bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participation of a Chloride Conductance in the Subthreshold Behavior of the Rat Sympathetic Neuron
Authors: Sacchi Oscar , Rossi Maria Lisa , Canella Rita , Fesce Riccardo
Published: December 2017

The presence of a novel voltage-dependent chloride current, active in the subthreshold range of membrane potential, was detected in the mature and intact rat sympathetic neuron in vitro by using the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Hyperpolarizing voltage steps applied to a neuron held at −40/−50 mV elicited inward currents, whose initial magnitude displayed a linear instantaneous current-voltage ( I-V) relationship; afterward, the currents decayed exponentially with a single voltage-dependent time constant (63.5 s at −40 mV; 10.8 s at −130 mV). The cell input conductance decreased during the command step with the same time course as the current. On returning to the holding potential, the ensuing outward currents were accompanied by a slow increase in input conductance toward the initial values; the inward charge movement during the transient onresponse (a mean of 76 nC in 8 neurons stepped from −50 to −90 mV) was completely balanced by outward charge displacement during theoff response. The chloride movements accompanying voltage modifications were studied by estimating the chloride equilibrium potential ( E Cl) at different holding potentials from the reversal of GABA evoked currents. [Cl−]i was strongly affected by membrane potential, and at steady state it was systematically higher than expected from passive ion distribution. The transient current was blocked by substitution of isethionate for chloride and by Cl− channel blockers (9AC and DIDS). It proved insensitive to K+ channel blockers, external Cd2+, intracellular Ca2+ chelators [bis-( o-aminophenoxy)- N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA)] and reduction of [Na+]e. It is concluded that membrane potential shifts elicit a chloride current that reflects readjustment of [Cl−]i. The cell input conductance was measured over the −40/−120-mV voltage range, in control medium, and under conditions in which either the chloride or the potassium current was blocked. A mix of chloride, potassium, and leakage conductances was detected at all potentials. The leakage component was voltage independent and constant at ∼14 nS. Conversely, gCl decreased with hyperpolarization (80 nS at −40 mV, undetectable below −110 mV), whereas gK displayed a maximum at −80 mV (55.3 nS). Thus the ratio gCl/gK continuously varied with membrane polarization (2.72 at −50 mV; 0.33 at −110 mV). These data were forced in a model of the three current components here described, which accurately simulates the behavior observed in the “resting” neuron during membrane migrations in the subthreshold potential range, thereby confirming that active K and Cl conductances contribute to the genesis of membrane potential and possibly to the control of neuronal excitability.
Shift in Smooth Pursuit Initiation and MT and MST Neuronal Activity Under Different Stimulus Conditions
Authors: Recanzone Gregg H. , Wurtz Robert H.
Published: December 2017

The activity of neurons in extrastriate middle temporal (MT) and medial superior temporal (MST) areas were studied during the initiation of pursuit eye movements in macaque monkeys. The intersecting motion of two stimuli was used to test hypotheses about how these direction- and speed-sensitive neurons contribute to the generation of pursuit. The amplitude and direction of the initial saccade to the target and the initial speed and direction of pursuit were best predicted by a vector-average model of the underlying neuronal activity with relatively short time and spatial separation before a visual pursuit target and a distracter stimulus crossed in the visual field. The resulting eye movements were best described by a winner-take-all model when the time and spatial separation between the two stimuli was increased before the stimuli crossed. Neurons in MT and MST also shifted their activity from that best described by a vector average to a winner-take-all model under the same stimulus conditions. The changes in activity of neurons in both areas were generally similar to each other during these changes in pursuit initiation. Thus a slight alteration in the target motion produced a concurrent shift in both the neuronal processing and the movement execution. We propose that the differences in the oculomotor behavior can be accounted for by shifts in the overlap of active neuronal populations within MT and MST.
Modulation of Jellyfish Potassium Channels by External Potassium Ions
Authors: Grigoriev Nikita G. , Spafford J. David , Spencer Andrew N.
Published: December 2017

The amplitude of an A-like potassium current ( IKfast) in identified cultured motor neurons isolated from the jellyfish Polyorchis penicillatus was found to be strongly modulated by extracellular potassium ([K+]out). When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, two jellyfish Shaker-like genes, jShak1 and jShak2, coding for potassium channels, exhibited similar modulation by [K+]outover a range of concentrations from 0 to 100 mM. jShak2-encoded channels also showed a decreased rate of inactivation and an increased rate of recovery from inactivation at high [K+]out. Using site-directed mutagenesis we show that inactivation of jShak2 can be ascribed to an unusual combination of a weak “implicit” N-type inactivation mechanism and a strong, fast, potassium-sensitive C-type mechanism. Interaction between the two forms of inactivation is responsible for the potassium dependence of cumulative inactivation. Inactivation of jShak1 was determined primarily by a strong “ball and chain” mechanism similar to fruit fly Shaker channels. Experiments using fast perfusion of outside-out patches with jShak2 channels were used to establish that the effects of [K+]outon the peak current amplitude and inactivation were due to processes occurring at either different sites located at the external channel mouth with different retention times for potassium ions, or at the same site(s) where retention time is determined by state-dependent conformations of the channel protein. The possible physiological implications of potassium sensitivity of high-threshold potassium A-like currents is discussed.
Rhythmically Firing Neostriatal Neurons in Monkey: Activity Patterns During Reaction-Time Hand Movements
Authors: Lebedev M. A. , Nelson R. J.
Published: December 2017

While previous studies have identified rhythmically firing neurons (RFNs) in monkey neostriatum and these rhythmic firing patterns have been shown to evolve in neostriatal tonically active neurons (TANs) after dopamine input depletion, the activity patterns of RFNs during motor behavior are still far from completely understood. We examined the single-unit activity patterns of neostriatal neurons, recorded in awake behaving monkeys during a wrist movement task, for evidence of rhythmic activity. Monkeys made ballistic wrist flexion and extension movements in response to vibrotactile cues. Animals held a steady wrist position for 0.5 to 2.0 s while awaiting the onset of the go-cues (hold period). Although the majority of neostriatal neurons (274/306) did not fire rhythmically, approximately 10% of the neurons (32/306) fired rhythmically at 10–50 Hz during the hold period. Most RFNs (28/32) showed significant activity changes during the time between go-cue presentation and movement onset (premovement activity). One-half of RFNs exhibited premovement activity that differed as a function of movement direction. Only one RFN may have responded to the delivery of a fruit juice reward. Neuronal firing was analyzed using interspike interval distributions, autocorrelations, and serial correlation techniques. These analyses showed that the activity patterns of most RFNs were consistent with an integrate-and-fire model of neuronal rhythm generation. Changes in RFN activity patterns during the premovement interval and intertrial variations in firing frequency could be explained by changes in the general level of excitatory input. These observations are consistent with the firing properties reported for neostriatal cholinergic interneurons. It has been suggested that tonically active neurons may be cholinergic interneurons and that these neurons show changes in activity related to specific aspects of behavioral paradigms, such as rewards. RFNs may constitute a special class of TANs. The results presented here suggest that RFNs may have a role in movement initiation. We speculate that RFNs may modulate the propagation of cortical oscillations via basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical loops.
Muscarinic Control of Dendritic Excitability and Ca2+Signaling in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in Rat Hippocampal Slice
Authors: Egorov Alexei V. , Gloveli Tengis , Müller Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

The cholinergic system is critically involved in synaptic models of learning and memory by enhancing dendritic [Ca2+]isignals. Diffuse cholinergic innervation suggests subcellular modulation of membrane currents and Ca2+signals. Here we use ion-selective microelectrodes to study spread of carbachol (CCh) after focal application into brain slice and subcellular muscarinic modulation of synaptic responses in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Proximal application of CCh rapidly blocked the somatic slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) following repetitive stimulation. In contrast, the time course of potentiation of the slow tetanic depolarization (STD) during synaptic input was slower and followed the time course of spread of CCh to the dendritic tree. With distal application, augmentation of the somatic STD and of dendritic Ca2+responses followed spread of CCh to the entire apical dendritic tree, whereas the sAHP was blocked only after spread of CCh to the proximal dendritic segment. In dendritic recordings, CCh blocked a small sAHP, augmented the STD, and rather reduced dendritic action potentials. Augmentation of dendritic Ca2+signals was highly correlated to augmentation of the STD. The NMDA receptor antagonist dl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) blocked ∼55% of the STD in control and during CCh application. In conclusion, muscarinic suppression of the proximal sAHP can augment firing and thereby Ca2+responses. Dendritic augmentation of the STD by blockade of the sAHP and direct enhancement of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor–mediated currents potentiates Ca2+signals even when firing is not affected due to suprathreshold input. In this way, subcellular muscarinic modulation may contribute to parallel information processing and storage by dendritic synapses of CA1 pyramidal neurons.
Group I mGluR Agonist DHPG Facilitates the Induction of LTP in Rat Prelimbic Cortex In Vitro
Authors: Morris Shanida H. , Knevett S. , Lerner E. G. , Bindman Lynn J.
Published: December 2017

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission is a favored neural model for learning and memory. In isolated slices of rat prelimbic cortex, glutamatergic activation of metabotropic receptors (mGluRs) is required for the production of LTP at synapses on layer V neurons. Group I mGluRs are found in neocortex, and in prelimbic cortex they have been located on layer V neurons. We have now investigated whether application of the selective group I mGluR agonist, (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) facilitates the induction of LTP. We recorded field potentials in layer V in response to test shocks applied to layer II and measured the population spike peak amplitude and slope. Intracellular recording was used to examine the correspondence between excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and action potentials with components of the field potential, and to further investigate the action of DHPG. Repetitive bursts of stimulation at theta frequencies (TBS) did not consistently alter the magnitude or slope of the population spike (mean response 105 ± 4%, mean ± SE of control at 30 min after TBS ended, n = 9 slices, no significant difference). When DHPG was added to the bathing medium for 10 min during continued test stimulation, the slope and amplitude of the population spike were significantly reduced, but 30 min after wash out of the DHPG, they recovered (mean response 89 ± 10% of control, n = 6 slices, no significant difference). However, when TBS was administered in conjunction with bath application of DHPG, LTP of the population spike was induced (mean response 147 ± 12% of control at 30 min after TBS ended, P = 0.004, paired t-test, n = 9 slices). We conclude that co-application of DHPG with TBS facilitates the induction of LTP of the population spike, which supports a role for group I mGluRs in the activity-dependent induction of LTP in the prelimbic cortex.
Pain Intensity Processing Within the Human Brain: A Bilateral, Distributed Mechanism
Authors: Coghill Robert C. , Sang Christine N. , Maisog Jose Ma. , Iadarola Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Functional imaging studies of human subjects have identified a diverse assortment of brain areas that are engaged in the processing of pain. Although many of these brain areas are highly interconnected and are engaged in multiple processing roles, each area has been typically considered in isolation. Accordingly, little attention has been given to the global functional organization of brain mechanisms mediating pain processing. In the present investigation, we have combined positron emission tomography with psychophysical assessment of graded painful stimuli to better characterize the multiregional organization of supraspinal pain processing mechanisms and to identify a brain mechanism subserving the processing of pain intensity. Multiple regression analysis revealed statistically reliable relationships between perceived pain intensity and activation of a functionally diverse group of brain regions, including those important in sensation, motor control, affect, and attention. Pain intensity–related activation occurred bilaterally in the cerebellum, putamen, thalamus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and secondary somatosensory cortex, contralaterally in the primary somatosensory cortex and supplementary motor area, and ipsilaterally in the ventral premotor area. These results confirm the existence of a highly distributed, bilateral supraspinal mechanism engaged in the processing of pain intensity. The conservation of pain intensity information across multiple, functionally distinct brain areas contrasts sharply with traditional views that sensory-discriminative processing of pain is confined within the somatosensory cortex and can account for the preservation of conscious awareness of pain intensity after extensive cerebral cortical lesions.
Action Potential–Induced Dendritic Calcium Dynamics Correlated With Synaptic Plasticity in Developing Hippocampal Pyramidal Cells
Authors: Isomura Yoshikazu , Kato Nobuo
Published: December 2017

In hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells, intracellular calcium increases are required for induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), an activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. LTP is known to develop in magnitude during the second and third postnatal weeks in the rats. Little is known, however, about development of intracellular calcium dynamics during the same postnatal weeks. We investigated postnatal development of intracellular calcium dynamics in the proximal apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal cells by whole cell patch-clamp recordings and calcium imaging with the Ca2+indicator fura-2. Dendritic calcium increases induced by intrasomatically evoked action potentials were slight during the first postnatal week but gradually became robust 3 to 6-fold during the second and third postnatal weeks. These calcium increases were blocked by application of 250 μM CdCl2, a nonspecific blocker for high-threshold voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs). Under the voltage-clamp condition, both calcium currents and dendritic calcium accumulations induced by depolarization were larger at the late developmental stage (P15–18) than the early stage (P4–7), indicating developmental enhancement of calcium influx mediated by high-threshold VDCCs. Moreover, theta-burst stimulation (TBS), a protocol for LTP induction, induced large intracellular calcium increases at the late developmental stage, in synchrony with maturation of TBS-induced LTP. These results suggest that developmental enhancement of intracellular calcium increases induced by action potentials may underlie maturation of calcium-dependent functions such as synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons.
GABAA and GABAC Receptors Have Contrasting Effects on Excitability in Superior Colliculus
Authors: Pasternack Michael , Boller Mathias , Pau Belinda , Schmidt Matthias
Published: December 2017

We have recently found that GABAC receptor subunit transcripts are expressed in the superficial layers of rat superior colliculus (SC). In the present study we used immunocytochemistry to demonstrate the presence of GABAC receptors in rat SC at protein level. We also investigated in acute rat brain slices the effect of GABAA and GABAC receptor agonists and antagonists on stimulus-evoked extracellular field potentials in SC. Electrical stimulation of the SC optic layer induced a biphasic, early and late, potential in the adjacent superficial layer. The late component was completely inhibited by 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione or CoCl2, indicating that it was generated by postsynaptic activation. Muscimol, a potent GABAA and GABAC receptor agonist, strongly attenuated this postsynaptic potential at concentrations >10 μM. In contrast, the GABAC receptor agonist cis-aminocrotonic acid, as well as muscimol at lower concentrations (0.1–1 μM) increased the postsynaptic potential. This increase was blocked by (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid, a novel competitive antagonist of GABAC receptors. Our findings demonstrate the presence of functional GABAC receptors in SC and suggest a disinhibitory role of these receptors in SC neuronal circuitry.
Mean Shift-Based Mobile Localization Method in Mixed LOS/NLOS Environments for Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Yu Xiaosheng , Ji Peng , Wang Ying , Chu Hao
Published: December 2017

Mobile localization estimation is a significant research topic in the fields of wireless sensor network (WSN), which is of concern greatly in the past decades. Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation seriously decreases the positioning accuracy if it is not considered when the mobile localization algorithm is designed. NLOS propagation has been a serious challenge. This paper presents a novel mobile localization method in order to overcome the effects of NLOS errors by utilizing the mean shift-based Kalman filter. The binary hypothesis is firstly carried out to detect the measurements which contain the NLOS errors. For NLOS propagation condition, mean shift algorithm is utilized to evaluate the means of the NLOS measurements and the data association method is proposed to mitigate the NLOS errors. Simulation results show that the proposed method can provide higher location accuracy in comparison with some traditional methods.
Fatty Acid Profile of Fat of Grass Carp, Bighead Carp, Siberian Sturgeon, and Wels Catfish
Authors: Pyz-Łukasik Renata , Kowalczyk-Pecka Danuta
Published: December 2017

The objective of this study was to determine fish species differences in fatty acid profile of the fat of farmed grass carp, bighead carp, Siberian sturgeon, and wels catfish so as to compare the consumer health benefits they provide. Fatty acid composition range was as follows: saturated fatty acids (SFA), 16.32%–32.96%; monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), 41.84%–55.31%; and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 13.4%–26.31%. The total content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 100 g of muscle tissue of the fish examined in the current study was 62.61 mg for grass carp, 150.51 mg for wels catfish, 488.67 mg for bighead carp, and 619.06 mg for Siberian sturgeon. The ratios of n-6/n-3 (0.44–1.72) and PUFA/SFA (0.45–1.61) in the fat of the fish analyzed were beneficial.
Use of Lactobacillus plantarum as Starter Culture and Its Influence on Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Characteristics of Kunnu-Aya Produced from Sorghum and Tigernut
Authors: Olaoye O. A. , Ndife J. , Raymond V. I.
Published: December 2017

Kunun-aya is a traditional nonalcoholic beverage in the northern part of Nigeria, normally prepared from cereals. In this investigation Lactobacillus plantarum, isolated from fermenting kunun, was applied as starter culture during production of kunun-aya from varying combinations of sorghum and tigernut. The quality attributes of the product indicated increase in ash and protein contents of product inoculated with starter culture (PISC) over the uninoculated control sample (UCS). The highest values of 4.43% and 6.95% were recorded for ash and protein, respectively, in the product from fifty percent each of sorghum and tigernut (50SOR/50TIG). Titratable acidity was higher in PISC compared to UCS; the 50SOR/50TIG sample had the highest value of 0.92. The PISC recorded reduced counts of Salmonella, coliforms, and Staphylococci. The SCIS were preferred by panellists in the sensory attributes of appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and general acceptability. It was concluded that the use of L. plantarum as starter culture in the production of kunun-aya was advantageous as a result of enhanced nutritional, sensory, and microbial qualities recorded compared to UCS. Reduction in Salmonella, coliforms, and Staphylococci in PISC may be of public health significance. This on quality improvement of the traditional beverage has not been previously reported.
Evaluation of Early Prognostic Factors of Mortality in Patients with Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Wenzheng , Hu Jiang , Yao Bihui , Yang Xvsheng , Song Lei , Yin Ting , Liang Lu
Published: December 2017

Early and accurate assessment of severity in acute pancreatitis (AP) is of great importance to provide effective disease management and prevent mortality. In this study, we aim to evaluate early indicators that predict the mortality of AP. We retrospectively analyzed 24-hour clinical characteristics and laboratory data in 166 AP patients recruited between January 2014 and November 2015 in Baotou Central Hospital. In total, 18 patients did not survive the disease. Multivariate logistic regression showed that red cell distribution (RDW) (OR = 2.965, P=0.001) and creatinine (OR = 1.025, P=0.005) were early independent risk factors of AP mortality while albumin (OR = 0.920, P=0.032) levels reduced AP mortality. The corresponding optimal cut-off values were 14.45, 125.5, and 34.95, respectively. The positive predictive values of the AP mortality were 80.1%, 54.5%, and 69.5%. In combined measurement, the area under the curve of RDW, creatinine, and albumin was 0.964 (95% CI: 0.924 to 1.000, P<0.001). RDW ≥ 14.45%, creatinine ≥ 125.5 μmol/l, and albumin ≤ 34.95 g/l indicated a good predictive value for mortality in AP patients with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 64.2%. RDW, creatinine, and albumin may serve as early indicators for AP mortality which warrants further clinical investigation.
Alkohol och äldre
Authors: Lindén-Boström Margareta , Persson Carina , Berglund Mats
Published: December 2017

M. Lindén-Boström & C. Persson & M. Berglund: Risk consumption of alcohol among older people – results from a Swedish population study

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe risk consumption of alcohol among older people and relate it to living conditions, health behaviour, social support and health.

Method

We used data from Life & Health 2008, a postal questionnaire to inhabitants aged 18–84 in 55 municipalities in central Sweden. The study population included 40 267 respondents aged 18–84 and 21 326 respondents aged 55–84. The overall response rate was almost 60 per cent, a figure that differed between age groups with the highest rate, >70 per cent, among respondents aged 65–79. The first three questions in the AUDIT questionnaire were used to estimate risk consumption. They were also analysed separately to describe different patterns of alcohol consumption.

Results

In the 65–75 age group, 2.7 per cent of men and 1.9 per cent of women could be defined as risk consumers of alcohol. In the 76–84 age group, the corresponding figure is less than 1 per cent for both sexes. Risk consumption is related to high education, smoking, use of snuff, physical inactivity, psychological distress and use of tranquilisers.

Conclusion

Targeted preventive strategies need to be developed to tackle risk consumption among older people.
Increasing Travellers' Allowances in Sweden – how did it Affect Travellers' Imports and Systembolaget's Sales?
Authors: Ramstedt Mats , Gustafsson Nina-Katri
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of this study is to illuminate: 1. If the increases in travellers' allowances in 2002, 2003 and 2004 have been associated with increasing travellers' imports in Sweden? 2. How the (conceivable) effect was distributed during the following year? 3. If there were regional and beverage-specific variations in these effects? 4. How the patterns of change correspond to changes in sales at Systembolaget?

Data and Method

Data were obtained from a monthly survey and aggregated into annual and quarterly estimates of beverage-specific amounts of imported alcohol per adult for southern, mid- and northern Sweden as well as for the whole of Sweden. In the analysis subsequent quarters are compared after each quota change with the same quarters the previous year as well as with corresponding changes in sales at Systembolaget.

Results

The increase of spirits allowances in 2002 was not followed by a significant increase in any travellers' imports. The more substantial increases for all beverages in 2003 and particularly 2004 were followed by significant increases in the whole of Sweden and particularly in the Southern of Sweden. The quarterly changes, however, showed signs of a declining “charm of novelty” effect. Systembolaget sales only partly developed in the opposite direction of imports, suggesting that substitution did not always occur.

Conclusions

Travellers' imports increase with more liberal allowances but the magnitude of the effect depended on several factors, e.g., the proportion of the change and region in terms of distance to the Danish and German borders. Other factors seem to be changes of alcohol taxes in neighbouring countries, domestic availability and travelling habits. The declining “charm of novelty” effect suggest that the longer term implications of repealing these quotas may be less significant than was expected in the earlier public discussions.
Fibrous Crystals of E,E-1,4-Bis(3,5-ditrifluoromethylstyryl)benzene with High Emission Ability
Authors: Mochizuki Hiroyuki
Published: December 2017

E,E-1,4-Bis(2,4-ditrifluoromethylstyryl)benzene (d24CF3) and E,E-1,4-bis(3,5-ditrifluoromethylstyryl)benzene (d35CF3) were synthesized. The d35CF3 crystals grown from solution displayed a unique fibrous form and emitted propagated fluorescence, and a d35CF3 film demonstrated a very low ionization potential of −6.7 eV. Meanwhile, d24CF3 crystals exhibited aggregation-induced emission.
Effect of Media Composition on Vegetative and Reproductive Growth of Alternaria Brassicicola and Bipolaris Sorokiniana
Authors: Nur-E-Nasreen Nur-E-Nasreen , Bahadur Meah M , Haque Tumpa Farzana , Ali Hossain Muhammed
Published: December 2017

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of some culture media on the vegetative and reproductive growth of Alternaria brassicicola and Bipolaris sorokiniana. Twenty one (21) treatment combinations each with three replications were employed. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was used as the basic growth medium in this study. Supplementation with different plant extracts with this medium produced differential growth and sporulation of the tested fungi. PDA media supplemented with mustard leaf extract showed significantly highest vegetative growth (7.8 cm) and PDA with the combination of mustard leaf, tomato fruit, carrot fruit and cabbage leaf extracts showed the highest sporulation (11×105 spores/ml) of A. brassicicola. In case of B. sorokiniana, the highest vegetative growth (7.4 cm) and highest sporulation (45×104 spores/ml) were obtained by the supplementation of mustard and wheat leaf extracts respectively. Plant extract supplementation proved better than PDA as growth medium of A. brassicicola and B. sorokiniana.
In-Silico Identification of EST Based Microsatellite Markers and Snps, and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Ests in Barnyard Millet for their Omics Applications
Authors: Babu B. Kalyana , Chauhan Rashmi
Published: December 2017

Barnyard millet belongs to the family poaceae, having good nutritional properties and is also effective for diabetic patients because of its ability to reduce the blood glucose levels. The research on genomics in barnyard millet lagging behind other millets and cereals, where there is a need of more focus towards identification of microsatellite markers. The availability of EST sequences given possibility to develop and explore the EST based SSRs and SNPs. Hence, the present study was conducted at ICAR-Vivekananda Parvateeya Krishi Anusanthan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand in the year 2014-2015. In the present study, the barnyard millet EST sequences (41) were downloaded in FASTA format to find the microsatellite type, distribution, frequency and developed a total of 22 primer pairs from the ESTs. The most frequent SSR repeats found to be tetra- nucleotide repeats (50 percent) followed by the penta- and hexa- nucleotide repeats. Among the dimeric SSRs, GT was found to be the most common repeat motif, AGG was the most common repeat motif in trimeric repeat motifs. The most common tetra-, penta- and hexa nucleotide repeat motifs were AGA, CAAA, TGTTT, AGACGA respectively. The SNP mining of barnyard millet ESTs found to have 1 potential SNP and 1 reliable SNP and two haplotypes. Comparative analysis of barnyard millet EST sequences with the rice genome database showed that they were homology to the rice chromosomal regions of 2, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12, however with maize genome showed homology with respect to Zea mays Waxy gene. Thus the identified twenty two microsatellite markers and SNPs can be effectively used for barnyard millet genomics applications to study diversity, and mapping aspects.
Herbicidal Potential of Callistemon viminalis Essential Oil against Echinochloa crus-galli L., Amaranthus viridis and Phalaris minor
Authors: Vishwakarma Gajendra Singh , Sharma Shilpa , Mittal Sunil
Published: December 2017

Experimental studies were carried out under invitro conditions to examine the effect of Callistemon viminalis essential oil (EO) against the Echinochloa crus-galli L., Amaranthus viridis and Phalaris minor. EO composition was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, revealing that EO was rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes like eucalyptol, D-limonene, α-terpineol and caryophyllene oxide. EO applied in the concentration range of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 μl against Amaranthus viridis, Echinochloa crus-galli L. and Phalaris minor drastically affected the germination of all test plants and inhibited root and shoot development. Not only seedling growth, even the chlorophyll content also reduced appreciably. This led to the demonstration that Callistemon viminalis EO was negatively affecting the photosynthetic process. Upregulation of antioxidant enzymes activities indicated that these enzymes were providing protection against Callistemon viminalis EO induced stress. Amaranthus viridis was reported to be more sensitive in comparison to Echinochloa crus-galli L. and Phalaris minor.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF MULTI-PURPOSE MIXED-MODE CABINET SOLAR FOOD PROCESSOR(MCSFP)
Authors: Jogunuri Sravankumar , kumar Navneet , Sayyad Farid Gayasoddin , Pinakin Valand , Patel Vishal
Published: December 2017

A Multi-Purpose Solar Food Processor (MCSFP) was developed to carryout both cooking and drying operations simultaneously. MCSFP was tested in three different modes of operations ie., for fenugreek leaves drying (M1) and for cooking of rice separately (M2) and drying of fenugreek and cooking of rice together(M3). The maximum temperature difference attained between ambient air and MCSFP dryer and cooker was 23°C and 36.5°C respectively. The temperatures attained are well suited for drying of fenugreek leaves and cooking rice.
Performance Evaluation of a Solar Tunnel Dryer For Around The Year Use
Authors: Arjoo Arjoo , Yadvika Yadvika , Yadav Y.K.
Published: December 2017

This study was done to evaluate the performance of a walk-in type solar tunnel dryer for around the year use. In the present study, the performance of solar tunnel dryer was evaluated at no load and at full load conditions. Full loading was done with garlic, chili, fenugreek and aonla candy according to their seasonal availability in Hisar, India. At no load condition, performance was evaluated during three seasons i.e summer, winter, and autumn. During full load, the dryer reduces the moisture content of garlic from 65% (w.b.) to about 8.5% (w.b.) in 8 days, chilli from 77%(w.b.) to 7% (w.b.) in 7 days, fenugreek from 86% (w.b.) to 7.2% (w.b.) in 5 days and aonla candy from 44% (w.b.) to a safe moisture content of 16%(w.b.).The thermal efficiency of the dryer was also measured and was found between 8.89% to 17.63%. A temperature of 15-30 ºC higher than the atmospheric temperature was recorded inside the dryer. Products dried were hygienic and their sensory evaluation showed that they were of good quality and highly acceptable.
Entre gabinetes e fatos: Ministério Público Federal e direitos à educação e saúde
Authors: Grangeia Mario Luis
Published: December 2017

Renovado e fortalecido pela Constituição de 1988, o Ministério Público Federal criou grupos de trabalho para atuar em áreas prioritárias com maior especialização e coordenação nacional. O artigo reúne estudos de casos dos GTs Educação e Saúde, dois dos grupos mais longevos. O GT Educação, criado em 2001, começou com a capacitação interna “Educação como direito humano” e hoje desenvolve projeto que cobra a melhoria do ensino público em mais de 250 municípios. O GT Saúde, ativo desde 2003, começou publicando os manuais “Medicamentos excepcionais” e “Financiamento da saúde” para orientar os procuradores e tem renovado o diálogo interno e com a sociedade civil. A pesquisa em mais de 60 documentos e publicações permite analisar estratégias de procuradores, interpelar teses de cientistas sociais sobre o MP brasileiro e discutir suas possibilidades e limites, continuidades e mudanças na área não penal.
El papel del Tercer Sector de Acción Social y su articulación normativa en España.
Authors: Sánchez Gloria Paterna , Mejías Felipe Morente
Published: December 2017

El s.XXI se ha caracterizado, en Occidente, por una importante recesión o crisis económica y por un cambio en la atmósfera ideológica, en la que los partidos políticos centran su principal cuestión en el destino del gasto público que, al verse reducido, debe ser escrupulosamente estudiado.Esta realidad ha generado una revisión del Estado de Bienestar que ya se había planteado a finales del s.XX, pero que se reaviva con la aparente incapacidad de los Gobiernos de dar cobertura a las necesidades ciudadanas.Centrando el análisis de esta realidad universal –con especial reflejo en occidente-, en España, en Octubre de 2015 se aprobó la Ley del Tercer Sector de Acción Social, una ley que reconoce por vez primera al Tercer Sector de Acción Social como agente necesario para mantener los derechos sociales adquiridos por los ciudadanos.
Redes técnicas de Abastecimento de água no Rio de Janeiro: história e dependência de trajetória
Authors: Britto Ana Lucia Nogueira de Paiva , Quintslr Suyá
Published: December 2017

Esse artigo busca resgatar a história dos sistemas de abastecimento de água da Região Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro, com base nas perspectivas analíticas apontada pelos estudos da ecologia política, da história dos sistemas sociotécnicos e da história urbana ambiental. A análise realizada mostra a crescente dependência do abastecimento do Rio de Janeiro e dos municípios da Baixada Fluminense de um único sistema, o Guandu, que foi passando por sucessivas ampliações. Um grande volume de recursos foi investido nesta estrutura, hoje consolidada, dificultando sua modificação e demonstrando a pertinência de conceitos construídos no da história dos sistemas sociotécnicos e da história ambiental urbana, como “momentum” e dependência de trajetória, para compreender a lógica que orienta a construção do sistema Guandu e que dificulta a adoção de outras alternativas para atender a população de áreas ainda sem acesso aos serviços da Baixada Fluminense.
Un lazo ausente: política vial y condiciones de vida en ámbitos rurales de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina, 1940-1950)
Authors: Salomón Alejandra Laura
Published: December 2017

Desde la década de 1920, en la Argentina cobró fuerza una acción pública orientada al diagnóstico y a la búsqueda de soluciones en materia vial, delineándose un consenso en torno a su importancia para el progreso material y moral de la nación. En las décadas de 1940 y 1950, la planificación de la política nacional adquirió mayores bríos, aunque fuentes de época destacan desequilibrios territoriales, manifestando la escasez y malas condiciones de los caminos en ámbitos rurales, y su impacto decisivo no sólo en la dinámica productiva sino también en la calidad de vida. Frente a estas expresiones, nos preguntamos en qué medida los gobiernos asumieron dichas falencias y las incorporaron a la agenda pública. ¿Qué argumentos eran empleados para impulsar la red vial y qué intereses eran priorizados? Para responder estos interrogantes, examinamos representaciones sociales gubernamentales -en especial de la provincia de Buenos Aires- alrededor de la red vial en las décadas de 1940 y 1950.
Justiça Orfanológica no final do século XIX: o Juízo dos Órfãos de Porto Alegre.
Authors: Cardozo José Carlos da Silva
Published: December 2017

O Juízo dos Órfãos foi uma importante instituição que, desde o período colonial brasileiro, zelou pelos interesses dos menores de idade que a ela eram apresentados. Esta instituição galgou importância dentro do Judiciário, outorgando maior prestígio e estabilidade aos operadores do direito da instituição. Este texto analisa as transformações legais pela qual a instituição passou, desvela as funções dos agentes desta instituição e evidencia a gradual importância que a função de Juiz de Órfãos vai recebendo do Estado.
Povidone-iodine versus normal saline solution in preoperative vaginal cleansing before office hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abbas Ahmed M. , Shaltout Asmaa S. , Ali Shymaa S. , Michael Armia , Altraigey Ahmed , Abdelfatah Laila E.
Published: December 2017

Background: Hysteroscopy is well-thought-out the gold standard for assessing the uterine cavity, and now can be done as an office process due to enhanced endoscopic advances with no need to in-patient admission. Objective of the present study was to compare the difference in the rate of postoperative vaginal irritation symptoms and postoperative infections after using povidone iodine (PI) and normal saline (NS) solution in vaginal cleaning before outpatient office hysteroscopy (OH).Methods: Women attended to the hospital for diagnostic OH were included for present study. Eligible women were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to two groups. Group I "PI group" women exposed to PI for vaginal cleansing before hysteroscopy, and group II "NS group” women exposed to the NS solution for vaginal cleansing. The primary outcome of the study was to compare the difference in the rate of postoperative vaginal irritation symptoms and postoperative infections in both groups.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 34.26±4.14 years for NS group compared to 35.22±4.01 years for PI group (p=0.652). The PI group reported higher rate of vaginal irritation than NS group with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.179). Both groups were similar in postoperative fever, urinary tract infection and vaginitis (p>0.05).Conclusions: This study concluded that preoperative vaginal disinfection at the time of OH with a NS solution is less frequently causing postoperative vaginal irritation symptoms. Additionally, it is as effective as the usual agent (PI) in preventing postoperative infections.
Problem of obstetrical evacuations of patients coming from maternities outside the coverage zone of the university and hospital center of Treichville (Abidjan-Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Dia Jean Marc , Nguessan Edouard , Fanny Mohamed , Oyelade Mouhideen , Okon Gerard , Guie Privat , Anongba Simplice
Published: December 2017

Background: In developing countries, the organization of obstetrical evacuations is experiencing real problems causing certain preventable maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Objective of present study was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and conditions of transfer of patients from peripheral maternities not dependent on the health coverage zone of the University and Hospital Center of Treichville (called maternity out of zone).Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study, conducted at the maternity of the University and Hospital Center of Treichville, from 1st August 2012 to 31st July 2014 about 266 patients evacuated from maternity out of zone.Results: Only 30% of the patients had properly documented evacuation records. Patients had an average age of 26.9 years, poor follow-up of their pregnancy (92.1%), and were generally low socio-economic level: without monthly income (61.7%), not attending school (35.3%). The majority of evacuations were decided by midwives (60.9%) and were done by taxi (69.5%). In 71.4% of the cases, the patients were re-evacuated to our department with the main reason for the unavailability of the operating rooms (84.3%). 46.6% of the patients took more than 3 hours to arrive in our department and 35% arrived in an aggravated condition and sometimes without venous routes. In our department, complications occurred in 27.1% of the patients, and maternal and fetal death rates were respectively 1.5% and 21.3%.Conclusions: This study revealed malfunctions encountered during evacuations: unsafe transportation, transfer card misinformed, long transfer time.
Illegals abortions and utero-digestives lesions: retrospective study of 12 cases in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Treichville teaching hospital (Abidjan, Cote D’ivoire)
Authors: Yao Ignace N. , Menin Michelle M. , N’Dri Konan J. , Traore Lassina , Oyelade Mouhideen A. , Saki Corneille T. , Okon Gérard , Guie Privat Y. , Anongba Simplice D.
Published: December 2017

Background: Traumatic intestinal digestive damage after abortion by endo-uterine manoeuvres are not uncommon. The purpose of this study is to describe the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of these lesions.Methods: This is a retrospective study of 3 years on patients with a uterine lesion associated with a digestive traumatic injury during illegal abortions endo-uterine manoeuvres.Results: 12 patients with a median age of 23, 9 are included. The clinical manifestations are not specific: impairment of the general condition 33.3%; hyperthermia 83.3% (or 10 cases); digestive disorders such as diarrhoea 25%, vomiting 33.3%; abdominal pain 100%; occlusive syndrome 16.7%; acute abdominal syndrome 75%. The seat of traumatic injuries is variable. The lesions were for hail alone in 4 cases (33.3%), colon alone for 2 cases (16.7%), rectum 1 case and epiploon 2 cases. In these 3 cases, the lesions were associated, sitting on both the hail and the colon at a time. All these lesions were associated with uterine perforation of variable siege. The therapeutic management consisted of a small bowel resection with ileostomy in 5 cases or 41.7%; colon resection with colostomy 3 cases or 25%; suture lesions after beveling beiges 5 cases either 41, 7 in 2 cases, we performed haemostasis on the bleeding epiploon. Treatment of the uterine lesion was conservative 75% of the time. The evolution on the 10 patients was favorable, 83.3%. Two patients died early in the operative course after septic shock.Conclusions: The digestive lesions are a factor aggravating the prognosis of post-abortion uterine manoeuvres. Their management must be rapid and requires close collaboration between the digestive surgeon and the Gynecologist.
Relation of serum visfatin level and uterine artery Doppler to preeclampsia
Authors: El-Samra Mohamed Abd El-Moety , Aggag Sherif Mansour
Published: December 2017

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a significant cause of remarkable fetomaternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Visfatin is 52 KDa novel adipokine, pre B cell colony enhancing factor (PBEF) which could be used as a biochemical marker predictor or a diagnostic tool for preeclampsia. Trans abdominal pulsed Doppler ultrasound (US) monitor the impedance to blood flow in the uterine arteries in pregnant females and those with preeclampsia. Visfatin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia with a limited contradictory. The aim of our study is to monitor the risky pregnant females through Visfatin level and transabdominal pulsed Doppler of the uterine artery.Methods: Assessment of the serum Visfatin levels in the maternal circulation of preeclamptic pregnant females wether mild or severe, and compared to those in the normal pregnant subjects as control through recruitment of cases of mild PE (n=40), severe PE (n=40), normal pregnant subjects (n=60) in a cross sectional study where the cases were of the patients hospitalized at El Shatby Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the control subjects were of referrals to the outpatient departments. Fasting blood samples were drawn, kept at -20 degree centigrades , enzyme linked immune sorbant assay (ELISA) Test was performed on them to determine the Visfatin level and recorded the uterine arteries pulsatility index through transabdominal doppler ultrasound. Lastly, the data were analysed using (F test) ANOVA statistical method.Results: Amongst the groups, Serum visfatin level was significantly higher in the severe preeclamptic group rather than the normal pregnant group and those with mild preeclampsia (p<0.001). Uterine artery pulsatility index was significantly higher in the severe preeclamptic group rather than the normal pregnant group and those with mild preeclampsia (p<0.001).Conclusions: Severe preeclamptic pregnant females were shown to represent higher circulating visfatin levels as one of the most recent biochemical markers of preeclampsia, higher uterine artery pulsatility index compared to normal pregnant and those with mild preeclamptic groups of women.