bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surveillance on the Vivax Malaria in Endemic Areas in the Republic of Korea Based on Molecular and Serological Analyses
Authors: Lee Seong-Kyun , Hu Fengyue , Firdaus Egy Rahman , Park Ji-Hoon , Han Jin-Hee , Lee Sang-Eun , Shin Hyun-Il , Cho Shin Hyeong , Park Won Sun , Lu Feng , Han Eun-Taek
Published: December 2020

Plasmodium vivax reemerged in 1993. It has been sustained for more than 25 years and become one of the important indigenous parasitic diseases in northern and western parts of the Republic of Korea near the demilitarized zone. In particular, relapse is a significant concern for the control of malaria, as short- and long-term incubation periods vary among those infected in Korea. In this study, the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers was examined among residents of high endemic areas of vivax malaria during nonseasonal transmission of mosquitoes. Blood samples from 3 endemic regions in northwestern Korea were evaluated by microscopic examination, rapid diagnostic testing, and nested PCR to identify asymptomatic patients carrying malaria parasites in the community. However, no positive malaria case among residents of endemic areas was detected. Additionally, serological analysis was carried out to measure antibodies against 3 antigenic recombinant proteins of P. vivax, merozoite surface protein 1-19, circumsporozoite surface protein-VK210, and liver-stage antigen (PvLSA-N), by the protein array method. Interestingly, seropositivity of sera between previous exposure and samples without exposure to malaria was significantly higher using the PvLSA-N antigen than the other antigens, suggesting that PvLSA-N can be used as a serological marker to analyze the degree of exposure for malaria transmission in endemic areas. This indicates a very low asymptomatic carrier prevalence during the nonmalaria season in the endemic areas of Korea.
Morphological and Molecular Diagnosis of Necator americanus and Ancylostoma ceylanicum Recovered from Villagers in Northern Cambodia
Authors: Chang Taehee , Jung Bong-Kwang , Sohn Woon-Mok , Hong Sooji , Shin Hyejoo , Ryoo Seungwan , Lee Jeonggyu , Lee Keon Hoon , Khieu Virak , Huy Rekol , Chai Jong-Yil
Published: December 2020

Human hookworm infections caused by adult Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus are one of the most important tropical diseases. We performed a survey of intestinal helminths using the Kato-Katz fecal examination technique targeting 1,156 villagers residing in 2 northern provinces (Preah Vihear and Stung Treng) of Cambodia in 2018. The results revealed a high overall egg positive rate of intestinal helminths (61.9%), and the egg positive rate of hookworms was 11.6%. Nine of the hookworm egg positive cases in Preah Vihear Province were treated with 5-10 mg/kg pyrantel pamoate followed by purging with magnesium salts, and a total of 65 adult hookworms were expelled in diarrheic stools. The adult hookworms were analyzed morphologically and molecularly to confirm the species. The morphologies of the buccal cavity and dorsal rays on the costa were observed with a light microscope, and the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene were analyzed. The majority of the hookworm adults (90.7%) were N. americanus, whereas the remaining 9.3% were Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a rare hookworm species infecting humans. The results revealed a high prevalence of hookworm infections among people in a northern part of Cambodia, suggesting the necessity of a sustained survey combined with control measures against hookworm infections.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of Spirometra Tapeworms (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) from Carnivorous Mammals in the Serengeti and Selous Ecosystems of Tanzania
Authors: Ndosi Barakaeli Abdieli , Park Hansol , Lee Dongmin , Choe Seongjun , Kang Yeseul , Nath Tilak Chandra , Bia Mohammed Mebarek , Eamudomkarn Chatanun , Jeon Hyeong-Kyu , Eom Keeseon S.
Published: December 2020

Spirometra tapeworms (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) collected from carnivorous mammals in Tanzania were identified by the DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), and by morphological characteristics. A total of 15 adult worms were collected from stool samples and carcasses of Panthera leo, Panthera pardus, and Crocuta crocuta in the Serengeti and Selous ecosystems of Tanzania. Three Spirometra species: S. theileri, S. ranarum and S. erinaceieuropaei were identified based on morphological features. Partial cox1 sequences (400 bp) of 10 specimens were revealed. Eight specimens showed 99.5% similarity with Spirometra theileri (MK955901), 1 specimen showed 99.5% similarity with the Korean S. erinaceieuropaei and 1 specimen had 99.5% similarity with Myanmar S. ranarum. Sequence homology estimates for the ITS1 region of S. theileri were 89.8% with S. erinaceieuropaei, 82.5% with S. decipiens, and 78.3% with S. ranarum; and 94.4% homology was observed between S. decipiens and S. ranarum. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with 4 species of Spirometra and 2 species of Dibothriocephalus (=Diphyllobothrium). By both ML and BI methods, cox1 and ITS1 gave well supported, congruent trees topology of S. erinaceieuropaei and S. theileri with S. decipiens and S. ranarum forming a clade. The Dibothriocephalus species were sisters of each other and collectively forming successive outgroups. Our findings confirmed that 3 Spirometra species (S. theileri, S. ranarum, and S. erinaceieuropaei) are distributed in the Serengeti and Selous ecosystems of Tanzania.
Türkiye Tarım Kredi Kooperatifleri İçin Kurumsal Risk Yönetimi ve İç Denetim Model Önerisi
Authors: UYSAL Maşuk Cahit , ACAR Durmuş
Published: December 2020

Örgütlerdeki önemi ve fonksiyonu bakımından denetim tartışılmaz bir faaliyettir. Denetimin rolünü gerçekleştirebilmesi için de yerinde yapılandırılmalıdır. Kamu İç Kontrol Standartları doğrultusunda kamu kurumları, riskleri tanımlamak, değerlendirmek ile izlemeye yönelik sistem kurmaları gerekmektedir. Risk belirleme faaliyetleri, kamu kurum stratejilerinin kararlaştırıldığı planlama prosedürlerine entegre şekilde yürütülmelidir. Risk yönetimi örgüt hedeflerinin tutturulmasında ehemmiyet teşkil etmesi ile iç denetim birimlerinin de bu hususta danışmanlık hizmeti vermesi düşünülmektedir. Türkiye Tarım Kredi Kooperatiflerinde denetim faaliyetleri merkez birliğine bağlı müfettişler ile bölge birliklerine bağlı kontrolörler marifetiyle yürütülmektedir. Teftiş, inceleme ve soruşturma konularında bu birimler arasında görev çakışması bulunmaktadır. Bu kapsamda çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye Tarım Kredi Kooperatiflerinde etkin iç kontrol ile iç denetim sisteminin nasıl uygulanabileceğini ortaya koymaktır. Çalışmada ilk olarak, Kurumsal Risk Yönetimi ile iç denetim kavramları açıklanmıştır. Uygulama kısmında ise, gerekli şartları sağlayan risk temelli bir iç denetim süreci için model önerisi sunulmuştur. Araştırma neticesinde Türkiye Tarım Kredi Kooperatiflerinde de Kurumsal Risk Yönetimi ve iç denetim konularında çalışmalar yapılması gerektiği tespit edilmiştir.
Sosyal Ağların İşlevlerini Etkileşim, Kimlik ve Değerler Üzerinden Düşünmek
Authors: CARLIK Mehmet , ÖZTÜRK TERZİ Aslı
Published: December 2020

Sosyal ağlar, bireylerin kullanıcı olarak inşa ettikleri kimlikler eşliğinde bir etkileşim ve değer unsuru oluşturmak için önemli faaliyet alanlarıdır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, sosyal ağlar üzerinde kullanıcıların gerçekleştirdikleri faaliyetler ve bu faaliyetlerden doğan değer, kimlik ve etkileşim bileşenlerini ayrıntılı olarak tanımlamak; sosyal ağların yedi işlevi olan mevcudiyet, kimlik, paylaşım, şöhret, ilişki, sohbet ve grup faaliyetleri içinde, kullanıcıların etkileşim, değer ve kimlik bileşenlerini yönetmelerine yönelik bir bakış açısı oluşturmaktır. Sosyal ağların sunduğu işlevleriyle değer, kimlik ve etkileşim kavramları üzerindeki rolünün teorik çerçevesi irdelenerek, bu alanda yapılacak pratiğe dayalı araştırmaların teorik zeminini hazırlaması bakımından önemlidir. Çalışmanın kapsamı, sosyal ağların yedi işlevi dahilinde, değer, kimlik ve etkileşim bileşenlerini değerlendirmektir. Ilk olarak, dijitalleşmenin varlığı içinde sosyal ağlar ele alınmıştır. Devamında sosyal ağların işlevselliği, sosyal ağlarda etkileşim, kimlik ve değer ilişkisi ele alınmıştır. Genel olarak değerlendirildiğinde, sosyal ağların işlevsel süreçleri, sosyal ağların çoklu yapısına paralel olarak çeşitli etkileşim olanakları sağlamaktadır. Sosyal ağ etkileşimselliğiyle, kullanıcı tarafından şekillenen kimlikler, sosyal ağlarda değerler ilişkisi kurarak kullanıcılarıın içerik üretimine göre kendi değer ilişkilerini belirleyebilmektedir.
Belediye Sivil Toplum İlişkileri: Yasal - Kurumsal Mevcut Durum ve Plan Vizyonu
Authors: ÖNER Şerif , ŞEN Mustafa Lütfi
Published: December 2020

Demokrasi, antik Yunandan günümüze kadar toplumların üzerinde en çok tartıştığı kavramlardan biri olmaya devam etmektedir. Demokrasi, vatandaşların yönetim süreçlerinde belirleyici ve etkin bir özne olmasının aracı olarak görülmüştür. Bireylerin örgütlü şekilde yönetimde yer alması ile ortaya çıkan sivil toplum, demokrasinin gelişmesine yol açmıştır. Literatürde yerel yönetimler (ve özellikle belediyeler) demokrasinin ve sivil toplumun yansıtılacağı en uygun alan olarak görülmektedir. Bu yaklaşımdan hareketle çalışmamızda belediye yönetimleri ile sivil toplum kuruluşlarının ilişkileri ele alınmaktadır. Yasal düzenlemelerde yer alan hemşehri hukuku, kent konseyi gibi mekanizmalarda sivil toplumun rolü incelenmektedir. Ancak belediye ile sivil toplum arasındaki ilişkiler açısından yasal düzenlemenin varlığı tek başına yeterli değildir. Sivil toplumun kapasite, eğitim, mali, personel ve tanınırlık sorunlarının aşılması gereklidir. Bu noktada çalışma bütünlüğünü sağlamak için 11. Kalkınma Planı ilgili sorun alanlarına ilişkin önerileri açısından ele alınmıştır.
Türk – Amerikan İlişkileri: Vize Gerilimi
Authors: ÇELİKASLAN Mehmet Nur
Published: December 2020

Bu araştırmada liberal değerleri paylaşan iki müttefik ülke Türkiye ve ABD arasında yaşanan gerilimlerin ve tarafların çatışan çıkarlarının kavramsal çerçeveye hangi açıdan meydan okuduğu vize gerilimi örneğinde sergiledikleri yaklaşımlar üzerinden incelenecektir. Bu araştırmanın amacı, özellikle 2002-2020 döneminde Türkiye ve ABD arasında küresel gelişmelerden kaynaklı farklılaşan ulusal güvenlik kaygıları ve çıkarlarının neden olduğu vize gerilimi konusunda sorunun çözümü için tarafların liberal bir yaklaşımı mı yoksa realist bir yaklaşımı mı tercih ettiklerini incelemektir. Bu çerçevede, nitel araştırma desenlerinden vaka çalışması türlerinden açıklayıcı/tanımlayıcı durum yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Bu yöntemde veri toplama amacı ile kullanılan araçlardan olan mülakat yöntemi ve doküman incelemesi ile veri toplanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda İki ülke arasında gerçekleşen ve sivillerin günlük yaşamına yansıması açısından ayrı bir önem taşıyan vize geriliminin ABD tarafının problemleri liberal bir yaklaşımla müzakere ederek çözmek yerine, realist yaklaşımı benimsediği bir olay olduğu tespitine ulaşılmıştır.
Social Change and Identity – Education and the Socio-Political Awareness of Sarawak Malays Before 1963
Authors: MUHAMMAD KHALILUR RAHMAN BIN TAMAM
Published: December 2020

Education emancipates a society, and this is also true in Sarawak for where it has an important role in maintaining the core values of Sarawak Malay identity politics. Education, and how it is related to the political consciousness of the Sarawak Malay, shall be the main subject of this research. The purpose of this study is to analyse the role and importance of education in maintaining the core values in Sarawak Malays identity politics. This study was conducted through library research and other secondary sources as it tries to explore the elements of education and the social and political change of the Sarawak Malays. Education not only provided the access to social mobility and socio-political awareness of the Sarawak Malays, but it also enhanced the politics of identity of Sarawak Malays through the inculcation of values based on Islam and the local context of Malayness (Kemelayuaan).
Analysis of Sexual Education in Adolescents (Study Of The Qur'an Surah An-Nur Verses 30-31)
Authors: Rahmadani Reza
Published: December 2020

Thesis, Islamic Religious Education Study Program, July 2020. This study aims to gain awareness and further exploration of sexual education in adolescents and provide a deeper understanding of sexual education that has been written in the Qur'anic verse. This research uses library research or literature study research to obtain the research data needed. The data collection technique uses the documentation method. The technique of validity of data by combining data into descriptive. The data analysis technique used the content analysis method. The results in this study indicate that the contents of the content of Surah an-Nur verses 30-31 according to the commentators are education regarding the purification of the soul, advice to guard one's view, maintain genitals, cover genitals, know about mahram, muamalah, and the command to repent to Allah when you find it. Self negligent from the teachings of Allah SWT.
Concept of Moral Education According to KH. Hasyim Asy'Ari in the Book of Adabul 'Alim Wal-Muta'alim
Authors: Rohmah Siti
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this research is to find out and study the concept of moral education according to KH. Hasyim Asyari in the book adabul â€˜alim wal mutaâ€™allim. This research is a study of character studies or individual biographical research which is a type of qualitative research with a textual approach. Data sources are relevant reference books following the issues discussed, Al-Qur'an and hadiths, especially KH. Hasyim Asy'ari in the book adabul â€˜alim wal mutaâ€™allim. The data analysis technique uses deductive and inductive methods. This research shows that the concept of moral education according to KH Hasyim Asy'ari is very much needed in the world of education, which can then be accustomed to running it within the scope of family, school, relationships, and social society. Characteristics of KH. Hasyim Asy'ari in the book is guided by the Qur'an and the Hadith. KH. Hasyim Asyâ€™ari, which emphasizes ethical values that have Sufistic breath. Moral Education which he emphasized, namely: morals to God and morals to fellow human beings. His concept made the development of a society of religious morality with individual coaching. With the aim that is expected to be able to realize a society of good character, noble and noble character.
Obtaining recombinant capsid protein VP60 of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus and its antigenic and immunogenic activity study
Authors:   Scientific Research Institute for Diagnostics and Prevention of Human and Animal Diseases, Mukhin Aleksey N. , Alekseev Konstantin P. , Moskvina Anna S. , Verkhovskiy Oleg A. ,   Scientific Research Institute for Diagnostics and Prevention of Human and Animal Diseases, Selezneva Ekaterina V ,   Vetbiohim LLC, Chernykh Oleg Yu. ,   Kropotkin regional veterinary laboratory
Published: December 2020

Viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits is an acute, highly contagious disease characterized by the phenomena of hemorrhagic diathesis in all organs, especially in the lungs and liver. The causative agent of viral haemorrhagic disease of rabbits is a virus of haemorrhagic disease of rabbits, belonging to the family Caliciviridae, genus Lagovirus. Currently, there are 4 genogroups of lagoviruses, two pathogenic: GI1 (GI1a-GI1d) and GI2, and two non-pathogenic: GI3 and GI4. The greatest danger to rabbits in the Russian Federation is posed by viruses of the GI1 genotype. The virulence of these viruses for rabbits is extremely high, the incubation period is 48-72 hours. Clinically, the disease is almost not manifested. Mortality can reach 100%. For the prevention of HBV in the Russian Federation, inactivated tissue vaccines are used, which are a suspension of the liver of rabbits infected with virulent strains of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. Currently, in veterinary practice, subunit recombinant vaccines based on virus proteins obtained in the baculovirus gene expression system are increasingly used. The authors obtained the recombinant VP60 virus of rabbit hemorrhagic disease of the GI1 genotype in the baculovirus gene expression system and studied its antigenic and immunogenic activity for rabbits. It was found that the recombinant capsid protein VP60 of the hemorrhagic disease virus, administered to rabbits at a dose of 50 pg, causes the synthesis of specific antibodies in animals, detected by enzyme immunoassay and in the hemagglutination inhibition reaction, and protects 80% of animals during control infection with the virulent strain «Voronezh-87» at a dose of 1000 LD 50. These data indicate the possibility of using this protein as a specific component of a subunit vaccine against rabbit hemorrhagic disease caused by strains of the GI1 gene group.
Statistical analysis of distribution, dynamics and etiological structure of bovine diseases in Vologda region
Authors:   Vologda branch of the Federal scientific center - All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine named after K.I. Skryabin and Ya.R. Kovalenko of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Badeeva Oksana B.
Published: December 2020

Statistical data of livestock for 30 years is reflected in the article. Author used the materials of the state veterinary reporting. A comparative analysis of the number, incidence and death rate of adult animals and young cattle for two five-year periods (2001-2005 and 2014-2018). the data of the analysis of veterinary statistical reports for 2018 on the specific weight of the large horned cattle and age dynamics of calves in farms of the Vologda region are shown. A significant decrease in livestock of the large horned cattle by 56.3% (from 1990 to 2018) is shown in the analysis of the data. Over the five years 2014-2018, there was a decrease in the number of the large horned cattle by 31.3%, the birth rate of calves - by 26.2%, and the incidence of calves - by 12.3% and the mortality rate decreased by 3.3%. Despite the decline in the number of livestock, in 2018 there is a high incidence of animal diseases (49.6%). The highest incidence rate was observed among calves under 10 days of age 43.3%, 31.7% - from 11 to 30 days, 15.8% - from one to three months, 6.5% - from three to six months and 2.7% - from 6 to 12 months. Of the total number of sick calves in 2018, 63.2% had gastrointestinal diseases, and death for this reason is 49.6% of the total number of victims. Respiratory diseases affect 21.8% of young animals, and death due to respiratory diseases is 18.2%. Analysis of statistical data showed that, despite the complex of veterinary and sanitary measures, the incidence and death of calves remain at a high level. This can be explained by delayed diagnosis and low therapeutic effectiveness in gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases of cattle.
To question of dystocia distribution and etiology in black sea bottlenose dolphins female
Authors:   GeIendzhik DeIfinary, Semenov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2020

Pregnancy is the most important period in the life of cetaceans, including those kept in captivity, associated with the growth and development of the fetus. The timely diagnosis of pregnancy, establishment of its exact term, features of the course and the prevention of the onset of dystocia - difficult childbirth caused by the presence of abnormalities in the fetus or mother - are becoming more and more urgent. The most common cause of difficult labor is obstruction of the labor act due to fetal abnormalities with large fetuses or incorrect presentation. Difficulty in labor due to maternal pathology may result from the presence of a too narrow pelvis in the female, weak contraction of the uterine muscles, or insufficient dilatation of the cervix during childbirth. The authors studied the distribution and etiological factors of the onset of dystocia in female Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. One of the main indicators of good conditions for keeping wild animals, including dolphins, is the production of offspring, since stress and unsatisfactory conditions of keeping, feeding, etc. negatively affect the reproductive ability. Studies to clarify the causes of difficult childbirth in female Black Sea bottlenose dolphins showed that in the anamnesis 51-60% of females previously recorded and treated intestinal dysbiosis caused by increased gastric acidity or abnormal liver function due to damage to its cells during toxicosis. Research data have shown that microorganisms in the distal intestine of wild bottlenose dolphins are represented mainly by the same species that are found in other animals and humans. The largest numbers in feces were non-hemolytic bacteria from the E. coli group, lactic acid bacteria and clostridia. In captivity, including pregnant bottlenose dolphins, coliform bacteria, as well as staphylococci, clostridia, bifidobacteria, lactic acid bacteria, streptococci were detected in the rectum. The authors found that the possible reasons for the development of dysbiosis in pregnant Black Sea bottlenose dolphins females include increased stomach acidity, the development of toxicosis or the appearance of diseases leading to liver dysfunction.
Study of episootic situation and dynamics of episootic and infectious processes of bovine leukemia infection
Authors:   Veterinary Department of Krasnodar region, Krivonos Roman A. , Rusinovich Aleksey A. , Motuzko Nikolay S. ,   Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine, Lysenko Aleksandr A. , Chernykh Oleg Yu. ,   Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin
Published: December 2020

One of the problems in dairy cattle breeding has become bovine leukemia since the middle of the 20th century in the Republic of Belarus. Initially, isolated cases of the disease were recorded according to the data of clinical signs and pathological changes in the case of death of animals and the results of veterinary sanitary examination at the section of meat processing plants. After the establishment of the infectious etiology of the disease and the introduction of the immune diffusion reaction into veterinary laboratory practice, the massive nature of its spread was established with corresponding economic losses for the livestock industry. Under the prevailing conditions, it was necessary to reliably study the indicators of the epizootic situation and the trends of the epizootic process affecting the spread of infection with the bovine leukemia virus in order to take effective measures to eliminate it. The authors considered the methodological approaches to the study of the epizootic situation and the dynamics of the epizootic process of bovine leukemia virus infection in the Republic of Belarus formed the basis of the developed monitoring system. It included 132 epizootic significant indicators, divided into 8 groups, reflecting the epizootic situation of bovine leukemia virus infection, taking into account age, sex, production, territorial and other characteristics of infectious and epizootic processes of the disease in the conditions of the Republic of Belarus, established the procedure for collecting and transmitting epizootic information for making management decisions. This made it possible to control the epizootic situation and predict its development, to determine the features and patterns of the epizootic process, to evaluate the results of diagnostic studies, the effectiveness of anti-leukemic measures and their socio-economic significance. The use of epizootic, clinical, pathomorphological, laboratory methods of research with subsequent statistical processing of the data obtained and their analysis in the monitoring system of infection of the cattle leukemia virus in the Republic of Belarus made it possible to control the epizootic situation, predict its development, determine the features and patterns of the epizootic process, evaluate the results of diagnostic research, the effectiveness of anti-leukemic measures and their socio-economic significance.
Feed Preference Response of Weaner Bull Calves to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens H57 Probiotic and Associated Volatile Organic Compounds in High Concentrate Feed Pellets
Authors: Ngo Thi Thuy , Bang Nguyen N. , Dart Peter , Callaghan Matthew , Klieve Athol , Hayes Ben , McNeill David
Published: December 2020

This study tested the hypothesis that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (H57) improves preference by reducing the development of microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) in feed pellets. Sixteen bull calves were, for 4 weeks, provided equal access to a panel of 8 automated feed bunks in a single paddock with some hay. Each bunk contained pellets with (H57) or without (Control) the H57, each aged for 4 months at either ambient or chiller temperature. Each treatment was changed to a new bunk pair position weekly. Relative preference was determined according to weight of pellets remaining per hour per treatment bunk pair per 24 h. Pellets were analysed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the concentrations tested for correlation with relative preference. Calves showed the lowest preference (p < 0.0001) for the Control/Ambient treatment whereas preference for all other treatments (H57/Ambient; H57/Chiller; Control/Chiller) was similar. The Control/Ambient treatment odour profile grouped differently to the other 3 treatments which grouped similarly to each other. Up to 16 mVOCs were determined to have potential as pre-ingestive signals for the extent of microbial spoilage. Further studies are required to find which combination of these mVOCs, when added to pellets, results in feed aversion.
Selection of Boar Sperm by Reproductive Biofluids as Chemoattractants
Authors: Vieira Luis Alberto , Diana Alessia , Soriano-Úbeda Cristina , Matás Carmen
Published: December 2020

Chemotaxis is a spermatozoa guidance mechanism demonstrated in vitro in several mammalian species including porcine. This work focused on follicular fluid (FF), periovulatory oviductal fluid (pOF), the medium surrounding oocytes during in vitro maturation (conditioned medium; CM), progesterone (P4), and the combination of those biofluids (Σ) as chemotactic agents and modulators of spermatozoa fertility in vitro. A chemotaxis chamber was designed consisting of two independent wells, A and B, connected by a tube. The spermatozoa are deposited in well A, and the chemoattractants in well B. The concentrations of biofluids that attracted a higher proportion of spermatozoa to well B were 0.25% FF, 0.25% OF, 0.06% CM, 10 pM P4 and 0.25% of a combination of biofluids (Σ2), which attracted between 3.3 and 12.3% of spermatozoa (p < 0.05). The motility of spermatozoa recovered in well B was determined and the chemotactic potential when the sperm calcium channel CatSper was inhibited, which significantly reduced the % of spermatozoa attracted (p < 0.05). Regarding the in vitro fertility, the spermatozoa attracted by FF produced higher rates of penetration of oocytes and development of expanded blastocysts. In conclusion, porcine reproductive biofluids show an in vitro chemotactic effect on spermatozoa and modulate their fertilizing potential.
The Impact of Temperature and Humidity on the Performance and Physiology of Laying Hens
Authors: Kim Da-Hye , Lee Yoo-Kyung , Kim Sang-Ho , Lee Kyung-Woo
Published: December 2020

We investigated the effect of different ambient temperatures and relative humidity (RH) with the same temperature-humidity indices (THI) on laying performance, egg quality, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT) concentration in blood, yolk, and albumen, and plasma biochemical parameters of laying hens. Commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown; n = 120), aged 60 weeks, were allocated to two environmental chambers. Laying hens were subjected to either one of two thermal treatments—26 °C and 70% RH (TLHH75) or 30 °C and 30% RH (THHL75) for 28 days—with the same THI of 75. Neither TLHH75 nor THHL75 affected laying performance, including egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Plasma biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were not altered by the environmental treatments (p > 0.05). As for stress indicators, both environmental regimes failed to affect blood H/L ratio and CORT levels in plasma, yolk, and albumen (p > 0.05), although albumen CORT levels were elevated (p < 0.05) in TLHH75 group at day 7. Hence, our study suggests that laying hens performed and responded similarly when exposed to either TLHH75 or THHL75 characterized by the same THI. These results can serve as a scientific basis for management decisions and handling laying hens under thermally challenging conditions.
Spiny-Cheek Crayfish, Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817), as an Alternative Food Source
Authors: Śmietana Natalia , Panicz Remigiusz , Sobczak Małgorzata , Śmietana Przemysław , Nędzarek Arkadiusz
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to present a comprehensive characterisation of crayfish meat, which is crucial to assess its potential usefulness in the food industry. To this end, we assessed the yield, basic chemical composition (protein, fat, minerals), nutritional value (amino acid and fatty acid profiles, essential amino acid index (EAAI), chemical score of essential amino acids (CS), hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (h/H), atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices), as well as culinary value (lab colour, texture, sensory characteristics, structure) of the meat of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus) (n = 226) from Lake Sominko (Poland) harvested in May–September 2017. Crayfish meat, especially that from the abdomen, was shown to have high nutritional parameters. It is lean (0.26% of fat), with a favourable fatty acid profile and a very high quality of fat (PUFA (sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids):SFA (sum of saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3, h/H, AI, TI) and protein (high CS and EAAI). It is also a better source of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and Cu than meat from slaughter animals. Hence, crayfish meat can be an alternative to livestock meat in the human diet. Owing to its culinary value (delicateness, weak game flavour, and odour), it meets the requirements of the most demanding consumers, i.e., children and older people.
Pet Macaques in Vietnam: An NGO’s Perspective
Authors: Aldrich Brooke Catherine , Neale David
Published: December 2020

In this article, we attempt to characterize the widespread trade in pet macaques in Vietnam. Data on confiscations as well as surrenders, releases, and individuals housed at rescue centers across Vietnam for 2015–2019 were opportunistically recorded. Data comparisons between Education for Nature Vietnam and three government-run wildlife rescue centers show that at least 1254 cases of macaque keeping occurred during the study period, including a minimum of 32 Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis), 158 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), 291 Northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina), 65 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), and 110 stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides). A minimum of 423 individuals were confiscated, and at least 490 individual macaques were released. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with two key Animals Asia (a non-governmental organization) colleagues and their insights are presented. Although we recognize that the data included are limited and can serve only as a baseline for the scale of the macaque pet trade in Vietnam, we believe that they support our concern that the problem is significant and must be addressed. We stress the need for organizations and authorities to work together to better understand the issue. The keeping of macaques as pets is the cause of serious welfare and conservation issues in Vietnam.
Observational Analysis of Aerosol–Meteorology Interactions for the Severe Haze Episode in Korea
Authors: Eun Seung-Hee , Park Sung-Min , Kim Byung-Gon , Park Jin-Soo , Chang Ki-Ho
Published: December 2020

Korea has occasionally suffered from various kinds of severe hazes such as long-range transported aerosol (LH), yellow sand (YS), and urban haze (UH). We classified haze days into LH, YS, and UH and analyzed the characteristics of its associated meteorological conditions for 2011–2016 using reanalysis data and surface observations. The results show that higher boundary layer height and stronger wind speed were found for the LH and YS hazes relative to those for UH. Intensive analysis on a golden episode of 10–18 January 2013 indicates that the cloud fraction increased along with extended light precipitation at a weaker rate by enhanced aerosol loading for an unprecedented LH event, which in turn brought about a decrease in boundary layer height (BLH) with less irradiance, that is, much stronger stability. Later, the intensified stability after the LH event accumulated and increased domestic aerosols, and eventually resulted in the longer-lasting severe haze. This study suggests that aerosol–meteorology interactions play an important role in both short-term weather and fine particle forecasts, especially on polluted days.
Modeling the Impact of Atmospheric Warming on Staple Crop Growth in China in the 1960s and 2000s
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhang Wen , Yu Yongqiang , Li Tingting , Yu Lijun
Published: December 2020

Responses of crop growth to climate warming are fundamental to future food security. The response of crops to climate change may be subtly different at their growing stages. Close insights into the differentiated stage-dependent responses of crops are significantly important in making adaptive adjustments of crops’ phenological optimization and cultivar improvement in diverse cropping systems. Using the Agro-C model, we studied the influence of past climate warming on crops in typical cropping systems in China. The results showed that while the temperature had increased distinctly from the 1960s to 2000s, the temperature frequency distributions in the growth season of crops moved to the high-temperature direction. The low temperature days during the crop growth periods that suppress crop growth decreased in the winter wheat area in North and East China, rice and maize areas in Northeast China, and the optimum temperature days increased significantly. As a result, the above ground biomass (AGB) of rice and maize in Northeast China and winter wheat in North and East China increased distinctly, while that of rice in South China had no significant change. A comparison of the key growth periods before and after heading (silking) showed that the warming before heading (silking) made a great contribution to the increase in the AGB, especially for winter wheat.
In Situ Measurements of Cirrus Clouds on a Global Scale
Authors: Lloyd Gary , Gallagher Martin , Choularton Thomas , Krämer Martina , Andreas Petzold , Baumgardner Darrel
Published: December 2020

Observations of high-altitude cirrus clouds are reported from measurements made during the routine monitoring of cloud properties on commercial aircraft as part of the In-Service Aircraft for a Global Observing System. The increasing global scale of the measurements is revealed, with 7 years of in situ data producing a unique and rapidly growing dataset. We find that cloud fractions measured ≥ 10 km at aircraft cruise altitude are representative of seasonal trends associated with the mid-latitude jet stream in the Northern Hemisphere, and the relatively higher cloud fractions are found in tropical regions such as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone and South East Asia. Both stratospheric and tropospheric data were used to calculate the cloud fractions routinely experienced by commercial aircraft. Further work is needed for a direct comparison with previous studies that limit cloud fraction calculations to tropospheric data only. The characteristics of these clouds are discussed and the potential different formation mechanisms in different regions assessed.
From Prevention to Disease Perturbations: A Multi-Omic Assessment of Exercise and Myocardial Infarctions
Authors: Odenkirk Melanie T. , Stratton Kelly G. , Bramer Lisa M. , Webb-Robertson Bobbie-Jo M. , Bloodsworth Kent J. , Monroe Matthew E. , Burnum-Johnson Kristin E. , Baker Erin S.
Published: December 2020

While a molecular assessment of the perturbations and injury arising from diseases is essential in their diagnosis and treatment, understanding changes due to preventative strategies is also imperative. Currently, complex diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death worldwide, suffer from a limited understanding of how the molecular mechanisms taking place following preventive measures (e.g., exercise) differ from changes occurring due to the injuries caused from the disease (e.g., myocardial infarction (MI)). Therefore, this manuscript assesses lipidomic changes before and one hour after exercise treadmill testing (ETT) and before and one hour after a planned myocardial infarction (PMI) in two separate patient cohorts. Strikingly, unique lipidomic perturbations were observed for these events, as could be expected from their vastly different stresses on the body. The lipidomic results were then combined with previously published metabolomic characterizations of the same patients. This integration provides complementary insights into the exercise and PMI events, thereby giving a more holistic understanding of the molecular changes associated with each.
Insights into the Interaction Mechanism of DTP3 with MKK7 by Using STD-NMR and Computational Approaches
Authors: Sandomenico Annamaria , Di Rienzo Lorenzo , Calvanese Luisa , Iaccarino Emanuela , D’Auria Gabriella , Falcigno Lucia , Chambery Angela , Russo Rosita , Franzoso Guido , Tornatore Laura , D’Abramo Marco , Ruvo Menotti , Milanetti Edoardo , Raimondo Domenico
Published: December 2020

GADD45β/MKK7 complex is a non-redundant, cancer cell-restricted survival module downstream of the NF-kB survival pathway, and it has a pathogenically critical role in multiple myeloma, an incurable malignancy of plasma cells. The first-in-class GADD45β/MKK7 inhibitor DTP3 effectively kills MM cells expressing its molecular target, both in vitro and in vivo, by inducing MKK7/JNK-dependent apoptosis with no apparent toxicity to normal cells. DTP3 combines favorable drug-like properties, with on-target-specific pharmacology, resulting in a safe and cancer-selective therapeutic effect; however, its mode of action is only partially understood. In this work, we have investigated the molecular determinants underlying the MKK7 interaction with DTP3 by combining computational, NMR, and spectroscopic methods. Data gathered by fluorescence quenching and computational approaches consistently indicate that the N-terminal region of MKK7 is the optimal binding site explored by DTP3. These findings further the understanding of the selective mode of action of GADD45β/MKK7 inhibitors and inform potential mechanisms of drug resistance. Notably, upon validation of the safety and efficacy of DTP3 in human trials, our results could also facilitate the development of novel DTP3-like therapeutics with improved bioavailability or the capacity to bypass drug resistance.
Prospective Observational Study of Safety of Early Treatment with Edoxaban in Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation (SATES Study)
Authors: Frisullo Giovanni , Profice Paolo , Brunetti Valerio , Scala Irene , Bellavia Simone , Broccolini Aldobrando , Caliandro Pietro , Di Iorio Riccardo , Morosetti Roberta , Pilato Fabio , Laborante Renzo , Della Marca Giacomo
Published: December 2020

New direct oral anticoagulants are recommended for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, no data are available regarding the optimal time to start oral anticoagulation after acute stroke. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence of symptomatic bleedings within 90 days from acute cardioembolic stroke in patients who received early treatment with Edoxaban. The study was conducted according to an observational prospective uncontrolled design. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of major bleeding (MB), hemorrhagic transformation within the first week of Edoxaban treatment, minor bleeding, and recurrent stroke. We included patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) ≥ 6, NVAF, no previous treatment with any other anticoagulant, preserved swallowing function. Patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate < 50 mL/min, body weight < 60 kg, receiving cyclosporine, dronedarone, erythromycin, ketoconazole, or previous treatment with any other anticoagulant were excluded. We enrolled 75 elderly patients with moderate disability. We did not observe any symptomatic intracranial bleeding or recurrent stroke after 3 months of treatment with early administration of Edoxaban, while two gastrointestinal MB, and 11 minor bleedings were reported. Asymptomatic bleeding was evaluated with a brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging performed 5 days after starting anticoagulant treatment with Edoxaban. Specifically, we observed small petechiae in 12% of the patients, confluent petechiae in 6.6% of the patients, and small hematoma of the infarcted area in 2.7% of the patients. No intralesional hematoma or hemorrhagic lesion outside the infarcted area were observed. According to our data, the early use of Edoxaban seems to be safe in patients after cardioembolic stroke. However, due to the small size of the study sample, and the short follow-up period, further studies are needed.
Impact of Androgen Deprivation Therapy Associated to Conformal Radiotherapy in the Treatment of D’Amico Intermediate-/High-Risk Prostate Cancer in Older Patients
Authors: Couderc Anne-Laure , Nicolas Emanuel , Boissier Romain , Boucekine Mohammed , Bastide Cyrille , Badinand Delphine , Rossi Dominique , Mugnier Benedicte , Villani Patrick , Karsenty Gilles , Cowen Didier , Lechevallier Eric , Muracciole Xavier
Published: December 2020

Purpose/objective: The association of 3D Conformal External Beam Radiotherapy (3D-CEBRT) with adjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) proved to treat patients with intermediate- and high-risk localized prostate cancer (IR and HR). However, older patients were underrepresented in literature. We aimed to report the oncological results and morbidity 3D-CEBRT +ADT in ≥80 years patients. Material and Methods: From June 1998 to July 2017, 101 patients ≥80 years were included in a tertiary center. The median age was 82 years. ADT was initiated 3 months prior 3D-CEBRT in all patients, with a total duration of 6 months for IR prostate cancer (group A; n = 41) and 15 months for HR prostate cancer (group B; n = 60). Endpoints included overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (DMFS), biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) and toxicity. Results: Five years-OS was 95% and 86.7% in groups A and B, respectively. Cardiovascular events occurred in 22.8% of ≥80 years patients with no impact on OS. In the multivariate analysis, age <82 years, Karnofsky index and normalization of testosterone levels were significantly associated with better OS. Conclusion: Age ≥80 years should not be a limitation for the treatment of IR and HR prostate cancer patients with 3D-CEBRT and ADT, but cardiovascular monitoring and prevention are mandatory.
Immunocyte Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Gong Ping , Wang Yifan , Zhang Pengfei , Yang Zhaogang , Deng Weiye , Sun Zhihong , Yang Mingming , Li Xuefeng , Ma Gongcheng , Deng Guanjun , Dong Shiyan , Cai Lintao , Jiang Wen
Published: December 2020

Despite the advances in surface bioconjugation of synthetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, simple biological functionalization is still insufficient to replicate complex intercellular interactions naturally. Therefore, these foreign nanoparticles are inevitably exposed to the immune system, which results in phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system and thus, loss of their biological significance. Immunocyte membranes play a key role in intercellular interactions, and can protect foreign nanomaterials as a natural barrier. Therefore, biomimetic nanotechnology based on cell membranes has developed rapidly in recent years. This paper summarizes the development of immunocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles in the immunotherapy of tumors. We will introduce several immunocyte membrane-coated nanocarriers and review the challenges to their large-scale preparation and application.
ATM Kinase Inhibition Preferentially Sensitises PTEN-Deficient Prostate Tumour Cells to Ionising Radiation
Authors: Hanna Conor , Dunne Victoria L. , Walker Steven M. , Butterworth Karl T. , McCabe Nuala , Waugh David J. J. , Kennedy Richard D. , Prise Kevin M.
Published: December 2020

Radical radiotherapy, often in combination with hormone ablation, is a safe and effective treatment option for localised or locally-advanced prostate cancer. However, up to 30% of patients with locally advanced PCa will go on to develop biochemical failure, within 5 years, following initial radiotherapy. Improving radiotherapy response is clinically important since patients exhibiting biochemical failure develop castrate-resistant metastatic disease for which there is no curative therapy and median survival is 8–18 months. The aim of this research was to determine if loss of PTEN (highly prevalent in advanced prostate cancer) is a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Previous work has demonstrated PTEN-deficient cells are sensitised to inhibitors of ATM, a key regulator in the response to DSBs. Here, we have shown the role of PTEN in cellular response to IR was both complex and context-dependent. Secondly, we have confirmed ATM inhibition in PTEN-depleted cell models, enhances ionising radiation-induced cell killing with minimal toxicity to normal prostate RWPE-1 cells. Furthermore, combined treatment significantly inhibited PTEN-deficient tumour growth compared to PTEN-expressing counterparts, with minimal toxicity observed. We have further shown PTEN loss is accompanied by increased endogenous levels of ROS and DNA damage. Taken together, these findings provide pre-clinical data for future clinical evaluation of ATM inhibitors as a neoadjuvant/adjuvant in combination with radiation therapy in prostate cancer patients harbouring PTEN mutations.
Trends in Participation Rates of the National Cancer Screening Program among Cancer Survivors in Korea
Authors: Yun E Hwa , Hong Seri , Her Eun Young , Park Bomi , Suh Mina , Choi Kui Son , Jun Jae Kwan
Published: December 2020

The study aimed to describe the participation rates of the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) among cancer survivors in Korea. The NCSP protocol recommends that all Korean men and women should be screened for cancer. Cancer survivors were defined as those registered for any cancer in the Korea Central Cancer Registry by December 31 of the year prior to being included in the target population of the NCSP. In this study, the participation rates for the NCSP were calculated as the percentage of people who participated in four kinds of cancer screening programs, independently. The average annual percentage change was assessed. The participation rates of the general population and cancer survivors were higher than 40% in stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screening. These rates were higher than that of colorectal cancer screening in 2014. In addition, the participation rates in the NCSP in 2002–2014 increased for all cancer types. The NCSP participation rates of the cancer survivors indicate the high demand for cancer screening. Further research may investigate the effect of the NCSP on second cancer occurrence or mortality in cancer survivors and the significance of cancer screening guidelines for cancer survivors.