New neurons use Slit-Robo signaling to migrate through the glial meshwork and approach a lesion for functional regeneration

After brain injury, neural stem cell–derived neuronal precursors (neuroblasts) in the ventricular-subventricular zone migrate toward the lesion. However, the ability of the mammalian brain to regenerate neuronal circuits for functional recovery is quite limited. Here, using a mouse model for ischemic stroke, we show that neuroblast mi-gration is restricted by reactive astrocytes in and around the lesion. To migrate, the neuroblasts use Slit1-Robo2 signaling to disrupt the actin cytoskeleton in reactive astrocytes at the site of contact. Slit1-overexpressing neu-roblasts transplanted into the poststroke brain migrated closer to the lesion than did control neuroblasts. These neuroblasts matured into striatal neurons and efficiently regenerated neuronal circuits, resulting in functional recovery in the poststroke mice. These results suggest that the positioning of new neurons will be critical for func-tional neuronal regeneration in stem/progenitor cell–based therapies for brain injury

Segmentation of x-ray images using Probabilistic Relaxation Labeling

Segmentation is a process of separating objects of interest from their background or from other objects in an image. Without a suitable segmentation scheme, it is very difficult to detect contraband in X-rays images. In this paper, a Probabilistic Relaxation Labeling (PRL) segmentation scheme is presented and compared with other segmentation methods. PRL segmentation is an interative algorithm that labels each pixel in an image by cooperative use of two information sources: the pixel probability and the degree of certainty of its probability supported by the neighboring pixels. The practical implementation and results of the PRL segmentation on X-ray baggage images are also discussed and compared with other segmentation methods. 13 refs., 12 figs

Toward sustainable coffee production in Vietnam: more coffee with less water

Inefficient use of irrigation water threatens coffee production in Vietnam, the second largest producer worldwide after Brazil. This paper examines the irrigation issues that constrain sustainable coffee production in Vietnam. The period from January to April is a crucial time in the growth of the coffee crop. It requires irrigation, because rainfall only provides 25% of the potential crop evapotranspiration demand. According to crop phenology, this period also requires induced water stress, because it coincides with breaking the dormancy of flower buds and initiation of cherry development, which is crucial for achieving high yield. This paper proposes an irrigation supply of 120 or 150 mm between January and April in a year preceded by good or average rainfall respectively, in November and December. This is equivalent to 364 or 456 liters/plant/round in 3 rounds/year, which is only 70% of the locally recommended level by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Synchronizing this irrigation supply with the management of other inputs could increase average yield up to 4000 kg/ha, from the present level of 2400 kg/ ha making coffee production both sustainable and economically viable. In order to achieve this, building capacity of farmers to follow the irrigation and input application schedules is crucial

The protective effect against <i>Vibrio campbellii</i> in <i>Artemia nauplii</i> by pure beta-glucan and isogenic yeast cells differing in beta-glucan and chitin content operated with a source-dependent time lag

In invertebrates the defence system to fight infectious diseases depends mainly on a non-specific or innate immune response, contrary to the vertebrate immune system. The use of natural immunostimulants that enhance the defence mechanism or the immune response of target organisms may be an excellent preventive tool against pathogens. Several strains of baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been found to be good immune enhancers. Previously, it was shown that small quantities of the mnn9 yeast cells and/or glucan particles could protect Artemia nauplii against the pathogenic bacterium Vibrio campbellii in the gnotobiotic Artemia challenge test. Apparently, the higher amount and/or availability of beta-glucans and/or chitin present in mnn9 yeast strain might play an essential role in such protection. The present study reveals that these compounds could only provide protection against the pathogen when they were Supplied to Artemia well in advance of the challenge (8-48 h depending on the source). Also the putative immunostimulant did not have a curative action. Moreover, short-time exposure of Artemia to mnn9 strain (priming) did not provide protection against the pathogen longer than two days. Hence, it is hypothesized that the mere stimulation of known biochemical pathways, e.g. prophenoloxidase is not sufficient to explain the mechanisms involved in the observed immunostimulation obtained by beta-glucans and/or mnn9 yeast in Artemia nauplii

Towards sustainable coffee production in Vietnam: addressing irrigation issues. Vietnam Project

Inefficient use of groundwater perils Vietnamﾒs coffee production, the second largest of the world after Brazil. Unsustainable coffee production in Vietnam has both national and global ramifications. Nationally, it is so crucial that coffee is the second largest export-earning crop after rice, and the production supports livelihoods of significant rural agricultural population with small land holdings. Internationally, Vietnamﾒs coffee exports meet the rapidly growing demand, and account 19% of worldﾒs coffee exports in 2010, up from only 2% in 1990. This paper examines groundwater irrigation issues that constraint sustainable coffee production in Vietnam. January to April is a crucial period of coffee crop growth: it requires irrigation, because rainfall meets only 25% of the potential crop-evapotranspiration demand. According to crop phenology, this period also requires induced water stress, because it coincides with breaking the dormancy of coffee buds and initiation of cherry development, which is crucial for higher yield. The paper recommends irrigation supply of 120 to 150 mm/ha between January and April in a year preceded by good or average rainfall respectively in November and December. This is equivalent to 456 liters/plant/round in 3 rounds/year, which is a significant reduction from the recommend level of 650 liters/plant/round. Synchronizing this irrigation supply with other inputs could increase average yield up to 4,000 kg/ha, from the present level of 2,400 kg/ha. These require experimental studies to understand the timings of irrigation rounds and other inputs, capacity building of farmers to follow the irrigation and input application schedules, and public awareness campaigns to raise the importance of improved irrigation management methods

Demand and willingness to pay for different treatment and care services among patients with heart diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam

10.2147/PPA.S176262Patient Preference and Adherence122253-226

Effect of double dose oseltamivir on clinical and virological outcomes in children and adults admitted to hospital with severe influenza: Double blind randomised controlled trial

10.1136/bmj.f3039BMJ (Online)3467911-BMJO