bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Characterization of Cotton Seed as Potential Feed Supplement
Authors: ZUBAİR Marili Funmilayo , IBRAHİM Olalekan Sulyman , ATOLANİ Olubunmi , HAMID Abdulmumeen Amao
Published: September 2021

The potential of cotton seeds to serve as animal feed in reducing feed-food competition between humans and animals was examined in this research. Proximate analysis, mineral characterization, and fatty acid composition of the seed were determined using standard analytical techniques. The protein content of cotton seeds found to be 24.81 ± 0.42% was observed to be above the protein requirement of 18% by rabbits and chicken and 12% for goats and sheep. The combination source of carbohydrates, protein, and fat in which cotton seed is endowed offers an adequate nutritional diet for animals. Carbohydrate and crude fat accounted for 19.30 ± 0.1% and 24.81 ± 0.42%, respectively, making cotton seed a valuable source of lipids, protein, and carbohydrate, all major nutrients needed to maintain animals' proper maintenance. The most abundant mineral was potassium (K), at 126.70 ± 5.77 mg/g, which can help maintain body weight. It could assist in the modulation of electrolyte and water balance in the system. Quality assessments indicate that cotton seed, when properly processed, can serve as an affordable alternative to soybean, maize, and groundnut and is currently used as the major sources of animal protein and energy, thereby reducing the competition between feed and food.
Parent-of-origin effects on nuclear chromatin organization and behavior in a Drosophila model for Williams–Beuren Syndrome
Authors: Medvedeva A. V. , Tokmatcheva E. V. , Kaminskaya A. N. , Vasileva S. A. , Nikitina E. A. , Zhuravlev A. V. , Zakharov G. A. , Zatsepina O. G. , Savvateeva-Popova E. V.
Published: September 2021

Prognosis of neuropsychiatric disorders in progeny requires consideration of individual (1) parent-of-origin effects (POEs) relying on (2) the nerve cell nuclear 3D chromatin architecture and (3) impact of parent-specific miRNAs. Additionally, the shaping of cognitive phenotypes in parents depends on both learning acquisition and forgetting, or memory erasure. These processes are independent and controlled by different signal cascades: the first is cAMPdependent, the second relies on actin remodeling by small GTPase Rac1 – LIMK1 (LIM-kinase 1). Simple experimental model systems such as Drosophila help probe the causes and consequences leading to human neurocognitive pathologies. Recently, we have developed a Drosophila model for Williams–Beuren Syndrome (WBS): a mutantagnts3of theagnosticlocus (X:11AB) harboring thedlimk1gene. Theagnts3mutation drastically increases the frequency of ectopic contacts (FEC) in specific regions of intercalary heterochromatin, suppresses learning/memory and affects locomotion. As is shown in this study, the polytene X chromosome bands in reciprocal hybrids betweenagnts3and the wild type strainBerlinare heterogeneous in modes of FEC regulation depending either on maternal or paternal gene origin. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that FEC between X:11AB and the other X chromosome bands correlates with the occurrence of short (~30 bp) identical DNA fragments partly homologous to Drosophila 372-bp satellite DNA repeat. Although learning acquisition in a conditioned courtship suppression paradigm is similar in hybrids, the middle-term memory formation shows patroclinic inheritance. Seemingly, this depends on changes in miR-974 expression. Several parameters of locomotion demonstrate heterosis. Our data indicate that theagnts3locus is capable of trans-regulating gene activity via POEs on the chromatin nuclear organization, thereby affecting behavior.
Variability of mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences in Zabaikalskaya horse breed
Authors: Khrabrova L. A. , Blohina N. V. , Bazaron B. Z. , Khamiruev T. N.
Published: September 2021

The Zabaikalskaya horse is an indigenous breed of horses from Siberia with diverse use. It is characterized by e durance and good adaptability to year-round herd maintenance in the harsh conditions of the Baikal steppes. To determine the genetic characteristics of the maternal lineage of the Zabaikalskaya horse breed based on mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms, we collected hair samples from 31 horses belonging to breeding farms in the Trans-Baikal Territory. Analysis of the 530 bp sequence of the mtDNA D-loop was performed using the maximum composite likelihood (MCL) model in combination with bootstrap analysis. When studying the polymorphism of the hypervariable region of the mtDNA D-loop in Zabaikalskaya horses, we identified 31 haplotypes representing 8 haplogroups: B, C, G, H, L, M, Q and R according to modern classification. The sequenced fragment of the D-loop from nucleotide position 15471 to 16000 contained 17 polymorphic sites, mainly represented by the A→G, G→A and T→C transitions. The haplogroups Q (25.81 %), B (19.35 %), G (16.13 %) and H (12.90 %) were prevailing in the mtDNA structure of this breed. Genetic analysis of the mitochondrial genome of the Zabaikalskaya horse revealed a high level of diversity of haplotypes and haplogroups, which are typical for the horse populations of Eurasia.
Analysis of the structure and function of the tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. MADS-box gene SlMADS5
Authors: Nezhdanova A. V. , Slugina M. A. , Dyachenko E. A. , Kamionskaya A. M. , Kochieva E. Z. , Shchennikova A. V.
Published: September 2021

At all stages of flowering, a decisive role is played by the family of MADS-domain transcription factors, the combinatorial action of which is described by the ABCDE-model of flower development. The current volume of data suggests a high conservatism of ABCDE genes in angiosperms. The E-proteins SEPALLATA are the central hub of the MADS-complexes, which determine the identity of the floral organs. The only representative of theSEPALLATA3clade in tomatoSolanum lycopersicumL.,SlMADS5, is involved in determining the identity of petals, stamens, and carpels; however, data on the functions of the gene are limited. The study was focused on theSlMADS5functional characterization. Structural and phylogenetic analyses ofSlMADS5confirmed its belonging to the SEP3 clade. An in silico expression analysis revealed the absence of gene transcripts in roots, leaves, and shoot apical meristem, and their presence in flowers, fruits, and seeds at different stages of development. Two-hybrid analysis showed the ability of SlMADS5 to activate transcription of the target gene and interact with TAGL1. Transgenic plants Nicotiana tabacum L. with constitutive overexpression ofSlMADS5cDNA flowered 2.2 times later than the control; plants formed thickened leaves, 2.5–3.0 times thicker stems, 1.5–2.7 times shortened internodes, and 1.9 times fewer flowers and capsules than non-transgenic plants. The flower structure did not differ from the control; however, the corolla petals changed color from light pink to magenta. Analysis of the expression ofSlMADS5and the tobacco genesNtLFY, NtAP1, NtWUS, NtAG, NtPLE, NtSEP1, NtSEP2, andNtSEP3in leaves and apexes of transgenic and control plants showed that SlMADS5 mRNA is present only in tissues of transgenic lines. The other genes analyzed were highly expressed in the reproductive meristem of control plants. Gene transcripts were absent or were imperceptibly present in the leaves and vegetative apex of the control, as well as in the leaves and apexes of transgenic lines. The results obtained indicate the possible involvement of SlMADS5 in the regulation of flower meristem development and the pathway of anthocyanin biosynthesis in petals.
Phylogenetic and structural analysis of annexins in pea (Pisum sativum L.) and their role in legume-rhizobial symbiosis development
Authors: Pavlova O. A. , Leppyanen I. V. , Kustova D. V. , Bovin A. D. , Dolgikh E. A.
Published: September 2021

Annexins as Ca2+/phospholipid-binding proteins are involved in the control of many biological processes essential for plant growth and development. In a previous study, we had shown, using a proteomic approach, that the synthesis of two annexins is induced in pea roots in response to rhizobial inoculation. In this study, phylogenetic analysis identified these annexins as PsAnn4 and PsAnn8 based on their homology with annexins from other legumes. The modeling approach allowed us to estimate the structural features of these annexins that might influence their functional activity. To verify the functions of these annexins, we performed comparative proteomic analysis, experiments with calcium influx inhibitors, and localization of labeled proteins. Essential down-regulation of PsAnn4 synthesis in a non-nodulating pea mutant P56 (sym10) suggests an involvement of this annexin in the rhizobial symbiosis. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that PsAnn4 was upregulated at the early stages of symbiosis development, starting from 1–3 days after inoculation to up to 5 days after inoculation, while experiments with the Ca2+ channel blocker LaCl3 revealed its negative influence on this expression. To follow the PsAnn4 protein localization in plant cells, it was fused to the fluorophores such as red fluorescent protein (RFP) and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and expressed under the transcriptional regulation of the 35S promoter in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves by infiltration with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The localization of PsAnn4 in the cell wall or plasma membrane of plant cells may indicate its participation in membrane modification or ion transport. Our results suggest that PsAnn4 may play an important role during the early stages of pea-rhizobial symbiosis development.
Powdery mildew resistance of barley accessions from Dagestan
Authors: Abdullaev R. A. , Lebedeva T. V. , Alpatieva N. V. , Batasheva B. A. , Anisimova I. N. , Radchenko E. E.
Published: September 2021

Powdery mildew caused by the parasitic fungus Blumeria graminis (DC.) Golovin ex Speer f. sp. hordei Marchal is one of the most common diseases of barley. Growing resistant varieties can significantly minimize harmful effects of the pathogen. The specificity in the interaction between the fungus and its host plant requires a continuous search for new donors of the resistance trait. The powdery mildew resistance of 264 barley accessions from Dagestan and genetic control of the trait in resistant forms were studied under field and laboratory conditions. Forty-seven barley lines carrying previously identified powdery mildew resistance genes were also examined. During three years, the experimental material was evaluated under severe infection pressure at the Dagestan Experiment Station of VIR (North Caucasus, Derbent). Juvenile resistance against the Northwest (St. Petersburg, Pushkin) pathogen population was evaluated in a climatic chamber. The genetic control of B. graminis resistance in the selected accessions was studied with the application of hybridological and molecular analyses. The level of genetic diversity of Dagestan barley for effective resistance to powdery mildew is very low. Only two accessions, VIR-23787 and VIR-28212, are resistant against B. graminis at both seedling and adult plant stages. The high-level resistance of breeding line VIR-28212 originating from barley landrace VIR-17554 (Ep-80 Abyssinien) from Ethiopia is controlled by the recessive gene mlo11. Accession VIR-17554 is heterogeneous for the studied trait, with the powdery mildew resistant genotypes belonging to two varieties, dupliatrum (an awnless phenotype) and nigrinudum (an awned phenotype). In accession VIR-23787, a recessive resistance gene distinct from the mlo11 allele was identified. This accession is supposed to be protected by a new, effective pathogen resistance gene.
Mechanosensitive molecular interactions in atherogenic regions of the arteries: development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Mishchenko E. L. , Mishchenko A. M. , Ivanisenko V. A.
Published: September 2021

A terrible disease of the cardiovascular system, atherosclerosis, develops in the areas of bends and branches of arteries, where the direction and modulus of the blood flow velocity vector change, and consequently so does the mechanical effect on endothelial cells in contact with the blood flow. The review focuses on topical research studies on the development of atherosclerosis – mechanobiochemical events that transform the proatherogenic mechanical stimulus of blood flow – low and low/oscillatory arterial wall shear stress in the chains of biochemical reactions in endothelial cells, leading to the expression of specific proteins that cause the progression of the pathological process. The stages of atherogenesis, systemic risk factors for atherogenesis and its important hemodynamic factor, low and low/oscillatory wall shear stress exerted by blood flow on the endothelial cells lining the arterial walls, have been described. The interactions of cell adhesion molecules responsible for the development of atherosclerosis under low and low/oscillating shear stress conditions have been demonstrated. The activation of the regulator of the expression of cell adhesion molecules, the transcription factor NF­κB, and the factors regulating its activation under these conditions have been described. Mechanosensitive signaling pathways leading to the expression of NF­κB in endothelial cells have been described. Studies of the mechanobiochemical signaling pathways and interactions involved in the progression of atherosclerosis provide valuable information for the development of approaches that delay or block the development of this disease.
Phage display as a tool for identifying HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Chikaev A. N. , Rudometov A. P. , Merkulyeva Yu. A. , Karpenko L. I.
Published: September 2021

Combinatorial biology methods offer a good solution for targeting interactions of specific molecules by a high-throughput screening and are widely used for drug development, diagnostics, identification of novel monoclonal antibodies, search for linear peptide mimetics of discontinuous epitopes for the development of immunogens or vaccine components. Among all currently available techniques, phage display remains one of the most popular approaches. Despite being a fairly old method, phage display is still widely used for studying protein-protein, peptide-protein and DNA-protein interactions due to its relative simplicity and versatility. Phage display allows highly representative libraries of peptides, proteins or their fragments to be created. Each phage particle in a library displays peptides or proteins fused to its coat protein and simultaneously carries the DNA sequence encoding the displayed peptide/protein in its genome. The biopanning procedure allows isolation of specific clones for almost any target, and due to the physical link between the genotype and the phenotype of recombinant phage particles it is possible to determine the structure of selected molecules. Phage display technology continues to play an important role in HIV research. A major obstacle to the development of an effective HIV vaccine is an extensive genetic and antigenic variability of the virus. According to recent data, in order to provide protection against HIV infection, the so-called broadly neutralizing antibodies that are cross-reactive against multiple viral strains of HIV must be induced, which makes the identification of such antibodies a key area of HIV vaccinology. In this review, we discuss the use of phage display as a tool for identification of HIV-specific antibodies with broad neutralizing activity. We provide an outline of phage display technology, briefly describe the design of antibody phage libraries and the affinity selection procedure, and discuss the biology of HIV-1-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies. Finally, we summarize the studies aimed at identification of broadly neutralizing antibodies using various types of phage libraries.
Chromatin remodeling in oligodendrogenesis
Authors: Antontseva E. V. , Bondar N. P.
Published: September 2021

Oligodendrocytes are one type of glial cells responsible for myelination and providing trophic support for axons in the central nervous system of vertebrates. Thanks to myelin, the speed of electrical-signal conduction increases several hundred-fold because myelin serves as a kind of electrical insulator of nerve f ibers and allows for quick saltatory conduction of action potentials through Ranvier nodes, which are devoid of myelin. Given that different parts of the central nervous system are myelinated at different stages of development and most regions contain both myelinated and unmyelinated axons, it is obvious that very precise mechanisms must exist to control the myelination of individual axons. As they go through the stages of specification and differentiation – from multipotent neuronal cells in the ventricular zone of the neural tube to mature myelinating oligodendrocytes as well as during migration along blood vessels to their destination – cells undergo dramatic changes in the pattern of gene expression. These changes require precisely spatially and temporally coordinated interactions of various transcription factors and epigenetic events that determine the regulatory landscape of chromatin. Chromatin remodeling substantially affects transcriptional activity of genes. The main component of chromatin is the nucleosome, which, in addition to the structural function, performs a regulatory one and serves as a general repressor of genes. Changes in the type, position, and local density of nucleosomes require the action of specialized ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes, which use the energy of ATP hydrolysis for their activity. Mutations in the genes encoding proteins of the remodeling complexes are often accompanied by serious disorders at early stages of embryogenesis and are frequently identified in various cancers. According to the domain arrangement of the ATP-hydrolyzing subunit, most of the identified ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes are classified into four subfamilies: SWI/SNF, CHD, INO80/SWR, and ISWI. In this review, we discuss the roles of these subunits of the different subfamilies at different stages of oligodendrogenesis.
Comprehensive analysis of the 5-HTTLPR allelic polymorphism effect on behavioral and neurophysiological indicators of executive control in people from different ethnic groups in Siberia
Authors: Savostyanov A. N. , Bazovkina D. V. , Lashin S. A. , Tamozhnikov S. S. , Saprygin A. E. , Astakhova T. N. , Kavai-ool U. N. , Borisova N. V. , Karpova A. G.
Published: September 2021

The allelic polymorphism of the serotonin transporter’s gene 5-HTTLPR is considered as one of the factors determining an individual genetic predisposition to the development of a wide range of affective disorders, including depression. Many studies have shown that the climatic and social conditions of people’s life can have a significant impact on the connections of 5-HTTLPR with the risk of depression. The stop-signal paradigm (SSP) is an experimental method allowing evaluating an individual ability to the self-control of behavior in a changing environment. In the SSP experiment, a subject should either press one of several buttons quickly after the appearance of the target stimuli or suppress the already started movement if an inhibitory signal follows the target stimulus. The aim of this study is a research of associations between the allelic the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and the individual scores of the personal anxiety level, as well as the behavioral and neurophysiological indicators of the ability to self-control over motor reactions in the SSP. The study was conducted among people from three ethno-regional groups: healthy Caucasoids from Novosibirsk, the Mongoloid groups of the indigenous population of the Tuva Republic and Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Genetic, ethnographic, and psychological influences on an individual’s ability to control motor responses were compared. The amplitude of the premotor peak of the evoked brain potential was used as a neurophysiological marker of the person’s readiness to the execution of target-directed activity. It was revealed that the frequency of the S-allele polymorphism 5-HTTLPR was significantly higher for both mongoloid groups compared to the Caucasoids. The S/S genotype was associated with an increased level of personal anxiety and at the same time with a better ability to the self-control of behavior in the SSP experiment. Anxiety level, participants’ sex, ethnicity, and allelic polymorphism 5-HTTLPR had a statistically significant effect on the amplitude of the premotor readiness potential recorded under the SSP conditions in the frontal and parietal-occipital cortical regions. Our data support the hypothesis that the S/S genotype of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may be associated with more success in adapting to the climatic conditions connected with high life risk in comparison toL/LandL/Sgenotypes.
Morphological Characterization of Bambara Groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] Landraces in Kenya
Authors: Odongo Forrester , Oyoo Maurice E. , Kimurto Paul K. , Wasike Victor W.
Published: September 2021

Background: Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.], an indigenous drought tolerant crop of African origin is one of most important leguminous crop in Sub-Saharan Africa. Small-scale farmers continue cultivating unimproved landraces over the production areas in Kenya. Bambara exist variously as mixtures of seeds, which contain variable types of seed morphology which need to be agronomically and phenotypically differentiated. The study aimed at characterizing Bambara groundnuts collected in Kenya using morphological markers. Methods: One hundred and five germplasm assembled from four major growing agro-ecologies (Busia, Kakamega, Bungom and Vihiga Counties) and Kenya National Gene bank, were evaluated at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) - Alupe (0.4347° N, 34.2422° E) in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the long and short rains of 2015. Nineteen quantitative traits and seven qualitative traits were observed and measured at different growth stages and during harvesting. Result: Many landraces displayed pointed, round and yellowish pod, with grooved and oval seeds. About 49.4% had round leaves, 21.5% had elliptical leaves, while 55.7% were heterogeneous for leaf shape. Quantitative traits were significant (p≤0.05) except for seed weight, seed number per plant and number of stems. The first four principal components accounted for a total of 73.1% of the variations. germplasm were divided into two distinct clusters. Leaf morphology variations could be used as a reliable phenotypic marker in Bambara breeding.
Deep Learning based Image Processing Solutions in Food Engineering: A Review
Authors: Begum Ninja , Hazarika Manuj Kumar
Published: September 2021

Image based assessment of food quality for wholesomeness, nutritional composition, suitability as raw material for processing, degree of processing, product aesthetics, consumer attractiveness etc., are some of the aspirations for applying machine learning in food technology. The initial contributions made by machine learning in the field of artificial intelligence are now more prominent through the techniques of deep learning. This review presents the contributions of machine learning in obtaining image processing based solutions in food technology and the relative advantages of deep learning over machine learning as the technique for solving complex problems like image recognition and image classification. The deep learning based solutions to the problems of image processing are highlighted as the enablers of disruptions in the design and development of different sorting, grading and dietary assessment tools.
Exploration of Encapsulated Modified Psyllium Husk for Preparation of Probiotic Basundi
Authors: Deshpande H.W. , Katke S.D. , Hashmi S.A.S.
Published: September 2021

Background: The dairy industry is one of the largest industries in India. The exports were made to 105 countries in the world. Dairy production is one of the major sustenance factors for the rural economy of India. Notably, India ranks first in Isabgol production (98%) and is the sole supplier of seeds and husk in the international market. Among medicinal plants, Isabgol is the first ranked foreign exchange earner for the country. India is the largest producer and the main supplier of seed and husk to the world market. It contains a significant number of proteins and husk yields colloidal mucilage which are valued for medicinal application and is used in Ayurveda, unani and allopathic systems of medicines. It is the main constituent of a number of laxative preparations. The psyllium is high in soluble fibre content with detoxing effect over digestive system makes it a very apt nutraceutical. Basundi is one of the heats desiccated indigenous products popular in Western part of India, mostly Maharashtra and Gujarat. It can be classified in the condensed milk group along with rabri, khoa, mithai and kheer and can be considered similar to sweetened condensed whole milk. Methods: The present investigation indicates utilization of encapsulated lactic acid bacteria culture (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus) and modified psyllium husk for the preparation of probiotic basundi. The prepared probiotic basundi was analyzed for sensorial, physicochemical and microbial quality parameters. Probiotic basundi was prepared from 1000 ml of milk, 90 gm sugar, 02-03 pieces of cardamom, saffron and encapsulated LAB culture having (107, 108 and 109 cfu/gm containing equal proportions of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) with 0.65 per cent hydrochloric acid modified psyllium husk. The probiotic basundi was then stored at refrigerated conditions at 4°C for 08 hrs. Result: The organoleptic evaluation of probiotic basundi was carried out. As per the score of hedonic scale, basundi with encapsulated 10 per cent probiotic culture (109 cfu/gm) with 0.65 per cent hydrochloric acid modified psyllium husk had shown maximum consumer acceptability (8.3) among all samples.
Using Gum Arabic in Place of Egg Yolk as Cryoprotectant for Cryopreservation of the Buck Semen
Authors: Ali Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Background: Egg yolk (EY) is well known to be toxic for buck spermatozoa, which creates restrictions of its use in cryopreservation. Therefore, this study is to compare the effect of different levels of gum Arabic (GA) in an extender on quality and fertility of cryopreserved buck sperm. Methods: Each ejaculate of six bucks was frozen in Tris with one of concentrations of GA which contained 3, 6, 9 and 12 gm/ 100 ml in place of the EY. Control was Tris extender containing 2.5% of EY. Result: A percentages of total motile sperm (54.92%; P less than 0.05) and progressively motile sperm (26.22%; P less than 0.05) of semen was frozen in Tris containing 9% of GA. Similar to control group, the pregnancy rate of does inseminated with extender containing 9% (50.0%) were significantly higher than those of does inseminated with extender containing 6% (8.33%), 3% (0.0%) and 12% (0.0%). Semen evaluation and fertility rate were similar when replacing the EY with GA in the Tris cryodiluent, after cryopreservation of buck semen. The present study shows that high motility rate of frozen semen and acceptable pregnancy rate can be obtained when using GA in place of EY for cryopreserving the buck sperm.
Effects of Exogenous Ghrelin on Duodenal Growth and Development of African Ostrich Chicks
Authors: Li Peng , Li Bai-tao , Wang Jia-xiang , Pi Jing-song , Peng Ke-mei , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2021

Background: The African ostrich is the largest herbivorous bird in the world, which has high economic value. However, the brooding period of African ostrich is long. During this period, the various organs of the body are not fully developed, the resistance is low and it is easy to get sick, thus affecting the growth and development. Therefore, it is of great significance to enhance the digestion and absorption capacity of ostrich chicks and improve its growth speed in shortening the incubation period of ostrich, improving the survival rate of ostrich and the economic benefits of ostrich breeding. Methods: Sixteen 40-day-old African ostrich chicks (male or female) were randomly divided into four groups and injected intravenously of Metatarsal vein with saline (control) or ghrelin (10, 50 and 100 µg/kg) for 6 days. The morphology, gastrin and pepsin levels in the duodenum were measured using stereology, HE staining and radioimmunoassay. Result: The 10, 50 and 100 µg/kg of ghrelin administered groups showed lower duodenal length and length index than the control group (P less than 0.05). Villus length increased in the 50 µg/kg and 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered groups (P less than 0.05). Crypt depth decreased in the 10 µg/kg ghrelin administered group (P less than 0.05). The ratio of villus length to crypt depth in each group increased and the difference was significant in the 50 µg/kg and 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered groups (P less than 0.05). Pepsin content in the duodenum slightly increased in the 10 µg/kg ghrelin administered group (P greater than 0.05) and it significantly decreased in the 50 µg/kg and 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered groups (P less than 0.05). Gastrin content in the duodenum increased significantly (P less than 0.05) in the 10 µg/kg ghrelin administered group and decreased in the 100 µg/kg ghrelin administered group (P less than 0.05).
​Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Transferrin Binding Protein Gene A of Field and Vaccine Strains of Pasteurella multocida B:2
Authors: Sharma Himanshu , Grover Y.P. , Singh Mahavir , Mishra Richa , Kumar Pankaj , . Ojasvita , Kumar Arvind , Singh Ajit , Diwakar R.P.
Published: September 2021

Background: Pasteurella multocida is an important bacterial pathogen that causes many major diseases of which haemorrhagic septiciemia (HS) in cattle and buffalo is responsible for catastrophic epizootics in India and South Asia. In India, the disease haemorrhagic septiciemia is considered as the most dreaded bacterial disease. Various host- and pathogen- specific determinants are responsible for disease outcome. Various bacterial virulence genes (tbpA, pfhA, toxA, hgbB, hgbA, nanH, nanB, sodA, sodC, oma87 and ptfA) have been proposed to play a key role in this interaction. Methods: The present study was done to compare the gene and deduced amino acid sequence of transferrin binding protein gene (tbpA) gene of field isolates and vaccine strain of P. multocida B: 2. Result: It was observed that tbpA gene of field and vaccine strains have similar nucleotide sequence except at positions 574 and 620. The sequence of tbpA gene was used for prediction of matured TbpA protein characteristics. The deduced amino acid sequences of 242 amino acids revealed 99% homology with TbpA of P. multocida and with a variety of other TonB-dependent receptor proteins, indicating that it belongs to the family of outer membrane receptors. Deduced amino acid sequence was found to be similar in field and vaccine strains except at 207th amino acid. In field isolates Leucine was there while in vaccine strain Phenyl alanine was found. These both amino acids are hydrophobic in nature so no change in physico-chemical property of TbpA is expected. From this study it is concluded that single amino acid difference between field isolate and vaccine strain might not cause change in its binding and physico-chemical property.
Molecular Variability of Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) of Blackgram in Southern India
Authors: Rao M. Kasi , Adinarayana M. , Sunkad Gururaj , Patibanda A.K. , Madhumathi T. , Sayiprathap B.R.
Published: September 2021

Background: The yellow mosaic disease (YMD) creates a major hindrance and known to affect a number of grain leguminous crops in the Indian sub-continent. However, blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) is the most important grain legume crop which is affected widely by this disease. The disease is caused by a single stranded DNA containing begomovirus viz., Yellow mosaic virus (YMV) which is mainly transmitted through whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.). Symptoms include severe patho-physiological alterations characterized by the presence of bright chlorotic yellow patches interspersed with green areas on leaf lamina. The present study was aimed to determine the variability among disease causing agents in six different geographical isolates representing four states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana states of southern India during the 2019 rabi season. Methods: The variability of YMV associated with YMD of blackgram was studied based on molecular characterization of partial DNA-A coat protein gene with subsequent nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic tree construction. Result: The synthetic primers designed for the partial DNA-A segment forms a distinct viral gene specific PCR product. The band size corresponding to CP ~704 bp was obtained for MYMV, whereas CP ~500 bp gene band was obtained for MYMIV. Further, phylogenetic analysis based on partial DNA-A gene sequences of six isolates with other isolates from GenBank formed into two unique clusters viz., MYMV and MYMIV. Overall, our study confirming that the begomovirus causing YMD of blackgram in southern India is explored to be as strains of MYMV and MYMIV.
De villarrealinos displicentes a villarrealinos rebeldes: recuperando la universidad pública (2013-2016)
Authors: Liendo Moscoso Alvaro , Caravedo Ayasca Daniel , Ruiz Lozada Steffany
Published: September 2021

En 2014, la ley de reforma universitaria N° 30220 era aprobada por el Congreso de la República de Perú; en un contexto convulsionado de oposición a los nuevos parámetros suprainstitucionales, que los grupos de poder universitarios creían, vulneraban su autonomía. El movimiento estudiantil villarrealino, con sus limitaciones y tensiones, asume el liderazgo en la capital durante este periodo. Bajo una estructura de liberalización del mercado educativo y desmovilización heredada de los años noventa es que nos preguntamos ¿Qué alcances y limitaciones presentó la acción colectiva del movimiento estudiantil en Villarreal durante los años 2013 al 2016? El objetivo de este artículo entonces será aproximarnos y determinarlo. Para este trabajo aplicamos la investigación participante y la sistematización retrospectiva de los hechos como métodos de investigación; con el fin de reconstruir la experiencia y orientar intervenciones del movimiento. Para ello hemos analizado fuentes escritas y orales de los estudiantes y egresados involucrados. Por otro lado, este es un ensayo por analizar los matices entre los diversos enfoques teóricos de los movimientos sociales, como vías eventualmente contradictorias, aplicada a este caso y enfocado en sumergirse en la subjetividad política de quienes buscan el cambio. Este proceso de conquistas paulatinas de los estudiantes debieran servir para redirigir sus esfuerzos hacia el gobierno universitario con la misma tenacidad que han destinado para la organización de base con el fin último de quebrar la hegemonía de los intereses partidarios ocultos visibilizados en tiempo de crisis; promoviendo iniciativas legislativas y dotándolas de mecanismos de mayor alcance democrático.
La bioeconomía y el uso de sistemas de información geográfica como alternativa política, ética y ecológica para resolver problemáticas medioambientales
Authors: Estrada Porras Cristina
Published: September 2021

El capitalismo, sistema económico que actualmente es el orden social y económico de muchos países y una de las principales fuentes de contaminación global, añadido a la falta de conciencia ambiental de los gobiernos y la población, son algunas de las causas de la problemática medioambiental que atentan contra la vida de los seres vivos en el planeta. Conocer estas problemáticas y buscar alternativas para solventar este daño hacia la naturaleza son acciones importantes para practicar como humanidad. En este estudio se investigó sobre las problemáticas ambientales, conceptos filosóficos y alternativas políticas, éticas y ecológicas a partir de la consulta literaria y se seleccionaron casos de artículos y trabajos académicos que utilizaran Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) para profundizar en la utilidad de dicha herramienta. Los resultados de dicha búsqueda evidencian que la bioeconomía es un sistema económico basado en la aplicación de conocimientos y tecnologías para la producción de bienes y servicios a partir del aprovechamiento sostenible de los recursos biológicos naturales; asimismo, demuestran mediante casos que los SIG, como instrumento tecnológico, son una gran herramienta para la elaboración de estudios ambientales y para la toma de decisiones en pro del ambiente. Por lo tanto, la bioeconomía y el uso de SIG son excelentes alternativas políticas, éticas y ecológicas para resolver problemáticas medioambientales.
Benzodiazepine use in Portugal: revisiting the stars of Liège model.
Authors: Gama Marques João
Published: September 2021

N/a.
Increased Interleukin-6 as Inﬂ ammatory Response and Magnesium Deﬁ ciency in Pre-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease of Indonesian Children
Authors: Kardani Astrid Kristina , Soemyarso Ninik Asmaningsih , Aras Jusli Aras , Prasetyo Risky Vitria , Noer Mohammad Sjaifullah
Published: September 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem in children, with increasing morbidity and mortality rates throughout the world. Children with CKD tend to experience magnesium (Mg) deﬁ ciency that can stimulate an inﬂ ammatory response in the body. One of the inﬂ ammatory responses is an increase of Interleukin-6 (IL-6).  Study to analyze the correlation between Mg and IL-6 in pre-dialysis CKD children. The methods a cross sectional study was conducted in Dr Soetomo General Academic Hospital from November 2018 to April 2019. Children with pre-dialyis CKD were included in this study. Variables of serum Mg level (mg/dL) and inﬂ ammatory marker (IL-6) were measured from the blood and analyzed by ELISA method. The correlation between Mg and IL-6 was analyzed with Spearman’s correlation test with p <0.05.  Result a total of 47 children (27 boys vs 20 girls) between 3 months to 18 years old, with pre-dialysis CKD and no history of magnesium supplementation were included. The primary disease that causes of CKD were lupus nephritis (38.3%), nephrotic syndrome (23.4%), urologic disorder (23.4%),  tubulopathy (10.6%) and others (4.3%). The average IL-6 level was 55.42±43.04 pg/dL and Mg level was 2.06±1.54 mg/dL. There were no signiﬁ cant correlation between IL-6 level and Mg level with staging of CKD and duration of illness (p>0.05), but there was a signiﬁ cant correlation between serum Mg level and IL-6 level (r=-0.748; p<0.001). Magnesium levels have a signiﬁ cant inverse correlation with IL-6 levels in pre-dialysis CKD children. The lower the Mg levels in the blood, the higher IL-6 levels and vice versa.
Antimicrobial Activities of Laurus nobilis Leaves Ethanol Extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonellae typhi, and Escherichia coli.
Authors: Sakran Khawla Abdullah , Raharjo Dadik , Mertaniasih Ni Made
Published: September 2021

Laurus nobilis is one of the most well-known, most frequently used plants is from Lauraceae family which contains up 2.500 species that grow in the subtropics and tropics of the Mediterranean region and Indonesia. This study was supposed to investigate the antimicrobial eﬀ ect of L.nobilis leaves ethanol extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonellae typhi, and Escherichia coli. This preliminary study examined the antimicrobial eﬀ ect of L.nobilis leaves ethanol extract. The method used Agar-well diﬀ usion for determination of the zone of inhibition and the minimum bactericidal concentration to investigate the activity of L.nobilis leaves ethanol extract at 100% concentration . The results revealed that extract of L. nobilis leaves had the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition (16.3 ±1.5 mm), Staphylococcus aureus with (14.5±0.5 mm), and weak antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (11.3±1.1mm). Also, through the minimum bactericidal concentration experiment, the L.nobilis leaves ethanol extract had activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonellae typhi, it’s killed the bacteria in all concentration start it from 5×107 to 5×104. But the activity on Escherichia coli just weaken concentration 5×107 and 106. This research has concluded that the L.nobilis leaves ethanol extract exhibited a signiﬁ cant antimicrobial eﬀ ect against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonellae typhi then Escherichia coli that is considered a kind of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Soil-Transmitted Helminthes Infection and Nutritional Status of Elementary School Children in Sorong District, West Papua, Indonesi
Authors: Salma Zukhaila , Fitriah Fitriah , Renaldy Raden Bagus Yanuar , Rossyanti Lynda , Sarjana IWayan , Pasulu Soraya Salle , Budiono Budiono , Gunadi Ranu I Gusti Made Reza , Husada Dominicus , Basuki Sukmawati
Published: September 2021

It is known that soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) infection in children associates with growth and developed restriction in children, which is shown by nutritional status. However, the studies which are investigating this phenomenon is still limited in Indonesia. This recent study aimed to compare students who infected and non-infected with STH towards their nutritional status. An analytic cross-sectional research design was conducted in two elementary school students at Mayamuk sub-district, Sorong district, in January 2020. STHs infection was identiﬁ ed by lugol stained wet mount smear from their stool under a light microscope. Children nutritional status was determined by body mass index based on age. A total of 164 children (67.5%, 164/243) were voluntary to participate by informed consent and eligible. Twenty-seven children (16.5%, 27/164) were infected with one or more STH species of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, and Strongyloides stercoralis. T. trichiura (81.5%, 22/27) was the most common species found, either in single or mixed infection. Children nutritional status was observed as thinness, normal, overweight, and obese, that was 6.1% (10/164), 75% (123/164), 6.7% (11/164), and 12.2 % (20/164) respectively. STHs infection occurred in children with nutritional status of thinness 3.7% (1/27), normal 74.1% (20/27), overweight 3.7% (1/27), and obese 18.5% (5/27). There was no signiﬁ cant diﬀ erence between STHs infected children and non-infected children on their nutritional status (p=0.616, ChiSquare test). Thus, it indicated that STHs infection was not only the factor to induce the impairment of nutritional status in children at Mayamuk sub-district. It needs further investigation to clarify the factors which are leading to the thinness, overweight, and obese in Mayamuk children.
Histoplasmosis: diagnostic and therapeutic aspect
Authors: Wijaya Meiliyana , Adawiyah Robiatul , Wahyuningsih Retno
Published: September 2021

Histoplasmosis has been reported since 1932 in various regions in Indonesia. This disease is caused by thermally dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum which is experiencing an increasing incidence worldwide. Human infection occurs when spores in soil contaminated with bird and bat droppings are inhaled and change to form yeast in the lungs. The majority of these forms of infection are mild and can heal on their own, but if large numbers of spores/ inoculum are inhaled, or the host is immunosuppressed, serious lung disease and even dissemination may occur with a high mortality rate. The diagnosis can be made by combining clinical symptoms with laboratory test results. Conventional laboratory methods such as direct examination or histopathology and culture are the gold standards for histoplasmosis diagnosis. The weakness of culture is the nature of H. capsulatum as a slow grower fungus that takes 4-6 weeks to grow. In addition, laboratory tests can be carried out with antibody detection or antigen detection. Antigen detection is more beneﬁ cial for hosts with immunosuppression or acute form, while antibody detection is more important in the chronic form of the diseases. Molecular-based assays have high speciﬁ city but are not yet available commercially and are more widely used for culture identiﬁ cation to conﬁ rm the species of H. capsulatum. Histoplasmosis therapy usually begins with the administration of amphotericin B for around two weeks, followed by maintenance with itraconazole for 6 - 9 months duration. A careful history of possible exposure and the appropriate laboratory diagnostic approach is essential to provide appropriate therapy.
The ‘black fungus’ Co-Infection in COVID-19 Patients : A Review
Authors: Hadiyanto Jessica Novia , Wilda Friska , Cahyadi Alius , Adisuhanto Marcella
Published: September 2021

Mucormycosis is one type of fungal disease, associated with a poor prognosis if not promptly diagnosed and managed because its highly aggressive tendency. Although it is a rare disease, a rapid increase in cases of mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 is being reported. Mostly, risk factors for this disease are uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, other immunosuppressive conditions and corticosteroid therapy. Immune dysfunction, lung pathology and corticosteroid therapy in COVID-19 patients making it more susceptible to develop fungal infection including mucormycosis. The combination of steroid therapy and underlying diabetes mellitus in COVID-19 also can augment immunosuppression and hyperglycemia. Control of hyperglycemia, early treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, and surgery are three important factors in mucormycosis therapy that essential for successful management. However, in this COVID-19 pandemic situation, that management strategies are compromised. First, hyperglicemia can be aggravated by glucocorticoid, therapy that used widely for COVID-19 especially in severe case. Second, patients with ARDS and multiorgan dysfunction can prevent timely diagnostic for imaging and other testing, so appropriate therapy that should be given will be delayed. Last, the essential service in hospital such surgery in this pandemic era reduced signiﬁ cantly to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This review was created with the aim mucormycosis co-infection can be considered in patients with COVID-19, especially with known risk factor. Prompt and rapid diagnosis are important for eﬀ ective therapy and decreasing case fatality rate. The use of steroid in mild cases, utilization of higher doses of steroid and drugs that targeting immune pathway should be avoided.