochromic materials—substances that change color in response to strain—for precise and intuitive strain monitoring are employed. Leveraging this data, strategic design modifications, including extrinsic techniques such as rigid‐island with soft‐substrate and kirigami cuts are implemented, to mitigate strain non‐uniformity. Thus, highly desired uniform and homogenous strain control in a multi‐pixel stretchable system is achieved. By integrating these strain‐stopping with uniform strain control methods into arrays of rigid and soft chiral liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs), effective color separation is demonstrated for encrypted information with enhanced strain uniformity and strain control. Additionally, the dynamic optical selectivity of circularly polarized light (CPL) of the CLCEs under specific conditions is explored, using uniaxial stretching to achieve both optical color changes and refined CPL separation. Consequently, leveraging the inherent optical properties of CLCEs, a uniform and highly functional multi‐pixel operating stretchable system is devised. The application of these extrinsic strain control strategies not only resolves issues of strain uniformity but also advances the field of stretchable smart materials, offering new possibilities for dynamic color‐ and polarization‐separating based on encrypted applications.
Enhanced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell and Extracellular Matrix Repair Using a Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Co‐Delivery System for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Therapy
Authors: Lei Jiahao , Dong Xunzhong , Huang Yong , Wu Zhaoyu , Peng Zhiyou , Li Bo , Wang Ruihua , Pan Ying , Zheng Xiangtao , Zhao Zhen , Lu Xinwu
Published: December 2024

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe and complex condition characterized by the pathological dilation of the abdominal aorta. Current therapeutic strategies are limited, with surgical repair being the most effective intervention due to the lack of medications that can slow aneurysmal expansion or prevent adverse events. In this study, an innovative nanoplatform, Mn‐UiO‐66‐NH2@HA, designed to repair vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the extracellular matrix (ECM) is developed, thereby enhancing arterial wall integrity. This nanoplatform utilizes the classic metal‐organic framework (MOF) UiO‐66‐NH2, doped with manganese ions (Mn2+) and coated with hyaluronate tetrasaccharide (4‐mer HA). The Mn‐UiO‐66‐NH2@HA nanoparticles demonstrates excellent drug‐loading efficiency, sustained release properties, and biocompatibility. In vitro, these nanoparticles significantly increases VSMC contractility and up‐regulated elastin and lysyl oxidase expressions, crucial for ECM repair, while inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases. In vivo studies on an Ang II‐induced AAA mouse model reveals that Mn‐UiO‐66‐NH2@HA effectively reduces aneurysmal expansion and improves aortic structural integrity. This study presents a promising co‐delivery system leveraging MOF carriers coated with 4‐mer HA and Mn2+, offering a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment and management of AAA.
Light‐Activatable Ubiquitin for Studying Linkage‐Specific Ubiquitin Chain Formation Kinetics
Authors: Banerjee Sudakshina , Cakil Zeyneb Vildan , Gallant Kai , Boom Johannes van den , Palei Shubhendu , Meyer Hemmo , Gersch Malte , Summerer Daniel
Published: December 2024

Ubiquitination is a dynamic post‐translational modification governing protein abundance, function, and localization in eukaryotes. The Ubiquitin protein is conjugated to lysine residues of target proteins, but can also repeatedly be ubiquitinated itself, giving rise to a complex code of ubiquitin chains with different linkage types. To enable studying the cellular dynamics of linkage‐specific ubiquitination, light‐activatable polyubiquitin chain formation is reported here. By incorporating a photocaged lysine at specific sites within ubiquitin through amber codon suppression, light‐dependent activation of ubiquitin chain extension is enabled for the monitoring of linkage‐specific polyubiquitination. The studies reveal rapid, minute‐scale ubiquitination kinetics for K11, K48, and K63 linkages. The role of individual components of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system in K48‐initiated chain synthesis is further studied by small molecule inhibition. The approach expands current perturbation strategies with the ability to control linkage‐specific ubiquitination with high temporal resolution and should find broad application for studying ubiquitinome dynamics.
Diversified Fluoroalkylation of Alkenes Using Quaternary Fluoroalkyl Alcohols as the Fluoroalkylating Reagents
Authors: Lu Heng , Fan Zhoulong , Zou Yike , Zhang Ao
Published: December 2024

Given the widespread presence of fluoroalkyl functionalities in bioactive molecules, the development of fluoroalkylation reactions with bench‐stable and easy‐to‐use fluoroalkylating reagents is highly desirable. In addition, realization of mono‐, di‐, tri‐, or polyfluoroalkyation usually requires distinct types of fluoroalkylating reagents under different or even harsh reaction conditions, and a universal method to accomplish different hydrofluoroalkylation of alkenes is lacking. Herein, the use of quaternary fluoroalkyl alcohols is reported as the universal fluoroalkylating reagents to readily facilitate mono‐, di‐, tri‐, or polyfluoroalkylation of a wide range of alkene substrates in high yields. Moreover, a cascade reaction of hydrofluoroalkylation followed by intramolecular fluoroalkylation facilitates the construction of a variety of high‐value complex heterocycles bearing diverse fluoroalkyl functionalities from alkenes. Mechanistic studies suggest that a proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) process may be involved through a radical‐generating pathway. The utility of this method is showcased by the late‐stage fluoroalkylation of various high‐value complex molecules derived from either natural products or drug‐like compounds. Of note is that a continuous‐flow system is amenable to this homogeneous photoredox conditions, thereby opening up a possibility of using this protocol to realize large‐scale manufacturing of fluoroalkyl products with industrial interests.
TTK Inhibition Alleviates Postinjury Neointimal Formation and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wu Jie‐Hong , Liu Yu‐Xiao , Zong Jia‐Bin , Qiu Min , Zhou Yi‐Fan , Li Ya‐Nan , Aili Tuersun , Zhao Xin‐Ran , Hu Bo
Published: December 2024

Atherosclerosis and its associated cardio‐cerebrovascular complications remain the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Current lipid‐lowering therapies reduce only approximately one‐third of the cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, vascular restenosis and thrombotic events following surgical interventions for severe vascular stenosis significantly contribute to treatment failure. This highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets to manage atherosclerosis and prevent restenosis and thrombosis after vascular injury. This study identifies TTK protein kinase (TTK) as a key regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching in the context of postinjury neointimal formation and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, TTK upregulation in VSMCs phosphorylates p120‐catenin, leading to β‐catenin nuclear accumulation and dissociation of the myocardin (MYOCD)/serum response factor (SRF) complex. Deletion of TTK specifically in VSMCs reduces postinjury neointimal formation in vascular injury models and attenuates atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice. Notably, oral administration of the TTK inhibitor CFI‐402257 mitigated neointimal formation without impairing reendothelialization and reduced atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice without altering lipid levels. These findings suggest that targeting TTK, through inhibitors or alternative strategies, represents a promising approach to simultaneously prevent postinjury restenosis and treat atherosclerosis.