bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative sites of ventricular pacing: His bundle pacing
Authors: Vetta Francesco , Marinaccio Leonardo , Vetta Giampaolo
Published: April 2020

Since its introduction right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has been the mainstay in cardiac pacing. However, in recent years there has been an upsurge of interest in permanent His bundle pacing (HBP), given the scientific evidence of the harmful role of dyssynchronous ventricular activation, induced by RVA pacing, in promoting the onset of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. After an intermediate period in which attention was focused on algorithms aimed at minimizing ventricular pacing, with partially inadequate and harmful results, scientific attention shifted to HBP, which proved to ensure a physiological electro-mechanical activation of the ventricles. The encouraging results obtained have allowed the introduction of HBP in recent guidelines for cardiac pacing in patients with bradicardia and cardiac conduction delay. Recent studies have also demonstrated the potential of HBP in patients with left bundle branch block and heart failure. HBP is promising as an attractive way to achieve physiological stimulation in patients with an indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Comparative studies of HB-CRT and biventricular pacing have shown similar results in numerically modest cohorts, although HB-CRT has been shown to promote better ventricular electrical resynchronization as demonstrated by a greater QRS narrowing. A widespread use of this pacing tecnique also depends on improvements in technology, as well as further validation of effectiveness in large randomised clinical trials
MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF LANDSLIDE HAZARD USING DINSAR TECHNIQUE APPLIED TO ALOS PALSAR IMAGERY: A CASE STUDY IN KAYANGAN CATCHMENT AREA, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Putri Ratih Fitria , Wibirama Sunu , Alimuddin Ilham , Kuze Hiroaki , Sri Sumantyo Josaphat Tetuko
Published: April 2020

The differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) technique is applied to the ALOS PALSAR data to observe surface displacement in Kayangan Catchment area, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Change detection is implemented to extract information on several landslides that occurred in the region in a time span between 2007 and 2009. The advanced DInSAR processing of images (2007–2009) has shown slight surface movements before the landslide events. These results are compared and validated with available GPS measurements. Our analysis reveals that Kayangan catchment area exhibits clear indication of surface displacements varying from 5.2 to 57.9 cm/year. The occurence of landslides has been analyzed in relation to the following terrain parameters; elevation, slope, distance to stream network, geology, landuse, and distance from road. Among these factors, it is found that 18% of landslides occur in elevation >100 m, 56% in slope 300-400, 34% in
The effect of endogenously produced carbon monoxide on the oxygen status of dogs infected with Babesia canis
Authors: Taylor J. H. , Gutherie A. J. , Leisewitz A.
Published: April 2020

Carboxyhaemoglobin fractions were found to be significantly higher (p0,05) in dogs (n=5) with severe babesiosis than in control subjects (n=5). The enzymatic conversion of haem to biliverdin by haem oxygenase is the only known source of endogenous carbon monoxide. We propose that the increased production of endogenous carbon monoxide following the haemolysis associated with babesiosis, results in the carboxyhaemoglobinaeroia observed in this study. The superimposition of carboxyhaemoglobinaemia on severe anaemia results in further compromise of the oxygen status of dogs with severe babesiosis, and probably plays a role in the pathogenesis of the hypoxic tissue damage associated with this condition.
Population Growth and Economic Development in Bangladesh: Revisited Malthus
Authors: Chowdhury Md Niaz Murshed , Hossain Md. Mobarak
Published: April 2020

Bangladesh is the 2nd largest growing economy in the world in 2016 with 7.1% GDP growth. This study undertakes an econometric analysis to examine the relationship between population growth and economic development. This result indicates population growth adversely related to per capita GDP growth, which means rapid population growth, is a real problem for the development of Bangladesh. Malthus’s prediction is that population increases so rapidly and outstrip the food supply due to the operation of the law of diminishing return, which is proven wrong because of technological improvement, human capital development and so on in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has reduced its population growth by about 67% between 1979 and 2017 using different preventive checks suggested by Malthus and Mill. Bangladesh has been suffering from environmental degradation, loss of arable land, loos of agricultural land biodiversity loss and deforestation.  As a consequence, the climate has changed dramatically, and species are in danger and extinction. Bangladesh Economy is growing with improving living standard at the cost of environmental degradation.
A Literature Review on the Imidazole
Authors: Shallal Muhammed  Abdel Hasan
Published: April 2020

This review  gives  some  information  about  imidazole  ring  as a ( ligand , complex , antimicrobial , antimalarial , anticancer , uses , applications , linked   with  active  groups  such  as  Schiff  base , azo  group , ..).
Finding Shortest Path for Road Network Using Dijkstra’s Algorithm
Authors: Alam Md. Almash , Faruq Md. Omar
Published: April 2020

Roads play a Major role to the people live in various states, cities, town and villages, from each and every day they travel to work, to schools, to business meetings, and to transport their goods. Even in this modern era whole world used roads, remain one of the most useful mediums used most frequently for transportation and travel. The manipulation of shortest paths between various locations appears to be a major problem in the road networks. The large range of applications and product was introduced to solve or overcome the difficulties by developing different shortest path algorithms. Even now the problem still exists to find the shortest path for road networks. Shortest Path problems are inevitable in road network applications such as city emergency handling and drive guiding system. Basic concepts of network analysis in connection with traffic issues are explored. The traffic condition among a city changes from time to time and there are usually huge amounts of requests occur, it needs to find the solution quickly. The above problems can be rectified through shortest paths by using the Dijkstra’s Algorithm. The main objective is the low cost of the implementation. The shortest path problem is to find a path between two vertices (nodes) on a given graph, such that the sum of the weights on its constituent edges is minimized. This problem has been intensively investigated over years, due to its extensive applications in graph theory, artificial intelligence, computer network and the design of transportation systems. The classic Dijkstra’s algorithm was designed to solve the single source shortest path problem for a static graph. It works starting from the source node and calculating the shortest path on the whole network. Noting that an upper bound of the distance between two nodes can be evaluated in advance on the given transportation network.
Socio-Economic Assessment of Religious Tourism in Nigeria
Authors: O. Okon Emmanuel
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to examine the socio-economic impact of religious tourism in Nigeria. Data for this study are from secondary sources and it covers 2000-2011. The technique of content analysis was used to analyze the contents of these materials. The paper reveals that the springing up of different Pentecostal Churches across the country and the various conventions and festivals being held annually and quarterly by this churches have virtually increase the numbers of arrivals from overseas countries who visit the country to attend various religious programs. This has generated employment for the inhabitants of the areas; religious tourism has become the highest earner of foreign exchange for the country's tourism industry even though tourism industry is still in embryonic stages and has not yet assumed a significant position in Nigeria’s GDP pie. This paper recommends that the hospitality industry should upgrade existing facilities while the government should construct or upgrade to international standards roads leading to major cities and rural areas and needs to provide basic amenities in tourism destinations. At the local government level, inventory of all tourist sites and festivals in different localities should be published so as to bring these tourist sites into limelight. All religious communities must educate their clergy on the need for religious harmony and the toleration of other faiths.
O programa eleitoral em um plebiscito de divisão do estado do Pará e o uso do discurso patriótico para a construção simbólica do território e dos agentes envolvidos
Authors: Borges Júnior Carlos
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho discute a construção do discurso patriótico na representação do território e dos agentes dominantes em um programa eleitoral da campanha dos plebiscitos de divisão do estado do Pará. O programa foi exibido durante o Horário Eleitoral Gratuito de televisão, no ano de 2011. O estudo é alicerçado na teoria da Análise Crítica de Gêneros (BONINI, 2011, 2013 ), que enfoca  os gêneros em termos de sua participação na configuração da realidade social e seu papel na manutenção de relações de poder assimétricas no contexto das práticas sociais. A abordagem também se vale dos aportes teóricos e metodológicos da Análise Crítica do Discurso, com base nos estudos de Fairclough (2008) e Chouliaraki e Fairclough (1999). Os resultados da análise evidenciam: o uso da identidade paraense tradicional e hegemônica para o alinhamento à posição não favorável à separação, somando-se ao elemento patriótico também o discurso do medo, o discurso militante e o discurso de usurpação. Ao cidadão pró-separação, é atribuída a imagem do “outro”, do “separatista”, em oposição a um “nós/a gente”, defensores do “Pará por inteiro”.
The impact of regional climate model formulation and resolution on simulated precipitation in Africa
Authors: Wu Minchao , Nikulin Grigory , Kjellström Erik , Belušić Danijel , Jones Colin , Lindstedt David
Published: April 2020

Abstract. We investigate the impact of model formulation and horizontal resolution on
the ability of Regional Climate Models (RCMs) to simulate precipitation in
Africa. Two RCMs (SMHI-RCA4 and HCLIM38-ALADIN) are utilized for downscaling
the ERA-Interim reanalysis over Africa at four different resolutions: 25,
50, 100, and 200 km. In addition to the two RCMs, two different parameter
settings (configurations) of the same RCA4 are used. By contrasting
different downscaling experiments, it is found that model formulation has
the primary control over many aspects of the precipitation climatology in
Africa. Patterns of spatial biases in seasonal mean precipitation are mostly
defined by model formulation, while the magnitude of the biases is controlled
by resolution. In a similar way, the phase of the diurnal cycle in
precipitation is completely controlled by model formulation (convection
scheme), while its amplitude is a function of resolution. However, the impact
of higher resolution on the time-mean climate is mixed. An improvement in
one region/season (e.g. reduction in dry biases) often corresponds to a
deterioration in another region/season (e.g. amplification of wet biases).
At the same time, higher resolution leads to a more realistic distribution
of daily precipitation. Consequently, even if the time-mean climate is not
always greatly sensitive to resolution, the realism of the simulated
precipitation increases as resolution increases. Our results show that
improvements in the ability of RCMs to simulate precipitation in Africa
compared to their driving reanalysis in many cases are simply related to
model formulation and not necessarily to higher resolution. Such model
formulation related improvements are strongly model dependent and can, in
general, not be considered as an added value of downscaling.
Two new genera of gymnopoid/marasmioid euagarics
Authors: Petersen Ronald H. , Hughes Karen W.
Published: April 2020

Two new genera, Paramycetinis and Pseudomarasmius, are placed phylogenetically within the /omphalotaceae among genera allied with Gymnopus . Paramycetinis comprises two Antipodal taxa related to Mycetinis. Both Paramycetinis species are characterized
by luxuriant rhizomorphs, with basidiomata arising occasionally as side branches but also separately from rhizomorphs. Pseudomarasmius accommodates four new species plus four others previously placed in Marasmius . Pseudomarasmius encompasses significant basidiomatal variation,
but nrLSU- and ITS-based phylogenies support its taxa in a monophyletic clade that occupies a position related to some Rhodocollybia. All Pseudomarasmius and Paramycetinis species are described (or redescribed) and illustrated. Both genera exhibit characters also found
in other superficially similar lineages, making non-molecular based diagnoses of genera in the /gymnopus/marasmiellus clades difficult.
Agaricus, Steccherinum, and Typhula species new for Turkey
Authors: Işik Hakan
Published: April 2020

Basidiomycetes collected from Tokat and Yozgat provinces during field trips during 2012–18—identified as Agaricus dulcidulus ( Agaricaceae), Steccherinum oreophilum (Meruliaceae), and Typhula erythropus (Typhulaceae)—were
recorded for the first time for the Turkish mycota. Short descriptions, illustrations, GPS coordinates, and comparisons with similar taxa are provided.
Pasture characteristics and productive performance of dairy cows under two grazing management strategies
Authors: Fernandes Alberto Magno , Oliveira Tadeu Silva , Jordão Alisson Rodrigues , Paciullo Domingos Sávio Campos , Baffa Danielle Ferreira , Camilo Michele Gabriel
Published: April 2020

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supply, morphological and chemical composition of forage, performance and milk composition of crossbred cows managed in Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania in intermittent grazing system with fixed and variable defoliation intervals according to the interception of 95% of photosynthetically active radiation by the canopy. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and two area replications. In each grazing cycle the supply, morphological composition, forage nutritive value, dry matter intake, milk production and composition were determined. The experimental area was 4.0 hectares, divided into two blocks of 2 hectares. Each block was subdivided into 22 pickets (11 for each treatment) totaling 44 pickets with an area of 909 m2 each. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for leaf blade content, in vitro digestibility of dry matter and forage crude protein, dry matter intake, individual and area milk production and lactose content milk, being the highest values found in the pastures managed with variable defoliation interval. Thus, the defoliation interval defined by the 95% interception of the photosynthetically luminosity leads to higher leaf blade proportions in the forage canopy, resulting in higher individual milk yield and per unit area, but with a loss of protein and total solids contents of milk.
Key locations for soybean genotype assessment in South Brazil region
Authors: Dalló Samuel Cristian , Zdziarski Andrei Daniel , Woyann Leomar Guilherme , Milioli Anderson Simionato , Zanella Rodrigo , Batti Vinícius de Bitencourt Bez , Benin Giovani
Published: April 2020

Mitigating the high costs of soybean breeding programs requires constant improvement of all the involved processes. Identifying representative and discriminating test locations, as well as excluding redundant and/or non-representative locations, makes it possible to select genotypes with more accuracy while reducing the costs of the multi-environment trials (MET). Therefore, this study had three objectives: to evaluate the representativeness and discriminating power of test locations; to identify similar test locations for each Edaphoclimatic Region (ECR) and locations that did not contribute to genotype evaluation; and to recommend the best locations for evaluating MET in order to reduce breeding program costs in the soybean macro regions 1 (M1) and 2 (M2). Grain yield (GY) data from ‘Value-for-Cultivation-and-Use’ (VCU) trials obtained during the 2012-2016 crop seasons were used, totaling 132 environments (location x year) and 43 genotypes. The experiments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Representative and discriminant locations were identified by GGL (genotype main effects plus genotype × location interaction) + GGE (genotype main effects plus genotype × environment interaction) analysis, using GGEbiplot software. Representative and discriminant locations were identified for each ECR and can be used as core locations for breeding programs. Similarly, locations that were not representative and discriminant, or that present redundancy in the results, should be excluded from or replaced in MET. The most recommended locations for conducting VCU trials in M1 are: Cachoeira do Sul (ECR 101); Ronda Alta, Passo Fundo, Santa Bárbara do Sul, and Ciríaco (ECR 102); and Castro (ECR 103). For M2, the most suitable locations are Rolândia, Marechal Cândido Rondon, Campo Mourão, Santa Terezinha de Itaipu, Palotina, Floresta, and Londrina (ECR 201); Naviraí (ECR 202); and Ponta Porã and Maracajú (ECR 204).
Energy efficiency and emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O in organic and conventional rice production
Authors: Guareschi Roni Fernandes , Martins Marcio dos Reis , Urquiaga Segundo , Alves Bruno José Rodrigues , Boddey Robert Michael , Sarkis Leonardo Fernandes
Published: April 2020

Rice is the second-most produced cereal worldwide and actively contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane, especially under deepwater production. Assessments of energy efficiency (EE) and GHG emissions can indicate the sustainability level of agrosystems and support decisions related to the reduction of production costs and environmental pollution. This study aimed to assess both EE and GHG emissions in organic and conventional rice production in the Southern region of Brazil. For this study, eight rice fields were evaluated. Energy inputs and outputs were calculated by multiplying the production input amounts by their respective calorific values or energy coefficients at each stage of production. EE was determined using the ratio between the total energy output and the total energy consumed during the production process. GHG emissions were estimated using the principles of the lifecycle assessment methodology in addition to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommendations. Each 1.0 MJ consumed during the production of organic and conventional rice produced renewable energy averages of 10.5 MJ and 7.90 MJ, respectively, as grains. The primary energy expenses for organic rice were represented by seeds, fuel, tractors, and agricultural machinery and implements, and those for conventional rice were seeds, fuel, and fertilizers. Each kilogram of organic and conventional rice produced accounted for the emission of 0.21 and 0.32 kg of CO2eq, respectively, during the production cycles and delivery to the warehouse, with seeds, fuel, and fertilizers being the main sources of CO2eq emissions to the atmosphere.
Precise Pulmonary Function Evaluation and Management of a Patient With Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome Associated With Recurrent Pneumonia and Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency
Authors: Park Jihyun , Kang Seong-Woong , Choi Won Ah , Lee Yewon , Cho Han Eol
Published: April 2020

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS) is a rare distal arthrogryposis syndrome. There are few reports on the respiratory insufficiency of FSS. Additionally, there is no detailed information on pulmonary functional evaluation. A 17-year-old male patient with FSS developed respiratory failure, leading him to be admitted to hospital several times for evaluation and treatment. Of those times he was admitted, two were due to pneumonia. His pulmonary functions were indicative of a restrictive lung disease potentially caused by severe scoliosis. After a non-invasive ventilatorwas applied correctly to the patient, pulmonary hypertension was normalized. His pulmonary function has been maintained for 13 years. Since receiving proper respiratory care, which includes assisted coughing methods, the patient has not developed pneumonia. It is important to properly evaluate the pulmonary function of patients who have FSS and scoliosis to eliminate the risk of long-term respiratory complications.
Finse wolvenjacht: deur op een kier voor ‘ecodictie’ in het Europese natuurbeschermingsrecht?
Authors: Fleurke F.M. , Trouwborst A.
Published: April 2020

Finse wolvenjacht: deur op een kier voor ‘ecodictie’ in het Europese natuurbeschermingsrecht?

In een arrest over het Finse vergunningsbeleid voor de jacht op wolven geeft het Hof van Justitie uitleg over de betekenis en reikwijdte van een aantal omstreden bepalingen van de Habitatrichtlijn. De twee belangrijkste vragen betreffen (a) of het toegestaan is om vergunning voor jacht te verlenen om meer acceptatie voor grote roofdieren te bewerkstelligen bij de lokale bevolking en (b) op welk bestuursniveau (lokaal, nationaal, biografisch, grensoverschrijdend) de zogenoemde eis van ‘gunstige staat van instandhouding’ voor beschermde soorten moet worden bereikt. Daarnaast benadrukt het Hof van Justitie net als in andere recente arresten het belang van wetenschappelijk bewijs en de prominente rol van het voorzorgbeginsel. Met de vestiging van het eerste Nederlandse wolvenroedel in eeuwen kan de eerste vraag ook zeker relevant geworden voor Nederland. Het antwoord op de tweede vraag is voor Nederland – met zijn gefragmenteerde grondgebied en vele kleine populaties beschermde soorten – zelfs van fundamenteel belang. Het Hof van Justitie geeft meer duidelijkheid maar laat tegelijkertijd nog wel vragen open.

HvJ 10 oktober 2019, zaak C-674/17, ECLI:EU:C:2019:851 (Luonnonsuojeluyhdistys Tapiola)
Discipline Policies and Preschool Special Education Students' Personal-Social Skills
Authors: Tamagni Amanda L. , Wilson Andrea M.
Published: April 2020

Preschool special education students’ lack of personal–social skills is affecting their kindergarten readiness and placing them at risk for exposure to school discipline in a large school district in the Southeastern United States. The purpose of this quantitative investigation was to examine the relationship between the quality of school discipline policies and personal–social skills of preschool special education students within the focus district. Data collection included archived personal–social skills scores, as measured by the Battelle Developmental Inventory–2 (BDI-2), of 354 preschool special education students. Four trained educators rated the effectiveness of the schools’ discipline policies using the Teaching and Guidance Policy Essentials Checklist (TAGPEC). Preschool special education students’ personal–social skills were measured using the BDI-2, and discipline policies were measured using the TAGPEC. Findings from simple linear regression analysis indicated no significant relationship between the TAGPEC ratings and students’ BDI-2 scores. The personal–social skills for students in Title I and non-Title I schools (n = 96 students per group) were compared while controlling for TAGPEC ratings, but results showed no statistically significant differences. The average quality of the discipline policies was rated as inadequate overall. A policy recommendation was developed to encourage effective discipline policies and create a supportive school environment to promote positive social behaviors of all students, including the youngest and most vulnerable.
Can small drugs predict the intrinsic aqueous solubility of ‘beyond Rule of 5’ big drugs?
Authors: Avdeef Alex , Kansy Manfred
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to explore to what extent small molecules (mostly from the Rule of 5 chemical space) can be used to predict the intrinsic aqueous solubility, S0, of big molecules from beyond the Rule of 5 (bRo5) space. It was demonstrated that the General Solubility Equation (GSE) and the Abraham Solvation Equation (ABSOLV) underpredict solubility in systematic but slightly ways. The Random Forest regression (RFR) method predicts solubility more accurately, albeit in the manner of a ‘black box.’ It was discovered that the GSE improves considerably in the case of big molecules when the coefficient of the log P term (octanol-water partition coefficient) in the equation is set to -0.4 instead of the traditional -1 value. The traditional GSE underpredicts solubility for molecules with experimental S0 < 50 µM. In contrast, the ABSOLV equation (trained with small molecules) underpredicts the solubility of big molecules in all cases tested. It was found that the errors in the ABSOLV-predicted solubilities of big molecules correlate linearly with the number of rotatable bonds, which suggests that flexibility may be an important factor in differentiating solubility of small from big molecules. Notably, most of the 31 big molecules considered have negative enthalpy of solution: these big molecules become less soluble with increasing temperature, which is compatible with ‘molecular chameleon’ behavior associated with intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The X‑ray structures of many of these molecules reveal void spaces in their crystal lattices large enough to accommodate many water molecules when such solids are in contact with aqueous media. The water sorbed into crystals suspended in aqueous solution may enhance solubility by way of intra-lattice solute-water interactions involving the numerous H‑bond acceptors in the big molecules studied. A ‘Solubility Enhancement–Big Molecules’ index was defined, which embodies many of the above findings.
Correlates of Perceptions of Bullying at School among First Nations Youth Living Off Reserve
Authors: Arim Rubab G. , Bougie Evelyne , Kohen Dafna E.
Published: April 2020

This study described perceptions of bullying as a school characteristic and associations with school, academic, and health characteristics among a representative sample of First Nations high school students living off reserve in Canada using data from the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey. Almost 4 in 10 of First Nations youth living off reserve perceived bullying as a problem at their schools. A perceived climate of bullying co-occurred with other negative school climate characteristics such as racism, violence, and the presence of alcohol and drugs. First Nations youth living off reserve who perceived bullying as a problem at school reported higher psychological distress and a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, even after controlling for the effects of youth sex, age, and household income. These findings highlight the need to focus on school characteristics as perceived by youth to improve school climate and youth health.
Risk of Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder After Early Exposure to General Anesthesia; A Case Control Study
Authors: Sedighnejad Abbas , Soltanipour Soheil , Saberi Alia , Kousha Maryam , Bidabadi Elham , Biazar Gelareh , Naderi Novin
Published: April 2020

Background: Over the past decade, following the discovery that developing brain of immature animals was affected by anesthetic agents, the safety of general anesthesia (GA) in early life has been questioned. Objectives: We investigated the association between anesthesia exposure in children and ADHD development. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at pediatric psychology clinic of our institution and a pediatric neurology private clinic during 2019. Firstly the responsible resident of anesthesiology separated new ADHD cases. Then a questionnaire was filled out through an almost 10 minute’s telephone interview. Finally, frequency distribution of GA was compared between ADHD cases and controls. Results: Finally, the data from 210 children were analyzed. Among 105 ADHD cases, 19% had a history of a procedure requiring GA while it was 3.8% in control group. Comparing the two groups a significant difference was observed regarding the age of receiving GA (P = 0.004), gender (P < 0.001), the history of receiving GA (P = 0.001) and the number of anesthesia exposures (P = 0.001). According to logistic regression analysis, male gender (P = 0.001) OR 3.11 (95CI = 1.63 - 5.93) and age (P = 0.003) OR 0.92 (95CI = 0.87 - 0.97) were significant predictors of early exposure to GA and ADHD development. Conclusions: It was revealed that early exposure to GA might be a risk factor for later developing ADHD. Boys might be more sensitive to the long term adverse effects of anesthetic agents than girls. Further prospective well-planned studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Development of mass production hatchery technology for the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus
Authors: Jones Clive , Valverde Colin
Published: April 2020

Aquaculture production of redclaw Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) in Australia, has never reached the high level projections made in the 1990’s (Jones and Ruscoe 1996). This can be attributed to a range of factors, but the most significant is the supply of seedstock. Although redclaw is advantaged by its uncomplicated reproductive biology with no free-living larval stages, reliance on natural reproduction to generate juveniles for growout purposes is inefficient. An alternative approach involves the artificial incubation of fertilized eggs to improve both quality and quantity of juveniles produced. Suitable technology for such incubation was developed in Europe to support the on-going efforts to produce crayfish plague free juveniles for restocking to natural water bodies. This technology has now been adapted to suit redclaw and for the purpose of mass production of seed crayfish for aquaculture. This paper details the development of the AquaVerde hatchery system, and the challenges to see it develop into fully commercial production, that could support expansion of the redclaw farming industry, both in Australia and elsewhere in the world.
Eight years of freshwater crayfish (Paranephrops zealandicus (White)) harvest from one New Zealand pond: Comments on the resulting population structure
Authors: Hollows John. , Song Thomas , Kyla Callum
Published: April 2020

A 100 m2 forestry pond was stocked with 65 crayfish (Paranephrops zealandicus (White, 1847)), weighing approximately 35 g, in 2010. Sampling was undertaken at the end of each growing season (March - April) from 2012 to 2019. All crayfish > 45 g were harvested from the population; from 2015 between 1.84 kg and 3.65 kg of crayfish < 45 g were harvested (11 to 24% of the < 45 g population). In 2014, refuge (Cytisus scoparius) for the crayfish was added to the pond. The following year there was a noticeable increase in crayfish biomass, particularly those 45 g or less. In 2018, eight kg of lime was added to the pond. This did not greatly change the pH or calcium in the pond water when measured 10 months later, but there was a corresponding increase in total biomass and biomass of crayfish > 45 g. Crayfish biomass ranged from 2.76 kg (2012) to 17.71 kg (2017). Harvests of crayfish > 45 g ranged from 1.1 kg (2012) to 3.98 kg (2019) and for crayfish < 45 g from 1.84 kg (2018) to 3.65 kg (2016). Our findings suggest that habitat modification and harvesting a range of crayfish size classes can increase total biomass, but not necessarily the biomass of larger crayfish.
A review of juvenile redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1898) aquaculture: global production practices and innovation
Authors: Rigg Damian P. , Saymour Jamie E. , Courtney Robert L. , Jones Clive M.
Published: April 2020

The Australian Redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, has been the subject of aquaculture development for more than 3 decades. Farm production from Australia and from around the world for this species has been relatively low, as suitable production technology continues to develop. The production of redclaw juveniles for the purpose of stocking to ponds for on-growing to marketable size, has been a particular constraint and new approaches to breeding and mass production of craylings have provided renewed impetus to industry expansion. This paper reviews the literature concerning redclaw juvenile production and provides a status report of current practices and innovations that may support further expansion of redclaw aquaculture.
Prevalence of the crayfish plague,Aphanomyces astaciSchikora, in alien crayfish species in Japan
Authors: Kamimura Kensuke , Kawai Tadashi
Published: April 2020

Crayfish plague is a severe disease of crayfish that is caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci. Two crayfish hosts of this parasite, Procambarus clarkii and Pacifastacus leniusculus, were imported from North America into Japan and were found to be infected with this parasite. Since the endemic Japanese crayfish, Cambaroides japonicus, has a low resistance to the crayfish plague, infection with this parasite will likely lead to crayfish death. Specimens of both invasive crayfish species were collected across Japan and their infection status was examined using a PCR technique. Aphanomyces astaci was detected in all localities and the average infection prevalence was 67%. Additionally, when the signs of melanization were compared with the results from PCR analyses, it suggested that the DNA detection procedure is more reliable than observation of tissue melanization. Moreover, the relationship between prevalence and water temperature in the field was analyzed, indicated that water temperature influenced the prevalence of A. astaci infection.
Preliminary investigation of the critically imperiled Caney Mountain cave crayfishOrconectes stygocaneyi(Hobbs III, 2001) (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Missouri, USA
Authors: DiStefano Robert J. , Ashley David , Brewer Shannon K. , Mouser Joshua B. , Niemiller Matthew
Published: April 2020

The Caney Mountain cave crayfish (Orconectes stygocaneyi) is one of North America’s rarest crayfish, endemic to one cave in southern Missouri, USA. The species is listed as “critically imperiled” by Missouri, and “threatened” by the American Fisheries Society. Previously, only 15 crayfish have been observed in Mud Cave, and only two have been collected (for original species description). We aimed to collect the first natural history data on the species and search adjacent caves and springs for additional populations. Twelve visual searches and supplemental trapping over four years, in all seasons, yielded 69 O. stygocaneyi (including 11 young-of-year) observations and capture of 22 crayfish, including one ovigerous female. Visual searches of nearby caves and springs yielded no O. stygocaneyi records. However, multiple surveys of those caves and springs, using environmental DNA detected the species in one additional cave adjacent to Mud Cave, but only during spring high flow events when the caves may be ephemerally connected. Orconectes stygocaneyi’s distribution is among the most restricted of any North American crayfish, and further evaluation of its conservation status designations might be warranted. Long term conservation of O. stygocaeyi would benefit from management practices promoting sustained, unimpacted surface runoff within Mud Cave’s recharge area.
Gastric mill age estimates for ringed crayfish Faxonius neglectus neglectus (Faxon) and the influence of temperature on band formation
Authors: Mouser Joshua B. , Glover Jason , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: April 2020

Counting bands via the gastric mill is a potential direct approach for ageing crayfish; however, the validity of ageing crustaceans using the gastric mill is unknown. Our study objectives were to 1) compare gastric mill age estimates to a traditional aging technique, 2) compare ageing precision among the ossicles, and 3) examine the effects of temperature on gastric mill band formation. From 2017–2018, we collected 681 ringed crayfish Faxonius neglectus neglectus (Faxon) from ten Ozark Highland streams. Our length-frequency analysis reflected seven age classes, whereas gastric mill age estimates indicated individuals were up to 10 yr of age. The length-frequency analysis age estimates showed good congruence (± 1 yr) with age estimates from the gastric mill 78% of the time. The coefficient of variation (CV) of age estimates from gastric mill bands between our readers was 29.7%. Ageing precision was highest when using the zygocardiac ossicles (CV = 12.4%). Gastric mill age estimates for known age-1 crayfish from a thermally stable laboratory were not significantly different from one, whereas age estimates from a thermally varying laboratory were greater than one. Our results indicate molting frequency does not control gastric mill band formation, and temperature plays a role in band formation.
The annual flood pulse mediates crayfish as a major diet constituent of carnivorous fishes in south Louisiana
Authors: Bonvillain Christopher P. , Fontenot Quenton C.
Published: April 2020

Anthropogenic modifications to river-floodplain systems can decouple floodplains from mainstem inputs, alter flood pulse dynamics, and disrupt population dynamics and trophic web stability of aquatic biota. The Atchafalaya River Basin (ARB) receives an annual flood pulse from the Mississippi River that contributes to high crayfish abundance. Conversely, reduced crayfish abundance in the Barataria Basin (BB) is attributed to the system no longer receiving an annual flood pulse from the Mississippi River. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine if the absence of an annual flood pulse and reduced crayfish abundance influenced the diets of carnivorous fishes by examining stomach contents of fishes from both basins. Stomach contents were grouped as crayfish, fish, non-crayfish invertebrate, and herpetological. Although the percent occurrence of crayfish in fish stomachs differed between floodplain inundation and low-water periods in the ARB, crayfish were still the major diet constituent of ARB fishes during both periods. Non-crayfish invertebrate was the major diet constituent in BB fishes, with crayfish ranking as the second fewest diet constituent present. Our results demonstrate how flood pulse dynamics influence crayfish, and ultimately trophic webs, in large river-floodplain systems.
The spatial distribution ofAphanomyces astacigenotypes across Europe: introducing the first data from Ukraine
Authors: Ungureanu Elena , MojŽiŠovÁ Michaela , Tangerman Michiel , Ion Mihaela C. , Parvulescu Lucian , Petrusek Adam
Published: April 2020

Aphanomyces astaci is the causative agent of crayfish plague, a disease responsible for numerous mass mortalities of native crayfish across Europe. In this study, we aim to extend knowledge about the A. astaci distribution in Eastern Europe, with specific focus on the River Dnieper (Ukraine), and summarize presently available information about the distribution of genotypes of this pathogen across the Western Palaearctic. We compiled published records about genotype groups of A. astaci, assembled them to a comprehensive map, and added the newly obtained results from Ukraine. The native narrow-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus was sampled from the river Dnieper in Svydivok and Kiev, ca 170 km apart, and screened for the pathogen presence in soft cuticles by quantitative PCR. We confirmed infections by A. astaci at both sites, with prevalence exceeding 30% and low to medium agent levels in infected crayfish. Pathogen genotyping confirmed the presence of the A. astaci haplogroup B, associated with the signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus but also known from some chronically infected narrowclawed crayfish from Turkey and Moldova. Our results support the notion that latent A. astaci infections among narrow-clawed crayfish populations may be widespread in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
A description of postembryonic development of Astacus astacus and Pontastacus leptodactylus
Authors: Kawai Tadashi , Kouba Antonín
Published: April 2020

Morphology in general and developmental morphology in particular provide us with an insight into the evolution, phylogeny, ecological features, behavior, and life cycle of organisms. The present study describes the external morphology of the first three postembryonic developmental stages (Stage 1­3) of two prominent European crayfish species, the noble crayfish Astacus astacus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the narrow­clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823). External morphology and setation of appendages are similar, presence of re­curved tips for cheliped in Stage I and then the tip lost in Stage 2, long plumose setae on the telson in Stage 2 and then the setae disappearance in Stage 3 accompanied with the fully developed tail fan. The number of segments on antennal flagella differs between the species in Stage I and Stage II. Observed findings on early postembryonic development are consistent between European and North American (Pacifastacus sp.) astacid species, but differ in certain aspects from other crayfish families.
Association of AdipoQ gene variation (rs1501299) and oxidative stress with cardiovascular disease in North West Indian population of Punjabi women
Authors: Amrita Jyot , Mahajan Mridula , Bhanwer A.J.S. , Matharoo Kawaljit
Published: April 2020

Background: Till to date whether adiponectin AdipoQ gene variation (rs 1501299) is associated with cardiovascular disease, still remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to relate the SNP (rs1501299) of adiponectin gene and oxidative stress in context to CVD in Punjabi women of North West India. Methods: In the present case-control study menopausal women with CVD as cases (n=265) and menopausal women without CVD as controls (n=258) were recruited. Genotyping of rs1501299 single nucleotide polymorphism of adiponectin gene was carried out by RFLP-PCR analysis. Biochemical parameters were analyzed according to the standard procedures. Results: Distribution of homozygous TT genotype of normolipidemic (p=0.001) and hyperlipidemic (p=0.001) women with CVD was significantly more frequent as compared to women without CVD. rs1501299 T allele carriers with CVD also showed significant (p=0.001) higher frequency distribution as compared to women without CVD. Under recessive model of inheritance TT mutant type homozygotes conferred 9 fold higher risk p=0.001; OR= 9.60 (2.92-31.58) towards CVD susceptibility for MDA>1.50; 11 fold higher risk p=0.007; OR= 11.11 (1.49-82.83) towards CVD for LDL carbonyl protein>15.04 and 9 fold higher risk p=0.001; OR= 9.75 (2.30-41.22) towards CVD susceptibility for SOD≤5.55. Under logistic regression analysis oxidative stress and TT genotype were significantly correlated with CVD. Conclusions: Our study revealed significant association of AdipoQ (rs1501299) gene polymorphism and oxidative stress with cardiovascular disease in Punjabi women of North West India. However, additional studies are required to support these findings.
The predictive value of PRDM2 in solid tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tanadi Caroline , Bambang Alfredo , Wendi Indra Putra , Sidharta Veronika M. , Hananta Linawati , Sumarpo Anton
Published: April 2020

Background

Many studies have reported the presence of Positive Regulatory/Su(var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zeste and Trithorax Domain 2 (PRDM2) downregulation in cancer. However, its potential as a diagnostic biomarker is still unclear. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to address this issue.

Introduction

As of 2018, cancer has become the second leading cause of death worldwide. Thus, cancer control is exceptionally vital in reducing mortality. One such example is through early diagnosis of cancer using tumor biomarkers. Having a function as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG), PRDM2 has been linked with carcinogenesis in several solid tumor. This study aims to assess the relationship between PRDM2 downregulation and solid tumor, its relationship with clinicopathological data, and its potential as a diagnostic biomarker. This study also aims to evaluate the quality of the studies, data reliability and confidence in cumulative evidence.

Materials & Methods

A protocol of this study is registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the following registration number: CRD42019132156. PRISMA was used as a guideline to conduct this review. A comprehensive electronic search was performed from inception to June 2019 in Pubmed, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, EBSCO and ScienceDirect. Studies were screened and included studies were identified based on the criteria made. Finally, data synthesis and quality assessment were conducted.

Results

There is a significant relationship between PRDM2 downregulation with solid tumor (RR 4.29, 95% CI [2.58–7.13], P < 0.00001). The overall sensitivity and specificity of PRDM2 downregulation in solid tumors is 84% (95% CI [39–98%]) and 86% (95% CI [71–94%]), respectively. There is a low risk of bias for the studies used. TSA results suggested the presence of marked imprecision. The overall quality of evidence for this study is very low.

Discussion

We present the first meta-analysis that investigated the potential of PRDM2 downregulation as a diagnostic biomarker in solid tumor. In line with previous studies, our results demonstrated that PRDM2 downregulation occurs in solid tumor. A major source of limitation in this study is the small number of studies.

Conclusions

Our review suggested that PRDM2 is downregulated in solid tumor. The relationship between PRDM2 downregulation and clinicopathological data is still inconclusive. Although the sensitivity and specificity of PRDM2 downregulation are imprecise, its high values, in addition to the evidence that suggested PRDM2 downregulation in solid tumor, hinted that it might still have a potential to be used as a diagnostic biomarker. In order to further strengthen these findings, more research regarding PRDM2 in solid tumors are encouraged.
A non-linear reverse-engineering method for inferring genetic regulatory networks
Authors: Wu Siyuan , Cui Tiangang , Zhang Xinan , Tian Tianhai
Published: April 2020

Hematopoiesis is a highly complex developmental process that produces various types of blood cells. This process is regulated by different genetic networks that control the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Although substantial progress has been made for understanding hematopoiesis, the detailed regulatory mechanisms for the fate determination of HSCs are still unraveled. In this study, we propose a novel approach to infer the detailed regulatory mechanisms. This work is designed to develop a mathematical framework that is able to realize nonlinear gene expression dynamics accurately. In particular, we intended to investigate the effect of possible protein heterodimers and/or synergistic effect in genetic regulation. This approach includes the Extended Forward Search Algorithm to infer network structure (top-down approach) and a non-linear mathematical model to infer dynamical property (bottom-up approach). Based on the published experimental data, we study two regulatory networks of 11 genes for regulating the erythrocyte differentiation pathway and the neutrophil differentiation pathway. The proposed algorithm is first applied to predict the network topologies among 11 genes and 55 non-linear terms which may be for heterodimers and/or synergistic effect. Then, the unknown model parameters are estimated by fitting simulations to the expression data of two different differentiation pathways. In addition, the edge deletion test is conducted to remove possible insignificant regulations from the inferred networks. Furthermore, the robustness property of the mathematical model is employed as an additional criterion to choose better network reconstruction results. Our simulation results successfully realized experimental data for two different differentiation pathways, which suggests that the proposed approach is an effective method to infer the topological structure and dynamic property of genetic regulations.