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Identifying Environmental And Genetic Risk Factors Of Diseases In Case-Control Studies, Siting Li

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

In response to the increasing efforts in disease prevention and treatment, this thesis applies statistical methods to investigate environmental and genetic risk factors associated with two diseases: bladder cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For bladder cancer, we investigated the association between toenail metal mixture and bladder cancer risk, along with gene expression levels associated with bladder cancer risk. For ALS, our investigation involves identifying genetic variants and gene expression levels associated with ALS risk and exploring gene-smoking interactions linked to ALS risk.

In chapter two, we developed an adaptive-mixture-categorization (AMC)-based g-computation method combining g-computation with optimized exposure categorization. We …

Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived Acetate Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Development By Altering Polyamine Metabolism Via The Acss2–Sp1–Sat1 Axis, Divya Murthy, Kuldeep S. Attri, Surendra K. Shukla, Ravi Thakur, Nina V. Chaika, Chunbo He, Dezhen Wang, Kanupriya Jha, Aneesha Dasgupta, Ryan J. King, Scott E. Mulder, Joshua Souchek, Teklab Gebregiworgis, Vikant Rai, Rohit Patel, Tuo Hu, Sandeep Rana, Sai Sundeep Kollala, Camila Pacheco, Paul M. Grandgenett, Fang Yu, Vikas Kumar, Audrey J. Lazenby, Adrian R. Black, Susanna Ulhannan, Ajay Jain, Barish H. Edil, David L. Klinkebiel, Robert Powers, Amarnath Natarajan, Michael A. Hollingsworth, Kamiya Mehla2,, Quan Ly, Sarika Chaudhary, Rosa F. Hwang, Kathryn E. Wellen, Pankaj K. Singh

Robert Powers Publications

The ability of tumour cells to thrive in harsh microenvironments depends on the utilization of nutrients available in the milieu. Here we show that pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) regulate tumour cell metabolism through the secretion of acetate, which can be blocked by silencing ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) in CAFs. We further show that acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) channels the exogenous acetate to regulate the dynamic cancer epigenome and transcriptome, thereby facilitating cancer cell survival in an acidic microenvironment. Comparative H3K27ac ChIP–seq and RNA–seq analyses revealed alterations in polyamine homeostasis through regulation of SAT1 gene expression and enrichment …

Wayne E. Sabbe Arkansas Soil Fertility Studies 2023, Nathan A. Slaton

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Rapid technological changes in crop management and production require that the research efforts be presented in an expeditious manner. The contributions of soil fertility and fertilizers are major production factors in all Arkansas crops. The studies described within will allow producers to compare their practices with the university’s research efforts. Additionally, soil-test data and fertilizer sales are presented to allow comparisons among years, crops, and other areas within Arkansas.

Federated Analysis Of Wearables Data For United States Air Force Mental And Physical Readiness, Sung Yong O

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the use of machine learning and deep learning models within a federated learning framework to predict physical and mental readiness in military personnel, using wearable technology data. The collaboration with the 711th Human Performance Wing’s STRONG Lab highlights the importance of readiness as emphasized by the National Defense and Security Strategies. The study evaluates various predictive models, incorporating federated learning to ensure data privacy and security in healthcare systems. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset, the research aims to contribute to military readiness enhancement through technological advancements, supporting health and wellness initiatives to bolster the effectiveness of military …

Single Domain Soft Ferromagnetic Ferrofluid Suitable For Intratumoural Magnetic Hyperthermia, Karthickraja Duraisamy, Muthu Devaraj, Ajithkumar Gangadharan, Karen S. Martirosyan, Niroj Kumar Sahu, Prasath Manogaran, Girija Easwaradas Kreedapathy

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Magnetic hyperthermia is an effective modality for treating cancerous cells selectively at the intracellular level via proper administration, surface tagging and appropriate choice of magnetic nanoparticle. Also, achieving the therapeutic temperature with as much low concentration of nanoparticles, as possible, is desirable. Recently, ferromagnetic nanoparticles or ferrofluid are gaining attention as effective magnetic hyperthermia agents due to their enhanced heating potential under in vivo conditions. In the present work, we have fabricated citrate capped cobalt ferrite ferrofluid via a simple two-step process and investigated the physicochemical, magnetic and induction heating performance. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticle …

Differential Energy Allocation Among 15 New Guineagrass (Panicum Maximum Jacq.) Hybrids, J A. Usberti Jr, R Usberti, R S. Paterniani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The main aim of this research work was to determine trends of energy allocation among newly developed guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq) hybrids, ranging from very-early to late-flowering genotypes. Besides the flowering cycle, eight phenological and two seed quality traits were scored in a greenhouse randomized complete block experiment including plant height (PH), reproductive tiller number/overall tiller number (RTN/OTN), panicle number/reproductive tiller (PN/RT), leaf length (LL), leaf width (LW), panicle length (PL), fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), number of seeds/gram (NS/G) and seed sample physical purity (SPP). Very-early and early-flowering hybrids consistently showed the highest correlations values between flowering …

Lodging Resistance Evaluation In Lolium Multiflorum, Katsuo Egara, Kazuhiro Tase, Makoto Kobayashi, Hiroki Fujii

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to develop a simple technique to evaluate lodging resistance in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) for genetic improvement. Significant relationships were recognized between the pushing resistance index and actual lodging degree (ALD), and between the breaking resistance index and ALD, at the 0.1 and 5 percent levels, respectively.

Performance Of Dairy Cows, Feed Quality And N Balance On Pasture Systems With Or Without Mineral N Fertilizer, M Rodehutscord, Ina Hahner, H Spiekers, E Pfeffer

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In a 2 year experiment, two levels of mineral N fertilization (nil and 225 kg N/ha) on pasture were checked for their effects on pasture yield and quality as well as for performance of dairy cows. Twenty six cows were used in each treatment and the stocking density was adapted to previous results on pasture growth rates. Cows were kept on pasture during summer and grass silages were harvested from the respective experimental areas for winter feeding periods. Digestibility of organic matter in these silages, determined in wether sheep, was always higher in those silages harvested from pasture without mineral …

Effect Of Milk Yield, Sward Height And Concentrate Supplementation Level On Herbage Intake And Grazing Behaviour Of Set-Stocked Dairy Cattle In Spring, R Pulido, J D. Leaver

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An experiment was carried out in spring over 42 days, with 48 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows, to examine the interrelationship of milk yield level, sward height and concentrate level. Two initial milk yield groups of 21.3 and 35.5 kg/day, two range of compressed sward heights of 3 to 5 cm, and 7 to 9 cm , and three concentrate levels of 0 and 6 kg/day and ad libitum were evaluated in a factorial design. Multiple regression analyses were carried out relating intake and behavioural dependent variables to the independent variables initial milk yield (IMY), sward height (SH) and concentrate intake …

Ruminal Fill Effect Of Forages: Prediction And Relationship With Voluntary Intake, R Baumont, A Barlet, J Jamot

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) and rumen fill were measured on sheep fed with 18 forages ranging from wheat straw to lucerne hay. In vivo fill effect (IVFE i.e. rumen DM pool divided by VDMI), in situ degradability, cell-wall composition, pepsin-cellulase digestibility and in vitro gas production were determined. In situ estimated fill effect (ISFE) was calculated as the retention time of insoluble potential degradable and undegradable fractions using a constant rate of passage. ISFE and IVFE were highly correlated (r2=0.89) but ISFE values were lower than IVFE values because in situ degradability does not integrate comminution time of …

Intake And Quality Of Panicum Maximum (Cv. Gatton) Receiving Different Levels Of Nitrogen During Autumn, W.A. Van Niekerk, N F.G. Rethman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of N fertilization on the quality of Panicum maximum cv. Gatton (Panicum) and the subsequent intake thereof. Hand cut samples increased in N (1.8 - 2.7%) and NO3-N content (0.75 - 1.54%) and decreased in WSC (14.6 - 13.9 g/kg) content, but with no changes in IVDOM as N fertilization levels raised from 0 to 150 kg N/ha respectively. No changes occurred in the NDF and ADL values. The animal selected N, and IVDOM values were higher and NDF value lower than the hand cut samples, which was expected due …

Intake And Partial Digestibility Of Panicum Maximum (Cv. Gatton) At Three Stages Of Maturity During Summer, W.A. Van Niekerk, N F.G. Rethman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of stage of maturity on the intake and digestibility of P. maximum (cv. Gatton) during the active growing season. Low DM content at the young and medium growth stages (24.9 and 25.2%) did not hamper DOMI (48.8 and 44.1 g/kg W0.75/d) respectively. The N concentration of the three stages were well within the limit required for optimal rumen microbial production (1.8 - 2.0%). The high NDF value of the adult stage (59.5%) resulted in a significantly lower IVDOM value (62.3%) but the IVDOM values of all stages were on the …

Implications Of Biomechanical Characters Of Subterranean Clover On Feeding By Redlegged Earth Mite And Intake By Sheep, D A. Henry, S K. Baker, T J. Ridsdill-Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The biomechanical strength of cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) that were either resistant or susceptible to feeding by redlegged earth mite was measured as the force required to penetrate their leaves with a small, tubular punch. Cotyledons and trifoliate leaves of cultivars resistant to redlegged earth mite had a higher resistance to penetration than cultivars susceptible to redlegged earth mite. Cotyledons needed a higher force to penetrate than trifoliate leaves. The possible implications for intake by ruminants of differences between the cultivars in biomechanical characters are also considered.

Bird Friendly Beef: Exploring The Impacts Of Regenerative Forage Production, B. Rigley, J. Gilley, Aem Johnson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the eastern US, managed hayfields and pasturelands represent a significant portion of remaining available grassland bird habitat, hosting several declining species including the eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) and the grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum). However, these working landscapes have deteriorated in their ability to support grassland birds in recent decades due to more frequent and early hay cuttings and intensive grazing. Since the conservation of grassland birds is inextricably linked to agricultural systems, for conservation to be effective, land management must aim to benefit both producers and birds. Regenerative agriculture is an emerging approach that incorporates …

Comparison Between Geese, Peking Ducks And Mallards In Ability To Digest Common Rye-Grass, H Jeroch, R Timmler, G Guy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The aim of this digestibility experiment was to observe the differences between geese, peking ducks and mallards to digest common ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Adult birds were used for the trials. The grass was frozen after harvesting, stored until the experimental period and fed in fresh constitution. The birds were reared in special single cages and had free access to water and grass. Geese have the best adapted digestive tract of all waterfowl species to consume and digest high-fibre feedstuffs. Peking ducks are able to consume a lot of grass and it seems the digestibility values are similar to …

Genotypic Effects On Condensed Tannins In The Leucaena Genus, S A. Dalzell, H M. Shelton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

One hundred and eighteen accessions of the Leucaena genus were assayed for extractable and bound condensed tannins (CT). Leucaena taxa varied from low or no CT (0-1%) to extremely high levels (>15%). There was considerable intraspecific variation in CT within key taxa. The proportion of bound tannin decreased with increasing total CT content.

Forage Grasses And Legumes With Broad Adaptation For Southeast Asia, Ibrahim, E Lanting, C Khemsawat, C C. Wong, Liu Guodao, V Phimphachanhvongsod, L H. Binh, P M. Horne

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A wide range of forages is currently being evaluated by farmers and researchers in seven countries in Southeast Asia. Broadly-adapted species have been identified for fodder banks, grazed systems, tree cropping, erosion control and improved fallows. The most promising accessions to date are Stylosanthes guianensis CIAT 184, Brachiaria decumbens cv Basilisk, Brachiaria humidicola cv Tully and CIAT 6133, CIAT 6780, Centrosema pubescens CIAT 15160 and Andropogon gayanus cv Kent and CIAT 621. Other forages that show promise are Paspalum atratum, Arachis pintoi, and Macroptilium gracile cv. Maldonado. Local seed supply and distribution systems are needed to ensure that …

Herbage Productivity And Quality Of Common Forage Shrubs And Browse Plants Grown In Ghana, P Barnes

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Two trials on herbage productivity and aspects of herbage quality were conducted on a number of indigenous and exotic forage shrubs and browse plants. The first trial involved 13 species and the second 4 species. The two studies were carried out concurrently in one year. In the first study, it was found that the species which combined high herbage yield and good quality feed attributes were Cajanus cajan, Calliandra calothrysus, Flemingia macrophylla, Gliricidia sepium and Leucaena leucocephala. These species produced more than 60g. leaf dry matter yield per metre-length in 6 months and more than 15% crude protein …

Monitoring Productivity And Quality Of Grass-Legume Pastures Under Irrigated Condition, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avcy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The performance of six grass-white clover mixtures were evaluated in winter cold zone of Eastern Anatolia. In combination with white clover, ryegrass (Lolium perenne L) cocksfoot, (Dactylis glomerata L) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss) were used in double and triple plant mixtures. Average DM production ranged from 7.5 to 10 t/ha , with no significant differences observed among the mixed swards. DM production of all mixed swards significantly varied between cutting periods and years. A gradual decrease in DM production was observed both from the first to forth cut and from the first to third year. …

Dry Matter Production And Nutritive Value Of Wild Alfalfa, C N. Shin

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Alfalfa grows wild in some parts of Korea, but specific information is lacking as to its agronomic characteristics, nutritive value and dry matter production potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of wild alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) as a forage. Wild alfalfa and Vernal were field sown at Keongsan, Keongbuk in the spring of 1995. Emergence for Vernal was better than for wild alfalfa. It was observed that the flowering date of the wild alfalfa was delayed by 8 days. Regrowth of Vernal was better than that of the wild alfalfa at each harvesting. After …

Quantitative And Qualitative Evaluation Of Legume Forage Species In Southern Italy, P Martiniello, V Laudadio, F Pinto, B Ciruzzi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Legume herbage quality and quantity depend on genetic background to be able to sustain metabolic activity under increasingly harsh environmental conditions. Field experiments were carried out in Foggia, a southern Italian town (a typical Mediterranean location) on varieties and ecotypes of two perennial legume (sainfoin and sulla) mostly widespread in Mediterranean environments. The experiment compared irrigated and non-irrigated conditions and two different seed rates. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of agronomic factors on herbage production and the nutritive value of the forage. Irrigation and higher seed rate treatment increased dry matter yield in both species. …

Silphium Perfoliatum: A North American Prairie Plant With Potential As A Forage Crop, K A. Albrecht, W Goldstein

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Cup-plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) is a perennial member of the Asteraceae family, native to mesic sites of the North American prairie. Two experiments were conducted to gain knowledge of the performance of cup-plant grown in monoculture as a managed, harvested crop. In the first experiment, three cup-plant ecotypes grown near East Troy, WI and harvested twice per season for 3 years yielded from 9 to 11 Mg ha-1 each season. Mean neutral detergent fiber concentration was 385 g kg-1, acid detergent fiber 290 g kg-1, and crude protein 175 g kg-1 at late bud. The second experiment was an …

Role Of Non-Traditional Forages In Livestock Production In India, Bhag Mal, J N. Gupta, J P. Singh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The paper reports a number of non-traditional forage species which form the life support system for grazing animals in normal conditions as well as scarcity periods like droughts and famines. Such species vary according to climatic and ecological conditions of India. These species play an important role in domestic livestock production as well as providing forage to the game animals. In the arid region the majority of such species are small trees and shrubs; in semi-arid regions majority of such species are shrubs, aquatic weeds and minor millets. In temperate/alpine Himalaya such species range from lichens, ferns, climbers to shrubs …

Cold Hardiness Variation In Annual Medicago Species At The Seedling Stage, N Yahia, F-Z Fyad-Lameche

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The study was carried out on three annual Medicago species (M. polymorpha, M. aculeata and M. ciliaris) each represented by five populations. Cold tolerance of the accessions was tested using a laboratory chilling test on seedling growth and soluble protein content of acclimated and non-acclimated seedlings. Lots of 3-d-old seedlings were submitted to cold treatment for 48 and 96 hours. For each treatment, response was determined by measuring seedlings’ weight and height, and radicle length for both acclimated and non-acclimated seedling lots. Seedling growth was adversely affected by low temperature, and resistant cultivars had a better rate of …

Quality Evaluation Of Feed Resources At The Newly Reclaimed Area In Egypt, M K. Hathout, F Z. Swidan, M F. El-Sayes, H A. Eid

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to examine the productivity of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) interseeded with ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and alfalfa (Medicaga sativa L.). These species were planted in newly reclaimed land in Ismailia, Egypt under two fertilization systems; organic (OF) or chemical (CF) during winter season of (1994-1995) using a split plot design. Feeding quality of forages was evaluated by conducting digestibility trials with rams and feeding trials with growing lambs where forage was offered ad. libitum with 1% of LBW concentrate. Productivity data indicated that organic fertilization yielded significantly more DM. Chemical …

Performance Of Perennial Peanut (Arachis Glabrata Benth) In Cameroon, R M. Njwe, B Awounfouet

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this study was to assess the yield and chemical composition of perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) at growth intervals of 30, 45, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days so as to recommend the best interval of cutting. The yield of dry matter increased from 3133 to 3804 kg ha-1 at cutting intervals of 30 and 60 days, respectively, after which it declined to 3445 kg ha-1 at 90 days . The dry matter content increased with cutting interval from 25.6 % at 30 days to 31.6 % at 90 days. After 45 days of regrowth the crude protein …

Productivity Of Panicum Dichotomiflorum Michx., Promising New Forage Grass, Seung Keun Jong, Dong Sam Cho

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Since summer growth of forage crops limits cattle grazing and hay production in Korea, it is important to exploit the natural resources which are suitable for forage production. A series of experiments to establish cultural management practice for Panicum dichotomiflorum MICHX. were carried out at the Experimental Farm of Chungbuk National University from 1993 to 1995. Stratification of seed promoted emergence and plant establishment. Although fresh and dry yield at the 1st harvest were closely related with number of plants established per unit area, total yield was less affected by number of plants at the early stage. P. dichotomiflorum MICHX. …

Salix Babylonica, A Traditional Fodder With Promising Potential, K Wangdi, W Roder, P Thinlay

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In Bhutan, tree fodders are important for ruminant nutrition, especially during the dry winter season. Salix babylonica is the preferred species for temperate regions. Farmers above 2000 m plant it widely for fodder, fuel, and fencing. Lack of fodder availability during the dry season, and competition with other crops are its main disadvantages. Crude protein content of S. babylonica leaves declined from 25% in May to 11% in October. Voluntary intake was 78 and 85 g dry matter/W0.75 and live weight gain 330 and 64 g day-1 for growing bulls and sheep, respectively. Dry matter disappearance after 48 hours of …

Research Programme To Improve The Utilization Of Home-Grown Forages In The Netherlands, A.M. Van Vuuren, A H. Bosma, G J. Kaspers, J.J. M.H. Ketelaars, E.N. Van Loo, H J.P. Marvin, H Valk, G.W.J. Van De Ven

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In The Netherlands a research programme has been initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries to increase the proportion of high-quality home-grown forage in rations for dairy cows. This should result in a more sustainable dairy husbandry by improving the efficiency of utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus from home-grown forages (mainly grass and maize) on farm level. Research disciplines involved are plant breeding, forage harvesting and conservation and nutrition.

Road Traffic Noise Annoyance And Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Population: A Case Series Study In Kota Bharu, Malaysia, Faridah Naim, Nurin H M Nasir

Kesmas

Noise pollution can cause annoyance, significantly threatening the population’s health and well-being. This study aimed to find an association between road traffic noise exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among residents in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. This descriptive study used a case series approach and surveyed 34 residents in selected residential areas near main roads. An adapted questionnaire was distributed to residents using a purposive sampling method. Questions related to sociodemographic information, self-reporting about CVD, and road traffic noise assessment were asked to investigate the underlying risk factors for CVD. The average score of CVD assessment was classified as moderate risk. …