Good Physiological Condition Research Articles

Comparative study of the photosynthetic efficiency and leaf structure of four Cotoneaster species

Plants belonging to the genus Cotoneaster can be valuable sources of phytochemicals with potential therapeutic properties. The natural habitats of most of these species are situated in Asia, Africa and southern Europe. Introducing them into other climatic conditions could expose them to abiotic and biotic stresses, affecting their bioactive properties. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the performance of four non-native Cotoneaster species (C. roseus, C. hissaricus, C. hsingshangensis, C. nebrodensis) grown in eastern Poland in terms of leaf morphology, anatomy, and efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus in relation to lipid peroxidation level, being an indicator of oxidative stress. Photosynthetic pigments concentration and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were used to evaluate the photosynthetic capacity. The morphological and anatomical analysis of leaves did not show any anomalies or stress symptoms. Cotoneaster roseus was characterized by the highest chlorophyll concentration, viability index (Rfd) and a moderate lipid peroxidation level. On the other hand, the lowest values of photochemical quenching (qP), maximum fluorescence (Fm), Rfd, and quantum yield of the photosystem II (QY) observed for C. nebrodensis might indicate an inferior efficiency of the photosynthetic apparatus in this species; however, it demonstrated the lowest lipid peroxidation level. Nevertheless, the content and proportion of the photosynthetic pigments as well as overall chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and lipid peroxidation levels indicate a good physiological condition of all examined plants. The observed differences between the species may be rather species specific and genetically established and not indicate their sensitivity to non-native growth conditions. This is the first report about the physiological parameters of the four Cotoneaster species, proving they are well adapted to growth in the climatic conditions of central Europe providing thus a raw material with potential for pharmaceutical applications.

Effectiveness of biologically active substances added to sturgeon feeds

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of the vitamin‐mineral complex E‐selenium and the probiotic preparation Bacell when added to industrial feed on the fish‐breeding‐biological and physiological‐ biochemical parameters of juvenile sterlet‐beluga hybrids when reared in cages.The duration of the experiment was 45 days. In experimental option 1, the fish were fed with basic compound feed with the addition of E‐selenium (300 μg selenium/kg of feed), in experimental option 2, the fish were fed with basic compound feed with the addition of E‐selenium (300 μg selenium/kg of feed) and the Bacell preparation (0.2 % by weight of dry food). The control variant was fed with basic feed.The absolute increase in the experimental variants was 13.0–25.0 % higher than in the control. Hematological parameters varied – in some cases with a high degree of significance. In particular, hemoglobin increased by 5.6–13 %, blood serum protein by 0.42–12.6 %, cholesterol by 9.8–16.3 % in the experimental variants and by 70.5 % in the control, due to the presence of a high degree of stress in control fish. At the same time, in fish experiments the effects of stress factors were suppressed by antioxidants. Preventive doses of microelements, vitamins and probiotics reduce and stabilise peroxide processes and contribute to the maintenance of good physiological condition of fish kept in artificial conditions.

A Comparative Study on Growth Rates and Length-weight Relationships of Snow Trout (Schizothorax sp.) from Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Okhaldhunga Districts of Nepal

Aims: Snow trout (Schizothorax spp.) are vital to Nepal's aquatic biodiversity and economy, yet little research has addressed their growth potential under controlled conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of snow trout from three regions of Nepal (Okhaldhunga, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa) in captivity. Study Design: Original Research Article. Place and Duration of Study: Fisheries Research Station (FRS), Trishuli Nepal, between August 18 November 24, 2023. Methodology: Schizothorax species were collected from Okhaldhunga, Nuwakot, and Rasuwa districts and acclimated to the environment of the FRS in three separate raceways prior to the feeding trial. From each location, a population of 450 apparently healthy and uniform sized snow trout (initial weight: 20.00 + 1.2g) were then distributed into 3 raceway tanks, altogether 9 raceways for 3 groups, feeding upon the commercial feed (48% crude protein) in the form of dough at 3% of the body weight for 90 days. At the end of the feeding trial, growth parameters, including weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (K) and Length-weight relationship (LWR) were measured. Survival rate and water quality parameters were also measured. Statistical analysis for group’s means differences was conducted using one-way ANOVA in R Studio for Windows at a 5% level of significance. Results: Results indicated Fish from Nuwakot exhibited the highest weight gain (3.61 ± 1.82 g) and SGR (0.23 ± 0.12% per day), though these differences were not statistically significant (P >0.05). The condition factor (K) was highest for Rasuwa fish (0.98), followed by Nuwakot (0.97) and Okhaldhunga (0.97) (P >0.05), indicating that the fish were relatively thin, possibly due to poor nutrition or stressful conditions. The LWR analysis revealed high length-weight correlations for all groups, with Rasuwa fish exhibiting a positive allometric growth pattern (b=3.02), whereas Okhaldhunga (b=2.93) and Nuwakot (b=2.94) fish showed negative allometric growth patterns. This may suggest that snow trotu from Rasuwa were in relatively good physiological condition and adapting well to the rearing conditions at the FRS. Although with no statistical difference, the survival rate was highest for fish from Nuwakot (86.67%), followed by Rasuwa (80.00%) and Okhaldhunga (77.33%) (P >0.05). This may indicate the adequacy of the water quality (average temperature 11.75 ± 0.42℃, dissolved oxygen more than 7 mg/L, and pH 7.71 ± 0.16) maintained during the study. Conclusion: The findings suggest that while the snow trout demonstrated the ability to survive yet grow slowly under captivity, their growth performance may be significantly enhanced by optimizing rearing conditions, particularly slightly higher water temperature. This study underscores the need for targeted improvements in aquaculture practices to support the effective domestication and conservation of snow trout in Nepal.

Treatment strategies for elderly patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNeoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery remains a standard of care for resectable esophageal cancer (EC), and definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is an alternative for unresectable diseases. However, it is controversial for the use of the two aggressive regimens in elderly patients.MethodsWe systematically searched multiple databases for studies comparing overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) between dCRT and surgery (nCRT + surgery or surgery alone) or between dCRT and radiotherapy (RT) alone in elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) until March 28, 2024. Statistical analysis was performed using random-effects model.ResultsFourty-five studies with 33,729 patients were included. dCRT significantly prolonged OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58–0.70) and PFS (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.60–0.76) compared to RT alone for unresectable EC, and resulted in a worse OS compared to surgery for resectable cases (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.23–1.45). Similar results of OS were also observed when the multivariate-adjusted HRs were used as the measure of effect (dCRT vs. RT alone: HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.58–0.73; dCRT vs. surgery: HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.28–1.74). Subgroup analyses according to age group (≥ 70, ≥ 75, or ≥ 80 years), study design, study region, histological type, radiation field, chemotherapy regimen revealed comparable results.ConclusionsnCRT + surgery is likely a preferred strategy for elderly patients with good physiological conditions; and dCRT is a better alternative for unresectable cases. Advanced age alone does not appear to be a key predictor for the tolerability of the two aggressive treatments.

A Study of Length-Weight, Relationship and Condition Factor of Bagrus Bayad in Kiri Reservoir Shelleng Local Government Area Adamawa State, Nigeria

The Bagrid fishes are commonly known as naked catfishes, they are commercially important species found in Nigeria fresh waters especially in Rivers and Lakes such as Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Lake Chad, and other inland waters. The study is aimed at investigating the length- weight, relationship and condition factor of Bagrus bayad. A total of 282 individuals of B. bayad were randomly sampled for a period of 6 months. B. bayad sample collected were dissected. All the data collected were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Descriptive statistic, regression analysis, graph (bar chart) mean and standard deviation were used in calculating the data for analysis. Result from the data analysis showed the slope (b) value for male = 1.996 which is less than 3.0, hence the male fish shows a negative allometric growth pattern. While that of the female showed that the b value was 3.2971 which is positive allometric growth pattern and the combined sexes analysis shows that b = 2.330, which indicated a negative allometric growth pattern. The condition factors showed that the Male has K = 2.893, Female has K = 3.122 and the Combined Sexes Condition factor is K = 3.002. B. bayad exhibited both negative and positive allometric growth pattern with a strong positive correlation between the total length and weight of the species and also the species are in good physiological condition in the Reservoir.

A preliminary assessment of the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Hydrocynus vittatus and Oreochromis niloticus in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Background: Hydrocynus vittatus and Oreochromis niloticus are two economically important fish species in Zimbabwe. The length-weight relation can be employed to assess the health and well-being of fish so as to assist fish farmers. The objective of the study was to investigate the length-weight relationship and condition factor of these fish species. Methods: Thirty-four fish of each species (Hydrocynus vittatus and Oreochromis niloticus) were collected by seine netting in the Sanyati Basin, Lake Kariba in August 2019. The total length (TL) and standard length (SL) were measured in centimetre (cm), and the body weight (BW) was measured in grams (g). The body weight (BW) was measured using a digital top-loading electronic weighing balance. Results: The value of the exponent b in the LWR for H. vittatus was 2.984, indicating negative allometry (b<3). The exponent value of O. niloticus in the LWR was 3.04 (b>3) implying positive allometry. The r2 values for H. vittatus and O. niloticus were 92.3% and 97.3% respectively, indicating that there was a high degree of positive correlation. The condition factor for both fish species were greater than 1.60 implying good physiological conditions for both fish species. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary information on length-weight parameters of O. niloticus whose data was previously not available in the take.

Do urban air pollutants induce changes in the thallus anatomy and affect the photosynthetic efficiency of the nitrophilous lichen Physcia adscendens?

Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are generally sensitive to air pollution due to their specific biological and physiological features. Physcia adscendens is a nitrophilous lichen well-known for being resistant to air pollution associated with progressive anthropopressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen oxides and suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on anatomical structure of the thallus and photobiont’s photosynthetic efficiency in P. adscendens inhabiting sites that differ in terms of air pollution level and thereby to determine the relevance of these pollutants for shaping the structure of the thallus and the physiological condition of the photosynthetic partner. We found that P. adscendens from polluted sites had increased thickness of the algal layer and the larger size of the algae cells, but a much lower ratio of the algal layer to the whole thallus. Lichens from highly polluted sites had also higher photosynthetic efficiency, which indicates a relatively good physiological condition of the photobiont. This indicates that the photobiont of P. adscendens is well-adapted to function under air pollution stress which may contribute to its success in colonizing polluted sites. Both changes in the anatomy of the lichen thallus and the efficiency of photosynthesis may be related to the enrichment of the environment with nitrogen. The increased photosynthetic efficiency as well as investment in the size of photobiont cells and growth mycobiont hyphae confirms that P. adscendens is well-adapted to urban conditions; however, the mechanism behind those adaptations needs more focus in the context of global environmental changes.

Assessment of Photosynthetic Carbon Capture versus Carbon Footprint of an Industrial Microalgal Process

It is often read that industrial microalgal biotechnology could contribute to carbon capture through photosynthesis. While technically accurate, this claim is rarely supported by sound figures nor put in regard to the carbon emissions associated with said processes. In this view, this work provides a quantitative assessment of the extent microalgal processes compensation for their carbon dioxide emissions. To do so, microalgae were cultivated under photolimited conditions. Their growth dynamic and photosynthetic apparatus status were monitored by daily cell density measurement and fluorescence assays. Ultimate analyses were used to determine microalgal carbon content. Simultaneously, the power consumption of the process was recorded, and the associated carbon dioxide emissions were computed using European electrical production carbon intensity. All in all, the recorded values confirmed microalgae growth under good physiological conditions and allowed computing the carbon capture rate, the energy storing rate, and the carbon dioxide emissions of the process. The process captured 0.72 ± 0.19 gCO2/day while emitting 182 gCO2/day, on average (over 15 days). The photoconversion efficiency was 4.34 ± 0.68%. Even if it were highly optimized (red/blue LED instead of white, for example), the process could only capture 1.02 ± 0.40% of its emissions. From these figures, the claim stating that a biotechnological microalgal production process could partly compensate for its emission seems rather bold. Authors should, therefore, emphasize other ecosystemic benefits of microalgal cultivation, such as phosphorous intake. Finally, we were also able to evaluate Chlorella vulgaris light and dark respiration (0.0377 ± 0.042 day−1 and 7.42 × 10−3 ± 3.33 × 10−3 day−1), which could help to assess carbon emission by biomass respiratory activity.

Deducing the Interplay Between Gut Flora and Respiratory Diseases: A New Therapeutic Strategy?

The gastrointestinal system, also referred to as the gut, is a universe that colonizes trillions of microbes. In addition to its digestive functions, the gut represents a biosystem that determines all the health vectors. It is now recognized as one of the body's defense systems, and good gut health regulates the body's immune responses. Disturbance of this barrier can trigger many diseases, including respiratory tract infections, as there is a close correlation between the gut microbiome and the chances of triggering illness. This review investigates the various factors affecting the gut microbiome, the diseases that can result from the dysregulation of the same, and their molecular mechanisms. The most basic solution to tackle this problem is to maintain the gut microbiome at the desired level. Timely diagnosis and interventions are needed for the proper management of the ensuing conditions. It is important to address the effects of factors on the gut microbiome and thereby regulate this level. The study also found that dysregulation in the system can lead to various diseases such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer following their respective pathways. In short, this paper reinforces the importance of the gut microbiome, the need to maintain its average level, and the need for proper interventions to treat the consequences. The manuscript posit that medications, diet as well and good physiological conditions of the human body can alter the microbiome and can ward off respiratory infections.

Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy for Mothers at the Bulili Health Center, City Palu, Indonesia

Background: Breastfeeding plays an important role in building the relationship between mother and baby, also the baby's growth and development. Improving the mother's self-confidence during breastfeeding is a key to the success of breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding in the working area of the Bulili Health Center is still low, about 37.17%. Breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) is a mother's self-confidence in her ability to breastfeed her baby. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the factors related to breastfeeding self-efficacy in the working area of the Bulili Public Health Center, Palu City. Method: This research design was quantitative with a cross-sectional design, involving 82 mothers who have babies aged 6-12 months in the working area of the Bulili Health Center. The instrument used in this study was a Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form questionnaire containing demographic data, breastfeeding experience data, observations of others, verbal persuasion, physical and emotional conditions. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Fisher's Exact Test with a significant level of p <0.05. Results: The sample with good breastfeeding experience was 62.9%, those who got the experience of others in the good category were 61.0%, those samples with verbal persuasion were in a good category of 75.6%. All samples (100%) were in good physiological and emotional condition. Breastfeeding Self-efficacy with a good category was 90.2%. The statistical test showed that the respondent's breastfeeding experience, other people's experiences, and verbal persuasion did not significantly correlate with Breastfeeding Self-efficacy with a p-value <0.05. Conclusion: Breastfeeding experience factors, experiences of other people, physiological and emotional conditions, and verbal persuasion did not significantly relate to the breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE) of mothers and babies in the Bulili Health Center Work Area, Palu City.

Catch per unit effort, condition factor and length-weight relationship of albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the longline tuna fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

Highly migratory tuna species play an important economic role and ecosystem function worldwide. They are mainly caught in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Data collected by the Chinese longline fishery in the high seas of the Eastern Pacific Ocean from 2014 to 2015 were analysed to estimate the catch per unit effort (CPUE), length and weight frequency, length-weight relationship, relative condition factor and Fulton’s condition factor for albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus). The results showed that this fishing technique was highly selective for these three species. Albacore tuna represented the major portion of the catches at 76.17%. Yellowfin and bigeye tuna represented 8.24 and 11.68% of the total of specimens, respectively. The remaining 3.9% were bycatch such as Katsuwonus pelamis, Acanthocybium solandri, Ruvettus pretiosus, Xiphias gladius, Lampris guttatus, Carcharodon carcharias and Scomberomorus guttatus. The average fork length for albacore tuna was 90-100 cm; yellowfin tuna, 100-130 cm and bigeye tuna, 125-165 cm. The average weight for albacore tuna was 15-20 kg; yellowfin tuna, 20-50 kg and bigeye tuna, 35-55 kg. The CPUE (based on fish per one thousand hooks) for albacore, yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna ranged from 1.6 to 9.82, 1.07 to 2.66 and 1.06 to 3.45, respectively. The parameters of the length-weight relationship showed a negative allometric growth regression of 2.7135 for albacore tuna, 2.3275 for yellowfin tuna and 2.4047 for bigeye tuna. Nevertheless, the albacore and yellowfin tuna females were characterised by positive allometry (b>3). The analyses also showed that the relative condition factors (Krel) of the three fish species were greater than one, implying that they were in good physiological condition, good water quality and healthy organisms. Keywords: China, Fishing effort, Fish per hook, Tuna

Molecular response of a sub-antarctic population of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis platensis) to a moderate thermal stress

The Kerguelen Islands (49°26′S, 69°50′E) represent a unique environment due to their geographical isolation, which protects them from anthropogenic pollution. The ability of the endemic mussel, part of the Mytilus complex, to cope with moderate heat stress was explored using omic tools. Transcripts involved in six major metabolic functions were selected and the qRT-PCR data indicated mainly changes in aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism and stress response. Proteomic comparisons revealed a typical stress response pattern with cytoskeleton modifications and elements suggesting increased energy metabolism. Results also suggest conservation of protein homeostasis by the long-lasting presence of HSP while a general decrease in transcription is observed. The overall findings are consistent with an adaptive response to moderate stresses in mussels in good physiological condition, i.e. living in a low-impact site, and with the literature concerning this model species. Therefore, local blue mussels could be advantageously integrated into biomonitoring strategies, especially in the context of Global Change.

The Morphological and Biochemical Effects of Feeding Hooker's Pitcher with Formica fusca or Calliphora vicina Larvae

The aim of this study was to determine if feeding Hooker’s pitcher (Nepenthes × hookeriana) with blowfly larvae (Calliphora vicina Rob-Desvoidy) or ants (Formica fusca L.) affected the plant’s biometric and biochemical parameters. The research included measurements of length and width of the laminae and pitchers, and the total contents of the ash, assimilation pigments, polyphenols, and flavonoids. These parameters were measured 30 days after the last feeding. This study demonstrated that feeding the plants with blowfly larvae resulted in increases in the lengths and widths of both the laminae and pitchers. Moreover, the laminae had reduced carotenoid content after feeding with blowfly larvae and ants whereas the pitchers of Hooker’s pitcher had increased chlorophyll and carotenoid content after feeding with blowfly larvae. Feeding Hooker’s pitcher plants with blowfly larvae also resulted in a reduction of the total polyphenol content in the laminae whereas the total flavonoid content increased in both the laminae and pitchers of Hooker’s pitcher. Feeding Nepenthes × hookeriana with insects ensures that their nutritional needs are met and leads to pitchers with good physiological condition.

Extrahepatic bile duct reconstruction in pigs with heterogenous animal-derived artificial bile ducts: A preliminary experience.

BACKGROUNDExtrahepatic biliary duct injury (BDI) remains a complicated issue for surgeons. Although several approaches have been explored to address this problem, the high incidence of complications affects postoperative recovery. As a nonimmunogenic scaffold, an animal-derived artificial bile duct (ada-BD) could replace the defect, providing good physiological conditions for the regeneration of autologous bile duct structures without changing the original anatomical and physiologic conditions.AIMTo evaluate the long-term feasibility of a novel heterogenous ada-BD for treating extrahepatic BDI in pigs.METHODSEight pigs were randomly divided into two groups in the study. The animal injury model was developed with an approximately 2 cm segmental defect of various parts of the common bile duct (CBD) for all pigs. A 2 cm long novel heterogenous animal-derived bile duct was used to repair this segmental defect (group A, ada-BD-to-duodenum anastomosis to repair the distal CBD defect; group B, ada-BD-to-CBD anastomosis to repair the intermedial CBD defect). The endpoint for observation was 6 mo (group A) and 12 mo (group B) after the operation. Liver function was regularly tested. Animals were euthanized at the above endpoints. Histological analysis was carried out to assess the efficacy of the repair.RESULTSThe median operative time was 2.45 h (2-3 h), with a median anastomosis time of 60.5 min (55-73 min). All experimental animals survived until the endpoints for observation. The liver function was almost regular. Histologic analysis indicated a marked biliary epithelial layer covering the neo-bile duct and regeneration of the submucosal connective tissue and smooth muscle without significant signs of immune rejection. In comparison, the submucosal connective tissue was more regular and thicker in group B than in group A, and there was superior integrity of the regeneration of the biliary epithelial layer. Despite the advantages of the regeneration of the bile duct smooth muscle observed in group A, the effect on the patency of the ada-BD grafts in group B was not confirmed by macroscopic assessment and cholangiography.CONCLUSIONThis approach appears to be feasible for repairing a CBD defect with an ada-BD. A large sample study is needed to confirm the durability and safety of these preliminary results.

Resilience of Dreissena polymorpha in wastewater effluent: Use as a bioremediation tool?

Nowadays, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment plant treatments. In this context the use of biofilter species, like Dreissena polymorpha, as a bioremediation tool in wastewater is increasingly highlighted. The innovative aim of this study is to evaluate the zebra mussel survival in the outlet channel of a conventional WWTP to use them as bioremediation tool. For this, mussels were transplanted in the outlet channel for 28 days and different biomarkers were monitored. D. polymorpha is able to maintain itself in good physiological conditions until 21 days, yet at 28 days a high mortality rate (24%), a decrease in filtration efficiency (8/15 mussels filtered and 17.0% of filtration rate) and antioxidant system activation (CAT activity et gpx gene expression increase) suggest an exhaustion. Some biomarkers suggested a hypoxic stress. Despite the unfavourable conditions, bivalves have bioaccumulated pathogenic protozoa (Toxoplasma gondii and Giardia duodenalis) during the exposure. Zebra mussel seems to be a promising tool for bioremediation in wastewater.

Ex vivo model of herpes simplex virus type I dendritic and geographic keratitis using a corneal active storage machine.

Herpetic keratitis (HK) models using whole human corneas are essential for studying virus-host relationships, because of high species specificity and the role of interactions between corneal cell populations that cell culture cannot reproduce. Nevertheless, the two current corneal storage methods (hypothermia and organ culture (OC)) do not preserve corneas in good physiological condition, as they are characterized by epithelial abrasion, stromal oedema, and excessive endothelial mortality. To rehabilitate human corneas intended for scientific use, we used an active storage machine (ASM) that restores two physiological parameters that are essential for corneal homeostasis: intraocular pressure and storage medium renewal (21mmHg and 2.6 μL/min, respectively). ASM storage regenerates a normal multilayer epithelium in 2 weeks. We infected six pairs of corneas unsuitable for graft by inoculating the epithelium with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and compared each ASM-stored cornea with the other cornea stored in the same medium using the conventional OC method. Only corneas in the ASM developed a dendritic (n = 3) or geographic (n = 2) epithelial ulcer reproducing typical HSV-1-induced clinical lesions. Corneas in OC showed only extensive desquamations. None of the uninfected controls showed epithelial damage. Histology, immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction on corneal tissue confirmed infection in all cases (excluding negative controls). The ASM provides an innovative ex vivo model of HK in whole human cornea that reproduces typical epithelial lesions.

Length-weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Auchenoglanis biscutatus in Kiri Reservoir, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Auchenoglanis biscutatus obtained from Kiri Reservoir Adamawa State, Nigeria from July to December 2014 were studied. The objective of this study was to determine the state of physiological wellbeing of the fish in the reservoir. A total of 60 Auchenoglanis biscutatus were collected from fishermen catch and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Identification of fish was done using the Babatunde and Raji method. Length-Weight relationship and condition factor were calculated using the Froeze method. The results of the length - weight analyses showed that the entire fish exhibited a negative allometric growth pattern with regression exponent b values less than 3. The analyses showed that the condition factor of Auchenoglanis biscutatus were greater than 1 and implied that they were in good physiological condition.

MP48-03 THE EFFECTS OF L-ARGININE ON URETHRAL FUNCTION IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED AND INSULIN-TREATED DIABETIC RATS

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction (MP48)1 Apr 2020MP48-03 THE EFFECTS OF L-ARGININE ON URETHRAL FUNCTION IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED AND INSULIN-TREATED DIABETIC RATS Nailong Cao, Baojun Gu*, Eduardo C Alexandre, Daisuke Gotoh, Masahiro Kurobe, Shinsuke Mizeguchi, and Naoki Yoshimura Nailong CaoNailong Cao More articles by this author , Baojun Gu*Baojun Gu* More articles by this author , Eduardo C AlexandreEduardo C Alexandre More articles by this author , Daisuke GotohDaisuke Gotoh More articles by this author , Masahiro KurobeMasahiro Kurobe More articles by this author , Shinsuke MizeguchiShinsuke Mizeguchi More articles by this author , and Naoki YoshimuraNaoki Yoshimura More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000903.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Normal lower urinary tract (LUT) function is dependent on the coordination between bladder and urethra, which is sensitive to a host of disorders, including diabetes mellitus (DM). Although STZ-induced diabetic rat model has been extensively used as a rodent model of the LUT dysfunction, it’s not a good physiological condition for diabetic patients. Our purpose is therefore to establish a physiological DM animal model with low dose insulin treatment, and examine the effects of L-arginine on urethral function in this animal model. METHODS: Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups. DM was initially induced by i. p. injection of STZ (65 mg/kg), and then received subcutaneous implantation of insulin under the mid dorsal skin. Isovolumetric cystometry and urethral perfusion pressure (UPP) measurements were performed under urethane anesthesia. L-arginine (100 mg/kg), was administered intravenously. Subsequently, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) (50 mg/kg) was injected intravenously to inhibit NO synthase activity. The changes of urethral function among different groups in vitro were tested by organ bath. RESULTS: In vivo study, UPP nadir was only decreased by L-arginine both in Normal control (NC) and insulin-treated DM groups, but inhibited by L-NAME in all the groups (Fig.1). Furthermore, 5 out of 6 DM rats showed a similar detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia pattern after L-NAME (Fig.1). In vitro study, the ratio, namely urethral relaxation difference divided by relaxation before L-NAME administration, was significantly decreased in DM group (Fig.2). CONCLUSIONS: Low dose insulin can protest against diuresis-induced bladder overdistention and increase urethral relaxation, and this may be attributed to the protection of NO synthase and urethral NO sensitivity, but the longer effects should be further explored. Source of Funding: NIH (U54 DK112079 and R01 DK115476) © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e695-e695 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Nailong Cao More articles by this author Baojun Gu* More articles by this author Eduardo C Alexandre More articles by this author Daisuke Gotoh More articles by this author Masahiro Kurobe More articles by this author Shinsuke Mizeguchi More articles by this author Naoki Yoshimura More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

JIP-test in assessing sensitivity to nitrogen deficiency in two cultivars of Actinidia arguta (Siebold et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.

Optimal nitrogen availability is necessary to keep high photosynthetic efficiency and in consequence, good physiological condition and growth of plants. In order to examine the effect of N nutrition on photosynthetic apparatus performance we used the chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChF) technique in two differing Actinidia cultivars and we aimed to select the most reliable ChF parameters showing N deficiency. The 4-years-old specimens growing on an experimental plantation were treated with three differing N doses and ChF data were collected during two years. The results showed that PSII performance indices, performance index on the absorption basis and total performance index, are useful to detect the overall decrease in photosynthetic apparatus vitality. Efficiency of electron movement beyond QA into the electron transport chain was more susceptible to different N nutritions than maximum quantum efficiency, while a pool of QA reducing reaction centres per PSII antenna chlorophyll, RC/ABS, and a number of QA reducing reaction centres per cross section of a sample, RC/CS0, were the best indicators of N deficiency.

Detection of the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential by the Cationic Dye JC-1 in L1210 Cells with Massive Overexpression of the Plasma Membrane ABCB1 Drug Transporter.

JC-1, a cationic fluorescent dye when added to living cells, is known to be localized exclusively in mitochondria, particularly in good physiological conditions characterized by sufficient mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ). The accumulation of JC-1 in these organelles leads to the formation J-aggregates (with a specific red fluorescence emission maximum at 590 nm), which is in addition to the typical green fluorescence of J-monomers (emission maximum of ∼529 nm). The lack of mitochondrial ΔΨ leads to the depression of JC-1 mitochondrial accumulation and a decrease in J-aggregate formation. Therefore, the ratio between the red and green fluorescence of cells loaded with JC-1 is often used for the detection of the mitochondrial membrane potential. However, JC-1 represents a suitable substrate of the multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Therefore, the depression of the JC-1 content in intracellular space and particularly in the mitochondria to a level that is inefficient for J-aggregate formation could be expected in P-gp-positive cells. In the current paper, we proved this behavior on parental P-gp-negative L1210 (S) cells and their P-gp-positive variants obtained by either selection with vincristine (R) or transfection with the human gene encoding P-gp (T). P-glycoprotein inhibitors cyclosporine A and verapamil fail to restore JC-1 loading of the R and T cells to an extent similar to that observed in S cells. In contrast, the noncompetitive high affinity P-gp inhibitor tariquidar fully restored JC-1 accumulation and the presence of the typical red fluorescence of J-aggregates. In the presence of tariquidar, measurement of the JC-1 fluorescence revealed similar levels of mitochondrial membrane potential in P-gp-negative (S) and P-gp-positive cells (R and T).