bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optogenetic Activation of Septal Glutamatergic Neurons Drive Hippocampal Theta Rhythms
Authors: Robinson Jennifer , Manseau Frédéric , Ducharme Guillaume , Amilhon Bénédicte , Vigneault Erika , El Mestikawy Salah , Williams Sylvain
Published: March 2016

The medial septum and diagonal band of Broca (MS-DBB) has an essential role for theta rhythm generation in the hippocampus and is critical for learning and memory. The MS-DBB contains cholinergic, GABAergic, and recently described glutamatergic neurons, but their specific contribution to theta generation is poorly understood. Here, we examined the role of MS-DBB glutamatergic neurons in theta rhythm using optogenetic activation and electrophysiological recordings performed inin vitropreparations and in freely behaving mice. The experiments in slices suggest that MS-DBB glutamatergic neurons provide prominent excitatory inputs to a majority of local GABAergic and a minority of septal cholinergic neurons. In contrast, activation of MS-DBB glutamatergic fiber terminals in hippocampal slices elicited weak postsynaptic responses in hippocampal neurons. In thein vitrosepto-hippocampal preparation, activation of MS-DBB glutamatergic neurons did increase the rhythmicity of hippocampal theta oscillations, whereas stimulation of septo-hippocampal glutamatergic fibers in the fornix did not have an effect. In freely behaving mice, activation of these neurons in the MS-DBB strongly synchronized hippocampal theta rhythms over a wide range of frequencies, whereas activation of their projections to the hippocampus through fornix stimulations had no effect on theta rhythms, suggesting that MS-DBB glutamatergic neurons played a role in theta generation through local modulation of septal neurons. Together, these results provide the first evidence that MS-DBB glutamatergic neurons modulate local septal circuits, which in turn contribute to theta rhythms in the hippocampus.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe current paper explores the functional role of septal glutamatergic neurons, a recently identified population, in theta rhythm generation in the hippocampus. Using optogenetics and electrophysiology, we have explored the functional connectivity of these neuronsin vitro, as well as their influence on theta rhythms bothin vitroandin vivo, and show that this neuronal population can powerfully drive theta rhythms through intraseptal connections. These results strongly suggest a role of glutamatergic neurons in theta rhythm generation and may therefore be important for learning and memory.
The Activators of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 p35 and p39 Are Essential for Oligodendrocyte Maturation, Process Formation, and Myelination
Authors: Luo Fucheng , Zhang Jessie , Burke Kathryn , Miller Robert H. , Yang Yan
Published: March 2016

The regulation of oligodendrocyte development and myelin formation in the CNS is poorly defined. Multiple signals influence the rate and extent of CNS myelination, including the noncanonical cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) whose functions are regulated by its activators p35 and p39. Here we show that selective loss of either p35 or p39 perturbed specific aspects of oligodendrocyte development, whereas loss of both p35 and p39 completely inhibited the development of mature oligodendrocytes and myelination. In the absence of p35, oligodendrocyte differentiation was delayed, process outgrowth was truncatedin vitro, and the patterning and extent of myelination were perturbed in the CNS ofp35−/−mice. In the absence of p39, oligodendrocyte maturation was transiently affected bothin vitroandin vivo. However, loss of both p35 and p39 in oligodendrocyte lineage cells completely inhibited oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation and myelination bothin vitroand after transplantation intoshivererslice cultures. Loss of p35 and p39 had a more profound effect on oligodendrocyte development than simply the loss of Cdk5 and could not be rescued by Cdk5 overexpression. These data suggest p35 and p39 have specific and overlapping roles in oligodendrocyte development, some of which may be independent of Cdk5 activation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe development of oligodendrocytes and myelination is essential for normal CNS function and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity is critical for oligodendrocyte maturation, but how Cdk5 activity is controlled is unclear. Here we show that the coactivators of Cdk5, p35 and p39, regulate distinct stages of oligodendrocyte development and myelination. Loss of p35 perturbs oligodendrocyte progenitor cell differentiation, whereas loss of p39 delays oligodendrocyte maturation. Loss of both completely inhibits oligodendrogenesis and myelination. Disruption of oligodendrocyte development was more pronounced inp35−/−;p39shRNA cells than loss of Cdk5 alone and could not be rescued by Cdk5 overexpression, suggesting that p35 and p39 have Cdk5-independent roles during oligodendrocyte development. These studies provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention in conditions in which myelination is perturbed.
Independence of Movement Preparation and Movement Initiation
Authors: Haith Adrian M. , Pakpoor Jina , Krakauer John W.
Published: March 2016

Initiating a movement in response to a visual stimulus takes significantly longer than might be expected on the basis of neural transmission delays, but it is unclear why. In a visually guided reaching task, we forced human participants to move at lower-than-normal reaction times to test whether normal reaction times are strictly necessary for accurate movement. We found that participants were, in fact, capable of moving accurately ∼80 ms earlier than their reaction times would suggest. Reaction times thus include a seemingly unnecessary delay that accounts for approximately one-third of their duration. Close examination of participants' behavior in conventional reaction-time conditions revealed that they generated occasional, spontaneous errors in trials in which their reaction time was unusually short. The pattern of these errors could be well accounted for by a simple model in which the timing of movement initiation is independent of the timing of movement preparation. This independence provides an explanation for why reaction times are usually so sluggish: delaying the mean time of movement initiation relative to preparation reduces the risk that a movement will be initiated before it has been appropriately prepared. Our results suggest that preparation and initiation of movement are mechanistically independent and may have a distinct neural basis. The results also demonstrate that, even in strongly stimulus-driven tasks, presentation of a stimulus does not directly trigger a movement. Rather, the stimulus appears to trigger an internal decision whether to make a movement, reflecting a volitional rather than reactive mode of control.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe reaction time, i.e., how quickly we can initiate a movement in response to a stimulus, is important for daily activities such as driving and is also a critical tool in neuroscience, used to probe a multitude of cognitive functions. However, there remains a surprising lack of basic understanding about exactly what determines reaction times, even for simple movements such as reaching to a target. We show that the reaction time for a reaching movement does not reflect the moment that the movement becomes ready to execute. Instead, the reaction time is determined by a separate initiation process. These findings suggest a distinct neural basis for preparation and initiation of movement and provide an explanation for the sluggishness of typical reaction times.
Feeding and Reward Are Differentially Induced by Activating GABAergic Lateral Hypothalamic Projections to VTA
Authors: Barbano M. Flavia , Wang Hui-Ling , Morales Marisela , Wise Roy A.
Published: March 2016

Electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) has two motivational effects: long trains of stimulation induce drive-like effects such as eating, and short trains are rewarding. It has not been clear whether a single set of activated fibers subserves the two effects. Previous optogenetic stimulation studies have confirmed that reinforcement and induction of feeding can each be induced by selective stimulation of GABAergic fibers originating in the bed nucleus of the LH and projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA). In the present study we determined the optimal stimulation parameters for each of the two optogenetically induced effects in food-sated mice. Stimulation-induced eating was strongest with 5 Hz and progressively weaker with 10 and 20 Hz. Stimulation-induced reward was strongest with 40 Hz and progressively weaker with lower or higher frequencies. Mean preferred duration for continuous 40 Hz stimulation was 61.6 s in a “real-time” place preference task; mean preferred duration for 5 Hz stimulation was 45.6 s. The differential effects of high- and low-frequency stimulation of this pathway seem most likely to be due to differential effects on downstream targets.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOur study reports that the eating and the reward induced by optogenetic stimulation of a previously identified GABAergic projection from the lateral hypothalamus to the ventral tegmental area are differentially affected by low- and high-frequency stimulation, respectively. This suggests a way that stimulation of the same pathway can have very different motivational effects on behavior, inducing a drive state (usually thought to be aversive) under one condition and inducing the rewarding state under another. This offers an insight into what has been called the “drive-reward paradox”: why would an animal work for stimulation that established an apparent drive state?
Intermolecular Interaction between Anchoring Subunits Specify Subcellular Targeting and Function of RGS Proteins in Retina ON-Bipolar Neurons
Authors: Sarria Ignacio , Orlandi Cesare , McCall Maureen A. , Gregg Ronald G. , Martemyanov Kirill A.
Published: March 2016

In vertebrate retina, light responses generated by the rod photoreceptors are transmitted to the second-order neurons, the ON-bipolar cells (ON-BC), and this communication is indispensible for vision in dim light. In ON-BCs, synaptic transmission is initiated by the metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGluR6, that signals via the G-protein Go to control opening of the effector ion channel, TRPM1. A key role in this process belongs to the GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) complex that catalyzes Go inactivation upon light-induced suppression of glutamate release in rod photoreceptors, thereby driving ON-BC depolarization to changes in synaptic input. The GAP complex has a striking molecular complexity. It contains two Regulator of G-protein Signaling (RGS) proteins RGS7 and RGS11 that directly act on Go and two adaptor subunits: RGS Anchor Protein (R9AP) and the orphan receptor, GPR179. Here we examined the organizational principles of the GAP complex in ON-BCs. Biochemical experiments revealed that RGS7 binds to a conserved site in GPR179 and that RGS11in vivoforms a complex only with R9AP. R9AP and GPR179 are further integrated via direct protein–protein interactions involving their cytoplasmic domains. Elimination of GPR179 prevents postsynaptic accumulation of R9AP. Furthermore, concurrent knock-out of both R9AP and RGS7 does not reconfigure the GAP complex and completely abolishes synaptic transmission, resulting in a novel mouse model of night blindness. Based on these results, we propose a model of hierarchical assembly and function of the GAP complex that supports ON-BCs visual signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe ability of photoreceptors to transmit signals to the downstream ON-bipolar neurons in the retina is indispensible for vision. In this study, we delineate the molecular organization of the central regulatory complex, the GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) complex, that drives postsynaptic responses in ON-bipolar cells. Here, we identify an unexpected complexity and interdependence between multiple subunits of the GAP complex. We propose a model for its supramolecular assembly, where individual components hierarchically control expression and intracellular targeting of the GAP complex. Broad interest results from the crucial role of similarly organized GAP complexes throughout the nervous system, where they control a wide range of fundamental neuronal processes, including learning and memory, reward, and movement coordination.
A comparison of two forms of the continuity equation in the Trifecta bovine pericardial aortic valve
Authors: Chambers John B. , Parkin Denise , Roxburgh James , Bapat Vinayak , Young Christopher
Published: March 2016

Aim: To compare the classical and simplified form of the continuity equation in small Trifecta valves.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of post-operative echocardiograms performed for clinical reasons after implantation of Trifecta bioprosthetic valves.

Results: There were 60 patients aged 74 (range 38–89) years. For the valves of size 19, 21 and 23mm, the mean gradient was 11.3, 10.7 and 9.7mmHg, respectively. The effective orifice areas by the classical form of the continuity equation were 1.4, 1.7 and 1.9cm2, respectively. There was a good correlation between the two forms of the continuity equation, but they were significantly different using a t-test (P<0.00001). Results using the classical form were a mean 0.11 (s.d. 0.18)cm2 larger than those using the simple formula.

Conclusion: Haemodynamic function of the Trifecta valve in the small aortic root is good. There are significant differences between the classical and simplified forms of the continuity equation.
KRAFT LIGNIN DEGRADATION BY AUTOCHTONOUS STREPTOMYCES STRAINS ISOLATED FROM A TROPICAL LAGOON ECOSYSTEM
Authors: Maria Buraimoh Olanike , Oladipo Amund Olukayode , Olusoji  Ilori Matthew
Published: March 2016

Kraft lignin contributes to the toxicity of the pulping plant effluent and is known to resist microbial treatment.The lignin component must be removed from lignocellulose biomass to enhance the release of fermentable sugars for the production of biofuel and other value-added end products. Lignin-degrading bacteria provide an advantage due to their ease of isolation,wider tolerance of environmental conditions and genetic manipulations compared with their fungal counterparts. There is no documented evidence on the degradation of kraft lignin by bacteria in the tropical estuarine ecological niche in Nigeria. Bacterial growth and assessment of kraft-lignin degradation in submerged fermentation was carried out for a period of 10 days using Streptomyces spp isolated from a tropical lagoon as the inocula. The organisms utilized 23 to 99 % kraft-lignin at the rate of 2.3×10-5 to 9.9×10-5 g.d-1cm-3 with specific growth rates of 0.020 - 0.084 h-1and doubling times of 8.3 - 35.1 h. Maximum values obtained for laccase and peroxidase activities were 9.5x10-2 and 400 μ mol mg -1min -1 respectively.
The aim of this study was to obtain evidences for Kraft lignin degradation by indigenous tropical estuarine Streptomyces species from Lagos, Nigeria.
The Autochthonous bacterial species of the Lagos lagoon utilize kraft lignin as a sole carbon source and may be good candidates for biotechnological purposes. The outcome of this study has bridged an information gap in the tropical environment and will complement existing global data because the information on the degradation of kraft lignin by marine Streptomyces is not common.
THE EFFECTS OF ISOLATED FRACTIONS OF RED PEPPER CAPSICUM ANNUUM L. ON THE MITOCHONDRIAL PERMEABILITY TRANSITION PORE AND LIPID PEROXIDATION
Authors: J. Ishimov Uchkun , T. Abdullayeva Gulbakhor , F. Ziyavitdinov Jamolitdin , M. Asrorov Akmal , A. Ergashev Nurali , I. Asrarov Muzaffar
Published: March 2016

Fruit proteins, seed proteins and capsaicinoids fractions were isolated from red pepper of Capsicum annum L. plants family and their effects on mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and lipid peroxidation of rat liver were studied in vitro. Seed proteins did not influence to MPTP; however fruit proteins caused MPTP to open and led to mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Opening of the MPTP causes massive swelling of mitochondria; capsaicinoids fractions inhibited the swelling process of mitochondria and caused the closed state of the MPTP. Fruits and seeds protein fractions from red pepper did not reduce the effect of Fe2+/ascorbate-induced mitochondrial swelling and had no effect on the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the membranes of mitochondria. Capsaicinoid fraction had a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the Fe2+/ascorbate-dependent swelling of mitochondria and of lipid peroxidation. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) on the swelling of mitochondria fraction was 2 µg/ml. Сapsaicinoids fraction prevented the effect of Fe2+/ascorbate on mitochondria and reduced the accumulation of MDA in membrane. Complete inhibition of lipid peroxidation was shown at a 50 µg/ml capsaicinoids concentration. Capsaicinoids, reducing the membrane destructive effects of Fe2+/ascorbate, had antioxidant properties and a protective effect on mitochondria. The obtained results showed the presence of different compounds in red pepper differently affecting MPTP and lipid peroxidation.
EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCES TO THE SPERMATOZOA QUALITY
Authors: Faridullah Hashim , Eva TvrdÃ¡ , Peter MassÃ¡nyi , Robert Stawarz , Norbert LukÃ¡Ä
Published: March 2016

The aim of this short review is to investigate the effects of biological active substances namely vitamin C and E, Quercetin, Tannic acid, Lycopene, Resveratrol, and Curcumin to viability and cryopreservation of spermatozoa; as well as the sensitivity of spermatozoa to reactive oxygen species and the strategies how to avoid oxidative stress (OS) by using naturally occurring antioxidants mentioned above. The oxidative stress, which has been associated with male infertility and many degenerative diseases, can be reduced by antioxidants via breaking the oxidative chain reactions. Lycopene is one the most highly efficient antioxidant and free radical scavenger and has protective effect on spermatozoa. Trans-Resveratrol also has positive effects on the production of spermatozoa. Consequently, one of the most prominent compounds “curcumin” which has widely been studied for its anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, wound healing and anti-cancer effects; as well as showed energy-promoting and protective effects on the testicular tissue and spermatogenesis.
EXAMINATION OF ENERGY RECOVERY OF BREWERS' SPENT GRAIN II. - BIOLOGICAL PROCESS
Authors: Géczi GÃ¡bor , Azevedo Borges Catarina , Ágoston Csaba , Pusztai Krisztina , Ulmer Ãkos , Beszédes SÃ¡ndor
Published: March 2016

Production rate of technologies applied in the food industry can only be economical if energy consumption is specifically reduced simultaneously with increasing the capacities and/or utilization of alternative energy sources gains higher ratio during production.
A high proportion of waste forms is produced in food processing technologies. Fiscal and environmental cost of waste handling i.e. transportation, recovery and disposal is often significant.
Brewing industry’s most important by-product is the brewers' spent grains (BSG) formed during mashing. Utilization of this product is theoretically solved, it is most frequently sold as animal fodder, however utilization in the energy sector can and should be considered and has promising possibilities. Seeking economic and environmental benefits, this paper analyses the possibilities of energy recovery from brewers’ spent grains through aerobic digestion and anaerobic fermentation.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PULCHERRIMIN PIGMENT PRODUCED BY METSCHNIKOWIA PULCHERRIMA AGAINST VARIOUS YEAST SPECIES
Authors: Kántor Attila , Hutková Jana , Petrová Jana , Hleba LukÃ¡Å¡ , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: March 2016

Metschnikowia pulcherrima is common yeast on grape berries and can grow on special cultivation media with iron (e.g. FeSO4.7H2O) (max. 0.02 g/L) to produce reddish (maroon) pigment pulcherrimin. Many studies confirm that pulcherrimin has antimicrobial activity against postharvest pathogens, microscopic fungi and other yeast species. In this study, two strains of M. pulcherrima, isolated from grapes and identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, were used : VML and CBS 610NT. Sixteen yeast species: Aureobasidium (1), Candida (5), Hanseniaspora (1), Kregenvanrija (1), Pichia (2), Rhodotorula (2), Saccharomyces (1), Zygosaccharomyces (2) and Wickerhamomyces (1) were selected to test the antimicrobial capacity of these two M. pulcherrima strains. The results showed CBS 610NT had a stronger ability than VML to inhibit the tested yeasts. Among the yeast, Candida spp. and Pichia manshurica were the most sensitive to the pigment pulcherrimin.
PHYLOGENETIC RELATEDNESS CLUSTERING THRESHOLDS OF POTENTIALLY BACTERIOCINOGENIC CLINICAL AND DAIRY ENTEROCOCCUS SPP. STRAINS WITH RESPECT TO THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGINS IN BULGARIA
Authors: G. Dimov Svetoslav , Strateva Tanya , Petkova Veronika , Dimitrova Maria , Atanasova Daniela , Mitov Ivan
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study is to examine different thresholds of similarity coefficients for reliable clustering of clinical and dairy enterococci originating from various geographical regions in Bulgaria, based on randomly amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis. For creating subsets of different strains on a relatively independent basis, was created a selection based on the presence of some bacteriocin genes. A collection of 110 Enterococcus faecalis and 51 Enterococcus faecium nosocomial strains from in-patients in five hospitals, covering the major cities of Bulgaria, and additional 11 Enterococcus faecalis and 15 Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from home-made and artisanal cheeses in different mountain regions of the country was screened for the presence of five commonly found bacteriocin genetic determinants – enterolysin A (EntlA) and bacteriocin AS-48 for E. faecalis and enterocin A (EntA), enterocin B (EntB) and enterocin P (EntP) for E. faecium. Strains carrying the same bacteriocin gene were subjected separately to RAPD-PCR, followed by UPGMA analysis. The obtained results showed that clustering should be performed with similarity coefficients above 95% in order to separate the starins based on cheeses’ or clinical origin and according to their geographical origins. Our findings indicate that the largely accepted similarity coefficient of 70% for clonal relatedness should be reconsidered and the threshold raised up.
GC-MS ANALYSIS OF CHANGE IN FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF HALOBACTERIUM BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS HSW-16 UNDER VARYING SALINITY CONDITION
Authors: Prakash Singh Rajnish , Mishra Somesh , Raghuvanshi Smita , Nath Jha Prabhat
Published: March 2016

The salt concentration have a pronounced effect on fatty acid composition, therefore the adaption of fatty acid composition of a halophilic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis HSW-16, grown at different concentration of NaCl (0 mM, 150 mM, 175 mM, 200 mM) was studied. The common fatty acid observed at various salt concentration were tetratriacontane, triacontane, tetracosane and pentacosane etc..As the salinity increases from 150 mM to 200 mM, the bacterium started to accumulating the long chain alkanes and fatty alcohol, suggesting the adaption of bacterium through accumulation varying fatty acids for counteracting the increased salinity and maintaining its osmotic balance in the changing environment.
PRODUCTION OF CONCOCTION WINE USING PALM SAP AND RAISIN THROUGH BATCH FERMENTATION
Authors: B. Shet Vinayaka , D. Belur Prasanna
Published: March 2016

Palm wine is a common cheap beverage, widely consumed in parts Africa, Asia and South America. The sap obtained from Palm tree is fermented to produce Palm wine. In the current study palm sap was blended with raisins. After processing, extract was subjected to anaerobic fermentation by inoculating Saccharomyces cerevisiae with an initial pH of 3.5 and initial sugar content of 22-24˚ Brix at room temperature. Wine was then subjected to malolactic fermentation using Oenococcus oeni. The ethanol concentration was found to be in the range of 12-13 % (v/v), and residual sugar concentration was found to be less than 2mg/ml. Fixed acidity in terms of tartaric acid equivalent was found to be in the range of 3.31g/L to 6.18g/L, radical scavenging activity in terms of trolox equivalent was found to be in the range 2.3-2.5mmol TE /L. Various metals such as Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were estimated. In total this concoction wine was comparable with typical grape wine. This work proves that there is a potential to convert cheap palm sap into value added concoction wine.
ANTIMICROBIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ATTRIBUTES OF DENNETTIA TRIPETALA F. BAKER ROOT AND BARK EXTRACTS
Authors: Obumneme Akabueze Kenechukwu , Idu MacDonald , Omorogiuwa Erhabor Joseph , Timothy Odaro
Published: March 2016

The antimicrobial activities and phytochemical constituents of aqueous and hexane extracts of both the bark and roots of Dennettia tripetala F. Baker (Annonaceae) were determined using routine methods. Flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, volatile oil, carbohydrate and reducing sugars were present in the aqueous extract of the root and bark, but absent in the hexane extracts. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested against bacterial and fungal isolates using agar diffusion method.The commercial antibiotics used as positive reference standards to determine the sensitivity of the isolates were Gentamicin and Fluconazole.The aqueous extract of the root showed inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with zones of inhibition ranging from 0.01mm to 30mm. The aqueous root extract inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis with MIC values at 50 mg/ml.The results showed that the aqueous root extract possesed antimicrobial attributes as indicated by its activity on test bactetrial isolates. Phytochemicals were not present in the hexane extracts and the extracts showed no activity against the test organisms.
DETERGENT COMPATIBLE COLD-ACTIVE ALKALINE AMYLASES FROM CLAVISPORA LUSITANIAE CB13
Authors: Ranjan Kamlesh , Ahmad Lone Mansoor , Sahay Sanjay
Published: March 2016

After two stages of screening, five environment isolates of yeasts showing amylolytic activity at alkaline pH and residual activity at cold temperatures were isolated from rotten vegetables. Based on pH and temperature robustness, amylases from CB13 were selected for further characterization. The enzymes from this yeast-isolate showed optimum activity at pH 11 and temperature 40oC, 42 % residual activity at 4oC, no dependence on Ca2+ for activity and stability, resistance to EDTA and SDS, and amplification in activity in presence of Mn2+ and Co2+. The amylolytic activity was thermostable showing retention of 50% of optimum activity after boiling for 30 min. The enzymes retained nearly 80% of activity after exposing to various detergent components, and also to commercially available laundry detergents for 2h. The morphological, physiological and molecular characterization of the isolate CB13 led to its identification as Clavispora lusitaniae. This is the first report on the screening of detergent compatible α-amylase with residual cold-activity from yeast isolated from rotten vegetables.
AMYLOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF KLUYVER-POSITIVE DEBARYOMYCES OCCIDENTALIS CELLS IMMOBILIZED IN FOAMED ALGINATE GEL
Authors: Kregiel Dorota
Published: March 2016

This study investigates the amylolytic activity of Kluyver-positive yeast strain Debaryomyces occidentalis immobilized in foamed alginate gels. Encapsulation was performed through the traditional process of droplet formation from a foamed alginate solution. The beads were coated with a layer of 3% alginate. Amylolytic enzyme activities were determined in the presence of different carbon sources – glucose, maltose, starch or dextrin – in both complex and minimal culture media. The yeast was capable of producing inducible alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) and glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3). The highest level of cell proliferation was observed in the complex medium with glucose. Immobilized cells showed the highest amylolytic activities in culture media with maltose. Both alpha-amylase and glucoamylase activities were higher in minimal media than in complex media.
BIODIVERSITY OF MYCOBIOTA IN PEANUT SEEDS, CORN AND WHEAT GRAINS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR AFLATOXIGENIC ABILITY
Authors: Ahmed Ismail Mady , Thabet Abo El-Maali Nagwa , Ali Omran Ghada , Masood Nasser
Published: March 2016

The fungal biodiversity in 30 samples, 10 of each of peanut seeds, corn and wheat grains were estimated on two isolation media (AFPA and DRBC). The aflatoxigenic ability of isolates related to Aspergillus section Flavi using CAM agar plates was also assessed. The results indicated that the mean moisture content was relatively low in peanut (8.05%) while it was relatively high in corn samples (10.45%). A limited number of peanut seeds but a large number of corn grains were fungi-free on both media. On AFPA, the aflatoxigenic species contaminated 9, 5 and 7 of peanut, corn and wheat samples respectively. On AFPA and DRBC, the total number of genera and species recorded on wheat were higher than those on corn and peanut and only three genera, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium were isolated from the three substrates. Aspergillus possessed more propagules on peanut than on corn and wheat, whereas Fusarium and Penicillium had more propagules on corn than on peanut and wheat. The aflatoxigenic species A. flavus, and A. niger were isolated from the three substrates. These two species showed higher propagules on peanut and corn than on wheat. P. chrysogenum, P. duclauxii and F. verticillioides were recorded from corn and wheat grains, P. aurantiogriseum and F. chalamydosporum from corn and P. brevicompactum, P. funiculosum from wheat and P. pinophilum and F. oxysporum from peanut only. Flourescence at 365 nm of 43 A. flavus and other 4 fungal strains recovered from the analyzed substrates and grown on CAM agar plates revealed that all A. flavus strains showed blue color with different intensities indicating aflatoxin B production, while the other 4 non-A. flavus strains showed negative results.
STUDIES ON THE OCCURRENCE OF COXIELLA BURNETII INFECTION IN TICKS IN SELECTED EASTERN AND CENTRAL REGIONS OF POLAND
Authors: Bielawska-Drózd Agata , Cieślik Piotr , Wlizło-Skowronek BoÅ¼ena , Zięba PrzemysÅaw , Pitucha Grzegorz , Gaweł Jerzy , Knap JÃ³zef
Published: March 2016

Arthropods may play a role in the transmission of Coxiella burnetii as they transmit pathogen both mechanically (as flies), and actively during the host blood suction. The aim of this study was to identify the C. burnetii occurring in ticks harvested from both domestic and livestock animals, as well as from wildlife in randomly selected regions of Poland. The total number 1126 ticks was collected in four regions of Poland: the Masovian, Lublin, Łódź and Podkarpackie Provinces. Among ticks collected from May 2011 to August 2012, the presence of IS1111 gene sequence was detected in 15 (1.33%) cases by real-time PCR test. Among the ticks harvested from domestic and livestock animals in 12 cases (3.1%), and in case of ticks found in open-space rodents in 3 cases (0.4%) we found the presence of marker sequences. The low percentage of C. burnetii infected ticks indicate a limited role of these arthropods in Q fever transmission.
ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF DOMINANT LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM DAHI: AN INDIGENOUS DAIRY PRODUCT OF NEPAL HIMALAYAS
Authors: Raman Bhattarai Rewati , Gautam Nawaraj , Adil Nawaz Malik , Kumar Lal Das Suman
Published: March 2016

Morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics were employed to identify dominant Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates from 39 dahi (indigenous dairy product) samples collected from different districts of eastern Nepal. The isolates comprised of predominately Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactococcus lactis subspecies cremoris, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis biovar diacetylactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroids subsp. mesenteroids. S. thermophilus were found consistently in most of the samples examined. In this study, 59.38% of Lactobacilli, 21% of Streptococci, 8.2 % Lactococci and 11.42 % Leuconostocs were isolated from indigenous dahi. This study revealed diversity of lactic acid bacteria in Nepalese milieu having immense potential in producing qualitative fermented milk.
AMINO ACID PROFILING OF YEAST CREAM; A POTENTIAL PROTEIN ENRICHED INGREDIENT FOR POULTRY FEED
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Anwar Zahid , Zafar Muddassar , Ali Shoaib , Khurshid Muhmmad , Ahmad Sheikh Munir , Irshad Muhammad
Published: March 2016

Yeast cream, an extremely good source of single cell protein (SCP), is formed as a by-product after the fermentation of molasses by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in bioethanol industry. A huge amount of yeast cream is produced annualy but seldom has destined as protein source in food industry therefore, produced yeast cream, is discarded due to no utilization especially in under developed countries including Pakistan. The yeast cream can be utilized in various food and feed industries (espcially in poultry industry) in a promising way to solve the protein shortage problems. Although, in previous century, several attempts have been under taken at larger scale to opt SCP as a potential human food ingredient to combat the protein shortage but failed due to its potential hazardous ingredients. However, adopting SCP as a potential poultry feed ingredient can potentially alleviate the such effects. This current study was aimed at deciphering the amino acid level in yeast cream in order to investigate its potential usage in poultry industry . To meet the objectives, three different independent yeast cream samples of two different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Instant saf and Thermophilic yeast (Red) were collected from Shakarganj sugar mills distillery, Jhang and their amino acids profiling was determined with the help of HPLC. Our results pinpointed that yeast cream produced by Thermophilic yeast (Red) contains optimal level of essential amino acids. Thus, we hereby recommend that yeast cream produced by Thermophilic yeast (Red) can potentially be employed, as a protein source, in poultry feed. However, careful and sophisticated experimentation is required before adopting yeast cream as a protein substitute in poultry feed.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF DROSERA ROTUNDIFOLIA L. AGAINST GRAM-POSITIVE AND GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA
Authors: Ďurechová Dominika , Kačániová Miroslava , Terentjeva Margarita , Petrová Jana , Hleba LukÃ¡Å¡ , Kata Iwona
Published: March 2016

The medicinal use of genus Drosera, as an important antitussive for different respiratory diseases, has been known for centuries. Many of extracts from carnivorous plants exhibit various antibacterial and antifungal activities. Naphthoquinones containing extracts from Drosera have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, antileprosy, antisclerotic and anticancer properties. The aim of the present study was to detect antibacterial activity of Drosera rotundifolia against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by the testing of MIC. For the study six strains of microorganisms were selected and there were Gram-positive bacteria -Bacillus thuringiensis (CCM 19T), Clostridium perfringens (CCM 4991), and Listeria monocytogenes (CCM 4699), as well as and Gram-negative bacteria - Escherichia coli (CCM 3988), Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (CCM 3807) and Yersinia enterocolitica (CCM 5671). Plant extracts were isolated from three plants of Drosera rotundifolia L. (S1, S2 and S3) in different time range. The most effective extract with MIC50 value of 17.07 μg.ml-1 was S3, while forMIC90 of 19.05 μg.ml-1 were extracts S2 and S3 exhibiting antimicrobial activity against Bacillus thuringiensis, Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes. Extracts S1, S2 showed MIC50 value 25.53 μg.ml-1for all the microorganism tested, but S3 extract revealed the same antimicrobial activity against Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and Escherichia coli. Extract S1 has MIC90 value of 27.14 μg.ml-1 against all the microorganism tested, but S2 and S3 shared the same MIC90 for Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica and Escherichia coli.
UTILIZATION OD DIFFERENT MARKERS FOR HEDERA HELIX, L. GERMPLASM EVALUATION
Authors: Žiarovská Jana , Bošeľová Danka , Zeleňáková Lucia , Bežo Milan
Published: March 2016

Hedera helix is a plant that is valued for its medicinal properties and on the other hand criticized for its invading potential. Beside its medicinal use, a wide utilization as decorative plant is typical for this specie. Up-to date only a few molecular data are available for Hedera helix genome, thus the aim of the study was to evaluate the utilization of different DNA markers for the its further population studies purposes. In total, eight different DNA marker techniques were used for the PCR analysis – iPBS, BARE1 IRAP, Cassandra IRAP, Tst1 IRAP, HACRE 1 IRAP, RAPD, ISSR and miRNA. In total, 38 different iPBS primers were tested with the best results for primers 2152, 2270, 2079, 1899 and 2033. In the case of RAPD primers, all of them worked in the PCR excellent. For ISSR, only a 42 % of the used primers provided results that vere evaluated as very good or excellent ISSR profile. The most successful results were obtained by microsatelite repetitions (GA)8T, (CTG)3GC and (TG)10. A novel type of DNA markers – miRNA provided results that are promising for Hedera helix, L. population studies for their further utilization.
DETERMINATION OF NITRATE AS A SOURCE OF RISK FOR HUMAN IN GROUNDWATERS
Authors: Lazor Peter , Maďaričová TerÃ©zia , Tóth TomÃ¡Å¡ , Tomáš JÃ¡n , Šimko Martin
Published: March 2016

We monitored the content of nitrates (NO3-) in samples taken from individual groundwater resources in the cadastral territory of the city of Nitra and Zobor (Svorad’s spring, spring Šindolka and spring Buganka), also used for human consumption in the period 2012 - 2014. NO3- contents were assessed by Photocolorimetric method. We also evaluated the results achieved in relation to the current legislation in this area.
The results of the performed analyzes throughout the period shows that the average concentration of NO3- represented in the samples of water from Svorad’s spring was 12,6 mg.dm-3, spring Šindolka 38,0 mg.dm-3 and spring Buganka 103,1 mg .dm-3
The nitrate concentration did not exceed the limit value in samples from spring Šindolka and spring Svorad. Spring Buganka had this value exceeded by up to 100 % of cases. We do not recommend to use water for human consumption from spring Buganka based on the measured values.
COMPARISON OF TWO COLORIMETRIC ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY ASSESSMENT METHODS IN BOVINE SEMEN FRACTIONS
Authors: Tvrdá Eva , Schneidgenová Monika , Jambor TomÃ¡Å¡ , Paál DuÅ¡an , Szabó Csaba , Lukáč Norbert
Published: March 2016

The antioxidant capacity represents the concentration and activity of diverse components which prevent oxidative damage to biomolecules. This study compares the effectiveness two routinely available protocols (Total antioxidant status - TAS and Ferric reducing ability of plasma - FRAP) with respect to the relationship between the antioxidant capacity and semen quality in bovine seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Computer assisted semen analysis was used to evaluate selected spermatozoa motion parameters; TAS and FRAP were assessed using UV/VIS spectrophotometry. Higher antioxidant activity (P
DO PUNICALAGINS HAVE POSSIBLE IMPACT ON SECRETION OF STEROID HORMONES BY PORCINE OVARIAN GRANULOSA CELLS?
Authors: Packová Dagmara , Kolesárová Adriana
Published: March 2016

Punicalagin is a major component responsible for pomegranate's antioxidant properties. Punicalagin is the predominant ellagitannin of Punica granatum and present in two isomeric forms; punicalagin α and β. Punicalagins are metabolised to ellagic acid (antioxidant) and microorganisms present in colon can metabolize ellagic acid to urolithins – each other substances could be responsible for effect on cell intracellular mechanism. The aim of our study was to observe the effect of punicalagins on secretion of steroids hormones – progesterone and 17β-estradiol. Ovarian granulosa cells were cultivated during 24h without (control group) and with various doses (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µg.ml-1) of pomegranate compounds – punicalagins. Steroid hormones progesterone and 17β-estradiol were evaluated by ELISA. Obtained results showed that the secretion of progesterone and 17β-estradiol by ovarian granulosa cells was not significantly (P≥0.05) influenced by punicalagins. In this pilot study no effects of punicalagins on porcine ovarian granulosa cells were found.
Poverty and Child Health in the United States
Authors:   COUNCIL ON COMMUNITY PEDIATRICS, Gitterman Benjamin A. , Flanagan Patricia J. , Cotton William H. , Dilley Kimberley J. , Duffee James H. , Green Andrea E. , Keane Virginia A. , Krugman Scott D. , Linton Julie M. , McKelvey Carla D. , Nelson Jacqueline L.
Published: March 2016

This Policy Statement was reaffirmed April 2021.

Almost half of young children in the United States live in poverty or near poverty. The American Academy of Pediatrics is committed to reducing and ultimately eliminating child poverty in the United States. Poverty and related social determinants of health can lead to adverse health outcomes in childhood and across the life course, negatively affecting physical health, socioemotional development, and educational achievement. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for programs and policies that have been shown to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for children and families living in poverty. With an awareness and understanding of the effects of poverty on children, pediatricians and other pediatric health practitioners in a family-centered medical home can assess the financial stability of families, link families to resources, and coordinate care with community partners. Further research, advocacy, and continuing education will improve the ability of pediatricians to address the social determinants of health when caring for children who live in poverty. Accompanying this policy statement is a technical report that describes current knowledge on child poverty and the mechanisms by which poverty influences the health and well-being of children.
Mediators and Adverse Effects of Child Poverty in the United States
Authors: Pascoe John M. , Wood David L. , Duffee James H. , Kuo Alice ,   COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH,   COUNCIL ON COMMUNITY PEDIATRICS, Yogman Michael , Bauer Nerissa , Gambon Thresia B , Lavin Arthur , Lemmon Keith M. , Mattson Gerri , Rafferty Jason Richard , Wissow Lawrence Sagin , Gitterman Benjamin A. , Flanagan Patricia J. , Cotton William H. , Dilley Kimberley J. , Green Andrea E. , Keane Virginia A. , Krugman Scott D. , Linton Julie M. , McKelvey Carla D. , Nelson Jacqueline L.
Published: March 2016

This Technical Report was reaffirmed April 2021.

The link between poverty and children’s health is well recognized. Even temporary poverty may have an adverse effect on children’s health, and data consistently support the observation that poverty in childhood continues to have a negative effect on health into adulthood. In addition to childhood morbidity being related to child poverty, epidemiologic studies have documented a mortality gradient for children aged 1 to 15 years (and adults), with poor children experiencing a higher mortality rate than children from higher-income families. The global great recession is only now very slowly abating for millions of America’s children and their families. At this difficult time in the history of our nation’s families and immediately after the 50th anniversary year of President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, it is particularly germane for the American Academy of Pediatrics, which is “dedicated to the health of all children,” to publish a research-supported technical report that examines the mediators associated with the long-recognized adverse effects of child poverty on children and their families. This technical report draws on research from a number of disciplines, including physiology, sociology, psychology, economics, and epidemiology, to describe the present state of knowledge regarding poverty’s negative impact on children’s health and development. Children inherit not only their parents’ genes but also the family ecology and its social milieu. Thus, parenting skills, housing, neighborhood, schools, and other factors (eg, medical care) all have complex relations to each other and influence how each child’s genetic canvas is expressed. Accompanying this technical report is a policy statement that describes specific actions that pediatricians and other child advocates can take to attenuate the negative effects of the mediators identified in this technical report and improve the well-being of our nation’s children and their families.
Percepção da família e do terapeuta sobre a evolução de crianças em uma abordagem interdisciplinar de intervenção precoce
Authors: Pichini Fernanda dos Santos , Rodrigues Nathana da Graça Sartori , Ambrós Tatiane Medianeira Baccin , Souza Ana Paula Ramos de
Published: March 2016

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar e comparar a percepção dos pais e dos terapeutas referente aos efeitos da intervenção precoce no desenvolvimento de seus filhos, bem como acerca da evolução da criança e perspectivas futuras. Métodos: participaram deste estudo nove sujeitos, incluídos na clínica de Intervenção Precoce. Para a coleta dos dados realizaram-se entrevistas com os pais e/ou responsáveis pelas crianças e com os terapeutas de referência, as quais foram gravadas em áudio e transcritas literalmente. As informações foram analisadas qualitativamente e confrontadas, considerando os aspectos do desenvolvimento linguístico, motor, social e psíquico das crianças. Resultados: dos nove sujeitos analisados, sete apresentaram percepção parental e terapêutica semelhante para as questões do desenvolvimento abordadas e em dois casos houve divergência entre a visão dos familiares e dos terapeutas acerca do desenvolvimento das crianças, em que os familiares demonstram expectativas muito distintas das dos terapeutas quanto ao futuro dos filhos. Em relação à comunicação, todos os pais percebem avanços como as terapeutas. Conclusão: a percepção das terapeutas e pais demonstrou efeitos positivos da intervenção precoce interdisciplinar, manifestada na concordância de pontos de vista em relação aos sete dos nove sujeitos analisados. O estudo reforçou, ainda, a importância de se realizar a escuta qualificada das dificuldades da família quanto à limitação de seus filhos e orientá-las adequadamente a depender da patologia e/ou distúrbio apresentado.