Physiological Competence Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL POLLUTION OF THE SURFACE WATER IN VLADIMIR

The results of studies of river water of the Vladimir city district for the content of heavy metals conducted in August 2022 are presented and the anionic-cationic composition of water is analyzed. It is shown that a number of heavy metals (lead, iron, cadmium, zinc, copper and vanadium) and ions (ammonium, magnesium, sulfates, nitrates, fluorides, phosphates) in water samples of the rivers of the city district exceed hygienic and fishery standards, which is due to both human economic activity and regional specifics of the geochemical composition of water-bearing rocks and features of groundwater functioning and feeding. The potassium concentration in water of the Nerl river, which is a drinking water source for Vladimir, corresponds to the lower threshold of physiological competence, which can affect the health of city residents if they use such water for a long time. It is shown that insufficient extraction of biogenic elements at the treatment facilities of enterprises could lead to their ingress into water bodies in concentrations exceeding hygienic and fishery standards. This in turn could contribute to the accumulation of other elements. Strict requirements for the content of chemical elements in fishery water bodies make it necessary to improve the equipment and technological schemes of purification at treatment facilities. Small rivers of cities are vulnerable and poorly protected; therefore they require special attention of environmental authorities. Being tributaries of larger rivers, small rivers form the quality of their waters. If they are used for the household and drinking purposes, they become a factor determining the health of urban residents.

The Effect of Special Exercises on the Level of Sugar and Blood Pressure among some Evening Study Students at the University College of Mesopotamia

The advancement of technology is enormous and amazing in the modern era in all different fieldsIt led to a lack of movement of a person and consequently a lack of physical and physiological competence subject to injury With many diseases called hipokinetic diseases. Such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, lower back pain, diabetes and high blood pressure Cholesterol and other diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs due to Genetic or environmental factors that are greatly affected by exercise, diet, and lack Excessive eating of food, which means a decrease in insulin secretion, which results in a rise in The percentage of sugar in blood, sugar, and diabetes has several types, the most common of which is what is known The first type is insulin dependent (IDDM) and the second type is insulin dependent NIDDM insulin causes diabetes The research problem lies in that diabetes is considered a common and widespread disease in our present time, and the lack of control of this disease will lead to many complications, including heart and arterial diseases, high levels of fats, in addition to atrophy of the muscles of the extremities, high blood pressure and inflammation of the nerve that lead to nerve. Sometimes to amputation of the leg and may be the cause of death and this is the crux of the problem, therefore it is necessary to use all methods and means that help to avoid complications from this disease as it plays the activity Athletic and motor have an important and great role in the lives of sick individuals in addition to the correct food diet, where studies indicate that physical and physical activity with the diet is the main source for curbing diabetes and one of those methods that helps to avoid complications from this disease is the use of exercise for people with diabetes and knowing the effect Exercises on some physiological changes accompanying the disease through daily monitoring of the blood sugar level using modern devices, as well as recording the nerve signals coming from the brain to the extremities so that we can know the progress of the patient.The aim of the research is to prepare special exercises and identify the blood sugar level before and after performing the exercises. As for the research hypotheses, there are hypotheses that have a significant significance in the percentage of sugar between cardiac and posttest tests in favor of postpartum. There are hypotheses of significant significance in blood pressure between cardiac and posttest tests in favor of postpartum.The study was conducted on a sample of evening study students at the University of Mesopotamia University and the number was (6) students from evening study students at the College of Mesopotamia University, the researchers used the experimental approach to its suitability to the nature of the problem, the researchers used the statistical bag to extract the results and the researchers reached a low rate of sugar in Post-test and stability of the high and low blood pressure in the post-test. The researchers recommend the need to emphasize the use of heavyweight exercises and conducting such a sample on other age groups.

Sustainable Broilers Production Performance under High Stocking Condition through Colocynth Seed Supplementation

The negative impacts of high stocking density on the commercial poultry industry compromise sustainable birds’ productivity and welfare. Thus, we investigated the potential of colocynth seed (CC) supplementation in alleviating the negative impacts of high stocking density on broilers’ performance, immunity, inflammation, and redox status. A total of 648 one-day-old male Cobb 500 chicks were recruited and distributed into 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. The treatment groups were assigned based on stocking density as low stocking density (9 birds/m2; LSD) or high stocking density (19 birds/m2; HSD), and CC supplementation as without (0 g/kg feed; −CC) or with (1 g/kg feed; +CC) supplementation. Data were collected from week three to week five of age. Production performance was monitored and meat quality was assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure stress markers, humoral immune response, inflammatory cytokines, and antioxidant activity levels. The results indicated that HSD induced production performance reduction, immunosuppression, and imbalance redox status, along with elevation in inflammation and stress markers levels. Breast meat weight and yield were reduced in the HSD groups by 9 and 1%, respectively, compared to LSD groups. However, CC supplementation to HSD birds was able to slightly improve daily weight gain, body weight gain, and breast weight, showing no significant difference compared to the LSD-CC group, and significantly increased breast yield. Furthermore, CC supplementation significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines and stress markers levels. Under HSD, both cell-mediated and humeral immune responses were elevated with CC supplementation compared with the non-supplemented group. It can be concluded that HSD is a detrimental factor in the commercial poultry industry, which generates oxidative and inflammatory responses and, subsequently, immunosuppression and impaired performance. Nevertheless, dietary CC supplementation can be used as a natural antioxidant source to mitigate the negative impacts of HSD on broilers’ production performance, as well as physiological competency.

Islet allografts expressing a PD-L1 and IDO fusion protein evade immune rejection and reverse preexisting diabetes in immunocompetent mice without systemic immunosuppression

Allogeneic islet transplantation is a promising experimental therapy for poorly controlled diabetes. Despite pharmacological immunosuppression, long-term islet engraftment remains elusive. Here, we designed a synthetic fusion transgene coupling PD-L1 and indoleamine dioxygenase [hereafter PIDO] whose constitutive expression prevents immune destruction of genetically engineered islet allograft transplanted in immunocompetent mice. PIDO expressing murine islets maintain robust dynamic insulin secretion in vitro and when transplanted in allogeneic hyperglycemic murine recipients reverse pre-existing streptozotocin-induced and autoimmune diabetes in the absence of pharmacological immunosuppression for more than 50 and 8 weeks, respectively, and is dependent on host CD4 competence. Additionally, PIDO expression in allografts preserves endocrine functional viability of islets and promotes a localized tolerogenic milieu characterized by the suppression of host CD8 T cell and phagocyte recruitment and accumulation of FOXP3+ Tregs. Furthermore, in the canine model of xenogeneic islet transplantation, muscle implanted PIDO-expressing porcine islets displayed physiological glucose-responsive insulin secretion competency in euglycemic recipient for up to 20 weeks. In conclusion, the PIDO transgenic technology enables host CD4+ T cell-modulated immune evasiveness and long-term functional viability of islet allo- and xenografts in immune-competent recipients without the need for pharmacological immune suppression and would allow for improved outcomes for tissue transplantation.

Establishment of a useful in vitro decidual induction model using eCG-primed nonpregnant mouse endometrial stromal cells†.

Uterine endometrial differentiation is essential for developmental continuity and female health. A convenient in vitro model mimicking the physiological status is needed to effectively evaluate implantation and uterine response mechanisms. Thus, we developed a promising in vitro model, the FSS (FSH mimic-stimulated synchronized) model, by using primary mouse uterine stromal cells (mUSCs) obtained from equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)-primed mice. These mUSCs could be differentiated into decidualized cells with 17 beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). The pregnancy day 4 (PD4) model, in which mUSCs are obtained at day 4 of pregnancy, was used as a control. The cell shape index and polyploidy rates were similar between the two models. The staining intensities of lipids and glycogen were significantly higher in the induced groups in both models but stronger in the FSS model than in the PD4 model. The expression levels of AP-TNAP, cathepsin L, Prl8a2, Gja1, Cebpb, and Igfbp1 were increased at 24h after decidual induction. PR-alpha and PR-beta levels were also increased at 24h after decidual induction in both models. These results indicate that the FSS model provides a convenient method for obtaining USCs that are usable for various experimental approaches due to their physiological competence and flexibility for triggering induction. This may serve as a model system for the study of pathogeneses originating from the endometrium or communication with other tissues and lead to a better understanding of embryo implantation mechanisms. Furthermore, the results of this study will be integral for further refinements of 3D uterine culture manipulation techniques.

Determining performance shaping factors to assess human error in the emergency response team in chemical process industries: a case study

Objectives. Human error (HE) plays a crucial role in the occurrence of accidents in chemical process industries (CPIs). Emergency response team (ERT) members are predisposed to HEs due to the nature of their work. The HE potential is influenced by the performance shaping factors (PSFs). Managing PSFs can diminish the human error probability (HEP) and consequently increase the emergency response success chance. This article aimed to determine the PSFs for ERT members in CPIs. Methods. First, an initial list of PSFs was searched and classified within human reliability analysis methods and studies. Then, an expert panel of the emergency management system was utilized to identify, classify and weight the initial PSFs. The fuzzy Delphi method and content analysis technique were applied to summarize and categorize the PSFs. Results. The results of the study showed that 11 PSFs had greater impacts on the ERT members’ error potential. Findings revealed that stress and physiological stressors, competency, and team and organization were the three most important PSFs. Conclusion. The most important and relevant PSFs can be effectively used in accurate HE assessment of ERT members in CPIs.

Effect of encapsulated Cosmos caudatus leaf extract on the physiological conditions, immune competency, and antioxidative status of broilers at high stocking density

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effect of encapsulated Cosmos caudatus leaf extract on the physiological conditions, immune competency, and antioxidative status of broiler chickens raised at a high stocking density. After 15 days of rearing, 370 Lohmann broiler chicks were assigned to five treatment groups, including T0 (chicks were raised at a density of 10 birds/m2 and received no additive), T1 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received no additive), T2 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received 0.5 g/kg encapsulated C. caudatus leaf extract), T3 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received 1.0 g/kg additive), and T4 (chicks were raised at a density of 16 birds/m2 and received 1.5 g/kg additive). On days 28 and 42, blood samples from two chicks per pen were collected. On day 42, the chicks that had been blood-sampled were sacrificed, and blood samples and lymphoid organs (i.e., bursa of Fabricius, spleen, and thymus) were collected. The daily weight gain and feed efficiency of broilers (P<0.01) in groups T2 and T3 were higher than those of broilers in groups T0, T1, and T4. Daily feed intake was greater (P<0.01) in groups T0 and T1 than in groups T2 and T3. The erythrocyte content and hematocrit value of groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were greater (P<0.05) than those of group T0. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in group T4 was lower (P<0.05) than that in groups T0, T1, and T2. Leukocyte and lymphocyte levels were higher in group T1 (P<0.05) than in other groups. Serum albumin was higher in chicks reared at a high density (P<0.05) than in chicks reared at a normal density. Lesion scores were higher in group T1 (P<0.05) than in other groups. Chicks in groups T1 and T2 showed more severe pathological changes in their bursa of Fabricius compared with those in groups T0, T3, and T4. Serum superoxide dismutase was higher in groups T2, T3, and T4 (P<0.05) than in groups T0 and T1. Chicks in group T4 had higher (P<0.05) malondialdehyde levels than chicks in other groups. In conclusion, a high stocking density influences the metabolic rate and physiological conditions of broiler chicks, as reflected by alterations in the blood profiles of the animals. Stress due to a high stocking density could damage the bursa of Fabricius, but feeding with encapsulated C. caudatus leaf extract, especially at a rate of 1.5 g/kg, could alleviate the cortical and lymphocyte cell depletion of broilers. Regardless of the stocking density effect, dietary supplementation with encapsulated C. caudatus leaf extract at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg could improve the daily weight gain of broilers.

Low dose UV-B radiation induced mild oxidative stress impact on physiological and nutritional competence of Spirulina (Arthrospira) species

Among the various Spirulina species, Spirulina maxima (S. maxima) and Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) are used mainly as human dietary supplements, whole food, and feed supplement in aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industries due to their potential nutritional and medicinal benefits. Therefore, our study was undertaken to ascertain the impact of mild stress conditions via exposure of different mild fluence rates of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (exposure of 0.016, 0.065 and 0.196 Jm−2s−1 or Wm−1 denoted as UV-B1, UV-B2 and UV-B3) on exponentially grown cultures of two species of Spirulina, i.e. S. maxima and S. platensis. Mild stressing induced by low dose, i. e. UV-B1 showed positive impacts as a resilience response, resulting in increased physiological and nutritional competencies in growth, pigment content, photosynthetic oxygen yield, fluorescence parameters, protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidative properties in the test organisms analyzed after 72 h of experiments. Such mild stress adapted elite strains with enhanced competencies under mild stressing may pave the way for potential application from the prospects of functional food development when utilized as a functional ingredient to incorporate in them.

Physiology and ecology combine to determine host and vector importance for Ross River virus.

Identifying the key vector and host species that drive the transmission of zoonotic pathogens is notoriously difficult but critical for disease control. We present a nested approach for quantifying the importance of host and vectors that integrates species' physiological competence with their ecological traits. We apply this framework to a medically important arbovirus, Ross River virus (RRV), in Brisbane, Australia. We find that vertebrate hosts with high physiological competence are not the most important for community transmission; interactions between hosts and vectors largely underpin the importance of host species. For vectors, physiological competence is highly important. Our results identify primary and secondary vectors of RRV and suggest two potential transmission cycles in Brisbane: an enzootic cycle involving birds and an urban cycle involving humans. The framework accounts for uncertainty from each fitted statistical model in estimates of species' contributions to transmission and has has direct application to other zoonotic pathogens.

Beneficial effects of soybean lecithin and vitamin C combination in fingerlings gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) diets on; fish performance, oxidation status and genes expression responses

Soybean lecithin (SBL) individually or fortified with ascorbic acid (C) was supplied in fingerlings gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) diets for 60 days and at the end of the experiment the impacts on fish growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, fatty acids profile and oxidation status were evaluated. The six experimental diets contained three levels of SBL; 0, 20 and 40 g/Kg diet with and without C supplementation (500 mg/Kg diet). Four hundred fifty juvenile gilthead seabream of 0.49 ± 0.02 g initial body weight were randomly housed into 18 tanks (120L) with a stocking density of 25 fish per tank. Results indicated that SBL and C blend supplementation improved fish growth performance and feed utilization compared to SBL alone. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in fish protein content when fish fed on 40 g SBL/Kg supplemented diets regardless of the C fortification (18.84% & 18.99%) . Furthermore, fish lipid content was decreased when SBL was added to the fish diets at 20 g/Kg level with C supplementation (3.81%) and at 40 g/Kg with (3.70%) or without C fortification (3.80%). SBL supplementation significantly increased (P < 0.05) both linoleic and linolenic fatty acid and in contrast, decreased EPA and HUFA contents and also n-3/n-6 ratios. Hepatic and muscular Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly decreased with increasing the concentration SBL from 20 to 40 g/Kg with C fortification (29.51 to 26.74 and 4.77 to 3.92 nmol/g tissue respectively) and in contrast, Glutathione GSH, reduced GSH levels increased (2.57 to 2.75 and 2.25 to 2.38 umol/mg protein respectively). Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) values were significantly decreased in all groups fed additives-supplemented diets relative to additives-free diet. CAT, NRF2, IGF1 genes expression showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) up-regulation with increasing SBL supplementation level and the highest expression was in fish fed on 40 g SBL and 500 mg C/Kg supplemented diet. In conclusion, combined supplementation of 40 g SBL and 500 mg C/Kg diet induces better growth rate, modifies fatty acids profile enhances fish physiological competence and supports a potential antioxidant status.

The Effect of Using an Exercise-Nutrition Program on Some Physiological Variables on Diabetes Patients

The tremendous and astonishing technological progress in the modern era in all different fields has ledto a lack of human mobility and thus a lack of physical and physiological competence, which made himvulnerable to many diseases called hypokinetic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, lower backpain, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The Study Problem: Diabetes is one of the most common andwidespread diseases today, and failure to control this disease will lead to many complications, includingcardiovascular disease, high-fat content, in addition to limb muscle atrophy, high blood pressure andperipheral nerve inflammation, which sometimes leads to leg amputation. The cause of death and this is thesource of the problem. The Study Objectives: Knowing the blood sugar level of non-athletic patients aged40-55 years before the program. Designing an athletic program for diabetics aged 40-55 years who are nonathletes for the research group. To know the effect of the program on blood sugar, HDL cholesterol, and PCVblood viscosity for the research group. Identify the effect of the program on the nerve signals received fromthe upper and lower extremities of the research group. The study community the human field: people withdiabetes who are 40-55 years old who are not athletes. from 1/3/2020 to 1/7/2020. Hospitals and specializedcenters for treating this disease and the Physiotherapy Center for Sports Medicine in Egypt. Results: thevalues of the blood sugar test indicate the significance of the differences between the pre-and post-tests andin favor of the post-test, considering that the drop in blood sugar level is a positive case. blood HDL ratiotest indicates the significance of the differences between the pre-and post-tests and in favor of the post-test,considering that the drop in blood sugar level is a positive case. blood HDL ratio test considering the highlevel of HDL cholesterol is a positive case. Conclusions: 1-The diet and exercise program has a positiveeffect on low blood sugar levels. 2-The sports and nutritional program have a positive effect on the levelof high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. 3-The sports and nutritional program have apositive effect on blood viscosity (PCV). 4-The sports and nutritional program have a positive effect on thenerve signals coming from the upper and lower extremities.

Impact of environmental conditions on phospholipid fatty acid composition: implications from two contrasting estuaries

Phospholipid (PL) composition has a tremendous influence on the cell integrity and physiological competency. At the same time, plankton PL make important metabolic fuels for higher trophic levels. The goal of this study was to identify environmental control on PL production and their molecular identity of the suspended particles in two different estuaries. We conducted research in subtropical, eutrophic Wenchang River Estuary in China and temperate pristine, mesotrophic Krka River Estuary in Croatia. In agreement with the more abundant phytoplankton, PL concentrations were much higher in the Wenchang River Estuary (30.3–178.2 μg L−1) than in the Krka River Estuary (8.4–18.8 μg L−1). Given that six PL classes investigated (phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS)) have different roles in the cell, we expected their different fatty acid composition in different environments. We found small differences in the fatty acid composition of PC, PG, and PI between two estuaries. These results suggest that the essential fatty acid compositions of these PL in estuarine plankton are relatively constant in order to preserve membrane functions and/or cell processes in which they are involved regardless of environmental conditions. In contrast, PE, PA and PS fatty acid composition substantially differed between two estuaries as well as throughout the salinity gradient in each estuary. This suggests the adaptability of plankton to remodel these PL depending on the environmental conditions and the plankton community structure. Good environmental conditions (favorable N/P ratio, temperature) are important for increased PL content (% in POC and total lipids) in estuarine plankton and increased essential polyunsaturated fatty acid content in PL, which is beneficial to higher trophic levels.

Metabolic and Hematological Responses to Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation in Chicks Experiencing Embryonic 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin Exposure.

Dioxin exposure during bird embryonic development disrupts immunity as well as mechanisms involved in energy metabolism, potentially affecting negatively acute-phase responses to pathogens. Thus, we hypothesized that embryonic exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) changes the metabolism and blood physiology of domestic chicks, affecting their physiological competence for responding to immune challenges. To test this hypothesis, we injected doses of 0, 1.5, and 3 ng TCDD/egg (based on survival experiments) on embryonic day 4 and then measured O2 consumption and CO2 production for metabolic rate, ventilation, and body temperature (TB ) in 5-d-old chicks. Then, chicks were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) or saline prior to repeating the physiological measurements. A second chick group exposed to identical TCDD and LPS treatments had blood partial pressure of oxygen, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, pH, bicarbonate concentration, lactate concentration, osmolality, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell concentration, and hematocrit, as well as TB , analyzed at 1 and 5 h after LPS injection. Metabolism in chicks embryonically exposed to 1.5 and 3 ng TCDD/egg was up to 37% higher, whereas body mass of chicks exposed to 3 ng TCDD/egg was approximately 6% lower. Chicks embryonically exposed to 3 ng TCDD/egg challenged with LPS showed a relative persistent hypometabolism accompanied by elimination of the normal hematological and osmotic responses to LPS. We conclude that embryonic exposure to TCDD affects posthatching metabolism as well as impairs metabolic, hematological, and osmotic responses to LPS. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2208-2220. © 2020 SETAC.

Characterization of ancestral myosin XI from Marchantia polymorpha by heterologous expression in Arabidopsis thaliana.

SummaryPrevious studies have revealed duplications and diversification of myosin XI genes between angiosperms and bryophytes; however, the functional differentiation and conservation of myosin XI between them remain unclear. Here, we identified a single myosin XI gene from the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha (Mp). The molecular properties of Mp myosin XI are similar to those of Arabidopsis myosin XIs responsible for cytoplasmic streaming, suggesting that the motor function of myosin XI is able to generate cytoplasmic streaming. In cultured Arabidopsis cells, transiently expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐fused Mp myosin XI was observed as some intracellular structures moving along the F‐actin. These intracellular structures were co‐localized with motile endoplasmic reticulum (ER) strands, suggesting that Mp myosin XI binds to the ER and generates intracellular transport in Arabidopsis cells. The tail domain of Mp myosin XI was co‐localized with that of Arabidopsis myosin XI‐2 and XI‐K, suggesting that all these myosin XIs bind to common cargoes. Furthermore, expression of GFP‐fused Mp myosin XI rescued the defects of growth, cytoplasmic streaming and actin organization in Arabidopsis multiple myosin XI knockout mutants. The heterologous expression experiments demonstrated the cellular and physiological competence of Mp myosin XI in Arabidopsis. However, the average velocity of organelle transport in Marchantia rhizoids was 0.04 ± 0.01 μm s−1, which is approximately one‐hundredth of that in Arabidopsis cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the molecular properties of myosin XI are conserved, but myosin XI‐driven intracellular transport in vivo would be differentiated from bryophytes to angiosperms.

Pantoprazole, a proton-pump inhibitor, impairs human sperm motility and capacitation in vitro.

The effects of PPIs on human sperm fertilizing capacity were poorly investigated although these drugs are widely over-used. Two publications retrospectively studied relationships between any PPI intake and sperm parameters from patients consulting at infertility clinics, but the conclusions of these reports were contradictory. Only two reports investigated the effects of lansoprazole and omeprazole on sperm motility and found lansoprazole to be deleterious and omeprazole to be neutral for sperm motility. The inconsistency of the PPI effect in the previous reports emphasizes the need for more basic research on human spermatozoa, taking into account the hypothesis that the different PPI drugs may have different effects on sperm physiology. Do PPIs, which are among the most widely sold drug in the word, impact negatively human sperm capacitation and sperm motility? The effects of PPIs on human sperm maturation and motility were analyzed by CASA, flow cytometry, and Western blot. We tested the impact of 6 different PPIs on human sperm motility and capacitation. We showed that pantoprazole, but not the other PPIs, decreased sperm progressive motility and capacitation-induced sperm hyperactivation. We therefore investigated further the effects of pantoprazole on sperm capacitation, and we observed that it had a significant deleterious effect on the capacitation-induced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and capacitation-associated protein phosphorylation. Our results indicate that exposure to pantoprazole has an adverse effect on the physiological competence of human spermatozoa. As the capacitation process takes place within the female tract, our results suggest that PPIs intake by the female partner may impair in vivo sperm maturation and possibly fertilization. Moreover, the absence of adverse effect by PPIs on mouse sperm emphasizes the need to develop reprotox assays using human material to better assess the effects of medication intake on sperm physiology.

Chloroplast history clarified by the criterion of light-harvesting complex

Bacterial essence of mitochondria and chloroplasts was initially proclaimed in general outline. Later, the remarkable insight gave way to an elaborate hypothesis. Finally, it took shape of a theory confirmed by molecular biology data. In particular, the rrn operon, which is the key phylogeny marker, locates chloroplasts on the tree of Cyanobacteria. Chloroplast ancestry and diversity can be also traced with the rpoС and psbA genes, rbc operon, and other molecular criteria of prime importance. Another criterion, also highly reliable, is light-harvesting complex (LHC). LHC pigment and protein moieties specify light acclimation strategies in evolutionary retrospect and modern biosphere. The onset of symbiosis between eukaryotic host and pre-chloroplast, as well as further mutual adjustment of partners depended on physiological competence of LHC. In this review, the criterion of LHC is applied to the origin and diversity of chloroplasts. In particular, ancient cyanobacterium possessing tandem antenna (encoded by the cbp genes and the pbp genes, correspondingly), and defined as a prochlorophyte, is argued to be chloroplast ancestor.

Stereotypic behaviour predicts reproductive performance and litter sex ratio in giant pandas

Breeding and welfare problems confront many conservation breeding programs. Stereotypies—repetitive, unvarying, functionless behaviours —are common abnormal behaviours that often arise in suboptimal conditions. While the role of stereotypies in welfare assessment is well studied, few investigations address the relationship between stereotypic behaviour and reproduction. We examined the correlation between stereotypic behaviour and reproductive performance in 101 giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). High stereotyping males copulated more and produced more cubs, suggesting that highly sexually motivated males were prone to stereotypy but also had high reproductive competence. Female stereotypies were negatively associated with all reproductive measures closely tied to behavioural competence: high stereotyping females were less likely to copulate, less likely to mother-rear cubs, and—probably a result of poor maternal care—had lower cub survival. However, females that exhibited stereotypies were more likely to produce a cub, suggesting stereotypies are tied to behavioural but not physiological competence. High stereotyping female pandas also displayed strong and consistent bias toward production of female offspring while paternal relationship to sex allocation was the reverse. These results are consistent with stress-mediated sex allocation theory. Our findings raise concern about differential reproductive success among high and low stereotyping pandas, and possible genetic adaptation to captivity.

Effect of dietary soybean lecithin on fish performance, hemato-immunological parameters, lipid biochemistry, antioxidant status, digestive enzymes activity and intestinal histomorphometry of pre-spawning Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius)

A feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary soybean lecithin (SBL) supplementation on performance, hemato-immunological parameters, lipid biochemistry, antioxidant status, digestive enzymes activity and intestinal histomorphometry of Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius in the pre-spawning stage. The basal diet was supplemented with 0% (control), 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% of SBL to obtain five experimental diets. Fish with an average weight of 350 ± 10 g were randomly distributed among five experimental groups and fed for 90 days. Dietary SBL resulted in better performance including specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). Among the different hemato-immunological parameters, white blood cell counts (WBC), lysozyme, alternative complement activity (ACH50) and total immunoglobulin (IgM) content of serum were significantly increased with dietary SBL inclusion (p < 0.05). For antioxidant enzymes, glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) showed significant differences among various experimental diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, digestive enzymes activity including alkaline protease, lipase and amylase were increased in those fish received SBL supplemented diets (p < 0.05). Our results revealed that the dietary SBL improved some physiological responses of the fish and indicate 6–9% dietary SBL supplementation would improve the physiological competence of the pre-spawning Caspian brown trout breeders.

Characterisation of a functional rat hepatocyte spheroid model

Many in vitro liver cell models, such as 2D systems, that are used to assess the hepatotoxic potential of xenobiotics suffer major limitations arising from a lack of preservation of physiological phenotype and metabolic competence. To circumvent some of these limitations there has been increased focus on producing more representative 3D models. Here we have used a novel approach to construct a size-controllable 3D hepatic spheroid model using freshly isolated primary rat hepatocytes (PRH) utilising the liquid-overlay technique whereby PRH spontaneously self-assemble in to 3D microtissues. This system produces viable spheroids with a compact in vivo-like structure for up to 21 days with sustained albumin production for the duration of the culture period. F-actin was seen throughout the spheroid body and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) transporters had polarised expression on the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes within the spheroids upon formation (day 3). The MRP2 transporter was able to functionally transport 5 μM 5-chloromethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) substrates into these canalicular structures. These PRH spheroids display in vivo characteristics including direct cell-cell contacts, cellular polarisation, 3D cellular morphology, and formation of functional secondary structures throughout the spheroid. Such a well-characterised system could be readily exploited for pre-clinical and non-clinical repeat-dose investigations and could make a significant contribution to replace, reduce and refine the use of animals for applied research.

Study of Education Competency and Effect on Learning Process of BCCT Method on Educational Group of Education Age (PAUD) in Sukasari Bandung

The purpose of this research is to describe the objective condition of PAUD Kober Nurul Huda. Describe the level of competence that educators have. Describe the application of learning through the BCCT Method. Know the influence of the application of learning BCCT Method. The research method used is a qualitative method of research subject is Kober Nurul Huda. Data collection methods used are methods of observation, interviews, and documentation. The conclusion of this research is the objective condition of PAUD Nurul Huda has the strength which generally comes from facility, location, and education of the educator, weakness is found in the competence of educator in giving learning of BCCT, opportunity to potential of parent desire to send their child to PAUD applying BCCT , and threats from environmental influences that are contrary to the concept of BCCT itself. The competencies of PAUD Nurul Huda educators include pedagogic competence, personality competence, physiological competence, but generally still weak on social competence. The application of learning through the BCCT method of Kober Nurul Huda can optimize all aspects of children's development, whether physical, emotional, cognitive, and social. The influence of learning through BCCT methods of learners is seen primarily in the moral and religious values, cognitive learners, the use of everyday language, the emotional social of children, creativity, the soul of art, and life skills. The recommendations proposed are practical, the playgroup Nurul Huda should make education more creative in providing learning, educators need to develop and practice in running learning, the foundation should provide facilities to educators to include them in BCCT training held Diknas city or province. Theoretically, developing theories about the aspects of the learner, so the results of this study can develop the success rate of learners together with the discipline of psychology.