Publication Management System
Not a member yet
3916 research outputs found
Sort by
Behavioural Insights into Dairy Farmers’ Adoption of Feeding Innovations
Get PDFThe Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) has promoted various feeding innovations to enhance buffalo-based dairy enterprise and increase milk production, yet adoption rates have been suboptimal. This study explores the decision-making processes of dairy farmers regarding the adoption of these innovations, focusing on how attitudes and subjective norms influence their intentions to implement PCC-endorsed feed technologies, such as improved forage, concentrate feeding, legume supplementation, and forage ensiling. Data were collected through structured interviews with 60 dairy farmers. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that socioeconomic factors and farm characteristics minimally impact the intention to adopt innovations, with land ownership and herd size positively influencing concentrate feeding. Perceived usefulness and difficulty significantly shape farmers' intentions, indicating that constraints like land availability and high production costs hinder the adoption of legume supplementation and forage ensiling. While attitudes toward feeding innovations are generally positive, practical challenges limit their uptake. Social norms, shaped by extension staff and peer farmers, play a significant role in influencing farmers' intentions to adopt these innovations. This study emphasized the need to address practical barriers to enhance the uptake of feeding innovations and improve dairy buffalo production
Biostatistical Analysis of Microarray Data to Decipher Viral Pathogenesis
Get PDFBackground: Zika virus, Kunjin virus, Yellow Fever virus, & Sindbis virus belong to Flaviviridae family and are involved in derailing various biological pathways which are not yet elucidated.
Aim: Understanding the gene as well as miRNA interplay which plays a vital role in pathogenesis in the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease is of utmost significance.
Materials and Methods: By leveraging microarray data from the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE232504 dataset, we meticulously examined the differentially expressed genes & micro RNAs (miRNAs) induced by viral infections.
Results: Our analysis revealed 60 statistically significant and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) out of a total of 18,725, with SESN2 (SESTRIN 2) and GADD45A (Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-Inducible Alpha) standing out as highly significant players in the host cell response to these viruses. hsa-miR-148b-3p, hsa-miR-148a-3p, hsa-miR-607 & hsa-miR-5582-3p were the highly expressed micro RNAs (miRNAs). Through functional enrichment analyses, we unveiled significant pathways, including Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and NF-kappa B Signaling, shedding light on the potential mechanisms underlying these virus-host cell interactions. Furthermore, our PPI (protein-protein interaction) network analysis highlighted key hub genes, while our exploration of miRNA-gene targeting relationships offered valuable insights into post-transcriptional regulation.
Conclusion: This study provides a robust foundation for understanding the molecular intricacies of virus-host cell interactions, offering potential targets for further experimental validation and paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches in combatting viral infections and associated diseases
Influence of Dietary Cation-Anion Differences (DCAD) on Nutrient Intake, Milk Yield and Metabolic Parameters of Transition Buffaloes
Get PDFThe study was divided into 2 phases. During 1st phase, 20 pre-partum buffaloes were divided into two groups, given -100 (high negative; HN) and -50 (low negative; LN) mEq/kg of dry matter (DM) diets. In the second phase, +200 (low positive; LP) and +400 (high positive; HP) mEq/kg of DM diets were formulated for postpartum buffaloes. Buffaloes that received LN DCAD were divided into 2 groups (LN-LP and LN-HP), and those that received HN DCAD were also divided into 2 groups (HN-LP and HN-HP). In the first phase, the group fed the HN DCAD diet had significantly lesser DM, nutrient intake, and urine pH (p<0.05) but higher ME intake and ADF digestibility. Also, higher serum phosphorus levels (p<0.05), fewer cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis, and a relatively smaller decrease in body weight were reported with the HN group. In the second phase, DM, organic matter, and NDF intakes were higher (p<0.05) in HN-HP and LN-LP groups, whereas ME intake and nutrient digestibility were higher in HN-LP and LN-HP (p<0.05). Daily milk, solid not fat (SNF), fat, protein, lactose yields, and plasma total protein, urea, and cholesterol concentrations were the highest in the HN-HP group (p<0.05), but the highest fat content and fat yield were recorded in the HN-LP group (p<0.05). Better efficiency of milk production and the lowest cases of hypocalcemia and ketosis were observed for both groups. In conclusion, for transition buffaloes, the HN and LN DCAD (-100 and +200 mEq/kg of DM, respectively) diets showed a beneficial impact
Factor Structure of the Bulgarian Version of FOCUS on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six
Get PDFThe aim of this paper is to present the Factor structure of the Bulgarian version of FOCUS on the Outcomes of Communication Under Six. The instrument is based on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth (ICF-CY), and it aims at tracing the effect of therapy on the child’s communication and participation in the real world. Our research is focused on the factor structure and reliability of the Parent’s form. The participants formed two samples, the main one consisting of 272 (mostly preschool children), males and females. The age of the subjects varied between 2.17 and 7.25 years, with a mean age of M = 4.91 years and SD = 1.10.
The latent structure of the questionnaire was examined in five phases – 1-test of the assumption of one-dimensionality; 2-exploratory factor analysis was applied to establish the factor model, based on data from an empirical study; 3-three possible factor models with a fixed number of factors were analyzed; 4-the factor models were compared through confirmatory factor analysis. The aim of the analyses was to select the most appropriate final model for the Bulgarian version of the questionnaire. The reliability analysis of the scales in the two-factor model was conducted through testing their internal consistency.
The two-factor model of the FOCUS questionnaire in Bulgarian shows a good orientation towards two specific functions – ‘capacity for communication’, and ‘performance’ or ‘communicative performance’. Due to its stable measurements related to functioning, this tool could be effectively used to practically assess the effect of therapy on children with development disorders
Intradermal Tuberculin Test in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Experimental use of Mycobacterial Antigens for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis
Get PDFThe study aims to evaluate the potential use of mycobacterial ESAT6 and CFP10 antigens, Early Secretory Proteins (ESP) in the Skin Test used for bovine tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in Water Buffalo.
A pilot study was performed on 21 buffaloes from a TB outbreak and 11 buffaloes from a TB-free herd. Three concentrations of ESAT6-CFP10 (10, 20, and 30 mg) and two of ESP (50 and 100 µg) were inoculated in the Skin Test, along with PPDB, PPDA, and PBS as a negative control. Skin thickness was measured with calipers before the test and every 24 hours for 4 days. Then, to evaluate the specificity of the antigens, a field study was conducted, and 100 buffaloes from a TB-free herd were inoculated using the best antigens concentration derived from the pilot study.
In the positive buffaloes, the strongest skin response was to PPDB at 24h, with some subjects becoming inconclusive at 72 and 96 h. A peak response to PPDA at 48 hours was detected, followed by a slight decrease. The response to ESP-100 µg remained high at 24 and 48 h, then decreased, remaining positive at 72 h. In the 100 TB-free buffaloes, the best specificity was observed using ESAT6-CFP10 and ESP.
ESP yielded the best results, showing higher reactivity in infected animals and no reactivity in the healthy ones at 72 h. Therefore, ESP could be an excellent candidate for further extensive studies in the buffalo species to improve Skin Test performance
Determinants Influencing the Consumption of Iron-Rich Foods among Senegalese Young Children: A Path Analysis
Get PDFBackground: Anaemia is a public health concern among Senegalese children aged 6-59 months old. One of the potential causes of this situation is the low consumption of iron-rich foods (IRF). Understanding factors that influence the provision of IRF among young children could help prevent and control anemia. Using the extended version of the theory of planned behavior (eTPB), this nationwide study examines psychosocial and environmental determinants of the consumption of IRF in children aged 6-23 months.
Methods and Materials: To this end, an existing questionnaire used for the same purpose was reviewed and re-validated. Using data collected among 418 children's caregivers on each construct of the eTPB, pathways by which individual and environmental constructs may influence the daily IRF consumption were identified. Data on IRF consumption were collected using a food frequency questionnaire.
Results: Overall, 42% of children consumed IRF, while 95% of caregivers intended to provide them with IRF daily. There was no association between the intention and the actual behavior. The daily IRF consumption was instead predicted by the child's age and environmental factors. In turn, the subjective norm and the perceived behavioral control predicted the intention.
Conclusion: By using a valid and reliable tool to collect data on individual and environmental factors affecting the consumption of IRF among Senegalese young children on a national scale, our research highlights potential barriers to their provision. These barriers should be considered in the design and implementation of effective interventions to improve their nutrition
Prevalence of Bronchial Asthma in Children in Southern Kyrgyzstan
No full textBackground: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bronchial asthma and other allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among 6075 school-aged children in Osh, Jalal-Abad and Batken regions of Kyrgyzstan.
Methods: 6075 children were questioned using the ISAAC questionnaire. Bronchial asthma symptoms are frequent – 21.1% of children had difficulty wheezing, and 13.4% had night cough. This indicates a high prevalence of bronchial asthma among children in the study population. The obtained morbidity rates significantly exceed the official statistics for the region. This indicates insufficient diagnosis of allergic diseases in children and substantiates the need to develop a set of measures aimed at optimizing the detection of cases of allergic pathology and increasing the effectiveness of therapeutic and preventive measures.
Results: The results of the study demonstrate a high need for the development and implementation of a regional program for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of allergic diseases in children of Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Batken regions.
Conclusion: Implementing such a program will contribute to better control of bronchial asthma and other allergic pathologies and improve the quality of life of the child population in the region
Cord Blood Serum Zinc Levels and the Intrauterine Growth Status in Preterm Neonates
No full textBackground: The risk of death is higher if the SGA baby is accompanied by prematurity. Intrauterine growth is considered to have an important role in the occurrence of premature birth and SGA, so many recent studies are trying to find that can support intrauterine growth, one of which is research on the role of the micronutrient zinc, which is a trace element that the body cannot produce. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for organ development and growth. Zinc plays a role in DNA synthesis and the signaling pathway of the IGF-1 receptor. Umbilical cord blood serum zinc levels can reflect intrauterine zinc status, indicating maternal zinc supply to the fetus.
Objectives: To assess the relationship between cord blood serum zinc levels and intrauterine growth status in pretermneonates.
Methods: This research is an observational study with a cross-sectional approach. The sample for this study was 85 pretermneonates, consisting of 53 neonates with AGA (appropriate for gestational age) and 32 neonates with SGA (small for gestational age). A cord blood sample was collected immediately after birth, and zinc levels were determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method.
Results: The median serum zinc levels of the SGA and AGA groups were 41.87 µg/dl (20.43 - 56.04 µg/dl) and 52.12 µg/dl (35.54 - 62.46 µg/dl), respectively, and the difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: There was a relationship between cord blood serum zinc levels and the intrauterine growth status of pretermneonates
A Decade of Liberal Cosmopolitanism in the United States: The Effects of Gender, Race, and Income
Get PDFThis study investigates correlates of cosmopolitan sentiments in the United States over a decade, contributing to the literature in two ways. First, it tests the “group status thesis” in the U.S., which suggests that marginalized and disadvantaged groups are more likely to exhibit cosmopolitan attitudes. Second, it examines the interaction between socioeconomic factors and the waves of the World Values Survey conducted between 2006 and 2017. The findings support the main hypotheses of the group status thesis: women, non-Whites, and lower-income individuals tend to be more cosmopolitan in their outlook. Over the 11-year period, the gap in liberal cosmopolitanism between genders and income levels widened. The study concludes that liberal cosmopolitanism is rooted in specific structural locations, with marginalized groups being more inclined to embrace it. Notably, support for cosmopolitanism remained relatively strong before and during the early years of the Trump administration in 2017
Body Mass Index and Metabolic Phenotypes in Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Get PDFIntroduction: Numerous studies have established that obesity, often assessed through body mass index (BMI), is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of breast cancer (BC). However, not all individuals with obesity have the same risk of developing BC and vice versa.
Objective: To determine the association between metabolic states and the risk of BC.
Materials: AS systematic review (SR) with a meta-analysis of cohort studies was conducted. The search was performed in four databases: PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Metabolic states were classified as Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight (MHNW), Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight (MUNW), Metabolically Healthy Obesity (MHO), and Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity (MUO). Association measures were presented as hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).
Results: A total of four studies were evaluated. The meta-analysis found a statistically significant association between the development of BC and the MHO state (HR: 1.14; CI95% 1.02, 1.28) and MUO state (HR: 1.37; CI95% 1.16, 1.62) compared to individuals with MHNW. No association was found with the MUNW state.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that obesity, as determined by BMI, is significantly associated with an increased risk of BC, regardless of metabolic state. Additionally, metabolically unhealthy states, especially in obese individuals, appear to increase the risk of BC. Proposed mechanisms include systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and altered hormone production. These results have important public health implications, emphasizing the need for prevention strategies focused on obesity management and awareness of its associated BC risks