bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS SENTRA IMTAQ DALAM PENGENALAN NILAI AGAMA DAN MORAL ANAK USIA DINI DI TAMAN KANAK-KANAK ISLAM TERPADU AL AZKA KOTA JAMBI
Authors: Ernawati
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study aims to find out how the teacher's efforts in the application of Imtaq center-based learning, how the teacher's efforts in introducing religious and moral values of children as well as supporting and inhibiting factors in learning and religious values in Al Azka Integrated Islamic Kindergarten, Jambi City. Research methods use a qualitative approach. Data collection is carried out by observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis using Miles and Huberman's model is data reduction, data presentation, data verification and conclusion drawing. The location of the study was conducted at Al Azka Integrated Islamic Kindergarten, Jambi City. The results of this study that Al Azka Kindergarten in Jambi city in the use of their Imtaq center is very good in increasing the recognition of religious and moral values of students, especially in memorizing prayers in daily life and also memorizing hadith. This can also be seen from the enthusiasm of the students in participating in learning. The conclusion of the findings of this study is that this research can be used as input in increasing the faith and piety of students through the use of the Imtaq center. In addition, the findings in this study are also expected to increase the knowledge and skills of teachers in applying a learning process that is much more effective, creative and more enjoyable for students in an effort to improve learning in early childhood education.
Selective timber harvesting in Queensland: Impacts on the endangered Greater Glider and implications of government policy
Authors:   Australian Rainforest Conservation Society Inc, Keto Aila , Scott Keith ,   Australian Rainforest Conservation Society Inc
Published: May 2024

This paper reviews the state of knowledge regarding the impacts of selective logging, as practised in Queensland, on the Greater Glider (Petauroides volans sensu lato) and assesses the protection measures proposed by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. A range of studies and assessments shows that selective logging is significantly impacting the habitat of greater gliders in southern Queensland. The proposed protection measures represent very little improvement over current practice. Continued selective logging will have a significant impact on the endangered Greater Glider and will contribute to its continued decline. A contributing factor is the Queensland government policy of balancing timber industry jobs against biodiversity. We conclude that there is no level of native forest timber harvesting in greater glider habitat that provides a commercially viable timber volume while providing the necessary level of protection for the Greater Glider.
Den første grønlandske krimi
Authors: Hejlsted Annemette
Published: May 2024

On 8 September 2010, the first Greenlandic crime novel was published by Greenlandic publishers Atuagkat. The novel, entitled The Tattooed Message, is written by the Greenlandic author Kristian Olsen, better known as ‘aaju’. This article examines how The Tattooed Message utilizes the genre(s) of crime fiction and how Greenlandic culture is embedded in the narrative structure of the novel.The article has a glocal double perspective: A global one that asserts the novel’s use of crime fiction genre conventions and a local perspective that highlights the novel’s Greenlandic point of departure, while at the same time demonstrating how the two perspectives are structurally interconnected. The article begins with an explanation of the prevailing genre conventions of crime fiction followed by an analysis of The Tattooed Message showing how Greenlandic culture is intertwined in the novel and rooted in its literariness and plot.
‘Civil War’: distopías de desinformación
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: May 2024

No, no llevaré a cabo una crítica de cine como las habituales, porque no forma parte de mi ámbito de conocimiento ni de investigación. Desgraciadamente, tampoco soy usuario habitual, por cuestiones de agenda y tiempo. Pero recientemente tuve la oportunidad de ir al cine para ver la película Civil War y, la verdad, no me dejó indiferente. En este artículo expondré los motivos.
Resident and recruited macrophages differentially contribute to cardiac healing after myocardial ischemia
Authors: Weinberger Tobias , Denise Messerer , Joppich Markus , Fischer Maximilian , Garcia Rodriguez Clarisabel , Kumaraswami Konda , Wimmler Vanessa , Ablinger Sonja , Räuber Saskia , Fang Jiahui , Liu Lulu , Liu Wing Han , Winterhalter Julia , Lichti Johannes , Thomas Lukas , Esfandyari Dena , Percin Guelce , Matin Sandra , Hidalgo Andrés , Waskow Claudia , Engelhardt Stefan , Todica Andrei , Zimmer Ralf , Pridans Clare , Gomez Perdiguero Elisa , Schulz Christian
Published: May 2024

Cardiac macrophages are heterogenous in phenotype and functions, which has been associated with differences in their ontogeny. Despite extensive research, our understanding of the precise role of different subsets of macrophages in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains incomplete. We here investigated macrophage lineages and ablated tissue macrophages in homeostasis and after I/R injury in a CSF1R-dependent manner. Genomic deletion of a fms-intronic regulatory element (FIRE) in the Csf1r locus resulted in specific absence of resident homeostatic and antigen-presenting macrophages, without affecting the recruitment of monocyte-derived macrophages to the infarcted heart. Specific absence of homeostatic, monocyte-independent macrophages altered the immune cell crosstalk in response to injury and induced proinflammatory neutrophil polarization, resulting in impaired cardiac remodeling without influencing infarct size. In contrast, continuous CSF1R inhibition led to depletion of both resident and recruited macrophage populations. This augmented adverse remodeling after I/R and led to an increased infarct size and deterioration of cardiac function. In summary, resident macrophages orchestrate inflammatory responses improving cardiac remodeling, while recruited macrophages determine infarct size after I/R injury. These findings attribute distinct beneficial effects to different macrophage populations in the context of myocardial infarction.
Aguhyper: a hyperledger-based electronic health record management framework
Authors: Adanur Dedeturk Beyhan , Bakir-Gungor Burcu
Published: May 2024

The increasing importance of healthcare records, particularly given the emergence of new diseases, emphasizes the need for secure electronic storage and dissemination. With these records dispersed across diverse healthcare entities, their physical maintenance proves to be excessively time-consuming. The prevalent management of electronic healthcare records (EHRs) presents inherent security vulnerabilities, including susceptibility to attacks and potential breaches orchestrated by malicious actors. To tackle these challenges, this article introduces AguHyper, a secure storage and sharing solution for EHRs built on a permissioned blockchain framework. AguHyper utilizes Hyperledger Fabric and the InterPlanetary Distributed File System (IPFS). Hyperledger Fabric establishes the blockchain network, while IPFS manages the off-chain storage of encrypted data, with hash values securely stored within the blockchain. Focusing on security, privacy, scalability, and data integrity, AguHyper’s decentralized architecture eliminates single points of failure and ensures transparency for all network participants. The study develops a prototype to address gaps identified in prior research, providing insights into blockchain technology applications in healthcare. Detailed analyses of system architecture, AguHyper’s implementation configurations, and performance assessments with diverse datasets are provided. The experimental setup incorporates CouchDB and the Raft consensus mechanism, enabling a thorough comparison of system performance against existing studies in terms of throughput and latency. This contributes significantly to a comprehensive evaluation of the proposed solution and offers a unique perspective on existing literature in the field.
Sequence comparison of the mitochondrial genomes of Plesionika species (Caridea: Pandalidae), gene rearrangement and phylogenetic relationships of Caridea
Authors: Sun Yuman , Chen Jian , Liang Xinjie , Li Jiji , Ye Yingying , Xu Kaida
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the Caridean shrimps’ vast species richness and ecological diversity, controversies persist in their molecular classification. Within Caridea, the Pandalidae family exemplifies significant taxonomic diversity. As of June 25, 2023, GenBank hosts only nine complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) for this family. The Plesionika genus within Pandalidae is recognized as polyphyletic. To improve our understanding of the mitogenome evolution and phylogenetic relationships of Caridea, this study introduces three novel mitogenome sequences from the Plesionika genus: P.  ortmanni, P. izumiae and P. lophotes.

Methods

The complete mitochondrial genomes of three Plesionika species were sequenced utilizing Illumina’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. After assembling and annotating the mitogenomes, we conducted structural analyses to examine circular maps, sequence structure characteristics, base composition, amino acid content, and synonymous codon usage frequency. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis was performed by integrating existing mitogenome sequences of true shrimp available in GenBank.

Results

The complete mitogenomes of the three Plesionika species encompass 37 canonical genes, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and one control region (CR). The lengths of these mitogenomes are as follows: 15,908 bp for P. ortmanni, 16,074 bp for P. izumiae and 15,933 bp for P. lophotes. Our analyses extended to their genomic features and structural functions, detailing base composition, gene arrangement, and codon usage. Additionally, we performed selection pressure analysis on the PCGs of all Pandalidae species available in Genbank, indicating evolutionary purification selection acted on the PCGs across Pandalidae species. Compared with the ancestral Caridea, translocation of two tRNA genes, i.e., trnP or trnT, were found in the two newly sequenced Plesionika species—P. izumiae and P. lophotes. We constructed a phylogenetic tree of Caridea using the sequences of 13 PCGs in mitogenomes. The results revealed that family Pandalidae exhibited robust monophyly, while genus Plesionika appeared to be a polyphyletic group.

Conclusions

Gene rearrangements within the Pandalidae family were observed for the first time. Furthermore, a significant correlation was discovered between phylogenetics of the Caridea clade and arrangement of mitochondrial genes. Our findings offer a detailed exploration of Plesionika mitogenomes, laying a crucial groundwork for subsequent investigations into genetic diversity, phylogenetic evolution, and selective breeding within this genus.
Abiotic processes control carbon dioxide dynamics in temperate karst lakes
Authors: Vargas-Sánchez Mariana , Alcocer Javier , Puche Eric , Sánchez-Carrillo Salvador
Published: May 2024

Inland waters are crucial in the carbon cycle, contributing significantly to the global CO2 fluxes. Carbonate lakes may act as both sources and sinks of CO2 depending on the interactions between the amount of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) inputs, lake metabolisms, and geochemical processes. It is often difficult to distinguish the dominant mechanisms driving CO2 dynamics and their effects on CO2 emissions. This study was undertaken in three groundwater-fed carbonate-rich lakes in central Spain (Ruidera Lakes), severely polluted with nitrates from agricultural overfertilization. Diel and seasonal (summer and winter) changes in CO2 concentration (CCO2) DIC, and CO2 emissions-(FCO2)-, as well as physical and chemical variables, including primary production and phytoplanktonic chlorophyll-a were measured. In addition, δ13C-DIC, δ13C-CO2 in lake waters, and δ13C of the sedimentary organic matter were measured seasonally to identify the primary CO2 sources and processes. While the lakes were consistently CCO2 supersaturated and FCO2 was released to the atmosphere during both seasons, the highest CCO2 and DIC were in summer (0.36–2.26 µmol L–1). Our results support a strong phosphorus limitation for primary production in these lakes, which impinges on CO2 dynamics. External DIC inputs to the lake waters primarily drive the CCO2 and, therefore, the FCO2. The δ13C-DIC signatures below –12‰  confirmed the primary geogenic influence on DIC. As also suggested by the high values on the calcite saturation index, the Miller-Tans plot revealed that the CO2 source in the lakes was close to the signature provided by the fractionation of δ13C-CO2 from calcite precipitation. Therefore, the main contribution behind the CCO2 values found in these karst lakes should be attributed to the calcite precipitation process, which is temperature-dependent according to the seasonal change observed in δ13C-DIC values. Finally, co-precipitation of phosphate with calcite could partly explain the observed low phytoplankton production in these lakes and the impact on the contribution to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, as eutrophication increases and the soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) content increases, the co-precipitation of phosphate is expected to be progressively inhibited. These thresholds must be assessed to understand how the CO32− ions drive lake co-precipitation dynamics. Carbonate regions extend over 15% of the Earth’s surface but seem essential in the CO2 dynamics at a global scale.
Temperature-size responses during ontogeny are independent of progenitors’ thermal environments
Authors: Martínez-De León Gerard , Fahrni Micha , Thakur Madhav P.
Published: May 2024

Background

Warming generally induces faster developmental and growth rates, resulting in smaller asymptotic sizes of adults in warmer environments (a pattern known as the temperature-size rule). However, whether temperature-size responses are affected across generations, especially when thermal environments differ from one generation to the next, is unclear. Here, we tested temperature-size responses at different ontogenetic stages and in two consecutive generations using two soil-living Collembola species from the family Isotomidae: Folsomia candida (asexual) and Proisotoma minuta (sexually reproducing).

Methods

We used individuals (progenitors; F0) from cultures maintained during several generations at 15 °C or 20 °C, and exposed their offspring in cohorts (F1) to various thermal environments (15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C) during their ontogenetic development (from egg laying to first reproduction; i.e., maturity). We measured development and size traits in the cohorts (egg diameter and body length at maturity), as well as the egg diameters of their progeny (F2). We predicted that temperature-size responses would be predominantly determined by within-generation plasticity, given the quick responsiveness of growth and developmental rates to changing thermal environments. However, we also expected that mismatches in thermal environments across generations would constrain temperature-size responses in offspring, possibly due to transgenerational plasticity.

Results

We found that temperature-size responses were generally weak in the two Collembola species, both for within- and transgenerational plasticity. However, egg and juvenile development were especially responsive at higher temperatures and were slightly affected by transgenerational plasticity. Interestingly, plastic responses among traits varied non-consistently in both Collembola species, with some traits showing plastic responses in one species but not in the other and vice versa. Therefore, our results do not support the view that the mode of reproduction can be used to explain the degree of phenotypic plasticity at the species level, at least between the two Collembola species used in our study. Our findings provide evidence for a general reset of temperature-size responses at the start of each generation and highlight the importance of measuring multiple traits across ontogenetic stages to fully understand species’ thermal responses.
Case of an Intramedullary Ancient Schwannoma of the Brainstem Mimicking Astrocytoma: A Rare Clinical Presentation with a Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Das Prajna , Pradhan Mukesh Kumar , Mittal Ruchi , Dash Kanaklata , Das Narendra Kumar
Published: May 2024

Schwannomas are common benign tumours arising from the myelin sheath of peripheral nerves. These tumours are usually located in the intradural and extramedullary regions. The common sites are cervical (58%) and thoracic region (32%), followed by the lumbar region (10%). Intramedullary location is rare and if present, is usually associated with neurofibromatosis 1 and 2 (NF-1 and 2). Intramedullary brainstem schwannomas without NF are uncommon, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, only 19 cases have been reported to date. It was first described by James Watson Kernohan, an Irish-American pathologist, in 1931. The rarity of these tumours in this location is due to the absence of Schwann cells in this area. There are several hypotheses postulating the presence of these tumours in this location. The exact cause is not yet known. The authors here present a case of intramedullary brainstem ancient schwannoma with an unusual clinicoradiological presentation, which raised suspicion of Glioma with the possibility of Astrocytoma. The patient presented with right-sided neck stiffness and shoulder pain for a period of four months. Total excision of the tumour was performed, and the postoperative period was uneventful with clinical improvement in the patient. Histomorphology raised the suspicion of a tumour of glial origin with the possibility of Astrocytoma; Immunohistochemistry (IHC) helped in reaching the definitive diagnosis of Ancient Schwannoma. Thus, a combined approach of clinicoradiological, as well as histomorphology and IHC, is essential for a definitive diagnosis of these tumours. Future multicentric studies are required to elucidate the pathogenesis of the location of these tumours.
Association of Learning Styles with Academic Achievements in First-year Professional MBBS Students of a Medical College in Eastern India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Basu Rituparna , Roy Tapati , Pradhan Parthapratim
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Research has shown that learning may be optimised by synchronising the learning environment with the learning style preferences of students. First-year medical students face immense stress as they adapt to a new learning environment and curriculum at the onset of their medical career. The simultaneous use of two supplementary learning styles questionnaires, namely, the Visual-Aural/Auditory-Read/WriteKinesthetic (VARK) questionnaire and the Vermunt Inventory of Learning Styles (Vermunt ILS), would provide detailed knowledge of their instructional preferences, information processing, and cognitive personality learning styles. Judicious use of such information at this stage may guide them towards improved learning and higher academic achievement. Aim: To study the association between learning styles and academic achievements in first-year professional MBBS students of a medical college. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Medical College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India over the duration of 10 months from August 2021 to June 2022. Online surveys of 250 first-year MBBS students’ learning styles were conducted using the VARK questionnaire and Vermunt ILS, and the marks of three internal assessment examinations were collected. The data was entered into Microsoft Excel. Group as well as individual scores were analysed, and Pearson’s Chisquare test was used to determine the association between the students’ learning styles and their academic achievement. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the total of 160 submitted questionnaires, 139 (86.8%) students were visual learners, while the rest were multimodal learners. The factor loading of the ILS scales revealed higher alpha coefficients for learning orientations and mental models of learning, with the ‘use of knowledge’ being awarded high scores by the highest number of students, 104 (83.56%). A total 134 learners gave lower scores to processing and regulation strategies, but a significant association was found between 126 (94%) of them and their academic scores of ≥50% (p-value=0.024). Conclusion: Although no positive association was found between learning styles and academic achievement of firstyear medical students, the integration of two learning style tests provided educators with comprehensive insight into the learning preferences of their students, enabling them to develop an adaptive curriculum. Students might also utilise knowledge of their learning styles to guide themselves towards self-directed learning, lifelong learning, and higher academic achievement.
The Effect of Probiotic Supplementation on the Levels of Biomarkers in Diabetic Animal Model: A Research Protocol
Authors: Sowmiya Thiagarajan , Bhaskar Emmanuel , Gayathri Veeraraghavan , Mohanalakshmi Parthasarathy , Silambanan Santhi
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is characterised by hyperglycaemia, insulin secretion defects, or resistance. Most T2DM drugs help to improve glycaemic status, but the response varies among individuals. The modern lifestyle with unhealthy eating habits leads to gut dysbiosis. Altered gut microbiota can disrupt the host’s metabolic and signaling pathways, intestinal barrier integrity, and function. Probiotics could restore a healthy microbiota in the intestine, thus improving glycaemic status. Need of the study: Probiotics may assist in re-establishing a healthy microbiota composition in the intestine. Limited studies have evaluated the supplementation of probiotics for effectively managing T2DM. Aim: To investigate the effects of probiotics on biomarker levels in type 2 diabetic male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: This interventional case-control study will be conducted at the Centre for Toxicology and Developmental Research (CEFTE) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The study will involve 46 male Wistar rats divided into five groups. Diabetes will be induced by feeding the animals a High-Fat Diet (HFD) and administering a low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Groups 1 and 2 will be on basal and HFDs, serving as negative and positive controls, respectively. Groups 3, 4 and 5 will be the intervention groups. The study duration will be four weeks and three days for diabetes induction and six weeks for intervention. Blood samples will be collected periodically to assess biomarkers, and at the end of the study, internal organs will be harvested for histopathological examination. Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval has been obtained. Categorical variables will be analysed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, while continuous variables will be analysed using repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A p-value of ≤0.05 will be considered statistically significant, and statistical analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0.
Intersection of Coeliac Disease Section and Sjogren’s Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Talapa Ravi , Baite Rebecca Hoineikim , Rawat Rishabh , Saini Rohit
Published: May 2024

Coeliac Disease (CD) and Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS), both autoimmune disorders, are gaining attention for their complex interaction when occurring together. CD involves gluten intolerance and can present with gastrointestinal symptoms, while SS affects various organs, primarily causing dryness of the eyes and mouth. Diagnosis for each relies on specific criteria including serologic testing and histopathology. When these conditions overlap, they create unique clinical challenges, highlighting the need for a thorough understanding of their combined effects on health. This exploration aimed to uncover the intricacies of their relationship, including clinical manifestations and implications for diagnosis and management when dealing with both simultaneously. In both cases (58- year-old female and 47-year-old female), there was gastrointestinal villous atrophy as a manifestation of CD, which improved with simple dietary modification.
The Structural Phase Transition, Degree of Polymerization and Dynamics Characteristics of Liquid Magnesium Silicate: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Kien Pham Huu , Quang Phan Dinh , Anh Vu Van , Như Tran Thi Quynh , Trang Giap Thi Thuy
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the structural phase transitions, degree of polymerization, and dynamics characteristics in liquid magnesium silicate (Mg2SiO4) under pressure have been studied using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results indicate that the structure of Mg2SiO4 liquid includes MgOy (y = 3, 4,…8) basic units distributed in the Si-O structure network that powerfully depend on pressure. In the range 28-32 GPa, the Si-O structure network causes structural transformation from SiO4 to SiO6 via SiO5 units. Mg-O and Si-O subnets tend to form clusters with structural heterogeneity. The degree of polymerization is considered via characteristics of OT2 (T is Si or Mg), triclusters, tetraclusters bonds, and the cluster of MgOy-MgOy, SiOx-SiOx and MgOy-SiOx links. We indicated that the degree of polymerisation significantly increases with the increasing pressure. The dynamic in Mg2SiO4 liquid has been investigated through the self-diffusion, low and fast atoms. The evidence about the fast diffusion of Mg atoms in a low-pressure range is also indicated in here.
A Narrative Review on Acute Cholecystitis in Pregnancy: Current Update on Management
Authors: Rajah Kumar Hari
Published: May 2024

Acute cholecystitis in pregnancy is one of the common non obstetric causes for acute abdominal pain. The management can be divided into conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment involves the use of intravenous fluids and antibiotics, but patients are prone for developing recurrence of symptoms. Surgical treatment involves performing a cholecystectomy either as an open or laparoscopic method. As there is no consensus on the management of acute cholecystitis in pregnancy, we have conducted this review article to look at the role of conservative treatment, the role of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and when is the best time to perform this surgery. The role of percutaneous cholecystostomy is also mentioned in this review.
Effect of Siphonochilus aethiopicus Methanolic Extract on Oxidative Stress Markers, Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Experimentally Induced Arthritis Model in Mice
Authors: Dadaya Elizé , Vedekoi Jeweldai , Zacharie Tchoubou , Abaissou Hervé Ngatanko , Dieudonné Ndjonka
Published: May 2024

Background: Siphonochilus aethiopicus belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. In Chinese medicine, Zingiberaceae are acknowledged for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to immune system reinforcement. They are known to promote digestion, alleviate nausea, motion sickness and are involved incombating flu and cold. The current study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of Siphonochilus aethiopicus (MESA).
Methodology: The in vivo study examined the anti-inflammatory impact of the extract (75, 150, and 300 mg/kg) using a formaldehyde-induced inflammation mouse model. The anti-arthritic effect of the MESA was determined by measuring paw diameter, body weight, biochemical parameters (C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor) including oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and nitric oxide), and hematological parameters. Additionally, a histopathological examination was conducted to evaluate the outcome of treatment on tissue integrity.
Results: Results obtained show that the MESA significantly decreased paw inflammation (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) and enhanced hematological and biochemical parameters. Additionally, MESA significantly ameliorated oxidative stress parameters (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).
Conclusion: This finding suggests that Siphonochilus aethiopicus possesses strong antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity, supporting its traditional application as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.
Thyroid Tuberculosis: A Unique Case Report
Authors: Talapa Ravi , Yadav Nidhi , Jain Siddhant , Sirohi Tanvi , Yerramareddy Shourya
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis affecting the thyroid gland is a rare occurrence, even in the regions where tuberculosis is prevalent. This case report details the presentation of a 22-year-old male who initially presented with a life-threatening condition of cardiac tamponade, ultimately diagnosed as thyroid tuberculosis. The case underscores the critical role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in accurately diagnosing such uncommon manifestations of tuberculosis. This case highlights the significance of FNAC in confirming tuberculosis as the underlying cause of thyroid involvement, facilitating timely and targeted therapeutic interventions for patients presenting with unusual clinical manifestations of tuberculosis.
Critical Analysis on Effect of Micronutrients on Flowering Plants: A Review
Authors: Jayakumar Sarath , Abhangrao Ashwini Kailas , Sarje Rasika Ashok , Gupta Ritika , Pathania Smriti , Sree B Vidya
Published: May 2024

We have explored the effect of various micronutrients to plant growth and some of the problems due to their deficiencies. The various treatments of micronutrients to plants gives yield at different proportion. This thorough analysis explores how micronutrients affects the flowering of crops, concentrating on how they affect fruit set, flowering, and general plant health. Micronutrients are necessary for many physiological processes, such as hormone regulation, photosynthesis, enzyme activation. Plant growth may be negatively impacted by their excess or deficiency, which could result in lower quality, quantity, and flowering. The impact of micronutrients on flowering plants is the subject of a systematic analysis of the most recent scientific literature in this review. Micronutrients are essential for many physiological processes that are vital to plant growth and development. These processes include those involving zinc, copper, chlorine, manganese, molybdenum, and iron. Their unique impact on the complex phases of flowering and reproductive development is examined in this paper. We look at the interactions that occur between micronutrients and environmental variables like soil pH and temperature that affect flowering. The study delves into the molecular mechanisms that underlie flowering responses mediated by micronutrients, encompassing the regulation of hormones and gene expression. In an effort to close knowledge gaps regarding the complex interplay between micronutrients and plant flowering, the review highlights obstacles and suggests future lines of inquiry. To sum up, this analysis adds to a thorough knowledge of how micronutrients influence plant flowering dynamics and offers insights that can improve crop productivity and agricultural practices.
Characterisation and In-vitro Fungicide Susceptibility of Corynespora cassiicola Associated with Leaf Spot Disease of Aglaonema Ruby Garuda
Authors: S. R. Sandra , C. F. Gleena Mary , Vijayaraghavan Reshmy , Sankar Mini , Varghese Sible George , K. T. Mufeeda , Kumar Shambhu
Published: May 2024

During 2020- 2022, a characteristic leaf spot symptom was recorded from the Aglaonema cultivar, Aglaonema Ruby Garuda Aglaonema Ruby Garuda from Ambunadu region, Ernakulam district of Kerala. The symptomatic plants formed dark brown, water-soaked, circular spots with concentric zonations and recorded 30 per cent disease severity. Pathogen associated with the symptom isolated using standard isolation methods and pathogenicity of the fungal isolates was established. Greyish brown mycelial growth was observed in culture plates with greyish black colour on the reverse side. Conidia of the fungus were sub hyaline to pale brown, solitary, straight to slightly curved, obclavate produced on brown septate mycelia with a dimension of 27.3-47.8 µm × 4.2-12.8 µm. The amplicon sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translational elongation factor 1- alpha (TEF1-α) regions of the pathogen were analysed with the nucleotide sequences in nBLAST database and identified as Coryenespora cassiicola. Evolutionary relationship of the pathogen with related organisms were identified by constructing phylogenetic tree using ITS and TEF1-α sequences. In vitro efficacy of 11 chemical fungicides at different dosages and three biocontrol agents tested recorded, cent per cent inhibition with contact fungicides viz. mancozeb, propineb, Bordeaux mixture. Complete inhibition was observed with systemic fungicides, hexaconazole 5EC, tebuconazole 25.9EC, carbendazim 50WP at all test dosages. Among the combination fungicides, carbendazim 12%+ mancozeb 63% was superior with cent per cent mycelial inhibition. Among the biocontrol agents, the fungal antagonist, Trichoderma asperellum (KAU reference culture) recorded complete inhibition against Coryenespora cassiicola by dual culture assay.
DEMOCRACIA, DIREITA E “LULA 3”: a eleição de 2022 e seus desdobramentos
Authors: Ranulfo Melo Carlos
Published: May 2024

Esse artigo trata dos desdobramentos da eleição de 2022. Inicialmente argumenta que, em um segundo mandato, Bolsonaro poderia aumentar seu poder de atração sobre os partidos de centro e de direita no Congresso para então avançar sobre os órgãos de justiça, colocando em risco a democracia brasileira. Na sequência, mostra que a vitória de Lula não impediu que os partidos de direita mantivessem uma trajetória de crescimento, consolidando uma posição majoritária tanto na Câmara como no Senado, e analisa as razões para tanto. Tomando como base esse crescimento da direita e nas mudanças na relação entre os poderes Executivo e Legislativo verificadas nos últimos anos, argumenta-se que a empreitada de Lula será mais difícil do que a iniciada 20 anos atrás. O desempenho da coalizão de governo nas votações mais importantes realizadas em 2023 é uma evidência nesse sentido e sinaliza para os limites de “Lula 3”.
O ARREFECIMENTO DA POLARIZAÇÃO AFETIVA: análise dos discursos dos governadores no Twitter na campanha eleitoral de 2022
Authors: Viscarra Simone , De Almeida Helga , Silame Thiago , Silva Joscimar
Published: May 2024

Neste artigo analisamos como se deu a polarização na campanha eleitoral para governador em 2022 em torno das duas figuras políticas tensionadoras, Bolsonaro e Lula. Para tanto foram analisadas todas as publicações realizadas no Twitter durante a campanha eleitoral de primeiro turno pelos governadores brasileiros. A questão central é, como os governadores estaduais se posicionaram na disputa eleitoral regional em consonância com os alinhamentos na disputa eleitoral nacional? A captura dos tweets foi feita a partir do software Netlytic. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizada estatística descritiva a partir do Excel e análise dos discursos a partir do aplicativo Iramutec para linguagem R. A partir da pesquisa concluímos que, diferentemente da polarização vista no nível nacional, nas campanhas estaduais houve um arrefecimento do tensionamento e uma reacomodação dos discursos das elites políticas no sentido de evitar fricções e abordar a temática políticas públicas.
AFINAL, QUEM FOI VOTAR EM 2022
Authors: Nicolau Jairo
Published: May 2024

A eleição presidencial de 2022 foi a mais competitiva das já realizadas no país. Em uma disputa com resultados tão incertos, detalhes pouco considerados em pleitos passados poderiam fazer diferença para o resultado. Entre esses, a abstenção eleitoral ganhou um destaque especial nos dois turnos. A crença de que a taxa de comparecimento poderia influenciar o resultado da eleição orientou os coordenadores das campanhas de Lula e Bolsonaro a agir em favor do comparecimento eleitoral ao longo da reta final da campanha. Este trabalho analisa as taxas de comparecimento e o perfil sociodemográfico dos eleitores que foram às urnas e os que se abstiveram do pleito nos dois turnos em 2022. Também analisaremos o perfil daqueles que justificam o voto. Os resultados apontam que a taxa de comparecimento das eleições de 2022 (79% no primeiro turno, 80% no segundo turno) é semelhante à de eleições anteriores. A novidade é que o percentual dos eleitores que compareceram no segundo turno foi, pela primeira vez, superior aos do primeiro turno.
Cash Transfers and Social Vulnerability in Bosnia: A Cross-sectional Study of Households and Listed Beneficiaries
Authors: Andersson Neil , Paredes-Solis Sergio , Sherr Lorraine , Cockcroft Anne
Published: January 2011

Objective

Promoted as a means of fueling markets and encouraging economic growth or recovery, cash transfers have become a popular approach to international assistance. The literature recognizes potential problems such as insecurity, corruption, misuse, gender inequality, market inflation, and ineffective targeting. We carried out population and beneficiary surveys in 1997 to evaluate the targeting of cash transfers in Bosnia soon after the end of the conflict.

Methods

The population survey visited a random sample of clusters from population registers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Republika Srpska (RS). A directly administered questionnaire asked households whether they received any cash handouts from the Municipal Welfare Office in the last year, and, if so, for what purpose, the amount, and how they used the money. We calculated coverage and inclusion and exclusion errors of the program. The field team also identified cash transfers beneficiaries from official lists of the program and attempted to contact a random sample of them to ask about their experience.

Results

It was not possible to confirm receipts of cash in one third of the sample of 840 named beneficiaries; 19% could not be traced and 17% of those found denied receiving any cash. In the general population survey of 7182 households, coverage rates with cash assistance (11% in BiH, 3% in RS) were at least 44% lower than those declared by the distribution agencies, with considerable variation between cantons. Exclusion errors were high: 83% of those eligible according to the program's income criterion did not receive any cash. Although sufficient cash was dispensed to reach every United Nations High Commission for Refugees priority 1 (most needy) household, only 13% of these households (278/2125) admitted receiving any cash. Inclusion errors were also high: 60% of all of those who received cash were not in the priority 1 category and 46% were not eligible according to the program's income criterion. Extrapolating from the population survey findings, we could only account for a maximum of US$4 million received by households in BiH and RS up to May 1997, of the US$16 million dispersed by the program up to that time.

Conclusions

Targeting of the cash transfers program was poor, with large inclusion and exclusion errors. Much of the disbursed cash apparently did not reach the intended beneficiaries and could not be accounted for. Agencies on the ground did not have the necessary skills to handle the disbursements or to train national organizations to do so. (Disaster Med Public Health Prepardness. 2013;7:232-240)
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA Point Mutation Heteroplasmy by ARMS Quantitative PCR
Authors: Wang Jing , Venegas Victor , Li Fangyuan , Wong Lee‐Jun
Published: January 2011

Mitochondrial disorders are a group of complex and heterogeneous diseases that may be caused by molecular defects in both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are usually present in the heteroplasmic form. The degree of mtDNA mutation heteroplasmy (mutation load) varies among different tissues. Manifestation of clinical phenotypes depends on the mutation load in affected tissues. Thus, it is important to quantify the degree of mutation heteroplasmy in various tissues. This unit outlines the design of allele refractory mutation system (ARMS)‐based quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of three common mtDNA point mutations. This is a cost‐effective and sensitive single‐step method to simultaneously detect and quantify heteroplasmic mtDNA point mutations. It requires as little as 0.1 ng of total genomic DNA per reaction and can be used to quantify mutation heteroplasmy in various noninvasively obtained tissues such as hair follicles, buccal swab, and urine sediment. Detailed protocols for ARMS primer design and qPCR set up, validation procedures, and cautions in the interpretation of results, as well as advantages and limitations are discussed. ARMS qPCR is an important tool for addressing some of the diagnostic challenges of mitochondrial disease. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 68:19.6.1‐19.6.16 © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mutations in the TSGA14 gene in families with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Korvatska O. , Estes A. , Munson J. , Dawson G. , Bekris L.M. , Kohen R. , Yu C.‐E. , Schellenberg G.D. , Raskind W.H.
Published: January 2011

Linkage to 7q has been the most robust genetic finding in familial autism. A previous scan of multiplex families with autism spectrum disorders found a linkage signal of genome‐wide significance at D7S530 on 7q32. We searched a candidate imprinted region at this location for genetic variants in families with positive linkage scores. Using exon resequencing, we identified three rare potentially pathogenic variants in the TSGA14 gene, which encodes a centrosomal protein. Two variants were missense mutations (c.664C>G; p.P206A and c.766T>G; p.C240G) that changed conserved residues in the same protein domain; the third variant (c.192+5G>A) altered splicing, which resulted in a protein with an internal deletion of 16 residues and a G33D substitution. These rare TSGA14 variants are enriched in the affected subjects (6/348 patients versus 2/670 controls, Fisher's exact two tailed P = 0.022). This is the first report of a possible link of a gene with a centrosomal function with familial autism. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body mass and stature estimation based on the first metatarsal in humans
Authors: De Groote Isabelle , Humphrey Louise T.
Published: January 2011

Archaeological assemblages often lack the complete long bones needed to estimate stature and body mass. The most accurate estimates of body mass and stature are produced using femoral head diameter and femur length. Foot bones including the first metatarsal preserve relatively well in a range of archaeological contexts. In this article we present regression equations using the first metatarsal to estimate femoral head diameter, femoral length, and body mass in a diverse human sample. The skeletal sample comprised 87 individuals (Andamanese, Australasians, Africans, Native Americans, and British). Results show that all first metatarsal measurements correlate moderately to highly (r= 0.62–0.91) with femoral head diameter and length. The proximal articular dorsoplantar diameter is the best single measurement to predict both femoral dimensions. Percent standard errors of the estimate are below 5%. Equations using two metatarsal measurements show a small increase in accuracy. Direct estimations of body mass (calculated from measured femoral head diameter using previously published equations) have an error of just over 7%. No direct stature estimation equations were derived due to the varied linear body proportions represented in the sample. The equations were tested on a sample of 35 individuals from Christ Church Spitalfields. Percentage differences in estimated and measured femoral head diameter and length were less than 1%. This study demonstrates that it is feasible to use the first metatarsal in the estimation of body mass and stature. The equations presented here are particularly useful for assemblages where the long bones are either missing or fragmented, and enable estimation of these fundamental population parameters in poorly preserved assemblages. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fracture toughness of polyamide 6/maleated ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer rubber/nano calcium carbonate ternary composites according to essential work of fracture analysis
Authors: Fu Li‐Dan , Chen Si , Wang Yong‐Jie , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Wang Xu
Published: January 2011

Polyamide 6 (PA6)/maleated ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer rubber/nano calcium carbonate ternary composites were prepared. The effect of the compounding route on the morphology, toughness, and fracture behavior of the ternary composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Charpy impact testing, and essential work of fracture (EWF) testing. The construction of sandbag microstructure particles in PA6 matrix was crucial to the toughness of the ternary composites. The Charpy impact strength and the specific essential work of fracture (we) of the ternary composites with a sandbag microstructure were 137.9 and 71.4% higher, respectively, than those of the ordinary ternary composites with a separated dispersion microstructure. The observation of the fracture surface after EWF testing indicated that the improvement of we was attributed to the sandbag microstructure particles; this structure was more effective for resisting the growth of cracks; meanwhile, the influence of the amount of fibrillation on the nonspecific essential work of fracture, including the nonspecific essential work of fracture before yielding and that in the necking–tearing stage, was insignificant. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, modification, and porous properties of new glycidyl methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Podkościelna Beata
Published: January 2011

Synthesis, copolymerization, and physicochemical properties of new, of different degrees of crosslinker tetrafunctional bis[4(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]sulfide and glycidyl methacrylate copolymers are presented. The monomers were used for the synthesis of porous microspheres in the presence of pore‐forming diluents, decan‐1‐ol, and toluene. Influence of diluents composition on their porous structures was studied. Porous structure of the obtained microspheres in dry (from nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements) states was studied. Their chemical structures were studied by the use of Fourier transform infrared. The number of epoxy groups of the obtained copolymers, their thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis), and swelling characteristics in 10 solvents of different chemical nature were examined. Selected copolymers were modified by amines in the epoxide ring‐opening reaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Sulfur containing poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) copolymer hydrogels for thermosensitive extraction of gold(III) ions
Authors: Hemvasdukij Suwimol , Ngeontae Wittaya , Imyim Apichat
Published: January 2011

Poly[N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐[2‐(methylthio)ethyl methacrylate]], poly(NIPA‐co‐MTEMA) gels were prepared by free radical polymerization in aqueous solution. The homogeneous and heterogeneous gels were prepared by using 10 mM MTEMA in 5.0%(v/v) ethanol at 10°C and 30 mM MTEMA in 20%(v/v) ethanol at 50°C, in 1.0 and 1.5M NIPA solution, respectively. Homogeneous and heterogeneous gels had swelling ratios at 540 ± 28% and 551 ± 37%, respectively. The extraction of Au(III) ion was studied in batch method. The optimum pHs for the extraction of Au(III) by homogeneous and heterogeneous gels were 1–3 and 1–5, respectively. The suitable extraction time was 3 h at 50°C when using a rod‐shaped copolymer (0.7 cm diameter and 1 cm length). The adsorption behavior obeyed the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The maximum sorption capacities of Au(III) onto homogeneous and heterogeneous gels were 62.8 and 322 μmol/g, respectively. The desorption equilibrium was reached within 2–3 h at 10°C by 0.1M thiourea in 5%(v/v) HCl. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011