bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salinity effect evaluation on the survival rate and hematology of snakeskin gourami juvenile Trichopodus pectoralis
Authors: Setijaningsih Lies
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT Snakeskin gourami Trichopodus pectoralis an endemic fish that was highly demanded by Indonesian society. The declining in population stock was the main problem cause its availability still relies upon the nature catch. The increase of its production of culture was still constrained by the slow rate of growth and survival rate in the seed phase. This study aimed to determine the optimal salinity and its effect on growth performance, survival rate, osmotic activity, and blood description of the snakeskin gourami Trichopodus pectoralis. A complete randomized design (CRD) was used in this study with four different treatments and each treatment consisted of three replications. The salinity test consists of 0 g/L, 1 g/L, 3 g/L, and 5 g/L. The experimental fish sized at 0.49 ± 0.13 g and length 2.96 ± 0.42 cm with a stock density of 25 fish/aquarium (1 fish/L). During 28-day of rearing, the experimental fish was fed using Tubifex sp. as restricted based on the FR (5%) of biomass per weekly sampling. The results showed that the optimal survival rate and growth showed the best at salinity 3 g/L because it showed the most stable blood level so that the fish could avoid stress response. Keywords: salinity, survival rate, growth, hematological, Trichopodus pectoralis  ABSTRAK Ikan sepat siam Trichopodus pectoralis merupakan ikan endemik yang sangat diminati masyarakat Indonesia.Pemenuhan kebutuhan ikan sepat siam masih mengandalkan hasil tangkapan dari alam sehingga populasi di alam mengalami penurunan. Peningkatan produksi ikan sepat siam dari budidaya masih terkendala dengan sintasan dan pertumbuhan yang lambat pada fase benih. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan salinitas optimum dan pengaruhnya terhadap performa sintasan, pertumbuhan, kerja osmotik, dan gambaran darah benih ikan sepat siam.Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode rancangan acak lengkap (RAL), empat perlakuan dan masing-masing3 kali ulangan. Perlakuan yang diujikan adalah salinitas 0 g/L, salinitas 1 g/L, salinitas 3 g/L, dan 5 g/L.Ikan yang digunakan berukuran 0,49±0,13 g dan panjang 2,96±0,42 cm, padat tebar masing-masing 25 ekor/akuarium (1 ekor/L). Selama 28 hari masa pemeliharaan, ikan sepat siam diberi pakan berupa cacing sutra (Tubifex sp.) secara restricted berdasarkan FR 5% dari biomassa per Sampling mingguan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sintasan dan pertumbuhan terbaik dihasilkan pada perlakuan salinitas 3 g/L. Hal itu diduga karena gambaran darah pada perlakuan 3 g/L stabil sehingga terhindar dari respon stres. Kata kunci: salinitas, sintasan, pertumbuhan, gambaran darah, sepatsiam
Usos da cidade
Authors: Souza Mariana Adelino de , Sousa Maiza Ribeiro de
Published: November 2019

A chegada das primeiras linhas de ferro em 1922 a São João do Rio do Peixe, município situado no sertão da Paraíba, foi resultado dos esforços do Padre Joaquim Cirilo de Sá e representava a chegada da tão esperada modernidade. A partir da chegada do trem, a cidade passou a presenciar uma onda de reformas urbanas que tinham como intuito deixá-la mais sedutora aos olhos dos viajantes e adequá-la para sua nova realidade. Entretanto, as mudanças feitas no seu território acabaram por subtrair dele materialidades já carregadas de sensibilidade. Nessa conjuntura, São João do Rio do Peixe vê seu cemitério ser marginalizado e excluído da área de entorno da Estação Ferroviária da cidade onde só ficaram aquelas edificações congêneres à modernidade que foram inseridas através da chegada das linhas férreas. Mas quando há o declínio do transporte ferroviário e a consequente desativação das malhas ferroviárias o que resta à população é um importante patrimônio ferroviário que, embora esteja repleto de memórias dos que ali construíram laços, passa por um estado de abandono. Reconhecendo a relevância da linha férrea e todas as suas consequências para a história de São João do Rio do Peixe, o presente artigo se propõe a problematizar a chegada de novos símbolos do moderno na cidade, a exemplo da Estação Ferroviária, e tudo ela representou e representa enquanto patrimônio cultural ferroviário.
A STUDY ON WATER QUALITY OF RAW WATER SOURCES OF PDAM (MUNIPICAL WATER COMPANY) BANDARMASIH
Authors: Fitriati Ulfa , Novitasari Novitasari , Eriyanie Ellysa
Published: November 2019

High demand for clean water in Banjarmasin requires PDAM Bandarmasih to do some developments, but its efforts are hindered by the water quality of raw water to be processed. It is therefore necessary to conduct a study on the water quality of raw water sources of PDAM Bandarmasih, especially during dry season. Water quality testing was carried out by performing direct experiments in the field and in the laboratory with 7 criteria including water temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, pH, turbidity, salinity and dissolved oxygen that were compared with the criteria of water class B (water that can be used as the raw water for drinking water), on the basis of the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Indonesia Republic No. 492/Menkes/PER/IV/2010. Based on the analyses of water quality in the field and in the laboratory from 4 intakes namely Sungai Tabuk, Pematang Panjang, Sungai Lulut and Sungai Bilu, and the comparison of the results with the test results of water quality of the samples from PDAM taken in dry season, indicated that the amount of salt content (salinity) in two intakes, Sungai Lulut and Sungai Bilu was so high that the production of clean water from both intakes was stopped temporarily during the dry season. The service for clean water was therefore provided only at the intakes of Sungai Tabuk and Pematang Panjang during dry season, resulting in some reduction in distribution to some areas in Banjarmasin.
ROLE OF PURUN TIKUS IN VERTICAL SUBSURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IN TREATING MANGANESE (Mn) FROM COAL MINE DRAINAGE
Authors: Prihatini Nopi Stiyati , Nirtha Indah , Iman Muhammad Sadiqul
Published: November 2019

Constructed wetland (CW) is one of the passive methods used to process coal mine drainage. In this study, we used vertical (VF) subsurface flow (SSF) constructed wetland (CW) with purun tikus (Eleocharis dulcis). The purpose of the study was to assess the role of purun tikus in increasing the efficiency of constructed wetland to remove Mn from Coal Mine Drainage. The constructed wetland operated under batch hydraulic loading regime. The results showed that the efficiency of the VF-SSFCW System without purun tikus was 15.53% and VF-SSFCW with purun tikus 78.94%.
ADDITION OF WHITE SHRIMP (Penaeus merguiensis) HEAD EXTRACT TO INCREASE PROTEIN CONTENT IN SHRIMP STICKS
Authors: Adawyah Rabiatul
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to obtain a proper ratio between the volume of water and the weight of shrimp heads in order to increase the protein content in shrimp sticks. The design used in the study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with treatment groups of 1:1, 1:2, and a control group without the addition of shrimp head extract. Water content, protein content, ash content and organoleptic test were the parameters measured. The results of the study show that the addition of white shrimp head extract in the treatment group with a 1: 1 ratio produced shrimp sticks with a protein content of 12.22%; in the treatment group with a 1: 2 ratio 13.44%; and in the control group without the addition of shrimp head extract only 5.54%. The addition of shrimp head extract also produced more preferred flavor compared to the one without the addition of the extract.
VARIATION OF BIOMASS IN GRASSES GROWING IN WATER HABITAT BETWEEN INLAND SWAMP AND LAND
Authors: Louisa Virgina Maria , Krisdianto Krisdianto , Mahrita Mahrita
Published: November 2019

Grasses (family Poaceae), which belong to the weeds growing in water habitat between inland swamp and land, have the ability to survive the inland swamp environment that is inundated and poor in nutrients due to acidic soil. Lowland between inland swamp and land experiences waterlogging condition that changes over time from a puddle of water, which is very high in the rainy season, to ebb, becoming dry especially during the dry season. The objective of this study was to find out the variation of biomass in some grasses growing in water habitat between inland swamp and land. The study was conducted from April to July 2009 in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, at the villages of Tungkaran, Sungai Rangas, Penggalaman, and Sungai Tabuk. The analysis of samples was carried out at the Basic Laboratory of Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Siences, Lambung Mangkurat University Banjarbaru. There were seven stations, which were determined purposively, with three plot replications; the smallest plot was 20 x 20 cm. Three types of grass samples were taken and measured for individual height, wet weight, dry weight, moisture content and ash content. Measurements of the environmental parameters included the pH of soil and water, and the analysis of total N, P, and K. The average dry weight biomass of Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Brachiaria plantaginea, and Brachiaria mutica ranged from 1,135.18 to 2,556.80 gm-2, 1,854.88 to 2,480.63 gm-2, and 1,353.98 to 3,204.9 gm-2, respectively. These results indicate that the grasses growing closer to land, namely Brachiaria plantaginea and Brachiaria mutica, have higher biomass than the one growing a bit far from the land, namely Hymenachne amplexicaulis.
AGROFORESTRY TECHNIQUES ON PEATLAND IN SABARU VILLAGE, PALANGKARAYA
Authors: Yanarita Yanarita , Rotinsulu Johanna R.
Published: November 2019

Central Kalimantan with an area of 15,356,400 hectares have the degraded area of 4,636,890 hectares, some of which are peatlands. Peatlands are different from mineral lands or other organic lands. The chemical properties and characteristics of the peat including high acidity, low nutrient availability, and level of pyrite or sulfur should become the critical concerns for the success of land rehabilitation. One of the rehabilitation measures for degraded peatlands is by carrying out agroforestry techniques, the cropping patterns combining forest and agricultural crops that are mutually synergistic, with the goal of timber production in the long-term and crop production in the short term to meet the daily needs. The community development on agroforestry techniques on peatland in Sabaru Village, Palangkaraya, is one way to provide the insight to public to use lands to increase their income while improving and increasing the land productivity. The methods used in the agroforestry techniques in the village were the extension and training. The selected forest crop was meranti (Shorea Belangeran) and the perennial crops were petai (Parkia speciosa), mango (Mangifera indica) and rambutan (Niphelium lappaceum), while the agricultural crops were okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens), and the versatile crops turmeric (Curcuma domestica), lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus), red ginger (Zingiber officinale Var. Rubrum Rhizoma), and kencur (Kaempferia galanga L.). The extension was performed by introducing the types of forest and agricultural crops, land preparation, planting techniques, and maintenance. The training was conducted by carrying out direct practices of agroforestry techniques, which created a pilot project on an area of 0.5 hectares. After 5 months, the results showed that Shorea Belangeran and Parkia speciosa had the growth percentage of 90%. Although the agricultural and versatile crops grew well, they were used only for everyday purposes.
WATER LEVEL VARIATIONS FOR EGG HATCHABILITY AND LARVAL SURVIVAL OF KELABAU FISH (Osteochilus melanopleura Blkr)
Authors: Rukmini Rukmini
Published: November 2019

The purposes of this study were to observe and analyze the water level variations of the culture media that were optimal for egg hatchability and larval survival of kelabau fish kept in aquarium. This study was conducted in the Freshwater Aquaculture Development Centre (FADC) Banjar Regency in August 2015. The method used in this study was experimental, using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments (A = water level of 15 cm/aquarium), (B = water level of 25 cm/aquarium), (C = water level of 35 cm/aquarium) and 3 replications. The parameters measured in this study were the egg hatchability, survival rate, relative growth rate, and water quality (temperature, pH, DO, Ammonia). Data were analyzed by Anova and the differences between treatments were tested with Duncan test. The results showed that the water level very significantly affected the egg hatchability with the highest value in B (38.29%) followed by C (31.83%) and A (14.04%). The highest survival rate was in C (79.73%) followed by B (65.10%) and A (21.83%). The relative growth rate had not significant effect with the average results between all treatments (104.92 – 117.27%). The water quality of the culture media was still good to support the growth and survival of fish.
MAPPING OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN FLOOD HAZARD AREAS IN HULU SUNGAI TENGAH REGENCY, SOUTH KALIMANTAN
Authors: Salamiah Salamiah , Kumalawati Rosalina
Published: November 2019

Floods are natural disasters that frequently hit several developed and developing countries including Indonesia every wet season. Floods also occur in agricultural lands. The purpose of this study was to map the agricultural lands in flood hazard areas in Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Data collecting methods used were field research and literature (library research). Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative approaches (mixed methods), with the techniques of scoring, SWOT, and spatial analysis (ArcView 3.2 software). Flood hazard levels of most areas in Hulu Sungai Tengah were categorized into no hazard (957.36 km2), low hazard (243.82 km2), medium hazard (455.01 km2), and high hazard (114.91 km2). The use of agricultural lands for rice fields in Hulu Sungai Tengah were located in all subdistricts and flood hazard areas.
THE POTENTIAL OF SPODOPTERA PECTINICORNIS IN CONTROLLING WATER LETTUCE (Pistia stratiotes) IN FIELD
Authors: Aphrodyanti Lyswiana , Rosa Helda Orbani , Samharinto Samharinto
Published: November 2019

Spodoptera pectinicornis is a biological control agent that has a great potential to control water lettuce weeds. Its existence in nature however is still limited, so a mass propagation is needed by rearing S. pectinicornis imagoes to produce eggs and to hatch them into larvae of 4 days old. The 4-year larvae were then released by putting water lettuces that contained active larvae into the target area. Observation results on the percentage of damage in the watershed location for 5 times of observation consecutively was 25%, 50%, 50%, 75% and 90%. The magnitude of damage showed that S. pectinicornis was able to adapt well, so it could perform eating activities and cause damage to the water lettuces. Meanwhile, at the release site of rice field, the percentage of damage was 0%, 25%, 35%, 25% and 10%. The downward trend in the level of S. pectinicornis attacks was due to its inability to keep pace with the growth and development of water lettuces. High level of rainfall caused the water lettuces to increase its size and the number of its tillers so that they could colonize these waters. The fact that S. pectinicornis still has the ability to destroy the water lettuces gives great hope to the control efforts. However, thorough evaluation and assessment are required on all aspects, such as the biological control agents, weed targets, organisms associated with them, and the state of the environment so as to minimize the possibility of failure in the field.
Variations Of Stocking Density And Type Of Feed For Growth And Survival Of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Harianty Harianty
Published: November 2019

The research aimed to analyze the interaction, variation of stocking densities and effect of different types of feed on growth and survival of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) seeds in the plastic ponds and their interaction. The research was carried out in West Kotawaringin, Pangkalan Bun of Central Kalimantan from May to July 2017. A completely randomized design with two-factor experiment (stocking density and types of feed) were applied in the study, namely 100 seeds/m3 (treatment A1), 150 seeds/m3 (treatment A2), 100 % commercial pellet (treatment B1), 100 % chicken intestine (treatment B2), and 50 % commercial pellet and 50 % chicken intestine (treatment B3). Catfish with initial body weight 1 g were reared in the plastic pond (1x1x1x1 m3) for 60 days. The results showed that individual weight gain was range 35,22 to 60,12 g, the best treatment A2B3. Survival rate ranged from 40,00 – 76,66%, the best treatment A1B2.
Left Atrial Phasic Function in Patients with Hypertension and Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation: Gender Differences of the Relationship with Diastolic Dysfunction and Central Aortic Pressure
Authors: Kokhan E. V. , Ozova E. M. , Romanova V. A. , Kiyakbaev G. K. , Kobalava Zh. D.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To evaluate gender-related differences of left atrial (LA) phasic function and structural remodeling in conjunction with the parameters of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and central aortic pressure in patients with hypertension and recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Material and methods. The comparative study included 30 men and 37 women with non-valvular AF, hypertension and LV hypertrophy. Conventional echocardiographic measures were extended with LA measures, including its volume in three phases, LAemptying fraction (LAEF), passive and active ejection fraction. The parameters of central aortic pressure were estimated by applanation tonometry method.

Results. No difference was observed between LA and LV structural parameters in men and women. However, in women LAEF (39 [28;50] vs 50 [42;55]%; p=0.02) and E/E’(9.7 [7.8;12] vs 7.1 [5.6;8.6]; p=0.001) were worse than in men. Active LA ejection fraction was higher in women (31 [21;42] vs 24 [19;31]%; p=0.04), whereas passive one – in men (12 [10;14] vs 33 [23;38]%; p<0.001), respectively. Men and women had comparable heart rate (HR), central and peripheral systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse wave velocity (PWV), but women had higher augmentation index (AI) values [33 [28;39] vs 23 [21;28]%; p<0.001], even adjusted by HR (AI 75) (34 [27;39] vs 26 [20;29]%; p<0.001). Only in men PWV weakly correlated with AI 75 (r=0.44; p=0.02 versus r=-0.11; p=0.51, respectively for men and women; intergroup differences: z=2.26; p=0.012). In a multivariate regression analysis in men LAEF was significantly associated with height, weight, E’, E/E’ and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), whereas in women – with E’ and AI 75.

Conclusion. Patients of different genders with recurrent AF and hypertension have comparable LA structuralremodeling. However, women characterized by a more pronounced decrease in LAEF and impaired LV diastolic function than men. In women as distinct from men LV filling is predominantly due to LA systole. In a multivariate regression analysis in men LAEF was significantly associated with height, weight, E’, E/E’ and GFR, whereas in women – with E’ and AI 75.
Association of rs556621 Polymorphism with Development of Stroke in Patients with Cardiovascular Pathology
Authors: Nikulina S. Yu. , Shulman V. A. , Chernova A. A. , Prokopenko S. V. , Nikulin D. A. , Platunova I. M. , Tretyakova S. S. , Maksimov V. N. , Gurazheva A. A.
Published: November 2019

Aim. To study the association of single nucleotide polymorphism rs556621 (G> T) with development of stroke in patients of the East Siberian population with cardiovascular pathology and risk factors.

Material and methods. The study involved 260 patients (157 men and 103 women) with stroke (mean age 57.0 [51.0-62.0]) and 272 patients (170 men and 102 women) of the control group (mean age 55.0 [51.0-62.0]). The examination of the main group included: collection of complaints, anamnesis, clinical examination, computed tomography of the brain, electrocardiography, echocardioscopy, ultrasound duplex scanning of extracranial brachiocephalic arteries, daily blood pressure and heart rate monitoring, analysis of the blood coagulation system. The patients of the main group have arterial hypertension, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries, disorders of the hemostatic system. The control group was studied in the framework of the HAPIEE international project. Molecular genetic research was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and single nucleotide polymorphism rs556621 alleles (G>T) in the subgroup of patients with stroke and those in the control group. The frequency of the rare TT genotype among patients with stroke was 13.3%±4.16, among healthy individuals – 8.8±3.37% (p=0.1). Gender differences when comparing the frequencies of genotypes and alleles were also not detected (p>0.05). The frequencies of the TT genotype were approximately the same in the subgroup of patients with arterial hypertension (13.1%±4.22) and in the control group (7.4±5.25%; p>0.05). No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of the rare genotype of the studied polymorphism in the subgroup of patients with supraventricular tachycardias (20.0±14.37%), hypercoagulability (15.9±7.64%) and the control group (8.8±3.37%), p>0.05. A statistically significant relationship was found between the rare genotype TT of single nucleotide polymorphism rs556621 (G>T) and the development of stroke in patients with dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries (p=0.041; odds ratio 1.86, 95% confidence interval 1.02-3.41).

Conclusion. The genotype of TTs of single nucleotide polymorphism rs556621 (G> T) increases the risk of developing stroke in patients with dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis of the brachiocephalic arteries compared with carriers of the GG and GT genotypes. The obtained data are recommended to be considered when prescribing lipid-lowering and antithrombotic therapy.
The Concept of Early Vascular Aging
Authors: Burko N. V. , Avdeeva I. V. , Oleynikov V. E. , Boytsov S. A.
Published: November 2019

The age is one of the main non-modified factors which reduces the elasticity of vessels and increases the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. A number of studies have revealed that in some people, vascular changes occur at a younger age, while the presence of only classical risk factors does not explain the development of cardiovascular events in young people. This phenomenon is described as a syndrome of early, or accelerated, vascular aging (EVA). Aspects of this premature process include endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, thickening of the intima-media complex and impaired dilatation of the central arteries, an increase of the reflected wave, hypertrophy of small vessels with a decrease in their lumen. Accelerated aging of the vascular wall increases the frequency of complications, therefore, recently "vascular age” is considered as an important predictor of individual risk of cardiovascular events. The review describes factors and mechanisms that trigger the process of EVA, genetic aspects of vascular damage and the biology of telomeres. Changes in hemodynamics and structural and functional properties of arteries during physiological and accelerated aging are presented. Currently, several indicators have been proposed that indicate arterial wall damaging and progression of vascular aging. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity is included in the list of indicators of subclinical target organs damage in ESH-ESC Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. The results of studies on the developing the new diagnostic markers for identifying individuals with "normal" or "early" ("accelerated") vascular aging are presented. Therapeutic strategies are aimed at decreasing the influence of factors that provoke EVA and include a non-pharmacological approach and medical intervention. The paper describes methods of therapeutic correction of the EVA syndrome.
Pilot study of expanded newborn screening for 573 genes related to severe diseases in China: results from 1173 newborns
Authors: Luo Xiaomei , Sun Yu , Xu Feng , Guo Jun , Li Lin , Lin Zhiwei , Ye Jun , Gu Xuefan , Yu Yongguo
Published: November 2019

Background: Current newborn screening (NBS) in China is mainly aimed at detecting biochemical levels of metabolites in the blood, which may generate false positive/negative results. To explore whether next-generation sequencing (NGS) for dried blood spots can increase the detecting rate, we carried out a pilot study using NGS in 1,173 newborns who had been tested by traditional NBS. With a focus on inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs), our team investigated the current frequencies of genes related to common inherited metabolic diseases in this cohort. Methods: We designed an NGS panel of 573 genes related to severe diseases and performed NBS in 1,173 individuals who had been screened by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) as well as for phenylalanine (Phe), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) abnormalities in a traditional biochemical NBS conducted in September 2016. We compared the biochemical results to the genetic variants and investigated the carrier frequencies of 77 genes related to disorders by MS/MS in these newborns.Results: The biochemical results showed that four newborns (all male) were positive for G6PD by enzymatic assay, while the other biochemical findings including MS/MS, Phe, TSH and 17-OHP were negative. Genetic analysis results revealed that all the four newborns with positive G6PD values harbored hemizygous G6PD mutations. The NGS results also revealed an individual (ID 84123) carrying two SLC22A5 mutations (c.760C>T/p.R254* and c.1400C>G/p.S467C) common in Chinese patients with carnitine deficiency, which were later verified to be in trans, who was biochemically negative in 2016. The MS/MS results in 2019 showed free carnitine deficiency, consistent with the genetic analysis findings. The top five genes with the highest carrier frequencies in these newborns were PAH (1.77%), ETFDH (1.24%), MMACHC (1.15%), SLC25A13 (0.98%), and GCDH (0.80%). Conclusions: Our study provided data combing biochemical results with genetic variants in 1,173 newborns and confirmed a primary carnitine deficiency patient with false-negative biochemical results. This is also the first study to report the carrier frequencies of 77 IMD-causing genes in China.
Comparison of gabapentin and oxycodone-acetaminophen used for pre-emptive analgesia in patients undergoing double-port thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.
Authors: Li Li , Li XiJuan , Shen JinMei , Zhou LiJun
Published: November 2019

Background This study was designed to determine whether gabapentin is not inferior to the oxycodone-acetaminophen group used as pre-emptive analgesia in reducing post-operative pain. The post-operative pain of patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary surgery, a routine operation procedure, is also a clinical problem that urgently needs to be further explored. We hypothesized that gabapentin is not inferior to oxycodone-acetaminophen.Methods Ninety patients were randomly divided into group A,n=30; group B,n=30; and group C,n=30. Patients in group A received oral gabapentin (300 mg) 2 h before surgery, similarly patients in group B received oral oxycodone-acetaminophen (330mg);Group C did not take any oral drugs; all patients were given self-controlled intravenous analgesia after surgery. NRS scores post-operative, opioid consumption 48 hours post-operative, analgesic-related adverse events, post-operative chronic pain after 2 months, were recorded.Results The NRS scores and opioid consumption 48 hours post-operative of intervention groups were significantly lower than the control group, and did not increase analgesic-related adverse events. The incidence of chronic pain 2 months post-operative in groups A and B was significantly lower than group C.Conclusion Oral gabapentin and oxycodone-acetaminophen alleviated the pain post-operative, reduced opioid consumption post-operative,promoted the recovery.
Biodegradation of recalcitrant compounds and phthalates by a consortium of Liometopum apiculatum gut microbiota
Authors: González-Escobar Jorge L. , Pereyra-Camacho Marco A. , Léon-Rodríguez Antonio De , Grajales-Lagunes Alicia , Reyes-Agüero Antonio , Chagolla-López Alicia , Rosa Ana Paulina Barba de la
Published: November 2019

Liometopum apiculatum ants species are widely distributed in arid and semi-arid ecosystems where there is a relative food shortage. They have established an ecological balance involving symbiotic interactions, which have allowed them to survive through mechanisms that are still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the metabolic potential of isolated bacteria from L. apiculatum using substrate assimilation and enzymatic activity assay. Results revealed a complex bacteria consortium belonging to Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria phylum. These symbionts showed activities associated with biopolymers degradation, suggesting their important role in nutrients release stored in plant-derived material. By other hand, some microorganisms had a high capacity for degradation of phthalate esters. These results not only revealed the important contribution of the symbionts in L apiculatum ants feeding habits, but also they showed a promising source of enzymes with high potential for biotechnological applications such as lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis and bioremediation.
A comprehensive assessment of automatic logistic regression model selection methods
Authors: Ehwerhemuepha Louis , Rakovski Cyril
Published: November 2019

Background: Current studies of variable selection methods are based on small datasets for which the true underlying predictors and corresponding effect sizes may not be known precisely. We designed and implemented a large-scale simulation study to assess the ability of stepwise logistic regression variable selection and lasso regression methods to identify the correct underlying model. Methods: We simulated data based on a random multivariate distribution over an extensive range of covariate correlation structures, sample sizes, number of covariates, number of true predictors, and effect sizes. We considered correlation structures reflecting the scenarios of independence across all covariates; two low correlation blocks and a block of zero correlation; three blocks of high correlation, low correlation and zero correlation; and two blocks of high correlation with low cross block correlation and a block of zero correlation respectively. Results: Our results show that the performances of stepwise regression, lasso regression, and random forest algorithm (as measured by the AUC, detection of true predictors, selection of noise variables, and effect size estimation) are affected by the number of true predictor variables, the correlation between the variables in the dataset, and the sample size. The number of noise variables in the dataset, although significant in some cases, has only a marginal effect on a variety of model performance statistic. Our results show that stepwise regression procedures are more likely to capture a true predictor, more likely to correctly estimate the true effect sizes, and more likely to have lower false discovery rates. Moreover, stepwise model selection based on the BIC criteria obtained the highest average AUC (0.7515) closely followed by lasso regression, stepwise model selection based on the AIC criteria, ridge regression, and random forest algorithm. Conclusions: Stepwise procedures for variable selection are robust in the selection of the true underly predictor variables, estimation of corresponding effect sizes, and predictive model performance. Recommendations suggesting that stepwise procedures should be abandoned may be misguided.
The influence of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on pregnancy outcomes in two-child women
Authors: Chen Hanqing , Zou Suhua , Li Zhuyu , Yang Jianbo , Cai Jian , Wang Zilian
Published: November 2019

Background Pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain were related to perinatal outcomes. It was not know the changes of pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain during pregnancy and its effect on perinatal outcomes in two-child women.Methods This was a retrospective study. Data of single term women delivered in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were collected from July 2017 to June 2018. Gestational weight gain criteria of the American Institute of Medical Research and pre-pregnancy body mass index classes were used to evaluate the effects on pregnancy outcomes.Results A total of 3049 cases were enrolled in the study. Overweight cases was 9.0% and obesity was 2.4%. The weight gain of the two-child women was less than that of primipara(12.4±3.9vs13.3±4.0kg, P<0.001). The proportion of primipara with excessive weight gain was higher compared to two-child women(20.1%versus17.3%, P<0.001). There were 40.0% overweight primipara and 55.2% of two-child women had excessive weight gain. And 40.5% primipara and 54.5% two-child women of obesity had excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Obese primipara increased the risk of pre-eclampsia (aOR2.38, 95%CI 0.76-7.46). And the odds of diabetes mellitus and large for gestational age also increased in this group (aOR3.49, 95%CI 1.46-8.35 and aOR7.65, 95%CI 1.83-31.97, respectively). Two-child women had similar results. Underweight primipara with excessive weight gain increased the pre-eclampsia risk (aOR2.26, 95%CI 0.29-17.46). Normal weight and overweight/obese primipara also had similar results. But in two-child women, only overweight/obesity increased the risk of pre-eclampsia (aOR2.01, 95%CI 0.41-9.98). Underweight two-child women with less weight gain increased the risk of diabetes(aOR2.06, 95%CI 0.43-9.8). Two-child women with overweight/obese increased the odds of LGA even if they had less weight gain(aOR2.58, 95%CI 0.11-63.22). Normal weight primipara and two-child women with overweight and obese with excessive weight gain had similar results. On the other way, underweight primipara with less weight gain increased the risk of SGA(aOR1.74, 95%CI 0.81-3.76).Conclusions Gestational weight gain of two-child women was less than primipara. Overweight/obese women with excessive weight gain of two-child women increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
Evaluation of High-Resolution Melting Curve Analysis (HRM) assay for Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PASGNDM699: A dangerous New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) strain
Authors: Dehbashi Sanaz , Tahmasebi Hamed , Arabestani Mohammad
Published: November 2019

Background: New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1) is a broad spectrum β-lactamase that is able to inactivate all β-lactams except aztreonam, as is typical of metallo-β-lactamases. NDM-1 producers in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, especially PASGNDM699 strain, cause a range of infections such as urinary tract, diarrhoea and soft tissue infections. The aim of this study was to Standardization of High-Resolution Melting Curve Analysis (HRM) assay for detection of P. aeruginosa, especially PASGNDM699 strain.
Methods: The HRM method was done on standard strains of P. aeruginosa strains. 9-fold Serial dilutions of known DNA concentrations, extracted from standard isolates were prepared and tested by Real Time Melting curve and HRM assay. Data analysis was performed using the StepOne Software v2.3 and HRM Software v3.0.1 (Applied Biosystems, Ltd).
Results: Based on the results of the Real Time PCR assay and melt curve analysis, melting point temperatures of the N-1, N-2 and N-3 amplicon for isolates identified as NDM strains were 87.57°C, 76.92°C and 82.97°C, respectively. Furthermore, melting point temperatures of the blaVIM, blaSPM and blaSIM amplicon for isolates identified as MBL strains were 84.56°C, 85.35°C and 86.62°C, respectively. Due to the analytical specificity of the primers, all dilutions with a similar Tm and melt peaks were obtained in the melting curves. Moreover, the analytical sensitivity of NDM primer were able to detected 100CFU/mL, 103CFU/mL and 104CFU/mL of standard DAN by N-1, N-2 and N-3 primers, respectively. Also, according to analytical sensitivity of MBL primers, blaVIM was able detected of 100CFU/mL, blaSPM primer 105CFU/mL and blaSIM primer 102CFU/mL of PASGNDM699 strain. HRM results showed that N-1 primers with 55 bp and blaVIM primers with 124 bp had the highest sensitivity and specificity for P. aeruginosa PASGNDM699 strain identification.
Conclusion: The data from our study indicated that the sensitivity and specificity of the HRM method linked to the primer length and the fluorescent dye. Further, we can identify antibiotic resistance in substrates such as P. aeruginosa PASGNDM699 by software analysis and melting curve analysis.
No association of vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms with ulcerative colitis in Chinese patients
Authors: Qiu Fubin , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Jing , Li Rui , Yang Linxue
Published: November 2019

Object Vitamin D (VD) deficiency has been reported in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), and polymorphism in the gene encoding the vitamin D binding protein (DBP) can affect the characteristics of DBP, thus affecting the level and function of VD in vivo . Previous studies have rarely reported on the potential relationship between DBP polymorphisms and UC. To investigate the associations between genetic variants in DBP genes and UC susceptibility in the Han Chinese population, in order to discern whether any differences exist between this population and those of other countries.Methods In this case-control study, the genotyping of DBP rs4588 and rs7041 polymorphisms was conducted using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ligase detection reactions, and the rs4588 and rs7041 genotypes were detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism.Results In our case-control cohort, no significant difference was observed in the UC risk for either of the two SNPs (rs4588 and rs7401) in the DBP genes ( P > 0.05). No association between UC susceptibility and the DBP gene haplotypes was found either.Conclusions Our results suggest that the two SNPs (rs4588 and rs7401) in the DBP genes may have no correlation with susceptibility to UC in the Chinese Han population. But interestingly, haplotype GC, which contains the rs4588 and rs7041 variants in the DBP gene, may affect the level of oxidative stress in UC patients, especially the level of MDA.
Loss of region-specific glial homeostatic signature in prion diseases
Authors: Makarava Natallia , Chang Jennifer Chen-Yu , Molesworth Kara , Baskakov Ilia V
Published: November 2019

Background Chronic neuroinflammation is recognized as a major neuropathological hallmark in a broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Frontal Temporal Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and prion diseases. Both microglia and astrocytes exhibit region-specific homeostatic transcriptional identities, which under chronic neurodegeneration, transform into reactive phenotypes in a region- and disease-specific manner. Little is known about region-specific identity of glia in prion diseases. The current study was designed to determine whether the region-specific homeostatic signature of glia changes with the progression of prion diseases, and whether these changes occur in a region-dependent or universal manner. Also of interest was whether different prion strains give rise to different reactive phenotypes. Methods To answer these questions, we analyzed gene expression in thalamus, cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus of mice infected with 22L and ME7 prion strains using Nanostring Neuroinflammation panel at subclinical, early clinical and advanced stages of the disease. Results We found that at the preclinical stage of the disease, region-specific homeostatic identities were preserved. However, with the appearance of clinical signs, region-specific signatures were partially lost and replaced with a neuroinflammation signature. While the same sets of genes were activated by both prion strains, the timing of neuroinflammation and the degree of activation in different brain regions was strain-specific. Changes in astrocyte function scored at the top of activated pathways. Moreover, clustering analysis suggested that the astrocyte function pathway responded to prion infection prior to activated microglia or neuron and neurotransmission pathways. Conclusions The current work established neuroinflammation gene expression signature associated with prion diseases. Our results illustrate that with the disease progression, the region-specific homeostatic transcriptome signatures are replaced by region-independent neuroinflammation signature, which was common for prion strains with different cell tropism. The prion-associated neuroinflammation signature identified in the current study overlapped only partially with the microglia degenerative phenotype and the disease-associated microglia phenotype reported for animal models of other neurodegenerative diseases.
Calbindin-D9k is a novel risk gene for neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Jung Eui-Man , Yoo Yeong-Min , Park Seon Young , Ahn Changhwan , Jeon Bo-Hui , Hong Eui-Ju , Kim Woo-Yang , Jeung Eui-Bae
Published: November 2019

Background: Calcium homeostasis plays a crucial role in neuronal development and disease. Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) acts as calcium modulators and sensors in various tissues. However, the neurobiological functions of CaBP-9k are unknown.
Methods: We used CaBP-9k knockout (KO) mice to investigate the roles of these proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Results: We found that the brains of CaBP-9k KO mice have increased APP/β-amyloid, Tau, and α-synuclein accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis. Neurons deficient for these calbindins had abnormal intracellular calcium levels and responses. ER stress inhibitor TUDCA reduced ER stress-induced apoptosis and restored ER stress- and apoptosis-related gene expression to wild-type levels in CaBP-9k KO mice. Furthermore, treatment with TUDCA rescued the abnormal memory and motor behaviors exhibited by older CaBP-9k KO mice.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that a loss of CaBP-9k may contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Photothermal-assisted antibacterial application of GO-Ag against clinical isolated MDR E. coli
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Wu Wei , Xu Zeqiao , Jiang Cheng , Han Shuang , Ruan Jun , Wang Yong
Published: November 2019

Background: Treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infection is a great challenge in public health. Herein, we provide a solution to this problem with the use of graphene oxide-silver (GO-Ag) nanocomposites as anti-bacterial agent. Methods: Following established protocols, silver nanoparticles were grown on graphene oxide sheets. Then, a series of in-vitro studies were conducted to validate the antibacterial efficiency of the GO-Ag nanocomposites against clinical MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. Firstly, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of different antimicrobials were tested against MDR E. Coli strains. Then, bacteria viability assessments were conducted with different nanomaterials in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth. Afterwards, photothermal irradiation was conducted on MDR E. coli with lower GO-Ag concentration. At last, fluorescent imaging and morphology characterization using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were done to find the possible cause of antibacterial effect. Results: GO-Ag nanocomposites showed the highest antibacterial efficiency among tested antimicrobials. Synergetic antibacterial effect was observed in GO-Ag nanocomposites treated group. The remained bacteria viabilities were 4.4% and 4.1% respectively for different bacteria strains with GO-Ag concentration at 14.0 µg mL-1. In addition, GO-Ag nanocomposites have strong absorption in the near-infrared field and can convert the electromagnetic energy to heat. With the use of this photothermal effect, effective sterilization could be achieved using GO-Ag nanocomposites concentration as low as 7.0 µg mL-1. Fluorescent imaging and morphology characterization were used to analyze bacteria living status, which uncovered that bacteria integrity was disrupted after GO-Ag nanocomposites treatment. Conclusions: GO-Ag nanocomposites are proved to be efficient antibacterial agent against multi-drug resistant E. coli. Their strong antibacterial effect arises from inherent antibacterial property and photothermal effect that provides aid for bacteria killing.
Autonomous Detection of Plant Disease Symptoms Directly from Aerial Imagery
Authors: Wu Harvey , Wiesner‐Hanks Tyr , Stewart Ethan L. , DeChant Chad , Kaczmar Nicholas , Gore Michael A. , Nelson Rebecca J. , Lipson Hod
Published: November 2019

Core Ideas

A deep learning model identified plant disease in UAV images with 95% accuracy.

Transfer learning allowed for faster model optimization.

This method detected plant disease symptoms at a very fine spatial scale.

The detection, diagnosis and quantification of plant diseases using digital technologies is an important research frontier. New and accurate methods would be an asset to growers, for whom early disease detection can mean the difference between successful intervention and massive losses, and plant breeders, who often must rely on time‐consuming phenotyping by eye. We have developed such a method for detecting an important maize (Zea mays L.) disease. Northern leaf blight [NLB; causal agent Setosphaeria turcica (Luttrell) Leonard & Suggs] is a foliar disease of maize that causes significant yield losses. Accurately measuring NLB infection is necessary both for breeding more resistant maize lines and for guiding crop management decisions. Visual disease scoring in a large area is time‐consuming and human evaluations are subjective and prone to error. In this work, we demonstrate an automated, high‐throughput system for the detection of NLB in field images of maize plants. Through the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to acquire high resolution images, we trained a convolutional neural network (CNN) model on lower resolution sub‐images, achieving 95.1% accuracy on a separate test set of sub‐images. The CNN model was used to create interpretable heat maps of the original images, indicating the locations of putative lesions. Detecting lesions at a fine spatial scale allows for the potential of unprecedented high‐resolution disease detection for plant breeding and crop management strategies.
Soil Carbon is Decreasing under “Undisturbed” Amazonian Forest
Authors: Barros Henrique Seixas , Fearnside Philip M.
Published: November 2019

Warming climate can cause release of carbon stocks in soils, but direct observations in tropical soils have been lacking. A unique data set from a study near Manaus, Brazil, allows comparison of samples taken before and after a ∼28‐yr period in 176 plots in undisturbed forest (i.e., intact forest with no visible sign of modern human action and >100 m from a forest edge, with 98% of the plots being >300 m from an edge). The data indicate a significant loss of carbon in the top 20 cm of soil (2.98 MgC ha‐1 over 28 yr, an average of 0.11 Mg ha‐1 yr‐1, or 0.3828% yr‐1 of the carbon stock). Carbon emissions would be substantial if the pattern for the top 20 cm at this location holds throughout Amazonia, and the implications are huge if the same pattern holds for the deeper soil layers. Release of soil carbon can contribute to a positive feedback, where emissions cause greater warming that further augments the emissions.