bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of proton pump inhibitors with susceptibility to influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19: Evidence from a large population based cohort study
Authors: Zeng Ruijie , Ma Yuying , Zhang Lijun , Luo Dongling , Jiang Rui , Wu Huihuan , Zhuo Zewei , Yang Qi , Li Jingwei , Leung Felix W , Duan Chongyang , Sha Weihong , Chen Hao
Published: July 2024

Adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have raised wide concerns. The association of PPIs with influenza is unexplored, while that with pneumonia or COVID-19 remains controversial. Our study aims to evaluate whether PPI use increases the risks of these respiratory infections. The current study included 160,923 eligible participants at baseline who completed questionnaires on medication use, which included PPI or histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), from the UK Biobank. Cox proportional hazards regression and propensity score-matching analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Comparisons with H2RA users were tested. PPI use was associated with increased risks of developing influenza (HR 1.32, 95%CI 1.12-1.56) and pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.59). In contrast, the risk of COVID-19 infection was not significant with regular PPI use (HR 1.08, 95%CI 0.99-1.17), while the risks of severe COVID-19 (HR 1.19. 95%CI 1.11-1.27) and mortality (HR 1.37. 95%CI 1.29-1.46) were increased. However, when compared with H2RA users, PPI users were associated with a higher risk of influenza (HR 1.74, 95%CI 1.19-2.54), but the risks with pneumonia or COVID-19-related outcomes were not evident. In conclusion, PPI users are associated with increased risks of influenza, pneumonia, as well as COVID-19 severity and mortality compared to non-users, while the effects on pneumonia or COVID-19-related outcomes under PPI use were attenuated when compared to the use of H2RAs. Appropriate use of PPIs based on comprehensive evaluation is required.
Evaluation of Gremlin-1 as a therapeutic target in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Horn Paul , Norlin Jenny , Almholt Kasper , Viuff Birgitte M , Galsgaard Elisabeth D , Hald Andreas , Zosel Franziska , Demuth Helle , Poulsen Svend , Norby Peder L , Rasch Morten G , Vyberg Mogens , Werge Mikkel Parsberg , Gluud Lise Lotte , Rink Marco R , Shepherd Emma , Northall Ellie , Lalor Patricia F , Weston Chris J , Fog-Tonnesen Morten , Newsome Philip N
Published: July 2024

Gremlin-1 has been implicated in liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) via inhibition of bone-morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling and has thereby been identified as a potential therapeutic target. Using rat
in vivo
and human
in vitro
and
ex vivo
model systems of MASH fibrosis, we show that neutralisation of Gremlin-1 activity with monoclonal therapeutic antibodies does not reduce liver inflammation or liver fibrosis. Still, Gremlin-1 was upregulated in human and rat MASH fibrosis, but expression was restricted to a small subpopulation of COL3A1/THY1
+
myofibroblasts. Lentiviral overexpression of Gremlin-1 in LX-2 cells and primary hepatic stellate cells led to changes in BMP-related gene expression, which did not translate to increased fibrogenesis. Furthermore, we show that Gremlin-1 binds to heparin with high affinity, which prevents Gremlin-1 from entering systemic circulation, prohibiting Gremlin-1-mediated organ crosstalk. Overall, our findings suggest a redundant role for Gremlin-1 in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, which is unamenable to therapeutic targeting.
DTX3L ubiquitin ligase ubiquitinates single-stranded nucleic acids
Authors: Dearlove Emily L , Chatrin Chatrin , Buetow Lori , Ahmed Syed F , Schmidt Tobias , Bushell Martin , Smith Brian O , Huang Danny T
Published: July 2024

Ubiquitination typically involves covalent linking of ubiquitin (Ub) to a lysine residue on a protein substrate. Recently, new facets of this process have emerged, including Ub modification of non-proteinaceous substrates like ADP-ribose by the DELTEX E3 ligase family. Here we show that the DELTEX family member DTX3L expands this non-proteinaceous substrate repertoire to include single-stranded DNA and RNA. Although its N-terminal region contains single-stranded nucleic acid binding domains and motifs, the minimal catalytically competent fragment comprises the C-terminal RING and DTC domains (RD). DTX3L-RD catalyses ubiquitination of the 3’-end of single-stranded DNA and RNA, as well as double-stranded DNA with a 3’ overhang of two or more nucleotides. This modification is reversibly cleaved by deubiquitinases. NMR and biochemical analyses reveal that the DTC domain binds single-stranded DNA and facilitates the catalysis of Ub transfer from RING-bound E2-conjugated Ub. Our study unveils the direct ubiquitination of nucleic acids by DTX3L, laying the groundwork for understanding its functional implications.
Intent aware data augmentation by leveraging generative AI for stress detection in social media texts
Authors: Saleem Minhah , Kim Jihie
Published: July 2024

Stress is a major issue in modern society. Researchers focus on identifying stress in individuals, linking language with mental health, and often utilizing social media posts. However, stress classification systems encounter data scarcity issues, necessitating data augmentation. Approaches like Back-Translation (BT), Easy Data Augmentation (EDA), and An Easier Data Augmentation (AEDA) are common. But, recent studies show the potential of generative AI, notably ChatGPT. This article centers on stress identification using the DREADDIT dataset and A Robustly Optimized BERT Pretraining Approach (RoBERTa) transformer, emphasizing the use of generative AI for augmentation. We propose two ChatGPT prompting techniques: same-intent and opposite-intent 1-shot intent-aware data augmentation. Same-intent prompts yield posts with similar topics and sentiments, while opposite-intent prompts produce posts with contrasting sentiments. Results show a 2% and 3% performance increase for opposing and same sentiments, respectively. This study pioneers intent-based data augmentation for stress detection and explores advanced mental health text classification methods with generative AI. It concludes that data augmentation has limited benefits and highlights the importance of diverse Reddit data and further research in this field.
Defining the analytical complexity of decision problems under uncertainty based on their pivotal properties
Authors: Gutfraind Alexander
Published: July 2024

Background

Uncertainty poses a pervasive challenge in decision analysis and risk management. When the problem is poorly understood, probabilistic estimation exhibits high variability and bias. Analysts then utilize various strategies to find satisficing solutions, and these strategies can sometimes adequately address even highly complex problems. Previous literature proposed a hierarchy of uncertainty, but did not develop a quantitative score of analytical complexity.

Methods

In order to develop such a score, this study reviewed over 90 strategies to cope with uncertainty, including methods utilized by expert decision-makers such as engineers, military planners and others.

Results

It found that many decision problems have pivotal properties that enable their solution despite uncertainty, including small action space, reversibility and others. The analytical complexity score of a problem could then be defined based on the availability of these properties.
Unraveling genomic features and phylogenomics through the analysis of three Mexican endemic Myotis genomes
Authors: Gutiérrez Edgar G. , Maldonado Jesus E. , Castellanos-Morales Gabriela , Eguiarte Luis E. , Martínez-Méndez Norberto , Ortega Jorge
Published: July 2024

Background

Genomic resource development for non-model organisms is rapidly progressing, seeking to uncover molecular mechanisms and evolutionary adaptations enabling thriving in diverse environments. Limited genomic data for bat species hinder insights into their evolutionary processes, particularly within the diverse Myotis genus of the Vespertilionidae family. In Mexico, 15 Myotis species exist, with three—M. vivesi, M. findleyi, and M. planiceps—being endemic and of conservation concern.

Methods

We obtained samples of Myotis vivesi, M. findleyi, and M. planiceps for genomic analysis. Each of three genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced, and assembled. The scaffolding was carried out utilizing the M. yumanensis genome via a genome-referenced approach within the ntJoin program. GapCloser was employed to fill gaps. Repeat elements were characterized, and gene prediction was done via ab initio and homology methods with MAKER pipeline. Functional annotation involved InterproScan, BLASTp, and KEGG. Non-coding RNAs were annotated with INFERNAL, and tRNAscan-SE. Orthologous genes were clustered using Orthofinder, and a phylogenomic tree was reconstructed using IQ-TREE.

Results

We present genome assemblies of these endemic species using Illumina NovaSeq 6000, each exceeding 2.0 Gb, with over 90% representing single-copy genes according to BUSCO analyses. Transposable elements, including LINEs and SINEs, constitute over 30% of each genome. Helitrons, consistent with Vespertilionids, were identified. Values around 20,000 genes from each of the three assemblies were derived from gene annotation and their correlation with specific functions. Comparative analysis of orthologs among eight Myotis species revealed 20,820 groups, with 4,789 being single copy orthogroups. Non-coding RNA elements were annotated. Phylogenomic tree analysis supported evolutionary chiropterans’ relationships. These resources contribute significantly to understanding gene evolution, diversification patterns, and aiding conservation efforts for these endangered bat species.
A Case Study Utilizing Multi-Method on The Implementation and Sustainability of Face-to-Face Classes in Magsaysay Districts, Division of Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Authors: Socaoco Analiza Bernados
Published: July 2024

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, this case study examines the adoption and viability of in-person instruction in the Magsaysay districts of Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It fills in the knowledge gap about the unique customs and difficulties associated with the return of in-person instruction in rural areas. A mixed-methods approach was used in the study, incorporating focus group talks with school administrators and surveys. The results show that the district's schools have successfully included in-person instruction by following health regulations, implementing blended learning, working with stakeholders, and implementing corrective measures. However, difficulties have been observed, including learning loss and behavioral problems in students. In order to solve these issues and guarantee the district's continued capacity to provide in-person instruction, the study's conclusion suggests an improved learning continuity plan. Policymakers and educators working in similar rural environments can greatly benefit from this research's insightful observations, which emphasize the significance of customized approaches and continuous support for successful and long-lasting in-person instruction.
miRNA Signature and its Clinicopathological Association in Colorectal Cancer: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mishra Ipseet , Naskar Sudipta
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is a significant health problem worldwide, with more than 70,000 new cancer cases recorded in India in 2020. A better understanding of CRC prognosis is needed. The substantial intratumoural heterogeneity among tumours of different stages has entailed the research for new biomarkers to more clearly identify tumour biology and behaviour. Micro Ribonucleic Acids (miRNAs) are non coding RNAs comprised of approximately 20-25 nucleotides and play an important role in epigenetic regulations. Studies have demonstrated that miRNAs play a critical role in tumourigenesis, metastasis, and tumour response to treatment. Comprehensive knowledge of miRNAs as potential markers of colon cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and predictive factors is crucial. Aim: To assess the miRNA signature (miR21, miR31, and miR34a) in colon cancer tumour samples and to evaluate the association of the miRNA signature with the clinicopathological profile and Pathological Tumour/Node/Metastasis (pTNM) stage of CRC patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted at the Departments of Pathology, Molecular Research and Diagnostics and Surgical Oncology of Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India and was comprised of a total of 69 CRC patients who underwent surgery with a curative intent. The study was conducted over an 18-month period from January 2020 to June 2021. miRNA was extracted from Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was done to get corresponding ΔCT (Threshold Cycles) values. The expression of miR21, miR31, and miR34a was evaluated, and their association with different clinicopathological parameters like age, sex, tumour stage, grade, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) levels, Perineural Invasion (PNI), and Lymphovascular Invasion (LVI) status was studied. The expression of the mentioned miRNAs was assigned low and high values on the basis of median values. Spearman's correlation was done to check for any significant associations. Results: All three miRNAs (miR21, miR31, miR34a) were found to have lower values in the >60 years age group compared to the <60 years age group. Higher values of miRNA were found in male patients than in females, with a p-value of 0.022 for miR21. However, miRNA expression (miR21, miR31, miR34a) did not show any statistically significant correlation with tumour location (p-values 0.543, 0.255, 0.255), lymph node status (p-values 0.676, 0.153, 0.930), TNM stage (p-values 0.273, 0.509, 0.898), LVI (p-values 0.233, 0.233, 0.733), PNI (p-values 0.686, 0.263, 0.756), and serum CEA level (p-values 0.543, 0.255, 0.255). Conclusion: The present study showed the possible tumoursuppressive role of miR34a in CRC. Although miR21 acts as an oncogenic miRNA in many cancers, in CRC, its expression differs between males and females, with most tumours in males exhibiting high expression.
Kartagener’s Syndrome: A Narrative Review on its Clinical Implications and Management
Authors: Kaza Samanvita , Fulmali Darshna G
Published: July 2024

Kartagener’s Syndrome, alternatively known as Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare and intricate inherited disorder that impacts the structure and function of cilia, leading to compromised mucociliary clearance. The defining features of this condition consist of chronic sinusitis, situs inversus totalis, and bronchiectasis, forming a characteristic triad. Kartagener’s Syndrome presents numerous challenges in its diagnosis and management, and its clinical implications have significant ramifications for affected individuals. This review aims to comprehensively review and analyse the clinical impact of this syndrome, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and management modalities. The ciliary dysfunction in Kartagener’s Syndrome disrupts the mucus clearance and pathogens from the respiratory tract, resulting in chronic infections, progressive lung damage, and respiratory failure in severe cases. Through a narrative review of literature, reviews, and case studies, the authors have explored clinicians’ diagnostic challenges and the advances in genetic testing methods that aid in early and accurate diagnosis. The authors have discussed the multidisciplinary approach to manage Kartagener’s Syndrome, which involves respiratory therapies, antibiotics, and surgical interventions to improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent complications. The review paper also includes in-depth case studies of individuals with Kartagener’s Syndrome, highlighting the variability in clinical presentations and treatment outcomes. These case studies provide valuable insights into the diverse manifestations of this syndrome, further enhancing the existing understanding of the disease and its management. Ultimately, this review is directed to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about Kartagener’s Syndrome, its clinical implications, and its diagnostic and treatment challenges. By shedding light on this rare and intricate genetic disorder, the authors here promote early recognition and proactive management, leading to improved outcomes and better quality of life for individuals with Kartagener’s Syndrome.
Augmented Reality System Guidance for Computed Tomography-based Needle Insertion: A Narrative Review
Authors: Dessai Apurva B Gauns , Shetty Shashi Kumar , Jijo Dani N , Gaonkar Omkar Uttam
Published: July 2024

The new advancement in percutaneous intervention procedures, which provides more accurate needle placement compared to other modalities, is Augmented Reality (AR). It provides the operator with 3-dimensional (3D) or 2-dimensional (2D) structures of the anatomy along with the target during surgery to get a precise needle placement into the target. The review highlights that using AR systems for needle navigation and placement can become productivity in various interventional procedures. The AR navigation system reduces radiation exposure, procedural time, risk to the patient, and ensures higher accuracy of needle placement than conventional Computed Tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous procedure systems. The AR system can provide precisely guided needle insertion and reduce the risk of complications. As technology and research are increasing, new techniques, such as automatic image-hologram registration, can be brought into the picture. This review compares conventional image-guided procedure systems with the AR system in the interventional radiology field. This review also provides detailed information about AR as a promising tool for optimising needle placement in interventional procedures, paving the way for safer and more effective clinical practices.
Development of Mathematical Model for Prediction of PM2.5 Concentrations in Ambient air of Metal Recycling Industry in Ogijo, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria
Authors: Oshin Taiwo T. , Okuo James M.
Published: July 2024

Aims: This study aimed to develop a mathematical model for predicting PM2.5 pollutant concentrations in the ambient air of the metal recycling industry.
Study Design: This research is a quantitative design and utilized a regression and correlational analysis. Three models were developed for predicting PM2.5 concentrations: Linear Regression (LRM), Nonlinear Polynomial Regression (NPRM), and Nonlinear Gamma Regression (NGRM) models. Error evaluation functions were employed to analyze how these models deviated from the experimental data. The applicability of the models was assessed using statistical tools, such as correlation coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (R²), coefficient of non-determination (K²), student’s t (t-test), equality of variance (F-test), and chi-square (X2 ) tests.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the metal recycling industry in Ogijo, Southwestern Nigeria, from November 2021 to October 2022.
Methodology: Daily mean meteorological data including ambient temperature, rainfall, relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), wind direction (WD), solar radiation, and ultra-violet radiation were recorded using an automatic weather monitoring system positioned 2.0m above ground level at each sampling location adjacent to the PM2.5 sampler. Data were collected at 5-minute intervals and stored in memory, with data retrieval facilitated by the weather-smart program. Data collection commenced during the dry season of 2021 through wet season of 2022.
Results: The analysis of error evaluation functions revealed that the NGRM exhibited the least deviation from the experimental data compared to the LRM and NPRM. Statistical analysis further demonstrated that the NGRM better represented the experimental data compared to the LRM and NPRM, resulting in the rejection of LRM and NPRM in favour of NGRM for predicting PM2.5 concentration.
Conclusion: The NGRM proved to be the most suitable model for predicting PM2.5 pollutant concentrations in the study area. Temperature and pressure emerged as the most significant predictors of PM2.5 levels.
Bayesian Sequential Updation and Prediction of Currency in Circulation Using a Weighted Prior
Authors: Misra Shivangee , Pandey Rajeev
Published: July 2024

.
Assessing the Efficacy of Different Herbicides for Controlling Weeds in Rabi Onion (Allium cepa L) at Saharsa District of Bihar, India
Authors: Ray P. K. , Bharti Pallavi , Singh R. N. , Kumar Anjani
Published: July 2024

An effort was undertaken to determine the best weed management techniques for controlling weeds in onions that are both practically and financially viable for farmers. Due to weed competition, onions, which are shallow-rooted, slow-growing crops, can experience significant output loss. Their non-branching nature and short, upright leaves make them less competitive with weeds. Additionally, they allow for multiple flushes of weeds because to their lengthy growing season, frequent irrigation, and fertilizer application. During the Rabi season in 2017 and 2018, the experiment was carried out in the farmers' fields of Saharsa district, Bihar, using the "On Farm Trial" mode for two years. Technology option-III, which yielded the maximum net return of up to Rs 275420 q/ha, was the best treatment in terms of net return. The benefit-to-cost ratio differed greatly between the therapies. Technology option III had the highest benefit cost ratio (2.92), which was comparable to Technology option II (2.66) statistically.
Domestic Greywater Irrigation on Soil Properties and Enzymatic Activities
Authors: C. K Sreshma, , Ganapathi  , Kumar O
Published: July 2024

A field investigation was undertaken during the Rabi season of 2019-20 in a selected farmer's field at Yelavatti village, near Shivamogga City, Karnataka, India to evaluate the effect of domestic greywater irrigation on soil properties and enzymatic activity.  Four types of irrigation water were used for this investigation: greywater, treated greywater, structured greywater, and bore well water (as a control). The results revealed that treatments that received irrigation with domestic greywater significantly improved soil reaction (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil available nutrient status at all growth stages of the Okra vegetable grown soil. The plots which received domestic greywater irrigation alone recorded significantly higher soil organic carbon with 5.92 g/kg, 6.67 g/kg, 6.57 g/kg, available nitrogen with 240.58kg/ha, 281.29 kg/ha, 325.29 kg/ha, available phosphorous with 78.15 kg/ha, 89.54kg/ha, 105.67 kg/ha and available potassium with 317.56 kg/ha, 421.84 kg/ha and 449.53 kg/ha at 30DAS, 60DAS and 90DAS respectively. Domestic greywater irrigation alone treatment recorded significantly higher dehydrogenase activities with 28.72µg TPF g-1 of soil day-1. 32.59 µg TPF g-1 of soil day-1, 35.87 µg TPF g-1 of soil day-1, phosphatase activity with 31.73 PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 35.89 PNP g-1 soil hr-1, 39.47 PNP g-1 soil hr-1 and urease activities with 321.39,355.61 and 359.07 µg NH4+ g-1 soil hr-1 at 30 DAS, 60 DAS, and 90 DAS respectively. A similar trend of results was also observed in exchangeable Ca, Mg, and available S as well as DTPA-extracted Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe in the soil at all growth stages. Irrigation with bore well water alone recorded significantly lower levels of soil pH, EC, SOC, soil available nutrients status, and enzyme activities at all stages of the crop growth. Safe with minimum treatment in the use of domestic greywater irrigation is the best option to mitigate the water crises in future days agriculture.
Understanding the Degree of Association among Different Horticultural Traits in Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.)
Authors: Kumar Milind , Tiwari S.P. , Guhey Arti , Rajput Gagendra Singh
Published: July 2024

The Banana is a member of the Musaceae family and is one of India's most significant fruit crops. Micronutrients are vital for any crop, and inadequate use of micronutrients in maintaining the health and production of the soil has now reached a threatening level. Therefore, the present study, “Understanding the Degree of Association Among Different Horticultural Traits in Banana (Musa paradisiaca L.),” was carried out. The whole study was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Plant Physiology, Agricultural Biochemistry, and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, College of Agriculture, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, during the years 2020–21 and 2021–22. The experiment was carried out with the Grand Naine cultivar of banana and laid out following a complete randomized block design in three replications. The treatment comprised different concentrations of micronutrients, viz., zinc (1.5 and 2.0 ppm), iron (1.5 and 2.0 ppm), and boron (0.3 and 0.6 ppm). The micronutrients were given as foliar spray at the 3rd and 5th months after planting. To find out the association between the different traits and fruit yield plant-1, correlation analysis was carried out. The results showed that various traits such as plant height, number of leaves, pseudo stem girth, leaf area (morpho-physiological traits), total acidity, zinc content (biochemical traits), bunch length, number of hands bunch-1, bunch weight, number of fruits hand-1, average length of finger and average circumference of finger were highly (p> 0.01 or p< 0.05) and positively associated with the fruit yield plant-1.
Comparative Evaluation of Media Types in Aquaponic Systems for Tomato Growth and Yield
Authors: K. V. Arjun Prakash , P. Suseela
Published: July 2024

Aims: To evaluate the performance of tomato crops grown in four different media in a bell siphon arranged aquaponics system.
Study Design:  completely randomized design.
Place and Duration of Study: Hi-tech Research and Training Unit (HTR&TU), Instructional Farm (IF), Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara from 03-08-2021 to 03-01-2022 and 01-02-2023 to 30-06-2023.
Methodology: An aquaponic system was equipped with twenty-four media beds with bell siphons, three filter tanks (sedimentation tank, mechanical filter, and biofilter), three fish tanks having 1000L capacity each, a submersible pump, and two aerators. Two hundred genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) fingerlings were grown in the fish tanks. Four types of media, viz., 20mm gravel (M1), 8-20mm broken tiles (M2), 8-15mm hydroton (M3), and 8-10mm gravel (M4), were filled in the media beds. The two varieties of tomato, Manulakshmi and Yakamoz RZ, were raised. Plant height, plant spread, days to first flowering, days to first harvest, total yield, and average fruit weight were observed to compare the crop performance in each media and identify the best-performing media in an aquaponics system.
Results: During the first and second seasons of Manulakshmi in the aquaponics system, plants grown in 8-10mm gravel exhibited significantly superior results than all other media. The maximum plant spread (66.833cm), plant height (140.556cm), total yield (1.730Kg), and average weight of fruit (38.433g) were observed in 8-10mm gravel during the first season. In the second season of Manulakshmi, the observed plant spread, plant height, total yield, and average weight of fruit were 140.778cm, 66.556cm, 1.729Kg and 38.611g, respectively. In the first season of Yakamoz RZ in the aquaponics system, maximum plant height (145.222cm) and total yield (3.871Kg) were observed in 8-10mm gravel, whereas maximum plant spread (50.500cm) was observed in 20mm gravel. The days to first flowering and days to first harvest were comparatively shorter in 8-10mm gravel in both varieties.
Conclusion: Plants grown in 8-10mm gravel exhibited superior results than all other media. Variations of plant characteristics among different media in the aquaponics system reveal that 8-10mm gravel is more favorable for the growth and yield of tomato plants than other media.
Forecasting Nigerian Equity Stock Returns Using Long Short-Term Memory Technique
Authors: Ojo Adebola K. , Okafor Ifechukwude Jude
Published: July 2024

Investors and stock market analysts face major challenges in predicting stock returns and making wise investment decisions. The predictability of equity stock returns can boost investor confidence, but it remains a difficult task. To address this issue, a study was conducted using a Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) model to predict future stock market movements. The study used a historical dataset from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), which was cleaned and normalized to design the LSTM model. The model was evaluated using performance metrics and compared with other deep learning models like Artificial and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). The experimental results showed that the LSTM model can predict future stock market prices and returns with over 90% accuracy when trained with a reliable dataset. The study concludes that LSTM models can be useful in predicting financial time-series-related problems if well-trained. Future studies should explore combining LSTM models with other deep learning techniques like CNN to create hybrid models that mitigate the risks associated with relying on a single model for future equity stock predictions.
Impact of Foliar Fortification of Zinc and Iron on Nutrient Content and their Uptake by Maize Crop
Authors: Vishal  , Patel Jay Nath , Alam Mohd Shah
Published: July 2024

Aim: To study the effect of zinc and iron foliar fortification on nutrient content and their uptake by maize crop.
Study Design: Randomized block design.
Place and Duration of Study: One year field study at Research Farm, School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, Mandi (H.P).
Methodology: The experiment was conducted with three replications and eight treatments.
Results: Spray of ZnSO4 @ 1 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.3 recorded significantly highest content of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grains and stover of maize along with their maximum uptake by grains, stover and total uptake by maize crop, which was at par with spray of ZnSO4 @ 1 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.1. Significantly highest zinc content in grains and stover was noted in spray of ZnSO4 @ 1 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.3 and it was statistically at par with spray of ZnSO4 @ 1 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.1, however, the content of iron in grains and stover was found highest in spray of ZnSO4 @ 1 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.3 and it was on par with spray of ZnSO4 @ 0.5 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.3 %. The uptake of zinc and iron by grains, stover and total uptake by maize crop was significantly maximum under spray of ZnSO4 @ 1 % + spray of FeSO4 @ 0.3 %. Whereas, the content of all these nutrients in grains and stover and their uptake by grains, stover and total uptake by maize crop were found minimum under control (Spray of water) during the experiment.
Conclusion: This study showed that the foliar application of zinc and iron significantly increases the content of nutrients and their uptake by maize crop.
Aquatic Greenery: Managing Aquatic Vegetation and Harnessing their Potential
Authors: Lal Jham , Vaishnav Anand , Patel Arpita , Kumar Shailendra , Verma Durgesh Kumar , Rathod Sanjay Kumar Karsanbhai , Kumari Kriti , Kumari Kajal , Kanaujiya Keshav , Kumar Anand
Published: July 2024

Aquatic vegetation plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of aquatic ecosystems. Maintaining water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability necessitates the management of aquatic vegetation. It delves into the methods and strategies for effectively controlling and utilizing aquatic plants, highlighting the benefits they offer in terms of nutrient cycling, habitat provision, and shoreline stabilization. Aquatic vegetation holds significant ecological value, contributing to nutrient cycling, providing habitat, and enhancing water quality. Aquatic weeds include impediments to navigation, decreased water flow, and altered biodiversity. We evaluate various management approaches, including mechanical control, biological control, and chemical control, based on their effectiveness, environmental impact, and sustainability. This includes utilizing aquatic plants for wastewater treatment, carbon sequestration, biofuel production, and habitat restoration. By understanding and harnessing the potential of aquatic greenery, we can promote sustainable aquatic environments and improve our bodies' overall well-being.
Toxicogenomics: An Overview with Special Reference to Genetic and Genomic Approaches to the Identification of Toxic Effects
Authors: Banerjee Mayukh , Giri Ashok K.
Published: March 2013

Toxicology, the study of poisons, has been explored widely since ages immemorial. However, only recently, workers have begun to apply the state‐of‐the‐art “omics” technologies to study toxicological problems. This has led to exciting possibilities in the field of toxicology and holds promise to revolutionize the study of poisons and their effects in ways more than one. However, with all these advantages, this new technique also has the disadvantage of being exorbitantly costly as well as low in reproducibility. Hence, the results obtained from toxicogenomic techniques need to be vindicated by classical cytogenetic and molecular biology methods before reaching any tangible conclusion. This article gives a glimpse of the genomic and genetic components used extensively in contemporary toxicological studies and elucidates how an appropriate interaction between the two approaches can help workers to generate high‐quality data and reach proper conclusions by avoiding possible pitfalls.
Toxicogenomics — Applications in Systems Toxicology
Authors: Joseph Pius
Published: March 2013

Human exposure to toxic chemicals is almost unavoidable. The toxicity owing to human exposure to chemicals may result in adverse health effects such as illnesses and even death. It is therefore important to determine whether human exposure to chemicals may result in toxicity and, if so, to obtain a full understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying the toxicity. Recent developments in genomics and their application in toxicology (toxicogenomics) have facilitated a better understanding of chemical toxicity. Unlike traditional toxicity studies, toxicogenomics studies have the potential to detect toxicity pre‐clinically (before the onset of clinical manifestations of toxicity) and this may have implications even in predicting the toxicity of chemicals. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential application of genomics‐based toxicity determination in surrogate tissues such as blood, for monitoring human exposure to toxic chemicals. The potential of toxicogenomics in determining the toxicity of chemicals is best illustrated in the case of hepatotoxic chemicals. It is anticipated that toxicogenomics studies, in conjunction with the traditional toxicity determination approaches, may be useful to determine the systems toxicity of chemicals.
A Community‐Based Participatory Research/Translational Biomedical Research Strategy for Personalizing Nutrition, Medicine, and Healthcare
Authors: Williams Anna , Wise Carolyn , Lovera Dalia , McCabe‐Sellers Beverly , Bogle Margaret , Kaput Jim
Published: March 2013

Personal and public health information is usually derived from studies of large population groups. Although reported as population attributable risk (PAR), these estimates are often applied to individuals. PARs for intake of nutrients, exposure to toxins, responses to drug, having certain genetic variants, and, more recently, nutrient{‐‐}gene interactions are statistical estimates of the percentage reduction in disease in the population if the risk were to be avoided or the gene variant were not present. Individuals differ in genetic makeup, life‐style, and dietary patterns and may not be represented by individuals in the study population. Although these risk factors are valuable guidelines, they may not apply to individuals. Intervention studies are likewise limited by small sample sizes, short time frames to assess physiological changes, and variable experimental designs that often preclude comparative or consensus analyses. A fundamental challenge for personalizing nutritional recommendations to optimize health and medicine for getting the right drug to the right person at the right time will be to develop a means to sort individuals into groups and, eventually, develop risk factors for individuals. The classic case{‐‐}control prospective design may need to be revised in order to develop individual risk factors. A promising approach for more complete analyses of the interaction of genetic makeups and environment relies on translational research strategies where the study participant is physiologically monitored over time. Community‐based participatory research (CBPR) methodology is a form of translational research whose central focus is developing a partnership among researchers and individuals in a community that allows for more in‐depth life‐style analyses but simultaneously helps improve the health of individuals and communities through application of research outcomes.
Integration of Systems Toxicology into Drug Discovery
Authors: Fielden Mark
Published: March 2013

Success in the pharmaceutical industry is plagued by high rates of late‐stage attrition because of unanticipated pre‐clinical and clinical toxicity. In order to improve success rates, it is necessary to consider potential on‐ and off‐target‐mediated toxicity at an earlier stage in product development to shift attrition upstream in the process. This will help to avoid resource‐intensive development activities, such as pre‐clinical toxicology and human clinical studies, on compounds that are ultimately destined to fail. Large‐scale gene expression profiling technologies, such as toxicogenomics, have the potential to diagnose and predict certain safety liabilities using
in vitro
and
in vivo
models. When used appropriately in the early stages of lead optimization and pre‐clinical drug testing, it has the potential to improve compound selection at an earlier stage of drug discovery and thus decrease the probability of late‐stage attrition. A more thorough understanding of a drug's mechanism of action and toxicity is also expected to improve human risk assessment and help define appropriate screening strategies to avoid toxicophores in subsequent iterations of drug discovery. This chapter will focus on the application of systems toxicology using toxicogenomics in drug discovery for the early safety assessment of small molecule therapeutics.
Applications of Proteomic Technologies to Toxicology
Authors: Ge Yue , Bruno Maribel , Foth Heidi
Published: March 2013

Proteomics is the large‐scale study of gene expression at the protein level. This cutting edge technology has been extensively applied to toxicology research recently. The up‐to‐date development of proteomics has presented the toxicology community with an unprecedented opportunity to reexamine conventional toxicological principles, methods and practices, and to transform this traditional subject into more informative and comprehensive science for a better understanding of the potential toxic mechanisms and/or modes of action, toxicity pathways, environmental biomarkers, and assessment of adverse human health risks. The application of proteomics and other OMICS technologies to toxicology has given rise to the new field of toxicology, systems toxicology. This book chapter provides an introduction to modern proteomic technologies and approaches, with particular reference to their applications to toxicology. Key proteomic technologies such as two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis based and mass spectrometry‐based proteomic methods and approaches are described. Examples of recent applications of these technologies and methodologies to mechanistic toxicology and applied toxicology such as chemical toxicity testing and screening, clinical toxicology, drug discovery, environmental toxicity, and toxicity biomarker are presented. The discussion includes a focus on challenges and future directions of toxicoproteomics and systems toxicology.
Application of Quantitative Proteomic Approaches to Toxicology
Authors: Prasad T.S. Keshava , Chaerkady Raghothama
Published: March 2013

Epidemiological and genetic studies have significantly contributed to our understanding of hazardous effects of various environmental pollutants on biological systems at a molecular level. However, only limited reports exist those describe proteomic alterations associated with toxicity of such pollutants. Proteomic signatures can be employed as biomarkers for exposure as well as toxicity. Improved protein/peptide labeling technologies have led to the development of a variety of methodologies for quantitative proteomics that can be used to obtain differential protein profiles. This review highlights various quantitative proteomic technologies, which can be applied to unravel proteomic changes in response to toxicants.
Biomarkers for the Assessment of Acetaminophen Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Pathmasiri Wimal , Snyder Rodney W. , Burgess Jason P. , Popp James A. , Fennell Timothy R. , Sumner Susan J.
Published: March 2013

This chapter summarizes a selection of literature regarding the development of biomarkers of acetaminophen (APAP)–induced liver injury (AILI), and provides new data related to the use of metabolomics for the development of a noninvasive marker profile for AILI. Our research investigation used male rats dosed daily with APAP at 0, 10, or 1500 per kg per day for up to 9 days. Urine, blood, and liver were obtained following a day and nine. Metabolomics of urine and extracts of liver showed separation of groups based on dose and duration of dose. Serum transaminases were evaluated. Histopathological analysis revealed complex pathological incidences for three lobes of the liver (left, right, and median), where centrilobular hypertrophy, centrilobular necrosis, and centrilobular inflammation were prominent in all lobes. Subsets of metabolites were identified that correlated with presence of AILI, even in cases were clinically relevant serum enzymes were not consistently correlated with pathology findings. Metabolite changes consistent with the presence of liver damage correlated with interruptions in amino acid, histidine, purine and pyrimidine, and glutamate metabolism. This study reveals markers that could find pre‐clinical and clinical use, and provides insights into mechanisms involved in AILI.
Immunotoxicogenomics: A Systems Approach
Authors: Vandebriel Rob J. , van Loveren Henk , Baken Kirsten A. , Pennings Jeroen L.A.
Published: March 2013

Immunotoxicity can be defined as the adverse effects of toxicants on the immune system. Low‐molecular‐weight chemicals that are able to induce allergy can be divided into contact and respiratory sensitizers. These sensitizers differ not only in their relevant exposure routes and the clinical effects they can induce, but also in risk assessment. Various types of data suggest that the oxidative stress response pathway is the most significant one affected by contact sensitizer exposure. Less abundant, primarily toxicogenomics, data suggest that the PTEN pathway is the most significant pathway affected by respiratory sensitizer exposure. The chemical characteristics that determine whether a sensitizer is a contact or respiratory sensitizer are beginning to be understood. We hypothesize how the oxidative stress and PTEN pathways may result in thein vivoobservations of preferential Th1 and Th2 responses by contact and respiratory sensitizers, respectively. While for contact sensitization risk assessment seems to be feasible, this prospect is still remote for respiratory sensitization, partly because a validatedin vivomodel and quantitative data are lacking. To be able to identify respiratory sensitizers, we propose to develop non‐animal assays on the basis of human data. This proposition also holds for risk assessment of respiratory sensitization. We anticipate that development of non‐animal assays as well as risk assessment will depend on a systems toxicology framework.
In SilicoToxicology Prediction Using Toxicogenomics Data
Authors: Okuno Yasushi , Minowa Yohsuke , Yamada Hiroshi , Ohno Yasuo , Urushidani Tetsuro
Published: March 2013

Toxicogenomics holds the promise of unprecedented advances in two broad, overlapping fields: mechanistic or investigative toxicology, and predictive toxicology. The progress of toxicogenomics has been supported by DNA microarray technology, a powerful tool for directly monitoring patterns of cellular perturbations through the identification and quantification of global shifts in gene expression resulting from pathological alterations within cells and tissues. Microarrays provide a large amount of transcriptional expression data for thousands of individual genes under various experimental conditions. Bioinformatics technologies can determine which genes are meaningful, facilitating the analysis of huge pools of toxicogenomics data in mechanistic and predictive toxicology. This chapter is devoted to computational approaches for the data mining of biomarker genes from toxicogenomics data, leading to toxicity prediction. Many algorithms have been developed for feature gene selection. Most studies on feature selection have found that wrapper methods are superior to filter methods, but many of these studies have over‐emphasized prediction accuracy and over‐looked the robustness of the selected genes. In fact, this study illustrates that intensity‐based moderatedt‐statistics–support vector machine (SVM) produces more stable gene lists than recursive feature elimination–SVM. Therefore, we have to carefully gauge not only prediction performance but also the robustness of gene sets in feature gene selection.
Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications: The Onset of Nanomedicine
Authors: Xu Yang , Mahmood Meena , Biris Alexandru S.
Published: March 2013

Given their unique properties, the nanostructural materials have found a large number of applications in medicine and biology. Some of these applications range from cell visualization, specific targeting and destruction of cancer cells, drug and gene delivery, or scaffolds for tissue regeneration. Novel multifunctional nanomaterials with magnetic properties and graphitic shells were synthesized and were found to act as strong thermal agents for cellular thermal ablation under radio frequency excitation. Also carbon‐based nanomaterials were found to synergistically enhance the activity of anti ‐cancer drugs, opening the possibility of complex approaches for cancer treatment.
In VivoToxicity Studies of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Adamcakova‐Dodd Andrea , Thorne Peter S. , Grassian Vicki H.
Published: March 2013

Manufactured nanomaterials are in more than 1000 consumer products that contain some nanotechnology‐based material on the market today. In the last five years there has been much effort put toward understanding the health effects associated with nanoparticle exposure. Toxicity assessment plays a significant role in this effort since human exposure can occur during production processes, handling, as well as their use and application. Although, though there is a large body of literature on “ultrafine particles” from a pulmonary exposure assessment, one should proceed with caution to expand this information to nanomaterials as we are still just at the beginning stages of their toxicity assessment. In this chapter, we consider the respiratory system as the main route of exposure to nanoparticles and we focus our attention mainly on metal‐based nanomaterials andin vivomodels used to evaluate them. We also discuss available data for other materials, since similar material properties whether size, shape, or chemical composition could lead to comparable toxicities and this will help in the development of screening strategies for nanomaterials that are very much warranted at this time.