bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the Relationship between Tau Protein and Morphine De-pendence in Cognitive Dysfunction
Authors: Ji Qing , Li Xin
Published: February 2021

Morphine is an opioid drug. Long-term use can cause morphine dependence or addiction, and there are cognitive dysfunction such as abnormal mental behavior, decline in learning and memory, and decline in executive ability. The occurrence of this disease is related to many factors, such as oxidative stress, hippocampal neuronal injury, mitochondrial function injury, etc. Tau protein is a microtubule-associated protein involved in nervous system development. Studies have found that hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins can cause apoptosis of hippocampal neurons[1], and tau proteins can cause oxidative stress[2]. Therefore, tau proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of cognitive disorders. The relationship between morphine dependence and cognitive dysfunction is now reviewed.
Research on the Training Method of Clinical Thinking in Human Anatomy Teaching
Authors: Su Gaigai
Published: February 2021

Human anatomy is a science to study the normal human body shape and structure. It is an important basic medical course, and closely related to various medical disciplines, especially to clinical medicine. Under the concept of comprehensive quality education, anatomy teachers should not only impart theoretical knowledge and professional skills, but also pay attention to the cultivation of students’ clinical thinking ability, so as to lay a solid foundation for students’ subsequent professional study and clinical practice. This paper focuses on the training of clinical thinking in human anatomy teaching.
Development Predicament and Countermeasures of Anti-tumor Bio-similar Industry in China
Authors: Xie Yingjie
Published: February 2021

Biosimilar has the advantages of precise efficacy, high safety and stable quality, and occupy an important position in the field of anti-tumor therapy. In order to reduce the expenditure of drugs, the research and development of biosimilar drugs has attracted much attention. Compared with European and American countries in the development of the anti-tumor biosimilar industry, there are still some shortcomings and parts that need improvement in China. According to the current development status of China, analyzed the reasons for the development dilemma of my country’s anti-tumor biosimilar industry, and put forward suggestions for the development of this industry.
BCD to 7-Segment Decoder
Authors: Hao Yunman
Published: February 2021

This paper mainly studies the effect of binary algorithm and truth table on digital circuit, and analyzes its logic circuit (from 0 to 9). Binary algorithm is used to make its truth table, draw the circuit diagram and make its PCB template.
On the Factors and Suggestions Affecting the Level of Food Work
Authors: Wang Hailing , Li Dong
Published: February 2021

In recent years, with the continuous improvement and optimization of the social and economic level, the quality of life of the people has been significantly improved. Based on this, the public’s attention to my country’s food work has been reasonably developed, which has effectively promoted the development of food safety work of my country. Through a large amount of data analysis, the researchers pointed out that at this stage, there are still certain shortcomings in the development of food work in my country that need to be improved. In response to this problem, relevant staff have carried out systematic analysis and exploration, aiming to effectively summarize and improve the relevant factors that affect the level of food work in my country, so as to achieve the improvement and optimization of the comprehensive quality of food hygiene and safety management in my country. This article analyzes and summarizes the current food work situation in my country, and puts forward corresponding optimization suggestions at the same time, aiming to effectively promote the improvement of the overall quality of food work in my country, so as to lay the foundation for a reasonable guarantee of food safety.
Electric Vehicle Routing Problem in Urban Logistics
Authors: Lu Yiwei
Published: February 2021

Due to the impact of global warming, diesel locomotives that use fossil energy as fuel are gradually being replaced by electric vehicles. At present, many countries at home and abroad are actively promoting the development of the electric vehicle industry in response to the call of the Paris Agreement. However, electric vehicles have a maximum mileage limit, so the reasonable layout of electric vehicle charging stations is also a problem to be solved today. In this article, the author analyzes the research background of the electric vehicle routing problem. After introducing several new research directions in the current electric vehicle routing problem, we propose an optimization algorithm for solving those types of problem. It brings certain theoretical significance for future generations to solve the problem of electric vehicle routing in real life.
Salinity stress mitigation of some canola cultivars grown under South Sinai conditions using magnetic water technology
Authors:   National Research Centre, El-Behouth St., (Former El-Tahrir) 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt, Hozayn Mahmoud , Azza SM ,   Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt, Abd El-Monem AAA ,   National Research Centre, El-Behouth St., (Former El-Tahrir) 12622 Dokki, Giza, Egypt, El-Mahdy AA ,   Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
Published: February 2021

Salinity stresses either in irrigation water and/or soil is one of the most serious agricultural problems facing farmers in arid and semi-arid regions included Egypt. Many are as in the Sinai region depend mainly on the underground water of various degrees of salinity that prevent cultivated crops from reach to the full yield.Under these conditions,a split-plot field experiment using three canola cultivars; Pactol, Serw-4 and Serw-6under three irrigation water treatments:i) Brackish-water (BW), ii) Magnetic-BW1; brackish water after magnetization through passing a three inch static-magnetic unit,3.75 mT,produced by Delta Water Company, Egypt and iii) Magnetic-BW2;brackish water after magnetization through passing a three inch static magnetic unit, 0.75 mT,produced by Magnetic-Technologies Company, UAE,was carried out at Agricultural Experimental Station of Desert Research Centre, Ras Sidr region, South Sinai Governorate, Egypt during the 2017/18 winter season. The results showed that irrigation with M-BW1or M-BW2surpassed irrigation with BW in all tested growth parameters (plant height, branches and leaf number/plant, leaf area, dry matter of leaves, stem and total plant,and total chlorophyll); leaf anatomy(instance, mid vein and lamina thickness, length and width of leaf vascular bundle and lower and upper epidermis thickness); stem anatomy(stem diameter and thickness of cortex, xylem and phloem in addition pith diameter)and chemical analysis for mineral content (N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn ) at 85 days after sowing (DAS). As an average of both magnetically brackish-water treatments over tested three canola varieties, the percent of improvement compared to irrigation with brackish-water ranged between 10.78-16.02% for growth parameters, 28.33-31.76% for dry matter of plant; 15.58 -80.81% for leaf;10.71-63.88% for stems and2.42-54.48% for mineral content of leaves at 85 DAS.Reverse trends were observed in the best indicators for alleviation salinity stress (Na, and proline),where these decrease dunder both magnetic brackish water treatments by 66.08 and 43.75%, respectively (average of both magnetically brackish-water treatments compared to BW water treatment). Generally, the three tested canola varieties showed a positive response under magnetic brackish water treatments. The positive results in above-mentioned parameters of vegetative growth reflected improvement in canola yield and its components. The percent of improvement ranged between 9.35and35.98 for yield components and reached1.29,19.66 and21.30% in seed oil percentage, seeds and oil yield (kg fed-1;fed=4200m2), respectively compared to brackish water.
Associations of blood glucose levels with some diabetes risk factors (body mass index, blood pressure and total body fat) in inhabitants of Ho Municipality, Ghana: A cross-sectional survey
Authors:   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana, Kortei Nii Korley , Koryo-Dabrah A ,   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana,   CSIR-Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana, Angmorterh SK ,   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana, Adedia D ,   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana, Yarfi C ,   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana, Essuman EK ,   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana, Tettey C ,   University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana, Akonor PT ,   CSIR-Food Research Institute, P.O. Box M20, Accra, Ghana,   University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 25, Accra, Ghana
Published: February 2021

One complex metabolic disorder that can unenviably affect the normal human physiology is diabetes mellitus(DM). It is indeed one of the commonest non-communicable diseases that has heightened to an epidemic level worldwide. For diseases like DM, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type II DM, and other chronic diseases, body mass index (BMI) is identified as a positive and independent risk factor associated with morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between BMI,blood pressure, and total body fat among inhabitants of peri-urban Ho, Ghana. Across-sectional survey was carried out between May and June,2018,among 132 inhabitants of Ho to determine the prevalence and associations among DM risk factors.The participants were selected by systematic random sampling. Standardized international protocols were used to measure BMI, blood pressure, blood glucose, and total body fat. Out of 132 respondents, majority 96 (72.7%) were female and the most common age group was 54-60 (31.1%). From the BMI classifications, 65 (49.2%) people were of normal weight while 6 (4.5%) were underweight. Total body fat (%) and blood pressure, likewise total body fat and BMI recorded significant associations of values (0.299, p<0.001-systolic; 0.298, p=0.001-diastolic), and 0.585(p<0.001),respectively. On the contrary, there were insignificant associations found between blood glucose and diastolic blood pressure and also blood glucose and systolic blood pressure(0.100, p=0.253)and (0.057. p=0.514),respectively using the Spearman’s correlation analysis. Lastly,the test of association of socio-demographics and anthropometrics revealed there was a significant (p<0.001)correlation between total body fat and BMI using Pearson’s correlation analysis. BMI is closely related to total body fat and blood pressure;hence,education on lifestyle modification needs to be intensified to create awareness among the inhabitants of Ho municipality of Ghana.It is imperative to educate Ghanaians and beyond about the risk factor associations that predispose an individual to DM.
Frozen strawberry quality enhancement using high hydrostatic pressure and vacuum infusion with pectin methylesterase and calcium chloride solution
Authors:   MasindeMuliro University of Science and Technology P.O. Box 190 -50100,Kakamega, Kenya, Konyole Silvenus O , Oiye SO ,   MasindeMuliro University of Science and Technology P.O. Box 190 -50100,Kakamega, Kenya, Okiror GP ,   Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
Published: February 2021

Fresh strawberry(Fragaria x ananassa) is a delicious fruit that is an excellent source of micronutrients and an array of beneficial phytochemicals. Emerging technologies like high pressure freezing and thawing have gained interest recently due to their ability to preserve the structure of the food during storage, albeit the possible shortcomings of degradation of texture and sensory quality. In this study, the effects of high hydrostatic pressure freezing and thawing on the physical quality attributes (texture, drip loss and Degree of Methylation(DM)) of strawberry were investigated. Strawberry samples were infused in a vacuum using pectin methyl esterase(PME) and CaCl2solutionat170 hPa pressure for 5 min at room temperature to improve textural integrity; infused with distilled water; and another group of samples further incubated at 40°C for 20 min. Fresh samples and non-pre treated samples were also studied. All the samples were subjected to high pressure freezing and thawing processes at 200 MPa and the effect of the processing conditions on texture were evaluated. The high pressure processed samples were compared with conventionally frozen and thawed samples.Pectin methyl esterase,CaCl2infusion and incubation gave a relative hardness of 1.5 pre treatment compared to water only infused at 0.5.TheCaCl2and PME-infused samples had a higher relative hardness after one day of storage at -18°C compared to non-pretreated and water-infused samples at 0.3 compared to 0.1,respectively. Pretreated, water-infused, and PME withCaCl2-infused samples showed no significant difference in hardness when measured immediately after conventional thawing and high pressure induced thawing HPIT but are the former are a third less hard compared to the latter upon storage after 3 hours and three months. Galacturonic acid per mg of Alcohol insoluble residues AIR sample for the fresh strawberrywas0.002±2.699E-05 and 0.002±1.070E-05molesfor the one-day vs.three months storage,respectively,for samples conventionally frozen and thawed in duplicate experiments.Therefore,a combination of high-pressure shift freezing (HPSF) with PME and CaCl2infusion improved the texture of the strawberry compared to those that were not pretreated,and gained weight by 15%. The PME and CaCl2-infused strawberry showed less degradation than the non-pretreated and water-infused during both long-and short-time frozen storage. Conventional freezing processes caused more degradation compared to HPSF. Degradation of 3 months conventional freezing was comparable to 1-day storage. For frozen storage, enzyme pretreatment combined with high pressure freezing can be used to enhance the quality of strawberry.
CPI Welcomes the Summer 2020 Special Issue Influenced by Maya Angelou's Poem: "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
Authors: Depasse Cecille , Abdi Ali A.
Published: February 2021

Editorial to the CPI special issue, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"  with a collaboration of invited Guest Editors, Cecille DePass, Enid Lee, Alleson Mason, and Sonia Aujla-Bhullar who collectively produce an issue that includes voices of more than 30 contributors who live in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, as well as a refugee camp in Kenya.
A Self in Thirds
Authors: Cagulada Elaine
Published: February 2021

A three part examination of the identity of self in poetry form.
Crowns and Cages: A Sikh Woman's Reflections of the Sikh Community in Canada
Authors: Aujla-Bhullar Sonia Kaur
Published: February 2021

This article adopts a subjective and reflective voice to convey my emotional response (in Boler’s, 1999 terms) to the passing of a recent Bill in Quebec. The article explores the question:  How does one reconcile a Sikh identity that is worthy, respected and admirable in Quebec, and by extension in Canada, in light of Quebec’s Bill 21? Further, through the lens of a racialized minority, that of a Sikh woman calling Canada home, and from the perspective of my family who have lived in Canada for several generations, I contest the recent legislation in Quebec’s Bill 21, for having erected a very strong, man-made cage that effectively bars anyone with a Sikh identity from working in the civil service.
Untold Stories of Jamaican Canadian Immigrant Women: Building Resilience Through Faith
Authors: Dixon Sandra P.
Published: February 2021

In this article, attention is given to the key role that Pentecostal faith plays in the cultural identity reconstruction process of some Jamaican Canadian immigrant women. For many immigrant groups, religious faith represents an anchor of hope for coping with post-migration life stressors. Although, once emotionally caged in a new socio-cultural location in Canada, the women portrayed in this summary of my research demonstrate great fortitude and endurance in navigating a new cultural and socio-historical context. Their untold stories of resilience through religious faith led them to deeper critical awareness, scholarly accountability, and recognition of their truths.
You're Skating on Native Land: Queering and Decolonizing Skate Pedagogy
Authors: Romero Noah
Published: February 2021

This paper draws from a new materialist interpretation of Maya Angelou’s Caged Bird to analyze how Queer and Indigenous skateboarders develop critical and community-responsive ways of knowing and being. This analysis is contrasted with the implications of skateboarding’s Olympic debut to theorize how non-dominant groups build self-supporting enclaves in spite of concerted efforts to regulate and exclude them from public life. Skateboarding is herein conceptualized as a critical pedagogy which enables participants to reclaim space, achieve self-defined learning goals, and challenge the authority of oppressive institutions built upon what Angelou calls “the grave of dreams.”
Pink Poui in Full Bloom, Jamaica
Authors: Lewis Emma C.
Published: February 2021

A photographic image of a flowering bush, Pink Poui in Jamaca by photographer Emma Lewis.
Carbon stock assessment through above-ground biomass of trees at different forest composition in Mt. Malindawag, Lubilan, Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Authors: Origenes M. G. , Lapitan R. L.
Published: February 2021

It is documented that the amounts of carbon stored and its level of degradation in different forests compositions and different types of forest is mostly unknown, Philippines is no exemption as little was done in some places of this country. This study was conducted to assess carbon stock through above ground biomass of trees at different forest composition in Mt. Malindawag. There were three (3) 20m x 20m sample plots (quadrats) (400m2 equivalent to 0.04 ha) established as replicate plots provided with 50m intervals. Forest composition such as the Agroforestry area, mixed forest area and the Plantation forest were assessed in terms of the number of individuals, number of species, diameter, and height to calculate the biomass, tree biomass density as well as the carbon stock. Based on the results of the study conducted in different forest compositions of Mt. Malindawag, plantation forest has the highest carbon stocking rate. However, these results were not significantly different from the other forest composition. This was associated with a higher accumulated diameter, which resulted in higher biomass and eventually carbon stock. Species found in this forest composition are productive and have lesser number of individuals; therefore, there is lesser competition for resources such as light. Such a mechanism might contribute to the higher biomass and carbon stock. However, the result may not be right to other areas due to uncontrollable factors, anthropogenic and environmental factors. Hence, it is recommended to have further studies on areas where trees have similar age, species diversity index as well as stand development and site productivity for a more accurate and quantifiable carbon stock.
Taxonomy and Grafting of Ornamental Cacti: A Review
Authors: Perumal R. , Prabhu M. , Kannan M. , Srinivasan S.
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, cacti and succulents are widely utilized in landscaping. These plants suit very effectively for both indoor and outdoor decorations. The family Cactaceae comprises of 130 genera with 2000 species and this is primarily divided into three tribes namely: Pereskieae, Opuntieae and Cereeae. Cactus flowers are very attractive and are diverse in size, number, form and color. The nocturnal flowers are always white, with light-yellow or red tones, whereas diurnal flowers are white, purple, yellow-orange, red or green. Basically, an areole is a transformed axillary bud situated over a tubercle with spines and often with hairs and trichomes. Due to their low maintenance requirements and their ability to withstand harsh environments, cacti are extremely popular as ornamental plants across the planet. Cacti can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, offsets and grafts. Grafted cacti are now regarded as one of the most admired ornamental indoor plants worldwide. In cacti, grafting has become a commercial method of propagation to accelerate and hasten the growth rate of slow growing species, to ensure the survival of the plants with poor root system, to ensure the survival of genetic aberration of variegated and bright coloured cacti (red and yellow caps) that lack chlorophyll, to accelerate the growth of plants for commercial use, in order to keep cristate and monstrose forms look attractive. Successful grafts have been obtained when the species like Trichocereus spachianus, Trichocereus macrogonus, Trichocereus pachanoi, Hylocereus trigonus, Hylocereus undatus, Selenicereus grandiflorus, Opuntia bergeriana, Opuntia ficus-indica are grafted onto Nopalea spp. The exogenous application of IBA has a positive effect on the vegetative growth of grafted plants using (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii scion grafted onto Trichocereus spachianus rootstock.
Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in cattle of Punjab, Pakistan and assessment of risk factors
Authors: Anjum Ahsan , Aslam Asim , Akhtar Raheela , Yaqub Tahir , Naseer Junaid , Mushtaq Alia , Munir Muhammad Asif , Khan Azeem ullah
Published: February 2021

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an important infectious disease of respiratory system of cattle, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides. A cross sectional study was conducted in Lahore, Kasur and Jhang districts of Punjab to determine the prevalence of CBPP. A total of 560 serum samples were examined for the specific antibodies against M. mycoides subspecies mycoides, using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associated risk factors that were evaluated include age, gender and breed. In this study, the overall seroprevalence was 8.75%. The seroprevalence of CBPP in Lahore, Kasur and Jhang were 8.26, 8.20 and 10.06%, respectively, but no significance difference (P less than 0.05) was observed. Among the assessed potential predisposing factors, gender and breed were not significantly associated with the serological status of the animal (P greater than 0.05), in which the age affected significantly the positivity to CBPP (P less than 0.05). The highest seropositivity was observed in animals of more than 7 years of age (32.08%) followed by in 4-7 years of age (8.16%) and lowest in animals of less than 4 years old (0.79%). This study confirms the presence of CBPP in the state which could be a threat to livestock export market and warrants the implementation of control measures to mitigate the economic losses associated with the disease.
Microsatellite DNA Polymorphism Studies in Mudhol Hound Dog Native of India
Authors: Sowmyashree B.L. , Jayashree R. , Kumar S. Naveen , Nagaraja R. , Nagaraja C.S. , Rajeshwari Y.B. , Banuprakash A.R.
Published: February 2021

Background: Mudhol Hound the popular dog breed of Karnataka State, India has a long historical association with wars, hunting, social bondage, guarding and recently with the Indian army as a part of army’s sniffer dog squad. Despite its unique qualities, the number of animals is getting reduced gradually. Hence the present study was aimed at molecular characterization of the Mudhol Hound which will be useful in maintenance of diversity of the breed. Methods: In this study, 26 microsatellite markers were used for the characterization of Mudhol Hound dog. A total of 50 blood samples were screened. Microsatellite loci were analyzed by running the PCR products on 6.5 per cent polyacrylamide gels followed by silver staining. Genotyping was done based on the banding patterns. Result: A total of 221 alleles were observed from the 26 microsatellites. The number of alleles ranged from 5 (AHTk211) to 12 (INU055, PEZ12) with a mean of 8.5±1.9442 alleles. The average H0 and He were 0.7685±0.2122 and 0.8326±0.0397, respectively. The percentage of polymorphic loci obtained was 100 as all the loci studied were found to be polymorphic having the PIC values more than 0.5. All the 26 loci showed significant deviation from Hardy - Weinberg equilibrium (P less than 0.001).
Doppler Ultrasonographic Assessment of Maternal and Foetal Blood Flow in Canine Pregnancy and Its Application in the Critical Management of Gestation#
Authors: Simon Shibu , Ramanathan A. , Ghosh K.N. Aravinda
Published: February 2021

Background: Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of maternal and foetal blood flow/perfusion has become an indispensable diagnostic tool in veterinary obstetrics. Periodic Doppler examination of critical canine pregnancies to interpret vascular information such as blood velocity, flow direction/pattern and vascular pathologies would ensure safety of dam and survival chances of conceptuses. Methods: The present study included twenty apparently healthy bitches of different breeds presented at University Veterinary Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala for the management of breeding and pregnancy. Doppler examinations were conducted from fourth week of pregnancy at 10 d interval to evaluate blood flow in uteroplacental artery (UPA), umbilical artery (Uma) and foetal abdominal aorta by measuring pulsatility (PI) and resistive indices (RI). Result: Throughout the study the UPA showed biphasic wave. Up to 40 days of gestation the UPA showed diastolic notch and from 41-50 days it disappeared completely. The PI and RI decreased significantly at 5 per cent level between each 10 d interval. Similarly, the PI and RI of Uma decreased significantly at 5 per cent level between each 10 d interval. The PI of foetal abdominal aorta increased significantly at 5 per cent level from £ 30 d to 31-40 d of gestation and thereafter it decreased significantly up to whelping. During early pregnancy the diastolic wave form was absent for Uma and abdominal aorta although at later stages both these vessels showed biphasic wave forms. The study also included the early diagnosis of two abnormal pregnancies, viz., a complete foetal resorption in a Labrador bitch and an incomplete abortion in a Rottweiler bitch by Doppler ultrasound. The incomplete abortion was critically managed and the bitch whelped five healthy puppies fourteen days from the date of the incomplete abortion of three puppies. Thus, the study demonstrated the potential applicability of Doppler Ultrasound in the management of normal and abnormal pregnancies and predicting survival chances of neonates after whelping.
Effect of Estrus Induction on Blood Biochemical and Mineral Profiles and Fertility Rate in Retained Fetal Membranes Affected and Normally Calved Riverine Buffaloes
Authors: Selvaraju M. , Ganesh K.
Published: February 2021

Background: Calving to conception interval is abnormally extended by the occurrence of retained fetal membranes (RFM) by altering the blood biochemical and mineral milieu in cows. Hence this experiment was conducted in RFM affected and normally calved (NC) buffaloes by inducing estrus with CIDR plus PGF2α protocol to study the blood biochemical and mineral profiles and to correlate them with fertility rate. Methods: Buffaloes (n=64) at 45-60 days postpartum including 32 treated for RFM and 32 NC from field were equally divided into groups I and II and groups III and IV, respectively. Buffaloes of groups I and III were initially dewormed and administered 35-50 g mineral mixture daily orally for 15 days in the concentrate feed. Then, buffaloes of all the groups were treated with CIDR plus PGF2α. After CIDR removal, all the buffaloes were artificially inseminated twice at 48 and 72 hrs. Blood was collected during different stages of treatment from all the buffaloes to assess the blood biochemical and mineral status. The animals returned to estrus following FTAI were again inseminated during subsequent estrus. Pregnancy diagnosis was done at 60 days post-AI and conception rates for induced estrus and overall of two cycles were calculated. Result: In all the groups, blood glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol and phosphorus levels increased from the time of selection to 10 days post-AI. There was an altered calcium phosphorus ratio in RFM affected buffaloes (1:1) at the time of selection. CIDR plus PGF2α protocol influenced the blood biochemical constituents and brought the calcium and phosphorus ratio as 2:1 and improved the fertility in riverine buffaloes. The overall conception rate was 62.50, 37.50, 87.50 and 75.00 per cent, in group I, II, III and IV buffaloes, respectively.
Histoarchitectural and Histoenzymatic Studies on Gizzard of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)
Authors: Saran Devendra , Meshram Balwant
Published: February 2021

Background: The gizzard is a muscular stomach of the Gastrointestinal tract of bird that holds sparing crystals which aids as the mechanical multure component for food material to be ingested by birds. Its specialty is to grinding of ingested food material after secretion of HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) and pepsinogen enzymes in the proventriculus. Methods: The twelve samples of gizzard of guinea fowl were fixed in 10% NBF (Neutral buffered formalin) and Bouin’s fluid for histological while chilled acetone and chilled ethanol for histochemical studies. The fresh unfixed tissues were used for the cryostat section for the demonstration of different enzymes. Result: The tubular glands were main feature of mucosal layer but sometime acinar glands also found as the replacement of tubular glands with lymphoid aggregation. The horizontal koilin was also noticed between long mucosal folds. Tunica submucosa was discovered in squeezed manner in comparison to the mucosa. The tunica muscularis has shown inner circular and outer longitudinal as the thick layer. It was intermingling with collagen and elastic fibers. Histochemically the gizzard was examined for glycogen, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and succinic dehydrogenase.
Effect of Varieties and Planting Time on the Performance of Onion under Tropical Planes of Kerala
Authors: Aruna S. , Indira P. , Menon Jalaja S.
Published: February 2021

Background: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is an important and indispensable item of every kitchen. It is used as a vegetable, spice and condiment and commands an extensive internal market. Even though onion is one of the major crops in India, its cultivation is not yet popular in Kerala. Successful onion production depends on the selection of varieties that are adapted to different conditions imposed by specific environment and best planting time. In this background, the current study aimed to evaluate five onion varieties in the tropical planes of Kerala and also to study the effect of different planting time and varieties on the performance of onion in Kerala. Methods: Five onion varieties were evaluated in four different dates of planting with an interval of fifteen days. Planting commenced from 10th November to 25th December 2017 in a split plot design with four replications. Yield attributing characters such as number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bolting percentage, neck thickness, bulb weight and yield were noted. Result: All the parameters showed a significant variation over different dates of planting. There was a significant variation in number of leaves per plant, leaf length, bolting percentage, total bulb yield and neck thickness among the varieties. Interaction effect of varieties and dates of planting was significant only for leaf length and total bulb yield. Highest bulb weight was recorded in 25th Nov. planting. Highest yield was recorded in 25th Nov. which was on par with 10th Dec. and 10th Nov. plantings. Arka Kalyan recorded a highest yield, which was statistically on par with Agrifound Dark Red and Arka Pragati. Varieties when planted on 25th Dec. recorded a lowest neck thickness. Agrifound White exhibited a non-bolting behavior in all the dates of planting. Overall performance and yield of onion was found to be better when planting was done on 25th November.
Studies on Variability, Heritability, Correlation and Path Analysis in Segregating Population of Black Gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]
Authors: Gomathi D. , Shoba D. , Ramamoorthy V. , Pillai M. Arumugam
Published: February 2021

Back ground: Pulses are an important source of protein in the human diet and black gram is a popular pulse crop in India. The black gram breeding program faces various drawbacks due to narrow genetic diversity accompanied by biotic and abiotic diseases which seriously affect the yield potential of the crop. Hence it is important to understand the gene action and to frame the efficient breeding program in black gram for yield improvement. Methods: The present experiment was conducted during 2018-2019. Sixty-nine F2 plants of the cross ADT3 x KKB14-052 were raised and nine biometrical traits were recorded. Genetic variability and association analysis were carried out. Result: High PCV and GCV were obtained for the traits viz., number of primary branches/ plant, number of clusters/plant, number of pods/plant and single plant yield. High heritability and high GAM were obtained for the traits viz., plant height, number of primary branches/plant, number of clusters/plant, number of pods/plant, hundred seed weight, pod length and single plant yield. All the characters under the study were significantly positive correlation with yield except days to 50% flowering. Number of pods/plant showed a high positive, direct effect on single plant yield. Hence, these characters would be mainly focused in black gram breeding programs for yield improvement.
Identification of Salt Tolerant Chickpea Genotypes Based on Yield and Salinity Indices
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Sanwal S.K. , Sehrawat Nirmala , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Naresh , Mann Anita
Published: February 2021

Background: Legumes are under explored crops in comparison to staple cereal crops and decreasing agricultural lands along with waste lands and poor water resources are the main constraints for sustainable agricultural production. Chickpea is the third most important food legume, known for its high nutritive values, generally considered as relatively salt sensitive crop. Existence of large genetic variation provides opportunity to explore variations and exploit the available salinity tolerance in chickpea. Methods: A Randomised block design experiment was conducted to explore the salinity tolerance in 10 chickpea genotypes including CSG-8962 (Karnal Chana-1), as salt tolerant check during 2018-19 and 2019-20 under control and salinity ECiw 6 dS/m and ECiw 9 dS/m. The leachate was collected from time to time to monitor the buildup of the desired salinity. At harvesting stage, yield and yield attributing traits were recorded and yield indices were calculated to identify the potential of chickpea genotypes against salinity stress. Result: Saline irrigation water significantly decreased the number of pods/plant by 21.29% under ECiw 6 dS/m and 53.29% under ECiw 9 dS/m. Genotypes ICCV 10, CSG 8962 and DCP 92-3 retained maximum number of filled pods at ECiw 6 dS/m, while under higher salinity of ECiw 9 dS/m, CSG 8962, ICCV 10 and KWR108 had the highest filled pods. Saline water of 6 dS/m caused reduction of 36.1% - 65.0% in grain yield, which further increased to 81.0% - 98.5% with saline water of 9 dS/m. Genotypes S7 and ICCV - 10 had percent grain yield reduction of 36.13% and 41.24% respectively whereas the salt tolerant check had a percent reduction of 46.94% at ECiw 6 dS/m. Based on studied yield indices, genotypes S7, KWR108 and CSG 8962 showed relatively higher tolerance than other studied genotypes, whereas BG 256 and ICC 4463 were the most salt sensitive chickpea genotypes.
Habitat Characteristic of Softshell Turtle (Amyda cartilaginea Boddaert,1770) in Engkelitau River Sekadau Regency, West Borneo
Authors: Arbi Florensius Joko , Yanti Ari Hepi , Riyandi Riyandi
Published: February 2021

Information about the character of softshell turtle’s habitat (Amyda cartilaginea) is needed as conservation effort and to prevent softshell turtle’s extinction. The research on habitat, morphometric holes, and environmental factors that suitable for softshell turtle is needed to be approved. The research was conducted in Engkelitau River, Sekadau, West Borneo. Sampling area was divided into 3 stations based on the type of cover between primary dryland forest, farming land and open field. Data on the softshell turtle’s number, holes and scratch marks were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The highest river slope at Station I is 60o and the lowest river slope at Station III is 42o. Substrate’s type that found in Engkelitau River consist of sandy, dusty, and muddy substrates. The number of softshell turtle’s hole in the Engkelitau River is 45 holes, consisting one hole with softshell turtle, 15 holes with scratch marks, and 29 holes not including both of them. The highest height, width and distance between holes are in Station I and both hole’s length and height from the surface as well as highest river are in Station II. The environmental factors that affected A. cartilaginea in the Engkelitau River consisted of river velocity and river’s slope with loading factors of 4.08135 and 3.94019 respectively. The characteristics of A. cartilaginea’s hole in the Engkelitau River including a pond in the hole, an air hole, and located in the middle of a riverbank. Keywords: habitat characteristics, Amyda cartilaginea, softshell turtle, Engkelitau river.
The retromandibular transparotid approach vs. retromandibular retroparotid approach for the mandibular condyle
Authors: Ahmed Shaheen , Usmani Reema , Shaikh Abdul Hafeez , Ashraf Usman , Iqbal Syeda Noureen , Salman Abdullah , Ali Anwar
Published: February 2021

Aim: The mandible is regarded as a frequently fractured bone in patients who present with maxillofacial trauma accounting for almost 15.5% to 59% of all facial fractures. Managing condylar trauma has remained to be a point of contention amongst experts, regardless of the advances in surgical modalities and methodologies, and the treatment plan is often determined by the preference and the experience of the surgeon. There exist various approaches in the literature, each with its own specific benefits and drawbacks. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of post-operative complications in patients who experienced ORIF by means of the retromandibular approach, by comparing the outcomes of one group having undergone transparotid surgery, with another that underwent retroparotid surgery. Methods: An experimental trial was undertaken. Convenience sampling was done from among the cases of condylar neck and base fracture visiting the department of OMFS, Dow University of Health Sciences from January 2017 to December 2019. An overall 26 patients were divided into 2 groups of 13 members each; one was managed using Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) by means of a retromandibular transparotid approach while the other group was treated with ORIF by means of a retromandibular retroparotid approach. A 6 month follow-up was done to assess range of active motion, occlusion, and complications such as deviation/deflection, neural injury, infections, sialocele, salivary fistulae and Frey’s syndrome in both groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of inter-incisal opening, right and left lateral movements, or protrusion. One patient in the retroparotid group had deviation on mouth opening (7.69%), while one in the transparotid group reported with infection (7.69%), and 2 developed post operative seromas (15.38%). None had persisting facial nerve palsy at 6 months. Conclusion: We find no significant disparity between the 2 approaches at a follow-up of 6 months; therefore, the primary determining factor for selection of either technique is surgeon preference and appropriate case selection.
Neuropatía Periférica en la enfermedad de Parkinson
Authors: Alvarado Marcela
Published: February 2021

La enfermedad de Parkinson es una entidad neurodegenerativa con alteraciones principalmente extrapiramidales, del sistema nervioso autónomo y, en etapas finales, alteraciones cognitivas y neuropsiquiátricas. Desde 1976 se reconocen además síntomas neurosensoriales dependientes del sistema nervioso periférico, presentes en casi la mitad de los pacientes y que preceden incluso a los síntomas motores. Los síntomas sensitivos fueron inicialmente atribuidos a distonías o a niveles indebidos de levodopa en ausencia de medicación apropiada; sin embargo, estudios recientes sugieren una etiología intrínseca a la propia enfermedad. Se reconocen tres formas de presentación: polineuropatía crónica (la más común), aguda y subaguda. La clínica de la polineuropatía es concurrente con la de la enfermedad de Parkinson y el diagnóstico es básicamente clínico, aun cuando se cuenta con el apoyo de la electromiografía y de la velocidad de conducción nerviosa, cuya normalidad no descartaría a esta entidad. El manejo actual está basado en la presunción etiológica, por lo que la reposición de vitaminas como la B12, B1 y folatos puede considerarse como parte del mismo. La etiología, el pronóstico y la fisiopatología son aún temas de debate y requieren, por lo tanto, más investigaciones.
Communication practices to maintain the student contingent in the distance education system
Authors: Storozheva S. P. , Strukova E. G. , Shilin R. D.
Published: February 2021

Modern educational programs of distance education are gaining popularity and demand among applicants with different educational needs. Such programs are aimed at overcoming educational inequality and equalization of educational opportunities, solving problems of inclusive education, incorporation in the system of continuous education. The study objective is to identify the role of educational communications and their effect on preserving the student contingent in distance education. The paper focuses on identifying the reasons to discontinue by students their studies in vocational educational programs conducted using distance learning technologies; determining the communication aspects of the problem to maintain a contingent of students in the professional educational programs of Bachelor and Master.

The authors determine the motives for choosing the program, involvement in educational communications, satisfaction with the educational process and its components, as well as difficulties in mastering the program based on the student opinions in «the group at risk of expulsion» and studied in such educational programs, but for various reasons do not complete the studies. The research has solved the following tasks: considering educational communication practices in the system of distance learning; identifying the reasons of difficulties and expulsions of students in obtaining higher professional education by the programs of distance education; forming proposals on the organization of educational communications aimed more successful mastering of the educational program and preservation of the student contingent in the distance learning system. The study results should be used to organize communication and methodological support of professional educational programs of distance education.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for 28-Day in-Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ferrando-Vivas Paloma , Gould Doug , Doidge James , Thomas Karen , Mouncey Paul , Shankar-Hari Manu , Young Duncan , Rowan Kathryn , Harrison David
Published: February 2021

Objectives To develop and validate a prediction model for 28-day in-hospital mortality among adult patients critically ill with COVID-19 in the UK. Design Observational cohort study. Setting 287 adult critical care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, of which 260 admitted at least one eligible patient. Participants 10,933 patients with confirmed COVID-19 of whom 10,401 were eligible (excluding 532 patients with a duration of critical care less than 24 hours and 1 patient with unknown 28-day outcome): 8,666 development (March-April 2020) and 1,735 temporal validation (May-August 2020). Main outcome measures 28-day in-hospital mortality from start of critical care. Results Two models were developed using 14 patient level predictors selected from 30 candidate predictors, with and without adjustment for calendar time. In the temporal validation data, the model discrimination was maintained (c index 0.78) but calibration was poor, particularly for the model not adjusted for calendar time (ratio of observed to predicted mortality 0.74 versus 0.88 for the model adjusted for calendar time). Conclusions We developed and validated a prediction model for 28-day in-hospital mortality for patients critically ill with COVID-19. Although absolute predictions were inaccurate due to changing outcomes, the models will support risk-adjustment in analyses and monitoring changes in risk-adjusted outcome over time.
Antitumoral Effects of Dovitinib in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer are Synergized by Calcitriol in Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: García-Quiroz Janice , Cárdenas-Ochoa Nohemí , García-Becerra Rocío , Morales-Guadarrama Gabriela , Méndez-Pérez Edgar A. , Santos-Cuevas Clara , Ramírez-Nava Gerardo J. , Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Prado-Garcia Heriberto , Avila Euclides , Larrea Fernando , Díaz Lorenza
Published: February 2021

Chemotherapy is a standard therapeutic option for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, its effectiveness is often compromised by drug-related toxicity and resistance development. Herein, we aimed to evaluate whether an improved antineoplastic effect could be achieved in vitro and in vivo in TNBC by combining dovitinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, with calcitriol, a natural anti-cancer hormone. In vitro, cell proliferation and cell-cycle distribution were studied by sulforhodamine B-assays and flow cytometry. In vivo, dovitinib/calcitriol effects on tumor growth, angiogenesis and endothelium activation were evaluated in xenografted mice by caliper measures, Itgb3-immunohistochemistry and 99mTc-RGD2-tumor uptake. The drug combination elicited a synergistically improved antiproliferative effect in TNBC-derived cells, which allowed a 7-fold dovitinib dose-reduction. Mechanistically, the co-treatment induced cell death and accumulation in S and G2/M phases, while inhibited tumor growth to a greater extent than each compound alone. Tumor uptake of 99mTc-RGD2 was reduced by dovitinib, suggesting angiogenesis inhibition, which was corroborated by decreased endothelial cell growth and tumor vessel density. In summary, calcitriol synergized dovitinib anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo, allowing for a significant dose-reduction of dovitinib, while maintaining its antiproliferative potency. Our results suggest the beneficial convergence of independent antitumor mechanisms of dovitinib and calcitriol to inhibit TNBC-tumor growth.