The Efficiency of Palm Oil Fresh Fruit Bunches in West Pasaman, Indonesia (2010-2017)

Palm oil production is important to the economic development of West Pasaman Regency (PASBAR) as most of its village population work in the agricultural sector, particularly in the field of palm oil plantations. The contribution of agricultural sector to Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is relatively large, approximately 46%, the biggest in comparison with other sectors.  Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is one of the main end products from Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) processing that is mainly purposed for export.  The export of CPO in PASBAR is characterized by two functions, i.e., the exporting and the producing firms.  CPO’s factories own nearly all the exporting firms.  This paper argues that there is unfair competition between exporting firms and agents or wholesales in buying FFB in the domestic market. The same misconduct occurs between agents or wholesalers when buying FFB from small collectors, who in turn, buy from palm oil farmers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficiency in marketing chains from exporting firms to palm oil farmers. The methods used are desk study, field survey, and questionnaires. The dynamic regression model is used as a quantitative approach. The research results indicate that marketing practice is not efficient as the purchasing prices received by palm oil farmers are low and inadequate. Several efficiency indicators determine it, i.e.: (i). Pbi<Mmi; (ii).Pbi+Ci > Pmi; (iii) FS average 60 %, its not close to 100 %   (iv) ME> 1 (v) Et <1. This implies that the buying price of FFB is less favorable to palm oil farmers. Monopsony in FFB market is one of the main reasons this occurs

Computer Assisted Robotic Therapy for Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Can it work in the acute setting?

Problem: Computer assistive robotic therapy is an innovative treatment offering an interactive experience that may benefit individuals with spinal cord injury, however it is not known if such a treatment is feasible in the acute setting. Aims: To assess the experience of individuals and practitioners during the process of implementing computer assisted robotic therapy and to determine the feasibility of using such a therapy during acute rehabilitation. Methods: To accomplish the aims of this study a qualitative feasibility study was carried out, consisting of semi-structured interviews (N=4) with a participant, their partner and the administering practitioners at a public hospital in a metropolitan area of Australia. These interviews were conducted using a guide created to ensure comprehensive and rich responses. These responses were then transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was completed using NVIVO 11. Established feasibility constructs were then related to the exposed themes. Results: This study provided qualitative findings on the implementation of computer assisted robotic therapy with a patient with cervical spinal cord injury and interrelated these findings with theoretical constructs relating to feasibility. Conclusion: High demand for computer assisted robotic therapy both from patients and practitioners was reported along with many potential benefits especially regarding participant immersion, motivation and engagement. However, the practicality of such a treatment is complicated by prohibitive costs, time constraints and the vulnerable state of patients. Consequently, when considering current protocol, computer assisted robotic therapy may not be feasible in acute spinal cord rehabilitation. More rigorous research is suggested to support this therapy given the context

CERVICAL SPINAL CORD INJURY AND UPPER LIMB ROBOTIC THERAPY

Abstract. A major debilitating factor of sustaining a cervical level spinal cord injury is the loss of independence in completing activities of daily living as a result of impaired upper limb function. Early intervention has been hypothesised to preserve upper limb function in this population and enhance capacity to perform functional tasks. The use of robotics as an upper limb therapy modality is increasing in the neurorehabilitation field, however there is limited evidence to support their use in the cervical spinal cord injury population. Despite this, occupational therapists are using them as part of a therapy program. Aim: This study aimed to explore the upper limb outcomes of using a computer assisted robotic device in acute therapy for people who have sustained a cervical spinal cord injury. Methods: A single case pre-post study design was performed with one middle aged male who had who was an inpatient at a public metropolitan hospital in Australia. They undertook a three week therapy program using the Diego by Tyromotion in conjunction with standard occupational therapy interventions. Range of motion, muscular strength, pain, fatigue the Spinal Cord Independence Measure, and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were used as outcome measures. Results: Increases were seen in range of motion and muscular strength and functional status; objective and subjectively. Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that the Diego may be a useful tool for improving upper limb outcomes when combined with occupational therapy in this population, however greater research and participants are required for definitive data

Investigation into the prevalence of a novel dendritic-like cell subset in vivo

A novel dendritic-like cell subset termed L-DC was recently identified in murine spleen based on marker expression of a homogeneous cell population derived from long-term culture of neonatal spleen. The function of L-DC is distinct from other splenic dendritic and myeloid cell subsets because of their high endocytic capacity and their ability to cross-present antigen to CD8+ T cells. This paper shows the subset to be unique to spleen and blood, with a similar, but possibly functionally distinct subset also present in bone marrow. The prevalence of the subset is low; ~6% of all dendritic and myeloid cells in the spleen and ~5% in blood. However, they are a distinct cell type on the basis of marker expression, and endocytic and T-cell stimulatory capacity. Attempts to identify an enriched population of these cells in mutant mouse strains with reported increases in myelopoiesis showed either a lack of L-DC or an altered phenotype reflective of the phenotype of the mouse strain

The class I PI3K/Akt pathway is critical for cancer cell survival in dogs and offers an opportunity for therapeutic intervention

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Using novel small-molecular inhibitors, we explored the feasibility of the class I PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in canine oncology either by using pathway inhibitors alone, in combination or combined with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs <it>in vitro</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We demonstrate that growth and survival of the cell lines tested are predominantly dependent on class I PI3K/Akt signaling rather than mTORC1 signaling. In addition, the newly developed inhibitors ZSTK474 and KP372-1 which selectively target pan-class I PI3K and Akt, respectively, and Rapamycin which has been well-established as highly specific mTOR inhibitor, decrease viability of canine cancer cell lines. All inhibitors demonstrated inhibition of phosphorylation of pathway members. Annexin V staining demonstrated that KP372-1 is a potent inducer of apoptosis whereas ZSTK474 and Rapamycin are weaker inducers of apoptosis. Simultaneous inhibition of class I PI3K and mTORC1 by ZSTK474 combined with Rapamycin additively or synergistically reduced cell viability whereas responses to the PI3K pathway inhibitors in combination with conventional drug Doxorubicin were cell line-dependent.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study highlighted the importance of class I PI3K/Akt axis signaling in canine tumour cells and identifies it as a promising therapeutic target.</p

Presenilin-1 mutations associated with familial Alzheimer’s disease do not disrupt protein transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus

AbstractMutations in genes encoding presenilin-1 (PS1) and presenilin-2 (PS2) have been linked to familial forms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cells expressing mutant presenilins produce elevated levels of Aβ42, the major amyloid peptide found in AD plaques. The mechanism whereby this occurs remains unknown, but the localization of presenilins to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi compartments has suggested that they may function in intracellular trafficking pathways involved in processing β-amyloid precursor proteins (APP). To test this possibility, we coexpressed PS1(wt), PS1(M146L), or PS1(L286V) in HEK293 cells together with the LDL receptor, a classic glycoprotein marker that undergoes post-translational O-glycosylation in the Golgi compartment. Pulse-chase analysis of the receptor indicated that mutant presenilins had no effect on ER→Golgi transport. Similar results were obtained when the studies were carried out with cells expressing the Swedish variant of APP (SWAPP751) instead of the LDL receptor. Moreover, secretion of the soluble exodomain polypeptide fragments of SWAPP751 that arise from α-secretase and β-secretase cleavage was not markedly affected by the PS1 mutants. Despite the lack of discernible effect of the PS1 mutants on trafficking of proteins through the Golgi apparatus, they caused a substantial increase in the proportion of Aβ42 relative to total Aβ in the culture medium. The results suggest that mutant forms of PS1 cause elevated production of Aβ42 by a mechanism that is independent of a major disruption of exocytic trafficking of APP

Angiotension receptors subtypes in the rabbit pulmonary artery

Ph.DDOCTOR OF PHILOSOPH

The value of liquid biopsy in the diagnosis and staging of hepatocellular carcinoma : A systematic review

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

A gut-to-brain signal of fluid osmolarity controls thirst satiation.

Satiation is the process by which eating and drinking reduce appetite. For thirst, oropharyngeal cues have a critical role in driving satiation by reporting to the brain the volume of fluid that has been ingested1-12. By contrast, the mechanisms that relay the osmolarity of ingested fluids remain poorly understood. Here we show that the water and salt content of the gastrointestinal tract are precisely measured and then rapidly communicated to the brain to control drinking behaviour in mice. We demonstrate that this osmosensory signal is necessary and sufficient for satiation during normal drinking, involves the vagus nerve and is transmitted to key forebrain neurons that control thirst and vasopressin secretion. Using microendoscopic imaging, we show that individual neurons compute homeostatic need by integrating this gastrointestinal osmosensory information with oropharyngeal and blood-borne signals. These findings reveal how the fluid homeostasis system monitors the osmolarity of ingested fluids to dynamically control drinking behaviour

Patient-Provider Discussions about Lung Cancer Screening Pre- and Post-Guidelines: Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

Objective In 2013, the USPSTF issued a Grade B recommendation that long-term current and former smokers receive lung cancer screening. Shared decision-making is important for individuals considering screening, and patient-provider discussions an essential component of the process. We examined prevalence and predictors of lung cancer screening discussions pre- and post-USPSTF guidelines. Methods Data were obtained from two cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (2012; 2014). The analyzed sample comprised screening-eligible current and former smokers with no personal history of lung cancer (n = 746 in 2012; n = 795 in 2014). Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted; patient-reported discussion about lung cancer screening with provider was the outcome of interest. Results Contrary to expectations, patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening were more prevalent pre-guideline, but overall patient-provider discussions were low in both years (17% in 2012; 10% in 2014). Current smokers were more likely to have had a discussion than former smokers. Significant predictors of patient-provider discussions included family history of cancer and having healthcare coverage. Conclusions The prevalence of patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening is suboptimal. Practice implications There is a critical need for patient and provider education about shared decision-making and its importance in cancer screening decisions