bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KONTAKT© in Australian Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: Protocol of a Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Afsharnejad Bahareh , Falkmer Marita , Black Melissa H , Alach Tasha , Lenhard Fabian , Fridell Anna M , Coco Christina , Milne Kelly , Chen Nigel TM , Bölte Sven , Girdler Sonya
Published: October 2019

Background: Individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience impairing challenges in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts. While social skills group training (SSGT) has shown moderate effects on various sociability outcomes in ASD, there is a need for (i) replication of effects in additional clinical and cultural contexts, (ii) designs which employ active control groups, (iii) calculation of health economic benefits, (iv) identification of the optimal training duration, and (v) measurement of individual goal and quality of life outcomes. Method/design: With the aim of investigating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a SSGT, KONTAKT©, a two-armed randomized control trial with adolescents aged 12 to17 years (N=90) with ASD and an intelligence quotient (IQ) of over 70 will be undertaken. Following stratification for centre and gender, participants will be randomly assigned to either KONTAKT© or to an active control group, a group-based cooking program. Participants will attend both programs in groups of 6 to 8 adolescents, over 16 one and a half hour sessions. The primary outcome examined is adolescent self-rated achievement of personally meaningful social goals as assessed via Goal Attainment Scaling during an interview with a blinded clinician. Secondary outcomes include adolescent self-reported interpersonal efficacy, quality of life, social anxiety, and loneliness, face emotion recognition performance and associated gaze behaviour, and parent proxy reports of autistic traits, quality of life, social functioning, emotion recognition and expression. Cost-effectiveness will be investigated in relation to direct and indirect societal and health care costs. Discussion: The primary outcomes of this study will be evidenced in the anticipated achievement of adolescents’ personally meaningful social goals following participation in KONTAKT© as compared to the active control group. This design will enable rigours evaluation of the efficacy of KONTAKT©, exercising control over the possibly confounding effect of exposure to a social context of peers with a diagnosis of ASD.
Comparative study between intrathecal dexmedetomidine and intrathecal magnesium sulfate for the prevention of post-spinal anaesthesia shivering in uroscopic surgery. (RCT)
Authors: Omar Heba , adel Wessam , Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud , Hassan Amany , Hassan Passaint , Elshall Ahmed , Khalid Dalia , Mostafa Maha , Zarif pierre , hossameldin Mona , Wedad Mai , abdelhamid Bassant Mohamed
Published: October 2019

Background: Hypothermia and shivering are common complications after spinal anaesthesia, especially after uroscopic procedures in which large amounts of cold intraluminal irrigation fluids are used. Magnesium sulfate and dexmedetomidine are the most effective adjuvants with the least side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine versus intrathecal magnesium sulfate on the prevention of post-spinal anaesthesia shivering.
Methods: This prospective randomized, double-blinded controlled study included 105 patients who were scheduled for uroscopic surgery at the Kasr El-Aini Hospital. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups. Group C (n=35) received 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (12.5 mg) + 0.5 ml of normal saline, Group M (n=35) received 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (12.5 mg) + 25 mg of magnesium sulfate in 0.5 ml saline, and Group D (n=35) received 2.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (12.5 mg) + 5 μg of dexmedetomidine in 0.5 ml saline. The primary outcomes were the incidence and intensity of shivering. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of hypothermia, sedation, the use of meperidine to control shivering and complications.
Results: Group C had significantly higher proportions of patients who developed shivering (21), developed grade IV shivering (20) and required meperidine (21) to treat shivering than group M (8,5,5) and group D (5,3,6) , which were comparable to each other.
The time between block administration and meperidine administration was similar among the three groups. Hypothermia did not occur in any of the patients.
The three groups were comparable regarding the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, bradycardia and hypotension. All the patients in group C, 32 patients in group M and 33 patients in group D had a sedation score of 2. Three patients in group M and 2 patients in group D had a sedation score of 3.
Conclusions: Intrathecal injections of both dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate were effective in reducing the incidence of post -spinal anaesthesia shivering. Therefore, we encourage the use of magnesium sulfate, as it is more physiologically available, more readily available in most operating theatres and much less expensive than dexmedetomidine.
Biometric indicators of Eyes with Occult Lens Subluxation inducing Secondary Acute Angle Closure
Authors: Xing Xiaoli , Huang Liangyu , Tian Fang , Zhang Yan , Lv Yingjuan , Liu Wei , Liu AihuaLiu
Published: October 2019

Background : To compare the anterior biometry of eyes with secondary acute angle closure induced by occult lens subluxation (LS), misdiagnosed as acute primary angle closure (APAC) (ASAC-LS ) at the first visit, APAC, chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG), cataract.
Methods : This retrospective case study included 17 eyes with primary angel closure(PAC)due to occult LS, who were misdiagnosed as APAC on their first visit, 56 eyes diagnosed as APAC, 54 eyes diagnosed as CPACG, and 56 eyes diagnosed as cataract. Axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) , aqueous depth (AD) and lens thickness (LT) were recorded. Lens position (LP), relative lens position (RLP), corrected lens position (CLP) were calculated. Quantitative data were subject to one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Categorical data were analyzed using the chi-squared test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to obtain a suitable cutoff value of ocular biometry.
Results: The patients in the ASAC-LS group had a longer ocular axial length than those with acute angle closure and CPACG. Corneal thickness in the ASAC-LS group was not significantly different from that in the APAC group, but was significantly different from those of the CPACG and cataract group. The APAC group had the smallest ACD, while the ASAC-LS group had the smallest AD. The ASAC-LS group exhibited significantly shallower AD (P<0.01). The ASAC-LS group had the largest lens thickness. According to ROC curve analysis,RLP, ACD, AD, LP, CLP, CCT were high power of discrimination.
Conclusions: This study revealed that LS secondary PAC patients had a shallower AD, thicker CCT comparing to those of APAC, CPACG and cataract patients. LP and CLP can be helpful for differential diagnosis.
MultiTex RCT – a multifaceted intervention package for protection against cotton dust exposure among textile workers – a cluster randomized controlled trial in Pakistan: study protocol
Authors: Nafees Asaad Ahmed , De Matteis Sara , Kadir Muhammad Masood , Burney Peter , Coggon David , Semple Sean , Cullinan Paul
Published: October 2019

Background In the Pakistani textile industry the prevalence of workplace respiratory illnesses, including byssinosis, is high. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention package in reducing dust levels in cotton mills, decreasing the frequency of respiratory symptoms among cotton textile workers, and improving their lung function. Methods/design We will conduct a cluster-randomized controlled trial at 28 textile mills in Karachi. The intervention will comprise: training in occupational health for all workers and managers backed by regular refresher sessions; the formation of workplace committees to draw up, agree and promote a health and safety plan that includes wet mopping, safe disposal of cotton dust, and the use of simple face masks, as well as further publicity about the risks from cotton dust; and provision of adequate supplies of face masks to support the health and safety plan. Participating mills will be randomized to intervention and control arms following a baseline survey. The impact of the intervention will be determined through follow-up surveys conducted at 3, 12 and 18 months. Data collection in the surveys will include spirometry, questionnaire-based interviews and cotton dust measurements. Discussion If successful, the study may pave the way for simple, low-cost interventions that can help reduce cotton dust levels in textile mills, and improve the respiratory health of textile workers in developing countries such as Pakistan.
Bifidobacterium mongoliense genome is particularly adapted to milk oligosaccharides digestion leading to production of antivirulent metabolites
Authors: Bondue Pauline , Milani Christian , Arnould Emilie , Ventura Marco , Daube Georges , Lapointe Gisèle , Delcenserie Veronique
Published: October 2019

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) could promote the growth of bifidobacteria, improving young children’s health. In addition, fermentation of carbohydrates by bifidobacteria can result in the production of metabolites presenting an antivirulent activity against intestinal pathogens. Bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMO), structurally similar to HMO, are found at high concentration in cow whey. This is particularly observed for 3’-sialyllactose (3’SL). This study focused on enzymes and transport systems involved in HMO/BMO metabolism contained in B. crudilactis and B. mongoliense genomes, two species from bovine milk origin. The ability of B. mongoliense to grow in media supplemented with whey or 3’SL was assessed. Next, the effects of cell-free spent media (CFSM) were tested against the virulence expression of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Due to the presence of genes encoding β-galactosidases, β-hexosaminidases, α-sialidases and α-fucosidases, B. mongoliense presents a genome more sophisticated and more adapted to the digestion of BMO/HMO than B. crudilactis (which contains only β-galactosidases). In addition, HMO/BMO digestion involves genes encoding oligosaccharide transport systems found in B. mongoliense but not in B. crudilactis. B. mongoliense seemed able to grow on media supplemented with whey or 3’SL as main source of carbon (8.3±1.0 and 6.7±0.3 log cfu/mL, respectively). CFSM obtained from whey resulted in a significant under-expression of ler, fliC, luxS, stx1 and qseA genes (-2.2, -5.3, -2.4, -2.5 and -4.8, respectively) of E. coli O157:H7. CFSM from 3’SL resulted in a significant up-regulation of luxS (2.0) gene and a down-regulation of fliC (-5.0) gene. CFSM obtained from whey resulted in significant up-regulations of sopD and hil genes (2.9 and 3.5, respectively) of S. Typhimurium, while CFSM obtained from 3’SL fermentation down-regulated hil and sopD genes (-2.7 and -4.2, respectively). From enzymes and transporters highlighted in the genome of B. mongoliense and its potential ability to metabolise 3’SL and whey, B. mongoliense seems well able to digest HMO/BMO. The exact nature of the metabolites contained in CFSM has to be identified still. These results suggest that BMO associated with B. mongoliense could be an interesting synbiotic formulation to maintain or restore intestinal health of young children.
Expression patterns of two pal genes of Pleurotus ostreatus across developmental stages and under heat stress
Authors: Hou Ludan , Wang Lining , Wu Xiangli , Gao Wei , Zhang Jinxia , Huang Chenyang
Published: October 2019

Background: Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.24) is the first key enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway. The pal gene has been widely studied in plants and participates in plant growth, development and defense systems. However, in P leurotus ostreatus , the biological functions of pal during organismal development and exposure to abiotic stress have not been reported.
Results: In this study, we cloned and characterized the pal1 (2232 bp) and pal2 (2244 bp) genes from the basidiomycete P. ostreatus CCMSSC 00389. The pal1 and pal2 genes are interrupted by 6 and 10 introns, respectively, and encode proteins of 743 and 747 amino acids, respectively. Furthermore, prokaryotic expression experiments showed that PAL enzymes catalyzed the conversion of L-phenylalanine to trans-cinnamic acid. The function of pal1 and pal2 was determined by constructing overexpression (OE) and RNA interference (RNAi) strains. The results showed that the two pal genes had similar expression patterns during different developmental stages. The expression of pal genes was higher in the reproductive growth stage than in the vegetative growth stage . And the interference of pal1 and pal2 delayed the formation of primordia. The results of heat stress assays showed that the RNAi- pal1 strains had enhanced mycelial tolerance to high temperature, while the RNAi- pal2 strains had enhanced mycelial resistance to H 2 O 2 .
Conclusions: These results indicate that two pal genes may play a similar role in the development of P. ostreatus fruiting bodies, but may alleviate stress through different regulatory pathways under heat stress.
Vestigial mediated by miR-147b regulates wing development in the bird cherry-oat Rhopalosiphum padi
Authors: Fan YJ , Li XX , Mohammed Abd Allah A. H. , Liu Y , Gao Xiwu
Published: October 2019

Background: The wing polyphenism occurs under crowding and nutrition-deficiency conditions in most aphid species. Although the influence of environmental factors on wing polyphenism of aphids have been extensively investigated, molecular mechanisms underlining morph differentiation (i.e. wing development /degeneration) has been poorly understood.
Results: We examined the expression levels of the twenty genes involved in wing patterning network, and only vestigial (vg ) showed significantly different expression levels in both whole-body and wall-body of third instar nymphs, with 5.4- and 16.14- fold higher in winged lines compared to wingless lines, respectively in Rhopalosiphum padi . Moreover, vg expressions were higher in winged aphids compared to wingless aphids at third, fourth instar nymphs and adults, and larger difference ratio were observed in third (21.38-fold) and fourth (20.91-fold) instar nymphs relative to adult (3.12-fold) between wing morphs. Suppression of vg using RNAi repressed the wing development of third winged morphs. Furthermore, dual luciferase reporter assay revealed that the miR-147 can target the vg mRNA, and modulation of miR-147b levels by microinjection of its mimics decreased vg expression levels and repressed wing development.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that vg is essential for wing development and that miR-147b modulates its expression. To our knowledge, our results provide an evidence that miRNA is involved in the regulation of wing morphs in aphids.
Epidemiology of acute rubella infection in Zambia during the pre-vaccination period (2005 – 2016) as a baseline for monitoring rubella epidemiology in the post-rubella vaccine introduction era.
Authors: Mazaba Mazyanga Lucy , Siziya Seter , Monze Mwaka , Cohen Daniel
Published: October 2019

Background: Rubella is highly under reported in Zambia as in most sub-Saharan countries despite being a disease of major public health concern especially among women of childbearing age. In September 2016, Zambia introduced a combined measles-rubella vaccine in children aged 0-14 years. In this study, we estimated the proportion of acute rubella among suspected cases during the pre Measles-Rubella vaccine introduction era (2005-2016) and determined its correlates for monitoring rubella epidemiology post-rubella vaccine introduction.
Methods: In a retrospective study, 4497 measles IgM negative serum samples from 5686 clinically suspected measles cases were examined for rubella IgM antibodies using the Siemens, Enzygnost® ELISA kit at the national measles laboratory. Data on demographics, year and month of onset were extracted from the surveillance data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis using backward variable selection was conducted to determine independent predictors for acute rubella.
Results: Overall, a proportion of 29.2% (1313/4497) affecting mostly those between 5 and 24 years was determined. Only age, province, month and year were independently associated with acute rubella. The regional proportions varied from 21.8 – 37.3% peaking in the hot dry month of October. Persons in the age group 10-14 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=2.43; 95% CI [2.01 - 2.95]) were more likely while those aged <1 year less likely (AOR=0.31; 95% CI [021 - 0.48]) to have acute rubella compared to those aged 25 years or older. Persons in 2010 were less likely (AOR=0.12; CI [0.05, 0.28]) to have acute rubella compared to those in 2016. While acute rubella was more likely to occur between July and November compared to December, it was less likely to occur between February and May.
Conclusions: R ubella virus was circulating in Zambia between 2005 and 2016 affecting mostly persons in the age group 5-24 years peaking in the month of October during the hot dry season. It is important that Zambia has introduced a rubella containing vaccine, however, establishing the baseline epidemiological profile of rubella prior to MR vaccine introduction is important for monitoring the success of the preventative vaccination strategy employed.
Keywords: Rubella, Acute, Proportion, Correlates, Zambia, Pre vaccination era, Immunisation
The effects of a globin blocker on the resolution of 3’mRNA sequencing data in porcine blood
Authors: Lim Kyu-Sang , Dong Qian , Moll Pamela Renate , Vitkovska Jana , Wiktorin Gregor , Bannister Stephanie , Daujotyte Dalia , Tuggle Christopher K. , Lunney Joan K. , Plastow Graham S. , Dekkers Jack C. M.
Published: October 2019

Background : Gene expression profiling in blood is a potential source of biomarkers to evaluate or predict phenotypic differences between pigs but is expensive and inefficient because of the high abundance of globin mRNA in porcine blood. These limitations can be overcome by the use of 3’mRNA sequencing combined with a method to deplete or block the processing of globin mRNA prior to or during library construction. Here, we validated the effectiveness of a novel specific globin blocker (GB) that is included in the library preparation step of 3’mRNA sequencing.
Results : Four concentrations of the GB were applied to RNA samples from two pigs. The GB significantly reduced the proportion of globin reads ( P = 0.005) and increased the number of detectable non-globin genes. The highest evaluated concentration (C1) of the GB resulted in the largest reduction of globin reads (from 56.4 to 10.1%). The second highest concentration C2, showed very similar globin depletion rates (12 %) as C1 but a better correlation of the expression of non-globin genes between GB and non-GB ( r = 0.98), and allowed the expression of an additional 1,295 non-globin genes to be detected. Concentration C2 was applied in the rest of the study. The distribution of the percentage of globin reads for non-GB (n=184) and GB (n=189) samples clearly showed the effects of the GB on reducing globin reads, in particular for HBB . The proportion of globin reads that remained in GB samples was found to be positively correlated with reticulocyte count of the blood sample ( P < 0.001).
Conclusions : The GB for 3’mRNA sequencing is a useful tool in the quantification of whole gene expression profiles in porcine blood. The GB reduced the proportion of globin reads, thereby increasing the efficiency of sequencing non-globin mRNA. The evaluated GB method has as additional advantage that it does not require an additional step prior to or during library creation.
MYOPATHY AS A DESTABILIZING FACTOR OF MEAT QUALITY FORMATION
Authors: Semenova Anastasiia A. , Kuznetsova Tatiana G. , Nasonova Victoria V. , Nekrasov Roman V. , Bogolyubova Nadezhda V.
Published: October 2019

This review paper is devoted to myopathy of slaughter animals and poultry, and examines a relationship between fast growth of muscle tissue in hybrid pigs, broiler chickens and turkey, and high frequency of detection of spontaneous or idiopathic myopathies. The development of myopathy reduces consumer and technological properties of meat, and leads to emergence of different pathological conditions (PSE or RSE meat, «destructured meat», «white» or «green» meat, punctate hemorrhage, «wooden breast» and others). Two types of myopathic conditions are examined: myopathies caused by stress in animals and nutritional myopathies, which contribution to meat quality deterioration seems to be determinative. It is shown that the basis of the mechanism of the myopathy development is the mechanism of the successive changes in muscle tissue: damage of cell membranes and release of mitochondrial calcium, which causes hypercontraction, dystrophic changes, atrophy and necrosis of muscle fibers. To alleviate the damaging effect of two types of myopathies, different substances-adaptogens (selenium, vitamin E, flavonoids and others) can be used. It is stated that the requirements of animals in adaptogens change with an increase in the indicators of their productivity.
SUBSTANTIATION OF THE METHOD OF MEAT SAMPLE PREPARATION FOR INSTRUMENTAL DETERMINATION OF CONSISTENCY
Authors: Spiridonov Kirill I. , Nasonova Victoria V. , Tunieva Elena K.
Published: October 2019

In recent years, there has been a transformation in the choice and lifestyle of Russian citizens. An increasing part of the population makes a more reasonable choice, taking into account all aspects, including the most important for meat products — these are organoleptic characteristics, in particular the consistency of the product. Consumers prefer products with the delicate, soft texture, expect good «biteness» and «cheweness». Therefore, preference is given to tender, juicy meat with a low content of connective tissue. The most commonly used method for testing meat consistency in laboratories around the world is a method that uses strength testing machines with a Warner-Bratzler blade (WB blade). In this work, the Shimadzu AGS-1kN universal testing machine (Japan) was chosen for research. Samples obtained from l. dorsi of pork and beef were selected as meat raw materials. To determine the optimal and reproducible method of sample preparation, some of them were subjected to heat treatment before analysis. In the study of samples without heat treatment, deviations from the average were more than 11%. After meat was cooked, a decrease in the relative standard deviation of the maximum shear stress from the average was achieved: from 11% in raw meat to 5% in a pork sample and 5.3% in a beef sample. The heat treatment of pre-cut samples led to a change in their geometric shape, which created additional difficulties for obtaining correct results, and also negatively affected the increase in the relative deviation to 15.5% for beef.
Phytoremediation potential of Amaranthus hybridus L. (Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae) on soil amended with brewery effluent
Authors: Odiyi Bridget , Ologundudu Foluso Akinbode , Adegbite Tobi
Published: October 2019

Toxicity of heavy metals above the normal threshold constituted a threat to humanity and biodiversity. Phytoremediation has become a novel and emerging technology of cleaning polluted sites through the use of plants. A study was carried out at the screen house located besides the academic building of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of Amaranthus hybridus L. (Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae) on a brewery effluent. The parameters investigated include chlorophyll content, the concentration of the metals in the plants, Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) and Translocation Factor (TF) was studied. Three different concentrations of brewery effluent were used at 50, 100 and 150 mL/5 kg of soil, respectively. The results of this study under controlled conditions indicate that effluent application increased chlorophyll content, reduced plant height and stem girth. Three heavy metals (iron, cadmium, and chromium) were detected in the shoots and leave of both plants after the experimental period. The translocation factor (less than 1) and bioaccumulation factors (greater than 1) were below the permissible limits hence indicating a possible bio-accumulator for the heavy metals investigated. Brewery effluent reduce the plant height but increase the leaf area of A. hybridus under high concentrations which possibly suggest an adaptive mechanism developed by the plant under stress.
Detection of BBLV in Natterer’s bat in Poland
Authors: SMRECZAK MARCIN , ORŁOWSKA ANNA , TRĘBAS PAWEŁ
Published: October 2019

Rabies is a zoonosis caused by RNA viruses belonging to the genus Lyssavirus, which includes 16 species. In Europe, the majority of rabies cases in bats are caused by European bat 1 lyssavirus (EBLV-1) associated mainly with serotine bats (Eptesicus serotinus and Eptesicus isabellinus). In 2010, Bokeloh bat lyssavirus (BBLV) was detected in Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri) in Germany and it was isolated several times in Germany and France in the following years. As required by the programme of passive rabies surveillance, the dead bat was sent to the laboratory and identified as Natterer’s bat on the basis of morphological criteria, which was confirmed by genetic identification using the sequencing of the cytochrome b gene. Brain tissue and salivary glands were collected for examination. In the brain, the direct immunofluorescence test revealed lyssavirus antigen. The presence of the infectious virus in brain tissue was confirmed by a tissue culture inoculation test. High levels of viral RNA were found in the brain and salivary glands. In order to determine the virus species, a complete genome sequence was obtained by next-generation sequencing of RNAs. The analysis of the full virus genome sequence confirmed the occurrence of BBLV in Poland and revealed that it showed the highest similarity (99.3%) to German isolates from Bavaria.
Caesarean section in mares: Historical outline of the treatment, its evolution and prospects compared with other techniques of foal delivery assistance
Authors: BEREZNOWSKI ANDRZEJ , RAKOWSKA ALICJA , GÓRSKI KAMIL , DZIEKAN PRZEMYSŁAW , SZARA TOMASZ , WITKOWSKI MACIEJ
Published: October 2019

The aim of this paper is to present the historical outline and evolution of the caesarean section in mares and to compare it with other forms of foal delivery assistance. In recent years, the procedure has been developing and changing very dynamically, but it has been used for over a century. The first reports of such operations appeared simultaneously with the introduction of laparotomy into clinical practice, and the procedure was performed in subsequent periods from various approaches depending on the preferences and knowledge of clinicians: from the left or right flank, on the Marcenac line, the midline or the paramedian. Over the years, caesarean section has gained considerable popularity, becoming in many cases the method of choice rather than the last resort, which was unquestionably facilitated by new medicines, operation techniques and materials used in clinical practice. Because of a significant change in the breeding profile of horses, as well as a very dynamic development of veterinary medicine, the goals, conditions and risks associated with caesarean section are considerably different from what they were a few decades ago.
Hormonal regulation of pregnancy and related behavioral changes in rabbits
Authors: CHMURSKA-GĄSOWSKA MARIA , SOWIŃSKA NATALIA
Published: October 2019

Hormonal regulation of rabbit pregnancy and related behavioral changes has been extensively studied for the last century. The present review aimed to summarize and clarify certain aspects of this period. The article consists of six chapters describing in sequence: maternal reproductive track, gestation, maternal cyclical phenomena, pregnancy and lactation, hormonal profile in pseudo-pregnancy, behavioral changes.
Expression of COX-2, HMGB-1 and CD68 in lung tissue in sheep fibrinous bronchopneumonia
Authors: YAVUZ ORHAN , DINÇEL GÜNGÖR ÇAĞDAŞ
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to determine the expression of some cytokines, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) and CD68, in the lung tissue of sheep with fibrinous bronchopneumonia by immunohistochemical methods. Forty sheep which had suffered from respiratory problems were brought for necropsy to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathology, Aksaray University, between November 2014 and December 2017. After necropsy, lung tissues grossly diagnosed with fibrinous bronchopneumonia were processed histologically, and stained histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Bacteriological culture was also applied to the lung tissues to isolate the agents. In histopathological examinations, congestion, red consolidation and grey consolidation stages were detected in the lung tissues. In such cases, we observed fibrin masses accumulated in some alveolar lumens, as well as inflammatory cell infiltrations of various extent in alveolar and bronchiolar lumens. In the interalveolar septum, a thickening was observed due to a fibrin mass and thrombotic vessels. Immunohistochemically, it was determined that COX-2 and HMGB-1 cytokines showed positive reactions, especially in bronchial, bronchiolar and alveolar epithelia, as well as goblet cells and macrophages. CD68 was found to be expressed in alveolar macrophages. COX-2 and HMGB-1, which have been implicated in the inflammatory response, were also shown to be expressed in fibrinous bronchopneumonia in sheep for the first time. Thus, these cytokines are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Moreover, their increased expression suggests that it may be helpful in the diagnosis of the disease.
Histopathological picture of pancreatic islets in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunt
Authors: FRYMUS JAN , TRĘBACZ PIOTR , SOBCZAK-FILIPIAK MAŁGORZATA , CZOPOWICZ MICHAŁ , DEGÓRSKA BEATA , GALANTY MAREK
Published: October 2019

Hypoglycemia is frequently found in dogs suffering from portosystemic shunt (PSS). However, the mechanisms leading to abnormal blood glucose concentration in such dogs have not been studied. Therefore, investigations were undertaken to study the structure of pancreatic islets in 25 patients with congenital PSS (cPSS). Material for morphometry and histopathology was taken during the surgical closing of the abnormal blood vessel. A total of 75 islets (3 randomly chosen from each patient) were analyzed, and their average size was compared to reference values for dogs that were considered as 50-325 μm. The average size of 47 (63%) islets was below 50 μm, whereas the mean dimension of the largest islet did not exceeded 80 μm. The average islet size in all patients was 46 (SD 13.3) μm and in only 2 dogs (8%) all 3 analyzed islets were bigger than the lower reference value. Histopathological examination revealed cytoplasmic vesicles in pancreatic cells, as well as extracellular, homogenous, acidophilic deposits in pancreatic islets. These results indicate that in dogs suffering from cPSS the pancreatic islets are smaller than the reference values and their cells may contain abnormal structures.
Adición de levadura de cerveza Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre el comportamiento productivo y calidad intestinal de los cobayos
Authors: Criollo Albarracín Rommel , Cuenca Condoy Mercy , Herrera Herrera Rocío
Published: October 2019

El presente estudio evaluó el efecto de la adición de Saccharomyces cerevisiae sobre los parámetros productivos y calidad intestinal de los cobayos, por un lapso de dos meses; para ello se utilizó 120 animales de 21 días de edad, distribuidos en tres tratamientos T0 (Testigo), T1 (2 kg S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento) y T2 (4 kg S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento), con cuatro epeticiones, incluyendo 10 cobayos por replica. Las variables estudiadas fueron parámetros productivos y morfometría intestinal con indicadores de medidas en altura, ancho y número de vellosidades intestinales; profundidad, ancho y número de criptas de Lieberkühn; longitud del eje cripta-vellosidad y el grosor de la pared intestinal, obteniendo muestras de duodeno yeyuno e íleon. Los resultados determinaron que la adición de S. cerevisiae en la dieta de cuyes no modifica significativamente los parámetros productivos; sin embargo se evidencio diferencia numérica, siendo el tratamiento T2 (4 kg de S. cerevisiae/tonelada de alimento) quien registro la mayor ganancia de peso con 766,3 gr y una conversión alimenticia de 6.05; referente a morfometría intestinal el Tratamiento T2 logro demostrar diferencia estadística significativa (p<0,05) en la longitud del eje cripta-vellosidad, ancho de vellosidad del íleon y grosor de la pared intestinal de los cobayos bajo experimento. Se concluye que la adición de S. cerevisiae en la alimentación de cobayos no ejerce efectos favorables sobre los parámetros productivos, mientras que en morfometría intestinal se aprecia resultados positivos sobre el ileón.
Crystallization process and nucleation kinetics of Mg2+//SO42−, NO3−-H2O system
Authors: Zhang Caiduan , Liu Feng , Wang Fengjia , Li Haotian , Zeng Fang , Ma Yongliang , Wang Lidong
Published: October 2019

In order to achieve efficient recovery of ions from the simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification wastewater, the effects of various factors (i.e. the saturation temperature, the cooling termination temperature, the stirring rate and the cooling rate) on crystallization yield, metastable zone width and crystal morphology were investigated to determine the optimal crystallization conditions of Mg2+//SO42−, NO3–-H2O system. According to the results of experiments, the nucleation kinetics were also speculated by Nývlt self-consistent equation and classical 3D nucleation theory. Also, the crystallization products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Under the determined optimal conditions, the yield of the crystal can reach 78%, and the crystal products were verified as pure MgSO4· 7H2O, whose morphology is complete without defects.
Adsorption of pharmaceutical residues on adsorbents prepared from olive stones using mixture design of experiments model
Authors: Boudrahem F. , Yahiaoui I. , Saidi S. , Yahiaoui K. , Kaabache L. , Zennache M. , Aissani-Benissad F.
Published: October 2019

In this work, inexpensive and easily available olive stone (OS) waste was used as the source material to prepare activated carbons (ACs) by chemical activation with phosphoric acid and zinc chloride. The mixture design of experiments (MDOE) method was applied to study the effect of the composition of the mixture of unmodified olive stones (UOS) and ACs prepared from olive stones activated with ZnCl2 (ACOS ZnCl2) and H3PO4 (ACOS H3PO4) on the absorption of pharmaceutical residues. The adsorbed tetracycline (TC) amounts at equilibrium predicted from the model equation developed using Microsoft Excel were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values (R2 = 0.999). Based on the results of the model, the amount of TC removed increased as the proportion of ACOS H3PO4 in the adsorbent mixture increased and the highest amount of TC adsorbed was obtained with an adsorbent made up entirely of ACOS H3PO4. Separate adsorption tests for sulfamethazine (SMT) and amoxicillin (AMX) on ACOS H3PO4 showed that SMT was adsorbed best (189.81 mg/g), followed by TC (183.11 mg/g) then AMX (155.69 mg/g). However, when these molecules were present together in the same solution, it was TC that adsorbed best, followed by SMT then AMX. In addition to this, the sorption process studied was best described by a pseudo-first-order model and it was the Langmuir model that satisfactorily described the equilibrium data.
Synthesis of polyethersulfone (PES)/GO-SiO2 mixed matrix membranes for oily wastewater treatment
Authors: Alkindy Maryam B. , Naddeo Vincenzo , Banat Fawzi , Hasan Shadi W.
Published: October 2019

The treatment of oily wastewater continues to pose a challenge in industries worldwide. Membranes have been investigated recently for their use in oily wastewater treatment due to their efficiency and relatively facile operational process. Graphene oxide (GO) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles have been found to improve membrane properties. In this study, a polyethersulfone (PES) based GO-SiO2 mixed matrix membrane (MMM) was fabricated, using the phase inversion technique, for the treatment of oil refinery wastewater. The PES/GO-SiO2 membrane exhibited the highest water flux (2,561 LMH) and a 38% increase in oil removal efficiency by comparison to a PES membrane. Compared to PES/GO and PES/SiO2 membranes, the PES/GO-SiO2 MMM also displayed the best overall properties in terms of tensile strength, water permeability, and hydrophilicity.
Cardioprotective effect of lithium chloride on a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Grebenchikov O. , Lobanov A. , Shayhutdinova E. , Kuzovlev A. , Ershov A. , Likhvantsev V.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To investigate the cardioprotective effect of lithium chloride in vivo on a rat model of myocardial infarction.Methods. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups of six, with both groups modelling cardiac ischaemia and subsequent reperfusion. At the start of reperfusion, 30 mg/kg of 4.2% lithium chloride solution was intravenously administered via a catheter to the test group and 0.5 ml/kg of saline solution was administered to the comparison group. A control group comprised sham-operated rats that were not injected with any drugs other than anaesthesia during making skin incision. At the end of each experiment, the total area of the risk zone and areas of the infarction zone and left ventricle were calculated for each animal using a double-staining technique with 2% methylene blue and 1% triphenyltetrazolium chloride. A further series of experiments using 15 male Sprague-Dawley rats (third group) was performed to assess the protein content of glycogen synthase-3β in myocardial tissue. The method was similar to that for the earlier experiments; however, at the end of the experiments, the hearts were removed and homogenised, following which the concentration of glycogen synthase-3β was determined using electrophoresis.Results. The group treated with lithium chloride showed a significant decrease in the area of the infarction zone compared with the group treated with saline. The difference in the indices between the two groups was >26% (p < 0.05).Conclusion. This study demonstrated that 30 mg/kg of 4.2% lithium chloride solution, administered at the onset of reperfusion, exerted a protective effect on cardiomyocytes in a rat model of myocardial infarction by reducing the area of the infarction zone compared with that in the control group. This effect was probably mediated by an almost two-fold increase in the content of the phosphorylated form of glycogen synthase-3β in the myocardium.
Received 23 June 2019. Revised 6 August 2019. Accepted 7 August 2019.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author contributionsConception and study design: A.N. KuzovlevData collection and analysis: O.A. GrebenchikovStatistical analysis: A.V. ErshovDrafting the article: A.V. Lobanov, E.R. ShayhutdinovaCritical revision of the article: V.V. LikhvantsevAll authors approved final version to be published
Evaluation of the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation in patients with critical lower limb ischemia using the WIQ Questionnaire
Authors: Kamenskaya O. , Klinkova A. , Loginova I. , Ashurkov A. , Lomivorotov V. , Karaskov A.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To evaluate various parameters of walking using the Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) in patients with critical lower limb ischemia (CLLI) before and one year after spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Methods. In 46 patients with CLLI aged 64.5 (54.9–72.6) years, the following parameters were assessed before and one year after SCS using the WIQ questionnaire: pain, distance, speed, stairs, where 100% no restrictions when walking. Results. In patients with CLLI, low WIQ values were initially identified for the scales of distance, speed, and stairs, less than 10%, and about 30% for the pain scale. One year after SCS, the values of pain, distance, and speed increased to 83.3% (68.4%–100%), 39.5% (17.9%–55.2%), and 24.4% (17.3%–35.8%), respectively, with significance at p < 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.005, respectively. The lowest rates were on the scale of stairs: 6.2% (3.4%–7.3%), p = 0.06. Before the SCS, the factor adversely affecting the indicators of the distance scale was diabetes mellitus (β = –0.417; p = 0.002), and the age factor adversely affected the walking speed (β = –0.544; p = 0.005). After SCS, age exerted a negative effect on the walking speed (β = –0.497; p = 0.002). The scale for stairs was negatively affected by the presence of coronary heart disease (β = –0.421; p = 0.001) or diabetes mellitus (β = –0.325; p = 0.032). Conclusion. The use of SCS in patients with CLLI improves the parameters of walking in the long-term follow up after treatment, except for the ability to climb stairs. Age and the presence of diabetes mellitus or coronary heart disease are adverse factors that affect the walking parameters, both before and in the long-term period after SCS.
Received 14 March 2019. Accepted 25 July 2019.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Silica Nanoparticles for Insect Pest Control
Authors: Cáceres Mariano , Vassena Claudia V. , Garcerá M. Dolores , Santo-Orihuela Pablo L.
Published: October 2019

To date, control strategies used against insect pest species are based on synthetic insecticide applications.
In addition, the efficacy of these treatments could be decreased due to insecticide resistance in insect populations.
Also, the irrational use of chemical control strategies has negative consequences of non-target organisms
and threatening human health. Designing nanomaterial for pest insect control is a promising alternative to traditional
insecticide formulations. In particular, it has been proven that silica nanoparticles have the potential for
molecules delivery, release control improvement and also their toxicity as insecticide alone. In this work, we
summarized the state of knowledge on silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) used in pest insect management. Besides,
aspects of their synthesis, mode of action, and toxic effects on non-target organisms and environment are reviewed.
Molecular Interactions During Borrelia burgdorferi Migration from the Vector to the Mammalian Nervous System
Authors: Abi Manzama-Esso , Ji Zhenhua , Jian Miaomiao , Dai Xiting , Bai Ruolan , Ding Zhe , Luo Lisha , Chen Taigui , Wang Feng , Wen Shiyuan , Zhou Guozhong , Bao Fukai , Liu Aihua
Published: October 2019

Lyme disease (LD) is an infectious disease caused by the spirochetes of genus borrelia,
which are transmitted by the ticks of the genus ixodes. LD is transmitted by the spirochete B. burgdorferi
sensu lato. Once in contact with the host through a tick bite, the pathogen comes into contact with
the host defense, and must escape this machinery to establish LD, thus using a large number of mechanisms
involving the vector of the pathogen, the pathogen itself and also the host. The initial diagnosis
of the disease can be made based on the clinical symptoms of LD and the disease can be treated and
cured with antibiotics if the diagnosis is made early in the beginning of the disease. Contrariwise, if LD
is left untreated, the pathogen disseminates throughout the tissues and organs of the body, where it
establishes different types of disease manifestations. In the nervous system, the inflammation caused
by B. burgdorferi is known as Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). LNB is one of the principal manifestations
of LD. In this review, we systematically describe the different molecular interactions among B.
burgdorferi, the vector (tick) and the mammalian host.
In Silico Screening for Anti-inflammatory Bioactive Molecules from Ayurvedic Decoction, Balaguluchyadi kashayam
Authors: S. J. Rahitha Devi , Kumar B. Prakash
Published: October 2019

Background:

Balaguluchyadi kashayam, a polyherbal Ayurvedic decoction prepared
from Sidacordifolia L., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, and Cedrusdeodara (Roxb. ex D.Don)
G.Don, is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions. Although this
herbal decoction has been used for a long period for treating chronic inflammatory conditions, the
mechanism of action of the decoction in reducing inflammatory conditions associated with chronic
inflammation has not been clearly understood. Mass spectroscopy-based identification of bioactive
molecules present in the decoction and its interaction with enzymes/proteins involved in the pathogenesis
of chronic inflammation has been carried and reported in this study.

Introduction:

Polyherbalism is one of the major principles of Ayurveda. Various phytoconstituents
with different activities in the polyherbal decoction act on multi targets of a wide range of diseases.
Balaguluchyadi kashayam is a polyherbal decoction prescribed for chronic inflammatory etiologies
and the present study aims to evaluate the binding potential of the compounds, identified from
Balaguluchyadi kashayam to enzymes/proteins involved in the development and progression of
chronic inflammation.

Methods:

The bioactive compounds present in the Balaguluchyadi Kashayam fractions were extracted
by preparative HPLC and identified using UPLC MS Q-TOF. The physicochemical characteristics
and ADMET properties of the compounds were calculated using Mol soft, Swiss ADME
and OSIRIS data warrior software. Then the binding interactions between the molecules and the
proinflammatory mediators such as 5 Lipoxygenase, Cyclooxygenase 2, Tumor necrosis factoralpha
convertase enzyme (TACE) and Caspase 1 were determined using molecular docking software
Auto Dock 4.0 (http://autodock.scripps.edu/downloads).

Results:

The identified bioactive molecules in the decoction showed a good binding affinity towards
the enzymes/proteins involved in the development and progression of chronic inflammation
compared to the binding affinity of known inhibitors/drugs to the respective enzymes/proteins.

Conclusion:

The bioactive molecules identified in Balaguluchyadi Kashayam could be developed
as potential therapeutic molecules against enzymes/proteins involved in the development and progression
of chronic inflammation.