Digital Commons Network^™

A Brief Review Of Vertebrate Sex Evolution With A Pledge For Integrative Research: Towards ‘Sexomics’, Matthias Stock, Lukáš Kratochvíl, Heiner Kuhl, Michail Rovatsos, Ben J. Evans, Alexander Suh, Nicole Valenzuela, Frederic Veyrunes, Qi Zhou, Tony Gamble, Blanche Capel, Manfred Schartl, Yann Guiguen

Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications

Triggers and biological processes controlling male or female gonadal differentiation vary in vertebrates, with sex determination (SD) governed by environmental factors or simple to complex genetic mechanisms that evolved repeatedly and independently in various groups. Here, we review sex evolution across major clades of vertebrates with information on SD, sexual development and reproductive modes. We offer an up-to-date review of divergence times, species diversity, genomic resources, genome size, occurrence and nature of polyploids, SD systems, sex chromosomes, SD genes, dosage compensation and sex-biased gene expression. Advances in sequencing technologies now enable us to study the evolution of SD at broader …

Determination Of The Nutritional Habits And Anxiety Levels In Individuals With Covid-19 In Turkey, Hatice Iskender, Eda Dokumacioglu, Osman Yalap

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has spread worldwide since December 2019, has infected and claimed the lives of millions of people. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety levels and nutritional habits of patients with COVID-19.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 1, 2021 and May 1, 2021. The study population included a total of 108 individuals with COVID-19 residing in Artvin, Turkey. This study used a self-administered online questionnaire, containing 40 questions from the State and Trait Anxiety Scale.

Results: The state anxiety score was 37.26, and the …

Critical Care Service Delivery Across Healthcare Systems In Low-Income And Low-Middle-Income Countries: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Andrew George Lim, Nicole Benzoni, Et Al

Open Access Publications

INTRODUCTION: Critical care in low-income and low-middle income countries (LLMICs) is an underdeveloped component of the healthcare system. Given the increasing growth in demand for critical care services in LLMICs, understanding the current capacity to provide critical care is imperative to inform policy on service expansion. Thus, our aim is to describe the provision of critical care in LLMICs with respect to patients, providers, location of care and services and interventions delivered.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE for full-text original research articles available in English describing critical care services that specify the location …

Host Fecal Mrnas Predicted Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Among Children With Moderate Acute Malnutrition In Sierra Leone, Akriti Singh, Isabel Potani, Stacy P Griswold, Devika Suri, Breanne Langlois, Ye Shen, Shelley M Walton, Kenneth Kwan Ho Chui, Mark J Manary, Patrick Webb, Beatrice L Rogers, Irwin H Rosenberg

Open Access Publications

Examining the role of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in child growth requires noninvasive, field-appropriate biomarkers. Alternatives to the traditionally used lactulose:mannitol (L:M) test have been explored, but few studies have compared the L:M test to host fecal mRNA transcripts. The objectives of this study were to examine whether 1) host fecal mRNA transcripts could predict presence and severity of EED, measured using the L:M test, and 2) EED modifies the effect of specialized nutritious foods (SNFs) on recovery from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). This substudy was nested within a cluster randomized trial comparing four SNFs in the treatment of MAM …

Reference Intervals And Values For Fecal Cortisol, Aldosterone, And The Ratio Of Cortisol To Dehydroepiandrosterone Metabolites In Four Species Of Cetaceans, Lance J. Miller, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Michael T. Walsh, Jocelyn L. Bryant, Kevin A. Mitchell, Douglas A. Granger, Jill D. Mellen

Biology Faculty Publications and Presentations

The goal of the current study was to create reference intervals and values for several common and one potential novel physiological indicators of animal welfare for four species of cetaceans. The subjects included 189 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 27 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus), eight Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and 13 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) at Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities. During two sampling time periods between July and November of 2018 and between January and April of 2019, fecal samples were collected weekly for five weeks from all …

Redesigning Walking Brochures Using Behaviour Change Theory: Implications For Walking Intentions In Natural Environments, Lewis R. Elliott, Mathew P. White, Lora E. Fleming, Charles Abraham, Adrian H. Taylor

Peninsula Medical School

Summary Natural environments can be used to promote health through facilitating recreational walking. However, efforts to encourage this often neglect messages identified in psychological research that are effective at influencing intentions to walk. This is despite the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence stating that promotional efforts should utilize theoretical frameworks of behaviour change and be targeted towards less active adults. As an illustrative example, this experiment compared a prototypical recreational walking brochure with an “enhanced” version including such persuasive messages on people’s intentions to walk for recreation in natural environments. The enhanced brochure heightened intentions for inexperienced recreational …

The Effect Of Ethanol Extract Of Punica Granatum Linn. Leaves On Lipid Profiles Of Dyslipidemic Rat, Neng Fisheri Kurniati, Afrillia Nuryanti Garmana, Lia Nurul Sakinah

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

It has been reported that peel of Punica granatum has antidyslipidemic activity. The aim of this research was to investigate the antidyslipidemic activity of Punica granatum leaf. The dried Punica granatum leaves were extracted with 96% ethanol. Rats were divided into several groups, which were normal, positive control, simvastatin at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw as reference group, and Punica granatum extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Before treatment, male Wistar rats were fed with high cholesterol chow for 3 months, and then plant extract was given for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at week 0, 12, …

Critical Care Service Delivery Across Healthcare Systems In Low-Income And Low-Middle-Income Countries: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Andrew George Lim, Sean Kivlehan, Lia Ilona Losonczy, Srinivas Murthy, Enrico Dippenaar, Richard Lowsby, Marc Li Chuan L C Yang, Michael S Jaung, P Andrew Stephens, Nicole Benzoni, Nana Sefa, Emily Suzanne Bartlett, Brandon Alexander Chaffay, Naeha Haridasa, Bernadett Pua Velasco, Sojung Yi, Caitlin A Contag, Amir Lotfy Rashed, Patrick Mccarville, Paul D Sonenthal, Nebiyu Shukur, Abdelouahab Bellou, Carl Mickman, Adhiti Ghatak-Roy, Allison Ferreira, Neill Kj Adhikari, Teri Reynolds

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

INTRODUCTION: Critical care in low-income and low-middle income countries (LLMICs) is an underdeveloped component of the healthcare system. Given the increasing growth in demand for critical care services in LLMICs, understanding the current capacity to provide critical care is imperative to inform policy on service expansion. Thus, our aim is to describe the provision of critical care in LLMICs with respect to patients, providers, location of care and services and interventions delivered.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE for full-text original research articles available in English describing critical care services that specify the location …

Seasonal Botanical Composition And Available Forage Of Natural Grasslands In The Southeastern Range Region Of Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil, J. C. L. Reis, H. Alfaya, O. J. W. Siqueira, C. B. Farias Jr.

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of the study was to verify the influence of climatic seasons on botanical composition and on available dry matter of grasslands in the physiographic region known as Serra do Sudeste (Southeastern Range), RS, Brazil. The climate is Cfb according to Koëppen`s classification. The experiment was conducted in two natural grasslands submitted to two pre-experimental stocking rates [area 1: 0.65 AU ha^-1 (normal grazing); area 2: over 2.0 AU ha^-1 (overgrazing); AU: Animal Unit = 500kg live weight]. Stocking rates throughout the experimental period (June 1996–July 1997) were 0.4 and 0.65 AU ha^-1, over winter …

Effect Of Sowing Time On Phytomass Production During Early Growth Of Two Varieties Of Stylosanthes Guianensis (Aubl.) Sw., M. L.S. Paterniani, T. J. D. Rodrigues, G. T. Pereira, L. R. A. Rodrigues

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The objective of this research was to determine the effect of two sowing times on phytomass production of two varieties of Stylosanthes guianensis (var. pauciflora and var. vulgaris). Two experimental periods were studied (1: January - May/1998 and 2: November/1998 - March/1999) using a completely randomized factorial design 2 x 2 x 14 (two periods, two varieties and fourteen ages of evaluation), with four replications. The results showed a difference between the periods concerning the growth and development of Stylosanthes, and that period 2 was the most favourable to this forage plant. There was, also, different adaptability between …

The Molecular Pathways Of Lung Damage By E-Cigarette In Experimental Mice, Rivan V. Suryadinata, Bambang Wirjatmadi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: The negative health effects of electronic cigarettes remain debatable. Several studies have shown the adverse effects, but there are others who opine that electronic cigarettes are safer to use than the tobacco counterparts. There is however, a possibility that the long-term health effects, such as respiratory and even kidney function impairment are presently not obvious. The amounts of increased free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines from e-cigarettes result in various physiological disorders, which trigger cell damage, and even cell death in the body. Methods: The aim of this study is to analyze the stages of lung tissue damage caused by …

Bilateral Chylothorax Following Total Thyroidectomy With Neck Dissection For Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Case Report, Musallam Kashoob, Saleh Bawain, Yahya Al Badaai

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Bilateral chylothorax is a rare entity that occurs after a thyroidectomy and neck dissection. This rare condition can lead to severe morbidity, and potentially death, if not managed properly. We report a rare complication of neck surgery and subsequent bilateral pleural effusion, regarding a 35-year-old female who presented at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in 2018 with shortness of breath and respiratory distress. Particularly, the bilateral pleural effusion and related symptoms occurred one week after a total thyroidectomy with central and left lateral neck dissection. Intraoperative findings, management and literature review will be discussed.

Identification Of Remarkable Dimensions In Management And Evaluation Of Non-Communicable Disease Programmes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Synthesis, Leila Vali, Fatemeh Ataollahi, Mohammadreza Amiresmaili, Nouzar Nakhaee

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to identify indicators of proper programme development in the field of non-communicable diseases through the systematic review of existing literature. Methods: In this systematic review, a search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ProQuest and grey literature. The search was limited to literature published between January 2000 and January 2019. Results: A total of 36 articles were found relevant to the study objectives. Data were obtained through these articles based on the context, input, process and product (CIPP) model. Seven subsets for context, five subsets for input, four subsets …

Carbamazepine Induced Steven Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Overlap Treated Successfully With Oral Cyclosporin: Case Report And Literature Review, Raqiya Al Rajaibi, Thuraiya Al Rumhi, Al Mur Al Abri

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are acute life threatening mucocutaneous drug reactions. Several therapies have been used in the treatment of SJS/TEN but none of them have been established as the gold standard treatment, until now. Studies showed that cyclosporine (CsA) can be used off-label in TEN/SJS and has shown promising therapeutic effectiveness in such diseases. Here we report a 38 year-old woman who presented to Ar Rustaq Hospital, Rustaq, Oman in 2019 with SJS/TEN overlap and was treated successfully with CsA along with supportive management. This case report also includes a literature review on use …

Effects Of Photoperiod, Low Temperature And N Nutrition On Vsp Accumulation In Taproot Of Alfalfa, J. C. Avice, C. Noquet, A. Ourry, J. J. Volenec

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In Medicago sativa L., vegetative storage protein (VSP), specifically accumulated in taproot, are strongly involved in nitrogen storage. How the accumulation of such VSPs is regulated remains largely unknown. Experiments were designed with non-nodulated alfalfa to determine if length of the photoperiod, a decrease of temperature, or high availability of mineral nitrogen may induce the accumulation of VSPs. ¹⁵N labelling was used to quantify nitrogen uptake and its further relative translocation within the plant while VSPs accumulation was analysed by ELISA quantification. Results showed that environmental factors such as shortening daylength or low temperature changed biomass allocation within the …

Growth, Maturation, And Weight Status: Insights From A Longitudinal Cohort Of Nebraska Youth, John William Masker

Kinesiology and Sport Sciences Theses, Dissertations, and Student Creative Activity

Pediatric obesity continues to be a major public health concern in the United States, with well-known short-term and long-term consequences. In efforts to combat pediatric obesity and identify children at high-risk for potential health problems, physicians and health professionals widely practice screening and classifying weight status using age-and-sex-specific body mass index (BMI) percentiles. However, some studies suggest the use of BMI for establishing weight status in relation to health risk in youth is problematic, especially during the period of the adolescent growth spurt. More importantly, maturation-related misclassification may result in overestimations of overweight prevalence among early-maturing youth, and underestimations of …

Analysis Of The Main Chemical And Volatile Components Of Xianggan Tea, Xiang-Style Ganpu Tea, Li Xiang, Fu Fu-Hua, Pan Zhao-Ping, Wang Chen, He Shuang

Food and Machinery

Objective: Xianggan tea, was made from Hunan Anhua dark tea, i. e. Tianjian tea and the mandarin peel of Yueyang Jinpen pomelo, based on the preparation method of Ganpu tea, and this contributed to ascertaining the quality of Xianggan tea. Methods: The main chemical components, mineral element content and volatile components were analyzed in the Tianjian tea, mandarin peel and Xianggan tea. Results: The moisture content of Tianjian tea, mandarin peel, and Xianggan tea were all less than 20%, and made them easy for storage. The content of crude polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and total phenols was in the order of …

Effects Of Milling Degree And Cooking Method On The Cooked Rice Quality Of High-Quality Indica Rice, Li Liu-Yan, Zhan Zhan, Zhang Wei, Shu Zai-Xi, Wang Ping-Ping

Food and Machinery

Objective: To investigate the effects of milling degree and cooking method on cooked rice quality of high-quality Indica rice. Methods: Paddy rice （variety Longliangyou 1813） were dehulled and milled for 20, 35, and 50 s, respectively. Rice milled for different durations were cooked with electric pressure cooker and ordinary rice cooker, respectively. Quality attributes of cooked rice were compared by texture analyzer, gas chromatograph-ion mobility spectrometer （GC-IMS）, and sensory judgement. Results: For rice milled for 20 s, the cooked product of ordinary rice cooker had higher hardness than that of electric pressure cooker. However, for rice milled for 35 or …

Effect Of Jet Milling On The Physical And Chemical Properties Of Tartary Buckwheat Powder, Zhang Xue, Zhang Dong-Jie, Zhang Ai-Wu

Food and Machinery

Objective: The effect of superfine grinding on the physicochemical properties of tartary buckwheat powder in different parts was studied, aiming to provide a certain theoretical reference for the food industry to use superfine grinding to prepare tartary buckwheat food. Methods: Tartary buckwheat skin powder, core powder and whole powder were used as materials to prepare tartary buckwheat ultrafine powder by superfine grinding combined with a fluidized bed jet mill. The superfine powder was studied by measuring the particle size, specific surface area, comprehensive powder characteristics, swelling property, water solubility and other indicators. Results: The particle size of the three kinds …

Effects Of Different Technologies On Enzyme Deactivation And Storage Stability Of Wheat Germs, Zhang Nan, Shi Lin, Meng Ji-Kun, Ge Xin-Hui, Cheng Yong-Qiang, Zhang Xiu-Qing

Food and Machinery

Objective: To obtain the best technology and treatment conditions of wheat germs stablizaiton, three different technologies were used to treat wheat germs. Methods: Microwave, superheated steam and hot air drying were used to treat wheat germs with enzyme deactivation, and their deactivation effects on lipase and lipoxygenase in wheat germs were compared. Then, the optimal treatment conditions of each technology were selected for the determination of total number of colonies and accelerated storage test. Results: Under the optimal treatment conditions, the lipase and lipoxygenase in wheat germs could be effectively deactivated by the three treatments. The superheated steam treatment had …

Effects Of Anthocyanins From Vitis Amurensis On Cognitive Impairment In Mice With Chronic Alcoholism, Liu He, He Yang, Gu Jia-Dong, Wen Lian-Kui

Food and Machinery

Objective: To study the effect of Vitis amurensis. anthocyanins on cognitive impairment induced by chronic alcoholism. Methods: The mice were divided into blank group, model group, low-dose and high-dose groups treated by anthocyanins from V. amurensis. The model of chronic alcoholism was established and intervened with anthocyanin from V. amurensis. Morris water maze and step-down test, antioxidant stress and cholinergic system related indexes were measured, and the hippocampal slices were observed. Results: After anthocyanins intervention, the escape latency of water maze test was shortened by 41.38%, the total swimming distance was shortened by 28.53%, the first stage time was shortened …

Tomato Dry Peeling Technology Based On Catalytic Infrared, Liu Ying, Qu Wen-Juan, Luo Sheng-Tong, Ma Hai-Le, Pan Zhong-Li, Jiang Qun-Hui

Food and Machinery

Objective: An efficient and green method of peeling tomatoes was explored. Methods: A dry peeling method of tomatoes was carried out based on catalytic infrared equipment, and the effects of technological parameters on peeling performance and pulp quality of tomatoes were investigated and compared with traditional peeling methods of hot water and lye. Results: Infrared heating distance, temperature and time all had significant effects on the peelability and pulp quality of tomatoes. The optimum technological parameters of tomato dry peeling based on catalytic infrared was infrared heating temperature of 450 ℃, distance of 25 cm and time of 5 min. …

Influence Of Cover Crop Termination Timing On Soil Health And Cash Crop Development In The Arkansas Delta Region, Derek Alan Dittlinger

Student Theses and Dissertations

Cover crops have become an important tool in many conservation farming systems. However, impacts of various levels of cover crop biomass on soil health and cash crop growth and development are not fully understood in the Arkansas Delta region. A two-year study was conducted on no-tillage, row crop production farms in order to determine the effects of cover crop termination timing (cover crop biomass production) on soil physical properties and cash crop growth and development in both corn (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycine max). Cover crop termination timing did not have a significant impact on soil physical properties related to …

University Sustainability Initiatives Impact On The Surrounding Areas Economy, Sara Kathleen Saucedo

Student Theses and Dissertations

The preservation of the environment depends on sustainability initiatives. Universities influence policy through their impact on their surrounding communities. Universities should, therefore, place a higher priority on campus sustainability efforts. This study examines how universities’ sustainability initiatives impact local area economy. Using data reported by various governmental agencies, I construct a sustainability index based on university initiatives in energy, green buildings, food waste, permaculture, water use, recycling, sustainability council, and AASHE. I model the impact of universities on the local economy using this index and other institutional characteristics. I define the local area economy as effects on poverty rates, unemployment, …

High-Throughput Phenotyping Of Rice Grains Subjected To High Nighttime Temperature Stress, Shannon Shareice Cunningham

Student Theses and Dissertations

Rice grain size is affected by high nighttime temperature stress (HNT). Although studied in small subsets, the Rice Diversity Panel 1 has not been extensively studied to determine HNT effects on grain size. Accessions have been identified as tolerant and sensitive to HNT under greenhouse conditions (Dhatt et al., 2020). A high throughput phenotyping (HTPP) method and a PlantCV2 workflow were implemented in this work to determine grain dimensions. Seed area was found to be a good indicator of HNT tolerance with a coefficient of variation being 15%. Among tolerant accessions, seed area increased by an average of 1.57 mm2 …

A Study Of Adoption And Costs Of Nrcs Avoid, Control, And Trap (Act) Agricultural Conservation Practices In Arkansas, Samuel Edward King

Student Theses and Dissertations

The USDA NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to support farmers and landowners who implement conservation practices through land retirement and cost-share programs. We analyze NRCS cost-shared conservation activities in Arkansas to determine what has been conducted, when it occurred, and what may have led to the adoption of these conservation practices. We investigate temporal trends in conservation adoption based on changes following the 2002 Farm Bill using regression analysis and evaluate spatial hotspots at the HUC-12 watershed scale using the Getis-Ord Gi*. Results suggest that conservation adoption differs regionally by practice type and land use category, and adoptions increase …

Poor College Students’ Resilience Phase In Online Learning During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Andi Wahyu Irawan, Rury Muslifar, Dwisona Dwisona

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

After a year of the Covid-19 pandemic, online learning remains to be carried out in Indonesia. In this situation, college students have to survive with excellent resilience amid various restraints. This study investigates the poor college students’ resilience phase in online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. With the qualitative inquiry narrative method, this study involved 30 college students from Universitas Mulawarman as the participants. The participants were selected through the purposive sampling technique and interviewed via phone call. The analysis process was carried out using the induction and deduction process, while the analysis was completed based on the field data …

Empirical Analysis And Enlightenment Of American Nuval Scoring Labeling Development, Huang Ze-Ying, Huang Bei-Xun

Food and Machinery

NuVal scoring labeling that was based on overall nutritional quality index, adopted 1 to 100 to show the nutritional value of packaged food and fresh agricultural products. The higher was the score, the better was the nutritional status of food. The labeling was integrated with food prices to make it easier for consumers to compare the nutritional value of what they pay. Therefore, FOP labeling in China could be attempted to integrate nutrition evaluation information with food price, and promote in fresh agricultural products, and adjust its algorithm in accordance with the national nutritional needs.

Study On Preparation Technology And Properties Of Dietary Fiber Ultrafine Powders From Okra Fermented Wine Pomace, Luo Xin, Zhou Yan-Qiang, Wu Guang-Bin, Chen Fa-He

Food and Machinery

Objective: This study aimed to effectively utilize a large amount of dietary fiber andpectic polysaccharides in okra fermented wine pomace and turn waste into treasure. Methods: The processing technology and related characteristics of okra dietary fiber ultrafine powder were studied by wet ultrafine grinding and spray drying technology. Results: The results showed that okra fermented wine pomace was treated by colloid mill three times; then homogenized by high-pressure homogenizer for three times with 40 MPa of the homogenization pressure; after homogenization, spray drying was made with 210 ℃ in the inlet air temperature, 40 Hz of the fan frequency, solids …

Research Progress On Wall-Breaking Technology Of Rape Bee Pollen, Zheng Hui, Yang Si-Qi, Sun Yan, Li Shun-Xiang

Food and Machinery

This paper summarized the cell structure, wall breaking morphology and wall-breaking methods of rape bee pollen, analyzed and compared the advantages and disadvantages of various wall-breaking methods, summarized the application and development status of wall breaking rape bee pollen, and prospected the research on wall-breaking technology of rape bee pollen in the later stage.