scholarly journals Effects of Ciliate Infection on the Activities of Two Antioxidant Enzymes (SOD and CAT) in Captive Coral (Goniopora columna) and Evaluation of Drug Therapy

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1216
Author(s):  
Chiu-Min Cheng ◽  
Yu-Rong Cheng ◽  
De-Sing Ding ◽  
Ya-Ting Chen ◽  
Wei-Ting Sun ◽  
...  

Ciliate infection is a serious parasitic disease of coral. Infected coral rots and dies in a short time. In addition to killing corals by infecting them in the oceans, ciliate infection also poses a threat to corals farmed on a large scale. In this study, two antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) were used to judge the stress response in Goniopora columna after infection, and KCl and H2O2 were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect. The results showed that SOD and CAT increased during the early stage of infection but decreased with the extension of infection time. In terms of drug therapy, it was found that the treatment of ciliate infection with 1.5% of KCl had no significant effect on SOD and CAT of G. columna. The morphological changes of zooxanthellae, chlorophyll a, and coral were not significant. H2O2 leads to a stress response and polyp contraction. In conclusion, 1.5% of KCl can be used in the selection of drugs to treat ciliate infection.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tomas Sandoval-Calderon

<p>Incorporating different technologies and lighting techniques in the illumination of structures has allowed us to portray fantastic night time vistas of our cities. However, the success of the selected technique or technology is frequently assessed based on what the lighting does to the overall environment. At present, it is a common practice for the client or architect to require an illuminated night view of the building. These views are often used as part of the marketing strategy to promote building facilities. Alternatively, on a large scale, they can help promote buildings as city icons.  The illumination of building facades requires an appropriate selection of one or more floodlighting techniques and light sources to achieve the desired lighting effect. This selection, often driven by lighting standards and design considerations, will heavily influence the way in which that the overall lit environment will be portrayed at the end of the lighting project. Currently, tables and floodlighting techniques exist to select the recommended quantity of light and the most suitable luminaire arrangement to illuminate a façade. There is however, no direct indication of how the surrounding area will be affected when the recommended light levels are achieved on the façade.  Despite the increased importance of the floodlighting technique, the design of a good illuminated façade does not have a tradition on which to base parameters for the lighting design. This is often individually approached based on the knowledge, understanding, experience and proficiency of the lighting designer. Considering the diversity of buildings in urban environments, the selection of uncoordinated design parameters could have a significant impact on the area where the building is located. This could affect the occupant comfort and good energy management.  In light of the considerations presented above, it is only with a methodological approach that the lighting designer will be able to provide predictable and consistent results in any number of different situations. This presents an opportunity to develop a methodology to identify whether a façade is over-lit or if the proposed lighting solution is adequate for the area where it is situated.  The proposed methodology will provide a tool to estimate the potential lighting results while considering the effect on the overall environment where the building is located. When a façade is illuminated, the degree of the light experienced at street level is very much dependent upon the reflected light from the primary lit surface. This allows for a relationship based on light levels received at the surrounding street and the average illuminance level achieved on the façade.  Considering that lighting parameters such as lamp lumen output, the reflective qualities of the surface and the luminaire position are intrinsically connected to light reflections, a mathematical expression is formulated to link the relationship mentioned above with lighting design parameters through a set of nomographs. This method provides a good foundation to systematically approach lighting designs with a comprehensive procedure to link the practical lighting considerations with the lighting requirements that will provide occupant comfort and good energy management. This method will help designers to compare different lighting alternatives by analysing the lighting impact of different lit facade options at the very early stage of the lighting design process.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (01) ◽  
pp. 91-93
Author(s):  
Dhermendra Kumar Purshottam ◽  
Pratibha Misra ◽  
Ramesh Kumar Srivastava

The demand for variations in ornamental plants is always on high for the development of different types of color and other morphological changes etc. In this context, the mutation is a very much helpful and promising approach among the floriculturists and very well recognized for the development of novel varieties. Most of the researchers used the micropropagation techniques for large scale propagation of ornamental plants. Micropropagation not only enhances the rate of propagation but also produce true to type plants in a relatively short time and space. In this study, we use a combination of mutation and micropropagation strategies in Gerbera jamesonii plant.


Holzforschung ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Wagih ◽  
Merima Hasani ◽  
Stephen A. Hall ◽  
Hans Theliander

Abstract Alkaline delignification of wood tissue is the core of the global pulping technology and the most prominent large-scale separation of the main wood components. This work aims at improved understanding of the interplay between the topochemistry of alkaline pulping and the associated morphological changes. Morphology and chemical structure of partially soda-delignified wood chips were studied combining X-ray tomography (XRT), X-ray diffraction analysis and compositional characterization (lignin and carbohydrate content). The XRT studies of wet samples (providing 3D structural information without interfering drying effects), allowed observation of the cell wall separation as an increasing amount of lignin was removed with the increasing pulping time. Comparison between the microstructure of the surface and the central parts of the treated chips showed a more delignified microstructure at the surface, which highlights the dependence of the delignification process on the mass transport (hydroxide ions and lignin fragments) through the wood tissue. The crystallite size of cellulose increased in the <200> crystal planes during the early stage of pulping while there was little effect on the <110> plane.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Tomas Sandoval-Calderon

<p>Incorporating different technologies and lighting techniques in the illumination of structures has allowed us to portray fantastic night time vistas of our cities. However, the success of the selected technique or technology is frequently assessed based on what the lighting does to the overall environment. At present, it is a common practice for the client or architect to require an illuminated night view of the building. These views are often used as part of the marketing strategy to promote building facilities. Alternatively, on a large scale, they can help promote buildings as city icons.  The illumination of building facades requires an appropriate selection of one or more floodlighting techniques and light sources to achieve the desired lighting effect. This selection, often driven by lighting standards and design considerations, will heavily influence the way in which that the overall lit environment will be portrayed at the end of the lighting project. Currently, tables and floodlighting techniques exist to select the recommended quantity of light and the most suitable luminaire arrangement to illuminate a façade. There is however, no direct indication of how the surrounding area will be affected when the recommended light levels are achieved on the façade.  Despite the increased importance of the floodlighting technique, the design of a good illuminated façade does not have a tradition on which to base parameters for the lighting design. This is often individually approached based on the knowledge, understanding, experience and proficiency of the lighting designer. Considering the diversity of buildings in urban environments, the selection of uncoordinated design parameters could have a significant impact on the area where the building is located. This could affect the occupant comfort and good energy management.  In light of the considerations presented above, it is only with a methodological approach that the lighting designer will be able to provide predictable and consistent results in any number of different situations. This presents an opportunity to develop a methodology to identify whether a façade is over-lit or if the proposed lighting solution is adequate for the area where it is situated.  The proposed methodology will provide a tool to estimate the potential lighting results while considering the effect on the overall environment where the building is located. When a façade is illuminated, the degree of the light experienced at street level is very much dependent upon the reflected light from the primary lit surface. This allows for a relationship based on light levels received at the surrounding street and the average illuminance level achieved on the façade.  Considering that lighting parameters such as lamp lumen output, the reflective qualities of the surface and the luminaire position are intrinsically connected to light reflections, a mathematical expression is formulated to link the relationship mentioned above with lighting design parameters through a set of nomographs. This method provides a good foundation to systematically approach lighting designs with a comprehensive procedure to link the practical lighting considerations with the lighting requirements that will provide occupant comfort and good energy management. This method will help designers to compare different lighting alternatives by analysing the lighting impact of different lit facade options at the very early stage of the lighting design process.</p>


1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (06) ◽  
pp. 0939-0943 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Boneu ◽  
G Destelle ◽  

SummaryThe anti-aggregating activity of five rising doses of clopidogrel has been compared to that of ticlopidine in atherosclerotic patients. The aim of this study was to determine the dose of clopidogrel which should be tested in a large scale clinical trial of secondary prevention of ischemic events in patients suffering from vascular manifestations of atherosclerosis [CAPRIE (Clopidogrel vs Aspirin in Patients at Risk of Ischemic Events) trial]. A multicenter study involving 9 haematological laboratories and 29 clinical centers was set up. One hundred and fifty ambulatory patients were randomized into one of the seven following groups: clopidogrel at doses of 10, 25, 50,75 or 100 mg OD, ticlopidine 250 mg BID or placebo. ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation tests were performed before starting treatment and after 7 and 28 days. Bleeding time was performed on days 0 and 28. Patients were seen on days 0, 7 and 28 to check the clinical and biological tolerability of the treatment. Clopidogrel exerted a dose-related inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation and bleeding time prolongation. In the presence of ADP (5 \lM) this inhibition ranged between 29% and 44% in comparison to pretreatment values. The bleeding times were prolonged by 1.5 to 1.7 times. These effects were non significantly different from those produced by ticlopidine. The clinical tolerability was good or fair in 97.5% of the patients. No haematological adverse events were recorded. These results allowed the selection of 75 mg once a day to evaluate and compare the antithrombotic activity of clopidogrel to that of aspirin in the CAPRIE trial.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-206
Author(s):  
Kei Ando ◽  
Kazuyoshi Kobayashi ◽  
Masaaki Machino ◽  
Kyotaro Ota ◽  
Satoshi Tanaka ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between morphological changes in thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) and postoperative neurological recovery after thoracic posterior fusion surgery. Changes of OPLL morphology and postoperative recovery in cases with T-OPLL have not been examined.METHODSIn this prospective study, the authors evaluated data from 44 patients (23 male and 21 female) who underwent posterior decompression and fusion surgery with instrumentation for the treatment of T-OPLL at our hospital. The patients’ mean age at surgery was 50.7 years (range 38–68 years). The minimum duration of follow-up was 2 years. The location of thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (T-OLF), T-OLF at the OPLL level, OPLL morphology, fusion range, estimated blood loss, operative time, pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, and JOA recovery rate were investigated. Reconstructed sagittal multislice CT images were obtained before and at 3 and 6 months and 1 and 2 years after surgery. The basic fusion area was 3 vertebrae above and below the OPLL lesion. All parameters were compared between patients with and without continuity across the disc space at the OPLL at 3 and 6 months after surgery.RESULTSThe preoperative morphology of OPLL was discontinuous across the disc space between the rostral and caudal ossification regions on sagittal CT images in all but one of the patients. Postoperatively, these segments became continuous in 42 patients (97.7%; occurring by 6.6 months on average) without progression of OPLL thickness. Patients with continuity at 3 months had significantly lower rates of diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05) and motor palsy in the lower extremities (p < 0.01). The group with continuity also had significantly higher mean postoperative JOA scores at 3 (p < 0.01) and 6 (p < 0.05) months and mean JOA recovery rates at 3 and 6 months (both p < 0.01) after surgery.CONCLUSIONSPreoperatively, discontinuity of rostral and caudal ossified lesions was found on CT in all patients but one of this group of 44 patients who needed surgery for T-OPLL. Rigid fixation with instrumentation may have allowed these segments to connect at the OPLL. Such OPLL continuity at an early stage after surgery may accelerate spinal cord recovery.


2009 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 114-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Otto ◽  
Sven Wagner ◽  
Peter Brang

The competitive pressure of naturally regenerated European beech (Fagus sylvatica) saplings on planted pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) was investigated on two 1.8 ha permanent plots near Habsburg and Murten (Switzerland). The plots were established with the aim to test methods of artificial oak regeneration after large-scale windthrow. On both plots, 80 oaks exposed to varying levels of competitive pressure from at most 10 neighbouring beech trees were selected. The height of each oak as well as stem and branch diameters were measured. The competitive pressure was assessed using Schütz's competition index, which is based on relative tree height, crown overlap and distance from competing neighbours. Oak trees growing without or with only slight competition from beech were equally tall, while oaks exposed to moderate to strong competition were smaller. A threshold value for the competition index was found above which oak height decreased strongly. The stem and branch diameters of the oaks started to decrease even if the competition from beech was slight, and decreased much further with more competition. The oak stems started to become more slender even with only slight competition from beech. On the moderately acid beech sites studied here, beech grow taller faster than oak. Thus where beech is competing with oak and the aim is to maintain the oak, competitive pressure on the oak must be reduced at an early stage. The degree of the intervention should, however, take the individual competitive interaction into account, with more intervention if the competition is strong.


Author(s):  
A. U. Zamurayeva ◽  
Е. T. Supiyeva ◽  
B Sh. Orynbayeva

Relevance. The modern method of infiltration provides an opportunity to stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria and the development of caries at the white spot stage, replacing the destroyed enamel cells with special polymers having low viscosity and high penetrating ability. The stabilization of the process is achieved in a short time with the maximum safety of their tissues. Purpose. Treatment of initial tooth decay in children by infiltration, assessment of the effectiveness and advantages of modern technology. Materials and methods. Clinical examination was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Additionally, a laser diagnostic method was used using the KaVo DIAGNOdent device (Germany). The LLP Dentistry Center «Zhaik Dent» and the LLP «Concept» used the Icon system for the treatment of initial caries and after orthodontic treatment for 25 children with 54 teeth. Results. At the end of tooth treatment with the Icon infiltration method, parents and the child were given recommendations: from the next day, brush your teeth 2 times a day, rinse your mouth regularly after eating, do not drink drinks, products with coloring substances. To monitor the result of treatment, the child was prescribed for reexamination after 7-10 days, after one month, in the following periods – once a year.After working with the material of the Icon system, the authors noted the pronounced effects of the treatment of initial caries by the method of infiltration.Conclusions. 1. The method of infiltration is a modern and promising technology for the treatment of dental caries at an early stage without losing healthy tissues. 2. The Icon infiltration method makes it possible to stop the spread of pathogenic bacteria and develop tooth decay at the white spot stage, replacing the destroyed enamel cells with special polymers having low viscosity and high penetrating ability. 3. The stabilization of the carious process is achieved in a short time with the maximum preservation of the tooth's tissues. 


1987 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 155-174
Author(s):  
Henk L. F. Saeijs

The Delta Project is in its final stage. In 1974 it was subjected to political reconsideration, but it is scheduled now for completion in 1987. The final touches are being put to the storm-surge barrier and two compartment dams that divide the Oosterschelde into three areas: one tidal, one with reduced tide, and one a freshwater lake. Compartmentalization will result in 13% of channels, 45% of intertidal flats and 59% of salt marshes being lost. There is a net gain of 7% of shallow-water areas. Human interventions with large scale impacts are not new in the Oosterschelde but the large scale and short time in which these interventions are taking place are, as is the creation of a controlled tidal system. This article focusses on the area with reduced tide and compares resent day and expected characteristics. In this reduced tidal part salt marshes will extend by 30–70%; intertidal flats will erode to a lower level and at their edges, and the area of shallow water will increase by 47%. Biomass production on the intertidal flats will decrease, with consequences for crustaceans, fishes and birds. The maximum number of waders counted on one day and the number of ‘bird-days' will decrease drastically, with negative effects for the wader populations of western Europe. The net area with a hard substratum in the reduced tidal part has more than doubled. Channels will become shallower. Detritus import will not change significantly. Stratification and oxygen depletion will be rare and local. The operation of the storm-surge barrier and the closure strategy chosen are very important for the ecosystem. Two optional closure strategies can be followed without any additional environmental consequences. It was essential to determine a clearly defined plan of action for the whole area, and to make land-use choices from the outset. How this was done is briefly described.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3571
Author(s):  
Bogusz Wiśnicki ◽  
Dorota Dybkowska-Stefek ◽  
Justyna Relisko-Rybak ◽  
Łukasz Kolanda

The paper responds to research problems related to the implementation of large-scale investment projects in waterways in Europe. As part of design and construction works, it is necessary to indicate river ports that play a major role within the European transport network as intermodal nodes. This entails a number of challenges, the cardinal one being the optimal selection of port locations, taking into account the new transport, economic, and geopolitical situation that will be brought about by modernized waterways. The aim of the paper was to present an original methodology for determining port locations for modernized waterways based on non-cost criteria, as an extended multicriteria decision-making method (MCDM) and employing GIS (Geographic Information System)-based tools for spatial analysis. The methodology was designed to be applicable to the varying conditions of a river’s hydroengineering structures (free-flowing river, canalized river, and canals) and adjustable to the requirements posed by intermodal supply chains. The method was applied to study the Odra River Waterway, which allowed the formulation of recommendations regarding the application of the method in the case of different river sections at every stage of the research process.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document