LC/MS/MS analysis of the endogenous dimethyltryptamine hallucinogens, their precursors, and major metabolites in rat pineal gland microdialysate

We report a qualitative liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the simultaneous analysis of the three known N , N ‐dimethyltryptamine endogenous hallucinogens, their precursors and metabolites, as well as melatonin and its metabolic precursors. The method was characterized using artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) as the matrix and was subsequently applied to the analysis of rat brain pineal gland‐aCSF microdialysate. The method describes the simultaneous analysis of 23 chemically diverse compounds plus a deuterated internal standard by direct injection, requiring no dilution or extraction of the samples. The results demonstrate that this is a simple, sensitive, specific and direct approach to the qualitative analysis of these compounds in this matrix. The protocol also employs stringent MS confirmatory criteria for the detection and confirmation of the compounds examined, including exact mass measurements. The excellent limits of detection and broad scope make it a valuable research tool for examining the endogenous hallucinogen pathways in the central nervous system. We report here, for the first time, the presence of N , N ‐dimethyltryptamine in pineal gland microdialysate obtained from the rat. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/101767/1/bmc2981.pd

Application of Geographic Information System to the Effects of Climatic Variability on Sustainable Agricultural Production in Kwara State of Nigeria

This research endeavour is on the application of Geographic Information System GIS as a tool for analysing the roles of microclimatological characteristics of the study area on the production rates of some selected agricultural products In the process specific climatic parameters were used so as to observe the climatic trends over a decade with that of agricultural production rates Essentially the required datasets were sourced from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Kwara Agricultural Development Project Office and Survey Department of Kwara State Ministry of Lands and Housing Ilorin The climatic data were later analysed through condesctriptive statistical techniques and the use of charts to show the rates of variation among the parameters used Also the selected crops were shown on charts too so as to reveal the trends of variation between the rates of crop production too Finally the climatic data were drawn against the crop production rates to indicate concisely the trends of climatic variation especially as it affects the crop production rates over the decade Essentially the following constitute as the major observations from the analysis of the datsets First most of the crops had the highest yield for the decade in 2008 And in year 2001 the highest value of temperature was recorded while relative humidity and rainfall had second to the lowest values Further Year 2004 had the highest rainfall value temperature and relative humidity were moderate where maize cassava and rice recorded below average yields Then sorghum had its second to the lowest yield value In essence the climatic parameters have been found to play crucial roles in the productivity rates for all the crops tested or investigated meaning that clear understanding about the relevancies of these climatic parameters should be understood before engaging in agricultural activities so as to avert the incidence of crop failure

Relationship between nocturnal serotonin surge and melatonin onset in rodent pineal gland

BACKGROUND: We have recently reported dynamic circadian rhythms of serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine) output in the pineal gland of rat, which precedes the onset of N-acetylserotonin (NAS) and melatonin secretion at night. The present study was aimed at investigating in detail the relationship between 5-HT onset (5HT-on) and melatonin onset (MT-on) in multiple strains of rats and comparing them with those of hamsters. METHODS: Animals were maintained in chambers equipped with light (250 lux at cage levels) and ventilation in a temperature-controlled room. Following surgical implantation of a microdialysis probe in the pineal gland, animals were individually housed for on-line pineal microdialysis and for automated HPLC analysis of 5-HT and melatonin. Animals were under a light-dark cycle of 12:12 h for the duration of the experiments. RESULTS: All animals displayed dynamic 5-HT and melatonin rhythms at night. In all cases, 5HT-on (taken at 80% of the daily maximum levels) preceded MT-on (taken at 20% of the daily maximum levels). Within the same animals, 5HT-on as well as MT-on across multiple circadian cycles exhibited minimum variations under entrained conditions. Large inter-individual variations of both 5HT-on and MT-on were found in outbred rats and hamsters under entrained conditions. In comparison, inbred rats displayed very small individual variations of 5HT-on and MT-on. Importantly, we have uncovered a species-specific relationship of 5HT-on and MT-on. 5HT-on of rats, regardless of the strain, preceded MT-on of the same rats by 50 min. In contrast, 5HT-on of hamsters led MT-on by as much as 240 min. Thus, while a constant relationship of 5HT-on and MT-on exists for animals of the same species, the relative timings of 5HT-on and MT-on differ between animals of different species. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that both 5-HT and melatonin could serve as reliable markers of the circadian clock because of their day-to-day precision of onset timings within the same animals or within individuals of the same strain or same species. The results also demonstrate that data for MT-on cannot be compared directly between different species, and that 5HT-on may be a more reliable circadian marker when data from animals of different species are compared

PENGARUH DEWAN DIREKSI, KOMISARIS INDEPENDEN, KOMITE AUDIT, DAN KUALIATAS AUDIT TERHADAP MANAJEMEN LABA MENJELANG PERUSAHAAN IPO: Studi Kasus Perusahaan Yang Tercatat di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2009-2013

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh dewan direksi, komisaris independen, komite audit, dan kualitas audit terhadap manajemen laba pada saat perusahaan melakukan Initial Public Offerings di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Kualitas audit diproksikan dengan ukuran Kantor Akuntan Publik (KAP) yang melakukan audit terhadap laporan keuangan emiten. KAP besar diwakili oleh KAP yang termasuk Big Four dan KAP kecil selain KAP Big Four, sedang manajemen laba menggunakan discretionary accrual. Penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder dari IDX dan ICMD. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 37 dari 133 perusahaan yang terdaftar dalam Bursa Efek Indonesia, yang dipilih menggunakan purposive sampling. Metode analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah uji regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dewan direksi dan kualitas audit tidak berpengaruh terhadap manajemen laba. Komisaris independen dan komite audit berpengaruh positif terhadap manajemen laba. Komisaris independen kemungkinan dibentuk hanya untuk pemenuhan formal 30%, sedang perusahaan sampel yang memiliki komite audit hanya 19%, sehingga tidak dapat mengurangi praktik manajemen laba. Kata kunci: dewan direksi, komisaris independen, komite audit, kualitas audit, manajemen laba, IPO

A novel H28Y mutation in LEC rats leads to decreased NAT protein stability in vivo and in vitro

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73664/1/j.1600-079X.2005.00222.x.pd

N-terminal residues regulate proteasomal degradation of AANAT

Serotonin N -acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the conversion of serotonin to N -acetylserotonin, which is the immediate precursor for formation of melatonin. Although it is known that AANAT is degraded via the proteasomal proteolysis, detailed mechanisms are not defined. In this paper, we tested the in vivo role of proteasome inhibition on AANAT activity and melatonin release and examined the amino acid residues in AANAT that contribute to the proteasome degradation. We have shown that inhibition of proteasome activities in vivo in the intact pineal gland fails to prevent the light-induced suppression of melatonin secretion. Furthermore, in cell lines stably expressing AANAT, inhibition of proteasomal proteolysis, which resulted in a large accumulation of AANAT protein, similarly failed to increase AANAT enzyme activity proportional to the amount of proteins accumulated. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis of AANAT revealed that the AANAT degradation is independent of lysine and the two surface cysteine residues. Deletion analysis of N-terminus identified the second amino acid leucine (L2) as the key residue that contributes to the proteasomal proteolysis of AANAT protein. These results suggest that rat AANAT protein is degraded via the N-end rule pathway of proteasomal proteolysis and the leucine at the N-terminus appears to be the key residue recognized by N-end rule pathway.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/79290/1/j.1600-079X.2010.00753.x.pd

Análise Fundamentalista como Mecanismo Redutor dos Efeitos da Assimetria Informacional: Um olhar sobre o Mercado de Capitais em Moçambique

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of fundamental analysis as a mechanism to reduce the effects of information asymmetry in the capital market in Mozambique. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was developed on the quality of accounting information and the main fundamental indicators most used in the Mozambican capital market, aimed at investors and capital market analysts. A regression analysis was performed with panel data between the fundamental indicators (VPA, EPS, DY, P/E and ROE) and the logarithm of the share price, and the intrinsic value was calculated using Benjamin Graham's formula to relate its movements to share prices. The results suggested that the main fundamental indicators used in Mozambique are P/E, DY and ROE. The main factors that define the quality of accounting information are transparency, auditing and comparability. The results showed that all fundamental indicators used influence 52.54% of the variability of the logarithm of the share price, however, only P/L, VPA and ROE were significant at 5%. The results also showed that the persistence of divergences between the intrinsic value and the share price suggests the need to improve the dissemination and access to accounting and fundamental information. However, overall, the results suggested that fundamental analysis is a tool that can reduce the effects of information asymmetry in the capital market in MozambiqueEste trabajo evalúa la efectividad del análisis fundamental como mecanismo para reducir los efectos de la asimetría de información en el mercado de capitales de Mozambique. Para alcanzar este objetivo, se elaboró ​​un cuestionario sobre la calidad de la información contable y los principales indicadores fundamentales más utilizados en el mercado de capitales de Mozambique, dirigido a inversores y analistas del mercado de capitales. Se realizó un análisis de regresión de datos de panel entre los indicadores fundamentales (BV, EPS, DY, P/E y ROE) y el logaritmo del precio de la acción, y se calculó el valor intrínseco utilizando la fórmula de Benjamin Graham para relacionar sus movimientos con los precios de las acciones. . Los resultados sugirieron que los principales indicadores fundamentales utilizados en Mozambique son P/E, DY y ROE. Los principales factores que definen la calidad de la información contable son la transparencia, la auditoría y la comparabilidad. Los resultados mostraron que todos los indicadores fundamentales utilizados influyen en el 52,54% de la variabilidad del logaritmo del precio de la acción, sin embargo, solo P/L, VPA y ROE fueron significativos al 5%. Los resultados también mostraron que la persistencia de divergencias entre el valor intrínseco y el precio de las acciones sugiere la necesidad de mejorar la difusión y el acceso a la información contable y fundamental. Sin embargo, en general, los resultados sugieren que el análisis fundamental es una herramienta que puede reducir los efectos de la asimetría de información en el mercado de capitales de Mozambique.Este trabalho avalia a eficácia da análise fundamentalista como mecanismo redutor dos efeitos da assimetria informacional no mercado de capitais em Moçambique. Para alcançar este objectivo foi elaborado um questionário sobre a qualidade da informação contabilística e os principais indicadores fundamentalistas mais usados no mercado de capitais moçambicano, direccionado aos investidores e analistas do mercado de capitais. Foi realizada uma análise de regressão com dados em painel entre os indicadores fundamentalistas (VPA, LPA, DY, P/L e ROE) e o logaritmo do preço da acção, e foi calculado o valor intrínseco usando a fórmula de Benjamin Graham para relacionar os seus movimentos com os preços das acções. Os resultados sugeriram que os principais indicadores fundamentalistas usados em Moçambique são P/L, DY e ROE. Os principais factores que definem a qualidade da informação contabilística são transparência, auditoria e comparabilidade. Os resultados evidenciaram que todos indicadores fundamentalistas usados influenciam em 52.54% da variabilidade do logaritmo do preço da acção, no entanto, apenas P/L, VPA e ROE mostraram-se significantes a 5%. Os resultados ainda evidenciaram que a persistência de divergências entre o valor intrínseco e o preço da acção sugere a necessidade de melhorar a disseminação e o acesso a informações contabilísticas e fundamentais. Todavia, de forma global, os resultados sugeriram que a análise fundamentalista é uma ferramenta que pode reduzir os efeitos da assimetria informacional no mercado de capitais em Moçambique

Ischemic stroke destabilizes circadian rhythms

© 2008 Meng et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licens

Practice makes ready, not perfect: exploring preservice teachers’ perceptions of their pre-student teaching practicum experiences

This interpretive phenomenological study, which sought to understand the lived experiences of nine preservice teachers in a pre-student teaching practicum, has uncovered helpful findings. The study investigated their perceptions of relationships, roles, and fit with cooperating teachers, as well as their impact on socio-emotional aspects, particularly their feelings of readiness for student teaching and teacher identity development. These findings address the literature gap regarding preservice teachers’ perspectives on clinical practice before student teaching and have the potential to impact the field of teacher education. Interviews provided qualitative textual data, and transcripts were analyzed for participants’ significant meaning statements, leading to the emergence of five critical themes that captured the essence of the practicum experience. Supportive, collaborative relationships with cooperating teachers, built on mentorship guidance, trust through autonomy, constructive advice, and confidence from teaching experiences, promote a sense of belonging, satisfaction, and emotional well-being, and help foster a stronger teacher identity and confident readiness for student teaching. Greater involvement of preservice teachers, particularly through meaningful engagement with students, leads to enhanced satisfaction with the practicum and positive feelings about teacher identity development, self-efficacy, and student teaching preparedness. Moreover, if opportunities for involvement are lacking, preservice teachers should take the initiative to suggest ways to assist the teacher or support student learning. Keywords: preservice teacher, pre-student teaching practicum, mentoring, cooperating teacher, teacher emotions, professional identity, teacher educatio

Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura with COVID-19 infection diagnosed in pregnancy and management: a case report

Immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an autoimmune disease characterized by destruction of platelets, is a hematological disorder that can present in both pregnant and non-pregnant patients. It can occur in any trimester but generally, platelet counts start to decline in early pregnancy and continue to decline until delivery. Unlike most pregnancy-related thrombocytopenia, which is usually mild, ITP can have devastating consequences for mother, fetus, and neonate. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, and management should be based on a multidisciplinary care approach. ITP in pregnancy requires careful monitoring and may need treatment to improve platelet counts before delivery. Corticosteroid is the most commonly used first-line therapy to stop further destruction of platelets. Here, we report a case of a 26-year-old multigravida with gestational age of 24 weeks, diagnosed with ITP during routine antenatal check-up. Patient was managed with various treatment combinations consisting of platelet transfusion, steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to reach the optimal platelet level. The aim of the study was to provide guidance on how to manage a patient with ITP throughout pregnanc