bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of presepsin (soluble CD14-subtype) in diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia and sepsis in trauma patients
Authors: Jovanovic Bojan , Djuric Olivera , Markovic-Denic Ljiljana , Isakovic Aleksandra , Doklestic Krstina , Stankovic Sanja , Vidicevic Sasenka , Palibrk Ivan , Samardzic Janko , Bumbasirevic Vesna
Published: February 2017

Background/Aim. Presepsin (soluble CD14-subtype) is a fragment of CD14 produced in response to bacterial infections and a novel biomarker of pneumonia, sepsis and septic shock. The aim of this study was to compare sensitivity and specificity of persepsin, soluble CD14-subtype (sCD14-ST) with other biomarkers: procalcitonine (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count (Le) in mechanically ventilated injured patients, as a marker of pneumonia, sepsis and septic shock. Methods. The prospective study was undertaken in trauma and surgery intensive care unit of the Emergency Center, the Clinical Center of Serbia from January to April 2013. The study included 39 trauma patients requiring mechanical ventilation, and who developed one of the following inclusion criteria: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), sepsis and/or septic shock. On admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score and Injury Severity Score (ISS) were calculated. Seventy-two measurements of four biomarkers (presepsin, PCT, CRP and Le) were performed in 39 patients at the moments of diagnosis of SIRS, VAP, sepsis and/or septic shock (21 when SIRS diagnosis was established, 21 after the diagnosis of VAP, 18 at the moment of diagnosis of sepsis and the remaining 12 measurements were conducted while diagnosing the septic shock). The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was calculated at these points as well. Results. Patients were mainly severely injured (mean ISS = 24.2) and had moderately severe medical condition at admission (mean Apache II score, 14.5). Presepsin concentration significantly differed among all the four groups, except between sepsis and septic shock. The strongest positive correlation of presepsin evinced with PCT (r = 0.741, p < 0.001). The sCD14-ST indicated better performance in diagnosis of both VAP (AUC = 0.909) and sepsis (AUC = 0.899), compared to PCT (AUCs: 0.863, 0.885, respectively), CRP (AUCs: 0.703, 0.677, respectively) and Le (AUCs: 0.668, 0.700, respectively). Conclusion. This study revealed that sCD14-ST is a reliable biomarker for distinguishing sepsis severity. It also showed a good correlation with the infection development as well as worsening in injured patients.
Butyrate Regulates Liver Mitochondrial Function, Efficiency, and Dynamics in Insulin-Resistant Obese Mice
Authors: Mollica Maria Pina , Mattace Raso Giuseppina , Cavaliere Gina , Trinchese Giovanna , De Filippo Chiara , Aceto Serena , Prisco Marina , Pirozzi Claudio , Di Guida Francesca , Lama Adriano , Crispino Marianna , Tronino Diana , Di Vaio Paola , Berni Canani Roberto , Calignano Antonio , Meli Rosaria
Published: February 2017

Fatty liver, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key pathophysiological features of insulin resistance and obesity. Butyrate, produced by fermentation in the large intestine by gut microbiota, and its synthetic derivative, the N-(1-carbamoyl-2-phenyl-ethyl) butyramide, FBA, have been demonstrated to be protective against insulin resistance and fatty liver. Here, hepatic mitochondria were identified as the main target of the beneficial effect of both butyrate-based compounds in reverting insulin resistance and fat accumulation in diet-induced obese mice. In particular, butyrate and FBA improved respiratory capacity and fatty acid oxidation, activated the AMPK–acetyl-CoA carboxylase pathway, and promoted inefficient metabolism, as shown by the increase in proton leak. Both treatments consistently increased utilization of substrates, especially fatty acids, leading to the reduction of intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Finally, the shift of the mitochondrial dynamic toward fusion by butyrate and FBA resulted in the improvement not only of mitochondrial cell energy metabolism but also of glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, butyrate and its more palatable synthetic derivative, FBA, modulating mitochondrial function, efficiency, and dynamics, can be considered a new therapeutic strategy to counteract obesity and insulin resistance.
STUDI KEAMANAN PANGAN PADA TAHU PUTIH YANG BEREDAR DI PASAR SIDOARJO (KAJIAN DARI KANDUNGAN FORMALIN)
Authors: Tjiptaningdyah Restu
Published: February 2017

A lot of substance circulating in the market used preservative as a mean to lengthen a period to keeping. One of them is formalin, its very dangerous poisonous chemicals for health. The aim of this research was to identify the existence of preservative formalin at white tahu in Sidoarjo markets. This was a discriptif research. Sample intake used stratified random sampling method. As basis for stratify is market of place, are traditional and modern market. Identification of formalin content used FMR (formalin mean reagent), with color different as basis criterion. The result showed that 65.90% white tahu circulate in Sidoarjo markets contained the formalin, and 34.10% of white tahu did not contain formalin.
Ekspresi Level Gen mRNA Protein Ekstraseluler Otak Embrio Mencit Black-6 UK-12 Akibat Induksi 2-Methoxyethanol : Analisis secara Real Time RT-PCR
Authors: Irnidayanti Yulia , Darmanto Win , Abadi Agus
Published: February 2017

The aim of this research was to investigate impact of 2-methoxyethanol, a major industrial chemical, and its individual metabolites on the expression DNA of the embryonic brain development of black-6 mice. The expression levels mRNA protein of GAPDH, Fibronectin, tenascin, vimentin, Neurofilamen, NCam between brain embrio treatment with 2-ME at gestation day 12 and Embryo control were achieved. The Electroforesis DNA on brain Embryonic day 12 showed that there were expression of GAPDH (447bp), Fibronectin (462bp), NCAM (293 bp), Tenascin (416bp), Vimentin (327), Neurofilamen high (301bp), Neurofilamen medium (289bp), Neurofilamen low (398bp). This Data not showed. The expression of level of mRNA for protein Vimentin at embryonic brain treatment at GD-12 is 487 copies, meanwhile on the embryonic brain control is 209 copies. This expression is tendency very higher than control. Another level of mRNA for protein fibronectin, NCAM, Tenascin, Neurofilament were tendency not difference between embryonic brain treatments and control. Intermediate filaments, vimentin, is found in specific cell types in the developing and adult central nervous systems (CNS), particularly astrocytes. Recently, found that vimentin immunoreactivities were increased in astrocytes and/or macrophages in the spinal cords of rats with autoimmune inflammation). So that The higher level mRNA for protein vimentin caused by effect 2-methoxyethanol. Vimentin contribute to the repair of brain through the migration of activated cells and increased level vimentin at embryionic brain treatment with 2-ME.
PEMAHAMAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP BAHAYA PENYALAH-GUNAAN PEMAKAIAN KEMASAN PRODUK MAKANAN DAN PENEGAKAN HUKUMNYA
Authors: Sulistianingsih Dewi
Published: February 2017

Food packaging is the material used to wrap food either in direct contact with food or not. The knowledge of materials packaging are very important for producers and consumers.  Consumers need to know the packaging material that is able to maintain product quality, and safety. This research used socio-legal research. The data type covered primary data obtained through interviews and observation and secondary data obtained through the study of documents. The data and information obtained will be analyzed qualitatively. The technique of checking the validity of the data will be used data triangulation technique. This article discusses about the importance of good packaging for food. The understanding of the dangers associated with the misuse of food product packaging. Communities can become victims of the lack of knowledge and understanding of the use of good packaging for food. Bad packaging is not only bad for health but also for the environment. The implemented of law enforcement against abuse of packaging is not optimal, it can be seen the level of complaints against misuse of packaging is still minimal.Keywords: Community; Food; Enforcement; Packaging AbuseABSTRAK Kemasan pangan adalah bahan yang digunakan untuk mewadahi dan atau pembungkus pangan baik yang bersentuhan langsung dengan pangan maupun tidak. Produsen membutuhkan pengetahuan bahan kemasan yang dapat melindungi produk yang dihasilkan, membuat produk lebih menarik, ekonomis, dan aman. Konsumen perlu mengetahui bahan kemasan yang mampu mempertahankan mutu produk, dan aman. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan socio legal atau yuridis sosiologis. Jenis data yang digunakan meliputi data primer yang diperoleh melalui wawancara dan observasi dan data sekunder yang diperoleh melalui studi dokumen. Data dan informasi yang diperoleh, akan di analisis secara kualitatif. Adapun teknik pengecekan keabsahan data digunakan teknik trianggulasi data. Artikel ini membahas mengenai akan arti penting kemasan yang baik untuk makanan. Pemahaman tersebut berkaitan dengan bahaya penyalahgunaan pemakaian kemasan produk makanan. Masyarakat dapat menjadi korban atas kurangnya pengetahuan maupun pemahaman akan penggunaan kemasan yang baik untuk makanan. Kemasan yang tidak baik akan berakibat buruk tidak hanya bagi kesehatan tapi juga bagi lingkungan. Penegakan hukum terhadap penyalahgunaan kemasan juga dilaksanakan belum optimal, hal ini dapat dilihat tingkat pengaduan terhadap penyalahgunaan kemasan masih minim.Kata Kunci:  Masyarakat; Makanan; Penegakan; Penyalahgunaan Kemasan
MINIMALISASI SENGKETA MEDIK PASIEN DAN TENAGA KESEHATAN DIHUBUNG KAN DENGAN UNDANG - UNDANG PERLINDUNGAN KONSUMEN
Authors: Suriaatmadja Toto Tohir
Published: February 2017

A person can be called or categorized as patient based on the definition of Medical Practice Act if meeting the elements: undergoing the health consultation; with the purpose to get medical service; consultation and medical service to doctors or dentists. Clearly that individual taken the consultation and or treatment from the paramedics is not categorized as patient; in other word, only doctors or dentists deal with the patient; or only doctors and dentists who have patients. Other than that, they cannot be called patients. For this, the writer is interested in analyzing the what to call those who meet the first and second elements but not to the doctor, for example, to midwife or nurse. It needs clear answer to protect the patient under a clear legal basis. The importance of the answers is to assure that individuals can be called patient based on the existing definition, consequently, it makes individuals, consulting or asking for medical service from paramedics other than doctors and dentists, are not patients. This statement is supported with the provision under Health Act that does not at all define the term patient. In fact, hierarchically the Health Act is the umbrella law regarding health issues in Indonesia.Keyword: Medical dispute; patient; paramedicsABSTRAKSeseorang dapat disebut atau dikatagorikan sebagai pasien berdasarkan Rumusan Undang-Undang Praktik Kedokteran, apabila memenuhi  unsur-unsur : melakukan konsultasi kesehatan; dengan maksud memperoleh pelayanan kesehatan; konsultasi dan layanan kesehatan tersebut kepada dokter atau dokter gigi. Jelaslah bahwa seseorang yang melakukan konsultasi dan atau pengobatan kepada tenaga kesehatan yang bukan dokter atau dokter gigi tidak termasuk katagori pasien; dengan perkataan lain yang berhadapan dengan pasien hanya dokter atau dokter gigi atau hanya dokter dan dokter gigi yang mempunyai pasien. Di luar dari itu, tidak dapat disebut pasien. Terhadap hal ini penulis tertarik untuk menganalisa, apa sebutan bagi mereka yang memenuhi unsur ke satu dan kedua tetapi bukan kepada dokter, misalnya kepada bidan atau perawat. Hal ini  perlu mendapat jawaban  yang jelas agar perlindungan terhadap pasien mempunyai landasan hukum yang jelas. Kepentingan jawaban atas pertanyaan tersebut untuk memastikan bahwa seseorang dapat disebut pasien karena dari definisi yang ada menyebabkan seseorang yang berkonsultasi atau meminta layanan kesehatan kepada tenga kesehatan di luar dokter dan dokter gigi bukan pasien. Hal ini diperkuat dengan isi Undang-Undang Kesehatan yang sama sekali tidak memberikan pengertian tentang pasien. Padahal secara hirarki Undang-Undang Kesehatan merupakan payung bagi undang-undang lainnya yang berhubungan dengan urusan kesehatan di Indonesia.Kata Kunci: Sengketa Medik; Pasien; Tenaga Kesehatan
Mining Domain-Specific Design Patterns: A Case Study †
Authors: Gkantouna Vassiliki , Tzimas Giannis
Published: February 2017

Domain-specific design patterns provide developers with proven solutions to common design problems that arise, particularly in a target application domain, facilitating them to produce quality designs in the domain contexts. However, research in this area is not mature and there are no techniques to support their detection. Towards this end, we propose a methodology which, when applied on a collection of websites in a specific domain, facilitates the automated identification of domain-specific design patterns. The methodology automatically extracts the conceptual models of the websites, which are subsequently analyzed in terms of all of the reusable design fragments used in them for supporting common domain functionalities. At the conceptual level, we consider these fragments as recurrent patterns consisting of a configuration of front-end interface components that interrelate each other and interact with end-users to support certain functionality. By performing a pattern-based analysis of the models, we locate the occurrences of all the recurrent patterns in the various website designs which are then evaluated towards their consistent use. The detected patterns can be used as building blocks in future designs, assisting developers to produce consistent and quality designs in the target domain. To support our case, we present a case study for the educational domain.
Seismic Failure Mechanism of Reinforced Cold-Formed Steel Shear Wall System Based on Structural Vulnerability Analysis
Authors: Ye Jihong , Jiang Liqiang , Wang Xingxing
Published: February 2017

A series of structural vulnerability analyses are conducted on a reinforced cold-formed steel (RCFS) shear wall system and a traditional cold-formed steel (CFS) shear wall system subjected to earthquake hazard based on forms in order to investigate their failure mechanisms. The RCFS shear wall adopts rigid beam-column joints and continuous concrete-filled CFS tube end studs rather than coupled-C section end studs that are used in traditional CFS shear walls, to achieve the rigid connections in both beam-column joints and column bases. The results show that: the RCFS and traditional CFS shear wall systems both exhibit the maximum vulnerability index associated with the failure mode in the first story. Therefore, the first story is likely to be a weakness of the CFS shear wall system. Once the wall is damaged, the traditional CFS shear wall system would collapse because the shear wall is the only lateral-resisting component. However, the collapse resistance of the RCFS shear wall system is effectively enhanced by the second defense, which is provided by a framework integrated by rigid beam-column joints and fixed column bases. The predicted collapse mode with maximum vulnerability index that was obtained by structural vulnerability analysis agrees well with the experimental result, and the structural vulnerability method is thereby verified to be reasonable to identify the weaknesses of framed structures and predict their collapse modes. Additionally, the quantitative vulnerability index indicates that the RCFS shear wall system exhibits better robustness compared to the traditional one. Furthermore, the “strong frame weak wallboard” and the “strong column weak beam” are proposed in this study as conceptional designations for the RCFS shear wall systems.
Sparse Wavelet Representation of Differential Operators with Piecewise Polynomial Coefﬁcients
Authors: Černá Dana , Finĕk Václav
Published: February 2017

We propose a construction of a Hermite cubic spline-wavelet basis on the interval and hypercube. The basis is adapted to homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. The wavelets are orthogonal to piecewise polynomials of degree at most seven on a uniform grid. Therefore, the wavelets have eight vanishing moments, and the matrices arising from discretization of differential equations with coefﬁcients that are piecewise polynomials of degree at most four on uniform grids are sparse. Numerical examples demonstrate the efﬁciency of an adaptive wavelet method with the constructed wavelet basis for solving the one-dimensional elliptic equation and the two-dimensional Black–Scholes equation with a quadratic volatility.
m1A Post‐Transcriptional Modification in tRNAs
Authors: Oerum Stephanie , Dégut Clément , Barraud Pierre , Tisné Carine
Published: February 2017

To date, about 90 post‐transcriptional modifications have been reported in tRNA expanding their chemical and functional diversity. Methylation is the most frequent post‐transcriptional tRNA modification that can occur on almost all nitrogen sites of the nucleobases, on the C5 atom of pyrimidines, on the C2 and C8 atoms of adenosine and, additionally, on the oxygen of the ribose 2′-OH. The methylation on the N1 atom of adenosine to form 1‐methyladenosine (m1A) has been identified at nucleotide position 9, 14, 22, 57, and 58 in different tRNAs. In some cases, these modifications have been shown to increase tRNA structural stability and induce correct tRNA folding. This review provides an overview of the currently known m1A modifications, the different m1A modification sites, the biological role of each modification, and the enzyme responsible for each methylation in different species. The review further describes, in detail, two enzyme families responsible for formation of m1A at nucleotide position 9 and 58 in tRNA with a focus on the tRNA binding, m1A mechanism, protein domain organisation and overall structures.
Mapping Post‐Transcriptional Modifications onto Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Sequences by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ross Robert , Cao Xiaoyu , Limbach Patrick
Published: February 2017

Liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, has become one of the most popular methods for the analysis of post‐transcriptionally modified transfer ribonucleic acids (tRNAs). Given that the information collected using this platform is entirely determined by the mass of the analyte, it has proven to be the gold standard for accurately assigning nucleobases to the sequence. For the past few decades many labs have worked to improve the analysis, contiguous to instrumentation manufacturers developing faster and more sensitive instruments. With biological discoveries relating to ribonucleic acid happening more frequently, mass spectrometry has been invaluable in helping to understand what is happening at the molecular level. Here we present a brief overview of the methods that have been developed and refined for the analysis of modified tRNAs by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
Variation in Incidence and Severity of Injuries among Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Messmer Vanessa , Pratchett Morgan , Chong-Seng Karen
Published: February 2017

Despite the presence of numerous sharp poisonous spines, adult crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) are vulnerable to predation, though the importance and rates of predation are generally unknown. This study explores variation in the incidence and severity of injuries for Acanthaster cf. solaris from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The major cause of such injuries is presumed to be sub-lethal predation such that the incidence of injuries may provide a proxy for overall predation and mortality rates. A total of 3846 Acanthaster cf. solaris were sampled across 19 reefs, of which 1955 (50.83%) were injured. Both the incidence and severity of injuries decreased with increasing body size. For small CoTS (<125 mm total diameter) >60% of individuals had injuries, and a mean 20.7% of arms (±2.9 SE) were affected. By comparison, <30% of large (>450 mm total diameter) CoTS had injuries, and, among those, only 8.3% of arms (±1.7 SE) were injured. The incidence of injuries varied greatly among reefs but was unaffected by the regulations of local fisheries.
Human Gingival Crevicular Fluids (GCF) Proteomics: An Overview
Authors: Khurshid Zohaib , Mali Maria , Naseem Mustafa , Najeeb Shariq , Zafar Muhammad
Published: February 2017

Like other fluids of the human body, a gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) contains proteins, a diverse population of cells, desquamated epithelial cells, and bacteria from adjacent plaque. Proteomic tools have revolutionized the characterization of proteins and peptides and the detection of early disease changes in the human body. Gingival crevicular fluids (GCFs) are a very specific oral cavity fluid that represents periodontal health. Due to their non-invasive sampling, they have attracted proteome research and are used as diagnostic fluids for periodontal diseases and drug analysis. The aim of this review is to explore the proteomic science of gingival crevicular fluids (GCFs), their physiology, and their role in disease detection.
Admitting Spontaneous Violations of the Second Law in Continuum Thermomechanics
Authors: Ostoja-Starzewski Martin
Published: February 2017

We survey new extensions of continuum mechanics incorporating spontaneous violations of the Second Law (SL), which involve the viscous flow and heat conduction. First, following an account of the Fluctuation Theorem (FT) of statistical mechanics that generalizes the SL, the irreversible entropy is shown to evolve as a submartingale. Next, a stochastic thermomechanics is formulated consistent with the FT, which, according to a revision of classical axioms of continuum mechanics, must be set up on random fields. This development leads to a reformulation of thermoviscous fluids and inelastic solids. These two unconventional constitutive behaviors may jointly occur in nano-poromechanics.
Quantifying Synergistic Information Using Intermediate Stochastic Variables
Authors: Quax Rick , Har-Shemesh Omri , Sloot Peter
Published: February 2017

Quantifying synergy among stochastic variables is an important open problem in information theory. Information synergy occurs when multiple sources together predict an outcome variable better than the sum of single-source predictions. It is an essential phenomenon in biology such as in neuronal networks and cellular regulatory processes, where different information flows integrate to produce a single response, but also in social cooperation processes as well as in statistical inference tasks in machine learning. Here we propose a metric of synergistic entropy and synergistic information from first principles. The proposed measure relies on so-called synergistic random variables (SRVs) which are constructed to have zero mutual information about individual source variables but non-zero mutual information about the complete set of source variables. We prove several basic and desired properties of our measure, including bounds and additivity properties. In addition, we prove several important consequences of our measure, including the fact that different types of synergistic information may co-exist between the same sets of variables. A numerical implementation is provided, which we use to demonstrate that synergy is associated with resilience to noise. Our measure may be a marked step forward in the study of multivariate information theory and its numerous applications.
The Test of Practice–An Essay
Authors: Løvlie Lars
Published: February 2017

This essay starts in medias res, in the puzzling reappearance of the classical metaphor of Bildung as the transformation of man’s “first” animal nature into the “second” cultivated one. I call it the two-natures metaphor. I think it misrepresents children by prescribing form rather than asking what actually takes form in the child’s mind—in his/her relationship with adults. It made me wonder whether this mistake also lingers on in the current discourse on education. I then turn to aspects of John Dewey’s subtle and revolutionary critique of the classical theory of formation, but also to make the controversial point that he, too, seems to miss the importance of the child’s internal point of view. The importance of the subjective life of the child is suggested first by reinscribing Rousseau and Kant into the intersubjective theories of Hegel and Dewey; second, by reference to recent studies in developmental psychology that offer detailed and in-depth descriptions of our relationship with children. My basic point of departure is the existential encounters between children and adults, for example, as part of classroom practices. The title has a double connotation. It means that theory must be taken as the measure of practice. It means, too, that practice must work as the measure of theory. I will, in the main, try and pursue the last course.
A Cluster Design on the Influence of Energy Taxation in Shaping the New EU-28 Economic Paradigm
Authors: Zaharia Marian , Pătrașcu Aurelia , Gogonea Manuela , Tănăsescu Ana , Popescu Constanța
Published: February 2017

Environmental and energy taxation are essential components for designing global economic policies and they often contribute to achieving the sustainable economic development goals in contemporary economies. Starting from the analysis of certain elements such as the share of environmental, energy, transport and pollution taxation in GDP and using the Hierarchical Clustering methodology, the paper aims to identify economic models of behaviour and to understand the influence of energy taxation in designing an economic paradigm. In addition, another objective of the paper is to deepen the relationships that energy taxation has in designing certain economic models of behaviour and to group the EU-28 Member States based on the specified criteria. The research results confirm that at the EU-28 level could exist elements for achieving energy taxation convergence and that the states should promote a more accurate fiscal policy in order to improve the loss of competitivity caused by an inaccurate energy taxation.
Soil Erosion Risk Assessment in Uganda
Authors: Karamage Fidele , Zhang Chi , Liu Tong , Maganda Andrew , Isabwe Alain
Published: February 2017

Land use without adequate soil erosion control measures is continuously increasing the risk of soil erosion by water mainly in developing tropical countries. These countries are prone to environmental disturbance due to high population growth and high rainfall intensity. The aim of this study is to assess the state of soil erosion by water in Uganda at national and district levels, for various land cover and land use (LCLU) types, in protected areas as well to predict the impact of support practices on soil loss reduction. Predictions obtained using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model indicated that the mean rate of soil loss risk in Uganda’s erosion‐prone lands was 3.2 t∙ha−1∙y−1, resulting in a total annual soil loss of about 62 million tons in 2014. About 39% of the country’s erosion‐prone lands were comprised of unsustainable mean soil loss rates >1 t∙ha−1∙y−1. Out of 112 districts in Uganda, 66 districts were found to have unsustainable estimated soil loss rates >1 t∙ha−1∙y−1. Six districts in Uganda were found to have mean annual soil loss rates of >10 t∙ha−1∙y−1: Bududa (46.3 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Kasese (37.5 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Bundibugyo (28.9 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Bulambuli (20.9 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Sironko (14.6 t∙ha−1∙y−1) and Kotido (12.5 t∙ha−1∙y−1). Among the LCLU types, the highest soil loss rates of 11 t∙ha−1∙y−1 and 10.6 t∙ha−1∙y−1 were found in moderate natural forest and dense natural forest, respectively, mainly due to their locations in highland areas characterized by steep slopes ranging between 16% to 21% and their high rainfall intensity, ranging from 1255 mm∙y−1 to 1292 mm∙y−1. Only five protected areas in Uganda were found to have high mean estimated mean soil loss rates >10 t∙ha−1∙y−1: Rwenzori Mountains (142.94 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Mount Elgon (33.81 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Bokora corridor (12.13 t∙ha−1∙y−1), Matheniko (10.39 t∙ha−1∙y−1), and Nangolibwel (10.33 t∙ha−1∙y−1). To manage soil erosion in Uganda’s protected areas, there is an urgent need to control wildfires and human‐induced disturbances such as timber harvesting and soil compaction from domestic animals. Our study analysis revealed that well‐established terraces and strip‐cropping could significantly reduce soil loss rates in Uganda’s croplands by 80% (from 1.5 t∙ha−1∙y−1 to 0.3 t∙ha−1∙y−1) and by 47% (from 1.5 t∙ha−1∙y−1 to 0.8 t∙ha−1∙y−1), respectively, well below the sustainable soil erosion tolerance rate (1 t∙ha−1∙y−1) for land and water conservation.
Change in Future Rainfall Characteristics in the Mekrou Catchment (Benin), from an Ensemble of 3 RCMs (MPI-REMO, DMI-HIRHAM5 and SMHI-RCA4)
Authors: Obada Ezéchiel , Alamou Eric , Zandagba Josué , Chabi Amédée , Afouda Abel
Published: February 2017

This study analyzes the impact of climate change on several characteristics of rainfall in the Mekrou catchment for the twenty-first century. To this end, a multi-model ensemble based on regional climate model experiments considering two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) is used. The results indicate a wider range of precipitation uncertainty (roughly between −10% and 10%), a decrease in the number of wet days (about 10%), an increase (about 10%) of the total intensity of precipitation for very wet days, and changes in the length of the dry spell period, as well as the onset and end of the rainy season. The maximum rainfall amounts of consecutive 24 h, 48 h and 72 h will experience increases of about 50% of the reference period. This change in rate compared to the reference period may cause an exacerbation of extreme events (droughts and floods) in the Mekrou basin, especially at the end of the century and under the RCP8.5 scenario. To cope with the challenges posed by the projected climate change for the Mekrou watershed, strong governmental policies are needed to help design response options.
Basigin rs8259 Polymorphism Confers Decreased Risk of Chronic Heart Failure in a Chinese Population
Authors: Li Mu-Peng , Hu Xiao-Lei , Yang Yong-Long , Zhang Yan-Jiao , Zhou Ji-Peng , Peng Li-Ming , Tang Jie , Chen Xiao-Ping
Published: February 2017

Left ventricular remodeling is an essential risk factor contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF). Basigin (BSG) promotes cardiovascular inflammation and myocardial remodeling processes by induction of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases and inflammatory cytokines. BSG rs8259 polymorphism was associated with BSG expression and risk of acute coronary syndrome. Therefore, we investigated whether rs8259 polymorphism contributes to risk and prognosis of CHF in Chinese patients. In total 922 adult patients with CHF and 1107 matched healthy controls were enrolled. BSG rs8259 polymorphism was genotyped using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Whole blood BSG mRNA expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression project was accessed. Evaluation of follow-up data was performed in only 15.2% (140) of the patients with CHF. BSG rs8259 TT genotype was associated with a decreased risk of CHF (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.72–0.96, p = 0.010), especially in patients with hypertension (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.68–0.95, p = 0.011) and coronary heart disease (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.69–0.96, p = 0.013) after adjustment for multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Rs8259 T allele was associated with decreased BSG mRNA in whole blood from 338 healthy normal donors (p = 1.31 × 10−6). However, rs8259 polymorphism failed to exhibit an association with cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.283). BSG rs8259 polymorphism may contribute to decreased risk of CHF in a Chinese Han population.
The Vulnerability of People to Landslides: A Case Study on the Relationship between the Casualties and Volume of Landslides in China
Authors: Lin Qigen , Wang Ying , Liu Tianxue , Zhu Yingqi , Sui Qi
Published: February 2017

The lack of a detailed landslide inventory makes research on the vulnerability of people to landslides highly limited. In this paper, the authors collect information on the landslides that have caused casualties in China, and established the Landslides Casualties Inventory of China. 100 landslide cases from 2003 to 2012 were utilized to develop an empirical relationship between the volume of a landslide event and the casualties caused by the occurrence of the event. The error bars were used to describe the uncertainty of casualties resulting from landslides and to establish a threshold curve of casualties caused by landslides in China. The threshold curve was then applied to the landslide cases occurred in 2013 and 2014. The validation results show that the estimated casualties of the threshold curve were in good agreement with the real casualties with a small deviation. Therefore, the threshold curve can be used for estimating potential casualties and landslide vulnerability, which is meaningful for emergency rescue operations after landslides occurred and for risk assessment research.
Characterization of Carbonic Anhydrase 9 in the Alimentary Canal of Aedes aegypti and Its Relationship to Homologous Mosquito Carbonic Anhydrases
Authors: Dixon Daniel , Van Ekeris Leslie , Linser Paul
Published: February 2017

In the mosquito midgut, luminal pH regulation and cellular ion transport processes are important for the digestion of food and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. pH regulation in the mosquito gut is affected by the vectorial movement of the principal ions including bicarbonate/carbonate and protons. As in all metazoans, mosquitoes employ the product of aerobic metabolism carbon dioxide in its bicarbonate/carbonate form as one of the major buffers of cellular and extracellular pH. The conversion of metabolic carbon dioxide to bicarbonate/carbonate is accomplished by a family of enzymes encoded by the carbonic anhydrase gene family. This study characterizes Aedes aegypti carbonic anhydrases using bioinformatic, molecular, and immunohistochemical methods. Our analyses show that there are fourteen Aedes aegypti carbonic anhydrase genes, two of which are expressed as splice variants. The carbonic anhydrases were classified as either integral membrane, peripheral membrane, mitochondrial, secreted, or soluble cytoplasmic proteins. Using polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, one of the carbonic anhydrases, Aedes aegypti carbonic anhydrase 9, was analyzed and found in each life stage, male/female pupae, male/female adults, and in the female posterior midgut. Next, carbonic anhydrase 9 was analyzed in larvae and adults using confocal microscopy and was detected in the midgut regions. According to our analyses, carbonic anhydrase 9 is a soluble cytoplasmic enzyme found in the alimentary canal of larvae and adults and is expressed throughout the life cycle of the mosquito. Based on previous physiological analyses of adults and larvae, it appears AeCA9 is one of the major carbonic anhydrases involved in producing bicarbonate/carbonate which is involved in pH regulation and ion transport processes in the alimentary canal. Detailed understanding of the molecular bases of ion homeostasis in mosquitoes will provide targets for novel mosquito control strategies into the new millennium.
Urban Pollutant Transport and Infiltration into Buildings Using Perfluorocarbon Tracers
Authors: Matthews James , Bacak Asan , Khan M. , Wright Matthew , Priestley Michael , Martin Damien , Percival Carl , Shallcross Dudley
Published: February 2017

People spend the majority of their time indoors and therefore the quality of indoor air is worthy of investigation; indoor air quality is affected by indoor sources of pollutants and from pollutants entering buildings from outdoors. In this study, unique perfluorocarbon tracers were released in five experiments at a 100 m and ~2 km distance from a large university building in Manchester, UK and tracer was also released inside the building to measure the amount of outdoor material penetrating into buildings and the flow of material within the building itself. Air samples of the tracer were taken in several rooms within the building, and a CO2 tracer was used within the building to estimate air-exchange rates. Air-exchange rates were found to vary between 0.57 and 10.90 per hour. Indoor perfluorocarbon tracer concentrations were paired to outdoor tracer concentrations, and in-out ratios were found to vary between 0.01 and 3.6. The largest room with the lowest air-exchange rate exhibited elevated tracer concentrations for over 60 min after the release had finished, but generally had the lowest concentrations, the room with the highest ventilation rates had the highest concentration over 30 min, but the peak decayed more rapidly. Tracer concentrations indoors compared to outdoors imply that pollutants remain within buildings after they have cleared outside, which must be considered when evaluating human exposure to outdoor pollutants.
DNA Methylation Status of PAX1 and ZNF582 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Jin , Wang Guo , Tang Jie , Zhuang Wei , Wang Li-Ping , Liou Yu-Ligh , Liu Ying-Zi , Zhou Hong-Hao , Zhu Yuan-Shan
Published: February 2017

Hypermethylation of specific gene promoters is an important mechanism of carcinogenesis. A high frequency of promoter methylation of PAX1 and ZNF582 genes has been detected in cervical cancer. In the present study, we investigated the methylation status of PAX1 and ZNF582 genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues. Tumor and paracancerous tissues were obtained from 14 ESCC patients. Genomic DNA was extracted from both tumor and paracancerous tissues, and the concentration of DNA were determined. DNA methylation analysis of PAX1 and ZNF582 genes was carried out using quantitative methylation-specific PCR. To assess the diagnostic performance of the two methylated genes for cancer detection, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Sensitivities and specificities were tested at cut-offs obtained from the ROC curves. The methylation levels of both PAX1 and ZNF582 genes were significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to non-tumor paracancerous tissues. The methylation rates of PAX1 and ZNF582 in ESCC tumor and paracancerous tissues were 100% and 21.4% (p = 0.006), 85.7% and 0% (p < 0.001), respectively. The sensitivities and specificities of PAX1 and ZNF582 methylation for the detection of cancer were 100% and 85.7%, and 78.6% and 100%, respectively. The DNA methylation levels and frequencies of PAX1 and ZNF582 genes were markedly higher in ESCC tumor tissues compared to those in paracancerous tissues. Moreover, the conclusions were verified by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. DNA methylation status of these two genes showed a relatively good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of ESCC tumors. This data suggests that DNA methylation testing holds a great promise for ESCC screening and warrants further prospective population-based studies.
Silencing of Two Insulin Receptor Genes Disrupts Nymph-Adult Transition of Alate Brown Citrus Aphid
Authors: Ding Bi-Yue , Shang Feng , Zhang Qiang , Xiong Ying , Yang Qun , Niu Jin-Zhi , Smagghe Guy , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: February 2017

Insulin receptors play key roles in growth, development, and polymorphism in insects. Here, we report two insulin receptor genes (AcInR1 and AcInR2) from the brown citrus aphid, Aphis (Toxoptera) citricidus. Transcriptional analyses showed that AcInR1 increased during the nymph–adult transition in alate aphids, while AcInR2 had the highest expression level in second instar nymphs. AcInR1 is important in aphid development from fourth instar nymphs to adults as verified by dsRNA feeding mediated RNAi. The silencing of AcInR1 or/and AcInR2 produced a variety of phenotypes including adults with normal wings, malformed wings, under-developed wings, and aphids failing to develop beyond the nymphal stages. Silencing of AcInR1 or AcInR2 alone, and co-silencing of both genes, resulted in 73% or 60%, and 87% of aphids with problems in the transition from nymph to normal adult. The co-silencing of AcInR1 and AcInR2 resulted in 62% dead nymphs, but no mortality occurred by silencing of AcInR1 or AcInR2 alone. Phenotypes of adults in the dsInR1 and dsInR2 were similar. The results demonstrate that AcInR1 and AcInR2 are essential for successful nymph–adult transition in alate aphids and show that RNAi methods may be useful for the management of this pest.
Sex-Specificity of Mineralocorticoid Target Gene Expression during Renal Development, and Long-Term Consequences
Authors: Dumeige Laurence , Storey Caroline , Decourtye Lyvianne , Nehlich Melanie , Lhadj Christophe , Viengchareun Say , Kappeler Laurent , Lombès Marc , Martinerie Laetitia
Published: February 2017

Sex differences have been identified in various biological processes, including hypertension. The mineralocorticoid signaling pathway is an important contributor to early arterial hypertension, however its sex-specific expression has been scarcely studied, particularly with respect to the kidney. Basal systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured in adult male and female mice. Renal gene expression studies of major players of mineralocorticoid signaling were performed at different developmental stages in male and female mice using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and were compared to those of the same genes in the lung, another mineralocorticoid epithelial target tissue that regulates ion exchange and electrolyte balance. The role of sex hormones in the regulation of these genes was also investigated in differentiated KC3AC1 renal cells. Additionally, renal expression of the 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) protein, a regulator of mineralocorticoid specificity, was measured by immunoblotting and its activity was indirectly assessed in the plasma using liquid-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in tandem (LC-MSMS) method. SBP and HR were found to be significantly lower in females compared to males. This was accompanied by a sex- and tissue-specific expression profile throughout renal development of the mineralocorticoid target genes serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (Sgk1) and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein (Gilz), together with Hsd11b2, Finally, the implication of sex hormones in this sex-specific expression profile was demonstrated in vitro, most notably for Gilz mRNA expression. We demonstrate a tissue-specific, sex-dependent and developmentally-regulated pattern of expression of the mineralocorticoid pathway that could have important implications in physiology and pathology.
Effects and Side Effects of Using Sorafenib and Sunitinib in the Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Randrup Hansen Caroline , Grimm Daniela , Bauer Johann , Wehland Markus , Magnusson Nils
Published: February 2017

In recent years, targeted therapies have proven beneficial in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sorafenib and sunitinib are included in international clinical guidelines as first-line and second-line therapy in mRCC. Hypertension is an adverse effect of these drugs and the degree of hypertension associates with the anti-tumour effect. Studies have compared newer targeted drugs to sorafenib and sunitinib in terms of PFS, OS, quality of life and safety profiles. Phase III studies presented promising response rates and acceptable safety profiles of axitinib and tivozanib compared to sorafenib, and a phase II study reported greater efficacy using a combination of bevacizumab and IFN-α compared to sunitinib. Treatment with nintedanib exhibited a notably low prevalence of hypertension compared to sunitinib. The use of sorafenib and sunitinib are challenged by new drugs, but do not appear likely to be substituted in the near future. To clarify whether newer targeted drugs should replace sorafenib and sunitinib, more research is needed. This manuscript reviews the current utility and adverse effects of sorafenib and sunitinib and newer targeted therapies in the treatment of mRCC.
Cryptomphalus aspersa Mollusc Egg Extract Promotes Regenerative Effects in Human Dermal Papilla Stem Cells
Authors: Alameda María , Morel Esther , Parrado Concepción , González Salvador , Juarranz Ángeles
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to test, by an in vitro approach, whether a natural extract derived from eggs of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa (e-CAF) that seems to present regenerative properties, can enhance the mobilization of human hair dermal papilla cells (HHDPCs) and play a role on tissue repair and regeneration. We have tested HHDPCs proliferation by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) assay; cell migration by using a wound healing assay, as well as the modulation of the expression of cytoskeletal (F-actin and vimentin) and cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) (vinculin and P-FAK) proteins. We also explored whether e-CAF could lead HHDPCs to keratinocytes and/or fibroblasts by evaluating the expression of specific markers. We have compared these e-CAF effects with those induced by TGFβ1, implicated in regulation of cell proliferation and migration. e-CAF promotes proliferation and migration of HDDPCs cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner; it also increases the migratory behavior and the expression of adhesion molecules. These results support the fact that e-CAF could play a role on skin regeneration and be used for the prevention or repair of damaged tissue, either due to external causes or as a result of cutaneous aging.
The Adverse Effects of Triptolide on the Reproductive System of Caenorhabditis elegans: Oogenesis Impairment and Decreased Oocyte Quality
Authors: Ruan Qinli , Xu Yun , Xu Rui , Wang Jiaying , Hua Yongqing , Wang Meng , Duan Jinao
Published: February 2017

Previous studies have revealed that Triptolide damages female reproductive capacity, but the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the effects of Triptolide on the germline and explore its possible mechanisms. Our data show that exposure for 4 h to 50 and 100 mg/L Triptolide reduced C. elegans fertility, led to depletion and inactivation of spermatids with the changes in the expression levels of related genes, and increased the number of unfertilized oocytes through damaging chromosomes and DNA damage repair mechanisms. After 24 and 48 h of the 4 h exposure to 50 and 100 mg/L Triptolide, we observed shrink in distal tip cells, an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, a decrease in the number of mitotic germ cells and oocytes in diakinesis stage, and chromatin aggregates in −1 oocytes. Moreover, expression patterns of the genes associated with mitotic germ cell proliferation, apoptosis, and oocyte quality were altered after Triptolide exposure. Therefore, Triptolide may damage fertility of nematodes by hampering the development of oocytes at different developmental stages. Alterations in the expression patterns of genes involved in oocyte development may explain the corresponding changes in oocyte development in nematodes exposed to Triptolide.