Life Sciences Commons^™

An Assessment Of The Effects Of Desertification In Yobe State, Nigeria, Jibril Musa Phd

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Desertification is one of the most serious environmental and socio-economic problems of our time. Desertification describes circumstances of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions resulting from the climatic variation and human activities. The fundamental goal of this thesis was to assess the effects of desertification in Yobe State, Nigeria. The present threat of desertification in the sahel has reached an alarming stage where crops cultivation and animal rearing/grazing are no more productive, soil has lost its nutrient/fertility, various infrastructure had given way because of windstorm from the neighbouring Niger Republic and sand dunes had taken over. The …

Survival Of Eastern Oysters Crassostrea Virginica From Three Lines Following Experimental Challenge With Bacterial Pathogens, Javier Gomez-Leon, Luisa Villamil, Scott A. Salger, Rachel Sallum, Antonio Remacha-Trivino, Dale F. Leavitt, Marta Gomez-Chiarri

Marta Gomez-Chiarri

Shellfish production is often affected by bacterial pathogens that cause high losses in hatcheries and nurseries. We evaluated the relative survival of larvae and juveniles of 3 Crassostrea virginica oyster lines: (1) GHP, a Rhode Island line; (2) NEHY, a line resistant to dermo and multinucleated sphere X diseases; and (3) FLOWERS, a line resistant to Roseovarius oyster disease, experimental challenge with Vibrio spp. isolates RE22 and RE101, causative agents of bacillary necrosis in Pacific oyster larvae, and the type strain of Roseovarius crassostreae, causative agent of Roseovarius oyster disease. All of the isolates were able to induce significant mortalities …

Infectious Necrotizing Enteritis And Mortality Caused By Vibrio Carachariae In Summer Flounder Paralichthys Dentatus During Intensive Culture, Bruno Soffientino, Todd Gwaltney, David R. Nelson, Jennifer L. Specker, Michael Mauel, Marta Gomez-Chiarri

Marta Gomez-Chiarri

An epizootic causing mortality among cultured summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus occurred in summer of 1998 at a land-based facility on Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA. The disease, flounder infectious necrotizing enteritis (FINE), was characterized by reddening around the anal area, distended abdomens filled with opaque serosanguineous fluid, enteritis and necrosis of the posterior intestine. In extreme cases of the disease, the posterior intestine was detached from the anus and was observed coming out the vent. The intestine of individuals that recovered from the dsease ended in a blind-sac; the abdomens of these fish were distended, due to food and water …

Using Remote Sensing Data To Improve Rice Production In Kutigi, Niger State, Nigeria, Jibril Musa Phd, M B. Yunusa

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

This research work looked in the used of Remote Sensing to improve Agricultural production in Kutigi, Niger State. The aim of the study is to use remote sensing to improve rice farming activities in Kutigi, Niger State. It is very important to identify such methods to improve Agricultural production because experts are always interested in new researches and findings to better the standard of living in any environment. In view of this, Remotely-sensed data could be used or employed to elevate most of these agricultural problems in Kutigi through the following objectives: Using Landsat imagery to assess the present landuse …

أمراض الأطفال المزمنة, Suad Fahad Alferaih

Dr. Suad Fahad AlFuraih

No abstract provided.

Molecular Surveillance Of Low Pathogenic Avianinfluenza Viruses In Wild Birds Across The United States:Inferences From The Hemagglutinin Gene, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Susan A. Shriner, Kaci Van Dalen, Alan B. Franklin, Theodore D. Anderson, Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis

Alan B Franklin

A United States interagency avian influenza surveillance plan was initiated in 2006 for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) in wild birds. The plan included a variety of wild bird sampling strategies including the testing of fecal samples from aquatic areas throughout the United States from April 2006 through December 2007. Although HPAIV was not detected through this surveillance effort we were able to obtain 759 fecal samples that were positive for low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV). We used 136 DNA sequences obtained from these samples along with samples from a public influenza sequence database for …

Human Monoclonal Antibody Hcv1 Effectively Prevents And Treats Hcv Infection In Chimpanzees, Trevor J. Morin, Teresa J. Broering, Brett A. Leav, Barbara M. Blair, Kirk J. Rowley, Elisabeth N. Boucher, Yang Wang, Peter S. Cheslock, Michael Knauber, David B. Olsen, Steve W. Ludmerer, Gyongyi Szabo, Robert W. Finberg, Robert H. Purcell, Robert E. Lanford, Donna M. Ambrosino, Deborah C. Molrine, Gregory J. Babcock

Gyongyi Szabo

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver transplantation and there is an urgent need to develop therapies to reduce rates of HCV infection of transplanted livers. Approved therapeutics for HCV are poorly tolerated and are of limited efficacy in this patient population. Human monoclonal antibody HCV1 recognizes a highly-conserved linear epitope of the HCV E2 envelope glycoprotein (amino acids 412-423) and neutralizes a broad range of HCV genotypes. In a chimpanzee model, a single dose of 250 mg/kg HCV1 delivered 30 minutes prior to infusion with genotype 1a H77 HCV provided complete protection from HCV infection, …

Il-1 Receptor Antagonist Ameliorates Inflammasome-Dependent Alcoholic Steatohepatitis In Mice, Jan Petrasek, Shashi Bala, Timea Csak, Dora Lippai, Karen Kodys, Victoria Menashy, Matthew Barrieau, So-Yun Min, Evelyn A. Kurt-Jones, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by steatosis and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1beta. IL-1beta, type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1), and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) are all important regulators of the IL-1 signaling complex, which plays a role in inflammation. Furthermore, IL-1beta maturation is dependent on caspase-1 (Casp-1). Using IL-1Ra-treated mice as well as 3 mouse models deficient in regulators of IL-1beta activation (Casp-1 and ASC) or signaling (IL-1R1), we found that IL-1beta signaling is required for the development of alcohol-induced liver steatosis, inflammation, and injury. Increased IL-1beta was due to upregulation of Casp-1 activity and inflammasome activation. The …

Lipopolysaccharide Induces And Activates The Nalp3 Inflammasome In The Liver, Michal Ganz, Timea Csak, Bharath D. Nath, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

AIM: To examine the activation of the Nalp3 inflammasome and its downstream targets following lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced stimulation in the liver. METHODS: Six-to-eight-week-old C57BL/6 chow fed mice were injected intraperitoneally with 0.5 mug/g bodyweight LPS and sacrificed 2, 4, 6, 18 or 24 h later. LPS-induced liver damage was confirmed by a biochemical assay to detect alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. To determine if LPS stimulation in the liver led to activation of the inflammasome, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of components of the Nalp3 inflammasome. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine the protein …

Variations In Climatic Parameters And Food Crop Yields: Implications On Food Security In Benue State, Nigeria., Emmanuel Adamgbe, Fanan Ujoh

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Agricultural production in Nigeria like in other developing countries is highly vulnerable to variations in climatic parameters which may have inverse or direct effect on the performance of food crops. This paper examines the patterns and trends of the variations in the climatic parameters and the implications of such variations on efficient yield rates of some food crops in Benue State using data on climatic variables (rainfall, temperature, sunshine) and the yield of some crops per hectare for 25 years (1986-2010). Data on the climatic variables were collected from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, AirForce Base, Makurdi while the data on …

Regulation Of Anti-Plasmodium Immunity By A Litaf-Like Transcription Factor In The Malaria Vector Anopheles Gambiae, Ryan C. Smith, Abraham G. Eappen, Andrea J. Radtke, Marcelo Jacobs-Lorena

Ryan C. Smith

The mosquito is the obligate vector for malaria transmission. To complete its development within the mosquito, the malaria parasite Plasmodium must overcome the protective action of the mosquito innate immune system. Here we report on the involvement of the Anopheles gambiae orthologue of a conserved component of the vertebrate immune system, LPS-induced TNFα transcription factor (LITAF), and its role in mosquito anti-Plasmodium immunity. An. gambiae LITAF-like 3 (LL3) expression is up-regulated in response to midgut invasion by both rodent and human malaria parasites. Silencing of LL3 expression greatly increases parasite survival, indicating that LL3 is part of an anti-Plasmodium defense …

Differentiating Entamoeba Histolytica, Entamoeba Dispar And Entamoeba Moshkovskii Using Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr) In Rural Communities In Malaysia, Rohela Mahmud

Rohela Mahmud

Background: In this study, a total of 426 human faecal samples were examined for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii infection via a combination of microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S ribosomal RNA of Entamoeba species. Methods: Faecal sample were collected from 426 participants in five rural villages in Peninsular Malaysia. The faecal samples were processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique followed by iodine staining and examined via microscopy for the presence of Entamoeba species and other intestinal parasites. Microscopically positive samples for Entamoeba species cysts were further …

Caspase-1-Dependent, Il-1ss-Mediated Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Is Ameliorated By Il-1 Receptor Antagonist Treatment In Mice, Jan Petrasek, Shashi Bala, Dora Lippai, Karen Kodys, Victoria Menashy, Matthew Barrieau, Evelyn A. Kurt-Jones, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is characterized by steatosis and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β. IL-1β, Type-I IL-1 receptor (IL1R1) and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) are all part of the IL-1 superfamily that play a role in inflammation. IL-1β maturation is dependent on Caspase-1. Using wild-type (WT), Caspase-1-, IL-1R1- and IL-1Ra deficient mice fed with Lieber-DeCarli alcohol or control diet, we have identified that signaling mediated by the active IL-1β was required for development of alcohol-induced steatosis, inflammation and injury. Increased IL-1β was due to upregulation of Caspase-1 activity and inflammatory activation. The pathogenic role of IL-1 signaling in …

Cd81/Cd9 Tetraspanins Aid Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells In Recognition Of Hcv-Infected Cells And Induction Of Ifnα, Shuye Zhang, Karen Kodys, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

Recognition of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected hepatocyes and interferon (IFN) induction are critical in antiviral immune response. We hypothesized that cell-cell contact between pDCs and HCV-infected cells was required for IFNα induction via involvement of cell surface molecules. Co-culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with genotype 1a full length HCV genomic replicon cells (FL) or genotype 2a JFH-1 virus infected hepatoma cells (JFH-1), not with uninfected hepatoma cells (Huh7.5), induced IFNα production. Depletion of pDCs from PBMCs attenuated IFNα release and purified pDCs produced high levels of IFNα after co-culture with FL replicons or JFH-1 infected cells. IFNα …

Inhibition Of Tlr8- And Tlr4-Induced Type I Ifn Induction By Alcohol Is Different From Its Effects On Inflammatory Cytokine Production In Monocytes, Maoyin Pang, Shashi Bala, Karen Kodys, Donna Catalano, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

BACKGROUND: Prolonged alcohol consumption is a significant co-factor in the progression of chronic viral infections including hepatitis C and HIV, which are both single-stranded RNA viruses. Toll like receptor 8 (TLR8), a pattern recognition receptor expressed in monocytes, senses viral single stranded RNA as a danger signal and leads to the induction of Type I interferon (IFN) as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand, was shown to affect inflammatory cell activation after alcohol consumption and in HIV and HCV infections. Here we hypothesized that alcohol exposure …

Myxoma Virus Induces Type I Interferon Production In Murine Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Via A Tlr9/Myd88-, Irf5/Irf7-, And Ifnar-Dependent Pathway, Peihong Dai, Hua Cao, Taha Merghoub, Francesca Avogadri, Weiyi Wang, Tanvi Parikh, Chee-Mun Fang, Paula M. Pitha, Katherine A. Fitzgerald, Masmudur M. Rahman, Grant Mcfadden, Xiaoyu Hu, Alan N. Houghton, Stewart Shuman, Liang Deng

Katherine A. Fitzgerald

Poxviruses are large DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Myxoma virus is a rabbit poxvirus that belongs to the Leporipoxvirus genus. It causes a lethal disease called myxomatosis in European rabbits but cannot sustain any detectable infection in nonlagomorphs. Vaccinia virus is a prototypal orthopoxvirus that was used as a vaccine to eradicate smallpox. Myxoma virus is nonpathogenic in mice, whereas systemic infection with vaccinia virus can be lethal even in immunocompetent mice. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are potent type I interferon (IFN)-producing cells that play important roles in antiviral innate immunity. How poxviruses are sensed …

A Novel Role For The Nlrc4 Inflammasome In Mucosal Defenses Against The Fungal Pathogen Candida Albicans, Jeffrey Tomalka, Sandhya Ganesan, Elaheh Azodi, Krupen Patel, Parth Majmudar, Brian A. Hall, Katherine A. Fitzgerald, Amy G. Hise

Katherine A. Fitzgerald

Candida sp. are opportunistic fungal pathogens that colonize the skin and oral cavity and, when overgrown under permissive conditions, cause inflammation and disease. Previously, we identified a central role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in regulating IL-1beta production and resistance to dissemination from oral infection with Candida albicans. Here we show that mucosal expression of NLRP3 and NLRC4 is induced by Candida infection, and up-regulation of these molecules is impaired in NLRP3 and NLRC4 deficient mice. Additionally, we reveal a role for the NLRC4 inflammasome in anti-fungal defenses. NLRC4 is important for control of mucosal Candida infection and impacts inflammatory cell …

Pattern Recognition Receptors And The Innate Immune Response To Viral Infection, Mikayla R. Thompson, John J. Kaminski Iii, Evelyn A. Kurt-Jones, Katherine A. Fitzgerald

Katherine A. Fitzgerald

The innate immune response to viral pathogens is critical in order to mobilize protective immunity. Cells of the innate immune system detect viral infection largely through germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) present either on the cell surface or within distinct intracellular compartments. These include the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the retinoic acid-inducble gene I-like receptors (RLRs), the nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs, also called NACHT, LRR and PYD domain proteins) and cytosolic DNA sensors. While in certain cases viral proteins are the trigger of these receptors, the predominant viral activators are nucleic acids. The presence of viral sensing PRRs in multiple …

Hepatitis C Screening And Testing: A Call For A National Response., Donna M. Zucker Rn, Phd, Faan

Donna M. Zucker

The purpose of this brief is to convey the immediate need to coordinate and integrate hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and testing for HIV co-infected and HCV infected clients, into primary care. In 2000, 1.25 million persons were estimated to be chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and 2.7 million are chronically infected with HCV. Furthermore, 55% to 85% of new HCV infections become chronic. Of the 1.0 million people chronically infected with HIV, 250,000 also have HBV, and ~50,000 also have HCV, the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver disease is now the leading cause of death in …

Eimeria Species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) From Arctic Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus Parryii ) And Red Squirrels (Tamiasciurus Hudsonicus) In Alaska And In Siberia, Russia, Robert S. Seville, Clint E. Oliver, Andrew J. Lynch, Michelle C. Bryant, Donald W. Duszynski

Robert S. Seville

Fecal samples from arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) collected in Alaska (n = 90) and Russia (n = 46) and from red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) in Alaska (n = 35) were examined for the presence of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Four species were recovered from arctic ground squirrels, including Eimeria callospermophili (prevalence = 18%), Eimeria cynomysis (23.5%), Eimeria lateralis (19%), and Eimeria morainensis (77%). A single species, Eimeria tamiasciuri (91%), was recovered from red squirrels. Eimerians recovered from arctic ground squirrels represent new host records, and the single species from red squirrels is a new geographic record. Alaskan arctic ground …

Dynamics Of Land Use/Land Cover Changes And Its Implication On Food Security In Anyigba, North Central, Nigeria, Tokula E. Arome, Sunday P. Ejaro (Phd)

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

This study assessed land use/land cover changes and its effect on Agricultural land in Anyigba. The objectives were to identify and delineate different land use / land cover categories, assess the rate of change that occurred and examine the impact of land use/land cover change on food security using satellite remote sensing data collected at three different years (1987 Land sat TM, 2001 Land Sat TM and 2011 Land Sat ETM). The study utilized GIS software such as Idrisi Andes academic and ArcGIS 9.3. The study area covers approximately 31.8km2, and four major land use/cover classes were utilized (built up, …

Chlamydia Pneumoniae-Specific Ige Is Prevalent In Asthma And Is Associated With Disease Severity, David L. Hahn, Allison Schure, Katir K. Patel, Tawanna S. Childs, Eduard Drizik, Wilmore C. Webley

Wilmore C Webley

Background: Several Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) biomarkers have been associated with asthma but Cp-specific IgE (Cp IgE) has not been investigated extensively. Our objective was to investigate Cp IgE in community adult asthma patients.

Methods: (1) Prevalence of Cp IgE (measured by immunoblotting) and Cp DNA (by polymerase chain reaction) in peripheral blood, and biomarker associations with asthma severity. (2) Case-control studies of Cp IgE association with asthma using healthy blood donor (study 1) and non-asthmatic clinic patient (study 2) controls.

Results: Of 66 asthma subjects (mean age 40.9 years, range 5–75, 59% male, 45% ever-smokers) 33 (50%) were Cp IgE …

The Prevalence And Identity Of Chlamydia-Specific Ige In Children With Asthma And Other Chronic Respiratory Symptoms, Katir K. Patel, Erica A. Anderson, Paul S. Salva, Wilmore C. Webley

Wilmore C Webley

Background Recent studies have confirmed the presence of viable Chlamydia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of pediatric patients with airway hyperresponsiveness. While specific IgG and IgM responses to C. pneumoniae are well described, the response and potential contribution of Ag-specific IgE are not known. The current study sought to determine if infection with Chlamydia triggers the production of pathogen-specific IgE in children with chronic respiratory diseases which might contribute to inflammation and pathology.

Methods We obtained BAL fluid and serum from pediatric respiratory disease patients who were generally unresponsive to corticosteroid treatment as well as sera from age-matched control …

Flatbed Scanner Report - Optical Density Dynamic Range, George Mcnamara

George McNamara

George McNamara (now at University of Miami) report for Hua Yu and Richard Jove, City of Hope National Medical Center, on optical density dynamic range of several flatbed scanners.

Introduction To Nanoscopy Nano-Talk, George Mcnamara

George McNamara

T7-1 is the designation for the LMRG Nanoscopy session at ABRF in Orlando, FL, on March 20, 2012. The PDF file here is a draft of my presentation.

May not be very helpful since (1) would probably help to know what is in my head and each slide will [hopefully] prompt me to say, and (2) 10 minute talk so I am going to push the "next slide" button after saying very little.

__________________

Publisher statement:

The T7-1 Introduction to Nanoscopy Nano Talk is copyrighted (c) George McNamara, 2012. Except for (1) screenshots from research articles (which are copyrighted by …

Rogers Pmn Movie - Background Information, George Mcnamara

George McNamara

Please see

http://mdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18689/~/metamatters-newsletters

for my series of MetaMorph MetaMatters articles in volume 2, numbers 3 through 6, on the Rogers PMN Panorama data set.

http://mdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/18689/~/metamatters-newsletters

Brief summary (for more, see the Word doc)

Epidemiological And Genetic Data Supporting The Transmission Of Ancylostoma Ceylanicum Among Human And Domestic Animals, Rohela Mahmud

Rohela Mahmud

Background: Currently, information on species-specific hookworm infection is unavailable in Malaysia and is restricted worldwide due to limited application of molecular diagnostic tools. Given the importance of accurate identification of hookworms, this study was conducted as part of an ongoing molecular epidemiological investigation aimed at providing the first documented data on species-specific hookworm infection, associated risk factors and the role of domestic animals as reservoirs for hookworm infections in endemic communities of Malaysia. Methods/Findings: A total of 634 human and 105 domestic canine and feline fecal samples were randomly collected. The overall prevalence of hookworm in humans and animals determined …

Socio-Economic Effects Of Demolishing Squatter Settlements And Illegal Structures In Abuja Metropolis, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, Ishaku Iy Mallo Phd, Victor G. Obasanya

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

Abuja the Federal Capital Territory and study area is located between latitudes 8o25’ and 9o25’ North of the Equator and longitudes 6o45’ and 7o45’ East of the Greenwich Meridian. The study was carried out in Abuja Phase 1, and it is aimed at highlighting various socioeconomic effects of demolition of illegal structures and informal or squatter settlements on the people within the study area. Data was collected through reconnaissance survey, personal interviews with respondents, and a well laid out questionnaire. The results indicate that the demolition exercise embarked upon by the authorities in the Federal Capital Territory was a response …

Rainfall Variability And Crop Zones Classification For The Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, Shaibu M. Hassan Phd

Confluence Journal Environmental Studies (CJES), Kogi State University, Nigeria

This study aims at analyzing agro-climatological parameters and establishing a link between some selected agro-climatological indices and sustainability of agricultural production in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Two sets of data, climatic and crop yield data were collected and subjected to various agro-climatological analyses. Agro-climatological analyses include the derivation of Onset, Cessation and Length of Rainy Season (LRS), Seasonality Index, Drought Index and Precipitation Periodicity Index. The statistical analyses include monthly and annual means, deviation from the mean, trend line. The result of moisture index in line with crops optimum moisture requirement was used to classify the Territory into agro-climatic …

Hslic Fall 2012 Scholarship Committee Report, Ann Jordan

Ann Jordan

No abstract provided.