bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sistemas de alimentación mixta e integral en la etapa de crecimiento de cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de las razas Perú, Andina e Inti
Authors: Reynaga Roja Max Fernando , Vergara Rubín Víctor , Chauca Francia Lilia , Muscari Greco Juan , Higaonna Oshiro Rosa
Published: December 2020

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto del sistema de alimentación en el comportamiento productivo de cuyes en la etapa de crecimiento de las razas Perú, Andina e Inti, criados en condiciones de la costa central del Perú. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar de seis tratamientos en arreglo factorial de 2x3, teniendo como factores dos sistemas de alimentación (Integral: alimento balanceado con vitamina C más agua; y Mixto: alimento balanceado con vitamina C, forraje verde y agua) y tres razas (Perú, Andina e Inti). Se obtuvieron mayores pesos finales y ganancias de peso diario en los tratamientos con cuyes raza Perú con alimentación mixta (1010.3 g y 15.31 g) e integral (991.9 g y 14.61 g), respectivamente, respecto a los demás tratamientos (p<0.05); mientras que el consumo de alimento en materia seca y el rendimiento de carcasa fueron estadísticamente superiores en el grupo Perú con alimentación mixta (48.10 g MS/día, 72.77%). La conversión alimenticia más eficiente (p<0.05) se determinó en los tratamientos integrales con cuyes raza Perú (2.73) y Andina (2.78). El sistema de alimentación integral registró menor consumo y conversión alimenticia más eficiente (p<0.05) respecto al sistema mixto.
Fasciola hepatica ectópica en pulmón de bovinos sacrificados en el Centro de Beneficio Municipal de Cajamarca, Perú
Authors: Torrel Pajares Teófilo Severino , Díaz Vásquez Katia , Rojas Moncada Juan , Coronado León José Fernando , Aguilar Guevara Ceesar Nilthom , García Barjoveanu Cristina Tatiana , Delgado Castro Alfredo
Published: December 2020

Con el objetivo de evaluar la frecuencia y caracterización morfométrica de Fasciola hepatica ectópica en pulmón, se evaluaron 2066 bovinos en el centro de beneficio municipal de Cajamarca, Perú, entre julio y agosto de 2018. Los pulmones que presentaron lesiones macroscópicas fueron revisados para determinar la presencia o ausencia de Fasciola hepatica ectópica. Se determinó una frecuencia de la fasciolosis errática pulmonar de 3.68 ± 0.8%. Morfométricamente, se observó que la Fasciola hepatica ectópica mantiene una forma foliácea, con coloraciones de rosado-pálido a marrón-grisáceo y con dimensiones de 10.36 ± 3.44 mm de largo y 4.31 ± 0.97 mm de ancho, y sin evidencia de ovoposición.
Comparación de indicadores autoecológicos en dinámica de crecimiento de Festuca dolichophylla (Presl, 1830) y Festuca humilior (Nees & Meyen, 1841)
Authors: Trillo Zárate Fritz Carlos , Nuñez Delgado Jimny , Aguirre Terrazas Lucrecia , Barrantes Campos Cecilio Antonio , Flores Mariazza Enrique
Published: December 2020

El objetivo del estudio fue comparar el crecimiento, acumulación de biomasa, dinámica de macollamiento y comportamiento hídrico de Festuca dolichophylla (Presl, 1830) (fedo) y Festuca humilior (Nees & Meyen, 1841) (fehu). El estudio se realizó en pajonales de condición buena en la sierra peruana a una altitud de 4186 msnm. Se utilizó un modelo con efectos fijos: especie y mes, y un efecto aleatorio: edad pos-plantación. fedo evidenció mayor altura a la hoja bandera con 29.66±0.56 cm y volumen de mata con 993.88±44.34 cm3, en tanto que fehu evidenció una mayor proporción de floración con 35.71±1.84%. Ambas especies tuvieron similar cantidad de macollos basales. En marzo-2016 se evidenció el pico más alto de humedad volumétrica del suelo (20 cm) con 57.37±0.78%, mientras que en setiembre-2016 fue el pico más bajo con 13.86±0.83%. En diciembre de 2016 se evidenciaron los picos más altos de transpiración con 92-95 mmol m2- s-1, mientras el pico más bajo fue en julio-2016 con 24-27 mmol m2- s-1. El mayor crecimiento y acumulación de biomasa lo tuvo fedo, posiblemente debido a que su estrategia adaptativa es la ocupación del espacio. La mayor proporción de floración lo tuvo fehu, donde posiblemente la floración persistente sea su estrategia adaptativa. La tasa de transpiración en fedo y fehu fueron similares y menores a otras especies en pajonales semiáridos, demostrando ser más eficientes en la estrategia adaptativa del uso del agua.
Estudio clínico, histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico del carcinoma de células escamosas ocular bovino en el departamento de Nariño, Colombia
Authors: Cedeño Quevedo Dario Alejandro , Calpa Oliva Carlos Alfredo , Bravo Nikole Lloyd , Rodríguez Hernández Dayana
Published: December 2020

Se evaluaron los aspectos clínicos e histopatológicos, así como la expresión inmunohistoquímica del carcinoma de células escamosas ocular (CCEO) en 24 vacas con neoplásicas oculares y periorbitales en el departamento de Nariño, Colombia. Las variables fueron raza, sexo, edad, ubicación y estadio del carcinoma. Se determinó la inmunoexpresión de p53 y CK19. Se trabajó con 15 Holstein, 3 Normado, 3 Simhol, 2 criollas y una Montbéliarde, clasificadas según edad en <3 años (4%), 4-7 años (64%) y >8 años (32%). El carcinoma se desarrolló en la membrana nictitante (n=13), limbo esclerocorneal (7), párpado inferior (2), córnea (1) y en la conjuntiva (1). Diez vacas presentaron un área periorbital hipopigmentada. Se observó pequeñas placas de color gris blanquecino en el tercer párpado y córnea, nódulos irregulares y verrugas sésiles con forma de coliflor en la región limbocorneal y párpados. Microscópicamente los tumores bien diferenciados presentaron rompimiento de membrana basal, núcleos hipercromáticos, mitosis atípicas y pleomorfismo nuclear. Se encontró células dispuestas en cordones con centros queratinizados en forma de perlas lamelares. El p53, en 18 casos presentó inmunoexpresión débil, tanto en animales con pigmentación normal como con piel hipopigmentada. La reactividad del CK19 fue nula en todas las muestras. El estudio demostró que la valoración morfológica de las lesiones de carcinoma de células escamosas ocular mediante teñidas con H-E fue la mejor herramienta diagnóstica, aunque no fue posible clasificar el CCEO por estadios de acuerdo con el grado de diferenciación microscópica.
Asociación entre parámetros convencionales y computarizados de calidad seminal con la evaluación por citometría de flujo de semen bovino congelado
Authors: Varela Elizabeth , Rojas Mauricio , Restrepo Giovanni
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre parámetros convencionales y computarizados de calidad seminal con la evaluación por citometría de flujo de semen bovino congelado. El semen de 10 eyaculados de cinco toros fue congelado. Se evaluó la movilidad total (MT), la movilidad progresiva (MP), la velocidad lineal (VSL), la velocidad curvilínea (VCL) y la velocidad media (VAP) del semen descongelado utilizando el sistema SCA®. La morfología normal (MN), la vitalidad del esperma (VE) y la integridad funcional de la membrana se evaluaron mediante la tinción con eosina-nigrosina y la prueba hipoosmótica (HOST). El potencial de membrana mitocondrial (∆ΨM) y la estabilidad de la membrana se evaluaron por citometría de flujo a través de las sondas DiOC6(3)/PI y M-540/Yopro-1, respectivamente. Se calcularon coeficientes de correlación de Pearson y se ajustaron modelos de regresión lineal múltiple (p<0.05). Se hallaron correlaciones positivas entre ΔΨM-Alto y ΔΨM-Medio con diferentes parámetros de calidad seminal (p<0.05). Así mismo, se encontraron coeficientes de correlación positivos entre la población de espermatozoides no-criocapacitados no-apoptóticos (M-Y-) y todos los parámetros evaluados (p<0.05). La mayoría de los coeficientes de regresión para las poblaciones de espermatozoides con mayor ΔΨM y estabilidad de membrana, indicaron incrementos significativos en la calidad del semen congelado-descongelado (p<0.05). Se concluye que la actividad mitocondrial y la estabilidad de membrana evaluadas por citometría de flujo, están asociadas con la calidad espermática estimada por métodos convencionales y computarizados, en el semen bovino criopreservado.
Características químicas del ensilado de raquis de plátano (Musa paradisiaca) y banano orito (Musa acuminata AA) tratado con suero de leche y urea
Authors: Caicedo Willan , Viáfara Derwin , Pérez Manuel , Alves Ferreira Felipe Norberto , Rubio Gabriel , Yanza Reinaldo , Caicedo María , Caicedo Luis , Valle Segundo , Motta Ferreira Walter
Published: December 2020

Se evaluaron las características químicas de un ensilado de raquis de plátano (Musa paradisiaca) y banano orito (Musa acuminata AA) tratado con suero de leche. Se prepararon 24 microsilos de 1 kg de capacidad y se determinó el pH, materia seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), cenizas, extracto etéreo (EE), extractos libres de nitrógeno (ELN) y energía bruta (EB) a los 0, 1, 4, 8, 15 y 30 días de conservación (cuatro microsilos por cada día). El material ensilado presentó un adecuado pH y produjo incrementos significativos en el contenido de MS, PB, cenizas, EE, ELN, EB y una reducción en el contenido de FB, respecto al raquis en estado natural. Hubo ausencia de Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp y Salmonella spp. Se evidenció olor ácido suave y fuerte, color marrón claro y oscuro y consistencia sólida y semisólida. El uso de material secante, melaza, urea y suero de leche permitió mejorar la composición nutricional del raquis de plátano y banano, generando un alimento de apreciada calidad nutritiva para su empleo en la alimentación animal.
Los Pre-ALAS y ALAS en América Latina y El Caribe. Entrevista a Marcelo Arnold, Presidente de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Sociología (ALAS)
Authors: Ríos Burga Jaime
Published: December 2020

Jaime Ríos: Profesor Marcelo Arnold, ¿Qué importancia científica y social tienen hoy para América Latina y El Caribe los Encuentros Pre Alas previo al Congreso de Costa Rica 2015?

Estos encuentros son el legado de una antigua práctica de la Asociación. De hecho, las Asociaciones Nacionales de Sociología, desde los comienzos, se hicieron parte de la Asociación y acoplaron sus propios congresos con las actividades de ALAS. Actualmente, entre otras funciones, los eventos nacionales permiten el re-encuentro de las comunidades de ciencias sociales locales y alinearlas con las temáticas y discusiones previstas para el Congreso Bienal de la Asociación. También, por lo que he podido apreciar, son un espacio para el dialogo intergeneracional, donde jóvenes maestros y sus estudiantes se vinculan con “figuras” internacionales en un contexto de discusión crítica, respetuosa y transparente.
Comentario de la revista ALAS: Controversias y Concurrencias Latinoamercanas
Authors: Ríos Burga Jaime
Published: December 2020

Mi agradecimiento al Director y los editores de la revista: César Ricardo Siqueira Bolaño, Carlos Arcila Calderón, Eduardo Andrés Sandoval Forero y Alicia Itati Palermo y a todos los que han contribuido con su publicación los miembros de la Asociación Latinoamericana de Investigadores de la Comunicación.

Destacar la labor del Programa Editorial de la Presidencia de ALAS con Marcelo Anold por promover este esfuerzo creativo.

Una visión de conjunto de la Revista nos hace ver su riqueza de contenido. Nos ubica frente a la centralidad de la problemática de los enfoques o teoría o teorías de la colonialidad y su relación con los estudios e investigaciones poscoloniales.
Un balance del ciclo progresista en América Latina
Authors: Svampa Maristella
Published: December 2020

Partiendo de varias epistemologías con origen en el Sur, la aproximación a la crisis de Brasil, a la coyuntura desfavorable, de poca legitimidad o de reducida aceptación de los gobiernos progresistas de nuestra América es analizada a través de tres ejes críticos: el ecoterritorial, el socioeconómico y el político institucional. Es importante destacar que el análisis mediante estos tres ejes permite aproximarnos a un entendimiento de la región en su conjunto, previo balance de los gobiernos progresistas en la región a quince años de su emergencia.
Cultura, violencia y dignidad en América Latina. Notas introductorias
Authors: Mejía Navarrete Julio
Published: December 2020

En este artículo pretendemos desarrollar algunas cuestiones iniciales que permitan organizar el debate sobre la cultura de la violencia y la emergencia de la cultura de la dignidad en América Latina.
La osadía de lo nuevo Alternativas de política económica
Authors: Chunga Alzamora Víctor
Published: December 2020

El título del libro es sugerente, provocador y nos incita a prepararnos para leerlo con creatividad y fluidez. La compilación de estos artículos responde a una necesidad de crítica al sistema capitalista/extractivista/ destructor que acentúa la desigualdad y la inequidad social, y a la urgencia de plantear propuestas desde una lógica del buen vivir con una re-apropiación de los bienes comu-nes desde un sentido de uso justo y solidario para la comunidad caribeña y replicar las experiencias en toda la región y a nivel glocal. Los focos de estudio son: Ecuador y Venezuela.
Kognityvinių ir demografinių rodiklių reikšmė prognozuojant Alzheimerio ligos atsaką į gydymą
Authors:   , Kuzmickienė Jurgita
Published: December 2020

The significance of cognitive and demographic indicators in predicting the response of Alzheimer’s disease to treatment
Menggagas Sosiologi Agama
Authors: Jamhari Jamhari
Published: December 2020

Sosiologi agama adalah usaha memahami agama, sebagai bagian yang tidak dapat dipisahkan dari fenomena sosial, secara sosiologis (empiris dan rasional=ilmiah). Para pemikir yang dianggap sebagai pendiri (founding fathers) sosiologi maupun antropologi, hampir dipastikan semua menjadikan agama sebagai kajian ini mereka.
Konsep Max Weber tentang Kepemimpinan Kharismatik
Authors: Muchtarom Zaini
Published: December 2020

Krisis kepemimpinan yang tengah dialami oleh bangsa Indonesia dewasa ini menggugah perhatian masyarakat untuk mencari sosok pemimpin yang mampu menumbuhkan kepercayaan yang telah lama hilang dari hati sanubari masyarakat. Dalam suasana krisis kepemimpinan semacam itu, timbul pertanyaan, apakah Indonesia memerlukan seorang pemimpin yang kharismatik?
Trends in Epidemiology and Microbiology of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock in Children
Authors: Sehgal Mukul , Ladd Hugh J. , Totapally Balagangadhar
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

To explore the microbiologic etiology and trends in incidence and survival of nonneonatal pediatric sepsis in the United States by using the 2006, 2009, and 2012 Kids’ Inpatient Database.

METHODS:

Children with sepsis were identified by using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for severe sepsis and septic shock (ICD-9-CM cohort) and by the modified Angus method, which incorporates ICD-9-CM codes for infection and organ dysfunction (Angus cohort). Temporal trends in incidence and microbiologic etiology were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Among 8 830 057 discharges, 26 470 patients in the ICD-9-CM cohort were diagnosed with severe sepsis and septic shock (29.97 per 10 000 discharges) and 89 505 patients in the Angus cohort (101.34 per 10 000 discharges). The incidence of sepsis increased in both cohorts from 2006 to 2012 (P < .01). In the Angus cohort, the case-fatality rate was the highest for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (14.42%, P < .01) among Gram-positive organisms and for Pseudomonas (21.49%; odds ratio: 2.58 [95% confidence interval: 1.88–3.54]; P < .01) among Gram-negative organisms.

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidence of sepsis has increased, and the sepsis case-fatality rate has decreased, without a decrease in the overall sepsis-associated mortality rate among hospitalized children. Also, bacterial and fungal organisms associated with the pediatric sepsis have changed over these years. These findings are important for focusing the allocation of health care resources and guiding the direction of future studies.
Retire – why yes, why not? Results of a study on the Czech seniors
Authors: Krejcova Aneta , Rašticová Martina
Published: December 2020

Currently, one of the most discussed topics in Europe is population aging and its consequences. Most of the countries have already introduced many measures to support older people but also has changed their retirement age. The amount of people older than 50 is increasing and it is of great importance how this group will be approached on different levels. Retirement is considered as a very important stage of life. Therefore, the need for examination of factors influencing retirement decisions is crucial. In general, there are factors which are similar in every country, but there are also country-specific factors, which are unique. This article focuses on the factors which are significant in the Czech Republic. The analysis is based on data from the SHARE database and the factors are investigated by using the logit model.
Total Lactic Acid, Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates in Curd Kefir and Cow Colostrum Kefir
Authors: Kurniati Tuti , Windayani Neneng , Listiawati Milla
Published: December 2020

There are differences in the content of lactic acid, fat, pro-tein and carbohydrates in the curd kefir and colostrum kefir. The aims of this study were to determine the content of lactic acid, protein, fat, and carbohydrates of curd kefir and colostrum kefir based on the con-centration of starter and fermentation time. Experimental data were collected from a number of experiments at a temperature of 28°C. The method used was the experimental method of CRD 3 × 3 with 3 replications, the data were analyzed by analysis of variance. Good kefir contained high lactic acid, proteins, and carbohydrate and low in fat. The results showed curd kefir with the highest lactic acid con-tent of 1.59 % was at a starter concentration of 20% and a fermen-tation time of 72 hours (d2w3), the highest protein of 2.20% was at a starter concentration of 30% and a fermentation time of 72 hours (d3w3), the lowest fat of 1.16% found at a starter concentration of 30% and a fermentation time of 72 hours (d3w3), and the highest carbohydrate of 4.81% found at a starter concentration of 30% and a fermentation time of 72 hours (d3w3). Whereas in colostrum ke-fir with the highest lactic acid content of 2.83 % found at a starter concentration of 20% and a fermentation time of 72 hours (d2w3), the highest protein of 6.13 % was at a starter concentration of 10% and a fermentation time of 24 hours (d1w1), the lowest fat of 1.58% was at a starter concentration of 30% and fermentation time of 24 hours (d3w1) and the highest carbohydrate content of 17.91% was at a starter concentration of 30% and a fermentation time of 72 hours (d3w3). It can be concluded that the starter concentration and fer-mentation time have a significant effect (α <0.05) on lactic acid, pro-tein, fat, and carbohydrates content of curd kefir and kefir colostrum.
Induced Experimental Peri-Implantitis and Periodontitis: What Are the Differences in the Inflammatory Response?
Authors: Huang Hairon , Chen Dong , Lippuner Kurt , Hunziker Ernst B.
Published: December 2020

This preliminary study investigates the differences between experimental periodontitis and peri-implantitis in a dog model, with a focus on the histopathology, inflammatory responses, and specific immunoregulatory activities driven by Th1/Th2-positive cells. Twelve dental implants were inserted into the edentulated posterior mandibles of 6 beagle dogs and were given 12 weeks for osseointegration. Experimental peri-implantitis and periodontitis (first mandible molar) were then induced using cotton-floss ligatures. Twelve weeks later, alveolar bones were quantitated by cone beam-computer tomography. Histopathologic analysis of the inflamed gingiva and periodontal tissues was performed by light microscopy, and the Th1/Th2 cell populations were investigated by flow cytometry. Peri-implantitis and periodontitis were both found to be associated with pronounced bone resorption effects, both to a similar degree vertically, but with a differential bone resorption pattern mesio-distally, and with a significantly higher and consistent bone resorption result in peri-implantitis, although with a higher variance of bone resorption in periodontitis. The histologic appearances of the inflammatory tissues were identical. The percentages of Th1/Th2 cells in the inflamed gingival tissues of both experimental peri-implantitis and periodontitis were also found to be similar. Experimental periodontitis and peri-implantitis in the dog model show essentially the same cellular pathology of inflammation. However, bone resorption was found to be significantly higher in peri-implantitis; the histopathologic changes in the periodontal tissues were similar in both groups but showed a higher interindividual variation in periodontitis and appeared more uniform in peri-implantitis. This preliminary study indicates that more focused experimental in vivo inflammation models need to be developed to better simulate the human pathology in the 2 different diseases and to have a valuable tool to investigate more specifically how novel treatments/prevention approaches may heal the differential adverse effects on bone tissue and on periodontium in periodontitis and in periimplantitis.
Combination treatment of patients with metabolic phenotype of osteoarthritis: an exploratory study
Authors: Shirinsky V. S. , Kalinovskaya N. Yu. , Filatova E. Yu. , Shirinsky I. V.
Published: December 2020

Treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) patients with comorbidities can be challenging due to adverse events and non-sufficient efficacy of modern drugs. A safe and effective alternative could be the methods of traditional medicine and their combinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of combination of curcuma-based parapharmaceutical preparation and acupuncture in metabolic phenotype of OA (MPOA). The trial design was pilot open-label “before – after” study with the duration of 12 weeks. The patients with MPOA received parapharmaceutical preparation Epigenorm Antivir in a daily dose of 1000 mg and underwent 15-20 sessions of classical acupuncture. We enrolled twenty three women with metabolic syndrome (MS), clinical and radiographic signs of gonarthrosis, mean age 66.5 years, mean body mass index 34.5. At the end of treatment there was a decrease in pain levels according to visual analogue scale (VAS) (before 65 (12.7), after 24.6 (21.0), р=0.001), WOMAC pain scale (before 210.6 (102.2), after 103 (80.8), p = 0.014), KOOS (before 47.8 (12.1), after 66.7 (16.2), р = 0.001). The treatment resulted in statistically significant improvement of daily and social activities, role functioning, and quality of life. The results were clinically significant as evidenced by the moderate (Cohen d > 0.5) and large (Cohen d > 0.8) effect sizes of most outcome changes in accordance with the Cohen classification. The clinical improvement was accompanied by the decrease in MS components – LDL cholesterol (before 3.26 (0.26) mmol/l, after 2.43 (0.2) mmol/l, р = 0.001), triglycerides (before 2.02 (0.16) mmol/l, after 1.31 (0.1) mmol/l, р = 0.005). The treatment resulted in the reduction of systemic inflammation as evidenced by the decrease in the concentrations of TNFα (before 15.9 (1.2) pg/ml, after 12.4 (0.8), р = 0.002), histamine (before 1.6 (0.2) ng/ml, after 0.7 (0.2) pg/ml, р = 0.034), IL-18 (before 208.8 (32.6 ) pg/ml, after 160.0 (26.0) pg/ml, р = 0.002) and CRP (before 6.05 (1.3) mg/l, after 3.2 (0.7) mg/l, р = 0.022). At the same time there was an increase of concentration of IL-10 (before 1.5 (0.7) pg/ml, after 3.8 (1.2), р = 0,006) and adiponectin (before 34.0 (5.6) pg/ml, after 40.0 (6.9), р = 0.034). The treatment was well tolerated, no serious adverse events were registered. The pleiotropic actions of combination treatment occured probably due to synergistic effects of herbal therapies and acupunctures. The results provide a rationale for larger scale, randomized controlled double-blind clinical trials.
Dynamics of sperm antibody levels in adolescents with left-sided varicocele
Authors: Pichugova S. V. , Rybina I. V. , Beikin Ya. B.
Published: December 2020

Varicocele means a varicose vein of the spermatic cord, being among the most common disorders diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, which suggests a high risk for infertility. Varicocele is considered an additional factor for immune-dependent infertility which results from damaged hemato-testicular barrier due to venous blood stasis, hyperthermia, testicular ischemia. Our objective was to determine levels of the sperm antibodies in serum and ejaculate in adolescents with left-sided varicocele, in order to assess the changing levels of sperm antibodies in blood serum at different ages during the postoperative period, depending on the degree of varicocele. For adolescents with left-sided varicocele and without varicocele, the serum levels of sperm antibodies were determined annually at the age of 14 to 17 years, as well as registration of sperm antibodies titer in seminal fluid at the age of 17 years. The levels of sperm antibodies in blood serum were traced in dynamics for the main group and comparison group, also comparing the groups with different degrees of varicocele, like as the patients before and after surgical varicocele correction. We did not reveal increased levels of the sperm antibodies over reference values in any subject under study. The level changes of sperm antibodies in serum showed an increase in these indexes at the age of 15-16 years in adolescents of both groups with a trend for a decrease in the comparison group by 17 years of age, however, without such tendency in the main group. No significant differences were found in the levels of sperm antibodies in blood serum depending on the degree of varicocele, and on the time after varicocelectomy.
In vitro maintaining of CD4+ central and effector memory cells in normal and inflammatory conditions
Authors: Blinova E. A. , Kolerova A. V. , Balyasnikov V. E. , Kozlov V. A.
Published: December 2020

IL-7 is a key factor for the survival and maintenance of CD4+ central (Tcm) and effector (Tem) memory cells in the whole body. In many autoimmune diseases, an elevated level of IL-7 is detected in blood serum and at the site of inflammation, thus suggesting participation of this homeostatic factor in the survival of memory T cells, including auto-reactive clones, in inflammatory disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanisms of maintaining CD4+ memory T cells under normal and inflammatory conditions. We developed an in vitro model of inflammation, based on induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and then evaluated the effects of IL-7 upon purified sorted populations of CD4+Tcm and Tem under normal conditions and in vitro inflammatory model. IL-7 treatment promoted maintenance of CD4+Tcm phenotype in all variants of cultures. In the absence of contact with adherent cell fraction, the IL-7-induced proliferation of Tcm and Tem was slightly reduced, both under normal and inflammatory conditions, thus suggesting low sensitivity of memory T cells to contacts with MHC, and, probably, a requirement for additional signals to provide complete stimulation with IL-7. The last suggestion is also supported by data about CD127 and CD132 expression, i.e., in the absence of contact with MHC, the proportion of CD127+CD132+ cells was decreased in both subpopulations of CD4+ memory cells. Upon in vitro cultures, IL-7 contributed to decreased expression of CD127, and increased expression of CD132 on CD4+Tcm and Tem. We have evaluated the CD4+Tcm and Tem populations by affinity of T cell receptor (TCR), using the level of CD5 expression. Т cells with high TCR affinity for self-antigens are known to have higher expression of CD5. In comparison to Tem, the Tcm contained more CD5high cells. In cultures, IL-7 promoted a high level of CD5 expression on Tcm, which was comparable to levels observed in peripheral blood cells. High CD5 expression on Tem was observed after stimulation with IL-7 in the in vitro inflammatory model. In the absence of contact with MHC, the number of CD5high cells decreased among CD4+Tem and Tcm. Thus, CD4+Tcm cells with high affinity for autologous antigens are probably dependent on the presence of homeostatic factors, in particular, IL-7, and contacts with antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Under conditions of inflammation, no changes were revealed in the mechanism of maintaining CD4+Tcm, in contrast to CD4+Tem. Being less dependent on IL-7 under normal conditions, CD4+CD5highTem are accumulated in the presence of IL-7 under in vitro inflammatory conditions.
Role of IL13 genetic polymorphism in the development of bronchial asthma in children
Authors: Tereschenko S. Yu. , Smolnikova M. V. , Kasparov E. V. , Shakhtshneider E. V. , Malinchik M. A. , Konopleva O. S. , Smirnova S. V.
Published: December 2020

Bronchial asthma is a multifactorial disease, with both environmental factors and genetic predisposal affecting its development. A number of gene associations have been obtained between polymorphisms of cytokine genes produced by different types of immune cells and asthma development. Interleukin-13 is involved in allergic inflammation, increased bronchial hypersensitivity, regulation of eosinophil levels and IgE production by B cells, thus making it promising for studying IL13 gene polymorphisms in bronchial asthma coupled to development of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate possible association between asthma and IL13 rs1800925 polymorphism in the children of Caucasian origin in Eastern Siberia. Four groups of patients with asthma were examined (mean age 12.8±1.2 years): with a controlled (n = 95) and uncontrolled course (n = 107), with severe (n = 71) and moderate severity (n = 131) diseases. The control group consisted of healthy individuals: children (n = 33) and adults (n = 102). DNA was isolated with sorbent method; genotyping was carried out using RT-PCR using specific oligonucleotide primers and fluorescent TaqMan probes. The allele and genotype frequencies were compared by the χ-square test using an online calculator. The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed to link genetic markers with pathological phenotypes. The CT IL13 rs1800925 genotype was shown to be associated with moderate asthma and cases of uncontrollable clinical course, whereas the TT genotype was associated with severe asthma. Thus, rs1800925 polymorphism of IL13 gene (the T* variant is known to be associated with increased IL-13 expression) may be associated with bronchial asthma in children. Our data are consistent with results of other authors. E.g., Liu Z. et al. revealed an association between rs1800925 IL13 and the risk of developing asthma in children, with CT and TT genotypes being more common in the patient group. Radhakrishnan A. et al., was studied rs1800925 IL13 in adult population of Malaysia and found that the T* allele frequency in the group of patients significantly exceeds the frequency of this allele in the control group. Thus, the results of our study showed that IL13 rs1800925 polymorphism is associated with bronchial asthma in children, especially, with level of its control and severity of the disease.
Some groups of Toll-like receptor gene polymorphisms and their clinical and pathogenetic manifestations in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Suprun E. N. , Nagovitsyna E. B. , Kuderova N. I. , Suprun S. V. , Lebed’ko O. A.
Published: December 2020

The prevalence of bronchial asthma has shown its steady increase in the world in recent years. Despite all the achievements of Allergology, control of the disease can be achieved only in two-thirds of patients even if all social risk factors and the influence of concomitant diseases are excluded. Thus, it is necessary to study endogenous factors that modify the pathogenesis of the disease. Toll-like receptors are the main molecules for recognizing pathogenic patterns in the human immune system. Since any Allergy is a recognition error, mutation of the genes of the recognizing molecules can have a direct and multidirectional effect on the nature of the inflammation and its clinical manifestations in bronchial asthma (BA). To detect this effect, 65 patients with BA were examined, and mutations of Toll-like receptor genes were detected: TLR2-Arg753Glu, TLR4- Asp299Gly, TLR4-Ghr399Ile, TLR9-T1237C, TLR9-A2848G, lymphocyte subpopulations CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8, CD16, phagocytosis indicators, levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE and IL-6, IL-7, IL-9. The assessment of the severity of asthma and its level of control were conducted according to clinical recommendations of the Ministry of health of the Russian Federation in 2019 criteria. We have shown characteristic clinical manifestations of the studied mutations. A lighter course of the disease, more complete control over it and a better response to therapy were found in single-nucleotide substitutions in the Toll-like receptor 4 and 9 (TLR4-Asp299Gly, TLR4-Ghr399Ile, TLR9-T1237C, TLR9-A2848G). On the contrary, a heavier course and a worse response to therapy were detected in the TLR2 mutation with Arg753Glu replacement. In the studied groups, the features of immunity indicators characteristic of genotypes with a lighter and more controlled course of BA were determined: a higher absolute number of T-helpers, with multidirectional changes in the number of T-killers, but with invariably preserved higher ratio of CD4/CD8 in such genotypes. Higher levels of phagocytosis indicators (primarily characterizing chemotaxis) and IL-7, IL-9 were also detected. The exception is the TLR9-A2848G mutation, in which greater disease control and better response to therapy are combined with no changes in the studied laboratory characteristics. At the same time, a specific feature of the genotype of the studied patients with BA was revealed – a combination of Toll-like receptors 4 and 9 mutations. This suggests the presence of genetic patterns that characterize groups of patients with BA that differ in severity, response to therapy, and degree of control, which makes it possible to personalize approaches to diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of the disease.
Typical relationships between the indexes of lipid peroxidation/ antioxidant protection and immune regulation in the patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and stomach cancer
Authors: Smirnova O. V. , Tsukanov V. V. , Sinyakov A. A. , Moskalenko O. L. , Elmanova N. G. , Ovcharenko E. S.
Published: December 2020

Chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer represent distinct steps of one pathogenic process. The risk of developing cancer of the stomach is directly proportional to the degree of atrophic changes simultaneously detected in antral segment and in the body of the stomach. The role of immune system in transformation of precancerous diseases into cancer is beyond doubt. During development of the malignant disease, the changes in lipid peroxidation systems – antioxidant defense become significant and contribute to the progression of the tumor and the development of metastases. A simultaneous study of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense indices along with phagocytic activity will allow us to evaluate relative contribution of these processes to development of chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Purpose of the present study was to assess correlations between the lipid peroxidation indices, i.e. antioxidant protection, and chemiluminescent activity of neutrophilic granulocytes and monocytes in chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer. Forty patients with chronic gastritis, 22 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and 40 patients with gastric cancer were examined. The control group consisted of 50 practically healthy age-matched volunteers. Evaluation of spontaneous and induced production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils and monocytes was carried out by chemiluminescent analysis. The parameters of lipid peroxidation/ antioxidant protection were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Statistica v. 8.0 program (StatSoft Inc., USA). The normal distribution of indices was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov method (adjusted by Lillefors). Quantitative indicators, given the normal distribution, were described using the median (Me) and interquartile scatter (Q0.25-Q0.75). To study statistical significance of differences between quantitative characteristics, the Mann–Whitney test was used. To study strength of relationships of these indicators, the Pearson rank correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. The critical significance level (p) when testing statistical hypotheses was taken equal to 0.05. Correlation analysis showed that the weight of positive correlations increases in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, and it decreases in patients with gastric cancer, the strength of the correlation dependence and new relationships appear between chemiluminescent activity of neutrophils and monocytes in a spontaneous and induced state, and the amounts of malonic dialdehyde, enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. In chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer we have established the features of correlation patterns between lipid peroxidation/antioxidant protection indices, and activity of neutrophils and monocytes.
Farmers' perceptions of climate variability, their adaptation strategies and agricultural productivity: a case of Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Afful D. B. , Ayisi K.
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT The provision of farm management decision support and advisory services to insure climate resilient agricultural production systems, especially for subsistence farmers, depends on data on such producers. The main objective of the paper was to generate such data by comparing the status quo regarding dryland, subsistence grain farmers' perceptions of climate variability, their adaptation strategies and crop productivity. Using a survey questionnaire, the comparison was made across time (2014 and 2017) in selected municipalities of Limpopo province. The findings across time and aggregated for all the different local municipalities investigated were similar regarding respondents' perceptions of climate variability, adaptation strategies used and crop productivity. The perceptions revealed that respondents were aware of the reality of climate variability and its negative effects on their crop and livestock production, Agricultural productivity amongst extension and non-extension recipients was low, with minimal differences. These findings auger well for the development of common strategies to improve the effectiveness of the support for farm management including climate variability that is provided by the public agricultural extension service to the group of producers in this study to reduce the negative effects of climate variability on their crop productivity. This will eventually help to improve their food security. Keywords: Perceptions, Climate variability, Productivity, Spatial and temporal variation, Subsistence farming.
Economic analysis of smallholder maize farmers: implications for public extension services in Eastern Cape
Authors: Agbugba I. K. , Christian M. , Obi A.
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT This study sought to determine the economics of maize farmers in Amatole District, Eastern Cape. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select hundred and nine (109) smallholder farmers (homestead and irrigators). Descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis were used to determine the economics and profitability of maize in the study area. Findings indicated that majority (66 per cent) of them were men with an average age of 61 years old, majority (69 per cent) were married, with mean household size of 4 persons and household heads having some primary education. Moreover, majority (76 per cent) of the farmers depended on irrigation technology; majority (33 per cent) of the famers spent between 9 and 11 years of experience in farming; majority (89 per cent) of the respondents in the study area were dependent on farming as their major occupation and livelihood. Pertaining to land acquisition, majority (48%) of the farmers believed that the traditional or community leaders set rules and regulations regarding land acquisition. From the profitability analysis, smallholder farmer irrigators generated significantly higher yield, total revenues and gross margins more than the homestead gardeners at 5, 10 and 5 per cent levels, respectively. Moreover, homestead gardeners spent more money in purchase of inputs and this may have contributed to their low gross margins. On the other hand, smallholder-farmer irrigators who incur less input costs have higher chances of benefiting from price discounts and transport offer by input suppliers than the homestead gardeners. This results in smallholder farmer irrigators wielding more profits, thereby creating more income and wealth which is pivotal in the improvement of farmers' livelihoods. Keywords: Economics, profitability, Maize farmers, Extension service, Eastern Cape.
Influence of low-intensity radiation of the optical range spectrum (λ = 630-660 nm) on the immunoresistance parameters in animals with experimental peritonitis
Authors: Klimova O. , Korobov A. , Bichenko K. , Lavinska O. , Kordon T. , Drozdova L.
Published: December 2020

Treatment of inflammatory and septic conditions is a serious problem due to the existing antibiotic resistance. It is necessary to find new
treatments using biological and physical factors that affect the course of inflammatory reactions in chronic processes. It is important to understand the mechanisms of interaction of light photons with cellular acceptors, which provide reactivity and resistance.
The aim – is to evaluate the low-intensity light effect of the red range spectrum (λ =630-660 nm) on the course of the inflammatory process in
experimental animals with LPS-induced peritonitis. Animals were divided into 3 groups: A – intact animals; B – animals with peritonitis induced by
intraperitoneal administration of LPS; C – animals with LPS-induced peritonitis after repeated exposure to red light. Irradiation of the abdominal wall was performed with LED matrices Korobov A. – Korobov V. "Barva-Flex/24FM", which emit in the red region of the spectrum. Methods of light microscopy (study of the barrier function in oxygen-independent phagocytosis of neutrophils, estimation of the lymphocytotoxicity degree in the Terasaki test) and spectrophotometry (determination of the concentration of circulating immune complexes) were used.
In animals after induction of peritonitis (group B) was observed inhibition of phagocytosis, which manifested itself in reduced adhesion and
endocytosis of antigens by neutrophils compared with intact animals. The use of light exposure of the red range spectrum (group C) significantly activated phagocytic cells and reduced the degree of lymphocytotoxicity and the concentration of circulating immune complexes at different stages of the inflammatory process. Thus, the action of red light contributed to the normalization of immunoresistance in animals, thereby reducing antigenic load by activating infiltration and exudation stages of the inflammatory process and induction of regenerative processes after repeated irradiation at the end of the experiment.
Influence of short-term hyperthermia on relict plants Ginkgo L. and Magnolia L.
Authors: Nuzhyna N. , Holubenko A. , Palagecha R. , Futorna O. , Genzerska N. , Gaidarzhy M.
Published: December 2020

In connection with global climatic changes, which are accompanied by sharp temperature fluctuations, it is important to study the heat resistance of relict plants in order to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of adaptation and survival of organisms in these conditions. Identification of rare and useful plant species more resistant to high temperatures will make it possible to recommend them for use in landscaping, agriculture, medicine, and the like. The work was carried out on magnolias and ginkgo, since these plants are not only important for landscape design all over the world, but are also valued for the content of biologically active substances that are used in medicine and agriculture. Plants of Ginkgo biloba L., Magnolia obovata Thunb., Magnolia kobus DC. and Magnolia denudata Desr. warmed up for three hours at + 40 ° C, the control group was at + 26 ° C. The stress response was analyzed for the level of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, as well as the content of flavonoids and photosynthetic pigments in the studied plants. The photosynthesizing system of all studied species did not undergo any damaging effects due to the action of hyperthermia. Ginkgo biloba plants
have shown very high resistance to high temperatures and stability of the antioxidant and pigment systems. Representatives of all the species of magnolia that we have considered can be positioned in the direction of decreasing resistance to sudden increases in temperature: Magnolia kobus → Magnolia obovata → Magnolia denudata. A higher resistance to hyperthermia was found in plants native to Japan. M. denudata was the least resistant species, possibly due to insufficient activity of antioxidant enzymes.
A History Of Fire At Hitchcock Nature Center, Western Iowa, Reconstructed Through An Analysis Of Macroscopic Charcoal And Soil-Magnetic Properties
Authors: Geiss Christoph E. , Towner Nicole E.
Published: December 2020

We analyzed soil-magnetic properties and macroscopic charcoal abundances for two soil profiles located in Hitchcock Nature Center (HNC), Honey Creek, Iowa. Both profiles are located on valley bottoms in the Loess Hills of western Iowa and developed in redeposited Peoria loess. Site HNC 15D is located on an elevated stream terrace and contains a moderately well-developed modern soil. Site HNC 15G is located on a valley floor and consists of a poorly developed modern soil and a series of buried soil horizons. Both sites record consistently low charcoal concentrations of 0.5 mm2/g in prehistoric deposits. While site HNC 15D remains undated, age control at site HNC 15G is provided through four radiocarbon dates from charcoal and snail shell fragments. At site HNC 15G, late 19th century deposits are characterized by a marked increase in charcoal abundance to 3 mm2/g and charcoal abundances return to near prehistoric levels in recent sediment. We observe a similar increase in charcoal abundances below the modern soil at HNC 15D and an accumulation of charcoal at the surface of the profile. Soil-magnetic properties show moderate increases in magnetic susceptibility and ARM/IRM ratios when compared to loessic parent material and confirm moderate to weak soil development. High values for χARM/χFD (40-100) and χARM/χ (2-5) further suggest that regional fires have not been intense enough to significantly heat the topsoil horizons and allow for the formation of strongly magnetic secondary iron-oxide minerals.