Changes in haematological parameters during a summer expedition in Antarctica

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-113
Author(s):  
Alena Žákovská ◽  
Olivie Zezulová
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Erythrocyte Count ◽  
Haematological Parameters ◽  
P Value ◽  
Research Station ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Sera Samples

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of extreme climatic conditions and a long stay in isolation on levels of three haematological parameters in the polar expedition participants. This article describes changes in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and transferrin levels measured on the 9th Czech Antarctic Scientific Expedition during the period of the Antarctic summer. A total of 15 sera samples were collected shortly before the expedition, the second sampling was performed halfway through the stay and the third at the very end of the expedition stationed at the Czech Research Station of J. G. Mendel. The erythrocyte count and the levels of transferrin were significantly increased in between all three sample collections (with p-value < 0.01). A statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels was only detected between the first and the final sampling (p

scholarly journals Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Symbiotic Efficiency of Selected Rhizobia Strains Nodulating Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Plants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Badreddine Sijilmassi ◽  
Abdelkarim Filali-Maltouf ◽  
Hassan Boulahyaoui ◽  
Aymane Kricha ◽  
Kenza Boubekri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
Rhizobium Leguminosarum ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
P Value ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Symbiotic Efficiency ◽  
Rhizobium Strains

A total of 14 Rhizobium strains were isolated from lentil accessions grown at the ICARDA experimental research station at Marchouch in Morocco and used for molecular characterization and symbiotic efficiency assessment. Individual phylogenetic analysis using the 16S rRNA gene, house-keeping genes rpoB, recA, and gyrB, and symbiotic genes nodD and nodA along with Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) of the concatenated genes (16S rRNA-rpoB-recA-gyrB) was carried out for the identification and clustering of the isolates. The symbiotic efficiency of the strains was assessed on three Moroccan lentil cultivars (Bakria, Chakkouf, and Zaria) based on the number of nodules, plant height, plant dry weight, and total nitrogen content in leaves. The results showed that the individual phylogenetic analysis clustered all the strains into Rhizobium laguerreae and Rhizobium leguminosarum with sequence similarity ranging from 94 to 100%, except one strain which clustered with Mesorhizobium huakuii with sequence similarity of 100%. The MLSA of the concatenated genes and the related percentages of similarity clustered these strains into two groups of Rhizobium species, with one strain as a new genospecies when applying the threshold of 96%. For symbiotic efficiency, the Bakria variety showed the best association with 10 strains compared to its non-inoculated control (p-value ≤ 0.05), followed by Chakkouf and Zaria. The present study concluded that the genetic diversity and the symbiotic efficiency of Rhizobium strains appeared to be mainly under the control of the lentil genotypes.

scholarly journals Recommendations for Abnormal Behaviour Ethograms in Monkey Research

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1461
Author(s):  
Andrea Polanco ◽  
Brenda McCowan ◽  
Lee Niel ◽  
David L. Pearl ◽  
Georgia Mason
Keyword(s):  
Macaca Mulatta ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
P Value ◽  
Morphological Similarity ◽  
Abnormal Behaviour ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Third ◽  
Welfare Implications ◽  
Self Stimulation

Laboratory monkey ethograms currently include subcategories of abnormal behaviours that are based on superficial morphological similarity. Yet, such ethograms may be misclassifying behaviour, with potential welfare implications as different abnormal behaviours are likely to have distinct risk factors and treatments. We therefore investigated the convergent validity of four hypothesized subcategories of abnormal behaviours (‘motor’, e.g., pacing; ‘self-stimulation’, e.g., self-sucking; ‘postural’, e.g., hanging; and ‘self-abuse’, e.g., self-biting). This hypothesis predicts positive relationships between the behaviours within each subcategory. Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) data on 19 abnormal behaviours were obtained from indoor-housed animals (n = 1183). Logistic regression models, controlling for sex, age, and the number of observations, revealed that only 1/6 ‘motor’ behaviours positively predicted pacing, while 2/3 ‘self-abuse’ behaviours positively predicted self-biting (one-tailed p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, ‘self-stimulation’ behaviours did not predict self-sucking, and none of the ‘postural’ behaviours predicted hanging. Thus, none of the subcategories fully met convergent validity. Subsequently, we created four new valid subcategories formed of comorbid behaviours. The first consisted of self-biting, self-hitting, self-injurious behaviour, floating limb, leg-lifting, and self-clasping. The second comprised twirling, bouncing, rocking, swinging, and hanging. The third comprised pacing and head-twisting, while the final subcategory consisted of flipping and eye-poking. Self-sucking, hair-plucking, threat-biting, and withdrawn remained as individual behaviours. We encourage laboratories to replicate the validation of these subcategories first, and for scientists working with other species to validate their ethograms before using them in welfare assessments.

scholarly journals Climate and the spread of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simiao Chen ◽  
Klaus Prettner ◽  
Michael Kuhn ◽  
Pascal Geldsetzer ◽  
Chen Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Phone ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
P Value ◽  
Age Dependency ◽  
Similar Extent ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Age Dependency Ratio ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractVisual inspection of world maps shows that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is less prevalent in countries closer to the equator, where heat and humidity tend to be higher. Scientists disagree how to interpret this observation because the relationship between COVID-19 and climatic conditions may be confounded by many factors. We regress the logarithm of confirmed COVID-19 cases per million inhabitants in a country against the country’s distance from the equator, controlling for key confounding factors: air travel, vehicle concentration, urbanization, COVID-19 testing intensity, cell phone usage, income, old-age dependency ratio, and health expenditure. A one-degree increase in absolute latitude is associated with a 4.3% increase in cases per million inhabitants as of January 9, 2021 (p value < 0.001). Our results imply that a country, which is located 1000 km closer to the equator, could expect 33% fewer cases per million inhabitants. Since the change in Earth’s angle towards the sun between equinox and solstice is about 23.5°, one could expect a difference in cases per million inhabitants of 64% between two hypothetical countries whose climates differ to a similar extent as two adjacent seasons. According to our results, countries are expected to see a decline in new COVID-19 cases during summer and a resurgence during winter. However, our results do not imply that the disease will vanish during summer or will not affect countries close to the equator. Rather, the higher temperatures and more intense UV radiation in summer are likely to support public health measures to contain SARS-CoV-2.

On a Collection of Parasitic Worms from East Africa

1932 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 209-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gladstone Solomon
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Major Part ◽  
Tropical Medicine ◽  
London School ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Veterinary Services ◽  
The Third ◽  
Veterinary Research ◽  
Parasitic Worms

The following material was sent to the Department of Helminthology of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in three groups; two lots coming from Mr. Aneurin Lewis, of the Veterinary Research Station at Kabete, Kenya Colony, and the third lot from the Director of Veterinary Services, Uganda. For this latter, the writer is indebted to the Imperial Bureau of Agricultural Parasitology. The major part of the material was placed at his disposal by Professor R. T. Leiper, F.R.S., to whom he wishes to express his sincere thanks.

MENGURANGI KECEMASAN PADA MASA KEHAMILAN TM III DENGAN METODE ACCUPRESSURE DEPRESSION POINTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Dyah Ayu Wulandari ◽  
Meika Jaya Rockhmana ◽  
Adelina Cahyaningrum
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Psychological Adaptation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Wilcoxon Test ◽  
P Value ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
Purposive Sampling ◽  
The Third

ABSTRAKAdaptasi fisik dan psikis kehamilan trimester III secara fisiologis dapat menimbulkan kecemasan ibu hamil. Adanya kecemasan pada ibu hamil trimester III dapat menyebabkan komplikasi ibu dan janin saat kehamilan, persalinan bahkan nifas. Terapi acupressure merupakan natural terapi dengan cara menekan acupoint  untuk merelaksasi tubuh, melancarkan sirkulasi darah serta memberikan rasa tenang dan nyaman. Acupoint KID 27 dan CV 17 adalah titik yang berhubungan dengan kecemasan, agitasi, penyimpangan kelenjar tiroid, keseimbangan tubuh dan pusat jantung. Penekanan pada titik ini menyeimbangkan kadar hormon tiroid dan mengatasi gangguan kecemasan. Tujuan penelitian mengetahui pengaruh acupressure depression points terhadap kecemasan ibu hamil trimester III. Metode: Jenis penelitian kuantitatif dengan metode penelitian pre-experimental One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Penelitian dilakukan Bulan Februari-Agustus 2021. Populasi penelitian ibu hamil trimester III yang melakukan ANC bulan Juni 2021 dengan keluhan kecemasan. Sampel penelitian 22 ibu hamil trimester III dengan teknik purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuesioner PRAQ-R2. Analisa data univariat dan bivariat (Uji Wilcoxon) Hasil: Hasil analisa statistik dengan uji Wilcoxon diperoleh nilai P-value 0,000 pada tingkat kecemasan. Kesimpulan: Acupressure depression points berpengaruh terhadap tingkat kecemasan ibu hamil trimester III di Semarang.Kata kunci: kecemasan, ibu hamil trimester IIIREDUCE ANXIETY IN PREGNANT MOTHER TRIMESTER III WITH ACCUPRESSURE DEPRESSION POINTS METHODABSTRACTPhysical and psychological adaptation of the third trimester of pregnancy can physiologically cause anxiety for pregnant women. The existence of anxiety in third trimester pregnant women can affect the quality of sleep which causes maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy, delivery and even postpartum. Acupressure therapy is a natural therapy by pressing the acupoints to relax the body, improve blood circulation and provide a sense of calm and comfort. Acupoints KID 27 and CV 17 are points associated with anxiety, agitation, thyroid disorders, body balance and heart centers. Emphasis on this point balances thyroid hormone levels and treats anxiety disorders thereby improving sleep quality. Objective: to determine the effect of acupressure depression points on the level of anxiety and sleep quality of pregnant women in the third trimester. Methods: This type of research is quantitative with pre-experimental research method One Group Pretest-Posttest Design. The study was conducted in February-August 2021. The study population was pregnant women in the third trimester who performed ANC in June 2021 with complaints of anxiety. The study sample was 22 pregnant women in the third trimester with purposive sampling technique. The research instrument used the PRAQ-R2. Analysis of univariate and bivariate data (Wilcoxon test) Results: The results of statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test obtained a P-value of 0.000 on anxiety levels. Conclusion: Acupressure depression points have an effect on the level of anxiety of pregnant women in the third trimester at Semarang.Keyword: Anxiety, Pregnant Women In The Third Trimester

A bioclimatic index of human survival times in the Antarctic

Polar Record ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 23 (147) ◽  
pp. 651-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. de Freitas ◽  
L. V. Symon
Keyword(s):  
Core Temperature ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Survival Times ◽  
Climatological Data ◽  
Human Survival ◽  
Winter Conditions ◽  
Normal Core ◽  
Bioclimatic Index ◽  
Extreme Cold ◽  
The Antarctic

AbstractAn index of human ‘survival time outdoors in extreme cold’ (STOEC) has been developed, using body-atmosphere energy budget modelling procedures. The index, which is applicable in places like Antarctica where only limited climatological data are available, is based on the calculated rate of fall of core temperature from 37°C to 27°C of a standard inactive healthy subject in full polar clothing.Applied to data from 12 Antarctic stations it indicates relative severity of their mean and extreme climatic conditions. The severest winter conditions become lifethreatening after only about 20 minutes. At most stations in winter, exposure outdoors for more than two hours would be dangerous. Conditions at all coastal stations in summer are mildenough to allow a normal core temperature to be maintained. The index has many applications, for example estimating likely survival times of immobilized accident victims and guidelines for duration of work periods outside.

scholarly journals Self-reported and physiological reactions to the third BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (booster) vaccine dose

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merav Mofaz ◽  
Matan Yechezkel ◽  
Grace Guan ◽  
Margaret L. Brandeau ◽  
Tal Patalon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Booster Dose ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
P Value ◽  
Booster Vaccine ◽  
The Third ◽  
Systemic Reactions ◽  
Physiological Reactions

AbstractBackgroundThe rapid rise in hospitalizations associated with the Delta-driven COVID-19 resurgence, and the imminent risk of hospital overcrowding, led the Israeli government to initialize a national third (booster) COVID-19 vaccination campaign in early August 2021, offering the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine to individuals who received their second dose over five months ago. However, the safety of the third (booster) dose has not been fully established yet.ObjectiveEvaluate the short-term, self-reported and physiological reactions to the third BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 (booster) vaccine dose.DesignA prospective observational study, in which participants are equipped with a smartwatch and fill in a daily questionnaire via a dedicated mobile application for a period of 21 days, starting seven days before the vaccination.SettingAn Israel-wide third (booster) vaccination campaign.ParticipantsA group of 1,609 (18+ years of age) recipients of at least one dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine between December 20, 2020, and September 15, 2021, out of a larger cohort of 2,912 prospective study participants. 1,344 of the participants were recipients of the third vaccine dose.MeasurementsDaily self-reported questionnaires regarding local and systemic reactions, mood level, stress level, sport duration, and sleep quality. Heart rate, heart rate variability and blood oxygen saturation level were continuously measured by Garmin Vivosmart 4 smartwatches.ResultsThe extent of systemic reactions reported following the third (booster) dose administration is similar to that reported following the second dose (p-value=0.305) and considerably greater than that reported following the first dose (p-value<0.001). Our analyses of self-reported well-being indicators as well as the objective heart rate and heart rate variability measures recorded by the smartwatches further support this finding. Focusing on the third dose, reactions were more apparent in younger participants (p-value<0.01), in women (p-value<0.001), and in participants with no underlying medical conditions (p-value<0.001). Nevertheless, reported reactions and changes in physiological measures returned to their baseline levels within three days from inoculation with the third dose.LimitationsParticipants may not adequately represent the vaccinated population in Israel and elsewhere.ConclusionOur work further supports the safety of a third COVID-19 BNT162b2 mRNA (booster) vaccine dose from both a subjective and an objective perspective, particularly in individuals 65+ years of age and those with underlying medical conditions.Primary funding sourceEuropean Research Council (ERC) project #949850

scholarly journals CCN measurements at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Research Station during three austral summers

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Herenz ◽  
Heike Wex ◽  
Alexander Mangold ◽  
Quentin Laffineur ◽  
Irina V. Gorodestkaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Aerosol Particle ◽  
Aerosol Particles ◽  
Source Region ◽  
Austral Summer ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Air Masses ◽  
Potential Source ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Aitken Mode

Abstract. For three austral summer seasons (2013–2016, each from December to February) aerosol particles arriving at the Belgian Antarctic research station Princess Elisabeth (PE), in Dronning Maud Land in East Antarctica were characterized in terms of number concentrations of total aerosol particles (NCN) and cloud condensation nuclei (NCCN), the particle number size distribution (PNSD), the aerosol particle hygroscopicity and the influence of the air mass origin on NCN and NCCN. In general NCN was found to range from 40 to 6700 cm−3 with a median of 333 cm−3, while NCCN was found to cover a range between less than 10 and 1300 cm−3 for supersaturations (SS) between 0.1 and 0.7 %. It is shown that the aerosol is Aitken mode dominated and is characterized by a significant amount of freshly, secondarily formed aerosol particles, with 94 % and 36 % of the aerosol particles are smaller than 90 nm and &amp;approx; 35 nm, respectively. Measurements of the basic meteorological parameters as well as the history of the air masses arriving at the measurement station indicate that the station is influenced by both, continental air masses originating from the Antarctic inland ice sheet (continental events – CE) and marine air masses originating from the Southern Ocean (marine events – ME). CEs came along with rather constant NCN and NCCN values, which we denote to be Antarctic continental background concentrations. MEs however cause large fluctuations in NCN and NCCN caused by scavenging due to precipitation or new particle formation based on marine precursors. The application of Hysplit back trajectories in form of the potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis indicate, that the region of the Southern Ocean is a potential source of Aitken mode particles. For particles larger than &amp;approx; 110 nm (CCN measured at SS of 0.1 %) the Antarctic ice shelf regions were found to be a potential source region, most likely due to the emission of sea salt aerosol particles, released from snow particles from surface snow layers by sublimation, e.g., during periods of high wind speed, leading to drifting or blowing snow. On the basis of the PNSDs and NCCN, the critical diameter for cloud droplet activation and the aerosol particle hygroscopicity parameter κ were determined to be 110 nm and 1, respectively, for a SS of 0.1 %. The region of the Antarctic inland plateau however was not found to feature a significant source region for CN and CCN measured at the PE station in austral summer.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF RECOMBINANT VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR 121 ON NITRIDE OXIDE LEVEL IN MICE (Mus musculus) MODEL OF PREECLAMPSIA

2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Soetrisno Soetrisno ◽  
Isharyadi Isharyadi ◽  
Sri Sulistyowati
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Mus Musculus ◽  
P Value ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
The Third ◽  
Minimum Value ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
Pregnant Mice ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
K2 Group

Preeclampsia is a multifactorial syndrome in pregnancy whose cause is still unknown. Several proangiogenic and antiangiogenic mediators such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Nitrite Oxide (NO) play important roles in preventing preeclampsia. VEGF can increase NO level that lowers maternal blood pressure, improves endothelial function and reduces placental hypoxia in preeclampsia. Recombinant VEGF 121 is expected to be an option in the prevention and treatment of preeclampsia. This experimental study used mice (Mus musculus) as the model. The objective of this study was to observe the effect of recombinant VEGF 121 in increasing the level of nitric oxide in mice (Mus musculus) model of preeclampsia. This was an experimental analytical study with Randomized Control Trial (RCT) design. The study enrolled 27 pregnant mice (Mus musculus) which met the restriction criteria divided into 3 groups. The first group (K1) were 9 normal pregnant mice. The second group (K2) were 9 pregnant mice of preeclampsia model without treatment. The third group (K3) were 9 pregnant mice of preeclampsia model receiving recombinant VEGF 121 therapy. The independent variable was the administration of recombinant VEGF 121 and the dependent variable was the serum NO level. Statistical analysis was performed by using anova statistics. NO level in the first group (K1) was 1.746±0.347, with minimum value of 1.00 µM, and maximum value of 2.28 µM, CI (1.479-2.013).  NO level in second group (K2) was 1.167±0.380, with minimum value of 0.64 µM, and maximum value of 1.94 µM, CI (0.875-1.460). NO level in the third group (K3) was 2.164±0.556, with minimum value of 1.56 µM, and maximum value of 5.96 µM, CI (1.842-2.486). With anova statistical test, there were significant differences between K1 group and K2 group (p value=0.004<0.05), K1 group and K3 group (p value=0.000<0.05) as well as K2 group and K3 group (p value=0.029<0.05). In conclusion, Recombinant VEGF 121 increased the level of nitric oxide in mice (Mus musculus) model of preeclampsia significantly.

scholarly journals Mass drug administration with azithromycin for trachoma elimination and the population structure of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the nasopharynx

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A. Gladstone ◽  
Ebrima Bojang ◽  
John Hart ◽  
Emma M Harding-Esch ◽  
David Mabey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Macrolide Resistance ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Third ◽  
Before And After

ABSTRACTBackgroundMass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin for trachoma elimination reduces nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the short term. We evaluated S. pneumoniae carried in the nasopharynx before and after a round of azithromycin MDA to determine whether MDA was associated with changes in pneumococcal population structure.MethodsWe analysed 514 pneumococcal isolates cultured from nasopharyngeal samples collected in Gambian villages that received MDA for trachoma elimination. The samples were collected during three cross-sectional surveys conducted before the third round of MDA (CSS-1) and at one (CSS-2) and six (CSS-3) months after MDA. Whole genome sequencing was conducted on randomly selected isolates. Bayesian Analysis of Population Structure (BAPS) was used to cluster related isolates by capturing variation in the core genome. Serotype and multi-locus sequence type were inferred from the genotype. The Antimicrobial Resistance Identification by Assembly (ARIBA) tool was used to identify macrolide resistance genes.ResultsTwenty-seven BAPS clusters were assigned. These consisted of 81 sequence types (STs), 15 of which were novel additions to pubMLST. Two BAPS clusters, BAPS20 (p-value<=0.016) and BAPS22 (p-value<=0.032) showed an increase in frequency at CSS-3 not associated with antimicrobial resistance. Macrolide resistance within BASP17 increased after treatment (p<0.05) and was carried on a mobile transposable element that also conferred resistance to tetracycline.ConclusionsLimited changes in pneumococcal population structure were observed after the third round of MDA suggesting treatment had little effect on the circulating lineages. An increase in macrolide resistance within one BAPS highlights the need for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in treated villages.

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