Wise Analysis Research Articles

A Study of Secondary School Students’ Attitude Towards Mathematics in Tehsil Taxila

Students' progress in mathematics is determined by their attitude toward Mathematics. A positive attitude toward a subject is a prerequisite for success in any subject. This is also true in mathematics, particularly when girls are compared to boys. This study was based on a survey of secondary school students about their attitudes towards Mathematics. This research was conducted to investigate the secondary school students’ attitude towards Mathematics. The population included the (N= 1562) students of both genders. This study was conducted on the sample of 368 students (Male=184 & Female = 184) of secondary schools from tehsil Taxila. Mathematics Attitude scale was used to collect the data. The attitude scale consists of 19 items based on 4 factors. The overall reliability of questionnaire ( =0.7452) was found appropriate. A gender wise analysis of Mathematics attitude comparison showed that female students have high anxiety and fear level as compared to male students. Finally, the current study found that females at secondary level have a lower attitude toward mathematics as compared to than males.
 Keywords: Mathematics Education, Students Attitude, STEM Education, Mathematics Anxiety

Head‐to‐head comparison of Relative Cerebral Blood Flow derived from [18F]florbetapir and [18F]flortaucipir in subjects with Subjective Cognitive Decline

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies validated R1 as a marker for relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF). However, the similarities or differences of R1 estimates obtained from different PET tracers has never been investigated.AimThe aim of the current study was head‐to‐head comparison of R1 estimates, derived from dynamic [18F]florbetapir and [18F]flortaucipir PET scans.MethodFifty subjects with subjective cognitive decline (Aβ‐;N = 31, Aβ+;N = 19) underwent both [18F]florbetapir and [18F]flortaucipir PET (interval: 50.6 ± 34.7 days). Receptor parametric mapping (RPM) was used to generate R1 maps with cerebellar grey matter as reference. For voxel‐wise analyses, Statistical Parametric Mapping software (SPM12) was used. Furthermore, different regions‐of‐interest were assessed (in subject‐space). Paired t‐tests, coefficients of determination (r2) and ICC were used to compare R1 estimates from [18F]florbetapir and [18F]flortaucipir PET.ResultsVoxel‐wise analysis revealed only a few small significant clusters in part of the thalamus, insular gyri, midbrain and part of the cerebellum with higher R1 estimates for [18F]florbetapir and higher R1 estimates in the hippocampus, vermis, midbrain and calcarine sulcus for [18F]flortaucipir in Aβ‐ subjects (Figure 1a & 1b). In Aβ+ subjects, [18F]florbetapir showed higher R1 estimates only in part of the thalamus and [18F]flortaucipir showed higher R1 estimates in the hippocampus and striatum (Figure 1c & 1d). Despite the small amount of significant voxels, [18F]florbetapir R1 showed good correlation and excellent ICC with [18F]flortaucipir for whole brain (Aβ‐:r2 = 0.76, ICC:0.92; Aβ+:r2 = 0.60,ICC = 0.87).ConclusionTo conclude, [18F]flortaucipir and [18F]florbetapir showed similar R1 estimates in cortical regions, illustrating that R1 is a robust marker for flow independent of tracer of interest.

Acute psilocybin increased cortical activities in rats.

Psilocybin, a naturally occurring hallucinogenic component of magic mushrooms, has significant psychoactive effects in both humans and rodents. But the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a useful tool in many preclinical and clinical trials to investigate psilocybin-induced changes of brain activity and functional connectivity (FC) due to its noninvasive nature and widespread availability. However, fMRI effects of psilocybin on rats have not been carefully investigated. This study aimed to explore how psilocybin affects resting-state brain activity and FC, through a combination of BOLD fMRI and immunofluorescence (IF) of EGR1, an immediate early gene (IEG) closely related to depressive symptoms. Ten minutes after psilocybin hydrochloride injection (2.0 mg/kg, i.p.), positive brain activities were observed in the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortex (including the cingulate cortex and retrosplenial cortex), hippocampus, and striatum. And a region-of-interest (ROI) -wise FC analysis matrix suggested increased interconnectivity of several regions, such as the cingulate cortex, dorsal striatum, prelimbic, and limbic regions. Further seed-based analyses revealed increased FC of cingulate cortex within the cortical and striatal areas. Consistently, acute psilocybin increased the EGR1 level throughout the brain, indicating a consistent activation thought the cortical and striatal areas. In conclusion, the psilocybin-induced hyperactive state of rats is congruent to that of humans, and may be responsible for its pharmacological effects.

Variability in soil properties influencing pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajana L.) yield: a multivariate statistical analysis.

Aims:The aim of the study was to reveal the variability in soil properties influencing pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajana L.) seed yield under semi-arid rainfed condition. Methods:Soils were initially classified into series level and further these series were divided into soil-phase units. For two site years viz., 2018-19 and 2019-20, surface soil samples from each soil-phase unit were collected before sowing of pigeonpea and subsequently crop growth parameters at critical stages were recorded. Results:The principal component analysis with varimax rotation resulted in seven components for both the site years, having eigenvalues greater than one, explained more than 80% of the variability. The step wise linear regression analysis showed that the pigeonpea seed yield was linearly correlated with PC3 ( p<0.01), PC4 ( p<0.01) and PC7 ( p<0.05) of soil properties with R 2 = 0.679, during 2018-19. Whereas, during 2019-20, the seed yield was linearly correlated with PC1 ( p<0.01), PC3 ( p<0.01) and PC6 ( p<0.05) with R 2 = 0.677. In site year 1, the available P 2O 5, Fe, Zn, S, Cu, number of pods, surface soil moisture determined the yield. In site year 2, the available K 2O, P 2O 5, Fe, Zn, S, clay, CEC and available water content determined the yield. All these variables together explain variability in yield.

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PREVALENCE OF HARD TICKS INFESTING CATTLE OF MARATHWADA REGION, MAHARASHTRA STATE, INDIA

The present prevalence study was carried out to identify the common species of hard ticks infesting cattle of Maharashtra state. In the present study, a total 1856 ticks of different stages including nymphal, partially engorged and fully engorged of both sexes were collected from 654 naturally infested cattle of Maharashtra state. The morphological identification of ticks revealed the presence of four different species of ticks i.e., Rhipicephalus microplus, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa.The higher infestation of hard ticks was noted in 1-3 age group of animals and in female animals compared to male. The breed wise analysis of tick infestation revealed the higher infection rate in cross breed animals compared to non-descript/local breed of animals

STUDIES ON ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS PRACTICED BY THE TRIBALS OF SUDIKONDA FOREST AREA, EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

Ethnobotanical field survey was conducted among the tribal population of Sudikonda forest, East Godavari district. The study documented 28 plant species as many as genera and 24 families used by the tribals for curing various human ailments. 37 practices were reported. Plant part wise analysis, root is used in 15 practices followed by leaf (8), tuber (3), Stem bark, root bark and seed (2) each and others. KEYWORDS: Ethnomedicine, Tribals, Sudikonda, East Godavari

Assess the quality of life among postmenopausal women

Introduction: Menopause is a physiological event in the women’s life. The transition through menopause is a life event that can profoundly affect quality of life. The objectives of the study were to assess the quality of life among postmenopausal women and to associate quality of life among postmenopausal women with selected socio-demographic and clinical data variables. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted among 30 postmenopausal women. Sample was selected using non probability convenience sampling technique. Standardized Menopause Specific Quality Of Life Questionare (MENQOL) was used to assess the quality of life of postmenopausal women. Results: In socio demographic findings, more than half 17 (56.66%) were 56-60 years old and half of the 15(50%) were Hindus. While 21(70%) belonged to nuclear family, 18(60%) had primary education and 27(90%) were married. 21(70%) were house wives and 18(60%) of them had income less than Rs: 5000 and 29 (96.66%) were living in rural areas. The study reveals that 17(56.66%) women had good quality of life, 12(40%) of them had average quality of life and only 1(3.33%) sample had poor quality of life. In component wise analysis of postmenopausal symptoms In, vasomotor symptoms 11(36.66%) were being dissatisfied with their personal life, in psychosocial symptoms 12(40%) of them had night sweats. In physical symptoms10(33.33%) had severe aching in muscles and Joints, 12(40%) had moderate lack of energy, 18 (60%) had no weight gain.12(40%) had moderate dry skin. In sexual symptoms 12(40%) of them had change in their sexual desire There was a significant association (p&lt;0.05) between socio-demographic data variables such as type of family with quality of life among postmenopausal women. Conclusion: The postmenopausal women suffer from vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual symptoms. The study concluded that, the postmenopausal women belonged in nuclear family maintained good quality of life than that of women in joint family.

Hotelling’s T2 Analysis of Academic Staff Profiles: A Case Study of the Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria

The study aimed at analyzing the profiles of academic staff in the Akwa State University. The categories of staff included Professors/Associate Professors, Senior Lecturers and Lecturer1/Below with a total number of 26, 73 and 289 respectively. Hotelling’s T2 was adopted for the pair wise analysis between Professors/Associate Professors and Senior Lecturers, Professors/Associate Professors and Lecturer1/Below and Senior Lecturer and Lecturer1/Below. The results of the analysis revealed that there is a significant difference between the profiles of Professors/Associate Professors and Senior Lecturer, Professors/Associate Professors and Lecturer1/Below and Senior Lecturers and Lecturer1/Below respectively. This research appraises the average productivity of each category of academic staff in Akwa Ibom State University. This will serve as reference document for further research.

ETHNOMEDICINE OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES USED BY THE PRIMITIVE TRIBAL GROUPS OF VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH

The present study deals with 9 species of pteridophytes as many as genera and families used for various diseases by the primitive tribal groups of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. Plant part wise analysis, root is used in 10 practices followed by leaf and whole plant 3 each. Out of 16 practices 8 practices and one plant species were found to be new. KEY WORDS: Ethnomedicine, Pteridophytes, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Seminal Traits of Indigenous and Crossbred Bulls under Semi-arid Climatic Conditions

The study was conducted at Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (PGIVER), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India during July–December 2020 to evaluate the effects of non-genetic factors on semen characteristics of bulls. The data of 4608 ejaculates during the period of 2017–2020 from Tharparkar and its cross with Holstein, Jersey and its cross with Sahiwal cows was maintained at Frozen Semen Bank (FSB), India. The Semen characteristics were recorded and stored in Information Network for Animal Productivity &amp; Health (INAPH) application maintained at FSB and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The average semen volumes were estimated as 4.18±0.02 ml. Non-genetic factors viz. season, period, breed, ejaculation order and age of bulls showed significant effects on various semen parameters. Higher estimates of semen concentration, motility, Total Ejaculation Volume (TEV) and Post-thaw Motility (PTM) were recorded in Jersey Sahiwal crossbred bull whereas semen motility was observed as higher for Tharparkar bull. Seasonal analysis revealed that winter and autumn were favorable seasons for higher quantity and quality semen production. Age wise analysis presented significantly increased values with the increasing age except semen motility. Non-genetic factors under semi-arid climatic conditions revealed significant effects on semen characteristics of exotic, crossbred and indigenous genotypes and need to be accounted for quality semen production in a semen production centre. Present findings indicate that Jersey Sahiwal cross bulls were found better for quality semen production under semi-arid climatic condition than exotic and other crossbreed bulls.

Abstract WP106: Hemispheric Comparison Of Magnetic Susceptibility 24-72 Hours After Reperfusion

Introduction: Magnetic susceptibility is a radiological contrast mechanism that may provide a measure of oxygenation and contribute to an understanding the pathophysiology of stroke. Currently, there are few studies that have explored magnetic susceptibility in ischemic tissue as a marker of tissue injury. Our study assesses day one ischemic tissue post-reperfusion for changes in magnetic susceptibility and evaluates its relationship with radiological markers of ischemic injury - apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Methods: In a prospective observational study, thirty-five ischemic stroke patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy were scanned with MRI (24 – 72 hours after reperfusion) to obtain multi-echo Gradient Echo and DWI images. An experienced neuroradiologist manually delineated ischemic tissue ROIs (region of interest) on DWI images. Contralateral ROIs were obtained using an automated method. The cerebrospinal fluid and regions of haemorrhagic transformation were excluded from the ROIs. A Morphology Enabled Dipole Inversion (MEDI) pipeline was employed to generate Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) images, and these were used to quantify magnetic susceptibility. Mean magnetic susceptibility and mean ADC values were measured in these ROIs, and these values were then correlated. Results: Mean magnetic susceptibility of the ischemic ROI was significantly higher than that of the contralateral ROI (0.71±11.72 ppb, -5.59±7.30 ppb; p = 0.003). Mean ADC values of the ROI in the ischemic hemisphere were significantly lower than those in the contralateral hemisphere (0.65±0.09 х 10 -3 mm 2 /s, 0.81±0.05 х 10 -3 mm 2 /s; p = 1.31 х 10 -11 ). No significant correlation between susceptibility and ADC was found (ρ = -0.278, p = 0.106). Conclusion: Magnetic susceptibility in the ischemic tissue is measurable and is elevated when compared to the normal tissue. This may be attributed to the increased oxygen extraction fraction in the ischemic tissue. Further voxel wise analysis and larger longitudinal multi-parametric analysis correlating magnetic susceptibility with other imaging measures of tissue injury over time will help characterise the significance of lesional magnetic susceptibility changes in ischemic tissue.

Comparison of 4D computed tomography and F-18 fluorocholine PET for localisation of parathyroid lesions in primary hyperparathyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) is the standard of care for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Four dimensional computed tomography(4DCT) and F-18 Fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FCH PET/CT) localize adenomas accurately to perform MIP. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and metanalysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 4DCT and FCH PET/CT scan for quadrant wise localisation in PHPT patients and to do head-to-head comparison between these two modalities. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENT: After searching through PubMed and EMBASE databases, 46 studies (using histology as a gold standard) of 4DCT and FCH PET/CT were included. RESULTS: Total number of patients included were 1651 and 952 for 4DCT scan (studies n = 26) and FCH PET/CT scan (studies n = 24) respectively. In per patient analysis, FCH PET/CT and 4DCT had pooled sensitivities of 92% (88-94) and 85% (73-92) respectively and in per lesion analysis, 90% (86-93) and 79% (71-84), respectively. In the subgroup with negative conventional imaging/persistent PHPT, FCH PET/CT had comparable sensitivity to 4DCT (84% [74-90] vs. 72% [46-88]). As per patient wise analysis, FCH PET/CT had better detection rates than 4DCT ([92.4 vs. 76.85], odds ratio -3.89 [1.6-9.36] p = .0024) in the subpopulation where both FCH PET/CT and 4DCT were reported. CONCLUSION: Both 4DCT and FCH PET/CT scan performed well in newly diagnosed patients, patients with persistent disease and in those with inconclusive conventional imaging results. FCH PET/CT scan had a higher pooled sensitivity than 4DCT in detecting patients with PHPT in head to head comparison.

Assessment of glacial geoheritage by multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in the Yalnızçam Mountains, Northeastern Türkiye

This study aims to evaluate the geoheritage potentials of glacial and periglacial landforms with quantitative methods. For this purpose, the Yalnızçam Mountains, located northeast of Anatolia, were chosen as the study area. In this mountainous mass, there are many landforms formed by the advance and retreat of glaciers as well as freeze-thaw processes. In the evaluation of the landforms detected in the field, the criteria of the preliminary geoheritage evaluation (PGA) method were used in an integrated manner with the fuzzy step wise weight evaluation rate analysis (SWARA) and evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) methods, which are multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. The criteria were weighted with the SWARA technique, and the geoheritage potentials of the elements in the field were evaluated according to the criteria. After the evaluation and weighting process, a decision matrix was created with the EDAS method. The importance levels of the alternatives (geosites) were determined and ranked according to the criteria. According to the results, it has been determined that glacial lakes, cirques and glacial valleys are the most important elements. It is thought that the results will provide various contributions both theoretically and practically.

Evaluating the pharmacodynamic effects of padsevonil in healthy volunteers using simultaneous [11C]-UCB-J PET and MR Arterial Spin Labeling measurements

IntroductionIntegrated PET-MR scanners can measure simultaneously tracer binding, downstream cerebral blood flow (CBF) and neuronal activation. An integrated GE Signa PET-MR system was used to combine [11C]-UCB-J PET scanning with MR Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) measurements to evaluate the effects of padsevonil (PSL) on SV2A occupancy and CBF simultaneously. MethodsPET-MR scanning was performed in 10 healthy controls (8M/2F; 27.6 ​± ​10.0 ​yrs) at baseline, and at two timepoints (post1: 2−24h and post2: 6−30h) after administration of a single PSL dose (6.2−100 ​mg). Dynamic [11C]-UCB-J PET scanning with arterial blood sampling was performed to estimate distribution volumes and corresponding SV2A occupancies. Simultaneously, MR ASL data were acquired and spatially normalized to Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) space for voxel wise analysis while brain Volume-Of-Interest (VOI) were defined using a simplified Hammers atlas. ResultsPET measurements showed a SV2A occupancy range of 57–98% and 16−63% and a corresponding PSL plasma concentration range of 3.6–189.23 ​ng/mL and 1.3–9.8 ​ng/mL for post1 and post2, respectively. When comparing post1 to baseline ASL measurements, a VOI-based analysis detected a significant CBF decrease in thalamus, insula, cerebellum, posterior cingulate cortex, and brain stem, which was confirmed by a voxel-wise analysis comparing baseline and post1 ASL measurements and identifying significantly different clusters covering the same brain regions. In addition, we demonstrated CBF recovery in these brain regions for the post2 ASL measurements compared to baseline measurements. For the thalamus, a VOI-based correlation analysis detected a significant correlation between PSL plasma concentration and CBF decrease relative to baseline conditions. DiscussionA pattern of local and dose dependent CBF decrease was demonstrated following PSL administration. More generally, these findings present the potential of simultaneous PET and ASL measurements to follow the time course of drug effects and to differentiate between the efficacy of different drugs in patient groups.

CAPITAL FINANCING AND RE-VITALIZATION OF MICRO ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF PRADHAN MANTRI MUDRA YOJANA (PMMY)

Rejuvenation of small and micro business units is a quintessential requirement for meeting the macro-economic goals of employment generation, financial inclusiveness and importantly the recovery of economic growth after economic slowdown spurred out of the pandemic. As per the study report published by Asian Development Bank Institute (2016), 78% of the finance used by MSMEs is carried out through informal sources and self-finance. Identifying the high degree of dependence of micro entrepreneurs especially in the rural India on informal financing avenues, the central Government of India officially launched the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) in 2015 with a vision to strengthen the institutional finance framework for ensuring the sustainability of entrepreneurial activities. The present paper is an attempt to bring out the progress assessment of PMMY scheme over the past five years across India. The analysis of different loan categories of schemes is done in order to understand the specific implications on the needs of the micro enterprises. The region wise analysis of the scheme with respect to the loan disbursement reveals that Southern region perform better over the past five years. The paper also throws light on the impact of PMMY in bridging the gender divide in the MSME sector by focusing on the utilization trends among women entrepreneurs regarding the Shishu, Kishore, and Tarun sub schemes under PMMY.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in heart failure: A systematic review

ObjectiveHeart Failure (HF) is emerging as a crucial factor promoting muscle wasting and dysfunction contributing to sarcopenia. This modulates disease severity and reduces exercise capacity and leading to poorer outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to systematically investigate the overall prevalence of sarcopenia in HF. MethodsAn electronic search was carried out in selected databases until 21st January, 2021. Data was pooled from the included articles and represented as pooled prevalence of sarcopenia. Subgroup analysis was undertaken between methods of diagnosis of sarcopenia, gender, ejection fraction, median time point and geographical region. ResultsAmongst 32,643 citations imported from selected databases, 12 articles were included in final analysis. Analysis for prevalence of sarcopenia was 34%, with prevalence rates ranging from 10.1% to 68%. Subgroup analysis revealed strong associations between Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) (chi square = 3.24; p < 0.001), with a good level of agreement (kappa = 0.76 [95% CI: 0.70–0.82]; p < 0.001). Gender wise analysis revealed higher prevalence of sarcopenia among males (66%) than females (34%). ConclusionSarcopenia is highly prevalent among those with HF (irrespective of type of HF) and is more commonly seen in males compared to females.

Limbic Predominant Age‐related TDP‐43 Encephalopathy Neuropathological Change (LATE‐NC) is Associated with Lower Diffusion Anisotropy in Medial Temporal Lobe White Matter

AbstractBackgroundLimbic predominant age‐related TDP‐43 encephalopathy neuropathological change (LATE‐NC) is now recognized as a common neuropathological disorder of the aging brain and is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. However, the MRI signature of LATE‐NC has not been fully determined. In this work, we hypothesized that abnormalities in white matter (WM) structural integrity caused by LATE‐NC may be detected by means of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).MethodThis study included 148 individuals participating in Rush Memory and Aging Project, and Religious Orders Study (Fig.1). Ex‐vivo DTI images were acquired using 3T scanners, followed by detailed histopathologic examination by a board‐certified neuropathologist (Fig.2). As a post‐processing step, fractional anisotropy (FA) maps generated from DTI images were aligned to an ex‐vivo FA template and projected onto the corresponding WM skeleton.Voxel‐wise analysis was performed on the WM skeleton to investigate the association of FA with LATE‐NC, controlling for Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy bodies, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, cerebral infarcts, atherosclerosis, arteriolosclerosis, age at death, sex, years of education, postmortem interval to fixation and imaging, total white matter hyperintensity volume, and scanner. Statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. Using the voxels that showed significance in this analysis, (1) probable WM connections passing through them were extracted, (2) FA values were compared between LATE‐NC stages 1, 2, 3 and stage 0 (after adjusting for covariates).ResultVoxel‐wise analysis revealed lower FA for greater LATE‐NC burden in medial temporal lobe WM (Fig.3). The connections traversing this WM region included fibers connecting amygdala, temporal pole, hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, fusiform, insula, and putamen (Fig.4). No voxel showed positive association between FA and LATE‐NC. Comparison of adjusted FA values in medial temporal lobe WM across LATE‐NC stages revealed significant FA anomalies between stages 0 and 3 (ΔFA=‐0.06, FDR‐corrected p&lt;10‐6) (Fig.5).ConclusionThe present study in autopsied brains of community‐based older adults showed lower diffusion anisotropy with greater LATE‐NC burden involving WM connections between regions consistent with the known distribution of LATE‐NC. Overall, this pattern may potentially contribute towards the development of an in‐vivo tool for the prediction of this devastating, recently recognized disease entity.

18F‐MK6240 tau in ento‐ and perihinal cortex is related to episodic memory in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundIn a previous study, we showed the sensitivity of the Buschke Selective Reminding test Total Retention (BSRT TR) for detecting and predicting 4‐year cognitive change in cognitively intact older adults. Here, we examined how BSRT TR related to tau load.MethodThe study sample consisted of 29 cognitively intact participants of the Flemish Prevent AD cohort KU Leuven (CDR global=0, MMSE=28‐30, mean age=68.5 year) and eight memory‐clinic recruited patients with prodromal AD (CDR global=0.5, MMSE=21‐30, mean age=71 year). All participants underwent neuropsychological testing, MRI and 18F‐MK6240 PET. Structural T1‐weighted MRI images were processed using CAT12. Tau load was quantified as 18F‐MK6240 DVR with the inferior cerebellum used as reference region. The primary analysis was based on voxel‐wise regression analysis between 18F‐MK6240 DVR scans and BSRT TR mean scores, with age as covariate. The second primary endpoint was the correlation between BSRT TR mean scores and tau DVR in an entorhinal and perirhinal volume of interest (VOI) based on the Brainnetome atlas. The secondary analysis was a VOI analysis based on an early metaVOI also containing hippocampus, parahippocampus, fusiform gyrus and inferior temporal cortex. Results were compared to those obtained for other episodic memory scores (BSRT delayed recall (DR), Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) total learning (TL) and AVLT DR), and an MRI volumetric analysis.ResultVoxel‐wise regression analysis showed a negative correlation between BSRT TR mean and DVR in ento‐ and perirhinal cortex bilaterally (x=22, y=‐4, z=‐32, extent=612 voxels, cluster level pcorr&lt;0.001) (x=‐30, y=‐22, z=‐20, extent=2910 voxels, cluster level pcorr&lt;0.001) (Figure A). This was confirmed by the analysis of the entorhinal/perirhinal VOI (rho=‐0.44, p=0.0063; Figure B). Significant correlations with ento‐ and perirhinal DVR were also present for BSRT DR (rho=‐0.39, p=0.017) and AVLT TL (rho=‐0.41, p=0.012), but not for AVLT DR (rho=‐0.29, p=0.084). No significant correlation was found with tau in the early metaVOI for any of the verbal episodic memory measures. Voxel‐wise regression analysis between gray matter volume and BSRT TR mean scores did not show significant results.ConclusionThe earliest measurable tau aggregate levels in ento‐ and perirhinal cortex correlate with classical episodic memory parameters.

Level of awareness of open access portals among the faculty members in higher educational institutions in Cuddalore district

This paper is discusses about the Knowledge, Present Status and Opinion of Open Access Resources among the higher educational institutions in Cuddalore Distrcit. The relevant data has collected from the faculty members who are working in higher educational institutions which consists of Engineering &amp; Technology and Arts &amp; Science from January 2022 to May 2022. Totally 1272 questionnaires were distributed which includes 432 from Engineering &amp; Technology institutions and 840 from Arts &amp; Science Colleges in Cuddalore District, Which indicates the questionnaires distributed who are in the role during the study period. And out of 1272, 1035 were received from faculty members after duly filled and responded. The dographic details wise analysis of the 1035 faculty members, 284(27.44%) of stated to ways known about the open access resources through ‘Library Professionals’ which includes 75(7.25%) of them from ‘Engineering and Technology institutions and 209(20.19%) of them from ‘Arts &amp; Science’ institutions.

Apolipoprotein E ε4 associates with microglial activation in early Braak regions independently of amyloid‐β and tau

AbstractBackgroundRecent evidence suggests that microglial activation sets the stage for tau spread in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the underpinnings of microglial activation in early regions of tau accumulation are poorly understood. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic AD and influences microglial response in animal models of AD. Here, we tested the hypothesis that APOE ε4 carriership is associated with microglial activation in early Braak regions independently of amyloid‐β (Aβ) and tau pathologies.MethodWe assessed 118 participants [79 cognitively unimpaired (CU), 23 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 16 with AD dementia] with 50 years of age or older from the McGill TRIAD cohort. Individuals had available positron emission tomography (PET) for Aβ ([18F]AZD4694), tau tangles ([18F]MK6240), and microglial activation ([11C]PBR28), as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and APOE genotyping. Braak I (transentorhinal) and Braak II (entorhinal and hippocampus) were defined as early regions of tau tangles accumulation.ResultVoxel‐wise analysis revealed that APOE ε4 carriership was associated with microglial activation mainly in regions corresponding to early Braak stages (e.g., transentorhinal, entorhinal, and hippocampus; Figure 1). In these regions, we observed that APOE ε4 carriership was associated with microglial activation independently of Aβ and tau pathologies (Braak I: β = 0.087, P &lt; 0.001; Braak II: β = 0.053, P = 0.026; Table 1). Furthermore, structural equation modeling demonstrated that microglial activation mediated the Aβ‐independent effect of APOE ε4 carriership on tau accumulation in regions corresponding to Braak I‐II (mediation effect size = 34.1%; Figure 2).ConclusionOur results suggest a deleterious effect of APOE ε4 carriership on AD progression by contributing to microglial activation in regions of early tau accumulation (transentorhinal, entorhinal, and hippocampus). These findings can help to understand the influence of the APOE ε4 allele on AD pathogenesis, as well as provide insights for the development of drugs targeting the interplay between APOE ε4 and microglial activation.