bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-Existence of TB & Leprosy in the same patient – A Case Report
Authors: Khan Md Azraf Hossain , Majumder Samir C
Published: February 2020

Leprosy is one of the more serious health issues in a number of developing countries. Although it seldom kills, leprosy is nonetheless a deforming, disabling and stigmatizing disease.1, 2 Tuberculosis is also a major public health problem affecting nearly one third of the global population. Though leprosy and tuberculosis are common infectious disease, yet co-infection of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is rare possibly due to cross-immunity. A male patient of about 70 years presented with widespread shinny hypesthetic nodular lesions symmetrically located mainly in upper extremities, trunk and a little in lower extremities about 3 years back. Slit skin smear and histopathology studies showed significant amount of bacterial load which suggested lepromatous leprosy. About after one year of starting MDT treatment, the patient developed type-2 reaction of intermittent variety. During the episodic attacks of this reaction, the patient developed pulmonary TB supported by positive smear of sputum and patchy opacities of chest x-ray about 2½ years back

TAJ 2010; 23(1): 103-105
Thyroid Function in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome and Normal Renal Function in a Tertiary Level Hospital, Rajshahi
Authors: Jahan Khan Ishrat , Parvez Khondokar Shamim , Mia Md Sanaul Haque , Khan Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman , Haque Md Jawadul
Published: February 2020

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a one of most common renal disease in children causing massive proteinuria. In patients with NS, other proteins like thyroid hormones and hormone binding protein are also lost in urine in addition to albuminuria. So, this study was done to find out the thyroid function status of nephrotic syndrome children and to compare the thyroid function of healthy control children.

Method: This cross sectional comparative study was carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, Rajshahi Medical College and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Rajshahi. Total 30 patients of both sex and age between 2-12 years diagnosed as nephrotic syndrome were included in this study and another 30 non-nephrotic syndrome apparently healthy children were taken as control. History, clinical examinations and laboratory investigations were recorded in preformed questionnaire. Thyroid function statuses also were evaluated in both patient and healthy control. After data collection, statistical analysis was done by computerized software.

Results: In this study, 63.3% (n=19) nephrotic syndrome children had secondary hypothyroidism, overt hypothyroidism was 27.3% (n=7) and subclinical hypothyroidism was 6.7 % (n=2).

Conclusion: In patients of childhood nephrotic syndrome different forms of thyroid dysfunctions are commonly associated due to loss of thyroid hormones and hormone binding’s protein.

TAJ 2018; 31(1): 62-69
Research of Processes for Ensuring Balanced Development o
Authors: Obruch Hanna
Published: February 2020

The article defines that the global trend in the development of the world economy is the concept of balanced growth, which is based on the integration of social and environmental aspects of business entities in their economic policy and ensuring the sustainable development of economic agents on this basis. Currently, the key imperatives for the development of business entities are socially responsible management, socialization of labor relations, and greening of economic activity, which requires consideration when developing strategies and programs for the development of business entities. Strategic initiatives for the balanced development of the state and regional levels are considered. The achievements of railway transport enterprises to ensure their sustainable development, in particular in the aspect of achieving the UN sustainable development goals, are studied. It is revealed that the implementation of the principles of sustainable development in railway transport enterprises faces a number of challenges caused by long-term ignoring of urgent problems of the functioning of enterprises in the industry. The study of the current state of railway transport enterprises made it possible to identify and systematize the disproportions of their development in the context of economic, technical, social and environmental components. It details the disproportions in the functioning of railway transport enterprises and reflects their quantitative manifestations in the dynamics of the last five years. It is noted that overcoming the identified imbalances requires an integrated approach to ensuring the sustainable development of railway transport enterprises in the context of such components as economic, technical, social and environmental. It is proved that ensuring a balanced development of railway transport enterprises will ensure the development of competitive client-oriented business entities adapted to the new dynamic challenges of the global competitive market. It is stated that the directions and tools for achieving a balanced development of railway transport enterprises should be determined in terms of overcoming economic, technical, social and environmental imbalances in their functioning.
PROFIL PRODUKSI DAN PETERNAK KEMITRAAN BROILER DI WILAYAH GERBANG KERTOSUSILA
Authors: Supartini Nonok , Darmawan Hariadi , Setyowati Karunia
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study are : (1) to identify production profile of broiler’s partnership at Gerbangkertosusila region; (2) to identify farmer’s profile of broiler’s partnership at Gerbangkertosusila region; (3) to identify human resources development factors of broiler’s partnership. This research done at Gerbangkertosusila region (Gresik, Bangkalan, Mojokerto, Surabaya, Sidoarjo dan Lamongan) East Java Province for 2 (two) months. This research is quantitative research with Cross Sectional Survey which mean questionnaire method by question list used in order to data collected as primary and secondary data. Primary data collected by survey, observation and depth interviewed with questionnaire used in order to got valid data, such as farmer profile and production profile information. Secondary data collected by data study and documentation from government documents and broiler’s partnership corporation related documents. Data analysist was descriptive analysist. The conclusion of this study are : (1) Broiler’s farmer profile are mostly (90%) at productive ages with Senior High School graduated as the most common (75%) and an enterpreneur as main profession (45%) which more than 3 years of production periods (80%) and had experiences at 2 kind of broiler’s partnership models (60%); (2) Management contract as the most choosen broiler’s partnership models by respondents
HUBUNGAN ANTARA DIAMETER BATANG DENGAN UMUR TANAMAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN KELAPA SAWIT
Authors: Yudistina Vika , Santoso Mudji , Aini Nurul
Published: February 2020

Oil palm is a plant which is quite important commodities in Indonesia and still have a fairly bright development prospects Production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) is the result of work activities in the field of plant maintenance. The success of FFB production depends by several factors, including environmental factors, the crop factor and factor cultivation purpose of this study was to determine and learn the age and size of the trunk palm trees both in achieving production, and Knowing how the relationship between stem diameter and plant age with results production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). This study used 75 samples are grouped according to the age of the plant that is 2 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years and 10 years. Each sample was observed with 7 parameter pengamatanDari results of this study can be concluded that the larger the diameter of the stem of the plant oil palm as well as the age tanama or rather would affect positively correlated or significantly affected the production of oil palm plantation itself. All variables observation showed positive correlation with stem diameter relationship of age with less plant oil palm plantations. But there was one that did not happen correlation / negative correlations were age first fruit the size of a small diameter This is due to many factors such as rainfall is high enough to some areas or plantations are often flooded by rainwater, farming areas mostly are the tidal rivers, especially in 8 years old plantation blocks and handling of the plantation itself is still lacking.
KONSERVASI PANTAI LABUANGKALLO DENGAN METODE MEKANIK DAN VEGETATIF
Authors: Idayati Sri , Utomo Wani Hadi
Published: February 2020

Labuangkallo is a village in costal area, located on the bay of Apar, in the boundary of57 km2 national park. Based on the map of hydro oceanography (1980) and bathymetry measurements (2011), there has been changing of coastline during 31 years.It showed significant changes, especially in the protrusion showed abrasion of 4.9507 m / yr. In the review and direct observation, the issues are grouped into three (3) major parts: (a) Labuangkallo river estuary is getting narrow due to sedimentation; (b) Fishermen settlement was eroded by waves, and (c) mangrove forest was destroyed by abrasion. The source of obstruction is, there is magnitude of the waves from the northeast and east coast, and it abrades the land, especially in area of protrusion / headland. It made angled waves against the shoreline andthe wave forces shaping currents that carry sediment along the coast due to abrasion and deposited on the edge of the river Labuangkallo. The conseravation strategy is usingmechanical method is hard treadment by coastal protector constructionand HDPE sand bag materials, there of the vegetation method with soft treadment using mangrove vegetation along the coastal village. Both are considered the strategies forreclamation.
POLA WILLINGNES TO PAY (WTP) KOMODITI TAHU DAN DAGING MASYARAKAT KOTA MALANG
Authors: Rofiatin Umi , Iskandar Taufik
Published: February 2020

Soybeans and meat are the most strategic food commodities and are very risky if it is fully entrusted to the mechanism of the free market. The point is, soy and meat commodities have a very central role in national food policy channels. One of the agricultural ministry targets for 2010 - 2014 is to increase food diversification, especially to reduce rice and wheat consumption. During 2010 - 2014, rice consumption is targeted to fall by 1.5% per year and balanced by increasing in consumption of tubers, animal foods, fruits and vegetables. On the other side, it is also strived to achieve a diverse, nutritious, balanced and safe food consumption pattern as reflected by the increase of Expected Food Pattern (PPH) scores from 86.4 in 2010 to 93.3 in 2014. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the community in taking decision to buy food products from both tofu and meat sources and to analyze the key factors of consumer’s willingness to buy tofu and meat by using multiple linear regression methods. The results of the study showedthat the characteristics of respondents in the research that affected the gender of respondents were women because married women were the decision makers in terms of household needs. The factors that affected the willingness of consumers to pay tofu were: taste, price and size. Meanwhile, thefactors that affected consumers' willingness to pay for meat were price and shape.
KERAGAMAN FENOTIPE DAN PRODUKTIVITAS LABU KUNING NUSANTARA (Cucurbita moschene Dutchene) DALAM RANGKA PENGEMBANGAN VARIETAS UNGGUL
Authors: Dwi Julianto Reza Prakoso , Sumiati Astri
Published: February 2020

The increase of population and the depletion of productive agricultural land causes the availability of rice as the staple food as carbohidrat becomes unbalanced. Efforts to reduce dependence on rice should be made, through the diversification of alternative food crops containing high carbohydrates. Pumpkin plants (waluh) is one of the crop that have high carbohydrate content and has many types. This research aims to collect various types of yellow squash varieties as the initial material in the assembling of superior varieties, and to identify vegetative character and agronomic character of yellow squash pumpkin varieties. The research was conducted in Randuagung Village, Lumajang Regency with height of 112 asl. The materials used in are local lumajang pumpkin seeds and local poor pumpkin. The results of this study indicate that the ratio of male flowers and female flowers on both varieties of local yellow squash showed the number of male flowers more than the number of female flowers. The beta-carotene content of local lumajang is lower than the local yellow squash is seen from the color of the pumpkin the yellow is getting faded and the taste is less sweet. The resistance to the disease of both varieties of local yellow squash indicates the tolerance criteria. The male juvenile blueberry male jungle flowers are faster than the local yellow squash lumajang, but the age of the local pumpkin flower lumajang is faster than the local yellow squash.The yellow local pumpum lumajang color is relatively the same that is brown, while the varieties of local yellow pumpkin there is a difference that is brown and green.
DAMPAK APLIKASI MULSA DAN GENERASI UMBI BIBIT (G2, G3, LOKAL) PADA TANAMAN KENTANG (Solanum tuberosum LINN)
Authors: Jella Ester Ruchama , Suryanto Agus , Setyobudi Lilik
Published: February 2020

Sub-optimal environment condition and the use of low-quality seed tubers is a constraint to increase the yield of potato tubers. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the various applications of mulch and seed tuber G2, G3, local on growth and yield of potato tubers, as well as to temperature and soil moisture. The research was conducted in June-December, 2013 in the highlands (2232.66 m asl) in Village Ranupani, District Senduro, Lumajang, East Java Province. A randomized block design was used with a combination of treatments: without mulch (tm), black plastic mulch silver (mphp), blue plastic mulch (mpb), Chromolaena odorata mulch (mCo) and the mother bulb G2, G3, local. There are 12 combinations of treatment was repeated 3 times. The combination of these treatments consist of: tm+G2, mphp+G2, mpb+G2, mCo+G2, tm+G3, mphp+G3, mpb+G3, mCo+G3, tm+local, mphp+local, mpb+local, mCo+local. Data were analyzed using the F test with a level of 5%. If a significantly different among treatment followed by LSD test 5%. The results showed the use mphp on local seed tubers are able to provide growth and potato tubers yield optimum is 641.76 g plant-1 ( 21.39 t ha-1) compared to other treatments, but the tuber yield did not differ significantly with the use mpb in seed tubers G2.
EFEK PAPARAN ALGINAT DALAM PANGAN TERHADAP KADAR PROTEIN TOTAL, ALBUMIN DAN GLOBULIN DARAH
Authors: Sasongko Pramono , Mushollaeni Wahyu
Published: February 2020

Clinical analysis to determined the toxicity of new material could be done by biochemical analysis of wistar rat blood serum such as blood protein, albumin, and globulin content. In case of decreasing of those biochemical analysis indicated the reduction of liver function in metabolism process. Hence, this study were conducted in order to determined toxicity effect of alginate presence extracted from brown seaweed Turbinaria sp.due to the blood protein, albumin, and globulin content of wistar rat blood serum. The study were conducted by Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with alginate concentration treatment which were 0.5%; 0.75%; 1%, and negative control. The results were shown that the treatment up to 1% of alginate concentration were not provide any toxicity effect in liver organ. These result was concluded due to the blood protein, albumin, and globulin content were presently still in a safe level.
PENAMPILAN PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI LIMA VARIETAS BAWANG MERAH ( Allium ascalonicum ) DI KALIMANTAN BARAT
Authors: Kartinaty Tietyk , Hartono Hartono , Serom Serom
Published: February 2020

Introduction of high yielding varieties of red onion (Allium ascalonicum) is an effort that can be done to increase red onion production in West Kalimantan. This research aims to introduce new varieties that can adaptive for the conditions of the land in West Kalimantan in order to obtain location-specific varieties as well as to accelerate the deployment of red onion Agency for Agricultural Research and Development. The research was conducted from May to July 2014 at the Visitor BPTP Plots of West Kalimantan. Research using randomized block design with four replications. The varieties used are Katumi, Bima, Mentes, Pikatan and Manjung. Variables observed included: height of plant (cm), number of tillers (clumps), number of leaves (strands), bulbs diameter (mm), weight bulbs (g), production (tons / ha). The results showed that of the five varieties of onion were tested superior results achieved ranged from 6.11 to 9.37 tons / ha. The Varieties Bima and Katumi to give the highest production of 9.37 tons / ha and 9.09 tons / ha. Both of these varieties are recommended for development in West Kalimantan.
REVIEW : PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI GREENHOUSE DAN HIDROPONIK SEBAGAI SOLUSI MENGHADAPI PERUBAHAN IKLIM DALAM BUDIDAYA TANAMAN HORTIKULTURA
Authors: Tando Edi
Published: February 2020

Horticulture plant is essential component of agricultural development. It brings benefits products horticulture meet their food needs , aesthetic and to maintain health and environment. Climate change and the limited resources land causing loss for farmers food crops and horticulture. The purpose of drafting this paper is to inform the utilization of technology greenhouse and hydroponics as solutions to deal with climate change in the cultivation of plants horticulture. To get the result harvest season which is satisfying in the cultivation of plants horticulture , need to pay attention to environmental factor growing plants. The utilization of greenhouse in the cultivation of plants is one of a manner to give the environment that were more accessible for the condition of optimum position for the growth of plants. The use of hydroponics in cultivation crop can be implemented in greenhouse to keep the growth of plants optimally and protected from outside influences
KAJIAN KEARIFAN LOKAL BUDAYA MELAYU DI DESA PANGKALAN BUTON, KECAMATAN SUKADANA, KABUPATEN KAYONG UTARA
Authors: Setyabudi Irawan , Rohan Ade , Hastutiningtyas Wahidyanti Rahayu
Published: February 2020

Human understanding of nature and forms of human behavior due to its closeness to cultural elements, shape the local wisdom of the community. Cultural values, attitudes, and behaviors that are culturally oriented in the life structure of local communities shape the cultural intelligence of a community, which is formed in the existing traditional rituals. Customary rituals have different meanings and procedures in each region, specifically in Pangkalan Buton Village, Sukadana Subdistrict, the surrounding community interprets it as a tribute to their ancestors or ancestors as a form of gratitude. Based on observations made by researchers, there are several traditional rituals such as the tradition of Nyambut Tamu, Tepung Tawa, Betangas, and Mandi Safar. The problem is the tradition is rarely seen because of the rapid progress of the times, making the behavior or knowledge of an object that is Malay culture increasingly fade, especially among teenagers. The purpose of this study was to identify the local wisdom of Malay culture through several traditional rituals in the village of Pangkalan Buton. This research method is a qualitative study, using the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method as a data processing tool that has been collected previously in the traditional rituals of Nyambut Tamu in the village of Buton base. The stages of the research began from the identification of problems, permits, observational studies in the form of data collection and interviews to the process of analysis-synthesis associated with the Malay cultural traditions. The results of the study were in the form of descriptions of various forms of local community cultural traditions, especially in the residents of Pangkalan Buton village, Sukadana District, Kayong Utara Regency. The study concludes that each region in the archipelago has a unique tradition that is different and needs to be preserved, with the results of this identification will bring up a 'sense of belonging' for local residents.
ANALISIS MODAL KERJA PADA UMKM (USAHA MIKRO KECIL DAN MENENGAH) DALAM MENINGKATKAN LABA USAHA
Authors: Lestari Elly , Raja Wilhelmus Rian
Published: February 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat efektifitas pengelolaan modal kerja serta pengaruh modal kerja terhadap laba usaha pada UMKM took roti khususnya Toko Roti Fadilah yang terdapat di Jalan Raya Tlogomas Malang. Dalam penelitian ini metode yang digunakan yaitu penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Populasi dan sampel dalam penelitian ini yaitu laporan keuangan selama lima periode dari tahun 2013 – 2017.Pengumpulan data berbentuk dokumentasi dari laporan keuangan pada UMKM Toko Roti Fadilah. Penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa modal kerja sangat berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap laba usaha hal tersebut dibuktikan bahwa semakin banyak modal yang digunakan untuk produksi maka semakin tinggi pula hasil produksinya sehingga hal tersebut dapat meningkatkan laba uahanya.
Clinical features of vascular parkinsonism: a modern view on the problem (literature review and own observations)
Authors: Onopriyenko Oleksiy
Published: February 2020

The aim of our research was to study modern ideas about the clinical course, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of vascular, post-stroke parkinsonism among the patients who suffered from the cerebral stroke during 10 years of the observation in Brovary. The resources PubMed (1990-2018) and UpToDate (2016) were used to write the review article. The vascular parkinsonism is a variant of secondary parkinsonism, caused by the ischemic or hemorrhagic lesions of the basal ganglia, the middle brain and/or their connections with the frontal lobes. The part of patients with the vascular parkinsonism (VP) makes up only 1.0-3.2% in the structure of all patients with parkinsonism [22, 37]. The vascular parkinsonism differs from Parkinson’s disease with more rapid disease progression and unfavorable course [3, 6, 9, 16, 22, 27, 37]. Taking into consideration the wide range of clinical manifestations, not clear criteria, the diagnosis of vascular parkinsonism is ambiguous, which makes relevant the problem of studying this pathology and modern concepts of diagnosis and therapy. Dopaminergic drugs are ineffective in most patients with vascular parkinsonism [26, 27, 28]. This article shows the analysis of the epidemiological parameters of cerebral strokes in Brovary, Kiev region. The total number of patients was 5818 (mean age 73.5 ± 10.2). Signs of vascular parkinsonism were detected in 73 patients (1.25%), including 44 (60%) women and 29 (39%) men. The lesions of subcortical structures were verified on CT and МRI. The dispensary group consisted of 312 patients with parkinsonism in 2016. The proportion of vascular parkinsonism was 23.3% of all patients with parkinsonism. Taking into consideration the progressive increase in stroke risk factors, the increase in stroke incidence among the population in Brovary (Kyiv region, Ukraine) has increased more than 4 times since 1991 (from 186 to 752 patients). The actual problem of the current time are cerebrovascular disease, strokes and their complications, which placed a heavy burden on the country’s society. Based on the aforementioned, further research would be required in this area, as well as the development of a new scientific concept regarding the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cerebral stroke, thus reducing disability and mortality, improving the quality of life of patients and their relatives. Keywords: vascular parkinsonism, clinical features, disease course, diagnostic criteria, differential diagnosis, risk factors.
The diagnosis and management of ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Plant Gordon
Published: February 2020

Ocular myasthenia is not the most severe form of myasthenia but it might cause certain difficulties to diagnose. In this article, we shall discuss the clinical presentations of ocular myasthenia, its differential diagnostics, examinations and management. Keywords: ocular myasthenia gravis, diagnosis, examination, management.
Wilson’s Disease: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Trufanov Yevgen
Published: February 2020

Wilson’s Disease is a chronic hereditary, autosomal-recessive disorder associated with excessive deposition of copper in the liver, brain, and other tissues. Diagnosis delay and untimely initiation of treatment lead to a rapid progression of neurological symptoms, pathological changes in the liver and patient’s death for several years. Adequate, continuous treatment (diet, penicillamine) initiated in the early stages of the disease greatly improves clinical symptoms and the prognosis of Wilson’s Disease. The success of treatment and prognosis depends on early recognition of this disease. Keywords: Wilson’s Disease, clinical features, diagnostic, treatment.
Correlations between moral courage scores and social desirability scores among medical residents and fellows in Argentina
Authors: Borracci Raúl Alfredo , Ciambrone Graciana , Gallesio José María Alvarez
Published: February 2020

Purpose: Moral courage refers to the conviction to take action on one’s ethical beliefs despite the risk of adverse consequences. This study aimed to evaluate correlations between social desirability scores and moral courage scores among medical residents and fellows, and to explore gender- and specialty-based differences in moral courage scores.Methods: In April 2018, the Moral Courage Scale for Physicians (MCSP), the Professional Moral Courage (PMC) scale and the Marlowe-Crowne scale to measure social desirability were administered to 87 medical residents from Hospital Alemán in Buenos Aires, Argentina.Results: The Cronbach α coefficients were 0.78, 0.74, and 0.81 for the Marlowe-Crowne, MCSP, and PMC scales, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that moral courage scores were weakly correlated with social desirability scores, while both moral courage scales were strongly correlated with each other. Physicians who were training in a surgical specialty showed lower moral courage scores than nonsurgical specialty trainees, and men from any specialty tended to have lower moral courage scores than women. Specifically, individuals training in surgical specialties ranked lower on assessments of the “multiple values,” “endurance of threats,” and “going beyond compliance” dimensions of the PMC scale. Men tended to rank lower than women on the “multiple values,” “moral goals,” and “endurance of threats” dimensions.Conclusion: There was a poor correlation between 2 validated moral courage scores and social desirability scores among medical residents and fellows in Argentina. Conversely, both moral courage tools showed a close correlation and concordance, suggesting that these scales are reasonably interchangeable.
The impact of aquaculture soundscapes on whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
Authors: Slater M , Fricke E , Weiss M , Rebelein A , Bögner M , Preece M , Radford C
Published: February 2020

Research into the effects of soundscapes on aquaculture species in key production systems is sparse, despite potential impacts of sound on animal welfare and commercial yields. In the following study, 2 high-value global aquaculture species, whiteleg shrimpLitopenaeus vannameiand Atlantic salmonSalmo salar,were exposed to aquaculture production system soundscapes. For shrimp, sound recordings of a commercial recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were played back at a sound pressure level (SPL) of 128 dB re 1 µPa, and for salmon, recordings from a commercial sea pen production system were played back at an SPL of 127 dB re 1 µPa for an 8 wk period. Effects of exposure on growth, survival, and indications of metabolic stress were measured as parameters of interest for aquaculture production. Mean growth performance and survival rates did not differ significantly between sound and control treatments for either species. Blood and haemolymph parameters from both species indicated no measurable change in metabolic status or stress levels. Slight, but non-significant, increases in total haemocyte count and, in particular, hyaline cell count were recorded in shrimp exposed to sound. Slight, but non-significant reductions in overall weight gain were recorded in sound-exposed salmon. Overall, the results indicate that sound exposure in current production systems does not negatively affect the early grow-out stage of these key species, either due to rapid habituation or higher hearing thresholds of hatchery-produced individuals, and that no measurable stress response occurs in sound-exposed animals. In future studies, response of the studied species to acute sound exposure and the response of earlier, and potentially more sensitive, life-stages will need to be determined to ensure optimal welfare and production performance.
Swim bladder mycosis in farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss caused by Phoma herbarum and experimental verification of pathogenicity
Authors: Řehulka J , Kubátová A , Hubka V
Published: February 2020

In this study, spontaneous swim bladder mycosis was documented in a farmed fingerling rainbow trout from a raceway culture system. At necropsy, the gross lesions included a thickened swim bladder wall, and the posterior portion of the swim bladder was enlarged due to massive hyperplasia of muscle. A microscopic wet mount examination of the swim bladder contents revealed abundant septate hyphae, and histopathological examination showed periodic acid-Schiff-positive mycelia in the lumen and wall of the swim bladder. Histopathological examination of the thickened posterior swim bladder revealed muscle hyperplasia with expansion by inflammatory cells. The causative agent was identified asPhoma herbarumthrough morphological analysis and DNA sequencing. The disease was reproduced in rainbow trout fingerlings using intraperitoneal injection of a spore suspension. Necropsy in dead and moribund fish revealed extensive congestion and haemorrhages in the serosa of visceral organs and in liver and abdominal serosanguinous fluid. Histopathological examination showed severe hepatic congestion, sinusoidal dilatation, Kupffer cell reactivity, leukostasis and degenerative changes. Fungi were disseminated to the liver, pyloric caeca, kidney, spleen and heart. Although infections caused byPhomaspp. have been repeatedly reported in fish, species identification has been hampered by extensive taxonomic changes. The results of this study confirmed the pathogenicity ofP. herbarumin salmonids by using a reliably identified strain during experimental fish infection and provides new knowledge regarding the course of infection.
The Effect of Chronic Morphine or Methadone Exposure and Withdrawal on Clock Gene Expression in the Rat Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and AA-NAT Activity in the Pineal Gland
Authors: PAČESOVÁ D. , NOVOTNÝ J. , BENDOVÁ Z.
Published: February 2020

The circadian rhythms of many behavioral and physiological functions are regulated by the major circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Long-term opiate addiction and drug withdrawal may affect circadian rhythmicity of various hormones or the sleep/activity pattern of many experimental subjects; however, limited research has been done on the long-term effects of sustained opiate administration on the intrinsic rhythmicity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and pineal gland. Here we compared the effects of repeated daily treatment of rats with morphine or methadone and subsequent naloxone-precipitated withdrawal on the expression of the Per1, Per2, and Avp mRNAs in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and on arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in the pineal gland. We revealed that 10-day administration and withdrawal of both these drugs failed to affect clock genes and Avp expression in the SCN. Our results indicate that opioid-induced changes in behavioral and physiological rhythms originate in brain structures downstream of the suprachiasmatic nucleus regulatory output pathway. Furthermore, we observed that acute withdrawal from methadone markedly extended the period of high night AA-NAT activity in the pineal gland. This suggests that withdrawal from methadone, a widely used drug for the treatment of opioid dependence, may have stronger impact on melatonin synthesis than withdrawal from morphine.
The Role of Protease-Activated Receptor Type 2 in Nociceptive Signaling and Pain
Authors: MROZKOVA P. , PALECEK J. , SPICAROVA D.
Published: February 2020

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) belong to the G-protein-coupled receptor family, that are expressed in many body tissues especially in different epithelial cells, mast cells and also in neurons and astrocytes. PARs play different physiological roles according to the location of their expression. Increased evidence supports the importance of PARs activation during nociceptive signaling and in the development of chronic pain states. This short review focuses on the role of PAR2 receptors in nociceptive transmission with the emphasis on the modulation at the spinal cord level. PAR2 are cleaved and subsequently activated by endogenous proteases such as tryptase and trypsin. In vivo, peripheral and intrathecal administration of PAR2 agonists induces thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity that is thought to be mediated by PAR2-induced release of pronociceptive neuropeptides and modulation of different receptors. PAR2 activation leads also to sensitization of transient receptor potential channels (TRP) that are crucial for nociceptive signaling and modulation. PAR2 receptors may play an important modulatory role in the development and maintenance of different pathological pain states and could represent a potential target for new analgesic treatments.
High Wisdom Intelligence - Discussing Education of High Wisdom Intelligence
Authors: Ma Wen
Published: February 2020

The number of talented persons who are equipped with high wisdom intelligence will immediately determine the quality of humankind’s entire life, and the future trend for humankind’s innovation and creation in fields such as thinking, cognition, society, politics, economy, military, science, arts, culture, and so on. Meanwhile, it protects the harmonious development of various fields. By illustrating the meanings of applying high wisdom intelligence in the survival and prosperity for each nation, ethnicity and individual, this article has a significant application to the understanding of educational studies of high wisdom intelligence.
PD Steering Controller Utilizing the Predicted Position on Track for Autonomous Vehicles Driven on Slippery Roads
Authors: Alekseeva Natalia , Tanev Ivan , Shimohara Katsunori
Published: February 2020

Among the most important characteristics of autonomous vehicles are the safety and robustness in various traffic situations and road conditions. In this paper, we focus on the development and analysis of the extended version of the canonical proportional-derivative PD controllers that are known to provide a good quality of steering on non-slippery (dry) roads. However, on slippery roads, due to the poor yaw controllability of the vehicle (suffering from understeering and oversteering), the quality of control of such controllers deteriorates. The proposed predicted PD controller (PPD controller) overcomes the main drawback of PD controllers, namely, the reactiveness of their steering behavior. The latter implies that steering output is a direct result of the currently perceived lateral- and angular deviation of the vehicle from its intended, ideal trajectory, which is the center of the lane. This reactiveness, combined with the tardiness of the yaw control of the vehicle on slippery roads, results in a significant lag in the control loop that could not be compensated completely by the predictive (derivative) component of these controllers. In our approach, keeping the controller efforts at the same level as in PD controllers by avoiding (i) complex computations and (ii) adding additional variables, the PPD controller shows better quality of steering than that of the evolved (via genetic programming) models.
Analysis of the Dynamic Characteristics of the Muzzle Flow Field and Investigation of the Influence of Projectile Nose Shape
Authors: Luo Ye , Xu Da , Li Hua
Published: February 2020

In the present work, a numerical study of the dynamic processes occurring during projectile ejection from the open-end of a gun into ambient air was performed. The two-dimensional unsteady Navier–Stokes equations, assuming axisymmetric flow, were solved using an AUSM+ discrete scheme implemented with dynamic mesh boundary conditions. Five cases were carried out in the present study. First, two test cases were simulated to validate the numerical algorithms. The last three cases were used to investigate the blast flow field induced by the projectile nose shapes of flat-nosed, cone-nosed, and blunt-nosed projectiles. The study shows that some wave processes, such as shock–shock interactions, separated flow generation, and the Richtmyer–Meshkov Instability, are changed obviously with the change of projectile shape. The present study aims to deepen the understanding of the dynamic processes of unsteady muzzle flow during the projectile ejection.
Thauera aminoaromatica MZ1T Identified as a Polyhydroxyalkanoate-Producing Bacterium within a Mixed Microbial Consortium
Authors: Colpa Dana I. , Zhou Wen , Wempe Jan Pier , Tamis Jelmer , Stuart Marc C. A. , Krooneman Janneke , Euverink Gert-Jan W.
Published: February 2020

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) form a highly promising class of bioplastics for the transition from fossil fuel-based plastics to bio-renewable and biodegradable plastics. Mixed microbial consortia (MMC) are known to be able to produce PHAs from organic waste streams. Knowledge of key-microbes and their characteristics in PHA-producing consortia is necessary for further process optimization and direction towards synthesis of specific types of PHAs. In this study, a PHA-producing mixed microbial consortium (MMC) from an industrial pilot plant was characterized and further enriched on acetate in a laboratory-scale selector with a working volume of 5 L. 16S-rDNA microbiological population analysis of both the industrial pilot plant and the 5 L selector revealed that the most dominant species within the population is Thauera aminoaromatica MZ1T, a Gram-negative beta-proteobacterium belonging to the order of the Rhodocyclales. The relative abundance of this Thauera species increased from 24 to 40% after two months of enrichment in the selector-system, indicating a competitive advantage, possibly due to the storage of a reserve material such as PHA. First experiments with T. aminoaromatica MZ1T showed multiple intracellular granules when grown in pure culture on a growth medium with a C:N ratio of 10:1 and acetate as a carbon source. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses upon extraction of PHA from the pure culture confirmed polyhydroxybutyrate production by T. aminoaromatica MZ1T.
Effects of Ascorbic Acid and β-1,3-Glucan on Survival, Physiological Response and Flesh Quality of Cultured Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) during Simulated Transport in Water
Authors: Wu Bo , Wang Qi , Cao Jie , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: February 2020

Transport in water is the most common method for achieving high survival rates when transporting cultured fish in China; yet, transport success relies on proper water quality and conditions. This research was designed to explore the effects of ascorbic acid and β-1,3-glucan on survival, physiological responses, and flesh quality of farmed tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) during simulated transport. The transport water temperature for live tiger grouper was 15 °C, which had the highest survival rate, the lowest stress response, and metabolic rate, and this will reduce the susceptibility to diseases. It is stated that β-1,3-glucan influences the changes of cortisol content, heat shock protein 70, IL-1β, and IgM transcription levels during simulated transport. Rather than using ascorbic acid alone (the A-group), β-1,3-glucan (3.2 mg/L) in the presence of ascorbic acid (25 mg/L) can effectively reduce the increase of transport-induced serum cortisol content, heat shock protein 70, and IL-1β, but stimulated IgM. 25 mg/L ascorbic acid and 3.2 mg/L β-1,3-glucan had no obvious effect on the nutritional indexes and flavor of live tiger grouper; however, these can effectively reduce the stress response, improve the innate immune activity, and ensure a higher survival rate.
Discovery of Kynurenines Containing Oligopeptides as Potent Opioid Receptor Agonists
Authors: Szűcs Edina , Stefanucci Azzurra , Dimmito Marilisa Pia , Zádor Ferenc , Pieretti Stefano , Zengin Gokhan , Vécsei László , Benyhe Sándor , Nalli Marianna , Mollica Adriano
Published: February 2020

Kynurenine (kyn) and kynurenic acid (kyna) are well-defined metabolites of tryptophan catabolism collectively known as “kynurenines”, which exert regulatory functions in host-microbiome signaling, immune cell response, and neuronal excitability. Kynurenine containing peptides endowed with opioid receptor activity have been isolated from natural organisms; thus, in this work, novel opioid peptide analogs incorporating L-kynurenine (L-kyn) and kynurenic acid (kyna) in place of native amino acids have been designed and synthesized with the aim to investigate the biological effect of these modifications. The kyna-containing peptide (KA1) binds selectively the μ-opioid receptor with a Ki = 1.08 ± 0.26 (selectivity ratio μ/δ/κ = 1:514:10,000), while the L-kyn-containing peptide (K6) shows a mixed binding affinity for μ, δ, and κ-opioid receptors, with efficacy and potency (Emax = 209.7 + 3.4%; LogEC50 = −5.984 + 0.054) higher than those of the reference compound DAMGO. This novel oligopeptide exhibits a strong antinociceptive effect after i.c.v. and s.c. administrations in in vivo tests, according to good stability in human plasma (t1/2 = 47 min).
N-Acetylaspartate Is an Important Brain Osmolyte
Authors: Warepam Marina , Ahmad Khurshid , Rahman Safikur , Rahaman Hamidur , Kumari Kritika , Singh Laishram Rajendrakumar
Published: February 2020

Most of the human diseases related to various proteopathies are confined to the brain, which leads to the development of various forms of neurological disorders. The human brain consists of several osmolytic compounds, such as N-Acetylaspartate (NAA), myo-inositol (mI), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), creatine (Cr), and choline-containing compounds (Cho). Among these osmolytes, the level of NAA drastically decreases under neurological conditions, and, hence, NAA is considered to be one of the most widely accepted neuronal biomarkers in several human brain disorders. To date, no data are available regarding the effect of NAA on protein stability, and, therefore, the possible effect of NAA under proteopathic conditions has not been fully uncovered. To gain an insight into the effect of NAA on protein stability, thermal denaturation and structural measurements were carried out using two model proteins at different pH values. The results indicate that NAA increases the protein stability with an enhancement of structure formation. We also observed that the stabilizing ability of NAA decreases in a pH-dependent manner. Our study indicates that NAA is an efficient protein stabilizer at a physiological pH.
Investigation of α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Metabolites from Tetracera scandens Leaves by GC–MS Metabolite Profiling and Docking Studies
Authors: Nokhala Ahmed , Siddiqui Mohammad Jamshed , Ahmed Qamar Uddin , Ahamad Bustamam Muhammad Safwan , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin
Published: February 2020

Stone leaf (Tetracera scandens) is a Southeast Asian medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for the management of diabetes mellitus. The underlying mechanisms of the antidiabetic activity have not been fully explored yet. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of the hydromethanolic extracts of T. scandens leaves and to characterize the metabolites responsible for such activity through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolomics. Crude hydromethanolic extracts of different strengths were prepared and in vitro assayed for α-glucosidase inhibition. GC–MS analysis was further carried out and the mass spectral data were correlated to the corresponding α-glucosidase inhibitory IC50 values via an orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) model. The 100%, 80%, 60% and 40% methanol extracts displayed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials. Moreover, the established model identified 16 metabolites to be responsible for the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of T. scandens. The putative α-glucosidase inhibitory metabolites showed moderate to high affinities (binding energies of −5.9 to −9.8 kcal/mol) upon docking into the active site of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isomaltase. To sum up, an OPLS model was developed as a rapid method to characterize the α-glucosidase inhibitory metabolites existing in the hydromethanolic extracts of T. scandens leaves based on GC–MS metabolite profiling.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Prion Disease Biomarkers in Iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Authors: Llorens Franc , Villar-Piqué Anna , Hermann Peter , Schmitz Matthias , Calero Olga , Stehmann Christiane , Sarros Shannon , Moda Fabio , Ferrer Isidre , Poleggi Anna , Pocchiari Maurizio , Catania Marcella , Klotz Sigrid , O’Regan Carl , Brett Francesca , Heffernan Josephine , Ladogana Anna , Collins Steven J. , Calero Miguel , Kovacs Gabor G. , Zerr Inga
Published: February 2020

Human prion diseases are classified into sporadic, genetic, and acquired forms. Within this last group, iatrogenic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (iCJD) is caused by human-to-human transmission through surgical and medical procedures. After reaching an incidence peak in the 1990s, it is believed that the iCJD historical period is probably coming to an end, thanks to lessons learnt from past infection sources that promoted new prion prevention and decontamination protocols. At this point, we sought to characterise the biomarker profile of iCJD and compare it to that of sporadic CJD (sCJD) for determining the value of available diagnostic tools in promptly recognising iCJD cases. To that end, we collected 23 iCJD samples from seven national CJD surveillance centres and analysed the electroencephalogram and neuroimaging data together with a panel of seven CSF biomarkers: 14-3-3, total tau, phosphorylated/total tau ratio, alpha-synuclein, neurofilament light, YKL-40, and real-time quaking induced conversion of prion protein. Using the cut-off values established for sCJD, we found the sensitivities of these biomarkers for iCJD to be similar to those described for sCJD. Given the limited relevant information on this issue to date, the present study validates the use of current sCJD biomarkers for the diagnosis of future iCJD cases.