bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Distribution of the Tau Cytoskeletal Pathology in the Thalamus of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Rüb Udo , Stratmann Katharina , Heinsen Helmut , Del Turco Domenico , Ghebremedhin Estifanos , Seidel Kay , den Dunnen Wilfred , Korf Horst-Werner
Published: December 2015

In spite of considerable progress in neuropathological research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), knowledge regarding the exact pathoanatomical distribution of the tau cytoskeletal pathology in the thalamus of AD patients in the advanced Braak and Braak AD stages V or VI of the cortical cytoskeletal pathology is still fragmentary. Investigation of serial 100 μm-thick brain tissue sections through the thalamus of clinically diagnosed AD patients with Braak and Braak AD stage V or VI cytoskeletal pathologies immunostained with the anti-tau AT8 antibody, along with the affection of the extraterritorial reticular nucleus of the thalamus, reveals a consistent and severe tau immunoreactive cytoskeletal pathology in the limbic nuclei of the thalamus (e.g., paraventricular, anterodorsal and laterodorsal nuclei, limitans-suprageniculate complex). The thalamic nuclei integrated into the associative networks of the human brain (e.g., ventral anterior and mediodorsal nuclei) are only mildly affected, while its motor precerebellar (ventral lateral nucleus) and sensory nuclei (e.g., lateral and medial geniculate bodies, ventral posterior medial and lateral nuclei, parvocellular part of the ventral posterior medial nucleus) are more or less spared. The highly stereotypical and characteristic thalamic distribution pattern of the AD-related tau cytoskeletal pathology represents an anatomical mirror of the hierarchical topographic distribution of the cytoskeletal pathology in the interconnected regions of the cerebral cortex of AD patients. These pathoanatomical parallels support the pathophysiological concept of a transneuronal spread of the disease process of AD along anatomical pathways. The AD-related tau cytoskeletal pathology in the thalamus most likely contributes substantially to the neuropsychiatric disease symptoms (e.g., dementia), attention deficits, oculomotor dysfunctions, altered non-discriminative aspects of pain experience of AD patients, and the disruption of their waking and sleeping patterns.
Genetic Influences on Plasma Homocysteine Levels in African Americans and Yoruba Nigerians
Authors: Kim Sungeun , Nho Kwangsik , Ramanan Vijay K. , Lai Dongbing , Foroud Tatiana M. , Lane Katie , Murrell Jill R. , Gao Sujuan , Hall Kathleen S. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Baiyewu Olusegun , Ogunniyi Adesola , Gureje Oye , Kling Mitchel A. , Doraiswamy P. Murali , Kaddurah-Daouk Rima , Hendrie Hugh C. , Saykin Andrew J.
Published: December 2015

Plasma homocysteine, a metabolite involved in key cellular methylation processes seems to be implicated in cognitive functions and cardiovascular health with its high levels representing a potential modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias. A better understanding of the genetic factors regulating homocysteine levels, particularly in non-white populations, may help in risk stratification analyses of existing clinical trials and may point to novel targets for homocysteine-lowering therapy. To identify genetic influences on plasma homocysteine levels in individuals with African ancestry, we performed a targeted gene and pathway-based analysis using a priori biological information and then to identify new association performed a genome-wide association study. All analyses used combined data from the African American and Yoruba cohorts from the Indianapolis-Ibadan Dementia Project. Targeted analyses demonstrated significant associations of homocysteine and variants within the CBS (Cystathionine beta-Synthase) gene. We identified a novel genome-wide significant association of the AD risk gene CD2AP (CD2-associated protein) with plasma homocysteine levels in both cohorts. Minor allele (T) carriers of identified CD2AP variant (rs6940729) exhibited decreased homocysteine level. Pathway enrichment analysis identified several interesting pathways including the GABA receptor activation pathway. This is noteworthy given the known antagonistic effect of homocysteine on GABA receptors. These findings identify several new targets warranting further investigation in relation to the role of homocysteine in neurodegeneration.
Safety and Tolerability of R(+) Pramipexole in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bennett James , Burns Jeffrey , Welch Paul , Bothwell Rebecca
Published: December 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an aging-related, degenerative brain disease of adults. Most (∼95%) of AD occurs sporadically and is associated with early-appearing deficits in brain regional glucose uptake, changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD-related proteins, regional brain atrophy, and oxidative stress damage. We treated mild-moderate AD individuals with R(+)-pramipexole-dihydrochloride (R(+)PPX), a neuroprotective, lipophilic-cation, free-radical scavenger that accumulates into brain and mitochondria. 19 subjects took R(+)PPX twice a day in increasing daily doses up to 300 mg/day under a physician-sponsor IND (60,948, JPB), IRB-approved protocol and quarterly external safety committee monitoring. 15 persons finished and contributed baseline and post-treatment serum, lumbar spinal fluid, brain 18F-2DG PET scans, and ADAS-Cog scores. ADAS-Cog scores did not change (n = 1), improved (n = 2), declined 1–3 points (n = 5), or declined 4–13 points (n = 8) over 6 months of R(+)PPX treatment. Serum PPX levels were not related to changes in ADAS-Cog scores. Fasting AM serum PPX levels at 6 months varied considerably across subjects and correlated strongly with CSF [PPX] (r = 0.97, p <  0.0001). CSF [PPX] was not related to CSF [Aβ(42)], [Tau], or [P-Tau]. Regional 18F-2DG measures of brain glucose uptake demonstrated a 3–6% decline during R(+)PPX treatment. 56 mild-moderate adverse events occurred, 26 probably/definitely related to R(+)PPX use, with 4 withdrawals. R(+)PPX was generally well-tolerated and entered brain extracellular space linearly. Further studies of R(+)PPX in AD should include a detailed pharmacokinetic study of peak and trough serum [PPX] variations among subjects prior to planning any larger studies that would be needed to determine efficacy in altering disease progression.
Optimization of Statistical Single Subject Analysis of Brain FDG PET for the Prognosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment-to-Alzheimer’s Disease Conversion
Authors: Lange Catharina ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Suppa Per , Frings Lars , Brenner Winfried , Spies Lothar , Buchert Ralph
Published: December 2015

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) with the glucose analog F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is widely used in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. Guidelines recommend voxel-based statistical testing to support visual evaluation of the PET images. However, the performance of voxel-based testing strongly depends on each single preprocessing step involved. Objective: To optimize the processing pipeline of voxel-based testing for the prognosis of dementia in subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: The study included 108 ADNI MCI subjects grouped as ‘stable MCI’ (n = 77) or ‘MCI-to-AD converter’ according to their diagnostic trajectory over 3 years. Thirty-two ADNI normals served as controls. Voxel-based testing was performed with the statistical parametric mapping software (SPM8) starting with default settings. The following modifications were added step-by-step: (i) motion correction, (ii) custom-made FDG template, (iii) different reference regions for intensity scaling, and (iv) smoothing was varied between 8 and 18 mm. The t-sum score for hypometabolism within a predefined AD mask was compared between the different settings using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with respect to differentiation between ‘stable MCI’ and ‘MCI-to-AD converter’. The area (AUC) under the ROC curve was used as performance measure. Results: The default setting provided an AUC of 0.728. The modifications of the processing pipeline improved the AUC up to 0.832 (p = 0.046). Improvement of the AUC was confirmed in an independent validation sample of 241 ADNI MCI subjects (p = 0.048). Conclusion: The prognostic value of voxel-based single subject analysis of brain FDG PET in MCI subjects can be improved considerably by optimizing the processing pipeline.
Limiting Factors of Brain Donation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Example of French Memory Clinics
Authors: Le Bouc Raphael , Marelli Cecilia , Beaufils Emilie , Berr Claudine , Hommet Caroline , Touchon Jacques , Pasquier Florence , Deramecourt Vincent
Published: December 2015

Postmortem neuropathological examination of the brain is essential in neurodegenerative diseases, to ensure accurate diagnosis, to obtain an a posteriori critical assessment of the adequacy of clinical care, and to validate new biomarkers, but is only rarely performed. The purpose of this study was to assess factors limiting brain donation, such as reluctance of physicians to seek donation consent, opposition from patients and families, and organizational constraints. We conducted a survey across French memory clinics and major neuropathological centers. Few postmortem examinations were performed annually, as less than one third of the centers had performed at least five autopsies, and 41% had performed none. The main limiting factor was the lack of donation requests made by physicians, as half of them never approach patients for brain donation. Reasons for not seeking donation consent often include discomfort broaching the subject and lack of awareness of the medical and scientific benefit of postmortems (77%), organizational constraints (61%), and overestimation of families’ negative reaction (51%). Family refusals represented a second major obstacle, and were often caused by misconceptions. Identifying and addressing these biases early could help improve physicians’ rate of making requests and the public’s awareness about the importance of brain donation.
A case study in sports law analytics: The debate on widespread point shaving
Authors: Borghesi Richard
Published: December 2015

This study outlines the evolution of academic literature generated in response to Wolfers’s (2006) widespread-point-shaving hypothesis, which put forward that roughly 1% of college basketball games involve gambling-related corruption. Researchers attempted to replicate Wolfers’ findings in a variety of settings, examined the logistics involved in the act of point shaving, developed a theoretical model of team strategy, and used a variety of other novel approaches to better understand the root cause of the suspicious statistical anomalies identified. It offers evidence that sports analytics research is highly robust in academic settings because the methods employed and inferences drawn are subjected to the scrutiny of competing researchers having dissenting opinions and a strong incentive to publish.
Age of entry into the labor market and career success: The case of the NFL
Authors: Kim Jun Woo
Published: December 2015

The consensus across labor market research in sports and non-sports literature has shown that there is a significant interaction between age, ability, and performance. While this relationship is at the foundation of all acts of production or utility creation, little econometric work exploring the role of precocity in career success can be found in the literature. This study therefore examines the role of precocity on labor market outcomes of elite-level National Football League (NFL) players and, indirectly, assesses the on-field efficacy of the NFL’s age rule. The findings indicate that precocity, as measured by the age of entry into the elite-level professional football labor pool, leads to better career success. That is, the younger a player is when he first enters the NFL labor market; the more successful he is likely to be.
Football under pressure: Assessing malfeasance in Deflategate
Authors: Hassett Kevin A. , Sullivan Joseph W. , Veuger Stan
Published: December 2015

After the 2015 AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots were accused of deflating their footballs to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents. A subsequent investigation by the NFL led to the publication of a report named after Ted Wells, its main author. The Wells report’s central conclusion was that the Patriots and their quarterback, Tom Brady, were at least generally aware of what was deemed to be probable illicit behavior by some of the Patriots employees responsible for football preparation. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell then penalized team and player with fines, draft pick losses, and suspensions. This article evaluates the statistical analysis in the Wells report and finds fault with the set of hypotheses it tests, the way in which it tests them, the robustness of its test results, and the conclusions it draws from its tests. We also highlight problems with the quality of the data used in the report, and sketch a more appropriate interpretation of the evidence presented to the NFL. We conclude by discussing the use and interpretation of statistical evidence in legal and quasi-legal procedures generally.
You can beat the “market”: Estimating the return on investment for NHL team scouting
Authors: Schuckers Michael E. , Argeris Steve
Published: December 2015

Scouting is a major part of talent acquisition for any professional sports team. In the National Hockey League (NHL), the ‘market’ for scouting is set by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service which develops a ranking of draft eligible players. In addition to the Central Scouting rankings, NHL teams use their own internal scouting to augment their knowledge of eligible players and develop their own rankings. Using a novel statistical approach we show in this paper that the additional information possessed by teams provides better rankings than those of Central Scouting. Using data from the 1998 to 2002 NHL drafts, we estimate that the average yearly gain per team from their internal scouting is between $1.7MM and $5.2MM. These values are consistent across the three measures of player productivity that we consider: cumulative Games Played, cumulative Time On Ice and cumulative Goals Versus Threshold where we aggregate these metrics across the first seven years post draft. We used this time frame since teams generally retain rights to their draft picks for seven years. Further, we find that no individual team outperformed the others in terms of draft performance.
College deviance and the effects on NFL amateur draft selection: Analyzing the Personal Conduct Policy
Authors: Palmer Michael , Duhan Quinlan , Soebbing Brian P.
Published: December 2015

Over the past several decades, National Football League (NFL) executives have tried to devise ways to deter off-field misconduct of its players. Since the year 2000, the NFL instituted a Personal Conduct Policy governing the actions of players already in the league. The policy was further modified in April 2007 by Commissioner Roger Goodell. The question the present research asks is what is the relationship between an amateur player’s misconduct in his final year of college and his overall pick in the NFL Draft. By extension, the present research looks to see if this relationship changes with the modification of the Personal Conduct Policy. Examining the NFL Draft from 1999 through 2013, the present research finds that misconduct decreased a player’s draft position meaning his draft position improved. However, the modification of the Personal Conduct Policy leads to an insignificant result suggesting that team executives are beginning to examining an amateur player’s misconduct more closely with the new policy.
Molecular evolutionary relationships of Euphorbia scordifolia Jacq. within the genus inferred from analysis of internal transcribed spacer sequences
Authors: Al-Hemaid Fahad M.A. , Ali M. Ajmal , Lee Joongku , Kim Soo-Yong , Rahman Md. Oliur
Published: December 2015

The present study explored molecular phylogenetic analysis of 28 species of Euphorbia L. for the identification and establishment of molecular evolutionary relationships of Euphorbia scordifolia Jacq. within the genus based on the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA). The sequence similarity search using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) of the ITS sequence of E. scordifolia showed the closest sequence similarity to E. supina Raf. The analysis of ITS sequence data revealed four major clades consistent with subgeneric classifications of the genus. Molecular data support placement of E. scordifolia in the subgenus Chamaesyce.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 111-118, 2015 (December)
Rhododendron leigongshanense (Ericaceae), a new species from China
Authors: Yang Cheng-Hua , Xie Zheng-Guo , Yu Yong-Fu , Yang Zhi-Rong
Published: December 2015

Rhododendron leigongshanense, a new species from Leishan County, Guizhou Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is close to R. magniflorun W.K. Hu and R. glanduliferum Franchet, but differs by having stipitatus glands on leaf abaxial surface, corolla trumpet-shaped with 7 lobes, 7.58.0 cm long, 810 cm in diameter and calyx 7- lobed.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 119-123, 2015 (December)
Stenochlaena riauensis (Blechnaceae), a new fern species from Riau, Indonesia
Authors: Sofiyanti Nery , Iriani Dyah , Fitmawati Dr , Roza Andesba A.
Published: December 2015

Stenochlaena riauensis, a new fern species from Riau, Indonesia is described and illustrated. This species can be distinguished from its most closely related species S. palustris by the position of fertile and sterile pinnae. In the new species, both fertile and sterile pinnae are located on the same frond, the lower part of lamina consisted of sterile pinnae that gradually narrower towards apex forming linear fertile pinnae.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 137-141, 2015 (December)
Prismatomeris fragrans E.T. Geddes (Rubiaceae) - a new record for the flora of Viet Nam
Authors: Bach Tran The , Quang Bui Hong , Choudhary Ritesh Kumar , Hai Do Van , Diep Tran Thi Ngoc , Lee Joongku
Published: December 2015

Not available.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 22(2): 147-149, 2015 (December)
Detection of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptospodium sp. Infection among diarrheal patients
Authors: Khanum Hamida , Kadir Rukhshana , Arju Tuhinur , Ahmed Tahmina , Karim Mt Tahmina , Sultana Asma , Huque Rashidul
Published: December 2015

Tri-combo ELISA tests were carried out to determine the prevalence of protozoan parasites (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp) in 1712 stool samples of diarhoeal patients. Among the samples tested, 118 (6.89%) were found positive. The age group 6-14 years were recorded to be more susceptible (14.81%) and prevalence gradually decreased as the age group increased. Individual Antigen Detection Tests were done on the positive samples and 1 sample was noted to carry E. histolytica (0.06%), 92 (5.37%) samples with G. lamblia and 22 (1.29%) samples with Cryptosporidium spp. Maximum prevalence was recorded in summer (8.47%) and rainy seasons (8.14%) and highest infections (10.46%) were found in the month of September The prevalence of G. lamblia was higher in male (5.37%) whereas, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was higher in female (1.64%).Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 1-7, 2015
The rotifera fauna of the Bayezid Bostami pond of Chittagong city
Authors: Akter Sajeda , Bhouyain Abdul Maleque
Published: December 2015

Rotifera fauna of Bayezid Bostami pond was studied for a period of one year from February 2013 to January 2014. Brachionus diversicornis, B. angularis, B. quadridentatus, B. falcatus, B. calyciflorus, B. forficula, B. caudatus, Platyias patulus, Keratella cochlearis, Lecane luna, Trichocerca cylindrica, Polyarthra vulgaris, Asplanchna priodonta, A. brightwelli, Filinia longiseta and F. terminalis were common species present throughout the year. Highest abundance of rotifer was observed in the month of September, and lowest was observed in the month of March. The responsible species for the peak were Brachionus angularis and B. diversicornis. Description of each species, monthly fluctuation and photographs are the content of this paper.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 95-108, 2015
Status of ganges dolphin, Platanista gangetica gangetica (Roxburgh, 1801) in the river Buriganga, Dhaka
Authors: Alam Shayer Mahmood Ibney , Hossain Md Muzammel , Baki Mohammad Abdul , Bhouiyan Naser Ahmed
Published: December 2015

Population abundance and density of the Ganges River Dolphin Platanista gangetica gangetica (Roxburgh, 1801) was studied in the Buriganga River from December 2012 to November 2013.The survey was conducted twice a month. The dolphins were counted directly and applied in transect length of 10.5 km within 15 km stretches of the river. A total of 34 sightings of dolphins were recorded both in individuals and groups. We encountered the dolphins at the rate of 0.48 dolphins per km in the Buriganga River. Highest best-high-low estimate of 12-14-10 individuals were recorded in November 2013. The mean density was 0.38 (SD ±0.37) dolphins/km² with the highest density of dolphin observed also in the month of November, which was 1.14 dolphin/km². Pollution and water traffic were observed to be the major threats to the dolphins.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 109-120, 2015
First record of the Blue Striped Hermit Crab, Clibanarius longitarsus (decapoda, crustacea) from Sunderbans mangrove forest, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Mostafa Ali Reza , Naser M Niamul , Khan M Golam Quader , Fatema Mst Kaniz , Rouf Muhammad Abdur , Sultana Selina , Noman Muhammed
Published: December 2015

Blue Stripped hermit crab, Clibanarius longitarsus (De Haan, 1849) was collected from Kalagachhia, Satkhira Forest Range of Sundarban Mangrove Forest on 18 April 2015 during an exploration of the IUCN Crustacean Exploration Team. This crustacen decapod was recorded for the first time from Bangladesh geographical area.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 131-135, 2015
Flesh yield of small indigenous fishes from the River Padma, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Authors: Akther Sarmin
Published: December 2015

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 43(1): 141-144, 2015
Identification of bacterial agents from the faecal samples of diarrhoeic sheep and their antibiotic sensitivity
Authors: Munsi Md Nuruzzaman , Ershaduzzaman Md , Gani Md Osman , Khanduker Md Moinuddin , Alam Md Shahin
Published: December 2015

The current study was carried out to identify the bacterial species in the faecal samples of 20 diarrhoeic sheep and to observe their sensitivity to different antibiotics. This investigation was performed by collecting diarrhoeal samples from the sheep (n=20) under goat and sheep research farm of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The average age and body weight of the animals were 25 days and 2.5 kg respectively. Of the bacteria responsible for diarrhoea in case of sheep, Escherichia coli alone was found in 6 samples (30%), Escherichia coli combined with Proteus mirabilis was found in 12 samples (60%), and no bacteria could be detected in 2 of the 20 samples tested. Both the bacteria were highly sensitive to ceftriaxone, and moderately sensitive to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. It could be stated that ceftriaxone is the antibiotic of first choice for the treatment of diarrhoea in sheep, where Escherichia coli is suspected to be the principal causal agent of diarrhoea.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 453-457, December 2015
Prevalence of canine Parvo virus infection in street dogs using rapid antigen detection Kit
Authors: Nahat Faizul Wasima , Rahman Md Siddiqur , Sarker Roma Rani , Hassan Md Kumrul , Hasan AKM Zeaul , Akter Layla , Islam M Ariful
Published: December 2015

Canine parvovirus is one of the most common infectious diseases of dogs. A study was carried out to diagnose the infection of canine parvovirus in street dogs from different places of Mymensingh Town. Rectal samples were collected from January to April, 2015. A total of 114 rectal swabs were collected conveniently from street dogs of Mymensingh. The samples were diagnosed using RapiGEN Canine Parvo Virus Ag Test Kit. The association of CPV infection with demographic variables was assessed by Chisquare test. The overall prevalence of CPV was 32.0% in dogs. The prevalence of parvovirus infection was found to be significantly higher in puppies and 6 months of age (58.3%) than those >24 months of age (p=0.005). The prevalence of canine parvovirus infection also varied significantly in different study area (p=0.003). The prevalence of canine parvovirus infection was higher in male (34.4%) than that in female (30.2%) but it was not statistically significant.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 459-464, December 2015
Clinical prevalence of diseases and disorders of cattle at the Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Chauhali, Sirajganj
Authors: Siddiki SHM Faruk , Morshed Mohammad Golam , Parvin Mst Sonia , Naher Lutfun
Published: December 2015

An investigation was undertaken to determine the general clinical prevalence of diseases and disorders in cattle at the Upazilla Veterinary Hospital, Chauhali, Sirajganj during the period from January to December 2014. A total of 2646 clinical cases on cattle were recorded and analyzed. Diagnosis of each of the clinical cases was made on the basis of owner history, clinical examination and common laboratory techniques. The clinical cases were divided into three groups on the basis of treatment required viz. (1) Medicinal (2) Gynaeco-obstetrical and (3) Surgical cases. Among the three types of cases, medicinal cases constituted the highest percentage (79.33%) in comparison to gynaeco-obstetrical (11.60%) and surgical (9.07%) cases. Among the medicinal cases, the highest cases was recorded with parasitic diseases (55.97%), followed by infectious diseases (24.21%) and digestive disorders (10.34%). Other cases were general systemic states (3.91%), musculo-skeletal disorder (1.57%), skin condition (1.57%), metabolic diseases (1%), respiratory disorders (0.76%), sensory organ diseases (0.43%) and dog biting (0.24%). Among the gynaecoobstetrical cases, repeat breeding (42.35%), anestrous (31.60%), orchitis (9.77%), posthitis (5.86%), dystocia (4.89%) and retained placenta (4.23%) were recorded as major gynaecoobstetrical problems in cattle. Navel-ill (45%), myiasis (43.33%), abscess (6.25%) and fracture (3.34%) were recognized as the main disorders which required surgical interventions. Prevalence of diseases was high (39.38%) in summer season (March-June) followed by (34.73%) in winter (November-February) and lowest (25.89%) in rainy season (July-October). It may be concluded that a number of diseases with various percentages have been occurring in the Chauhali upazila and this report may help to develop control strategies against major diseases reported in this study.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 465-474, December 2015
Study on the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen in Teknaf
Authors: Ghosh Subrata Kumar , Ahmmed Mirja Kaizer , Ahmed Sk Istiaque , Ahsan Md Khabirul , Kamal Md
Published: December 2015

Study was conducted on the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen in Teknaf to evaluate fishermen livelihood and social status for a period of one year from March, 2014 to April, 2015. Data were collected in terms of income generation, age distribution, housing, literacy rate, health and sanitation facilities of the fishermen. Fishing was regarded as the major source of income of the traditional fishermen but occasionally they undertook a variety of non-fishery related activities, which constituted a substantial part of their annual income. Among 105 fishermen interviewed, 59.25% were below 30 years, 29.62% were between 30 and 39 years, and the remaining 11.11% were more than 40 years old, and their literacy level was 62.96% illiterate, 18.51% can write their names, 14.81% had received education up to primary level and 3.70% had received secondary education. Income distribution showed significant inequality between marginal and non-marginal fishermen from group fishing. The national and local NGO like BRAC, ASA provided credit only to the organized poor members to purchase fishing gears and boats but the amount of credit provided by the NGOs was insufficient and could not commensurate to the poor peoples actual need. The present study revealed that sanitary conditions of the fishermen were very poor that 25% fishermen have semi-constructed and 10% of the fishermen had no sanitary facilities. Most of the fishermen (65%) have un-constructed sanitary facilities. The present study suggested that there is a clear need to legalize fishing profession and their settlement as well as traditional fishing communities should be given priority in getting necessary supports from all concerns.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 483-489, December 2015
Survey of some aspects of artisanal fisheries of Sabiyel lake, Aliero, Kebbi state, Nigeria
Authors: Jega Ibrahim Shehu , Ribah Ibrahim Mohammed , Idris Zakariyya , Haque M Mahfujul , Aziz Md. Saifullah Bin , Alam Md Mehedi
Published: December 2015

A survey was conducted to assess some aspects of artisanal fisheries in fishing households of Sabiyel Lake in Aliero local Government Area, Kebbi State, Nigeria between 2014 and 2015. One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered in seven (7) communities surrounding the Lake. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results revealed that 100% of the sampled households were married. The age of the respondents vary with 43% below the age of 50, 32% above 50 years of age. All of the households sampled were male. Respondents with no formal education accounted for 77%. Majority of the respondents still use traditional gears, methods and crafts. Most respondents (53%) were involved in only selling of fresh product as a means of livelihood. The fish species caught in Sabiyel lake comprises of Hyperopesus bebe, Oreochromis niloticus, Sarotherodon galilieus, Clarias gariepinus and Heterotis niloticus. Most respondents (42%) sold their fish fresh without processing or preservation. Regarding the role of women, 28% of the respondents mentioned that women participate in the processing of fish. Most of the respondents (87%) stated lack of both modern fishing gears and crafts as the major problems confronting their fishing activities. The study suggested that state government should address the major constraints to fishing in the study area by supplying and subsidizing fishing gears, crafts and adequate processing and preservation equipment.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 507-515, December 2015
Cucumber Rhizosphere Microbial Community Response to Biocontrol Agent Bacillus subtilis B068150
Authors: Li Lihua , Ma Jincai , Ibekwe A. , Wang Qi , Yang Ching-Hong
Published: December 2015

Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis B068150 has been used as a biocontrol agent against the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum cucumerinum. Cucumber was grown in three soils with strain B068150 inoculated in a greenhouse for 90 days, and the colonization ability of strain B068150 in cucumber rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils was determined. Changes in total bacteria and fungi community composition and structures using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequencing were determined. Colony counts showed that B068150 colonization in the rhizosphere was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in non-rhizosphere soils. Based on our data, the introduction of B. bacillus B068150 did not change the diversity of microbial communities significantly in the rhizosphere of three soils. Our data showed that population density of B068150 in clay soil had a significant negative correlation on bacterial diversity in cucumber rhizosphere in comparison to loam and sandy soils, suggesting that the impact of B068150 might be soil specific.
Cost Reduction of Inhaled Tobramycin by Use of Preservative-Free Intravenous Tobramycin Given via Inhalation
Authors: Gauthier Timothy , Wasko Justin , Unger Nathan , Abbo Lilian , Fernandez Margaret , Aragon Laura
Published: December 2015

This study evaluates drug cost outcomes related to automatic therapeutic substitution of branded tobramycin solution for inhalation (TOBI®) with inhaled generic preservative-free intravenous tobramycin (PFIT). A retrospective single-center evaluation of inhaled tobramycin use from 2008 through 2012 was performed. Number of doses dispensed and acquisition costs were obtained. Hourly wage data was acquired, pharmacy production costs were estimated and total cost-savings calculated. Days of therapy (DOTs) were determined for each year. Quality assurance and safety data was collected. In 2008, TOBI® drug costs and doses dispensed were $118,665 and 1769, respectively. Following implementation of the interchange in May 2009, TOBI® utilization ceased. PFIT costs in 2010 through 2012 averaged $34,775 annually and TOBI® cost-avoidance exceeded $94,000 annually when accounting for pharmacy production costs, which were determined to be at most $5.28 per dose. The maximum estimated pharmacy production cost ranged from $8812 to $11,299 annually. PFIT doses dispensed exceeded 1650 each year and annual DOTs ranged from 815 to 1069. The 40-month savings were calculated to be $374,706. Quality assurance and safety data identified one patient who refused PFIT due to odor complaints and one patient who was inappropriately administered a dose orally. Therapeutic substitution of TOBI® with PFIT can produce immediate and sustained savings with an acceptable safety profile.
REM-Enriched Naps Are Associated with Memory Consolidation for Sad Stories and Enhance Mood-Related Reactivity
Authors: Gilson Médhi , Deliens Gaétane , Leproult Rachel , Bodart Alice , Nonclercq Antoine , Ercek Rudy , Peigneux Philippe
Published: December 2015

Emerging evidence suggests that emotion and affect modulate the relation between sleep and cognition. In the present study, we investigated the role of rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep in mood regulation and memory consolidation for sad stories. In a counterbalanced design, participants (n = 24) listened to either a neutral or a sad story during two sessions, spaced one week apart. After listening to the story, half of the participants had a short (45 min) morning nap. The other half had a long (90 min) morning nap, richer in REM and N2 sleep. Story recall, mood evolution and changes in emotional response to the re-exposure to the story were assessed after the nap. Although recall performance was similar for sad and neutral stories irrespective of nap duration, sleep measures were correlated with recall performance in the sad story condition only. After the long nap, REM sleep density positively correlated with retrieval performance, while re-exposure to the sad story led to diminished mood and increased skin conductance levels. Our results suggest that REM sleep may not only be associated with the consolidation of intrinsically sad material, but also enhances mood reactivity, at least on the short term.
Modeling Groundwater Flow in Heterogeneous Porous Media with YAGMod
Authors: Cattaneo Laura , Comunian Alessandro , De Filippis Giovanna , Giudici Mauro , Vassena Chiara
Published: December 2015

Modeling flow and transport in porous media requires the management of complexities related both to physical processes and to subsurface heterogeneity. A thorough approach needs a great number of spatially-distributed phenomenological parameters, which are seldom measured in the field. For instance, modeling a phreatic aquifer under high water extraction rates is very challenging, because it requires the simulation of variably-saturated flow. 3D steady groundwater flow is modeled with YAGMod (yet another groundwater flow model), a model based on a finite-difference conservative scheme and implemented in a computer code developed in Fortran90. YAGMod simulates also the presence of partially-saturated or dry cells. The proposed algorithm and other alternative methods developed to manage dry cells in the case of depleted aquifers are analyzed and compared to a simple test. Different approaches yield different solutions, among which, it is not possible to select the best one on the basis of physical arguments. A possible advantage of YAGMod is that no additional non-physical parameter is needed to overcome the numerical difficulties arising to handle drained cells. YAGMod also includes a module that allows one to identify the conductivity field for a phreatic aquifer by solving an inverse problem with the comparison model method.
Malevolent Governance, Intra-Group Conflict and the Paradox of the Plenty: An Experiment
Authors: Puzon Klarizze , Willinger Marc
Published: December 2015

Using a laboratory experiment, we behaviourally study the impact of a sudden increase in the common-pool size on within-group conflict, i.e., the paradox of the plenty. We also consider the potential role of governance in avoiding this paradox. In the first stage, a randomly-chosen leader of the group determines how much of the common-pool resource to protect from second-stage conflict. In the next stage, each group member allocates his private endowment between working or fighting for a share of the unprotected resource. We consider two treatments: anarchy (consisting of the second stage only) and with a leader deciding in the first stage. We find that the existence of institutions is not always better than anarchy. This is aggravated when the resource size is higher. Group conflict (income) decreases (increases) only when leaders chose the strongest resource protection. When leaders are malevolent, i.e., they chose weak resource protection, outcomes are worse than when institutions are absent.
Adverse Events in Treating Smear-Positive Tuberculosis Patients in China
Authors: Zhang Tao , Du Jian , Yin Xiaoyan , Xue Fuzhong , Liu Yanxun , Li Runzi , Luo Cheng , Li Liang , Li Xiujun
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to estimate the adverse events (AE) rate during anti-tuberculosis treatment and to explore AE-related risk factors. New and previously treated smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) cases were enrolled from eight regions in China between April 2009 and October 2010. The AE rate was estimated, and AE risk factors during anti-TB treatment were assessed using Cox proportional models. Among 2091 Chinese subjects with anti-TB treatment, 462 (22.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 20.3–23.9) patients developed AE, with liver injury and gastrointestinal reactions constituting the most common AE. Specifically, 9.8% (95% CI, 8.5–11.1) and 6.3% (95% CI, 5.3–7.4) developed liver injuries and gastrointestinal reactions, respectively. We found that AE rate differed by regions, TB knowledge score, symptoms score and smoking status. Liver injuries were associated with age, sex and smoking status; gastrointestinal reactions were associated with education level and symptom score. Improving patients’ knowledge on TB could reduce AE rate.
EGFR Signaling in Liver Diseases
Authors: Komposch Karin , Sibilia Maria
Published: December 2015

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase that is activated by several ligands leading to the activation of diverse signaling pathways controlling mainly proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The EGFR signaling axis has been shown to play a key role during liver regeneration following acute and chronic liver damage, as well as in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) highlighting the importance of the EGFR in the development of liver diseases. Despite the frequent overexpression of EGFR in human HCC, clinical studies with EGFR inhibitors have so far shown only modest results. Interestingly, a recent study has shown that in human HCC and in mouse HCC models the EGFR is upregulated in liver macrophages where it plays a tumor-promoting function. Thus, the role of EGFR in liver diseases appears to be more complex than what anticipated. Further studies are needed to improve the molecular understanding of the cell-specific signaling pathways that control disease development and progression to be able to develop better therapies targeting major components of the EGFR signaling network in selected cell types. In this review, we compiled the current knowledge of EGFR signaling in different models of liver damage and diseases, mainly derived from the analysis of HCC cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs).
Aire-Overexpressing Dendritic Cells Induce Peripheral CD4+ T Cell Tolerance
Authors: Li Dongbei , Li Haijun , Fu Haiying , Niu Kunwei , Guo Yantong , Guo Chuan , Sun Jitong , Li Yi , Yang Wei
Published: December 2015

Autoimmune regulator (Aire) can promote the ectopic expression of peripheral tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) in thymic medullary epithelial cells (mTECs), which leads to the deletion of autoreactive T cells and consequently prevents autoimmune diseases. However, the functions of Aire in the periphery, such as in dendritic cells (DCs), remain unclear. This study’s aim was to investigate the effect of Aire-overexpressing DCs (Aire cells) on the functions of CD4+ T cells and the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We demonstrated that Aire cells upregulated the mRNA levels of the tolerance-related molecules CD73, Lag3, and FR4 and the apoptosis of CD4+ T cells in STZ-T1D mouse-derived splenocytes. Furthermore, following insulin stimulation, Aire cells decreased the number of CD4+ IFN-γ+ T cells in both STZ-T1D and WT mouse-derived splenocytes and reduced the expression levels of TCR signaling molecules (Ca2+ and p-ERK) in CD4+ T cells. We observed that Aire cells-induced CD4+ T cells could delay the development of T1D. In summary, Aire-expressing DCs inhibited TCR signaling pathways and decreased the quantity of CD4+IFN-γ+ autoreactive T cells. These data suggest a mechanism for Aire in the maintenance of peripheral immune tolerance and provide a potential method to control autoimmunity by targeting Aire.
Alisertib Induces Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis, Autophagy and Suppresses EMT in HT29 and Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Ren Bao-Jun , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Zhu Da-Jian , Ju Yong-Le , Wu Jin-Hao , Ouyang Man-Zhao , Chen Xiao-Wu , Zhou Shu-Feng
Published: December 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with substantial mortality and morbidity. Alisertib (ALS) is a selective Aurora kinase A (AURKA) inhibitor with unclear effect and molecular interactome on CRC. This study aimed to evaluate the molecular interactome and anticancer effect of ALS and explore the underlying mechanisms in HT29 and Caco-2 cells. ALS markedly arrested cells in G2/M phase in both cell lines, accompanied by remarkable alterations in the expression level of key cell cycle regulators. ALS induced apoptosis in HT29 and Caco-2 cells through mitochondrial and death receptor pathways. ALS also induced autophagy in HT29 and Caco-2 cells, with the suppression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), but activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways. There was a differential modulating effect of ALS on p38 MAPK signaling pathway in both cell lines. Moreover, induction or inhibition of autophagy modulated basal and ALS-induced apoptosis in both cell lines. ALS potently suppressed epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HT29 and Caco-2 cells. Collectively, it suggests that induction of cell cycle arrest, promotion of apoptosis and autophagy, and suppression of EMT involving mitochondrial, death receptor, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, p38 MAPK, and AMPK signaling pathways contribute to the cancer cell killing effect of ALS on CRC cells.
Astaxanthin, a Carotenoid, Stimulates Immune Responses by Enhancing IFN-γ and IL-2 Secretion in Primary Cultured Lymphocytes in Vitro and ex Vivo
Authors: Lin Kuan-Hung , Lin Kao-Chang , Lu Wan-Jung , Thomas Philip-Aloysius , Jayakumar Thanasekaran , Sheu Joen-Rong
Published: December 2015

Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant carotenoid, plays a major role in modulating the immune response. In this study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of astaxanthin on cytokine production in primary cultured lymphocytes both in vitro and ex vivo. Direct administration of astaxanthin (70–300 nM) did not produce cytotoxicity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 µg/ mL)- or concanavalin A (Con A, 10 µg/ mL)-activated lymphocytes, whereas astaxanthin alone at 300 nM induced proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (p < 0.05) in vitro. Although astaxanthin, alone or with Con A, had no apparent effect on interferon (INF-γ) and interleukin (IL-2) production in primary cultured lymphocytes, it enhanced LPS-induced INF-γ production. In an ex vivo experiment, oral administration of astaxanthin (0.28, 1.4 and 7 mg/kg/day) for 14 days did not cause alterations in the body or spleen weights of mice and also was not toxic to lymphocyte cells derived from the mice. Moreover, treatment with astaxanthin significantly increased LPS-induced lymphocyte proliferation ex vivo but not Con A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation ex vivo. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis revealed that administration of astaxanthin significantly enhanced INF-γ production in response to both LPS and Con A stimulation, whereas IL-2 production increased only in response to Con A stimulation. Also, astaxanthin treatment alone significantly increased IL-2 production in lymphocytes derived from mice, but did not significantly change production of INF-γ. These findings suggest that astaxanthin modulates lymphocytic immune responses in vitro, and that it partly exerts its ex vivo immunomodulatory effects by increasing INF-γ and IL-2 production without inducing cytotoxicity.
Sulfasalazine Treatment Suppresses the Formation of HLA-B27 Heavy Chain Homodimer in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Yu Hui-Chun , Lu Ming-Chi , Huang Kuang-Yung , Huang Hsien-lu , Liu Su-Qin , Huang Hsien-Bin , Lai Ning-Sheng
Published: December 2015

Human leukocytic antigen-B27 heavy chain (HLA-B27 HC) has the tendency to fold slowly, in turn gradually forming a homodimer, (B27-HC)2 via a disulfide linkage to activate killer cells and T-helper 17 cells and inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to trigger the IL-23/IL-17 axis for pro-inflammatory reactions. All these consequences lead to the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Sulfasalazine (SSA) is a common medication used for treatment of patients with AS. However, the effects of SSA treatment on (B27-HC)2 formation and on suppression of IL-23/IL-17 axis of AS patients remain to be determined. In the current study, we examine the (B27-HC)2 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the mean grade of sarcoiliitis and lumbar spine Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI) scores of 23 AS patients. The results indicated that AS patients without (B27-HC)2 on PBMC showed the lower levels of mean grade of sarcoiliitis and the lumbar spine BASRI scores. In addition, after treatment with SSA for four months, the levels of (B27-HC)2 on PBMCs were significantly reduced. Cytokines mRNA levels, including TNFα, IL-17A, IL-17F and IFNγ, were also significantly down-regulated in PBMCs. However, SSA treatment did not affect the levels of IL-23 and IL-23R mRNAs.