82,944 research outputs found
Towards a sterile insect technique field release of <it>Anopheles arabiensis </it>mosquitoes in Sudan: Irradiation, transportation, and field cage experimentation
No full textAbstract Background The work described in this article forms part of a study to suppress a population of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis in Northern State, Sudan, with the Sterile Insect Technique. No data have previously been collected on the irradiation and transportation of anopheline mosquitoes in Africa, and the first series of attempts to do this in Sudan are reported here. In addition, experiments in a large field cage under near-natural conditions are described. Methods Mosquitoes were irradiated in Khartoum and transported as adults by air to the field site earmarked for future releases (400 km from the laboratory). The field cage was prepared for experiments by creating resting sites with favourable conditions. The mating and survival of (irradiated) laboratory males and field-collected males was studied in the field cage, and two small-scale competition experiments were performed. Results Minor problems were experienced with the irradiation of insects, mostly associated with the absence of a rearing facility in close proximity to the irradiation source. The small-scale transportation of adult mosquitoes to the release site resulted in minimal mortality ( Conclusion It is concluded that although conditions are challenging, there are no major obstacles associated with the small-scale irradiation and transportation of insects in the current setting. The field cage is suitable for experiments and studies to test the competitiveness of irradiated males can be pursued. The scaling up of procedures to accommodate much larger numbers of insects needed for a release is the next challenge and recommendations to further implementation of this genetic control strategy are presented.</p
Severe liver disease is caused by HBV rather than HCV in children with hematological malignancies
No full textSevere liver disease is caused by HBV rather than HCV in children with hematological malignancies
No full textRegulation of matrix-metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in glomerular mesangial cells
No full textRemodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important physiologic feature of normal growth and development. In addition to this critical function in physiology many diseases have been associated with an imbalance of ECM synthesis and degradation. In the kidney, dysregulation of ECM turnover can lead to interstitial fibrosis, and glomerulosclerosis. The major physiologic regulators of ECM degradation in the glomerulus are the large family of zinc-dependent proteases, collectively refered to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The tight regulation of most of these proteases is accomplished by different mechanisms, including the regulation of MMP gene expression, the processing and conversion of the inactive zymogen by other proteases such as serine proteases and finally the inhibition of active MMPs by endogenous inhibitors of MMPs, denoted as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Namely, the MMP-9 has been shown to be critically involved in the dysregulation of ECM turnover associated with severe pathologic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or fibrosis of lung, skin and kidney. In the present work I searched for a possible modulation of MMP-9 expression and/or activity in glomerular mesangial cells which are thought as key players of many inflammatory and non-inflammatory glomerular diseases. I found that various structurally different PPARalpha agonists such as WY-14,643, LY-171883 and fibrates potently suppress the cytokine-induced MMP-9 expression in renal MC. Furthermore, I demonstrate that the inhibition of MMP-9 expression by PPARalpha agonists was paralleled by a strong increase of cytokine-induced iNOS expression and subsequent NO formation, suggesting that PPARalpha-dependent effects on MMP-9 expression level primarily result from alterations in NO production which in turn reduces the MMP-9 mRNA half-life. Searching for the detailed mechanism of NO-dependent effects on MMP-9 mRNA stability, I found that NO either given from exogenous sources or endogenously produced increases the MMP-9 mRNA degradation by decreasing the expression of the mRNA stabilizing factor HuR. Furthermore, I demonstrate a reduction in the RNA-binding capacity of HuR containing complexes to MMP-9 ARE motifs in cells treated with NO. Since the reduction of HuR expression can be mimicked by the cGMP analog 8-Bromo-cGMP, I suggest that NO reduces in a cGMP-dependent manner the expression of HuR. Finally, I elucidated the modulatory effect of extracellular nucleotides, mainly ATP, on cytokine-triggered MMP-9 expression. Interestingly, I found that in contrast to NO, gamma-S-ATP the stable analog of ATP potently amplifies the IL-beta mediated MMP-9 expression. The increase in mRNA stability was paralleled by an increase in the nuclear-cytosolic shuttling of the mRNA stabilizing factor HuR. Furthermore, I demonstrate an increase in the RNA-binding capacity of HuR containing complexes to the 3'-UTR of MMP-9 by ATP. In summary, the data presented here may help to find new targets (posttranscriptional regulation) that could be used to manipulate or modulate the expression of not only MMP-9 but also other genes regulated on the level of mRNA stability.Umbauprozesse der Extrazellulären Matrix (ECM) spielen eine wichtige Rolle für normale Wachstums- und Entwicklungsprozesse. In der Niere kann der fehlerhafte Umsatz von ECM beispielsweise zur interstitiellen Fibrose und Glomerulosklerose führen. Zu den wichtigsten physiologischen Regulatoren des Abbaus von ECM im Glomerulus zählen die Zink-abhängigen Proteasen, die zur Familie der Matrixmetalloproteasen (MMPs) zusammengefasst werden. In der vorliegenden Arbeit untersuchte ich schwerpunktmässig nach Möglichkeiten die MMP-9 Expression und/oder MMP-Aktivität in glomerulären Mesangiumzellen zu verändern. Mesangiumzellen gelten als Hauptakteure von glomerulären Erkrankungen mit entzündlichen- als auch nicht entzündlichen Genese. Wie ich gezeigt habe, sind unterschiedliche PPARalpha Agonisten wie beispielsweise WY-14,643, LY-171883 und Fibrate in der Lage, die Zytokin-induzierte MMP-9 Expression in Mesangiumzellen potent zu hemmen. Weiterhin konnte von mir gezeigt werden, dass die Hemmung der MMP-9 Expression durch PPARalpha Aktivatoren mit einer Steigerung der iNOS Expression und der unmittelbaren Steigerung der NO Freisetzung einhergeht. Interessanterweise konvertieren die hemmenden Effekte der PPARalpha Aktivatoren in der Gegenwart eines iNOS Hemmstoffes zu einer massiven Verstärkung der Zytokin-induzierten MMP-9 Expression was darauf hinweist, dass die PPARalpha-vermittelten Effekte in erster Linie durch Veränderungen der NO Synthese hervorgerufen werden. Auf der Suche nach dem Mechanismus der NO-vermittelten Effekte auf die MMP-9 Expression konnte ich zeigen, dass sowohl exogen zugeführtes NO als auch über eine Induktion der iNOS entstandenes NO, in der Lage ist, den Abbau von MMP-9 mRNA durch eine Expressionshemmung des mRNA Stabilitätsfaktor HuR zu beschleunigen. In einem weiteren Projekt untersuchte ich, ob extrazellulären Nukleotide in der Lage sind, einen modulierenden Einfluss auf die Zytokin-induzierte MMP-9 Expression auszuüben. Ich konnte zeigen, dass das chemisch stabilisierte ATP-Analog gamma-S ATP im Unterschied zu NO in der Lage ist, den IL- 1beta vermittelten Anstieg der MMP-9 in potenter Weise zu verstärken. Der Anstieg der mRNA Stabilität korreliert mit einer Zunahme des Transports von HuR aus dem Zellkern in das Zytoplasma. Der verstärkte Export von HuR aus dem Zellkern war verbunden mit der verstärkten RNA Bindungsaffinität von HuR-haltigen Komplexen an AU-reiche Sequenzen innerhalb des 3'-untranslatierten Bereichs (3'-UTRs) des MMP-9 Gens. Zusammenfassend könnten die vorliegende Arbeit helfen, neue (posttranskriptionellen) Ansätzen zu finden, die eine spezifische Manipulation von MMP-9 und anderen auf Ebene der mRNA Stabilität regulierten Genen, ermöglichen
The Effects of Partial or Total Replacement of Maize Silage by Panicum maximum Silage in Lactating Cows Rations on Ruminal Fermentation, Digestibility and Methane Production
No full textFIVE TOTAL mixed rations (TMR) were formulated to evaluate the influence of partial total replacement of maize silage (MS) with Panicum maximum silage (PS) on digestibility, rumen fermentation and milk yield of cows. The experimental rations were TMR contained 100% Maize silage (MS, T1); TMR with 75% MS + 25% PS (T2); TMR with 50% MS + 50% PS (T 3); TMR with 25% MS + 75% PS (T 4) and TMR with 100% PS (R5). Milk yield was performed on fifty Friesian cows (10 cows per treatment) for three months. Rumen fermentation and gas production were determined with Barki rams. The results cleared that CP content of both silages were close together, but ash and NDF were higher for PS but lactic and acetic acids were high for MS. Gas production (GP) was lower for PS on both 24 and 48 h than MS. Meanwhile, both GP for soluble (a), insoluble (b) and the cumulative GP (y) were less with PS than MS, as well as DMD, OMD and SCFA. Rumen fermentation data showed higher NH3-N, less TVFA's and acetic with the increase of PS in the rations, while the control, R2 and R3 had more acetic compared to other rations. Rations contained 25 and 50 % of PS had more milk and 4% FCM yields, while the lowest milk yield was obtained by incorporating 100% PS in ration (R5). It could be advisable to PS replacing MS in ration up to 50% without any adverse effect on milk production
Brain maturation, cognitive tasks, and quantitative electroencephalography : a study in children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder
No full textAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood. Despite a long history, widespread clinical acceptance, and extensive research, the diagnosis and treatment are still controversial. The aim of the thesis was to study the hypothesis that some children with ADHD may show these symptoms due to a slow speed of mental maturation with the possibility of a catch-up.In Study I, the association between ADHD and global maturity was tested using a twin design (incl. 1106 pairs of the 1480 pairs of twins born in Sweden Apr. 1985 - Dec. 1986). The results showed different pathways through which genetic effects may influence the behavior pattern in children with ADHD. Among boys, there are at least two different genetic pathways to explain ADHD, one through predisposition for maturational lag and one specific to ADHD. A different pathway may explain ADHD in girls.In Study II, the relationship between behavior, ADM symptoms and maturity was studied among 1079 pairs of twins from study I using a questionnaire (a global maturity parent's scale) given to the parents. Relationships were found between the maturity factor and the CBCL grouping of syndromes (internalizing, externalizing, total behavior problems score) as well as between the maturity factor and ADHD. From the parents' point of view the behavior problems in their children may be related to maturity.In Study III, a computerized tool, the Gordon Diagnostic System (GDS) was used to test concentration and impulse control comparing 71 children with ADHD (61 boys, 10 girls; mean age 10.5 y) and 98 controls (65 boys, 23 girls; mean age 10.2 y). Differences were found between ADHD children and age-matched control children in each age group. The GDS scores were highly correlated with age with better a performance among the older children, which could support the relevance of the maturational lag hypothesis.In Study IV a possible immature brain processing during concentration was studied comparing 36 children with ADHD (31 boys, 5 girls; mean age 10.5 y) and 63 controls (46 boys, 17 girls; mean age 10.0 y). QEEG techniques were used when the children performed the Vigilance Task of GDS. Compared to controls children with ADHD displayed specific differences in the pattern of frontal, temporal, and parietal brain activation. They had an enhanced slow cortical activity and decreased fast activity similar to younger children. These findings indicate a different arousal level in children with ADHD, which could be due to a delay in functional cortical maturation.In Study V, impulsivity, brain processing and possible immaturity were studied. The same children with ADHD and controls as in study IV performed the Delay Task of GDS during registration of QEEG. In similarity to the results of study IV children with ADHD displayed different electrophysiological reactions, which may indicate that they, like younger children, have problems in cerebral processing when performing a mentally demanding task during a restricted time.In Study VI, the "maturational lag" concept explaining ADHD was discussed over viewing previous and current literature on ADHD. The overview indicates that the DSM criteria of ADHD may be over- inclusive and shows that maturity and developmental aspects are important factors to be included in studies of ADHD. A slow speed in mental development may be of importance for the treatment and prognosis of ADHD.Conclusion. The over all results support the view, that some children with ADHD could represent a continuum of normal childhood behavior with maturational trajectories that are lagging behind and may catch up.List of scientific papersI. Steffensson B, Larsson JO, Fried I, El-Sayed E, Rydelius PA, Lichtenstein P (1999). Genetic disposition for global maturity: an explanation for genetic effects on parental report on ADHD. Inter J Behav Develop. 23(2): 357-74.II. Larsson JO, Lichtenstein P, Fried I, El-Sayed E, Rydelius PA (2000). Parents perception of mental development and behavioural problems in 8 to 9-year-old children. Acta Paediatr. 89(12): 1469-73. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11195238III. El-Sayed E, vant Hooft I, Fried I, Larsson JO, Malmberg K, Rydelius PA (1999). Measurements of attention deficits and impulsivity: a Swedish study of the Gordon Diagnostic System. Acta Paediatr. 88(11): 1262-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10591431IV. El-Sayed E, Larsson JO, Persson HE, Rydelius PA (2002). Altered cortical activity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during attentional load task. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 41(7): 811-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12108806V. El-Sayed E, Larsson JO, Persson HE, Berg E, Rydelius PA (2002). Specific QEEG patterns during delay task in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. [Submitted]VI. El-Sayed E, Larsson JO, Persson HE, Santosh PJ, Rydelius PA (2002). "Maturational Lag" hypothesis of ADHD: An update. Acta Paediatr. [Accepted]</p
Oxygenation indexes and degrees of lung injury
No full text[No abstract available]El-Khatib MF, 2004, CHEST, V125, P592, DOI 10.1378-chest.125.2.592; Villar J, 2007, AM J RESP CRIT CARE, V176, P795, DOI 10.1164-rccm.200610-15340C0
Magnesium Sulfate in Pediatric Abdominal Cancer Surgery: Safety and Efficacy in Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane (US-TAP) Block in Conjugation with Levobupivacaine
No full textFatma El Sherif,1 Doaa Gomaa Sayed,1 Khaled Mohamed Fares,1 Sahar Abdel-Baky Mohamed,1 Amira Mahmoud Osman,2 Ahmed Kamal Sayed,1 Shereen Mamdouh Kamal1 1Department of Anesthesia, ICU, and Pain Management, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt; 2Department of Pediatric Oncology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, EgyptCorrespondence: Ahmed Kamal Sayed, Department of anesthesia, ICU, and pain management, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, Tel +20 100677881, Fax +20 88 2348609, Email [email protected]: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may enhance the effects of local anesthetics when used as an adjuvant in peripheral nerve blocks. Our objective was to evaluate efficiency and safety of utilizing MgSO4 alongside levobupivacaine in bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (US-TAP) block for postoperative pain in pediatric cancer patients who underwent abdominal surgery.Methodology: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial at South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt, included that 40 pediatric patients with Wilms’ tumor or neuroblastoma were randomly allocated to get bilateral (US-TAP) block and divided into two groups; M group: received US-TAP with 0.6 mL/kg levobupivacaine 0.25% + 2 mg/kg MgSO4 and C group: received with 0.6 mL/kg levobupivacaine 0.25% only. FLACC scores (Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability) were used to evaluate post-operative pain, first analgesic request, total analgesic consumption, adverse effects, as well as hemodynamics were monitored for 24 h and recorded at time points (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24h). Parent’s satisfaction at discharge, also, was evaluated.Results: FLACC score in M group was significantly lower than in C group from 4 h to 24 h with the first analgesic request being longer (15.95 ± 1.99 vs 7.70 ± 0.80 (h); p < 0.001) and lower total analgesic consumption (231.75 ± 36.57 vs 576.00 ± 170.71 (mg); p < 0.001) when comparing M group to C group, respectively. Both groups had insignificant differences regarding hemodynamics, parent satisfaction, postoperative agitation, and side effects except vomiting occurred in two patients in the C group and one patient in the M group.Conclusion: We conclude that adding magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic in US-TAP block for pain management in pediatric abdominal cancer surgeries resulted in better and longer analgesia, with less consumption of rescue analgesics with no serious side effects.Keywords: abdominal cancer surgery, analgesia, levobupivacaine, magnesium sulfate, pediatrics, postoperative pain, US-TAP bloc
Protecting Animals 36: Author Witi Ihimaera
No full textIn this very special episode of Knowing Animals I am joined by beloved New Zealand author Witi Ihimaera. Witi has written many books featuring nonhuman animals. He offers us a non-colonial lens through which to think about the human/nonhuman relationship
Selective chromo-fluorogenic detection of trivalent cations in aqueous environments using a dehydration reaction
No full text[EN] Trivalent cations (Al3+, Fe3+, Cr3+, As3+, In3+ and Ga3+) induced a
dehydration reaction of a chemodosimeter in water that is coupled
with colour and emission changes.Financial support from the Spanish Government and FEDER funds (Project MAT2015-64139-C4-1) and the Generalitat Valencia (Project PROMETEO II/2014/047) is gratefully acknowledged. M. L. P. is grateful to the Generalitat Valenciana for her Santiago Grisolia grant.Lo-Presti, M.; El Sayed Shehata Nasr, S.; Martínez-Máñez, R.; Costero, AM.; Gil, S.; Parra, M.; Sancenón Galarza, F. (2016). Selective chromo-fluorogenic detection of trivalent cations in aqueous environments using a dehydration reaction. New Journal of Chemistry. 40(11):9042-9045. https://doi.org/10.1039/c6nj01957aS90429045401
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