Cloning and characterization of MADS-box gene in oil palm

Oil palm has emerged as one of the most important source of oils and fats. The mechanism of floral organs development in this plant is still at its infancy. We describe here the cloning and characterization of a MADS-box gene in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) named EMADS1. It belongs to the AGAMOUS-like2 family of MADS-box gene which plays critical role in flower development as defined by the ABCDE model. EMADS1 was ubiquitously expressed in the immature male and female flower buds and its expression pattern was similar to EgAGL2 and EgMADS8 of oil palm. The EMADS1 transcript also accumulated in embryos of developing seeds. These results suggested that EMADS1 is likely to function at the initial stages of flowering in determination of the inflorescence and the identity of the flower whorls and also embryo development in seeds

Further Analyses of the Safety of Verubecestat in the Phase 3 EPOCH Trial of Mild-To-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Verubecestat, a BACE1 inhibitor that reduces Aβ levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of humans, was not effective in a phase 3 trial (EPOCH) of mild-to-moderate AD and was associated with adverse events. To assist in the development of BACE1 inhibitors, we report detailed safety findings from EPOCH. Methods: EPOCH was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 78-week trial evaluating verubecestat 12 mg and 40 mg in participants with mild-to-moderate AD diagnosed clinically. The trial was terminated due to futility close to its scheduled completion. Of 1957 participants who were randomized and took treatment, 652 were assigned to verubecestat 12 mg, 652 to verubecestat 40 mg, and 653 to placebo. Adverse events and relevant laboratory, vital sign, and ECG findings were assessed. Results: Verubecestat 12 mg and 40 mg were associated with an increase in the percentage of participants reporting adverse events versus placebo (89 and 92% vs. 82%), although relatively few participants discontinued treatment due to adverse events (8 and 9% vs. 6%). Adverse events that were increased versus placebo included falls and injuries, suicidal ideation, weight loss, sleep disturbance, rash, and hair color change. Most were mild to moderate in severity. Treatment differences in suicidal ideation emerged within the first 3 months but did not appear to increase after 6 months. In contrast, treatment differences in falls and injuries continued to increase over time. Conclusions: Verubecestat was associated with increased risk for several types of adverse events. Falls and injuries were notable for progressive increases over time. While the mechanisms underlying the increased adverse events are unclear, they may be due to BACE inhibition and should be considered in future clinical development programs of BACE1 inhibitors

Specifying the behavior of concurrent systems

A framework for rigorously specifying the behavior of concurrent systems is proposed. It is based on the view of a concurrent system as a collection of interacting processes but no assumptions are made about the mechanisms for process synchronization and communication. A formal language is described that permits the expression of a broad range of logical and timing dependencies

Wild boar population at the Vistula Spit – management of the species in forested and urban areas

Bobek, B., Frąckowiak, W., Furtek, J., Merta, D., Orłowska, L

Reproductive parameters, birth date-effect and body condition of wild boars (Sus scrofa) inhabiting forest and forest-farmland environments in Poland

Merta, D., Albrycht, M., Frąckowiak, W., Furtek, J., Mamok, T

THE IMPACT OF OBESITY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION IN CHILDREN – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a growing global health concern that significantly increases the risk of developing hypertension during childhood, leading to serious health consequences. This review aims to present the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between obesity and hypertension in children, with particular emphasis on pathophysiological mechanisms and prevention strategies. Current Knowledge: Among all risk factors, overweight and obesity have the greatest impact, correlating proportionally with the degree of blood pressure elevation, especially systolic pressure. Studies have shown that the association between BMI and blood pressure is strongest during puberty. This relationship is influenced by complex mechanisms, including excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation induced by adipokines. Additionally, excess adipose tissue mechanically compresses the kidneys, causing sodium retention and blood pressure elevation, while hyperinsulinemia enhances sodium reabsorption and vascular resistance, further contributing to hypertension development. These factors act synergistically, resulting in persistent dysregulation of blood pressure from an early age. Treatment primarily involves lifestyle modification, with pharmacotherapy (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, GLP-1 receptor agonists) reserved for cases resistant to non-pharmacological interventions. Summary: The available literature unequivocally indicates that obesity constitutes a significant health threat from an early age and increases the risk of serious adult diseases. Given the involvement of numerous modifiable pathophysiological mechanisms and the rising prevalence of these conditions, early prevention, health education, and an interdisciplinary treatment approach are of paramount importance

Dynamika liczebności oraz preferencje siedlisk leśnych populacji saren (Capreolus capreolus L.) w Borach Dolnośląskich

Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie. Wydział Geograficzno-Biologiczny. Instytut Biologii. Zakład Ekologii, Badań Łowieckich i Ekoturystyki. Praca doktorska wykonana w Zakładzie Ekologii, Badań Łowieckich i Ekoturystyki pod kierunkiem prof. dr hab. Bogusława Bobka.Celem pracy była ocena liczebności saren w Borach Dolnośląskich (65,3 tys. ha) wykonana w latach 2006 - 2010 przy pomocy pięciodniowych tropień na liniowych transektach (łączna długość: 364,9 km) oraz 3 dniowych taksacji pasowych (łączna powierzchnia: 6078,5 ha). Przeciętne roczne zagęszczenie populacji liczone odrębnie dla każdego z pięciu nadleśnictw wchodzących w skład terenu badań różniło się istotnie i wahało się od 26,4 os./1000 ha do 101,4 os./1000 ha a wynosiło średnio 56,5 OS./1000 ha. W ciągu 5 lat liczebność saren istotnie wzrastała w Nadleśnictwach: Bolesławiec, Ruszów i Swiętoszów, spadała w Nadleśnictwie Węgliniec, a nie zmieniała się w Nadleśnictwie Pieńsk. Liczebność populacji dla całego terenu badań wahała się od 3516 osobników (rok 2007) do 3927 osobników (rok 2009) i nie różniła się istotnie. Dokładność oceny liczebności liczona dla 95% przedziału ufności była najwyższa w roku 2009, a najniższa w roku 2008 i odpowiednio wynosiła ±6,7% i ±30,3% średniej liczebności populacji. Tropienia wykorzystano także do poznania preferencji siedlisk leśnych przez sarny. Według testu Bailey'a sarny istotnie preferowały bór mieszany świeży, las mieszany świeży, tereny niezalesione oraz wszystkie klasy wiekowe drzewostanu z wyjątkiem wieku 21-60 lat.The aim of this study was estimating the population number of roe deer in Bory Dolnośląskie forest, southwestern Poland (65.3 thousand ha), during years 2006 - 2010 with 5-day tracking on line transects (total length of 364.9 km) and 3-day driving census (total area of 6078.5 ha). Mean annual population density calculated separately for each forest district on the study area was significantly different and varied from 26.4 indiv./lOOO ha of forest to 101.4 indiv./lOOO ha of forest. Mean population density was 56.6 indiv./lOOO ha of forest. During five years number of roe deer significantly increased in Forest District: Bolesławiec, Ruszów and Świętoszów, decreased in Węgliniec and stay at the same level in Pieńsk. Number of roe deer varied from 3516 individuals (year 2007) to 3927 individuals (year 2009). The accuracy of the average value calculated in five consecutive years fluctuated from ±6.7% (2009) to ±30.3% (2008) at 95% confidence intervals. Tracking were also used to examine forest habitat preferences by roe deer. According to Bailey test, roe deer significantly preferred fresh mixed coniferous forest, fresh mixed deciduous forest, forest clear cuts and all timber stand age classes, except age 21-60 years old