Choosing the most suitable classifier For supporting assistive technology adoption In people with Parkinson’s disease: a fuzzy Multi-criteria approach

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder which requires a long-term, interdisciplinary disease management. While there remains no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatments are available to help reduce the main symptoms and maintain quality of life for as long as possible. Owing to the global burden faced by chronic conditions such as PD, Assistive technologies (AT’s) are becoming an increasingly common prescribed form of treatment. Low adoption is hampering the potential of digital technologies within health and social care. It is then necessary to employ classification algorithms have been developed for differentiating adopters and non-adopters of these technologies; thereby, potential negative effects on people with PD and cost overruns can be further minimized. This paper bridges this gap by extending the Multi-criteria decision-making approach adopted in technology adoption modeling for people with dementia. First, the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is applied to estimate the initial relative weights of criteria and sub-criteria. Then, the Decisionmaking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) is used for evaluating the interrelations and feedback among criteria and sub-criteria. The Technique for Order of Preferences by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is finally implemented to rank three classifiers (Lazy IBk – knearest neighbors, Naïve bayes, and J48 decision tree) according to their ability to model technology adoption. A real case study considering is presented to validate the proposed approach

Jejunal microvilli atrophy and reduced nutrient transport in rats with advanced liver cirrhosis: improvement by Insulin-like Growth Factor I

BACKGROUND: Previous results have shown that in rats with non-ascitic cirrhosis there is an altered transport of sugars and amino acids associated with elongated microvilli. These alterations returned to normal with the administration of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I). The aims of this study were to explore the evolution of these alterations and analyse the effect of IGF-I in rats with advanced cirrhosis and ascites. Thus, jejunal structure and nutrient transport (D-galactose, L-leucine, L-proline, L-glutamic acid and L-cystine) were studied in rats with ascitic cirrhosis. METHODS: Advanced cirrhosis was induced by CCl(4 )inhalation and Phenobarbital administration for 30 weeks. Cirrhotic animals were divided into two groups which received IGF-I or saline during two weeks. Control group was studied in parallel. Jejunal microvilli were studied by electron microscopy. Nutrient transport was assessed in brush border membrane vesicles using (14)C or (35)S-labelled subtracts in the three experimental groups. RESULTS: Intestinal active Na(+)-dependent transport was significantly reduced in untreated cirrhotic rats. Kinetic studies showed a decreased V(max )and a reduced affinity for sugar and four amino acids transporters (expressed as an increased K(t)) in the brush border membrane vesicles from untreated cirrhotic rats as compared with controls. Both parameters were normalised in the IGF-I-treated cirrhotic group. Electron microscopy showed elongation and fusion of microvilli with degenerative membrane lesions and/or notable atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The initial microvilli elongation reported in non ascitic cirrhosis develops into atrophy in rats with advanced cirrhosis and nutrient transports (monosaccharides and amino acids) are progressively reduced. Both morphological and functional alterations improved significantly with low doses of IGF-I

Aberrant DNA Methylation of Matrix Remodeling and Cell Adhesion Related Genes in Pterygium

10.1371/journal.pone.0014687PLoS ONE62

Population-level risks of alcohol consumption by amount, geography, age, sex, and year: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020

Background The health risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption continue to be debated. Small amounts of alcohol might lower the risk of some health outcomes but increase the risk of others, suggesting that the overall risk depends, in part, on background disease rates, which vary by region, age, sex, and year. Methods For this analysis, we constructed burden-weighted dose–response relative risk curves across 22 health outcomes to estimate the theoretical minimum risk exposure level (TMREL) and non-drinker equivalence (NDE), the consumption level at which the health risk is equivalent to that of a non-drinker, using disease rates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2020 for 21 regions, including 204 countries and territories, by 5-year age group, sex, and year for individuals aged 15–95 years and older from 1990 to 2020. Based on the NDE, we quantified the population consuming harmful amounts of alcohol. Findings The burden-weighted relative risk curves for alcohol use varied by region and age. Among individuals aged 15–39 years in 2020, the TMREL varied between 0 (95% uncertainty interval 0–0) and 0·603 (0·400–1·00) standard drinks per day, and the NDE varied between 0·002 (0–0) and 1·75 (0·698–4·30) standard drinks per day. Among individuals aged 40 years and older, the burden-weighted relative risk curve was J-shaped for all regions, with a 2020 TMREL that ranged from 0·114 (0–0·403) to 1·87 (0·500–3·30) standard drinks per day and an NDE that ranged between 0·193 (0–0·900) and 6·94 (3·40–8·30) standard drinks per day. Among individuals consuming harmful amounts of alcohol in 2020, 59·1% (54·3–65·4) were aged 15–39 years and 76·9% (73·0–81·3) were male. Interpretation There is strong evidence to support recommendations on alcohol consumption varying by age and location. Stronger interventions, particularly those tailored towards younger individuals, are needed to reduce the substantial global health loss attributable to alcohol. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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Not AvailableUltra-dry storage, also called low moisture content storage, is a technique for decreasing seed moisture content to below 5-6 per cent using different methods and then stored hermetically at ambient temperatures. Though sun drying is common practice to dry the seeds, it is difficult to bring down seed moisture where high humidity and high temperature is frequently fluctuating. Use of seed dryer also a best alternative to reduce the seed moisture. But it may affect the viability due to temperature fluctuation at the time of seed drying. Zeolite beads (aluminum silicate) and silica gel are desiccants, which can be utilized to Ultra- dry the seeds even in fluctuated temperature and RH without affecting quality of seeds. In this study, standardization of the drying method performed by mixing okra cv. Kashi Kranti seeds with zeolite beads and silica gel, separately, in the ratio of 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 (seed: desiccant, by weight) in an air tight container and kept at room temperature. Initial moisture content of seeds (10.5%) was estimated by hot air oven method. Seeds were separated from desiccant and estimated for moisture content after 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h and 120h of drying. Moisture content of the seeds was noted down at every 24h interval. At the end of the experiment, final moisture content of dried seeds was estimated. It was observed that seed drying with zeolite beads was faster than silica gel. Significantly higher moisture content was removed from seeds by zeolite beads, and final moisture content of seeds dried with zeolite beads reached 4.59% in 1:3 ratio, which was higher moisture elimination than seeds dried with silica gel in the same ratio 6.21%. Since, hard seed formation is a problem in over dried okra seeds, germination test were conducted to know the germination (%) and vigour of dried seeds. Germination test reveals no reduction in germination (%) and no hard seed formation even in 1:3 ratio of seeds with zeolite beads. More than 80% germination was observed in all drying conditions and non-dried control which was on par with each other’s. Further work is necessary to know the storability of ultra-dried seeds under air tight condition.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe present study was undertaken with the objectives to study Drechslerella dactyloides NDAd-05 and Dactylaria brochopaga NDDb-15 mediated induction of structural defense responses leading to lower disease development and promoting growth in tomato pre-challenged with Meloidogyne incognita. The potential strains D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 were taken from Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Kushmaur, Maunath Bhanjan, India. In vitro root colonization assay was performed using D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 in sand:soil culture (2:1) and significant tomato root colonization by NDAd-05 and NDDb-15 was recorded. The study elucidated multifarious effects of D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 when inoculated either individually or in combination in tomato plants pre-challenged with M. incognita. Additionally, D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 increased antioxidant as well as biocontrol activities significantly in tomato against M. incognita. Microscopic visualization of H2O2 and superoxide radicals in tomato leaves further corroborated the above findings. Further, inoculation of D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 activated the phenylpropanoid pathway in roots leading to increase cell wall lignifications and pectin deposition in tomato roots in addition to direct trapping and parasitizing of juveniles and adults of M. incognita. From the results it can be concluded that increased cell wall lignifications and pectin deposition probably restricted the entry of nematodes and ultimately decreased the M. incognita population in tomato roots. It was also observed that plants treated with bioagents individually or in combination modulated the phenotypical alterations and assisted plant growth promotion. This might be due to the interaction-dependent modulation of physio-biochemical pathways in the tomato plants which ultimately reduced the inoculum potential and disease intensity of M. incognita.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableCoronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus -2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is responsible for a higher degree of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is a smaller number of approved therapeutics available to target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the virus is evolving at a fast pace. So, there is a continuous need for new therapeutics to combat COVID-19. The main protease (Mpro ) enzyme of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for replication and transcription of the viral genome, thus could be a potent target for the treatment of COVID-19. In the present study, we performed an in-silico screening analysis of 400 diverse bioactive inhibitors with proven antibacterial and antiviral properties against Mpro drug target. Ten compounds showed a higher binding affinity for Mpro than the reference compound (N3), with desired physicochemical properties. Furthermore, in-depth docking and superimposition revealed that three compounds (MMV1782211, MMV1782220, and MMV1578574) are actively interacting with the catalytic domain of Mpro . In addition, the molecular dynamics simulation study showed a solid and stable interaction of MMV178221-Mpro complex compared to the other two molecules (MMV1782220, and MMV1578574). In line with this observation, MM/PBSA free energy calculation also demonstrated the highest binding free energy of -115.8 kJ/mol for MMV178221-Mpro compound. In conclusion, the present in silico analysis revealed MMV1782211 as a possible and potent molecule to target the Mpro and must be explored in vitro and in vivo to combat the COVID-19.Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India for BIC project grant (BT/PR40161/BTIS/137/ 32/2021)

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Not AvailableThe present investigation was aimed to isolate and characterize the strains of Drechslerella dactyloides and Dactylaria brochopaga from decaying root galls of tomato in order to investigate their role in reprogramming of root apoplast that enhance defence responses in tomato pre-challenged with Meloidogyne incognita. Out of 23 strains of D. brochopaga and D. dactyloides were isolated from decaying root galls of tomato, three strains of D. dactyloides and five strains of D. brochopaga were found effective and these were selected for further characterization under controlled laboratory conditions. Further, D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 were found most promising strains for control of M. incognita. The study elucidates multifarious effects of D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 inoculated either individually or in combination on tomato plants pre-challenged with M. incognita under nethouse conditions. Results of this investigation revealed that inoculation of D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 increased various attributes in plants to significant degree conferring defence against M. incognita. Both the strains were found to have potential to enhance site-specific accumulation and activation of defence-related mediator molecules, enzymes and thus, exhibited biocontrol potential against M. incognita. Further, application of D. dactyloides NDAd-05 and D. brochopaga NDDb-15 not only assisted in the growth promotion but also activated phenylpropanoid pathway in root apoplast in addition to direct trapping of M. incognita.Not Availabl