bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthelmintic Drug Resistance in Livestock: Current Understanding and Future Trends
Authors: Abdullah Malik Muhammad , Sohail Sajid Muhammad , Zahid Abbas Rao , Tahir Aleem Muhammad , Rasheed Anjum Faisal , Khan Asad , Farhab Muhammad , Maqbool Mahvish , Zeeshan Muhammad , Hussain Kashif , Rehman Namrah , Hamid Ali Nisar Rana , Muhammad Rizwan Hafiz , Bin Tahir Urfa
Published: May 2022

Anthelmintic, ectoparasiticides (insecticides, acaricides), and antiprotozoal chemotherapeutic drugs target parasites. Chenopodium oil like alkaloids, arsenic compounds, cupric sulfate, nicotine, and cupric silicate were used to destroy nematodes. Unfortunately, these chemicals were less effective and less safe for livestock. The four major groups of broad-spectrum antinematodal compounds are macrocyclic lactones such as milbemycins/ivermectin, benzimidazole/pro-benzimidazole, tetrahydro pyrimidines such as morantel, pyrantel tartrate, and imidazothiazoles such as tetramisole and levamisole. The various factors responsible for gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism make it difficult to develop effective control measures, to the best of our knowledge. Hence, an effective strategy for the control of parasitic diseases that do not solely rely on anthelmintic therapies needs to be developed at the regional level, based on the epidemiology of the disease. This book chapter aims to elaborate on the various other ways to control parasitic diseases due to Anthelmintic drug resistance.
Natural Products as Antibiofilm Agents
Authors: Amaning Danquah Cynthia , Amankwah Baffour Minkah Prince , A. Agana Theresa , Moyo Phanankosi , Tetteh Michael , Osei Duah Junior Isaiah , Bonsu Amankwah Kofi , Owusu Somuah Samuel , Ofori Michael , J. Maharaj Vinesh
Published: May 2022

Biofilms, are vastly structured surface-associated communities of microorganisms, enclosed within a self-produced extracellular matrix. Microorganisms, especially bacteria are able to form complex structures known as biofilms. The presence of biofilms especially in health care settings increases resistance to antimicrobial agents which poses a major health problem. This is because biofilm-associated persistent infections are difficult to treat due to the presence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This chapter will give an idea about documented agents including isolated compounds, crude extracts, decoctions, fractions, etc. obtained from natural sources such as plants, bacteria, fungi, sponge and algae with antibiofilm activities. Furthermore, we have done phylogenetic analysis to identify plant families most prolific in producing plant species and compounds with good antibiofilm properties so as to aid in prioritizing plant species to investigate in future studies. The data in this chapter will help serve as valuable information and guidance for future antimicrobial development.
An Overview of Poultry Meat Quality and Myopathies
Authors: Nusairat Basheer , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Qudsieh Rasha
Published: May 2022

The increased demand for poultry meat and the shift toward portioned and further processed products has been accompanied by genetic improvement and progress in nutrition and management to increase growth rates and improve feed efficiency. Animal protein continues to be the most demanded and expensive protein source worldwide. Poultry is an animal protein commonly accepted among different faith groups and relatively more affordable than other animal protein sources. In addition, poultry meat has lower fat, cholesterol, and sodium content compared to red meat. This review aims at summarizing the available information about skeletal muscle structure, conversion of muscle to meat and how it affects poultry meat quality, the different myopathies historically been identified and other emerging myopathies, then discussing how meat quality affects consumer perception and consumption trends, and finally discussing few of the proposed solutions to overcome the issues of decreased meat quality, including nutritional strategies.
Evaluation of Molecular Variability of Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi in the State of Rio de Janeiro-Brazil
Authors: Keiko Toma Helena , Reboredo de Oliveira da Silva Luciana , Cristina Monte Gonçalves Teresa , da Silva Junior Renato , R. Santos-Mallet Jacenir
Published: May 2022

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, presents considerable heterogeneity among populations of isolates within the sylvatic and domestic cycle. This study aims to evaluate the genetic diversity of 14 isolates collected from specimens of Triatoma vitticeps from Triunfo, Conceição de Macabu, and Santa Maria Madalena cities (Rio de Janeiro—Brazil). By using PCR based on the mini-exon gene, all isolates showed a profile characteristic of bands zymodeme III and with a lower intensity characteristic of TcII. To verify possible hybrids among the strains analyzed, the polymorphisms analysis of the MSH2 gene was performed. HhaI restriction enzyme digestion products resulted in characteristic TcII fragments only, demonstrating the absence of hybrids strains. In our attempt to characterize isolation in accordance with the reclassification of T. cruzi into six new groups called DTUs (“discrete typing unit”), we genotyped the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit two gene, ribosomal RNA gen (24Sα rDNA), and the spliced leader intergenic region (SL-IR). This procedure showed that TcII, TcIII, and TcIV are circulating in this area. This highlights the diversity of parasites infecting specimens of T. vitticeps, emphasizing the habit of wild type and complexity of the region epidemiological study that presents potential mixed populations.
The Cytological Mechanism of Apospory in Paspalum notatum Analyzed by Differential Interference-Contrast Microscopy
Authors: Chen Lanzhuang , Guan Liming
Published: May 2022

Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is an important tropical forage grass and sets seed by apospory. I) To clarify the mechanisms of aposporous embryo sac initial cell (AIC) appearance and apomictic embryo sac formation, and II) to make it clear the mechanism of multiple embryo seed set a development in polyembryonic ovules, several apomictic and sexual varieties of bahia grass were studied cytologically and quantitatively by Nomarski differential interference-contrast microscopy. The results were I) there was no difference between sexual and apomicts to megasporogenesis; and then, the megaspore degenerated in apomicts; at the same time, AIC originated from nucellar tissue appeared and its numbers increased as the ovary grew before anthesis; II) at anthesis, the sac derived from AIC located in the micropylar end (first sac) were 92.5 to 100%, and those in the chalazal ends (other sacs) were 40.4 to 86.0% among the apomicts; the first sac divided dominantly and were 56 to 87% comparable to 0 to 1% of the other sacs at 4 days after anthesis; however, 4 to 17% of the other sacs also showed embryo formations but endosperm. In final, the first sac occupied the whole space of the ovule, in which the embryos in the other sacs coexisted.
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Wear Behaviour of AZ91 Magnesium Hybrid Composite Materials
Authors: Mathiazhagan Palanivel , Jayabharathy S.
Published: May 2022

In recent years, emerging requisite for advanced materials gave a path for hybrid composites. Magnesium metal matrix composites are gaining more interest and a better substitute for heavier steel, aluminium, titanium and even for plastic based materials. At present the AZ91 magnesium alloy is most widely in transport vehicle industry. However, the application of AZ91 magnesium alloys are limited due to several negative effects such as poor creep resistance, wear resistance and inferior corrosion resistance when it is exposed to atmospheric conditions. Future to improve the strength, better corrosion resistance and wear resistance are important for their extend applications of exciting alloy AZ91. The main objective of the present investigation is to achieve above mentioned properties. The AZ91 alloy was reinforced with titanium dioxide/0.5% graphene and with titanium/0.5% graphene in varying weight percentage (1%, 2%) by stir casting technique. These combinations are called hybrid metal matrix composite of materials such as AZ91 + 1%Ti +0.5% Gr (A1), AZ91 + 2%Ti +0.5% Gr (A2), AZ91 + 1%TiO2 + 0.5% Gr (B1) and AZ91 + 2%TiO2 + 0.5% Gr (B2) alloys. The following experiments such as tensile, compressive, hardness and wear tests have been carried out to find all the properties from the newly developed hybrid metal matrix composite of materials and compared with AZ91. Wear tests have been carried out by pin on disc tribometer for both dry and wet sliding condition under 20 N,40 N,60 N, and 80 N. The results indicated the AZ91–1%TiO2–0.5%Gr having high wear resistance compared to other three combinations as well as AZ91. The present experimental investigations of hybrid metal matrix composite of materials have wear resistance in the order of B1 > A2 > A1 > B2 > AZ91 and AZ91–2%TiO2–0.5% Gr showed good tensile strength and hardness. The enhanced these properties were discussed in this paper.
Clinical Benefits of New Echocardiographic Methods
Authors: Senekovič Kojc Teja , Marčun Varda Nataša
Published: May 2022

The main goals of a good echocardiographic examination are an accurate assessment of myocardial function and precise presentation of cardiac morphology. Therefore, some new echocardiographic methods, such as functional echocardiography, cardiac deformation imaging, and 3D echocardiography, are becoming increasingly useful. The main advantages of each method, the possibilities for clinical use, and the most important limitations are presented in this paper. Functional echocardiography enables real-time evaluation of cardiac performance, identifying the nature of cardiovascular compromise, guiding therapeutic decisions, and monitoring response to treatment. A better understanding of the cardiac function and hemodynamic changes in critically ill patients is a crucial clinical benefit of the method. Myocardial deformation imaging could be beneficial for the detection of early ventricular dysfunction, especially where classical methods are unreliable. The new methods do not rely on geometric assumptions and can quantify regional as well as global ventricular function. 3D echocardiography allows understanding of complex spatial cardiac relationships; furthermore, it can be valuable in understanding functional anatomy and help planning interventions.
Proterozoic Newer Dolerite Dyke Swarm Magmatism in the Singhbhum Craton, Eastern India
Authors: R. Mir Akhtar
Published: May 2022

Precambrian mafic magmatism and its role in the evolution of Earth’s crust has been paid serious attention by researchers for the last four decades. The emplacement of mafic dyke swarms acts as an important time marker in geological terrains. Number of shield terrains throughout the world has been intruded by the Precambrian dyke swarms, hence the presence of these dykes are useful to understand the Proterozoic tectonics, magmatism, crustal growth and continental reconstruction. Likewise, the Protocontinents of Indian Shield e.g. Aravalli-Bundelkhand, Dharwar, Bastar, and Singhbhum Protocontinent had experienced the dyke swarm intrusions having different characteristics and orientations. In Singhbhum craton, an impressive set of mafic dyke swarm, called as Newer dolerite dyke swarm, had intruded the Precambrian Singhbhum granitoid complex through a wide geological period from 2800 to 1100 Ma. Present chapter focuses on the published results or conclusions of these dykes in terms of their mantle source characteristics, metasomatism of the mantle source, degree of crustal contamination and partial melting processes. Geochemical characteristics of these dykes particularly Ti/Y, Zr/Y, Th/Nb, Ba/Nb, La/Nb, (La/Sm)PM are similar to either MORB or subduction zone basalts that occur along the plate margin. The enriched LREE-LILE and depletion of HFSE especially Nb, P and Ti probably indicate generation of these dykes in a subduction zone setting.
Is the Ocean of Enceladus in a Primitive Evolutionary Stage?
Authors: Villavicencio Valero Katherine , Ramírez Juidías Emilio , Àvila Bosch Aina
Published: May 2022

Enceladus has a subsurface ocean in the South Pole that has been inferred due to the presence of water vapor and other molecules like molecular hydrogen and ammonia detected by the Cassini mission from the ejection of material through the plumes in that region. The chemical composition of this ocean could give some information about the evolutionary stage of the icy moon if its components are found to be similar with the aqueous chemistry of the primitive oceans on Earth during glacial periods. Here we present a comparative geochemical analysis between the ocean of Enceladus and the aqueous composition of the oceans on Earth during the Snowball Event, in order to figure out if there are similar species, how the interaction of the metabolic processes between them works and if, in the future, those molecules could evolve making possible the emergence of life.
Use of Oral Ketamine in Palliative Care
Authors: Lopuh Mateja
Published: May 2022

Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor antagonist, has been used for more than 50 years. From its initial potential as an anesthetic drug, its use has increased in the fields of pain medicine, psychiatry, and palliative care. It is available in different formulations, of which oral use is promising due to its active metabolite, norketamine which reaches 2–3 times higher levels when administered orally in comparison with parenteral use. Oral use is also more feasible and easier to use in settings, where medical staff is not that present, such as home care or hospices. Oral solution of ketamine has not yet been officially licensed for use although there have been several reports which recommend its use in neuropathic pain, severe depression, airway obstruction, and anxiety. Palliative care is defined as total care for patients whose diseases do not respond to curative treatment. It encompasses good control of physical symptoms, and psychological, social and spiritual problems. Patients often experience pain, despite high doses of opioids, depression and anxiety, and dyspnea. Oral ketamine does not have the side effects of opioids therefore it represents a good alternative. It may also reduce the need for high opioid doses and be more suitable for patients who wish to avoid the necessary sedation.
Robot Perception Based on Vision and Haptic Feedback for Fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hoirul Basori Ahmad , M. Barukab Omar , Jameel Malebary Sharaf , Besse Firdausiah Mansur Andi
Published: May 2022

The robot perception can be enhanced further through visual and haptic to give more impression. This chapter aims to combine vision and haptic for the robot navigation during tracing their movement. The pandemic has striven humans to do direct contact; therefore, an alternative using the robot as delivery tools is assumed to be one of solution. As the initial experiment has been shown in the previous section, the deviation of angle is quite low and the success rate of arriving at the destination is also quite high around 76%. Future work can be enhanced by improving the success rate by monitoring the robot track closely.
Apoptosis-Related Diseases and Peroxisomes
Authors: Wang Meimei , Liu Yakun , Chen Ni , Wang Juan , Zhao Ye
Published: May 2022

Apoptosis is a highly regulated cell death program that can be mediated by death receptors in the plasma membrane, as well as the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Apoptosis plays a key role in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles occurring in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Peroxisomes engage in a functional interplay with mitochondria. They cooperate with each other to maintain the balance of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in cells. Given the key role of mitochondria in the regulation of apoptosis, there could also be an important relationship between peroxisomes and the apoptotic process. Peroxisome dysfunction severely affects mitochondrial metabolism, cellular morphological stability, and biosynthesis, and thus contributes directly or indirectly to a number of apoptosis-related diseases. This chapter provides an overview of the concept, characteristics, inducing factors, and molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, as well as evidence for apoptosis in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, and discusses the important role of the peroxisome in the apoptosis-associated diseases.
Stoic Minimalism: ‘Just Enough Stoicism’ for Modern Practitioners
Authors: Chakrapani Chuck ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

Stoic Minimalism may be described as ‘just enough Stoicism.’ Just enough for what? Just enough to lead the good life. Just enough to cope with the stress of modern life. Just enough to not be rattled by the constant changes that characterize the times we live in. Just enough to be resilient in the face of misfortune. Just enough to have the freedom to reject unproven or unprovable concepts. In essence, Stoic Minimalism is an attempt to retain whatever is valuable in ancient Stoicism and the freedom to discard whatever is unproven, unhelpful, or incompatible with our everyday lives. For the Stoic Minimalist, Stoic ethics is a logically self-contained system in which rationality is the principle, wisdom is the means, and happiness is the end. The purpose of this paper is to expand on this theme.
Stoic Ethical Theory: How Much Is Enough?
Authors: Gill Christopher ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

How much theory is enough for a complete account of ancient Stoic ethics and for modern life-guidance? Stoic ethics was presented either purely in its own terms or combined with the idea of human or universal nature (or both). Although the combination of ethical theory with human and universal nature provides the most complete account, each of these modes of presentation was regarded as valid and can provide modern life-guidance.
The Promises and Problems of Two Stoic Big Tents
Authors: Lowery Alyssa ,   Romanian Academy - Iasi Branch
Published: May 2022

Stoicism’s tremendous recent popularity provides an opportunity to update the tradition for a contemporary audience. In this paper, I review one such update: Stoicism’s conception as a ‘big tent,’ first as depicted by two prominent figures in contemporary Stoicism – Ryan Holiday and Massimo Pigliucci – then how it fares in light of two challenges, Stoic Resignation and Stoic Reductionism. I conclude by arguing for a self-determination that emphasizes Stoic ethical commitments and attends to its social features, even at the cost of such a big tent.
Para seguir pensando el sentido de la educación
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Creus Amalia
Published: May 2022

En un artículo anterior, indagaba sobre el sentido de la educación a partir de las aportaciones de dos referentes de filosofía clásica: Jean-Jaques Rousseau e Immanuel Kant. Propongo ahora profundizar en este debate recuperando a otros dos autores fundamentales: Karl Marx y Paulo Freire. Sus aportaciones han tenido una gran relevancia en la construcción de una visión crítica de la educación. No solo en la medida en que nos han ayudado a comprender los mecanismos internos de los sistemas educativos para la reproducción de las desigualdades, sino también porque han señalado y defendido que la educación es –o debería ser– un instrumento poderoso para la transformación social.
Inversion method of two-dimensional distribution of electron density in hypersonic model wake
Authors: Wu Ming-Xing , Tian De-Yang , Tang Pu , Tian Jing , He Zi-Yuan , Ma Ping ,   Hypervelocity Aerodynamics Institute, China Aerodynamics Reasearch and Development Center, Mianyang 621000, China,   School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
Published: May 2022

The ballistic target uses a two-stage light gas gun to launch the model into a hypersonic state, and the model forms a plasma wake when flying at a hypersonic speed in the target chamber. In order to obtain the radial two-dimensional distribution of transient plasma electron density in the wake of hypervelocity model, a seven-channel Ka-band microwave interferometer measuring system is developed. In the transceiver system, a transmitting antenna achieves the plane wave irradiation plasma, and a seven-port array antenna is used to receive plane waves which are passing through the plasma: the antenna beam can completely cover the radial range of the wake. The shortest response time of measuring system is 1 s, and electron density measurement range of the interferometer measuring system is 1011–1013/cm3 . The plasma is often treated as layered medium in data processing of multichannel microwave interferometer. Taking into consideration the effect of refraction on the stratified interface in this work, the ray tracing (RT) method is used to establish the electromagnetic propagation model. Combined with the measurement data to construct the objective function, the genetic algorithm (GA) is used to invert the radial two-dimensional distribution of the electron density under different test conditions. The result shows good agreement with the numerical simulation under the same test state, which proves the the data processing method reliable. Then, the influence of the layered model on the calculation result is analyzed, which shows that the seven-layer model is suitable for the wake modeling under given experimental conditions, and thus maximizing the number of receiving channels and ensuring the accuracy. The RT method is used for the first time to achieve the two-dimensional distribution of electron density in the wake of hypervelocity projectile, and some rules of two-dimensional electron density distribution of the hypersonic model under given experimental conditions are realized.
Cryo-sensitive aggregation triggers NLRP3 inflammasome assembly in cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome
Authors: Karasawa Tadayoshi , Komada Takanori , Yamada Naoya , Aizawa Emi , Mizushina Yoshiko , Watanabe Sachiko , Baatarjav Chintogtokh , Matsumura Takayoshi , Takahashi Masafumi
Published: May 2022

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is an autoinflammatory syndrome caused by mutations of NLRP3 gene encoding cryopyrin. Familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, the mildest form of CAPS, is characterized by cold-induced inflammation induced by the overproduction of IL-1β. However, the molecular mechanism of how mutated NLRP3 causes inflammasome activation in CAPS remains unclear. Here, we found that CAPS-associated NLRP3 mutants form cryo-sensitive aggregates that function as a scaffold for inflammasome activation. Cold exposure promoted inflammasome assembly and subsequent IL-1β release triggered by mutated NLRP3. While K+ efflux was dispensable, Ca2+ was necessary for mutated NLRP3-mediated inflammasome assembly. Notably, Ca2+ influx was induced during mutated NLRP3-mediated inflammasome assembly. Furthermore, caspase-1 inhibition prevented Ca2+ influx and inflammasome assembly induced by the mutated NLRP3, suggesting a feed-forward Ca2+ influx loop triggered by mutated NLRP3. Thus, the mutated NLRP3 forms cryo-sensitive aggregates to promote inflammasome assembly distinct from canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Altered excitatory and inhibitory neuronal subpopulation parameters are distinctly associated with tau and amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ranasinghe Kamalini G , Verma Parul , Cai Chang , Xie Xihe , Kudo Kiwamu , Gao Xiao , Lerner Hannah , Mizuiri Danielle , Strom Amelia , Iaccarino Leonardo , La Joie Renaud , Miller Bruce L , Gorno-Tempini Maria Luisa , Rankin Katherine P , Jagust William J , Vossel Keith , Rabinovici Gil D , Raj Ashish , Nagarajan Srikantan S
Published: May 2022

Background:

Neuronal- and circuit-level abnormalities of excitation and inhibition are shown to be associated with tau and amyloid-beta (Aβ) in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These relationships remain poorly understood in patients with AD.

Methods:

Using empirical spectra from magnetoencephalography and computational modeling (neural mass model), we examined excitatory and inhibitory parameters of neuronal subpopulations and investigated their specific associations to regional tau and Aβ, measured by positron emission tomography, in patients with AD.

Results:

Patients with AD showed abnormal excitatory and inhibitory time-constants and neural gains compared to age-matched controls. Increased excitatory time-constants distinctly correlated with higher tau depositions while increased inhibitory time-constants distinctly correlated with higher Aβ depositions.

Conclusions:

Our results provide critical insights about potential mechanistic links between abnormal neural oscillations and cellular correlates of impaired excitatory and inhibitory synaptic functions associated with tau and Aβ in patients with AD.

Funding:

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health grants: K08AG058749 (KGR), F32AG050434-01A1 (KGR), K23 AG038357 (KAV), P50 AG023501, P01 AG19724 (BLM), P50-AG023501 (BLM and GDR), R01 AG045611 (GDR); AG034570, AG062542 (WJ); NS100440 (SSN), DC176960 (SSN), DC017091 (SSN), AG062196 (SSN); a grant from John Douglas French Alzheimer’s Foundation (KAV); grants from Larry L. Hillblom Foundation: 2015-A-034-FEL (KGR), 2019-A-013-SUP (KGR); grants from the Alzheimer’s Association: AARG-21-849773 (KGR); PCTRB-13-288476 (KAV), and made possible by Part the CloudTM (ETAC-09-133596); a grant from Tau Consortium (GDR and WJJ), and a gift from the S. D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation.
Identification of HIV-reservoir cells with reduced susceptibility to antibody-dependent immune response
Authors: Astorga-Gamaza Antonio , Grau-Expósito Judith , Burgos Joaquín , Navarro Jordi , Curran Adrià , Planas Bibiana , Suanzes Paula , Falcó Vicenç , Genescà Meritxell , Buzon Maria J
Published: May 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) establishes a persistent infection in heterogeneous cell reservoirs, which can be maintained by different mechanisms including cellular proliferation, and represent the main obstacle to curing the infection. The expression of the Fcγ receptor CD32 has been identified as a marker of the active cell reservoirs in people on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but if its expression has any role in conferring advantage for viral persistence is unknown. Here, we report that HIV-infected cells expressing CD32 have reduced susceptibility to natural killer (NK) antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) by a mechanism compatible with the suboptimal binding of HIV-specific antibodies. Infected CD32 cells have increased proliferative capacity in the presence of immune complexes, and are more resistant to strategies directed to potentiate NK function. Remarkably, reactivation of the latent reservoir from antiretroviral-treated people living with HIV increases the pool of infected CD32 cells, which are largely resistant to the ADCC immune mechanism. Thus, we report the existence of reservoir cells that evade part of the NK immune response through the expression of CD32.
Dementia-related user-based collaborative filtering for imputing missing data and generating a reliability scale on clinical test scores
Authors: Okyay Savas , Adar Nihat
Published: May 2022

Medical doctors may struggle to diagnose dementia, particularly when clinical test scores are missing or incorrect. In case of any doubts, both morphometrics and demographics are crucial when examining dementia in medicine. This study aims to impute and verify clinical test scores with brain MRI analysis and additional demographics, thereby proposing a decision support system that improves diagnosis and prognosis in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, we impute the missing clinical test score values by unsupervised dementia-related user-based collaborative filtering to minimize errors. By analyzing succession rates, we propose a reliability scale that can be utilized for the consistency of existing clinical test scores. The complete base of 816 ADNI1-screening samples was processed, and a hybrid set of 603 features was handled. Moreover, the detailed parameters in use, such as the best neighborhood and input features were evaluated for further comparative analysis. Overall, certain collaborative filtering configurations outperformed alternative state-of-the-art imputation techniques. The imputation system and reliability scale based on the proposed methodology are promising for supporting the clinical tests.
The impact of different feeds on DNA methylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway, and gene expression of sheep muscle
Authors: Song Feng , Akonyani Zaccheaus Pazamilala , Li Ying , Su Deqiqige , Wu Lantuya , Pang Yue , Hu Sile , Wu Dubala , Li Chun , Yang Ding , Wu Jianghong
Published: May 2022

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulatory form that regulates gene expression and tissue development. This study compared the effects of high fiber, low protein (HFLP) and low fiber, high protein (LFHP) diets on the DNA methylation profile of twin lambs’ muscles, their effect on glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and related pathways by transcriptome and deep whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Results identified 1,945 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 1,471 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). Also, 487 differentially expressed transcripts belonging to 368 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered between the twin lambs under different diets. Eleven overlapped genes were detected between the DEGs and the DMGs. FKBP5 and FOXO1 were detected to be significantly different. The FOXO1 regulated cAMP and the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. The glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and the FOXO pathways were significantly enriched. The expressions of HOMER1 and FOXO1 in the HFLP group were significantly higher than those in the LFHP group. There is a significant correlation between the upregulated gene expression and hypomethylation of HOMER1 and FOXO1 gene in HFLP group. The results showed that FOXO1 induces PDK4 expression in muscle while regulating FKBP5 activity, which stimulates glucose production by activating specific gluconeogenesis target genes. The FOXO1 was able to regulate the glucose metabolism, the cAMP and the occurrence of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. This study showed that feed type can affect the methylation levels of the glycolysis related gluconeogenesis genes and interaction pathways, providing new ideas for a better understanding of the regulation of muscle energy metabolism and feed development.
Effect of BMI on Tightness of Iliopsoas Muscle in Students due to Prolonged Sitting for Online Classes During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Goyal Neha , Chaudhary Vaishali
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Muscle tightness is produced by a reduction in a muscle’s capacity to deform. As a result of prolong sitting pelvic position can be changed which can lead to iliopsoas tightness. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as a result of online classes, student’s hours of sitting have increased drastically. Aim: To compare iliopsoas muscle tightness in students who were engaged in prolonged sitting due to online classes with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) and students with normal BMI. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Physiotherapy at Institute of Applied Medicine and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, from April 2021 to January 2022 on 101 students. Height and weight of the subject were measured by the ruler and digital weighing machine respectively for the BMI calculation. Two groups were made, group with normal BMI students and group with High BMI students. Using modified Thomas test, iliopsoas muscle were measured for the flexibility. Independent sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Total 51 students were with normal BMI and 50 were with higher BMI were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 19.59 years including 59 females and 42 males. The significantly increased Modified Thomas Test (MTT) angle was found in students with higher BMI when compared to students with normal BMI for both right (p-value=0.003) and left side (p-value <0.001). Iliopsoas muscle tightness was present in more in higher BMI group as compared to normal BMI group. Conclusion: The study concluded that both the groups had the iliopsoas muscle tightness but the students with higher BMI had more muscle tightness.
Occurrence of Leaf Spot Antrachnose in the Monostand of Rhizophora apiculata in Sitio Marabahay, Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines
Authors: Manalo-Cadigal Glenda I. , Gonzales-Plasus Maria Mojena
Published: May 2022

Mangrove trees are naturally resilient to pathogenic attacks with its salt tolerant mechanism, but was reported to be lowest in Rhizophora apiculata making it susceptible to pathogenic attacks. This study aimed to morphologically verify the fungus affecting R. apiculata in the area and determine the extent and severity of fungal infection present in R. apiculata in Sitio Marabahay, Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines.

There were at least 100 R. apiculata trees near the settlement area that were affected by the anthracnose. Almost 85-90% of all sampled leaves were affected by the anthracnose which indicates that the R. apiculata that were thriving in Marabahay, Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan, Philippines were under severe threats of great lost both in terms of quality and quantity of R. apiculata in the area.

The occurrence of this disease in R. apiculata could be attributed to the humidity brought by the rainy weather during the month of October favoring the growth of fungal pathogens. The low salt-tolerance of R. apiculata and environmental stress brought by the waste management of the settlers in the area contributed also to the spread of the disease among the monostand of R. apiculata.

Monitoring of the occurrence of this disease should be conducted frequently and water condition and other environmental factors in the settlement area should be evaluated to avoid decline of the mangrove biodiversity in the area.
The Reflective Account of Transitioning Teaching Practices Across Instructional Modalities
Authors:   Wayne State College, Vilkas Ben , Juarez Brandon
Published: May 2022

The current paper presents a reflective account of the transition of teaching practices across instructional modalities for one teacher educator in the Midwest region of the United States. The transition between modalities was deemed by college leadership as an essential means for aiding current students in adding additional educational endorsements to their degree programs. The teacher educator volunteered to transition this course across instructional modalities and decided to apply the principles found within Salomon and Perkins’ research pertaining to transfer of learning theory to reach his desired goal. The goal was to improve upon best practices already developed in the face-to-face modality when tasked with teaching the same course in the online modality. Specifically, the teacher educator introduced the concept of providing teacher candidates with assessment options that aligned with the curriculum objectives and promoted a sense of control for the teacher candidates. Three central challenges were explored through the reflective lens: communication of choices to teacher candidates specific to the asynchronous learning environment, development of manageable assessment options for a condensed online course timeframe, and the creation of communication protocols to support collaborative student engagement and provide support regarding assessment options. The qualitative nature of the study allowed for depth of analysis regarding how the teacher educator thought through and implemented revisions to the course with respect to transitioning the teaching practices to the online modality. The authors conclude the paper by providing recommendations surrounding the continued exploration of how the instructional modality plays part in the transitioning of teaching practices between modalities. Keywords: Teacher educators, modalities, higher education, reflective practice
Key Elements for a Doctoral Annotated Bibliography
Authors:   Grand Canyon University, Bryan John , Graham Donna
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article is to present an overview of why annotated bibliographies are needed in higher education, especially in doctoral education programs. The necessity for emerging scholars to build an annotated bibliography is paramount to the development of their research study. However, there are numerous types of annotated bibliographies. This article will discuss the different types of annotations and which format best facilitates the development of a dissertation.
Women’s Leadership Development: A Reflective Examination of The Leadership Center in Honduras
Authors:   Grand Canyon University & The Leadership Center (Honduras), Seeley Charles P. , Rahm Joseph
Published: May 2022

The opportunity behind this specific reflective practice is the transition of senior leadership of The Leadership Center in Honduras. The outgoing executive director, a U.S. missionary, is returning to the US with his family. A successful transition is critically important to all stakeholders because of the significant impact that The Leadership Center is having on young Honduran women and their communities. The authors applied the techniques of reflective practice and the literature of women’s leadership development to analyze two major areas of practice for The Leadership Center: (1) values, and (2) women’s leadership development. This reflective practice seeks to explore and address two critical questions. First, how well are we living out the stated values of The Leadership Center, and what can we do to live out our values more fully (Leitch & Day, 2000; Whitehead, 1989)? Second, how can we improve the practice of women’s leadership development at The Leadership Center (Leitch & Day, 2000; Whitehead, 1989)? The outcome of this reflective practice will be a valuable element in the transition process and will serve as a guide to improve the practice of women’s leadership development at The Leadership Center.
Secretion and processing mechanisms of procathepsin L in bone resorption
Authors: Kakegawa Hisao , Tagami Kahori , Ohba Yasuo , Sumitani Koji , Kawata Terushige , Katunumaa Nobuhiko
Published: July 2002

Secretion of procathepsin L into the culture medium from a bone cell mixture was markedly enhanced by addition parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1α,25‐(OH)2D3 or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). These stimulators of secretion of procathepsin L enhanced bone pit formation, which was inhibited by E‐64, but not by CA‐074, a specific inhibitor of cathepsin B. Procathepsin L may thus participate in the process of bone collagenolysis during bone resorption. Procathepsin L partially purified from rat long bones under cold conditions was rapidly converted to the mature form under acidic conditions at room temperature. This conversion was inhibited by E‐64, suggesting that the procathepsin L secreted into lacunae is catalytically converted to the mature enzyme by cysteine proteinase(s).
The LGI1 gene involved in lateral temporal lobe epilepsy belongs to a new subfamily of leucine‐rich repeat proteins
Authors: Gu Wenli , Wevers Andrea , Schröder Hannsjörg , Grzeschik Karl-Heinz , Derst Christian , Brodtkorb Eylert , de Vos Rob , Steinlein Ortrud K
Published: July 2002

Recently mutations in the LGI1 (leucine‐rich, glioma‐inactivated 1) gene have been found in human temporal lobe epilepsy. We have now identified three formerly unknown LGI‐like genes. Hydropathy plots and pattern analysis showed that LGI genes encode proteins with large extra‐ and intracellular domains connected by a single transmembrane region. Sequence analysis demonstrated that LGI1, LGI2, LGI3, and LGI4 form a distinct subfamily when compared to other leucine‐rich repeat‐containing proteins. In silico mapping and radiation hybrid experiments assigned LGI2, LGI3, and LGI4 to different chromosomal regions (4p15.2, 8p21.3, 19q13.11), some of which have been implicated in epileptogenesis and/or tumorigenesis.
Effect of lacYExpression on Homogeneity of Induction from the Ptac and Ptrc Promoters by Natural and Synthetic Inducers
Authors: Khlebnikov Artem , Keasling Jay D.
Published: July 2002

The role of the Escherichia coli lactose permease (LacY) in the homogeneous induction of the lactose‐inducible promoters Ptac and Ptrc by the natural inducer lactose and the synthetic inducer isopropyl‐β‐d‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) was investigated. Lactose requires active transport by LacY, whereas IPTG can freely penetrate the cell wall. In E. coli strains lacking a functional LacY, IPTG is required for induction of Ptac and Ptrc. In E. coli strains carrying a functional LacY, induction of Ptrc and Ptac with intermediate concentrations of lactose gave rise to two subpopulations, one fully induced and one uninduced, whereas a single, fully induced population resulted when high inducer concentrations were used. In contrast, induction with IPTG gave rise to a single population of cells at all inducer concentrations in both lacY and lacY + strains.
Lipocalin allergens
Authors: Virtanen Tuomas
Published: July 2002

Most animal‐derived major allergens causing respiratory sensitization belong to the family of proteins called lipocalins. Their sequential identity varies but the three‐dimensional structure is conserved. They are present in body fluids and secretions. Several lipocalins are able to bind and transport small hydrophobic ligands like retinol. The immunological characteristics of lipocalin allergens are poorly known. Cow dust‐derived allergen, Bos d2, which is a potent inducer of IgE production, was observed to induce the weak proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of asthmatic patients upon stimulation in vitro. The responses were Th2‐deviated and directed to a few epitopes in Bos d2. One of the epitopes, situated adjacent to a structurally conserved region of lipocalins, was recognized by the T cells of all patients. Computer predictions suggested that human endogenous lipocalins may contain epitopes in the corresponding region. We have proposed that the allergenicity of lipocalins may be associated with the adaptation of the immune system to the presence of endogenous lipocalins.
The evaluation of skin friction using africtional feel analyzer
Authors: Egawa Mariko , Oguri Motoki , Hirao Tetsuji , Takahashi Motoji , Miyakawa Michio
Published: July 2002

Background/aims: Sensory evaluation is an important factor for cosmetic products. Several devices for the measurement of sensory properties have been developed in recent years. The objective here is to measure skin surface friction using these devices and examine the correlation with other physiological parameters in order to evaluate the potential of physical measurement of tactile sensation.

Methods: A KES‐SE Frictional Analyzer, a commercial device for measurement of surface frictional characteristics, was used in this study. An arm holder was added to this device for measurement on the human forearm. The frictional coefficient (MIU) and its mean deviation (MMD) were used as the parameter to indicate surface friction. The moisture content in the stratum corneum was measured with a Corneometer CM825, the transepidermal water loss with a Tewameter TM210, the viscoelastic properties of the skin with a Cutometer SEM575 and the skin surface pattern by observing the negative replica using silicon rubber.

Results: The MIU was not influenced by load; however, it was increased due to water application on the skin. The relationship between MIU and the moisture content in the stratum corneum, between MMD and skin surface pattern and between MMD and viscosity of both normal human forearm skin and SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate)‐induced dry skin were confirmed by statistical analysis in a test on human subjects. There was also a correlation between either MIU or MMD and sensory evaluation in the morning after the application of moisturizing products.

Conclusion: Human skin surface friction was measured by using a KES‐SE Frictional Analyzer. Judging from the correlation between either MIU or MMD and sensory evaluation, we considered this instrumental analysis to be useful for evaluating the tactile impression of human skin.
SPRAY OF PHOSPHOLIPID POWDER REDUCES PERITONEAL ADHESIONS IN RABBITS
Authors: Bhandarkar Deepraj S. , Nathanson Leslie K. , Hills Brian A.
Published: July 2002

Background: The possible effects of peritoneal dialysis and a combination of two exogenous phospholipids, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), on experimentally induced intraperitoneal adhesion formation in rabbits were compared.

Methods: Fifty New Zealand rabbits equally divided in five groups underwent a midline laparotomy to create a right iliac fossa 5 × 1 cm parietal peritoneal defect and a matching defect over the adjacent large bowel. In 10 control rabbits (group I) the abdominal wound was closed without any further intervention. Twenty rabbits forming groups II and III underwent two sessions of peritoneal dialysis, one following abdominal closure and the second 24 h later, through a catheter placed at surgery. Rabbits in group III received an intraperitoneal injection of DPPC and PG after each session of dialysis. In 10 animals (group IV) a DPPC gel was applied to the defect over the large bowel and in 10 animals (group V) the peritoneal cavity was sprayed with a ‘puff’ of DPPC:PG (7:3) powder prior to abdominal closure. All the animals were killed a week after the laparotomy to assess the extent of adhesion formation.

Results: The formation of adhesions was reduced in all the groups compared to the controls but a statistically significant difference was observed only in the group receiving the intraperitoneal ‘puff’ of DPPC:PG powder.

Conclusion: A combination of DPPC and PG sprayed as a ‘puff’ intraperitoneally reduces experimentally induced peritoneal adhesions in rabbits.
Ideological implications of paradigm discourse
Authors: Thorne Sally E , Kirkham Sheryl Reimer , Henderson Angela
Published: July 2002

Whilst the notions of paradigm and paradigm shift have become popularized in nursing’s scholarly literature, there has been relatively little critical analysis of their impact upon theoretical understanding. In this paper, the authors attempt to deconstruct the ways in which paradigm discourse has been applied in nursing scholarship, looking beyond the claims that are made in the name of paradigm shifts to the apparent motivations underlying those claims. Comparing discourse associated with the paradigm shifts that have emerged in nursing education, research and practice theory, they reveal an inherently divisive purpose to which paradigm language is commonly used, and examine the implications of the discourse for nursing knowledge development. On the basis of this analysis, the authors urge a cautious approach to the extremes of paradigm claims, and argue for a more thoughtful and lively dialogue regarding the interests served by locating ideological positions within paradigm language.