A new modified biased estimator for Zero inflated Poisson regression model

Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) model is widely used for counting data with excessive zeroes. The multicollinearity is the common factor in the explanatory variables of the count data. In this context, typically, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) generates unsatisfactory results due to inflation of mean square error (MSE). In the solution of this problem usually, ridge parameters are used. In this study, we proposed a new modified zero-inflated Poisson ridge regression model to reduce the problem of multicollinearity. We experimented within the context of a specified simulation strategy and recorded the behavior of proposed estimators. We also apply our proposed estimator to the real-life data set and explore how our proposed estimators perform well in the presence of multicollinearity with the help of ZIP model for count data.

Enhancing mean estimators in median ranked set sampling with dual auxiliary information

When measuring the research variable is complicated, expensive, or problematic, median ranked set sampling (MRSS) is often utilized since it is straightforward to rank the components using a low-cost sorting criterion. Using this sampling scheme, many authors considered the problem of population mean estimation with a single auxiliary variable in order to obtain more precised estimators than the traditional ratio type regression estimators. In this article, we extend their ideas based on regression approach using two auxiliary variables and introduce a new regression-type estimator along with its theoretical expression of minimum mean square error (MSE). The suggested estimator's applicability is demonstrated using both simulated and real-world data sets.

A novel proposed class of estimators under ranked set sampling: Simulation and diverse applications

This study presents a novel enhanced exponential class of estimators for population mean under RSS by employing data on an auxiliary variable. The suggested estimators' mean square error (MSE) is calculated approximately at order one. The efficiency conditions that make the suggested enhanced exponential class of estimators superior to the traditional estimators are found. A simulation study using hypothetically drawn normal and exponential populations evaluates the execution of the suggested estimators. The findings demonstrate that the suggested estimators outperform their traditional equivalents. In addition, real data examples are examined to show how the proposed estimators can be implemented in various real life problems.

Edukasi Bahaya Narkoba Perspektif Hukum Pidana dan Maqashid Syariah

Pendampingan edukasi bahaya narkoba ditinjau dari sisi hukum pidana dan maqashid syariah sangat perlu dilakukan di kalangan pemuda agar pengetahuan dan wawasan mereka semakin luas dan bisa menjadi self control dalam menghindari penggunaan narkoba, kegiatan ini menyasar pada sekumpulan remaja yang tergabung dalam Paguyuban Pemuda Dingin (PPD) Ngronggot Nganjuk. Secara umum, pengetahuan mereka tentang bahaya narkoba dari sisi kesehatan telah dimengerti, Namun. pengetahuan dan wawasan bahaya narkoba perspektif hukum pidana dan maqashid syariah masih banyak yang belum mengerti. Hasil yang diharapkan dari pendampingan ini adalah para pemuda di sasaran dampingan lebih semangat dalam beraktivitas serta terbebas dari narkoba dan memiliki mentalitas kuat dalam menghadapi tantangan zaman globalisasi, karena hal ini sangat diperlukan bagi paguyuban pemuda Dingin desa Ngronggot ketika bergaul dengan sesama di masyarakat. Metode pelatihan dilaksanakan dengan cara diskusi dan interaktif dalam menyampaikan pengetahuan kepada peserta pelatihan. Berdasarkan dari hasil pelatihan, adanya besar peningkatan pengetahuan yang diperoleh mitra dengan baik dengan perolehan hasil rata-rata pretest nilainya adalah 36,84 %, sedangkan hasil rata-rata posttest  adalah 54,74 %.

Neurological manifestation with special reference to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) among people on anti-retroviral treatment in India

OBJECTIVE

The neurological manifestations and their severity in patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) are currently unexplained. ‎We aimed at studying the prevalence of HIV Associated Neurological Disorders (HAND) among people on antiretroviral treatment, using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A predesigned and pretested proforma including the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) was administered to 100 HIV patients attending to ART center of KIMS teaching Hospital (Koppal, Karnataka) from January 2020 to March 2020. The data was analyzed SPSS version 15 software. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic characteristics. The Student's t-test and chi-square test methods were applied to determine the relationship between qualitative characteristics.

RESULTS

The prevalence was found to be 59%. Out of 100, 57 HIV patients scored less than 10 whereas 43 HIV patients scored ≥10 on the IHDS scale. The mean age of the study population was 39.14 ±13.01 years; the total IHDS score was 9.96±1.53 and the CD4 count was 427.91±226.0. This study demonstrated that the patients with CD4 count more than 350 (i.e., 63.60%) had a better IHDS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurocognitive disorder was found to be more common than anticipated. All ICTC Centers need to consider assessing HIV-associated neurocognitive disability (HAND), and the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) as one instrument for such assessment.

Evaluation of reliability index and probability of failure for the improvement of the Nigerian empirical mechanistic flexible pavement analysis and design system (Nempads)

The aim of this work was to evaluate reliability index (RI) with respect to fatigue and rutting within the different seasons peculiar to Nigeria, in order to improve Empirical-Mechanistic flexible pavement design approach, using First Order Reliability Method (FORM). Flexible pavement design involves many uncertainties, variabilities, and approximations regarding the input parameters like material properties, traffic loads. Others include subgrade strength, drainage conditions, construction, compaction procedures and climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and snowfall, etc. The combination of the variances associated with input parameters contributes to components and system uncertainty, and this combination of variances can have a significant effect on the predicted performance of the pavement. Reliability in pavement design is introduced to consider these uncertainties. Layers thicknesses, material properties, and Equivalent Standard Axle Load (ESAL) were entered into a multi-layer elastic theory software, ELSYM-5, which in turn were used to calculate strains and stresses for different seasons. The results obtained were entered into Nigerian fitted transfer function distress models to compute allowable ESALS. Miner’s hypothesis theory equation was used to calculate the cumulative damage due to stress and strains generated. A Framework was generated for finding individual reliability index (RI), systemic reliability index (SRI), and probability of failure. The findings showed that Season I (Winter) recorded the highest component reliability index for fatigue (5.63 for Normal Distribution). Season II (Summer) recorded the lowest component reliability index (β) for rutting (5.4 for Normal Distribution). Season III (Spring) recorded the lowest component reliability index for fatigue (1.85 for Normal Distribution)

Association of indoor air pollution on cognitive dysfunction among elderly

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive dysfunction among the elderly is a devastating condition preceded by accumulation of neuropathology leading to accelerated cognitive decline. Many epidemiologic studies have reported the relation between indoor air pollution exposure and cognitive impairment. To clarify the nature of the association, a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The analysis included all observational studies, including cross-sectional studies, prospective and retrospective cohort studies. Experimental studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and controlled clinical trials were excluded. Studies on the relationships of indoor air pollution and cognition published before 30 April 2021 which are peer-reviewed scientific publications available in English were included after performing a structured literature search through electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinical trial.gov. A total of 146 articles were collected, and after screening thoroughly only, 9 studies were selected. Meta-analysis for the final set of selected studies was performed using the R software.

RESULTS

The quality of all the studies was adequate as almost all reported an association between at least one pollutant and cognitive dysfunction. However, relatively few studies considered outcomes that provide the most substantial evidence for a causal effect. In total, 5 studies have reported on cognitive function. The pooled mean of cognitive function was 12.16 (95% CI: 10.73 to 13.58). However, the heterogeneity was very high (I2=100%; chi-square test for heterogeneity = p<0.001). We used a modified JBI structured risk of the bias assessment tool, and it was minimal among the included studies as most of the studies have followed a random sampling method and explicitly mention it in their methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to indoor air pollution through fuels used for cooking and heating was significantly associated with cognitive dysfunction among elderly women. Given the limitations, a more extensive meta-analysis and longitudinal studies are recommended to investigate the biological mechanism behind the impact of indoor air pollution on cognitive health.

"LONG COVID": an insight

We aimed this systematic review to analyze and review the currently available published literature related to long COVID, understanding its pattern, and predicting the long-term effects on survivors. We thoroughly searched the databases for relevant articles till May 2021. The research articles that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria were assessed and reviewed by two independent researchers. After preliminary screening of the identified articles through title and abstract, 249 were selected. Consequently, 167 full-text articles were assessed and reviewed based on our inclusion criteria and thus 20 articles were regarded as eligible and analyzed in the present analysis. All the studies included adult population aged between 18 and above 60 years. The median length of hospital stay of the COVID-19 patients during the acute infection phase ranged from 8 days to 17 days. The most common prevalent long-term symptoms in COVID-19 patients included persistent fatigue and dyspnea in almost all of the studies. Other reported common symptoms included: shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, chest pain or tightness, headache, loss of smell/taste, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of memory, depression, anxiety. Associated cardiovascular events included arrhythmias, palpitations and hypotension, increased HR, venous thromboembolic diseases, myocarditis, and acute/decompensated heart failure as well. Among neurological manifestations headache, peripheral neuropathy symptoms, memory issues, concentration, and sleep disorders were most commonly observed with varying frequencies. Mental health issues affecting mental abilities, mood fluctuations namely anxiety and depression, and sleep disorders were commonly seen. Further, diarrhea, vomiting, digestive disorders, and Loss of appetite or weight loss are common gastrointestinal manifestations. Therefore, appropriate clinical evaluation is required in long COVID cases which in turn may help us to identify the risk factors, etiology, and to my help, we treat them early with appropriate management strategies.

The effect of cleaning and repainting on the ship drag penalty

Although the hull of a recently dry-docked large ship is expected to be relatively smooth, surface scanning and experimentation reveal that it can exhibit an "orange-peel" roughness pattern with an equivalent sand-grain roughness height ks = 0. 101 mm. Using the known ks value and integral boundary layer evolution, a recently cleaned and coated full-scale ship was predicted to experience a significant increase in the average coefficient of friction %ΔC¯f and total hydrodynamic resistance %ΔR¯T during operation. Here the report also discusses two recently reported empirical estimations that can estimate k_s directly from measured surface topographical parameters, by-passing the need for experiments on replicated surfaces. The empirical estimations are found to have an accuracy of 4.5 - 5 percentage points in %ΔC¯f.

Contribution of advanced fluorescence nano microscopy towards revealing mitotic chromosome structure

The organization of chromatin into higher-order structures and its condensation process represent one of the key challenges in structural biology. This is important for elucidating several disease states. To address this long-standing problem, development of advanced imaging methods has played an essential role in providing understanding into mitotic chromosome structure and compaction. Amongst these are two fast evolving fluorescence imaging technologies, specifically fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and super-resolution microscopy (SRM). FLIM in particular has been lacking in the application of chromosome research while SRM has been successfully applied although not widely. Both these techniques are capable of providing fluorescence imaging with nanometer information. SRM or "nanoscopy" is capable of generating images of DNA with less than 50 nm resolution while FLIM when coupled with energy transfer may provide less than 20 nm information. Here, we discuss the advantages and limitations of both methods followed by their contribution to mitotic chromosome studies. Furthermore, we highlight the future prospects of how advancements in new technologies can contribute in the field of chromosome science.

Tradisi “Mbeleh Wedhus Kendhit” Sebagai Sarana Tolak Balak di Masa Pandemi Covid-19

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan tradisi mbeleh wedhus kendhit sebagai sarana tolak bala di masa pandemi covid-19, juga untuk mengetahui bagaimana konstruksi pemahaman masyarakat mengenai tradisi mbeleh wedhus kendhit sebagai sarana tolak bala di masa pandemi covid-19, dan terakhir, untuk mengetahui nilai yang terkandung dalam tradisi mbeleh wedhus kendhit sebagai sarana tolak bala di masa pandemi covid-19. Untuk menjawab tujuan penelitian tersebut, penulis menggunakan pendekatan kualititatif  dengan jenis fenomenologis. Setelah data terkumpul, untuk mencari konstruksi pemahaman, dianalisis dengan menggunakan teori konstriuksi sosial Berger dan Luckman tentang subjective reality, symbolic reality, dan objective reality, juga tentang eksteralisasi, objektifikasi, dan iternalisasi. Sedangkan untuk mencari nilai yang terkandung dalam tradisi, menggunakan analisis descriptive-eksplorative. Dari hasil penelitian tersebut diketahui bahwa, tradisi ini merupakan rangkaian acara yang dimulai dari penyembelihan wedhus kendhit hingga doa bersama di lapangan dusun, dilaksanakan secara tentatif ketika terjadi pagebluk, seperti pagebluk covid-19. Masyarakat memahami bahwa tradisi mbeleh wedhus kendhit adalah sumber segala nilai, lanjut melaksanakan, kemudian mereka mendapatkan suatu kebenaran kolektif tentang adanya khasiat sebagai sarana tolak bala. Nilai yang terkandung dalam tradisi “mbeleh wedhus kendhit” ada dua, yakni nilai ilahiyah dan nilai insaniyah.

Konstruksi Pemahaman Jamaah Majelis Zikir Al-Khidmah Terhadap Sakralitas Banyu Mana>qib

Abstract: This article aims to describe how the construction of the congregation's understanding of the al-Khidmah zikir assembly about the sacredness of banyu mana> qib so that it influences and moves the congregation to put water around the assembly. To answer these questions, the author uses a qualitative research methodology with analysis using the theory of Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckman about social construction. The construction of the understanding of the congregation of the Al-Khidmah zikir assembly when viewed with Berger and Luckman's theory will take place through dialegical interactions of subjective reality, symbolic reality, and objective reality. Subjective reality in this theory, each individual believes that the reading of mana>qib is a source of value. After that, it is symbolically represented - symbolic reality - by placing water around the qib. Then the combination of each individual raises an objective reality about banyu mana>qib. Simultaneously there is also a process of externalization, objectification, and iternalization. The externalization process occurs when the congregation adjusts to the values that have developed among the congregation. Then the objectification is marked by the congregation who has the same understanding and perception, namely, banyu mana> qib which is able to provide properties as a healing medium. Finally, the congregation identifies itself (internalization) about the needs they want to fulfill through / because of the water, so that an action appears.الملخص: يهدف هذا المقال إلى دراسة كيفية بناء فهم مجمع ذكر الخدمت على قدسية مياه المناقب وبالتالي التأثير على المصلين وتحريكهم لوضع الماء حول التجمع. للإجابة على هذا السؤال ، يستخدم المؤلف منهجية بحث نوعي مع التحليل باستخدام نظرية بيتر ل.بيرجر وتوماس لاكمان في البناء الاجتماعي. إن بناء فهم مجمع ذكرى الخدمتة ، إذا ما نظر إليه بنظرية بيرغر ولوكمان ، سيتم من خلال التفاعل الديالكتيكي للواقع الذاتي والواقع الرمزي والواقع الموضوعي. الحقيقة الذاتية في هذه النظرية ، يعتقد كل فرد أن قراءة المناقب مصدر قيمة. بعد ذلك يتم تمثيلها رمزياً - الواقع الرمزي - بوضع الماء حول مكان قراءة المناقب. ثم يؤدي الجمع بين كل فرد إلى إحضار حقيقة موضوعية حول مناقب المياه. في الوقت نفسه ، هناك أيضًا عملية المبالغة والتشكيل والإمالة. تحدث عملية التخارج عندما تتكيف الجماعة مع القيم التي نشأت بين المصلين. ثم يتم تمييز التشيؤ من قبل المصلين الذين لديهم نفس الفهم والإدراك ، أي مياه المناقب القادرة على توفير الفعالية كوسيلة للشفاء. أخيرًا ، يعرّف المصلين أنفسهم (مستوطنين) حول الاحتياجات التي يريدون تلبيتها من خلال / بسبب الماء ، بحيث ينشأ فعل ما.Abstrak: Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan bagaimana konstruksi pemahaman jamaah majelis zikir Al-Khidmah tentang sakralitas banyu mana>qib sehingga mempengaruhi dan menggerakan jamaah untuk meletakkan air di sekitar majelis. Untuk menjawab pertanyaan tersebut, penulis menggunakan metodologi penelitian kualitatif dengan analisis menggunakan teori Peter L. Berger dan Thomas Luckman tentang konstruksi sosial. Konstruksi pemahaman jamaah majelis zikir Al-Khidmah jika dilihat dengan teori Berger dan Luckman maka akan berlangsung melalui interaksi dialegtis dari subjective reality, symbolic reality, dan objective reality. Subjective reality dalam teori ini, masing-masing individu meyakini bahwa bacaan manaqib adalah sumber nilai. Setelah itu direpresentasikan secara simbolis –symbolic reality- dengan meletakkan air di sekitar tempat pembacaan mana>qib. Kemudian gabungan masing-masing individu memunculkan satu objective reality tentang banyu mana>qib. Secara simultan juga terjadi proses eksteralisasi, objektifikasi, dan iternalisasi. Proses eksternalisasi terjadi ketika jamaah menyesuaikan diri dengan nilai yang sudah berkembang di kalangan jamaah. Kemudian objektifikasi ditandai dengan jamaah yang memiliki pemahaman dan presepsi yang sama, yakni, banyu mana>qib yang mampu memberikan khasiat sebagai media penyembuhan. Terakhir, jamaah mengidentifikasi dirinya (internalisasi) tentang kebutuhan yang hendak mereka penuhi melalui/lantaran air tersebut, sehingga muncul suatu tindakan.

Physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of chocolate spread fortified with jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) flour

Chocolate spread is often considered as an unhealthy product with low antioxidant activity and phenolic content since it does not contain cocoa liquor. This research aimed to investigate the potential on the physicochemical composition and antioxidant activity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) flour and red palm olein in the chocolate spread formulations. The effect of the jack fruit and red palm olein incorporation on the quality attributes and high nutritional value of chocolate spread was also examined. Physicochemical properties of the fortified chocolate spread, as well as the evaluation of physical parameters in the chocolate spread, were investigated. Melting points were analyzed by DSC (Differential scanning calorimeter) method, colour lightness was analyzed by chromameter hunter method, profile bioactive compound was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and whilst for viscosity by Brookfield Viscometer method. The analysis results obtained that the sample code F5 (10% jackfruit flour: 26% sugar) contains of 43.47% fat, 0,88% free fatty acids, polyphenol 127 mg/g, 160.16 mg/g carotenoids, 42.75 μg/mL antioxidant activity IC50, and 6.19 degree of acidity per 100 g chocolate spreads and high panelists preference. However, the fortified chocolate spread had different characteristics from each other either in the chemical, physical or sensory properties. The best formulation code is F5 with 10% jackfruit flour, fortification significantly increased the antioxidant activity, carotenoid, polyphenols, viscosity, colour and melting points. Additionally, chocolate spread with 10% of jackfruit flour by-product presented the highest-ranking test rate of the three sensory attributes of aroma, taste and texture. Therefore, the use of jackfruit by-products in the development of chocolate spread is a viable alternative which can be explored for nutritional, technological and sensory purposes by the food industry.

In vitro antibacterial activity and potential applications in food of sea urchin (Diadema setosum) from Cape of Palette, South Sulawesi

Marine invertebrates in support of his life's defence of sea predatory use an innate immune mechanism, namely the cellular component hemocytes by secreting the dissolved antimicrobial and cytotoxic substances. It shows that marine invertebrates are potential sources and promising antimicrobial compounds. This research was aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of sea urchin (Diadema setosum) extract against some bacterial isolates and its application to foodstuffs. The gonad and shell of sea urchin extracted by methanol and ethyl acetate and then separated by ultrasound-assisted extraction. Screening of antibacterial compound use gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and disc diffusion method was followed to determine the antimicrobial activity against Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study showed antibacterial activity against one or more strains. The gonad of sea urchin from methanol extract exhibited significant inhibitory effect and effective against Salmonella, E. coli and S. aureus. Majority of gonad and shell of sea urchin extract showed antibacterial activity against the tested strains. However, gonad of methanol extract was found to be inhibiting microorganisms gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (Salmonella and S. aureus). Gonad extract can be a good source of antibacterial agents.

Phytochemical and antibacterial properties of sea cucumber (Muelleria lecanora) from Barrang Lompo Islands, Makassar South Sulawesi

Barrang Lompo Island Waters is home for different species of marine biota of sea cucumber (Muelleria lecanora). Many sea cucumber species have been used as health supplements because they contain bioactive compounds that are beneficial to people in Indonesia. Given this, our study was designed to investigate the phytochemical, and antibacterial properties of crude acetone, methanol and hexane extract of sea cucumber using maceration extraction methods. The sea cucumber extract was prepared and the phytochemical profile was studied by analysing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed that the extracts were a complex mixture of numerous compounds; many of which were present in trace amounts antioxidants and antimicrobial; hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid (z) -, methyl ester (stearic acid methyl ester), octadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 2-[(hexadecyloxy)methyl]oxirane, cholest5-en-3-yl acetate, ergosta-14,22-dien-3-ol, acetate,(3.beta.,5.alpha.,22e), 5,8,11,14- eicosatetraenoic acid, methyl ester, (all-z) epa/omega 3, pentacosane, hexatriacontane, and 9-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (Z). The extract was also evaluated for activity against three pathogenic bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella) using the disc diffusion method. The extract exhibited clear zones of inhibition against the tested bacteria. Maximum inhibitory zone concentration values were demonstrated to be: Escherichia coli = 6.84 mm , Staphylococcus aureus = 7.22 mm, and Salmonella = 7.87 mm. These results revealed the significant potential of sea cucumber as a source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents and also highlight the necessity of further purification and characterisation of solitary bioactive compounds for their prospective applications in pharmaceutical industries, food, and nutraceutical (food functional)

Immune status and the efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy for patients with localized Merkel cell carcinoma of the head and neck

PURPOSE

Immunosuppressed (IS) patients are at increased risk for developing Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) with worsened outcomes compared to immunocompetent (IC) patients. We sought to determine the effects of immune status on the efficacy of adjuvant RT regarding OS for patients with stage I, II or III (localized) MCC of the head and neck.

METHODS/PATIENTS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with resected, localized MCC of the head and neck with known immune status. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to describe OS. Log-rank tests, multivariable Cox regression models and interaction effect testing were used to compare OS by subgroup categorized by patient and treatment factors including immune status and adjuvant RT receipt.

RESULTS

A total of 892 (89.6%) IC and 104 (10.4%) IS patients with MCC of the head and neck were included. Adjuvant RT was associated with improved 3-year OS rate for both IS patients (49.4% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.0467) and stage I/II IC patients (72.4% vs. 62.9%, p = 0.0092). Adjuvant RT was associated with decreased hazard of death (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.95). Interaction effect testing did not demonstrate a difference in the efficacy of adjuvant RT on OS between IC and IS status (p = 0.157).

CONCLUSIONS

In this NCDB analysis, adjuvant RT was associated with decreased hazard of death for patients with localized MCC of the head and neck regardless of immune status and should be considered for both IS and IC patients.

Phase-contrast 3D tomography of HeLa cells grown in PLLA polymer electrospun scaffolds using synchrotron X-rays

Advanced imaging is useful for understanding the three-dimensional (3D) growth of cells. X-ray tomography serves as a powerful noninvasive, nondestructive technique that can fulfill these purposes by providing information about cell growth within 3D platforms. There are a limited number of studies taking advantage of synchrotron X-rays, which provides a large field of view and suitable resolution to image cells within specific biomaterials. In this study, X-ray synchrotron radiation microtomography at Diamond Light Source and advanced image processing were used to investigate cellular infiltration of HeLa cells within poly L-lactide (PLLA) scaffolds. This study demonstrates that synchrotron X-rays using phase contrast is a useful method to understand the 3D growth of cells in PLLA electrospun scaffolds. Two different fiber diameter (2 and 4 µm) scaffolds with different pore sizes, grown over 2, 5 and 8 days in vitro, were examined for infiltration and cell connectivity. After performing visualization by segmentation of the cells from the fibers, the results clearly show deeper cell growth and higher cellular interconnectivity in the 4 µm fiber diameter scaffold. This indicates the potential for using such 3D technology to study cell-scaffold interactions for future medical use.

Effect of Adding Insulin Transferrin Selenium (ITS) in the Medium on Maturation and Fertilization Rates of Bali Cattle Oocytes

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding Insulin Transferrin Selenium (ITS) in the medium on maturation and fertilization rates of Bali cattle oocytes. The ovarium of Bali cows were sliced to produce oocytes, then the collected oocytes were subsequently selected based on their quality. Those oocytes were maturated for 24 hours and then fertilized for 18 hours in the incubators of 5% CO2 with temperature of 38.5ºC. Oocytes were stained using 2% of aceto orcein, and observed under a microscope. This study was divided into four treatments at different addition of ITS in the medium and replicated four times, and analized using a Factorial Complete Randomized Design (CRD)at each treatment. The treatments consisted of P0 as control, P1 (5 ng/ml), P2 (10 ng/ml), and P3 (15 ng/ml). Parameters observed in this study were the stages of oocytes maturation rate that consisted of germinal vesicle (GV), germinal vesicle break down (GVBD), metaphase I (M-I), and metaphase II (M-II), and fertilization rate that consisted of absence of pronucleus (P0), 1 pronucleus (PN1), 2 pronucleus (PN2), and more than two pronucleus (&gt;2PN). The results of this study showed that addition of ITS at 5-15 ng/ml did not effect maturation and fertilization rates of Bali cows oocytes.The conculision of the study is addition of ITS at 5 ng / ml produces the best level of maturation and for the best level of fertilization with addition ITS at 15 ng / ml.

How do office workers respond to media coverage of sitting?

BACKGROUND

Sitting time is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes, and premature mortality. Office workers sit for prolonged periods, so are at particular risk. Scientific advances in public health threats are predominantly communicated to the public through media reports.

AIMS

This study aimed to examine office workers' impromptu responses to media coverage of scientific evidence related to the health risks of sedentary behaviour.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were run with 26 office workers (mean age 35 years), recruited from four organizations in southern England. Within the interview, each participant provided a 'think-aloud' narrative as they read three real-world news reports relating to sedentary behaviour. Thematic analysis was conducted on verbatim transcripts.

RESULTS

Three themes were extracted from the data: gauging the personal relevance of the news reports; questioning their trustworthiness and challenging the feasibility of proposed sitting-reduction strategies. Participants voiced scepticism about the applicability of the reports to their personal circumstances, and the validity of the reports and the scientific evidence underpinning them.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers, press officers and journalists should emphasise the ways in which participants in research studies represent the broader population of office workers, and offer greater transparency in reporting study methods, when reporting scientific advances in sedentary behaviour.

Effect of Bali cattle ovarian status on oocytes nuclear maturation and in vitro fertilization rate

<p>The aim of this study was to investigate whether the reproductive status influences the nuclear maturation and fertilization rates of bali cattle oocytes in vitro. Several pairs of ovary were classified into four groups: 1) ovaries with Corpus Luteum (CL) and Dominant Follicle (DF), 2) ovaries without CL and with DF, 3) ovaries with CL and without DF, 4) ovaries without both CL and DF. In the first experiment, oocytes were collected by slicing method in Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and 100 IU/ml penicillin streptomycin. Oocytes were matured in tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 10 IU/ml Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), 10 IU/ml Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and 50 μg/ml gentamycin. Oocytes were matured in 5% CO2 incubator, 38oC for 24 h. In the second experiment, oocytes were matured and then fertilized in vitro to observe pronuclear formation. The first experiment showed that the percentage of oocytes reached methaphase-II (MII) stage on ovaries with CL and without DF (89.47%) were higher (P&lt;0,01) compared to ovaries without both CL and DF (75,47%), ovaries without CL and with DF (74.,41%), or ovaries with CL and DF (65,52%). The result of second experiment showed that the ovarian reproductive status was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) on fertilization rate.</p>

Procedures for cryogenic X-ray ptychographic imaging of biological samples

Biological sample-preparation procedures have been developed for imaging human chromosomes under cryogenic conditions. A new experimental setup, developed for imaging frozen samples using beamline I13 at Diamond Light Source, is described. This manuscript describes the equipment and experimental procedures as well as the authors' first ptychographic reconstructions using X-rays.

Scanning electron microscope studies of human metaphase chromosomes

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to evaluate potential chromosome preparations and staining methods for application in high-resolution three-dimensional X-ray imaging. Our starting point is optical fluorescence microscopy, the standard method for chromosomes, which only gives structural detail at the 200 nm scale. In principle, with suitable sample preparation protocols, including contrast enhancing staining, the surface structure of the chromosomes can be viewed at the 1 nm level by SEM. Here, we evaluate a heavy metal nucleic-acid-specific stain, which gives strong contrast in the backscattered electron signal. This study uses SEM to examine chromosomes prepared in different ways to establish a sample preparation protocol for X-rays. Secondary electron and backscattered electron signals are compared to evaluate the effectiveness of platinum-based stains used to enhance the contrast.

24-Epibrassinolide regulates photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme activities and proline content of Cucumis sativus under salt and/or copper stress

Brassinosteroids have been extensively used to overcome various abiotic stresses. But its role in combined stress of salt and excess copper remains unexplored. Seeds of two cultivars (Rocket and Jumbo) of Cucumis sativus were grown in sand amended with copper (100 mg kg(-1)), and developed seedlings were exposed to salt stress in the form of NaCl (150 mM) at the 30-day stage of growth for 3 days. These seedlings were subsequently sprayed with 0 or 0.01 μM of 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) at the 35-day stage. The plants exposed to NaCl and Cu in combination exhibited a significant decline in fresh and dry mass of plant, chlorophyll content, activities of carbonic anhydrase, net photosynthetic rate and maximum quantum yield of the PSII primary photochemistry followed by NaCl and Cu stress alone, more severely in Jumbo than in Rocket. However, the follow-up treatment with EBL to the stressed and nonstressed plant improved growth, chlorophyll content, carbonic anhydrase activity and photosynthetic efficiency, and further enhanced the activity of various antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and content of proline at the 40-day stage of growth, and the response of the hormone was more effective in Rocket than in Jumbo. The elevated level of antioxidant enzymes as well as proline could have conferred tolerance to the NaCl- and/or Cu-stressed plants resulting in improved growth, water relations and photosynthetic attributes. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme activity and proline content were more enhanced in Rocket than in Jumbo cultivar.

24-epibrassinolide modulates growth, nodulation, antioxidant system, and osmolyte in tolerant and sensitive varieties of Vigna radiata under different levels of nickel: a shotgun approach

The objective of this study was to explore the response of 24-epibrassinolide to improve the biological yield of Ni-tolerant and Ni-sensitive varieties of Vigna radiata and also to test the propositions that 24-epibrassinolide induced up-regulation of antioxidant system protects the efficiency of V. radiata, grown under Ni-stress. Surface sterilized seeds of var. T-44 (Ni-tolerant) and PDM-139 (Ni-sensitive) were soaked in DDW (control), 10(-10), 10(-8), or 10(-6) M of 24-epibrassinolide for 8 h (shotgun approach). These treated seeds were then inoculated with specific Rhizobium grown in sandy loam soil supplemented with different levels of Ni 0, 50, 100, or 150 mg Ni kg(-1) of soil and were allowed to grow for 45-days. At this stage of growth, plants were sampled to assess the various growths and nodule related traits as well as selected biochemical characteristics. The remaining plants were allowed to grow to maturity to study the yield characteristics. The results indicated that plant-fresh and dry mass, number of nodules, their fresh and dry mass, leghemoglobin content, nitrogen and carbohydrate content in the nodules, leaf chlorophyll content, activities of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase decreased proportionately with the increasing concentrations of soil nickel. However, the application of 24-epibrassinolide as shotgun approach (pre-sowing seed soaking) to the nickel-stressed or non-stressed plants improved growth, nodulation and enhanced the activity of various antioxidant enzymes (viz. catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and also the content of proline. The up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes as well as proline (osmolyte) triggered by 24-epibrassinolide could have conferred tolerance to the Ni-stressed plants resulting in improved growth, nodulation and yield attributes.

Nickel: an overview of uptake, essentiality and toxicity in plants

Nickel even though recognized as a trace element, its metabolism is very decisive for certain enzyme activities, maintaining proper cellular redox state and various other biochemical, physiological and growth responses. Study of the aspects related with uptake, transport and distributive localization of Ni is very important in various cellular metabolic processes particularly under increased nitrogen metabolism. This review article, in core, encompasses the dual behavior of Ni in plants emphasizing its systemic partitioning, essentiality and ill effects. However, the core mechanism of molecules involved and the successive physiological conditions required starting from the soil absorption, neutralization and toxicity generated is still elusive, and varies among the plants.

Adrenocortical response in cows after intramuscular injection of long-acting adrenocorticotropic hormone (tetracosactide acetate zinc suspension)

The objectives of this study were first to show adrenocortical response to a long-acting adrenocorticotropic hormone preparation (tetracosactide acetate zinc suspension) (ACTH-Z) and its effect on adrenocortical function in beef cows (Experiment 1) and second to apply the ACTH-Z challenge in dairy cows based on cortisol concentrations in milk collected at routine milking (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, four beef cows in luteal phase were challenged with ACTH-Z, and plasma cortisol concentrations were determined for 48 h after the injection at 30-min to 2-h intervals. A rapid ACTH test was conducted 3 days before and 2 h after the completion of ACTH-Z injection for 48 h to investigate the effect on adrenocortical function. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased significantly 30 min after ACTH-Z injection (p < 0.001), and the high cortisol levels were maintained for approximately 10 h after the injection. In Experiment 2, eight dairy cows were subjected to ACTH-Z challenge 1-2 weeks and 4-5 weeks post-partum. Blood and milk samples were taken at morning and afternoon milking. All the cows showed a significant increase in cortisol concentrations in plasma as well as in skim milk 8 h after ACTH-Z injection 1-2 weeks and 4-5 weeks post-partum (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between plasma and skim milk cortisol concentrations 8 h after ACTH-Z challenge (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). The results obtained in this study suggest that elevated levels of plasma cortisol are maintained for approximately 10 h after ACTH-Z treatment without adverse effect on adrenocortical function and a long-acting ACTH-Z challenge based on cortisol concentrations in milk, which were collected at the morning and the afternoon milking, can be a useful tool to monitor adrenocortical function in cows.