bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal trajectories of amyloid deposition, cortical thickness, and tau in Down syndrome: A deep‐phenotyping case report
Authors: Mak Elijah , Bickerton Anastasia , Padilla Concepcion , Walpert Madeleine J. , Annus Tiina , Wilson Liam R. , Hong Young T. , Fryer Tim D. , Coles Jonathan P. , Aigbirhio Franklin I. , Christian Bradley T. , Handen Benjamin L. , Klunk William E. , Menon David K. , Nestor Peter J. , Zaman Shahid H. , Holland Anthony J.
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Comorbid Alzheimer disease pathologies are frequently found in people with Down syndrome (DS). We report a deep phenotyping study undertaken over 7 years in a participant with DS who was nondemented at baseline but developed dementia after 5 years.

Methods

Throughout the course of the study, the participant was seen 4 times (2010, 2013, 2015, and 2017). Multimodal neuroimaging, including three serial scans of [11C]‐PiB‐PET, four structural magnetic resonance imagings, as well as a [18F]‐AV1451 scan, was interpreted alongside detailed neuropsychological assessments over the study period.

Results

Amyloid beta accumulation preceded the onset of dementia and cognitive decline, which in turn corresponded to the predominant deposition of tau in temporoparietal cortices.

Discussion

Until now, data on the longitudinal trajectories of amyloid accumulation, tau pathology, and brain atrophy over multiple time points remain scarce in DS. This case report highlights the potential for deep phenotyping imaging to elucidate the substrates of cognitive decline in DS, although further longitudinal studies are necessary to clarify the relative contributions of both amyloid and tau.
Risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants in the central region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mouqdad Mountasser Mohammad , Abdelrahim Adli , Abdalgader Ayman Tagelsir , Alyaseen Nowf , Khalil Thanaa Mustafa , Taha Muhammed Yassen , Asfour Suzan Suhail
Published: November 2019

Background:

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a serious complication of premature (<32 weeks) deliveries, especially in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; <1500 g) neonates. Infants developing severe IVH are more prone to long-term developmental disabilities. Although 62%–79% of women in Saudi Arabia receive antenatal steroids, IVH incidence remains high. We analyzed the risk factors for IVH in preterm VLBW neonates in the central region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

We included premature infants with IVH (n = 108) and gestational age- and birth weight-matched control group infants (n = 108) admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. Cases were divided into mild (grades I and II; n = 56) and severe (grades III and IV; n = 52) IVH groups. Association of IVH with risk factors in the first week of life was investigated.

Results:

The following risk factors were associated with severe IVH: lack of antenatal steroid administration (P < .001), pulmonary hemorrhage (P = .023), inotrope use (P = .032), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (P = .001), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (P = .005). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the following to be significant: lack of antenatal dexamethasone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.219, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.087–0.546), neonatal hydrocortisone administration (aOR: 3.519, 95% CI 1.204–10.281), and PDA (aOR: 2.718, 95% CI 1.024–7.210). Low hematocrit in the first 3 days of life was significantly associated with severe IVH (all P < .01).

Conclusions:

Failure to receive antenatal dexamethasone, PDA, hydrocortisone administration for neonatal hypotension, and low hematocrit in the first 3 days of life was associated with severe IVH in VLBW neonates. Clinicians and healthcare policy makers should consider these factors during decision-making.
Building capacity for collaborative research on opioid and other substance use disorders through the Clinical and Translational Science Award Program
Authors: Cottler Linda B. , Green Alan I. , Pincus Harold Alan , McIntosh Scott , Humensky Jennifer L. , Brady Kathleen
Published: November 2019

The opioid crisis in the USA requires immediate action through clinical and translational research. Already built network infrastructure through funding by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) provides a major advantage to implement opioid-focused research which together could address this crisis. NIDA supports training grants and clinical trial networks; NCATS funds the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program with over 50 NCATS academic research hubs for regional clinical and translational research. Together, there is unique capacity for clinical research, bioinformatics, data science, community engagement, regulatory science, institutional partnerships, training and career development, and other key translational elements. The CTSA hubs provide unprecedented and timely response to local, regional, and national health crises to address research gaps [Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program, Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration, Synergy paper request for applications]. This paper describes opportunities for collaborative opioid research at CTSA hubs and NIDA–NCATS opportunities that build capacity for best practices as this crisis evolves. Results of a Landscape Survey (among 63 hubs) are provided with descriptions of best practices and ideas for collaborations, with research conducted by hubs also involved in premier NIDA initiatives. Such collaborations could provide a rapid response to the opioid epidemic while advancing science in multiple disciplinary areas.
The biophysics of superoxide dismutase-1 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Wright Gareth S. A. , Antonyuk Svetlana V. , Hasnain S. Samar
Published: November 2019

Few proteins have come under such intense scrutiny as superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1). For almost a century, scientists have dissected its form, function and then later its malfunction in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We now know SOD1 is a zinc and copper metalloenzyme that clears superoxide as part of our antioxidant defence and respiratory regulation systems. The possibility of reduced structural integrity was suggested by the first crystal structures of human SOD1 even before deleterious mutations in thesod1gene were linked to the ALS. This concept evolved in the intervening years as an impressive array of biophysical studies examined the characteristics of mutant SOD1 in great detail. We now recognise how ALS-related mutations perturb the SOD1 maturation processes, reduce its ability to fold and reduce its thermal stability and half-life. Mutant SOD1 is therefore predisposed to monomerisation, non-canonical self-interactions, the formation of small misfolded oligomers and ultimately accumulation in the tell-tale insoluble inclusions found within the neurons of ALS patients. We have also seen that several post-translational modifications could push wild-type SOD1 down this toxic pathway. Recently we have come to view ALS as a prion-like disease where both the symptoms, and indeed SOD1 misfolding itself, are transmitted to neighbouring cells. This raises the possibility of intervention after the initial disease presentation. Several small-molecule and biologic-based strategies have been devised which directly target the SOD1 molecule to change the behaviour thought to be responsible for ALS. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the many biophysical advances that sculpted our view of SOD1 biology and the recent work that aims to apply this knowledge for therapeutic outcomes in ALS.
A Wet‐Bulb Temperature‐Based Rain‐Snow Partitioning Scheme Improves Snowpack Prediction Over the Drier Western United States
Authors: Wang Yuan‐Heng , Broxton Patrick , Fang Yuanhao , Behrangi Ali , Barlage Michael , Zeng Xubin , Niu Guo‐Yue
Published: November 2019

Accumulation of snowfall during winter and snowmelt in the subsequent spring or earlier summer provides a dominant water source in alpine regions. Most land surface and hydrological models use near‐surface air temperature (Ta) thresholds to partition precipitation into snow and rain, underestimating snowfall over drier regions. We developed a snow‐rain partitioning scheme using the wet‐bulb temperature (Tw), which is closer to the surface temperature of a falling hydrometeor than Ta. Tw becomes more depressed in drier environments as derived from Tw depression equation using Ta and surface air humidity, resulting in a greater fraction of snowfall. We implemented this new Tw scheme in the Noah‐MP land surface model and evaluated the model against a high‐quality ground‐based snow product over the contiguous United States. The results suggest that the new Tw scheme substantially improves the model skill in simulating snow depth and snow water equivalent over most snow‐covered grids, especially the higher and drier continental mountain ranges in the Western United States, while it retains the modeling accuracy over the more humid Eastern United States.
The Impact of a Stochastic Parameterization Scheme on Climate Sensitivity in EC‐Earth
Authors: Strommen K. , Watson P. A. G. , Palmer T. N.
Published: November 2019

Stochastic schemes, designed to represent unresolved subgrid‐scale variability, are frequently used in short and medium‐range weather forecasts, where they are found to improve several aspects of the model. In recent years, the impact of stochastic physics has also been found to be beneficial for the model's long‐term climate. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time that the inclusion of a stochastic physics scheme can notably affect a model's projection of global warming, as well as its historical climatological global temperature. Specifically, we find that when including the “stochastically perturbed parametrization tendencies” (SPPT) scheme in the fully coupled climate model EC‐Earth v3.1, the predicted level of global warming between 1850 and 2100 is reduced by 10% under an RCP8.5 forcing scenario. We link this reduction in climate sensitivity to a change in the cloud feedbacks with SPPT. In particular, the scheme appears to reduce the positive low cloud cover feedback and increase the negative cloud optical feedback. A key role is played by a robust, rapid increase in cloud liquid water with SPPT, which we speculate is due to the scheme's nonlinear interaction with condensation.
Genetic and shared couple environmental contributions to smoking and alcohol use in the UK population
Authors: Clarke Toni-Kim , Adams Mark J. , Howard David M. , Xia Charley , Davies Gail , Hayward Caroline , Campbell Archie , Padmanabhan Sandosh , Smith Blair H. , Murray Alison , Porteous David , Deary Ian J. , McIntosh Andrew M.
Published: November 2019

Alcohol use and smoking are leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Both genetic and environmental factors have been shown to influence individual differences in the use of these substances. In the present study we tested whether genetic factors, modelled alongside common family environment, explained phenotypic variance in alcohol use and smoking behaviour in the Generation Scotland (GS) family sample of up to 19,377 individuals. SNP and pedigree-associated effects combined explained between 18 and 41% of the variance in substance use. Shared couple effects explained a significant amount of variance across all substance use traits, particularly alcohol intake, for which 38% of the phenotypic variance was explained. We tested whether the within-couple substance use associations were due to assortative mating by testing the association between partner polygenic risk scores in 34,987 couple pairs from the UK Biobank (UKB). No significant association between partner polygenic risk scores were observed. Associations between an individual's alcohol PRS (b = 0.05, S.E. = 0.006, p < 2 × 10−16) and smoking status PRS (b = 0.05, S.E. = 0.005, p < 2 × 10−16) were found with their partner’s phenotype. In support of this, G carriers of a functional ADH1B polymorphism (rs1229984), known to be associated with greater alcohol intake, were found to consume less alcohol if they had a partner who carried an A allele at this SNP. Together these results show that the shared couple environment contributes significantly to patterns of substance use. It is unclear whether this is due to shared environmental factors, assortative mating, or indirect genetic effects. Future studies would benefit from longitudinal data and larger sample sizes to assess this further.
Helium, inorganic and organic carbon isotopes of fluids and gases across the Costa Rica convergent margin
Authors: Barry Peter H. , Nakagawa Mayuko , Giovannelli Donato , Maarten de Moor J. , Schrenk Matthew , Seltzer Alan M. , Manini Elena , Fattorini Daniele , di Carlo Marta , Regoli Francesco , Fullerton Katherine , Lloyd Karen G.
Published: November 2019

In 2017, fluid and gas samples were collected across the Costa Rican Arc. He and Ne isotopes, C isotopes as well as total organic and inorganic carbon concentrations were measured. The samples (n = 24) from 2017 are accompanied by (n = 17) samples collected in 2008, 2010 and 2012. He-isotopes ranged from arc-like (6.8 RA) to crustal (0.5 RA). Measured dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) δ13CVPDB values varied from 3.55 to −21.57‰, with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) following the trends of DIC. Gas phase CO2 only occurs within ~20 km of the arc; δ13CVPDB values varied from −0.84 to −5.23‰. Onsite, pH, conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured; pH ranged from 0.9–10.0, conductivity from 200–91,900 μS/cm, temperatures from 23–89 °C and DO from 2–84%. Data were used to develop a model which suggests that ~91 ± 4.0% of carbon released from the slab/mantle beneath the Costa Rican forearc is sequestered within the crust by calcite deposition with an additional 3.3 ± 1.3% incorporated into autotrophic biomass.
Chinese herbal medicine for patients living with HIV in Guangxi province, China: an analysis of two registries
Authors: Sun Jin , Jiang Feng , Wen Bin , Liu Zhen-wei , Han Mei , Robinson Nicola , McGrath Nuala , Fei Yu-tong , Zhang Ying , Li Jing , Li Wen-yuan , Deng Xin , Liu Jian-Ping
Published: November 2019

Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) is the recommended first line therapy for patients with HIV. Since 2004, Chinese government has provided free Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for Chinese HIV/AIDS patients. Data of living patients with HIV from the NFTCMP database and Center for Disease Control (CDC) database during 2003–2016 in Guangxi province was obtained and compared. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their recorded treatment regimens. A total of 2954 patients with their treatment recorded in the two databases were included for analysis, their median age was 46 years (IQR = 36–59), and 64.63% were male. CHM regimens users had baseline CD4 cell counts (380.11 ± 240.59 cell/μL), approximately 100 cell/μL significantly higher than patients receiving CHM combined with ART regimens or only ART regimens. There was no significant difference in mortality among groups. All three regimens improved patients’ CD4 cell counts. Compared to the sharp improvement in ART group during the first 6 months, CD4 cell counts of patients in CHM group and CHM combined with ART group showed a smooth and steady rise. CD4 cell counts of the combined group remained much lower than ART group in the first 3 years, but overtook ART group in the fourth year.
Author Correction: Convergence of TGFβ and BMP signaling in regulating human bone marrow stromal cell differentiation
Authors: Elsafadi Mona , Shinwari Tasneem , Al-Malki Sami , Manikandan Muthurangan , Mahmood Amer , Aldahmash Abdullah , Alfayez Musaad , Kassem Moustapha , Alajez Nehad M.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
LMP1gene detection using a capped gold nanowire array surface plasmon resonance sensor in a microfluidic chip
Authors: Chuang Chih-Shen , Wu Chieh-Ying , Juan Po-Han , Hou Nai-Cheng , Fan Yu-Jui , Wei Pei-Kuen , Sheen Horn-Jiunn
Published: November 2019

A new detection device by using SPR nanowire array chip and a microfluidics system was developed. A simple, low-cost and reproducible SPR nanowire chip with a visible light source displayed real-time detection capability.
Fluorescence detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by ratiometric fluorescence imaging on paper-based microfluidic chips
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Ma Xin , Li Bowei , Zhao Jia , Qi Ji , Hao Guoying , Jianhui Rong , Yang Xingbin
Published: November 2019

Novel microfluidic ratiometric fluorescent paper chips for rapid and visual detection of 2,4-D through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensing mechanism.
3D biofabrication of microfiber-laden minispheroids: a facile 3D cell co-culturing system
Authors: Xie Mingjun , Gao Qing , Qiu Jingjiang , Fu Jianzhong , Chen Zichen , He Yong
Published: November 2019

Hierarchical tissues composed of spheroid and fiber structures such as tumors, embryos and glomeruli widely exist in organisms.
Potent and selective PTP1B inhibition by a platinum(ii) complex: possible implications for a new antitumor strategy
Authors: Yuan Caixia , Wang Weirong , Wang Jianwei , Li Xinhua , Wu Yan-Bo , Li Shaodong , Lu Liping , Zhu Miaoli , Xing Shu , Fu Xueqi
Published: November 2019

A platinum complex can potently and selectively inhibit the cellular PTP1B activity, leading to its remarkable antiproliferation against MCF7 cells.
Optical pico-biosensing of lead using plasmonic gold nanoparticles and a cationic peptide-based aptasensor
Authors: Solra Manju , Bala Rajni , Wangoo Nishima , Soni Gurpreet K. , Kumar Munish , Sharma Rohit K.
Published: November 2019

A novel biosensor for the rapid detection of lead ions employing the optical properties of AuNPs, a lead-specific aptamer and a cationic peptide has been demonstrated with ultra-sensitive detection limit.
Mechanism of C–P bond formationviaPd-catalyzed decarbonylative phosphorylation of amides: insight into the chemistry of the second coordination sphere
Authors: Tong Wen-Yan , Ly Thu D. , Zhao Tao-Tao , Wu Yan-Bo , Wang Xiaotai
Published: November 2019

DFT computations establish a detailed reaction mechanism for the first Pd-catalyzed decarbonylative phosphorylation of amides forming C–P bonds, which includes non-covalent interactions as well as proton transfer in the second coordination sphere.
Facile solution synthesis, morphology control, and anisotropic optical performance of CsPbCl3 microcrystals
Authors: Hu Xiaozhen , Wang Xueyang , Zhuang Shendong , Xu Jianqiang
Published: November 2019

Anisotropic micrometer-sized CsPbCl3 crystals were successfully synthesized by a facile solution strategy in several minutes.
Solvate ionic liquids based on lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide–glyme systems: coordination in MD simulations with scaled charges
Authors: Thum Andreas , Heuer Andreas , Shimizu Karina , Canongia Lopes José Nuno
Published: November 2019

Charge scaling in molecular dynamics simulations of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide–glyme solvate ionic liquids yields better agreement with experiments.
Electron and hole interactions with P, Z, and P:Z and the formation of mutagenic products by proton transfer reactions
Authors: Jena N. R.
Published: November 2019

Z would act as an electron acceptor and P would capture a hole in the unnatural DNA. The latter process would produce mutagenic products via a proton transfer reaction.
CdS nanoparticles in soil induce metabolic reprogramming in broad bean (Vicia fabaL.) roots and leaves
Authors: Tian Liyan , Zhang Huiling , Zhao Xiaopeng , Gu Xueyuan , White Jason C. , Zhao Lijuan , Ji Rong
Published: November 2019

Plants reprogram the profiles of the antioxidative defense system to alleviate CdS nanoparticle-induced toxicity, at the cost of carbon and nitrogen assimilation.
Continuous flow synthesis of menthol via tandem cyclisation–hydrogenation of citronellal catalysed by scrap catalytic converters
Authors: Zuliani Alessio , Cova Camilla Maria , Manno Roberta , Sebastian Victor , Romero Antonio A. , Luque Rafael
Published: November 2019

A continuous flow synthesis of menthol in a tandem system using catalysts derived from the ceramic core of scrap catalytic converters is reported.
A novel bicomponent Co3S4/Co@C cocatalyst on CdS, accelerating charge separation for highly efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Wang Bingxiong , Zhang Qiao , Yang Siyuan , Li Yuhang , Zuo Jianliang , Wang Hongjuan , Peng Feng
Published: November 2019

Due to the stepwise down energy band structure of Co and Co3S4, the designed Co3S4/Co-CdS exhibits excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Dissolving used rubber tires
Authors: Zheng Sijia , Liao Mengchen , Chen Yang , Brook Michael A.
Published: November 2019

Reductive silylation cleaves S–S crosslinks in used automotive rubbers, allowing recovery of polymeric oils in up to 93% yield. The oils can undergo oxidative crosslinking to give new elastomers, closing the loop for sulfur-cured rubbers.
Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: investigating nonlinear response observed in pulse counting mode and extending the linear dynamic range by compensating for dead time related count losses on a microsecond timescale
Authors: Strenge Ingo , Engelhard Carsten
Published: November 2019

Sampling of the pulse-counting signal with μs time-resolution provided a functional compensation for dead-time related count losses in spICP-MS, ultimately improving the linear dynamic range by one order of magnitude towards higher count rates.
High-throughput single-cell cultivation reveals the underexplored rare biosphere in deep-sea sediments along the Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Hu Beiyu , Xu Bingxue , Yun Juanli , Wang Jian , Xie Bingliang , Li Caiming , Yu Yanghuan , Lan Ying , Zhu Yaxin , Dai Xin , Huang Ying , Huang Li , Pan Jianzhang , Du Wenbin
Published: November 2019

An improved microfluidic streak plate technique relying on droplet microfluidics can advance the exploration of deep-sea rare microbes.
Hierarchical micro/nanoporous ion-exchangeable sponge
Authors: Choi Jihye , Lee Hyomin , Kim Sung Jae
Published: November 2019

The hierarchical micro/nanoporous sponge can desalt and neutralize a water source by squeezing the sponge in a single hand grip.
Bio-photocapacitive tactile sensors as a touch-to-audio braille reader and solar capacitor
Authors: Ravi Sai Kishore , Paul Nikita , Suresh Lakshmi , Salim Aditya Tjitra , Wu Tingfeng , Wu Zixuan , Jones Michael R. , Tan Swee Ching
Published: November 2019

Rhodobacter sphaeroidesbased photocapacitive novel touch-to-audio six-pixel tactile sensor that can pronounce the equivalent alphabet.
Green synthesis of carbon dots by celery leaves for use as fluorescent paper sensors for the detection of nitrophenols
Authors: Qu Yaoyao , Yu Liying , Zhu Baoya , Chai Fang , Su Zhongmin
Published: November 2019

Schematic of synthesis CDs, extending to paper sensor and using in detection.
Applying surface strain and coupling with pure or N/B-doped graphene to successfully achieve high HER catalytic activity in 2D layered SnP3-based nanomaterials: a first-principles investigation
Authors: Zhang Ran , Yu Guangtao , Gao Yang , Huang Xuri , Chen Wei
Published: November 2019

Applying external strain and coupling with pure or N/B-doped graphene can be viewed as effective strategies to further improve the HER activity of 2D layered SnP3 nanomaterials by optimizing the adsorption state of H* and electronic properties.
Sulfur-terminated tin oxides for durable, highly reversible storage of large-capacity lithium
Authors: Dong Chenlong , Dong Wujie , Zhang Qinghua , Huang Xieyi , Gu Lin , Chen I.-Wei , Huang Fuqiang
Published: November 2019

Sulfur-terminated tin oxides could resist the volume expansion significantly and thus offer highly reversible lithium storage.
3D low toxicity Cu–Pb binary perovskite films and their photoluminescent/photovoltaic performance
Authors: Ge Xin , Qu Xin , He Li , Sun Yansen , Guan Xin , Pang Zhenyu , Wang Ce , Yang Lili , Wang Fengyou , Rosei Federico
Published: November 2019

The 3D low-toxic Cu–Pb binary perovskite films with improved geometric symmetry and typical 2 μm grain size have been prepared, which can achieve a six fold increase in PL intensity and a PCE of 5.1% with suppressed hysteresis for planar solar cells.
Self-assembly and self-delivery nanodrug of bortezomib: a simple approach to achieve the trade-off between functionality and druggability
Authors: Zhao Fuli , Liu Xiang , Dong Anjie , Deng Liandong , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Jianhua
Published: November 2019

A pH-responsive self-delivery nanosystem with high drug loading and outstanding stability was constructed via a simple method to deliver bortezomib.
Band structure, phonon spectrum, and thermoelectric properties of β-BiAs and β-BiSb monolayers
Authors: Wu C. Y. , Sun L. , Han J. C. , Gong H. R.
Published: November 2019

First-principles calculation and Boltzmann transport theory have been combined to comparatively investigate the band structures, phonon spectra, and thermoelectric properties of both β-BiSb and β-BiAs monolayers.
Image-force effects on energy level alignment at electron transport material/cathode interfaces
Authors: Chen Yongzhen , Liu Xianjie , Braun Slawomir , Wang Ying , Fahlman Mats
Published: November 2019

The work function of substrate can be sharply reduced by ETMs with an image-force induced double dipole.
IL-21 gene rs6822844 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility
Authors: Yu Menglei , Hou Jingyi , Zheng Minghui , Cao Yi , Alike Yamuhanmode , Mi Yuanyuan , Zhu Jie
Published: November 2019

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in pathogenesis and activity of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Meanwhile, genetic polymorphisms in the IL-21 gene may alter its expression. Previous studies have reported conflicting results assessing the association between the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism and RA risk. Thus, it’s necessary to perform a meta-analysis to definite above relationship. PubMed database was searched for all papers published until October 20, 2019. Nine case–control studies with 9998 cases and 10742 controls were retrieved based on the search criteria at last. Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was used to calculate the strength of this association. Publication bias was detected using both Begg’s and Egger’s tests. Overall, the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism was found to be significantly associated with decreased RA risk (e.g. T-allele versus G-allele: OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72–0.91, P < 0.001). In addition, decreased RA risk was also detected both in Asians (eg: TT+TG versus GG: OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.31–0.56, P < 0.001) and Caucasians (eg: TT+TG versus GG: OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80–0.91, P < 0.001). A similar trend in association was found in the source of the control and genotype method subgroups. Furthermore, subgroup analysis of rheumatoid factor status revealed a protective relationship between the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism and RF+/RF- RA risk. A similar relationship was noted in the anti-citrullinated protein antibody status subgroup. The results of the present study suggest that the IL-21 rs6822844 G/T polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased RA susceptibility.
Structural and functional characterization of buffalo oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) expressed during estrous cycle
Authors: Choudhary Suman , Janjanam Jagadeesh , Kumar Sudarshan , Kaushik Jai K. , Mohanty Ashok K.
Published: November 2019

Oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) is a high molecular weight chitinase-like protein belonging to GH18 family. It is secreted by non-ciliated epithelial cells of oviduct during estrous cycle providing an essential milieu for fertilization and embryo development. The present study reports the characterization of buffalo OVGP1 through structural modeling, carbohydrate-binding properties and evolutionary analysis. Structural model displayed the typical fold of GH18 family members till the boundary of chitinase-like domain further consisting of a large (β/α)8 TIM barrel sub-domain and a small (α+β) sub-domain. Two critical catalytic residues were found substituted in the catalytic centre (Asp to Phe118, Glu to Leu120) compared with the active chitinase. The carbohydrate-binding groove in TIM barrel was lined with various conserved aromatic residues. Molecular docking with different sugars revealed the involvement of various residues in hydrogen-bonding and non-bonded contacts. Most of the substrate-binding residues were conserved except for a few replacements (Ser13, Lys48, Asp49, Pro50, Asp167, Glu199, Gln272 and Phe275) in comparison with other GH18 members. The residues Trp10, Trp79, Asn80, Gln272, Phe275 and Trp334 were involved in recognition of all six ligands. The α+β sub-domain participated in sugar-binding through Thr270, Gln272, Tyr242 and Phe275. The binding assays revealed significant sugar-binding with purified native and recombinant OVGP1. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that OVGP1 was closely related to AMCases followed by other CLPs and evolution of OVGP1 occurred through several gene duplications. This is the first study describing the structural characteristics of OVGP1 that will further help to understand its interaction with gametes to perform crucial reproductive functions.
Cognitive and Behavioral Strategies for the Treatment of Feeding Disorders in Adolescents
Authors: Huston Parker L. , Dempster Robert , Garbacz Lauren
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Significant feeding problems often, but not always, co-occur with medical, developmental, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Consequently, providers from multiple disciplines often interact with these patients for treatment. There is limited research and guidance in the literature about working with young adolescent patients who demonstrate feeding challenges. This article describes some of the most common evidence-based psychological techniques used in the treatment of adolescents with feeding disorders, including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral techniques. A case example is also used to illustrate these principles in practice. The goal of this article is to provide a high-level overview of these concepts so that providers outside of psychology may utilize some of the theories in treatment with similar patients, when referral to a behavioral specialist or psychologist is not feasible.

Conclusions

This clinical commentary discusses common strategies used by psychologists to treat feeding disorders, especially those primarily with anxiety presentation, in the outpatient setting. The psychological techniques described herein are complementary with most therapeutic strategies for the treatment of feeding disorders and, in many cases, may further enhance the success of the therapy treatment process. The most important theme of these techniques is a gradual approach to exposure and teaching of appropriate coping strategies to manage anxiety when practicing a new or challenging task. Providing education to the patient and parent, while also allowing understanding of the underlying process of anxiety as it relates to behavior, mood, and thoughts, can help guide treatment planning and goal setting.
Structural and sedimentological analysis of the Pliocene–Late Miocene deposits from the Romanian Black Sea offshore based on borehole electrical imaging
Authors: Niculescu Bogdan Mihai , Andrei Gina
Published: November 2019

This study presents the results of the structural and sedimentological interpretation of borehole electrical imaging data recorded in a gas exploration well from the Romanian offshore area of western Black Sea. The well intercepted on the investigated interval Pliocene to Late Miocene deposits, including a gas reservoir hosted in Early Pliocene shallow marine sands and silts. A total of 824 features were picked on the electrical image, such as bedding, soft sediment deformations, open (conductive) fractures and closed (resistive) fractures. An analysis of the dip angles and azimuths data identified four structural domains within the study interval: two are quasi-horizontal, one shows slightly inclined bedding dips and one is dominantly deformed (slump features and possibly sediment creep). The open fractures show a preferential WNW–ESE strike, whereas the closed fractures show, besides a WNW–ESE strike, mostly ENE–WSW to N–S strikes. The opposite directions of the two fracture sets suggest a relationship to the regional tectonic stress, with open fractures being nearly parallel to maximum horizontal stressSHmaxdirection and closed fractures being nearly normal toSHmaxdirection. The variable bioturbation intensity observed on the electrical image may reflect salinity fluctuations in the Black Sea basin.
Concept of workings reuse with application of resource-saving bolting systems
Authors: Bondarenko Volodymyr , Kovalevska Iryna , Husiev Oleksandr , Snihur Vasyl , Salieiev Ildar
Published: November 2019

The new support patterns have been revealed for controlling the combinations of the roof rocks strengthening processes in extraction mine workings with combined roof-bolting systems. It has been established that in adjacent roof rocks, by means of a combination of rope bolts and resin-grouted roof bolts, an armored and rock plate is formed, the high load-bearing capacity of which is achieved by maintaining the horizontal thrust forces that reduces the concentrations of all the stresses components to a level many times lower than the strength characteristics of the lithotypes. The criterion has been substantiated for assessing the resistance level of roof-bolts as a part of the combined roof-bolting system, which is used for determination of the most important geomechanical factors in terms of the system loading degree. The patterns have been established of a degree of loading the roof-bolts being a part of the combined roof-bolting system from the main influencing geomechanical factors. The calculated expressions have been obtained to determine the needed parameters for effectively strengthening the roof in workings by a combined roof-bolting system. The mine experiment analysis has been performed as well.
Self-repairing mechanism and surface characterization of compressor vanes lubricated with oil added with magnesium silicate hydroxide nanorods
Authors: Wang Libo , Yang Yi , Qin Yi , Yang Gang , Qin Yuan , Wu Mingxia
Published: November 2019

Using magnesium silicate hydroxide as additive of lubricating oils for reducing friction in engineering equipment/machinery has been researched intensively. However, some mechanism relating to the growth of the self-repairing layers on the won surfaces is still not clearly explained. At the same time, using magnesium silicate hydroxide (MSH) in the form of nanorods showed great promise in reducing friction and wear. In this study, surface-modified MSH in the form of nanorods was used as additive of polyolester oil (POE) which was then used for the lubrication of compressor vanes. The sample parts were studied on the morphology and the microstructure of the self-repairing layer in a great depth. The results showed that self-repairing layers with different thicknesses were generated on the worn surfaces when the POE with 1 wt.% nanorods-MSH was used. It was found that the self-repairing layers consist of organic–inorganic composite membranes, and with increase of working time of the compressor vanes, the self-repairing layers become denser and thicker, while their micro-structural form remains to be similar. The situ-repairing capability of the metal surfaces (roller-vane pair of the compressor) enforced by the MSH nanorods is very significant, indicating high potential for industrial applications where boundary and mixed lubrications are needed.
Comparison of adolescent's values: Riga and Vidzeme region
Authors: Mihailova Sandra , Martinsone Kristine , Pipcane Arta
Published: November 2019

The determination of individual values is the first step in the process of the personal development. Thus, the main purpose of this research is to investigate the difference between value hierarchies of Riga students and rural students and their subjective opinions about factors affecting them and compare the results with the values of previous generations. It is a pilot study with a comparative cross-sectional design. The study was carried out in several schools of Latvia in 2018: 2 schools of Riga and 2 rural schools of Vidzeme region. Participants were 11th and 12th grade students: 50 from Riga, 50 from rural schools. The research of values was based on the M. Rokeach value ranking test. It is found that the individual hierarchies of values in one group context differ more than hierarchies of adolescent groups of various years and different backgrounds. There are no significant differences related to the terminal and instrumental values between adolescents of Riga and rural areas: love, cheerfulness and education are more important for Riga students, but rural students prefer responsibility, obedience, capability. Some values have not been influenced by time or socio-economic and political situation, but some values have increased or decreased their significance with years.
Comparison between the risks in road safety behaviour in urban and rural areas in Latvia in 2016
Authors: Bukova-Zideluna Aija , Villerusa Anita , Pudule Iveta
Published: November 2019

The study examined the differences between respondents in urban and rural areas in respect of their self-reported attitudes and behaviour regarding taking risks in road traffic. Data of Health Behaviour among Latvian Adult Population 2016 survey was used for analysis. Results: 83.7% (N=1605) of urban respondents and 86.7% (N = 1456) of rural respondents always used seatbelts in the front seat. Only 55.3% (N = 1605) of urban respondents and 52.1% (N = 875) of rural respondents always used seatbelts in the back seat. Odds to use seatbelts in the front seat were higher for rural population (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05–1.53). Odds to use seatbelts in the back seat were higher for urban population (OR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.01–1.30). Rural residents agreed more often with suggestion that it is not necessary to fasten the seatbelt on short journeys (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.15–1.75) and that it is not necessary to fasten the seatbelt travelling at speed less than 40 km/h (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.01–1.56). Rural respondents agreed more often than urban respondents that that driving a car under alcohol influence increases a chance of being involved in an accident (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10–1.90).
Regulatory framework of strike and its problem in Latvia
Authors: Bite Kitija
Published: November 2019

International legal provisions provide for human rights and freedoms, and the freedom of expression and the right to work belong to these. Considering that during any employment relationship disputes can arise between the involved parties, international legal provisions state that a strike as the final means for the settlement of a dispute can be used. Paragraph 108 of the Satversme (the Constitution of Latvia) provides that in Latvia, employed people have the right to strike. Systematically, the provisions of the Constitution are being regulated by the Labour Dispute Law and the Strike Law. It might seem that in Latvia, any employed person has been entitled to the right to strike as provided by the Satversme. However, the strike of general practitioners in summer 2017 highlighted the problem of executing strikes. Firstly, at the time being, the right to strike can only be associated with one form of employment, i.e., employment relationship. As only a part of general practitioners is employed on the basis of an employment agreement, the strike regulatory framework that is in force in Latvia can be used only by a part of general practitioners employed under an employment agreement in order to protect their collective interests. Secondly, the Labour Dispute Law provides for that a strike as the final means can be used exclusively for the protection of collective interests (within the framework of concluding a collective agreement), but not within the framework of a contract governed by public law. The strike by general practitioners showed that Latvia has complied only partially with international legal provisions because a strike can only be used by people employed under employment agreements and only in disagreements regarding a Collective agreement. In order to resolve this problem so that any employed person is entitled to the right to strike in the future, it is necessary to amend the Labour Dispute Law by expanding the range of labour dispute subjects. The aim: to analyse international and Latvia's regulatory framework for the right of employed people to strike and recommend necessary amendments to laws to solve detected problems. Materials used: international legal provisions and Latvian legal acts, publications and literature. Methods used in this article: descriptive, analysis, synthesis, dogmatic, induction and deduction as well as legal interpretation methods – grammatical, systemic, historical and teleological.
Legal status of the honorary consular officers: Theory and practice in Latvia
Authors: Grasis Janis
Published: November 2019

Honorary consuls are not professional diplomats, it means, they do not make a living as diplomats. They usually do live and work as well as pay taxes in the country where they operate while they do represent their native country on a voluntary/not-salaried/ basis until their appointments are revoked. Honorary consuls have limited authorization to act and conduct on behalf of their native country; they have the honour to serve their respected country and they are usually selected/appointed by their merits. Legal regime relating to honorary consular officers and consular posts headed by such officers is regulated by Vienna Convention on Consular Relations from 1963. According to the Article 59 of the mentioned convention the receiving State shall take such steps as may be necessary to protect the consular premises of a consular post headed by an honorary consular officer against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace of the consular post or impairment of its dignity. Similarly, the receiving State is under a duty to accord to an honorary consular officer such protection as may be required by reason of his official position. If criminal proceedings are instituted against an honorary consular officer, he must appear before the competent authorities. Comparative and analytical research methods are used for this paper. The author of this article proposes to introduce a special number sign for cars of the honorary consuls in Latvia, thereby showing special respect for foreign honorary consuls.
Legal and practical aspects of establishing servitude of right of way by court judgment within the framework of urban and rural development and changing global conditions
Authors: Dinsberga Jolanta , Savickis Valdis
Published: November 2019

As a result of urban and rural development new land areas are being acquired. However, many proprietors face challenges in terms of inability to access their immovable properties due to the reason that they are not adjacent to public roads. One of the ways how a person can acquire the right to use his or her property is to request a court to determine servitude of right of way to access the property. The goal of this study is as follows: to identify the problems of the described topic, to draw conclusions and to offer solutions to solve the identified problems by studying the legal framework of establishing servitude of right of way and the specific features of the application thereof. Methodology applied in the study: 1) general scientific – descriptive, analytical, modelling, dogmatic, deductive, and inductive; 2) interpretation of legal norms – grammatical, systematic, and teleological. Issues covered in the study: jurisdiction of the disputes over servitude of right of way; time limits for dispute resolution by courts; and impact of the initiation of insolvency proceedings on the progress of cases related to establishing servitude of right of way by a court. The following conclusions were drawn by the authors at the end of the study: global changes generate the necessity to facilitate urban and rural development in Latvia, inter alia, to tackle the issues of property accessibility.
Health care accessibility and disparities in medical staff availability in Latvia
Authors: Bikava Ieva , Skride Andris
Published: November 2019

The Health care accessibility for inhabitants, especially in rural regions, is related to the problem of the medical staff availability in state and municipal hospitals and ambulatory institutions as well as for General Practitioners. Despite the fact, that there are two state Universities – University of Latvia and Rıga Stradiņš University, as well as colleges, that educate medical staff – there is a lack of human resources in health care institutions in Latvia. The Ministry of Health and municipalities had several initiatives to solve this problem – changes in regulations for Residency students, programme financed by European Funds with obtainable funding in the amount of 10 million euro, as well as different stimuli and programmes from municipalities. The research explores the current situation with staff availability and, basing on interviews and outcomes, analyzes the effectiveness of the available programmes to attract human resources, and predict the impact and outcomes of those activities. The results showed that all the programmes had some fragmented positive impact and partially solve the problem, but those activities will not provide sufficient outcomes and the problem of medical staff availability will still be the urgent topic in future.
Palliative care in Latvia: Availability and the role of the family doctor
Authors: Strautmane Baiba , Behmane Daiga , Ludviga Iveta
Published: November 2019

In line with rapid population aging, palliative care is becoming increasingly important. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the satisfaction with palliative care and its availability in Latvia, as well as identify factors which have a major impact on overall satisfaction with care. The paper describes the situation in Latvia by evaluating the satisfaction with the palliative care and the accessibility to it. The study relies on a quantitative methodology and primary data were obtained using structured online survey conducted during the 30-day period – in March and April 2018. In total 240 questionnaires were collected from which 131 (n = 131) were qualified for further analysis. The survey results indicated that the population of Latvia has insufficient information about the palliative care leading to low availability. The regression analysis showed that overall low assessment of the palliative care is influenced by two factors: 1) low satisfaction with the services provided by the primary care physicians (family doctors), 2) satisfaction with the received palliative care services and the availability of the services. The study indicated that there is no unified and comprehensive palliative care strategy and system in Latvia, however, some state-provided care is available for a limited number of patients. The results highlight the necessary improvements in palliative care in Latvia and may serve as a basis for health and social policymakers for the development of a unified and comprehensive population end-of-life or palliative care strategy.