bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slc6a3-dependent expression of a CAPS-associated Nlrp3 allele results in progressive behavioral abnormalities and neuroinflammation in aging mice
Authors: von Herrmann Katharine M , Anderson Faith L , Martinez Eileen M , Young Alison L , Havrda Matthew C
Published: January 2020

Background An association between neuroinflammation and age-related neurologic disorders has been established but the molecular mechanisms and cell types involved have not been thoroughly characterized. Activity of the proinflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and our recent studies in patients suggest that dopaminergic neurons within the degenerating mesencephalon express NLRP3 throughout the progression of PD. Here, we directly test the impact of enhanced inflammasome activity in mesencephalic neurons by characterizing motor function, tissue integrity, and neuroinflammation in aging mice harboring hyper-activating mutations within the endogenous murine Nlrp3 locus, enabled only in cells expressing the dopamine neuron specific Slc6a3 promoter. Methods We compared mice harboring inducible alleles encoding the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome activating mutations Nlrp3A350V and Nlrp3L351P inserted into the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 locus. Tissue specific expression was driven by breeding these animals with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the dopamine neuron specific Slc6a3 promoter. The experimental mice, designed to express hyperactive NLRP3 only when the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 promotor is active in dopaminergic neurons, were analyzed throughout 18 months of aging using longitudinal motor function assessments. Biochemical and histologic analyses of mesencephalic tissues were conducted in 1- and 18-month old animals. Results We observed progressive and significant deficits in motor function in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P, compared with animals expressing Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Age-dependent neuroinflammatory changes in the mesencephalon were noted in all animals. Analysis of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the substantia nigra revealed a significant increase in astrocyte number in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P compared with Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Further analysis of Nlrp3L351P striatal tissues indicated genotype specific gliosis, elevated Il1b expression, and both morphologic and gene expression indicators of proinflammatory A1 astrocytes. Conclusions Dopaminergic neurons have the potential to accumulate NLRP3 inflammasome activators with age, including reactive oxygen species, dopamine metabolites, and misfolded proteins. Results indicate the Nlrp3 locus is active in dopaminergic neurons in aging mice, and that the hyperactive Nlrp3L351P allele can drive neuroinflammatory changes in association with progressive behavioral deficits. Findings suggest neuronal NLRP3 inflammasome activity may contribute to neuroinflammation observed during normal aging and the progression of neurologic disorders.
Healthcare Service Use, Costs, and Treatment Patterns within a Cohort of Experienced and New Users of Preventive Migraine Medications
Authors: Bonafede Machaon , Sapra Sandhya , Tepper Stewart , Cappell Katherine , Desai Pooja
Published: January 2020

Background: Migraine is a debilitating disease associated with increased use of healthcare services. Pharmacological interventions include acute medications to reduce symptoms and restore patient functioning, and preventive migraine medications (PMM), to reduce frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine symptoms . This study examined treatment and associated healthcare service use and costs between PMM naïve and experienced patients.Methods: Migraine patients initiating treatment with a PMM from January 1, 2010-June 30,2014 were identified in the IBM MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases. Migraine medication use, service utilization, and costs were examined over the 12 months following PMM initiation; outcomes were compared between patients experienced with and naïve to PMM treatment.Results: Adherence and persistence with PMMs was low, with only 24% of patients adherent to their index PMM. Rates of discontinuation were high, with 71.4% of the sample discontinuing their PMM over the 12-month follow up. Utilization of acute medications was common, as was PMM switching in experienced patients. Annual healthcare costs were $12,044 and $19,093 for the PMM naïve and experienced populations respectively. Migraine-specific service use accounted for approximately 20% of all-cause healthcare costs. The PMM experienced cohort consistently evidenced higher service use and costs than the PMM naïve cohort.Conclusion: Utilization of PMM remains suboptimal and is accompanied by both lack of PMM adherence and high use of acute medications. Rates of PMM switching and use of acute medications suggest that patients have unmet needs regarding migraine management. Improved treatment regimens that effectively manage migraine symptoms are needed to improve patient level of functioning while reducing healthcare costs associated with migraine management.
Pathways towards scaling up Problem Management Plus in Turkey: A Theory of Change Workshop
Authors: Fuhr Daniela , Acarturk Ceren , Uygun Ersin , McGrath Michael , Ilkkursun Zeynep , Kaykha Sadaf , Sondorp Egbert , Sijbrandij Marit , Ventevogel Peter , Cuijpers Pim , Roberts Bayard
Published: January 2020

Background A considerable evidence base has been produced in recent years highlighting the effectiveness of brief scalable psychological interventions for people living in communities exposed to adversity. However, practical guidance on how to scale up these interventions to wider populations does not exist. In this paper we report on the use of Theory of Change (ToC) to plan the scale up of the World Health Organization’s flagship low intensity psychological intervention “Problem Management Plus” (PM+) for Syrian refugees in Turkey.Methods We conducted a one-day ToC workshop in Istanbul. ToC is a participatory planning process used in the development, implementation and evaluation of projects. It is similar to driver diagrams or logic models in that it offers a tool to visually present the components needed to reach a desired long-term outcome or impact. The overall aim of ToC is to understand the change process of a complex intervention and to map out causal pathways through which an intervention or strategy has an effect. Results Twenty-four stakeholders (including governmental officials, mental health providers, officials from international/national non-governmental organisations, conflict and health researchers) participated in the ToC workshop. A ToC map was produced identifying three key elements of scaling up (the resource team; the innovation and the health system; and the user organisation) which are represented in three distinct causal pathways. Context-specific barriers related to the health system and the political environment were identified, and possible strategies for overcoming these challenges were suggested. Conclusion ToC is a valuable methodology to develop an integrated framework for scaling up. The results highlight that the scaling up of PM+ for Syrian refugees in Turkey needs careful planning and investment from different stakeholders at the national level. Our paper provides a theoretical foundation of the scaling up of PM+, and exemplifies for the first time the use of ToC in planning the scaling up of an evidence-based psychological intervention in global mental health.
Barriers, enablers and strategies for the treatment and control of hypertension in Nepal: a systematic review
Authors: Dhungana Raja Ram , Pandey Achyut Raj , Shrestha Nipun , Pedisic Zeljko , de Courten Maximilian
Published: January 2020

Background Untreated and uncontrolled hypertension are major challenges in the cascade of care of hypertension in Nepal. The challenge of achieving effective treatment and control of blood pressure is linked to various barriers to hypertension care at different layers of health system. Evidence is emerging globally on the effectiveness of multi-pronged hypertension control strategies, including health system strengthening and population-based interventions. However, no systematic review of the strategies of and factors associated with hypertension treatment and control in Nepal is available. Understanding country-specific factors influencing hypertension care is critical to address the gaps in the management of hypertension. This study, therefore, aimed to systematically review published literature and synthesise the findings on barriers, enablers and strategies for hypertension treatment and control in Nepal. Methods Six databases namely Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL (through EBSCOHost), ProQuest and WorldCat were systematically searched for studies investigating the factors or strategies in relation to hypertension treatment and control in Nepal. The methodological quality of selected articles was assessed using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Themes on barriers and enablers were generated and framed under “health system excluding provider and patient (HS)”, “provider” and “patient” domains, according to the framework synthesis approach. Findings on hypertension strategies were narratively synthesised. Results We identified 14 published studies; one with mixed, three with qualitative and 10 with quantitative methods, eight relating to barriers and enablers and six of hypertension strategies. The identified barriers associated with the health system (HS) were: lack of affordable services and lack of resources. The commonly reported barriers at the provider’s level were: lack of clear instructions from the providers for medication use, follow-up visits and lifestyle modifications, and long waiting hours for appointments. Poor help-seeking behaviour, non-adherence to medication, perceived side-effects of drugs, financial hardship and lack of family support were barriers identified at patient level. The following enablers were identified: positive illness perception, free essential healthcare services and family support. Strategies implemented across the HS, provider and patient were: establishing digital health records at health centres, health worker’s capacity development, health education and yoga practice. Conclusion There is a range of barriers for hypertension treatment and control in Nepal pertaining to the health system, providers, and patients. Comprehensive interventions are needed at all three levels to further improve management and control of hypertension in Nepal.
WITHDRAWN: Sustaining benefits of nutritional therapy in young adults with Phenylketonuria - A 2 year Prospective Study
Authors: Krämer Johannes
Published: January 2020

Introduction. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inborn error of metabolism, which is caused by a deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Life-long Phe-free diet impairs quality of life, especially in adolescents and young adults which take responsibility over their diet and therapy from their parents, but expect freedom in daily routine. Methods and Results. 105 patients with PKU were screened for eligibility for participating in this study. data of 21 patients with GPV≤5 and age between 14 and 30 years were included in the analysis. Mean age of the study population was 22.6±7.5 years, 8 patients (38%) were female. At baseline, structured counselling by a professional nutrionist was performed. Follow-up visits were performed after 6.5±3.9, 11.2±3.3, 19.8±7.4 and 25.5±5.7 months. Mean Phe-level at baseline was 926±432 µmol/l, after six months Phe-levels were significantly reduced to 709±314 µmol/l (p=0.039), in total 4 additional patients (38% of the population) reached values within the therapeutic goal. After 12, 18 and 24 months, mean Phe-level elevated significantly back to initial level (869±427 µmol/l; p=0.311). Mean daily intake of natural protein at baseline was 32.3±24.3 g per day. There was a significant decrease after 6 months (26.9±18.8 g/day; p=0.049) and 12 months (25.9±16.2 g/day; p=0.30) compared to baseline. Values at 18 months (27.5±9.2 g/day; p=0.26) and 24 months (35.0±22.3 g/day; p=0.87) did not differ. Mean daily supplementation of Phe-free amino acids was 26.2±19.2 g per day. In all follow-up examinations a significant increase compared to baseline values was calculated (42.4±17.6 g/day after 6 moths (p=0.028), 52.1±29.9 g/day after 12 months (p=<0.01), 38.7±20.3 g/day after 18 months (p<0.01) and 39.3±21.9 g/day after 24 months (p=0.014)). At baseline, mean total protein intake (natural protein plus supplements) was 0.97±0.42 g per kg body weight (g/kgBW). After 24 months the protein intake was within recommended levels. (1.23±0.33 g/kgKB; p=0.013). After 24 months, plasma Vitamin B12 increased to 424.8±176.9 pg/ml (baseline 368.6±205.6 pg/ml; p=0.049) and Vitamin D increased to 30.4±9.9 ng/ml (baseline 24.5±10.1 ng/ml; p=0.06). Conclusion. Counselling by a professional nutrionist in young adults with PKU has clear short-term effects on plasma Phe-levels. Easy applicable therapeutic recommendations, as additional intake of amino acid supplement, are well tolerated and result in strict therapy adherence up to 24 months. Apart from that, the effects on Phe-levels seem only to sustain for about 6 months. More frequent nutritional counselling, i.e. at least two times per year, is recommended to preserve positive effects on Phe-levels. Lack of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D still are common in PKU patients, but not necessarily need to be substituted. They can effectively be equalized by a well-balanced diet within 24 months.
Further identification of a 140bp sequence from amid intron 9 of human FMR1 gene as a new exon
Authors: Lan Fenghua , Yang Wen-jing , Liao Juan , Xu Yong-jun , Guo Xiao-yan , Fu Xian-guo , Li Dan , Yan Ai-zhen , Zhang Duo , Lan Feng-hua
Published: January 2020

The disease gene of fragile X syndrome, FMR1 gene, encodes fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). The alternative splicing of FMR1 can affect the structure and function of FMRP. However, the biological functions of alternatively spliced isoforms are remain elusive. In previous study, we identified a new cryptic exon of 140bp from the intron 9 of human FMR1 gene. In this study, we further examined the biological functions of this new exon and its underlying signaling pathways. qRT-PCR results showed that this novel exon was commonly expressed in the peripheral blood of normal individuals. Comparative genomics showed that sequences paralogous to the 140bp sequence are only found in the genomes of primates. To explore the biological functions of the new transcript, recombinant eukaryotic expression vectors and lentiviral overexpression vectors were constructed. Results showed that the spliced transcript encoded a truncated protein which was expressed mainly in the cell nucleus. Additionally, a few genes including BEX1 gene involved in mGluR-LTP or mGluR-LTD signaling pathways was significantly influenced when the truncated FMRP was overexpressed. Our work emphasized the notion that the alternative splicing of FMR1 gene is complex which may in a large part account for the multiple functions of FMRP protein.
The impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers on the mortality in sepsis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Yi , Huang Jing , Zheng Bojun , Zhang Jian , Li Jian
Published: January 2020

Background The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on the mortality of patients with sepsis is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between prior ACEI or ARB exposure and mortality in sepsis. Methods The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for all studies of premorbid ACEI or ARB use and sepsis mortality until November 30 2019. Two reviewers independently assessed, selected, and abstracted data from studies reporting ACEIs or ARBs, sepsis, and mortality. The primary extracted data consisted of premorbid ACEI or ARB exposure, mortality, and general patient data. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and quality of evidence. Results A total of six studies comprising 281,238 patients with sepsis, including 49,799 cases with premorbid ACEI or ARB exposure were eligible for analysis. Premorbid ACEIs or ARBs exposure decreased the 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis. Moreover, the use of ACEIs or ARBs was associated with approximately a 6% decreased risk of 30-day mortality. Conclusions The results of this systematic review suggest that ACEI or ARB exposure prior to sepsis may be associated with reduced mortality. Further high-quality cohort studies and molecular mechanism experiments are required to confirm our results.
Early immunosuppression was associated with poor prognosis in elderly patients with sepsis: secondary analysis of the ETASS study
Authors: Pei Fei , Zhang Guanrong , Zhou Lixin , Liu Jiyun , Ma Gang , Kou Qiuye , He Zhijie , Chen Minying , Nie Yao , Wu Jianfeng , Guan Xiangdong
Published: January 2020

Background: Although immunosuppression has been investigated in adult septic patients, early immune status remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess early immune status in adult patients with sepsis stratified by age and its relevance to hospital mortality. Methods: From post hoc analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial, 273 patients whose levels of monocyte human leukocyte antigen-DR (mHLA-DR) were obtained within 48 hours after onset of sepsis were enrolled. All patients were divided into elderly (≥60yrs) group and non-elderly (<60yrs) group. Early immune status was evaluated by the percentage of mHLA-DR in total monocytes within 48 hours after onset of sepsis and it was classified as immunosuppression (mHLA-DR≤30%) or non-immunosuppression (>30%). Changes in immune status were assessed by the value change in mHLA-DR on day 3 compared with the first measurement. Three logistic regression models were conducted to test the associations between early immunosuppression and hospital mortality. We also did a sensitivity analysis to find out if the definition of early immune status (24 vs. 48 hours after onset of sepsis) affects the outcomes. Results: Of the 181 elderly and 92 non-elderly septic patients, 71 (39.2%) elderly and 25 (27.2%) non-elderly died in hospital. The percentage of early immunosuppression in the elderly was twice of that of the non-elderly patients (32% vs. 16%, p=0.006). Immunosuppressed elderly had higher hospital mortality than the non-immunosuppressed elderly (53.4% vs. 32.5%, p=0.009), but there was no significant difference in mortality between immunosuppresed non-elderly patients and non-immunosuppressed non-elderly patients (33.5% vs. 26.0%, p=0.541). In all of the three logistic regression models, we found that early immunosuppression was independently associated with increased hospital mortality in elderly, but not in non-elderly patients. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the definition of early immune status did not affect the outcomes. In addition, immune status improvement on day 3 was associated with reduced hospital mortality in both elderly and non-elderly patients. Conclusion: In adult patients with sepsis, the elderly were more susceptible to early immunosuppression after onset of sepsis. Early immunosuppression was independently associated with poor prognosis in elderly patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00711620 , 9 July 2008, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00711620
Development of a nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality of sepsis-associated encephalopathy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Yang , Liang Shengru , Geng Jie , Wang Qiuhe , Wang Pan , Cao Yuan , Li Rong , Gao Guodong , Li Lihong
Published: January 2020

Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is related to an increased in-hospital mortality in patients with sepsis. We aim to establish a user-friendly nomogram for individual prediction of in-hospital death probability in patients with SAE.Methods: Data were retrospectively retrieved from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC III) open source clinical database. SAE was defined by a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) <15 at the presence of sepsis. Prediction model with a nomogram was constructed in the training set by Logistic regression analysis and then internally validated. A decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the net benefit of intervention with the nomogram.Results: A total of 669 and 287 patients with SAE were randomly assigned to training set and internal validation set according to an allocation ratio of 7:3, respectively. Parameters eligible for the nomogram included age, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and the mean values of heart rate, temperature and respiratory rate at first day of ICU admission. The nomogram exhibited good discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.773 (95%CI: 0.729–0.818) in the training set and 0.741 (95%CI 0.673–0.809) in the validation set, respectively. Calibration of the derived model was also excellent, with Brier score of 0.136 (95%CI: 0.12–0.153) and 0.168 (95%CI: 0.144–0.192) in both sets. The DCA of the nomogram indicated greater net benefit than SOFA. X-tile analysis showed that the nomogram can clearly stratify patients into three subgroups with different risks of hospital death. Conclusions: The nomogram presents excellent performance in predicting in-hospital mortality of SAE patients, which can guide the prevention of SAE progression and may be more beneficial once specific treatments towards SAE are developed.
The general movements assessment in term and late-preterm newborns diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy, as a predictive tool of cerebral palsy by two years of age: a scoping review protocol.
Authors: Seesahai Judy , Luther Maureen , Rhoden Carmen Cindy , Church Paige Terrien , Asztalos Elizabeth , Banihani Rudaina
Published: January 2020

Background Prediction of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes remains an elusive goal for neonatology. Clinical and socioeconomic markers have not proven to be adequately reliable. The limitation in prognostication includes those term and late-preterm infants born with neonatal encephalopathy. The General Movements Assessment tool by Prechtl has demonstrated reliability for identifying infants at risk for neuromotor impairment. This tool is non-invasive and cost-effective. The purpose of this study is to identify the published literature on how this tool applies to the prediction of cerebral palsy in term and late-preterm infants diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy and so detect the research gaps. Methods We will conduct a systematic scoping review for data on sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and describe the strengths and limitations of the results. This review will consider studies that included neonates more than or equal to 34+0 weeks gestational age, diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy, with a General Movements Assessment done between birth to six months of life and an assessment for cerebral palsy by at least two years of age. Experimental and quasi-experimental study designs including randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, before and after studies, interrupted time-series studies and systematic reviews will be considered. Text and opinion papers will not be considered for inclusion in this scoping review as this is a highly specific and medical topic. Studies in the English language only will be considered. Studies published from at least 1970 will be included as this is around the time when the General Movements Assessment was first introduced in neonatology as a potential predictor of neuromotor outcomes. We will search five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus and CINAHL). Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data extraction independently. The articles will be categorized according key findings and a critical appraisal performed.Discussion The results of this review will guide future research to improve early identification and timely intervention in neonates with neonatal encephalopathy at risk of neuromotor impairment.Systematic review registration Title registration with Joanna Briggs Institute.
Medication literacy in elderly patients with chronic diseases: a community pharmacy perspective
Authors: Plaza-Zamora Javier , Legaz Isabel , Osuna Eduardo , Pérez-Cárceles M. D.
Published: January 2020

Background: Long-term therapy with chronic maintenance medication is essential for reducing risks of disease progression, comorbidity, and mortality. A correct adherence and use of the medication are prerequisite for reducing these risks. Medication literacy (ML) is the specific ability to safely access and understand the information available concerning medication, and act accordingly.Methods: To investigate the ML in a community pharmacy of older users in order to study the factors that are associated with inadequate literacy. A total of 400 patients were analyzed to assess the level of ML (document and numeracy) through the MedLitRxSE tool.Results: Our study showed that 66% had an inadequate-ML. Women were a high frequency of inadequate-ML respect to men (70.1% and 29.9%). Users over 65 years with chronic diseases showed a high frequency of inadequate-ML (76.5%) in both sexes (P<0.001).Conclusions: Older users, those with primary or any studies as well as patients taking many medicines for chronic diseases showed a significantly lower level of ML. Health professionals and managers should adopt new strategies that allow to prevent and reduce the errors in the handling of the medicines and avoiding the undesirable effects of a misuse in older patients.
An in situ approach for characterizing photosynthetic gas exchange of rice panicle
Authors: Chang Tiangen , Song Qing-Feng , Zhao Honglong , Chang Shuoqi , Xin Changpeng , Zhu Xinguang
Published: January 2020

Background: Photosynthesis of reproductive organs in C 3 cereals is generally regarded as important to crop yield. Whereas, photosynthetic characteristics of reproductive organs are much less understood as compared to leaf photosynthesis, mainly due to methodological limitations. To date, many indirect methods were developed to study photosynthesis of reproductive organs and its contribution to grain yield, such as shading, application of herbicides or photosynthetic measurement of excised organs or tissues, which might be intrusive and cause biases. Thus, a robust and in situ approach needs to be developed. Results: Here we report the development of a custom-built panicle chamber (P-chamber), which can be connected to a standard infrared gas analyzer to study photosynthetic/respiratory rate of a rice panicle. With this P-chamber, we measured photosynthetic characteristics of panicles for seven high-yielding elite japonica , japonica-indica hybrid and indica rice cultivars. Results show that, 1) rice panicle is photosynthetically active during grain filling, and there are substantial inter-cultivar variations in panicle photosynthetic and respiratory rates, both for a whole panicle and on a single spikelet basis; 2) among the seven testing cultivars, light saturated whole-panicle gross photosynthetic rates at early grain filling stage are 17 – 54 nmol s -1 , which are estimated to be 20-38% of the corresponding flag leaves; 3) rice panicle photosynthesis has higher apparent CO 2 compensation point, light compensation point and apparent CO 2 saturation point, as compared to that of a typical leaf; 4) there is a strong and significant positive correlation between gross photosynthetic rate at early grain filling stage on a single spikelet basis and grain setting rate at harvest (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.93, p -value < 0.0001). Conclusions: Overall, the P-Chamber can be used as a tool to study in situ photosynthetic characteristics of irregular non-foliar plant organs, which is a relatively less explored area in current cereal breeding community.
Identification of a major quantitative trait locus, qGER4.2, conferring resistance to Gibberella ear rot in maize using a Chinese recombination inbred line population
Authors: Zhou Guangfei , Li Shunfa , Ma Liang , Wang Fang , Sun Yali , Ruan Xinsen , Cao Yu , Wang Qing , Gao Xiquan
Published: January 2020

Background: Gibberella ear rot (GER), a prevalent disease caused by Fusarium graminearum, can result in yield loss and mycotoxin contamination in maize. Despite that several QTLs related to GER resistance have been reported previously, few of them was identified in Chinese maize inbred lines. In this study, we employed a Chinese recombination inbred line (RIL) population comprising of 204 lines, developed from a cross involving a resistant parent DH4866 and a susceptible line T877. The population was phenotypically evaluated at three field trial locations under artificial inoculation with F. graminearum and genotyped with an Affymetrix microarray CGMB56K SNP Array to detect the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for resistance to GER. Results: Based on the genetic linkage map constructed using 1,868 bins as markers, a total of 15 QTLs were identified, and both DH4866 and T877 alleles at these QTLs contributed toward resistance. Of these QTLs, five were stably expressed across multiple locations, including three co-localized with previously reported genomic regions. The largest-effect QTL located on chromosome 4, qGER4.2, which accounted for 5.66~17.10% of the phenotypic variation, was detected at all locations. Based on the phenotypic values of the alleles corresponding to the five stable QTLs, a significant correlation (r2 = 0.45) between resistance to GER and the number of resistant alleles was observed. Conclusions: QTL mapping was successfully employed to identify genetic loci conferring resistance to GER by a high-density genetic map constructed from two Chinese maize germplasms. The five stable QTLs identified, especially the large-effect QTL, qGER4.2, will be useful in maize breeding programs aimed at improving GER resistance.
The effects of Qigong intervention based on internet on quality of life and physical fitness in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients: a protocol of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Lina , Dong Xiaosheng , Yuan Kai , Yi Xiangren , Shen Yuanlong , Ding Meng
Published: January 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to verify the improvement of remote qigong intervention on the quality of life and physical fitness of breast cancer patients after surgery by means of a randomized controlled trial, and to compare it with the conventional exercise combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training. Methods/design: The research approach applied in this study is a randomized controlled trial. After completing the baseline questionnaire and physical fitness test, participants were randomly assigned to either the qigong group or the combined exercise rehabilitation group. Patients in the qigong group performed Qigong-Baduanjin twice a week for 30 minutes each time under remote guidance and practiced Baduanjin by themselves at other times. Patients in the combined exercise rehabilitation group were given resistance training twice a week for 30 minutes under remote guidance, and walking the rest of the time. At the end of the 12-week intervention, outcomes testing and data collection were carried out. The primary outcomes are quality of life, measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FATC-B). The secondary outcomes include cardiopulmonary endurance, upper limb strength, lower limb strength and skinfold thickness.Discussion: The importance of postoperative exercise rehabilitation for breast cancer has been gradually accepted by more and more doctors and patients, but further research and development of simple and practical means of exercise rehabilitation are necessary. Remote qigong intervention for breast cancer patients via the Internet will be a great alternative.
Blepharoptosis among Korean adults: Age-related prevalence and threshold age for evaluation
Authors: Paik Ji-Sun , Han Kyungdo , Yang Suk-Woo , Park Yongkyu , Na Kyungsun , Cho Wonkyung , Jung Su-Kyung , Kim Sungeun
Published: January 2020

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of blepharoptosis among Korean adults and the characteristics of blepharoptosis patients, and to determine an appropriate age threshold for recommending blepharoptosis evaluation.Methods: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V) was conducted in 2010–2012. We extracted data on 17,878 Korean adults aged more than and equal to 19 years included in KNHANES-V, and determined blepharoptosis prevalence according to age, to determine the cutoff age for recommending blepharoptosis evaluation. We also determined the possible association between blepharoptosis and obesity parameters, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC).Results: There was astrong association between older age and the prevalence of blepharoptosis. The cutoff age for recommending blepharoptosis evaluation was 63 years for males, 70 years for females, and 66 years for all patients. Patients with a high BMI and large WC had a higher prevalence of blepharoptosis in all age groups except for those aged over 80 years. The association of blepharoptosis with BMI according to age group showed that in the 50–59 and 60–69 years age groups, blepharoptosis prevalence and BMI were higher. However, in the 70–79 and 80–89 years age groups, extremely obese patients (BMI > 30) showed a decreased blepharoptosis prevalence.Conclusions: Moderate to severe blepharoptosis can result in poor visual function and exacerbate headaches and depression, leading to decreased quality of life. This study proposed an appropriate age threshold for recommending evaluation of patients with blepharoptosis among the general population of Korea.
Biometric indicators of Eyes with Occult Lens Subluxation inducing Secondary Acute Angle Closure
Authors: Xing Xiaoli , Huang Liangyu , Tian Fang , Zhang Yan , Lv Yingjuan , Liu Wei , Liu AihuaLiu
Published: January 2020

Background: To compare the anterior biometrics of eyes with secondary acute angle closure induced by occult lens subluxation (ASAC-LS), misdiagnosed as acute primary angle closure (APAC) at the first visit with APAC, chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG), and cataract.
Methods : This retrospective case study included 17 eyes with angel closure due to occult LS, who were misdiagnosed as APAC on their first visit, 56 APAC eyes, 54 CPACG eyes, and 56 cataract eyes. Axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) , aqueous depth (AD) and lens thickness (LT) were recorded. Lens position (LP), relative lens position (RLP), corrected lens position (CLP) were calculated. Quantitative data were subject to one-way analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Categorical data were analyzed using the chi-squared test.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to obtain a suitable cutoff value of ocular biometrics.
Results: The ASAC-LS patients had a longer ocular axial length than APACand CPACGpatients. Central corneal thickness ofthe ASAC-LSpatientswas not significantly different from APAC patients, but was significantly different from CPACG and cataract patients. The APAC patientshad the smallest ACD, while the ASAC-LS patientshad the smallest AD. The ASAC-LS patientshad the largest lens thickness. According to ROC curve analysis, RLP, ACD, AD, CLP, LP hadhigh power of discrimination.
Conclusions: This study revealed that LS secondary PAC patients had a shallower AD, thicker CCT comparing to those of APAC, CPACG and cataract patients.LP and CLP can be helpful for differential diagnosis.
Trial registration: NCT03752710, retrospectively registered.
Keywords: Lens subluxation; Acute angle-closure; Biometry; Anterior chamber depth; Lens thickness; Axial length
Awareness, Support, and Perceived Impact of the Connecticut Pesticide Ban
Authors: Campbell Julie H. , Wallace Victoria H.
Published: January 2020

Concern over the use of pesticides in public areas, such as schools, daycare centers, and parks, has prompted some state and local governments to severely restrict or ban pesticides in these locations. Connecticut currently has bans for daycare centers, school grounds with kindergarten through eighth grade classes, and playgrounds in municipal parks. This study was designed to understand general public awareness of these bans and the public sentiment for these additional bans. An online survey was conducted in late 2016 asking Connecticut residents about their levels of awareness of the current pesticide bans, and whether they supported the current ban or would support additional bans. Demographics and other individual characteristics/perceptions are used to explain whether a respondent knows there is a pesticide ban and if the respondent thinks there should be a pesticide ban. Only 7% of the respondents could correctly identify where pesticide bans are currently in place, with most respondents being unsure (74%) if a ban was, in fact, in place. No respondents correctly identified the location of the ban without also identifying an incorrect location as well. A large percentage of respondents indicated the state should have a pesticide ban, with those respondents supporting a ban across all locations listed. Pesticide bans on school grounds and athletic fields from kindergarten to 12th grade were strongly supported, with scores ranging from 85.9 to 86.6 on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing extreme support for pesticide bans. The results indicate that general awareness of the current pesticide ban, as well as knowledge of where current bans are in place, is low. Most respondents support a statewide ban that exceeds current Connecticut law.
Crystallographic preferred orientation of talc determined by an improved EBSD procedure for sheet silicates: Implications for anisotropy at the slab–mantle interface due to Si-metasomatism
Authors: Nagaya Takayoshi , Okamoto Atsushi , Oyanagi Ryosuke , Seto Yusuke , Miyake Akira , Uno Masaoki , Muto Jun , Wallis Simon R.
Published: January 2020

Talc is widely distributed over the Earth's surface and is predicted to be formed in various tectonic settings. Talc is a very soft and anisotropic sheet silicate showing very low friction behavior. Therefore, the formation of talc is expected to weaken the strength of talc-bearing rocks and may be associated with the initiation of subduction, and with a decrease in the coupling coefficient resulting in aseismic movements along faults and shear zones within subduction zones. For these reasons, understanding the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of talc is important to quantify the anisotropy and physical properties of the host rock. However, it is difficult to measure a significant number of talc crystal orientations and to evaluate the accuracy of the measurements using electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Therefore, talc CPO has not been reported, and there is uncertainty regarding the estimation of the strength of deformed talc-bearing rocks. Using methods developed for antigorite, we report the first successful EBSD measurements of talc CPO from a talc schist formed due to Simetasomatism of ultramafic rocks by subduction zone fluids. We used a combination of W-SEM and FE-SEM measurements to examine domains of various grain sizes of talc. In addition, we used TEM measurements to evaluate the accuracy of the EBSD measurements and discuss the results of talc CPO analysis. Talc CPO in the present study shows a strong concentration of the pole to the (001) plane normal to the foliation. The strongest concentration of the [100] direction is parallel to the lineation. The talc schist produces similar S-wave splitting and P- and S-wave anisotropy as antigorite schist in deeper domains, thus identifying talc-rich layers in subduction zones may require a combination of geophysical surveys, seismic observations, and anisotropy modeling. The presence of strong talc CPO in rocks comprising the slab–mantle interface boundary may promote spatial expansion of the slip area during earthquakes along the base of the mantle wedge.
Texture and geochemistry of multi-stage hydrothermal scheelite in the Tongshankou porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo(-W) deposit, eastern China: Implications for ore-forming process and fluid metasomatism
Authors: Han Jinsheng , Chen Huayong , Hong Wei , Hollings Pete , Chu Gaobin , Zhang Le , Sun Siquan
Published: January 2020

Scheelite from the Tongshankou porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo(-W) deposit occurs mainly as disseminated grains in the altered granodiorite porphyries at depth (Sch A), in the skarn coeval with retrograde alteration (Sch B) and in distal quartz veins crosscutting marbles (Sch C). Cathodoluminescence (CL) responses within a single Sch A grain reveal two subtypes: CL-clear Sch A-I and CL-turbid, densely veined Sch A-II. The CL contrast, coupled with geochemical data, suggest Sch A-I was metasomatized to form Sch A-II. CL images reveal that Sch A-I, Sch B and Sch C are all homogenous, with blue luminescence and are depleted in heavy rare earth elements (HREE), indicating a primary origin. However, Sch A-II is characterized by higher contents of light REE and heavy REE as well as higher Sr isotopes (0.7080–0.7100) than the primary scheelite (<0.7080). These differences indicate that Sch A-II formed through dissolution-reprecipitation. The Sr isotopes of the primary scheelite (0.7073–0.7078) are generally consistent with those of the mineralized granodiorite porphyries (0.7061–0.7063) and mafic enclaves (0.7058–0.7073). The granodiorite porphyries contain low tungsten contents (3–11 ppm), whereas high tungsten contents were detected in mafic enclaves (48–75 ppm). The coexistence of mafic enclaves and tungsten mineralization at depth, and their consistent Sr isotopes, indicates that the interaction of mafic enclaves and exsolved magmatic fluids from the granodiorite porphyries may have played an important role in the extraction of tungsten from the mafic enclaves and formation of scheelite mineralization. Our work shows that scheelite geochemistry can be used to trace the mineralizing conditions but the compositions may be significantly modified during the ore-forming process. Thus, detailed textural relationships should be investigated before using scheelite geochemistry to constrain the hydrothermal fluids and ore genesis.
Öteki’yle Kendini Savunmak: Bulgakov’un Molière Efendi’si
Authors: GÖGERCİN Ahmet
Published: January 2020

XX. yy. Rus yazınının önemli isimlerinden Mihail Afanasyeviç Bulgakov da diğer birçok çağdaşı gibi döneminde çeşitli baskılara maruz kalmış, yapıtları sansüre uğramış, yalnız bırakılmıştır. Çalışmaları, döneminde okura ulaşmamış ve anlaşılmamıştır; birçok Rus yazar gibi ancak ölümünden sonra değeri anlaşılmıştır. Böyle bir baskı ortamında kendini açıkça ifade edemeyen Bulgakov, Fransız oyun yazarı Molière’in yaşamı ve yapıtları aracılığıyla dolaylı yoldan kendini ifade etmeye, düşüncelerini savunmaya çalışmıştır. Bu çalışmada, yazarın Molière Efendi adlı yapıtı Molière’in yaşamı ve yapıtlarıyla birebir karşılaştırmaya girişilmeksizin çözümlenerek, onun aracılığıyla Rus yazarın kendini savunması araştırılmış ve yapıttan örneklerle ortaya konmaya çalışılmıştır.
Tarihsel Romana Genel Bakış ve Dominique Baudis’nin Cebelitarık Âşıkları’nda Ülkü-Arzu Çatışması Üzerine Bir İnceleme
Authors: AYNACI Fatih
Published: January 2020

XIX. yüzyıldan günümüze uzanan süreçte popülerliğini her geçen gün artıran tarihsel roman, bazı edebiyat bilimciler tarafından roman türünün özgül ağırlığı karşısında vasat düzeyde bir anlatı türü olarak ele alınırken, çoğu edebiyat bilimciye göre ise, romanın bir alt türü olarak kabul edilir. Türün sözcük yapısı incelendiğinde, nesnelliğin ve olgusallığın yansıması olarak değerlendirilebilecek “Tarih” disiplini ile, öznelliği ve hayâl gücünü temsil eden “Roman” türünün birleşimi söz konusudur. Bu nedenle disiplinlerarası kaynaşmaya örnek oluşturduğu söylenebilir. Roman türünün gerçek hayattan kesitler sunduğu düşünüldüğünde, tarihsel roman, okuru gerçeklikle daha yakından yüzleştiren bir edebî tür olarak kendini gösterir. Buna karşın, anlatılarda kurgunun her zaman bir adım önde ilerlediği görülür. Modern anlamda tarihsel romanın İngiltere’de başladığı bilinmesine rağmen, Fransız edebiyatında da seçkin örnekleri bulunmaktadır. Esasen bir siyasetçi olan Dominique Baudit’nin 2010 Prix Mediterranée ödülüne layık görülen Cebelitarık Âşıkları (Les Amants de Gibraltar, 2010) adlı romanı da bu örnekler arasında sayılabilir. Romanda anlatı kişileri arasında çeşitli konularda duygular ve eylemler düzeyinde cereyan eden bazı çatışmalara rastlanmaktadır. Genel olarak ülkü ve arzu kavramları üzerinden sınıflandırılabilecek bu çatışmalar, doğurduğu olumlu ya da olumsuz sonuçlar nedeniyle anlatı kişilerinin yaşamını etkilemektedir. Bu bağlamda Dominique Baudit’nin söz konusu tarihsel romanının incelendiği bu çalışmada, öncelikle tarihsel romandan, tarihsel romanın gelişiminden bahsedilmiş, ardından tematik inceleme konusu olarak ülkü ve arzu kavramları incelendikten sonra, kişi ve olaylar çerçevesinde bu kavramların anlatıdaki yansımalarına değinilmiştir. Yararlılık ve kalıcılık bakımından ülkü kavramının olumlu bir yönünün olduğu, buna karşın bireye ruhen zarar vermesi ve geçiciliği simgelemesi nedeniyle arzu kavramının olumsuz bir içeriğe sahip olduğu vurgulanmıştır.
Japon Yazar Abe Kōbō’nun Yolun Sonundaki İşarete Doğru(Ovarişi Miçi no Şirube ni　終わりし道の標べに) Eserinde Memleket Algısı: Mançukuo ve Japonya
Authors: SALĞAR Habibe
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışma, Abe Kōbō’nun Yolun Sonundaki İşarete Doğru romanında Mançukuo ve memleket kavramının yansımalarını incelemektedir. Japonya ve Mançukuo’nun sömüren - sömürülen devlet ilişkisi, Japonya’da savaş sonrası süreçte sömürgeden çekilenler grubunda (hikiageşa) derin etkiler bırakmıştır. Abe Kōbō Mançukuo’daki deneyimlerini Yolun Sonundaki İşarete Doğru romanında kullanmıştır. Kōbō’nun eski bir Japon sömürgesi olan Mançukuo deneyimleri, “gerçek memleket” kavramını incelemesi için ona ilham vermiştir. Bu çalışmada; memleket algısı, varoluşçuluk ve diyalektik düşünce ile romanın ana temaları: memleketini sorgulama, yenilgi ve savaş, afyon kullanımının neden olduğu bilinç-bilinç dışılık arasındaki bulanıklık ve yabancılaşma kavramları arasında bir analoji kurulmuştur. “Memleket” kavramı, varoluşçuluk ve diyalektik düşünce ile ilişkilendirilmiştir. Kısacası, Abe Kōbō’nun savaş sonrası hayatı, benlik arayışları süresince memleket kavramını sorgulayan baş kahramanın düşüncelerinde yansıtıldığına işaret edilmiştir.
Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı Şiiri ve Örnekler Işığında Almancaya Çevrilebilirliği Üzerine Bir İrdeleme
Authors: AKALIN Rahman
Published: January 2020

Cahit Sıtkı, Türk Edebiyatı’nın az sözcükle çokça duyguyu ifade edebilmiş şairlerindendir. Bu başarıyı yalnızca seçtiği sözcüklerdeki anlam yükü ile değil, şiirlerindeki kurgu ile sağlayabilmiştir. Çeviri odaklı değerlendirildiğinde, ruhu ve anlatımından bağımsız olarak, şiir çevirisi çevirmenleri belli oranda şair gibi düşünmeye, bunun da ötesinde şair gibi eylemeye itmektedir. Bu bağlamda şiir çevirisi özellikle birbirine çok yakın olmayan kültür dizgeleri arasında, çoğu zaman zor, hatta başarısızlığa uğramaya mahkûm bir girişim olarak tanımlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı şiirlerinin genel özellikleri betimlenmeye çalışılmış, çevirileri Işık Aygün tarafından yapılmış olan ‘Yıldızlar’ ve ‘Dalgın Ölü’ adlı Tarancı şiirleri bu çerçeve içerisinde çözümlenmiş ve bu şiirlerin Almancaya çevirileri eleştirel açıdan mercek altına alınıp değerlendirmelerde bulunulmuştur. İnceleme sonunda, Cahit Sıtkı’nın gerek biçim gerekse içerik açısından kendine özgü bir şiirselliği sürdürmüş olduğu, seçilen örnekler temelinde bu şiirselliğin kabul edilebilir çeviri sonuçlarını ortaya koyduğu bulgulanmıştır.