Effects of dietary Bacillus subtilis on growth performance and immune responses, in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)

Four hundred and eighty five rainbow trout (76 ± 6.44 g mean weight) were acclimated to laboratory conditions and then randomly divided into four groups of tanks in triplicate. The first group (Group 1) was fed on a commercial diet (control) without Bacillus subtilis supplementation. The second, third and fourth groups (Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4, respectively) were given a diet supplemented with 1, 5 and 10 g probiotic powder (containing 8×10^7 CFU g^-1 Bacillus subtilis) per kg commercial feed. Growth performance, immune responses and glucose levels were analyzed on days 0, 22 and 44. The results showed that dietary Bacillus subtilis supplementation significantly (p0.05) was observed in weight gain rate (WGR) between the control and group 2. On the effect of dietary Bacillus subtilis on serum lysozyme, it was observed that group 3 and group 4 did not show any significant differences in serum lysozyme activity and serum total antibody on day 44. Results of alternative complement activity, showed significant increase during the experimental days (p<0.05). Results on glucose assay showed that group 3 had the lowest glucose level (13.71 mg/dL) which was not significantly different than that in other groups on day 44. Fish diet supplementation with 5 g probiotic powder (Group 3) is preferable for immune system responses; however, high dose of Bacillus subtilis may be helpful to improve growth performance in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792)

Cancer and Aging; Preparing for Silver Tsunami

Abstract Growing number of older adults is one the most significant sociodemographic changes in the United States in the next few decades. Advancing age is associated with increased incidence of cancer and other age-related health conditions. It is common that older cancer patients have concurrent conditions and comorbidities that may affect treatment decisions, prognosis and overall survival. Assessment and care for older cancer patient is more complex than caring for younger patient. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a useful method for assessing older patients with cancer. CGA is a multidisciplinary evaluation designed to assess and manage elderly patient&apos;s medical, psychosocial, and functional capabilities. In this paper we will review domains of CGA and their impact on older cancer patient&apos;s outcome

Investigation on feeding behaviour of yellowfin seabream larvae, Acanthopagrus latus, fed on live food and microencapsulated diet

Feeding behavior of yellowfin seabream larvae during the first two weeks of larval life was studied by feeding larvae on different ratios of live food and microencapsulated diet (MED). Food consumption rate increased progressively with increasing larval weight. The results from visual observation of the larval guts under a light microscope indicated that yellowfin seabream larvae were able to ingest and digest MED from the onset of exogenous feeding. Comparing the average number of rotifers and MED ingested by larvae in treatments including either only live food or MED did not show any significant differences (P>0.05). In addition, the gut contents examination from the larvae fed simultaneously on both rotifer and MED, revealed that the larvae's tendency towards live food and/or MED was a function of live food density in the rearing tanks. The larvae preferentially ingest live food even when these are present at a very low concentration in comparison to MED. The mouth diameter of larvae has a strong influence on the amount of ingested rotifers and MED. There was a significant positive correlation between larvae growth and the average number of both live food and MED ingested by larvae in this trial (P0.05)

Hydrogeophysics and remote sensing for the design of hydrogeological conceptual models in hard rocks - Sardón catchment (Spain)

Hard rock aquifers are highly heterogeneous and hydrogeologically complex. To contribute to the design of hydrogeological conceptual models of hard rock aquifers, we propose a multi-techniques methodology based on a downward approach that combines remote sensing (RS), non-invasive hydrogeophysics and hydrogeological field data acquisition. The proposed methodology is particularly suitable for data scarce areas. It was applied in the pilot research area of Sardón catchment (80 km2) located west of Salamanca (Spain). The area was selected because of hard-rock hydrogeology, semi-arid climate and scarcity of groundwater resources. The proposed methodology consisted of three main steps. First, we detected the main hydrogeological features at the catchment scale by processing: (i) a high resolution digital terrain model to map lineaments and to outline fault zones; and (ii) high-resolution, multispectral satellite QuickBird and WorldView-2 images to map the outcropping granite. Second, we characterized at the local scale the hydrogeological features identified at step one with: i) ground penetrating radar (GPR) to assess groundwater table depth complementing the available monitoring network data; ii) 2D electric resistivity tomography (ERT) and frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM) to retrieve the hydrostratigraphy along selected survey transects; iii) magnetic resonance soundings (MRS) to retrieve the hydrostratigraphy and aquifer parameters at the selected survey sites. In the third step, we drilled 5 boreholes (25 to 48 m deep) and performed slug tests to verify the hydrogeophysical interpretation and to calibrate the MRS parameters. Finally, we compiled and integrated all acquired data to define the geometry and parameters of the Sardón aquifer at the catchment scale. In line with a general conceptual model of hard rock aquifers, we identified two main hydrostratigraphic layers: a saprolite layer and a fissured layer. Both layers were intersected and drained by fault zones that control the hydrogeology of the catchment. The spatial discontinuities of the saprolite layer were well defined by RS techniques while subsurface geometry and aquifer parameters by hydrogeophysics. The GPR method was able to detect shallow water table at depth between 1 and 3 m b.g.s. The hydrostratigraphy and parameterization of the fissured layer remained uncertain because ERT and FDEM geophysical methods were quantitatively not conclusive while MRS detectability was restricted by low volumetric water content. The proposed multi-technique methodology integrating cost efficient RS, hydrogeophysics and hydrogeological field investigations allowed us to characterize geometrically and parametrically the Sardón hard rock aquifer system, facilitating the design of hydrogeological conceptual model of the area

Nutritive value of wheat straw treated with Pleurotus fungi

Soaked and pasteurised wheat straw was inoculated with five species of Pleurotus fungi (coded P-21, P-30, P-41, P-60 and P-90), packed in polyethylene bags and incubated in a fermentation chamber for 21 days. The chemical composition, in vitro digestibility and in sacco degradability of the treated and untreated straw were estimated using a complete randomised design consisting of six treatments and four replicates. In a feeding trial, in vivo digestibility and voluntary intake were determined in bulls, using a 3x3 change over design. Dietary treatments were: 1) untreated wheat straw (UWS) as control; 2) fungal treated (P-41) wheat straw before mushroom formation (FTWS); 3) spent wheat straw (SPWS) after mushrooms were harvested. Apart from P-90, fungal treatment significantly (p<0.05) increased the crude protein (CP) and reduced the cell wall components of the straw. The in vitro dry mater and organic mater digestibility significantly (p<0.05) increased in the treated straw particularly with the treatments of P-41 and P-60. The in situ degradability and in vivo digestibility of DM and OM were significantly (p<0.05) increased in treated straws with the highest values observed for treatment P-41. The intake of DM, OM and digestible organic mater (DOM) were significantly (p<0.05) increased in cows fed FTWS

Combustion and Emission Enhancement of a Spark Ignition Two-Stroke Cycle Engine Utilizing Internal and External EGR Approach at Low-Load Operation

Two-stroke cycle engines have always been prominent due to their distinctive advantage incorporating high power-to-weight ratio, however the drawbacks are poor combustion efficiency, fuel short-circuiting and excessive emission of uHC and CO. These problems are apparent at low-load and speed regions and are the major obstacle to their global acceptance. The deficiencies can be addressed by increasing the in-cylinder average charge temperature employing Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). An experimental study is conducted to investigate the influence of utilizing EGR techniques, including Internal and External EGR, on combustion misfiring occurrence, combustion stability and exhaust emissions using a single cylinder two-stroke SI engine at idling, low and mid-load conditions. From the results, it is observed since the average in-cylinder charge temperature is increased, due to utilizing EGRs, engine’s low and mid-load irregular combustions (misfire) and exhaust emissions are remarkably supressed and almost all of misfire cycles eliminated depending on the percentage of EGRs. In terms of combustion stability, it is agreed in general the application of EGRs improves the cyclic variation of IMEP, Pmax and CA10 compared to conventional operation. However, applying Ex-EGR compared to In-EGR will deteriorate cyclic variability of IMEP and CA10.The authors would like to acknowledge the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for financial support under the research university grant Q.J130000.3509.06G97

Difficulties for detecting the singular points with commercial programs in space structure and a method for determining the real capacity of the structures

For design purposes, the stability of any structure being designed is of paramount importance. The fact that it is possible to perform an analysis on a space structure which shows that the stresses in that structure are all below those permissible for the materials used in its construction, is in itself no guarantee that when the structure is loaded it will not collapse. In order to determine this, it is necessary to find out if the structure is stable under the action of the applied loads. The secondary paths, especially in unstable buckling can play the most important role in collapse of the structure [2]. Analytical solutions for space trusses of the desired type which cover both nonlinear deformation and stability are difficult to find in the literature. In order to provide the desired benchmark, the complete theory and the exacl soulution for the nonlinear deformation and the stability of a regular tripod subjected to a load which acts in the direction of its axis of symmetry is presented in this work [1]. In this paper the dificulies for analysis the space structure in detecting the singular point and obtaining the real load carying capacity of these structures has been investigated and finaly a method for overcome to this problem has been presented. The numerical predictions in presented method has been verified with analytical soulotion in a space truss and and Laboratory results in a space frame

Awareness and practice of cervical cancer and Pap smear testing in a teaching hospital in Tehran

Background: Cervical cancer is known to be preventable because of long period of pre-invasive stage, availability of screening tools, and effective treatments for early invasive cervical lesions. Screening is main measures to prevent the disease and Pap smear is a screening strategy for cervical cancer. Current paper aimed to evaluate levels of awareness and practice regarding Pap smear screening among women aged between 20 to 65 years in Tehran (Iran). Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study conducted in Tehran City of Iran in 2015 at Firoozgar Hospital. The research population included all married, widowed and divorced women aged 20-65 years. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson correlation and Student�s t-tests in SPSS, ver. 23 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Among 90 individuals who have fill questionnaire completely, 66.6 subjects had Pap smear tests. 40 of the individuals aged between 30 to 39 and the education level is distributed equally between Intermediate, Diploma and graduate and only 3 percent of them, continue their education to higher level. There was a significant relationship between the awareness of Pap smear and educational level (of both wives and husbands). The people who have graduate degree, have the best awareness. Working women revealed higher level of awareness about Pap smear. Shame and fear of taking the cancer were the most common reasons which lead to avoidance in doing the test by the women, while the most encouraging factors for performing the test were the information mostly provided by physicians and after that, the information provided by friends. Conclusion: The awareness of Pap smear test which was measured by weighting different questions in the questionnaire by experts, prove that the women aged above 39, have an average level of awareness of Pap smear test. Due to high prevalence of cervical cancer and prolonged pre invasive course, role of Pap smear for early diagnosis necessitate the use of proper and inexpensive instructional methods to increase awareness in women about cervical cancer and preventive strategies. © 2016, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Expression and characterization of a novel recombinant cytotoxin II from Naja naja oxiana venom: A potential treatment for breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is among the leading causes of mortality from cancer in women. Many of the available anticancer drugs have various side effects. Therefore, researchers are seeking novel anticancer agents particularly from natural compounds and in this regard, snake venom is still one of the main sources of drug discovery. Previous studies showed potential anticancer effects of Cytotoxin II (CTII) from Naja naja oxiana against the different types of cancers. In this study, a pET-SUMO-CTII vector was transformed into SHuffle® T7 Express, an Escherichia coli strain, for recombinant protein expression (rCTII) and the cytotoxic effects of this protein was assessed in MCF-7 cells. The flow cytometry assay was applied to measure the apoptosis and cell cycle. Also, mRNA levels of the Bax, Bcl2, P53, caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-10, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3, and MMP-9 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR to determine the underlying cellular pathways affected by rCTII. The results of this study showed that treatment with 4 μg mL−1 of rCTII enhanced apoptosis through the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Also, the increase of the cells' proportion in the sub-G1 phase as well as a reduction in S phase was observed. In addition, the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 was decreased in the treated group in comparison to the control group that may contribute to the reduced migratory ability of tumor cells. These experimental results indicate that rCTII has anti-proliferative potential, and so this protein could be a potential drug for BC therapy in combination with other drugs

Learners’ frequent pattern discovering in a dynamic collaborative learning environment designed based on game theory

Background and Objectives:In any educational system, the optimal output of educational approach is of particular importance. Therefore, considering the personality characters of individuals and providing educational services in accordance with their characteristics are effective factors in learning and educational efficiency improvement. Analyzing the data related to learner’s behavior in an educational environment and implicitly discovering the learner’s personality based on their behavior is a well-noticed study in recent years. Over the last few years, using learners’ information such as number of friends, the level of activities in educational forum, writing style of learner, study duration, the difficulty of solved problem, the difficulty of presented example by learners, number of clicks, number of signs in sentences, the time spent doing homework are items that has been used to personal characteristic identification. This study is aimed at using teammates’ changing / not changing data in order to learners’ personality identification. For this purpose the teammates’ changing/ not changing data extracted from a dynamic collaborative learning environment that allows leaners to change their teammate during the different sessions of learning, are used. The design and implementation of mentioned dynamic collaborative learning environment is based on game theory. Game theory provides mathematical models of conflict and collaboration between intelligent rational decision-makers. Methods: In this paper, we collect teammates’ changing/not changing information of 119 randomly selected computer engineering students from a game theoretical dynamic collaborative learning environment. At the next step, using frequent pattern mining, as a tools of data mining, some aspects of the neo big 5 personality traits of learners are identified. In this survey, in order to evaluate the results, the extracted patterns from frequent pattern mining are compared with the neo big 5 personality questionnaire that have been filled by learners. In another part of research, using the Laplace’s rule of succession, valuable predictions were made about the probability of teammate’s changing of learners during the learning process. Findings: In this study, using frequent pattern mining in learners’ behaviour, we identified some neo big 5 personality traits such as those in the first (neuroticism), second (extraversion), and third (openness to experience) dimensions, with an acceptable support value. The results of this part of research can be used in any adaptive learning environment that adapt learning process for individual learners with different personality. At the next step of our study, we predicted the probability of the teammate changing in the sessions after. At this step, we had a prediction accuracy of up to 67.44%. Using the results of this part, teammate suggestion can be made to learner based on likelihood of their teammates’ changing. That is, higher teammate changing probability, more appropriate teammate suggestion to learner. Conclusion: The results of the present study can be used in any adaptive system that requires predicting group change behaviour or identifying personality dimensions based on behaviour.   ===================================================================================== COPYRIGHTS  ©2020 The author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, as long as the original authors and source are cited. No permission is required from the authors or the publishers.  ====================================================================================