Sarcoptic mange and cheetah conservation in Masai Mara (Kenya): epidemiological study in a wildlife/livestock system

The sanitary control of threatened wild animals is of pivotal interest for their conservation. This task, however, is highly complex in wildlife/livestock systems. In this paper we report findings from a 2-year cross-sectional study of the epidemiology and attempted control of a Sarcoptes mite infestation in the threatened cheetah population in Masai Mara (Kenya), and discuss its interaction with sympatric wild (lion, wildebeest and Thomson's gazelle) and domestic (dog, cattle and sheep) animals. Sarcoptes scabiei was isolated from cheetahs, Thomson's gazelles, wildebeests, lions, cattle, goats and dogs; Psoroptes ovis, on the other hand, was only isolated from sheep. The prevalence study revealed 12·77% infection rates in cheetahs, 4·7% in dogs, 0·8% in Thomson's gazelles, 0·8% in sheep, 0·09% in cattle, and 0·09% in goats, while it opportunistically affected lions and wildebeest. Our study revealed that prevalence of Sarcoptes mite in cheetah population was not associated with the studied geographical blocks, animal sex or the presence of affected domestic animals. Cheetah infection with S. scabiei was associated with the climatic conditions (dry more than wet season) and the balancing between the total number of Thomson's gazelles and the prevalence of infected individuals. Apparently the high prevalence of mangy gazelles has a negative effect on cheetah; this negative effect was reduced when the number of healthy gazelles was increased. Treatment with injectable ivermectin of the clinically affected wild and domestic animals during the first year of this study was associated with much lower incidence of sarcoptic mange during the second yea

Opportunities and Challenges of Setting-Up an Articulate HACCP System in Export Slaughterhouses in Countries Emerging from Conflict: An Appraisal of North-Western Somalia

Report on an investigation carried out for more than two years in North-Western Somalia (Somaliland) to determine opportunities and challenges of setting up a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system to be adopted and complied with during operations in an export slaughterhouse.Warbixin ku saabsan baaritaan lagu samaeeyay muddo labo sano ah woqooyi-galbeed ee Soomaaliya (Somaliland) oo ku saabsan habkii lagu baari lahaa halsita iyo ilaalinta waxyaabaha khatarta marka la qalaya xoolaha hilibkooda la dhoofinaya.Relazione su un'indagine effettuata per più di due anni nel nord-ovest della Somalia (Somaliland) per determinare le opportunità e le sfide nella creazione di un sistema di Analisi dei Rischi e Controllo dei Punti Critici (HACCP) da adottare e rispettare durante le operazioni di esportazione di un macello

Indigenous pig management practices in rural villages of Western Kenya

The management of indigenous pigs in rural villages of Busia and Kakamega district, Western Kenya, is discussed. Data on husbandry practices, challenges and farmers knowledge on T. solium taeniosis / cysticercosis were gathered using questionnaires administered in face-to-face interviews. Pigs were examined for cysticercosis using the lingual palpation method. Data were managed in Stata®. Majority of the farmers were aged 30-50 years (44%), and were mostly women (69%). Years of pig keeping experience was higher in Kakamega (11.4±8.7) than it was in Busia (6.3±5.6) (P50%) during the planting (91%; 263 / 290), growing (90%; 263 / 290) and crop harvesting seasons (78%; 227 / 290). Prevalence of pig cysticercosis was 4.5%. Piglets were significantly cheaper in Busia (Ksh 509±57) than in Kakamega (Ksh 777±174) (P<0.05). Indigenous pig management in Western Kenya is reportedly poor. Improved knowledge coupled with changes in local husbandry practices would improve productivity, increase family incomes and safeguard the community from potential health risks associated with pig rearing

Flecainide reduces Ca2+ spark and wave frequency via inhibition of the sarcolemmal sodium current

AIMS: Ca(2+) waves are thought to be important in the aetiology of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. There have been conflicting results regarding whether flecainide reduces Ca(2+) waves in isolated cardiomyocytes. We sought to confirm whether flecainide inhibits waves in the intact cardiomyocyte and to elucidate the mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: We imaged spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release events in healthy adult rat cardiomyocytes. Variation in stimulation frequency was used to produce Ca(2+) sparks or waves. Spark frequency, wave frequency, and wave velocity were reduced by flecainide in the absence of a reduction of SR Ca(2+) content. Inhibition of I(Na) via alternative pharmacological agents (tetrodotoxin, propafenone, or lidocaine) produced similar changes. To assess the contribution of I(Na) to spark and wave production, voltage clamping was used to activate contraction from holding potentials of −80 or −40 mV. This confirmed that reducing Na(+) influx during myocyte stimulation is sufficient to reduce waves and that flecainide only causes Ca(2+) wave reduction when I(Na) is active. It was found that Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger (NCX)-mediated Ca(2+) efflux was significantly enhanced by flecainide and that the effects of flecainide on wave frequency could be reversed by reducing [Na(+)](o), suggesting an important downstream role for NCX function. CONCLUSION: Flecainide reduces spark and wave frequency in the intact rat cardiomyocyte at therapeutically relevant concentrations but the mechanism involves I(Na) reduction rather than direct ryanodine receptor (RyR2) inhibition. Reduced I(Na) results in increased Ca(2+) efflux via NCX across the sarcolemma, reducing Ca(2+) concentration in the vicinity of the RyR2

Evaluation of Nuitritional Properties of Yellow Oleander (Thevetia Peruviana) Seeds in Kenya

The Yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana), is a potential oil seed and a good alternative source of nutrition for food and animal feeds.   The seeds of Yellow oleander from four geographical regions (Busia, Bondo, Thika (JKUAT) and Mombasa districts) in Kenya were subjected to a nutritional value study. The oil and the defatted seed cake were analyzed for nutritional values (fatty acids, proteins, minerals, fibre, and carbohydrates). Fatty acid characterization of the oil was done by GC. Minerals analysis was performed using AAS and flame photometer.  The crude protein content of the defatted cake was determined by semi-micro Kjeldahl method.  Carbohydrates values were determined by difference. Data analysis was done by SPSS program.  The results showed that the nutritional values of these seeds were similar to those of other common oil seeds and did not depend on the climatic regions

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN INTERNET, MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI, DAN TEMAN SEBAYA TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR EKONOMI SISWA SMAN YOGYAKARTA

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan: (1) pengaruh penggunaan internet, motivasi berprestasi dan teman sebaya secara secara parsial dan simultan terhadap hasil belajar ekonomi siswa, (2) perbedaan penggunaan internet, motivasi berprestasi, teman sebaya dan hasil belajar ekonomi siswa berdasarakan pendidikan orangtua dan jenis kelamin siswa. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian ex-post facto. Variabel penelitian ini terdiri atas hasil belajar, penggunaan internet, motivasi berprestasi, dan teman sebaya siswa SMAN kota Yogyakarta. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner dan dokumentasi dan dianalisis menggunakan statistik deskriptif, regresi ganda dan ANOVA. Hasil penelitian ini adalah (1) terdapat pengaruh penggunaan internet, motivasi berprestasi dan teman sebaya secara parsial dan simultan terhadap hasil belajar ekonomi siswa. (2) a.) tidak terdapat perbedaan penggunaan internet, motivasi berprestasi, teman sebaya dan hasil belajar berdasarkan pendidikan orangtua siswa dan, b.) terdapat perbedaan penggunaan internet, motivasi berprestasi, teman sebaya dan hasil belajar berdasarkan jenis kelamin siswa.

Live Cell Imaging Unveils Multiple Domain Requirements for In Vivo Dimerization of the Glucocorticoid Receptor

Glucocorticoids are essential for life, but are also implicated in disease pathogenesis and may produce unwanted effects when given in high doses. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) transcriptional activity and clinical outcome have been linked to its oligomerization state. Although a point mutation within the GR DNA-binding domain (GRdim mutant) has been reported as crucial for receptor dimerization and DNA binding, this assumption has recently been challenged. Here we have analyzed the GR oligomerization state in vivo using the number and brightness assay. Our results suggest a complete, reversible, and DNA-independent ligand-induced model for GR dimerization. We demonstrate that the GRdim forms dimers in vivo whereas adding another mutation in the ligand-binding domain (I634A) severely compromises homodimer formation. Contrary to dogma, no correlation between the GR monomeric/dimeric state and transcriptional activity was observed. Finally, the state of dimerization affected DNA binding only to a subset of GR binding sites. These results have major implications on future searches for therapeutic glucocorticoids with reduced side effects.Fil: Presman, Diego Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica; ArgentinaFil: Ogara, Maria Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica; ArgentinaFil: Stortz, Martin Dario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica; ArgentinaFil: Alvarez, Lautaro Damian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Pooley, John R.. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression; Estados Unidos. University of Bristol; Reino UnidoFil: Schiltz, R. Louis. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression; Estados UnidosFil: Grøntved, Lars. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression; Estados UnidosFil: Johnson, Thomas A.. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression; Estados UnidosFil: Mittelstadt, Paul R.. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology; Estados UnidosFil: Ashwell, Jonathan D.. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology; Estados UnidosFil: Ganesan, Sundar. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression; Estados Unidos. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Estados UnidosFil: Burton, Gerardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos en Química Orgánica; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Orgánica; ArgentinaFil: Levi, Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica; ArgentinaFil: Hager, Gordon L.. National Cancer Institute. Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression; Estados UnidosFil: Pecci, Adali. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Química Biológica; Argentin

Sedimentary Facies of Seblat Formation Semaka Districts, Lampung, Indonesia

Seblat Formation had been exposed in Sedayu village, Lampung. Stratigraphic measurements and detailed description at several outcrops was performed on Seblat Formation. The facies of Seblat Formation base on sedimentological study can be divided into to two facies, classical turbidtes and slump. Classical turbidites in study area characterized by monotonous sandstone intercalated with mudstone and slump facies consist of mudstone and fine-grained sandstone with total thickness around 5 meters and the thickness of each layer ranges from 3-13 centimeters. Based on two sedimentary facies, mid fan (smooth-channelled) and inner fan is proposed for Seblat Formation

Exploring the intricacies of contemporary Phd research process

The process leading to a PhD degree award has evolved over a period of many years to become what it is today. There are important considerations and emphasis continually being placed by the degree awarding authorities on the PhD research process leading to this award. The authors of this communication wish to highlight some of the basic knowledge and current ingredients needed in articulating and writing of a research proposal for a good thesis that forms a major part of this award. Specifically, the communication provides an appraisal of the existing proposal writing knowledge, available research opportunities and suggestions on the improvement and mastery of good research proposal writing that would result in a good PhD thesis