bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study of the relationships between different components of sarcopenia and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity in community-dwelling elderly
Authors: Rong Yu-Dong , Bian Ai-Lin , Hu Hui-Ying , Ma Yue , Zhou Xin-Zi
Published: November 2019

Background Previous studies have just found skeletal muscle mass decline is associated with arterial stiffness, but it is unclear whether muscle strength and physical performance as important compositions of sarcopenia are associated with arterial stiffness.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia, the components of sarcopenia and arterial stiffness among elderly in the community. Methods This study enrolled 450 elderly people who received general medical examinations in Tianjin First Central Hospital. Each of the subjects was greater than 65 years old, including 266 male and 184 female subjects. Based on the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia in older people developed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS), 89 subjects were separated into the sarcopenia group. The living habits, disease status, general status and laboratory examinations of all subjects were collected. The body composition (including appendicular skeletal muscle mass and visceral fat area (VFA) of each participant) was measured by bioimpedance analysis. HS, usual gait speed (GS), and brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured.Results Sarcopenia subjects had higher baPWV, nutrition risk and lower appendicular skeletal muscle index(ASMI), Handgrip strength(HS), GS, body mass index(BMI), triacylglycerol(TG), serum albumin(ALB) and creatinine(Cr) than did non-sarcopenia subjects; Sarcopenia subjects also had higher visceral fat area (VFA) than did non-sarcopenia subjects (p<0.05). ASMI and HS were negatively correlated with baPWV (t=-5.807, p=0.000 and t=-3.085, p=0.002), but the relationship between baPWV and GS was not statistically significant (t=-0.862, p=0.389) by multivariable linear regression. After adjusting for confounders, a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that incidence of sarcopenia was related with age, BMI, sports and baPWV in community dwelling elderly. Conclusions ASMI and HS were negatively correlated with baPWV in community dwelling elderly in China; and baPWV was a risk factor for incidence of sarcopenia.
Gut microbiome-derived lactate promotes to anxiety-like behaviors through GPR81 receptor-mediated lipid metabolism pathway
Authors: Shan Baixi , Song Yonggui , Zeng Sufen , Song Jiagui , Zeng Qiang , Liao Zhou , Wang Tingting , Huang Chao , Su Dan
Published: November 2019

Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic stress can perturb the composition of the gut microbiota and induce host anxiety-like behavior. In particular, microorganism-derived products that can directly or indirectly signal to the nervous system. This study sought to investigate whether high levels of Lactobacillus and lactic acid in the gut of rats under chronic unpredictable stress were the factors leading to anxiety. Results: Oral lactic acid rat and transplantation of fecal microbiota from anxious rats into antibiotic-treated rat caused behavioral abnormalities such as psychomotor hyperactivity, impaired learning and memory in the recipient animals. These rats also showed inhibition of the adenylate cyclase-protein kinase A pathway of lipolysis after activation of G protein-coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) by lactic acid in the liver, as well as increased TNF-α, compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, we show that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) protein expression in hippocampus is reduced in chronic unpredictable stress compared to control subjects and its expression negatively correlates with symptom severity. Conclusions: our study suggests that the gut microbiome-derived lactate promotes to anxiety-like behaviors through GPR81 receptor-mediated lipid metabolism pathway.
Vaginal microbiota alterations in women with recurrent implantation failure and the associated metabolome
Authors: Fu Min , Zhang Xiaowei , Qian Weiping , Liang Yiheng , Lin Shouren , Fan Shangrong
Published: November 2019

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is now widely applied in treating infertility. As the number of IVF cycles continues to increase, recurrent implantation failure (RIF) has become a big challenge. The cause of RIF is very complex and remains largely unrevealed, especially for those without any pathological features. It has been proved that vaginal microbiota is associated with many female reproductive diseases, such as pregnancy-related diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, tubal factor infertility, and first trimester miscarriage after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and so on. Hence, vaginal microbiota and its metabolome may also relate to RIF. In this study, we characterized the vaginal microbiota and metabolome of patients with unexplained RIF, while patients who achieved clinical pregnancy in the first IVF cycle were used as controls. Results Based on 16S rDNA sequencing of the vaginal microbiota, the RIF group presented higher microbial α-diversity than the control group (0.80±0.50 vs 0.50±0.39, P-value=0.016) and harbored more non-Lactobacillus microorganisms, including 25 significantly increased genera of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The metabolomic profile showed that the relative abundances of 37 metabolites among 2,507 metabolites were significantly different between the two groups. Among them, 2',3-cyclic UMP and phosphoinositide were the top two metabolites significantly upregulated in the RIF group, while glycerophospholipids and benzopyran were important metabolites that were significantly downregulated. Lysobisphosphatidic acid (LPA) and prostaglandin (PG) metabolized from glycerophospholipids are key factors affecting implantation and decidualization. Benzopyran, as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), may affect the outcome of pregnancy. All of the metabolome outcomes may result in or from the differential microbiota composition in the RIF patients. Conclusions In conclusion, significant differences were presented in the vaginal microbiota and metabolome between RIF patients and women who became pregnant in the first IVF cycle, which are related to embryo implantation. This study not only deeply investigates the relationship between RIF and the vaginal microbial community and its metabolites but also provides a profound understanding of the pathogenesis of RIF.
Fast, simple and highly specific molecular detection of Vibrio alginolyticus pathogenic strains using a visualized isothermal amplification method
Authors: Dong Yu , Zhao Panpan , Wu Huahua , Shen Xin , Shen Hui , Li Juan , Qiao Yi , Chen Qiong , Jia Weiwei , Zhang Kunxiao , Dong Jingquan , Gao Song
Published: November 2019

Background: Vibrio alginolyticus is an important pathogen that has to be closely monitored and controlled in the mariculture industry for its strong pathogenicity, quick onset after infection and high mortality rate to aquatic animals. Fast, simple and specific methods are demanded for its on-site detection to effectively control its outbreaks and prevent economic losses. Detection specificity towards the pathogenic strains has to be emphasized to facilitate pointed treatment and prevention. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based molecular approaches have been developed, but their application is limited due to the requirement for complicated thermal cycling machines and trained personnel. Results: A fast, simple and highly specific detection method for V. alginolyticus pathogenic strains was established based on the isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and lateral flow dipsticks (LFD). The method targeted a virulence gene toxR that was reported to have a good coverage for the V. alginolyticus pathogenic strains. To ensure the specificity, the primer-probe set of the RPA system was carefully designed to recognize regions in gene toxR that were diverged in different Vibrio species but conserved in V. alginolyticus pathogenic strains. The primer-probe set was determined after a systematic screening on amplification performance, primer-dimer formation and false positive signals.The RPA-LFD method was confirmed to have a high specificity to V. alginolyticus pathogenic strains without any cross reaction with other Vibrio species, and was able to detect as low as 1 colony forming unit per microliter of the bacterium without DNA extraction. The method finishes detection within 30 min under the temperature between 35oC and 45oC, and the visual signal on the dipstick was directly read with naked eye. In an application simulation, randomly infected shrimp homogenate samples were 100% accurately detected. Conclusions: ​The RPA-LFD method developed in this study is fast, simple, highly specific and independent of complicated equipment. It is well applicable to the on-site detection of V. alginolyticus pathogenic strains for the mariculture industry.
Identifying Phenogroups in Patients with Subclinical Diastolic Dysfunction Using Unsupervised Statistical Learning
Authors: Strande Jennifer , Kaptein Yvonne E. , Karagodin Ilya , Zuo Hongquan , Lu Yu , Zhang Jun , Kaptein John S.
Published: November 2019

Subclinical diastolic dysfunction is a precursor for developing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); yet not all patients progress to HFpEF. Our objective was to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic variables to identify patients who develop HFpEF.Methods and Results Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic data were retrospectively collected for 81 patients without HF and 81 matched patients with HFpEF at the time of first documentation of subclinical diastolic dysfunction. Unsupervised clustering identified 3 subgroups which differed in gender composition, severity of cardiac hypertrophy and aortic stenosis, NT-proBNP, percentage of patients who progressed to HFpEF, and timing of disease progression from diastolic dysfunction to HFpEF to death. Clusters that had higher percentages of women had progressively milder cardiac hypertrophy, less severe aortic stenosis, lower NT-proBNP, were diagnosed at an older age with HFpEF, and survived to an older age. Independent predictors of HFpEF for the entire cohort included diabetes, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and diuretic use, with additional predictive variables found for each cluster.Conclusions Cluster analysis can identify phenotypically distinct subgroups of patients with diastolic dysfunction. Clusters differ in HFpEF and mortality outcome. In addition, the variables that correlate with and predict HFpEF outcome differ among clusters.
Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses between small yellow follicles and the smallest hierarchical follicles reveal a role of VLDLR in chicken follicle selection
Authors: Chen Qiuyue , Wang Yiya , Liu Zemin , Guo Xiaoli , Sun Yi , Kang Li , Jiang Yunliang
Published: November 2019

Background Follicle selection in chicken refers to the process of selecting one from a group of small yellow follicles (SY, 6-8mm in diameter) to enter the 12-15 mm hierarchical follicles (usually F6 follicles), which is a an important process affecting laying performance in the poultry industry. Although transcripromic analysis on chicken ovarian follicles was reported, integrated analysis on chicken follicles around selection by using both transcripromic and proteomic approaches was still lacking. In this study, we compared the proteomes and transcriptomes of SY and F6 follicles of laying hens and found some genes involved in chicken follicle selection.Results Transcriptomic analysis revealed 855 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SY follicles and F6 follicles of laying hens, among which 202 were upregulated and 653 were downregulated. Proteomic analysis revealed 259 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), including 175 upregulated and 84 downregulated proteins. Among the identified DEGs and DEPs, the expression changes of seven genes including VLDLR1,WIF1, NGFR, AMH, BMP15, GDF6 and MMP13 , and nine proteins including VLDLR, VTG1, VTG3, PSCA, APOB, APOV1, F10, ZP2 and ZP3L2 were validated. In addition VLDLR expression was significantly down-regulated in F6 follicles compared with SY follicles, was signifcantly higher in the GCs than in the TCs and was stimulated by FSH in GCs of both hierarchical and prehierarchical follicles.Conclusions By comparing the proteomes and transcriptomes of SY follicles and F6 of laying hens, we identified some differentially expressed proteins/genes that might play certain roles in chicken follicle selection. These data may contribute to identification of the functional genes and proteins involved in chicken follicular development and selection.
Expert Curation of the Human and Mouse Olfactory Receptor Gene Repertoires Identifies Conserved Coding Regions Split Across Two Exons.
Authors: Barnes If , Ibarra-Soria Ximena , Fitzgerald Stephen , Gonzalez Jose , Davidson Claire , Hardy Matthew , Manthravadi Deepa , Gerven Laura Van , Jorissen Mark , Zeng Zhen , Khan Mona , Mombaerts Peter , Harrow Jennifer , Logan Darren , Frankish Adam
Published: November 2019

Olfactory receptor (OR) genes are the largest multi-gene family in the mammalian genome, with over 850 in human and nearly 1500 genes in mouse. The expansion of the OR gene repertoire has occurred through numerous duplication events followed by diversification, resulting in a large number of highly similar paralogous genes. These characteristics have made the annotation of the complete OR gene repertoire a complex task. Most OR genes have been predicted in silico and are typically annotated as intronless coding sequences. Here we have developed an expert curation pipeline to analyse and annotate every OR gene in the human and mouse reference genomes. By combining evidence from structural features, evolutionary conservation and experimental data, we have unified the annotation of these gene families, and have systematically determined the protein-coding potential of each locus. We have defined the non-coding regions of many OR genes, enabling us to generate full-length transcript models. We found that 13 human and 41 mouse OR loci have coding sequences that are split across two exons. These split OR genes are conserved across mammals, and are expressed at the same level as protein-coding OR genes with an intronless coding region. Our findings challenge the long-standing and widespread notion that the coding region of a vertebrate OR gene is contained within a single exon.
Generalized Joint Hypermobility among School-going children in Majmaah region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sirajudeen Mohamed Sherif , Waly Mohamed , Alqahtani Mazen , Alzhrani Msaad , Muthusamy Hariraja , Unnikrishnan Radhakrishnan , Saibannavar Rashmi , Alrubaia Wafa , Vaiyapuri Anandh , Nambi Gopal S
Published: November 2019

Background Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is common among schoolchildren and usually benign. However, progressively may lead to joint pain and developmental delay. Identifying the GJH at the school-age would facilitate to monitor early changes and to plan for early rehabilitative intervention. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with the GJH among school-going children in the Majmaah region, Saudi Arabia. Methods The school children of both genders aged 8 to 14 years from the Majmaah region of Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. The Beighton’s score was used to assess the joint hypermobility. Personal characteristics like age, height, weight, Body mass index (BMI), and handedness was also collected. Descriptive statistics were produced for personal characteristics, the point prevalence of hypermobility, frequency of Beighton score distribution, and prevalence of GJH. The association between specific factors and the presence of GJH was analyzed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression measures. Results The occurrence of GJH as defined by Beighton cutoff score ≥ 4 in the 303 participated primary school children was 15.2%. The prevalence of GJH was high among females (16.8%) compared to males (13.4%), but this difference is not statistically significant. Younger male children (age 8 to 11 years) were 16.7 times more probable to develop hypermobility (adjusted OR 0.06 [95% CI 0.01 – 0.56]) compared to older male children (age 12 to 14 years). No associations were observed among female children. Conclusion The prevalence rate reported in this study among school-going children was in the lower range in comparison with the rates reported across the globe. Beighton score of ≥4 was adequate for use in identifying GJH among children in Saudi Arabia.
Awareness of Osteoporosis among 368 Residents in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kemal Oumer , Liu Yawen , Yu Qiong , Wu Fan , Yang Shuman
Published: November 2019

Background: Studies on osteoporosis awareness among general population in China are still limited. We examined the level of osteoporosis awareness among residents in China, determined the risk factors associated with lower level of osteoporosis awareness, and assessed the sources of their knowledge about osteoporosis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 368 general residents aged 30 years or older from 19 provinces during January-March 2018 in China. All participants were identified and interviewed face-to-face by medical students in Jilin University using a structured questionnaire. Osteoporosis awareness scores (percent of correct answer) was determined across several domains, including definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and prevention of osteoporosis. We used multiple linear regression models to test the relationship between risk factors and overall awareness scores. Results: The mean age of participants was 52.9 ± 10.2 years, and 53% of them were male. Osteoporosis awareness score for definition was 77.7%, diagnosis 49.6%, risk factors 49.2%, treatment 60.5%, and prevention 69.9%. The overall awareness score was 67.8%. Lower family income and education level were significantly associated with lower overall awareness score (all p <0.05). Television or radio health program was reported to be their main source of knowledge about osteoporosis. Conclusion: The awareness level for osteoporosis is moderate; lower family income and education level were risk factors for lower awareness. Television or radio health program had the greatest contribution to osteoporosis awareness.
Altered regional gray matter volume in Chinese female patients with bulimia nervosa
Authors: Li Xiao , Liu Xiaowei , Wang Yu , Li Lingfei , Zheng Linli , Yaya Liu , Ma Jing , Zhang Lan
Published: November 2019

The bulimia nervosa (BN) is one of the psychiatric disorders, which pathophysiology is not clear currently. Recent studies have concentrated on brain structural and functional changes in BN patients. However, findings have been inconsistent.The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between brain structural alterations and clinical features in Chinese female patients with BN.Method A total of 34 female patients with BN and 34 matched healthy controls (HC) underwent a T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. VBM analysis was carried out by using SPM8 ( http://www.fil.ion.ucl.ac.uk/spm/software/spm8/ ) to explore the alterations of regional Grey Matter Volume (GMV). The correlation analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) .Results The BN group showed reduced regional grey matter volume of the left medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed.L), the right superior temporal gyrus (STG.R), the right median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG.R), the left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG.L) and the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFGdor.L) compared to HC. There was no significantly regional grey matter volume increase in BN patients. The brain areas that GMV altered were uncorrelated with BMI and duration of illness (p>0.05). There was a significantly negtive correlation between age and GMV in the SFGmed.L (P<0.005, r=-0.516), the DCG.R (P<0.005, r=-0.556), the DCG.L (P<0.05, r=-0.576) and the SFGdor.L (P<0.005,r=-0.576). The self-esteem and self-evaluation of BN patients were uncorrelated with the structural alterations of GMV.Conlusions The results show altered regional GMV in females with bulimia nervosa in several brain areas, but it difficult to differentiate whether the GMV changes are the results of BN pathology or the consequences of binge-eating and compensatory behaviour. The structural alterations might be associated with impairments of inhibitory control and body dissatisfaction in BN patients, as well as mood disorder comorbidity.
Clinical features in primary care electronic records before diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis: a nested case-control study.
Authors: Bashir Mohammed Talha , Iversen Lisa , Burton Christopher
Published: November 2019

Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) often has a long period from first symptom presentation to diagnosis. We examined the occurrence of symptoms, prescriptions and diagnostic tests in primary care electronic records over time prior to a diagnosis of AS.Methods Nested case-control study using anonymised primary care electronic health records from Scotland. Cases were 100 adults with a first diagnosis of AS between 1994 and 2010. Controls were matched for age, sex and GP practice: (a) 400 randomly selected adults (b) 236 adults whose records contained codes indicating spinal conditions or symptoms. We extracted clinical features (symptoms, AS-related disorders, prescriptions and diagnostic tests). Conditional logistic regression was used to examine the association between clinical features (both individually and in combinations) and diagnosis of AS. We examined the associations between clinical features and diagnosis over time prior to diagnosis.Results Several new composite pointers were predictive of AS: including distinct episodes of axial pain separated by more than 6 months (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.8 to 7.5) and the co-occurrence of axial pain with either large joint symptoms (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.3) or tendon symptoms within the same year (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 10.3). Coded episodes of axial pain increased steadily over the three years before diagnosis. In contrast, large joint symptoms and enthesopathy showed little or no time trend prior to diagnosis.Conclusions We identified novel composite pointers to a diagnosis of AS in GP records. These may represent valuable targets for diagnostic support systems.
Autism Spectrum Disorders in the work of General Practitioners: a systematic narrative review
Authors: Coughlan Barry , Duschinsky Robbie , O’Connor Mary-Ellen , Woolgar Matt
Published: November 2019

Background Many healthcare systems are organised such that General Practitioners (GPs) often have a key role in identifying autism spectrum disorders (autism) in children. Yet a systematic understanding of GP knowledge and experiences identifying autism is currently lacking. In this review, we explored what GPs know about autism and the factors the influence their ability to identify and manage care for their patients with autism in practice.Methods We conducted a systematic narrative review using eight electronic databases. These included EMBASE and MEDLINE via Ovid, Web of Knowledge, PsycINFO via Ebscohost, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis, and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) via ProQuest. Our search yielded 2,743 citations. Primary research studies were included, and we did not impose any geographical, language, or date restrictions.Results We identified 17 studies that met our inclusion criteria. These were published between 2003-2019. We thematically synthesised the material and identified the following themes: the prototypical image of a child with autism; experience and sources of information; barriers to identification; strategies to aid in identification; and characteristics that facilitate expertise. Conclusion Taken together, the findings from this review present a mixed picture of GP knowledge and experiences identifying autism and managing care for children with the condition. At one end of the continuum, there were GPs who had not heard of autism or endorsed outmoded aetiological theories. Others, however, demonstrated a sound knowledge of the conditions but had limited confidence in their ability to identify the condition. Many GPs and researchers alike called for more training and this might be effective. However, framing the problem as one of a lack of training risks silencing the array organisational factors that impact on a GPs ability to provide care for these patients.
Application of MALDI-TOF MS to rapid identification of anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Li Ying , Shan Mingzhu , Zhu Zuobin , Mao Xuhua , Yan Mingju , Chen Ying , Zhu Qiuju , Li Hongchun , Gu Bing
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been rapidly developed and widely used as an analytical technique in clinical laboratories with high accuracy in microorganism identification.
OBJECTIVE: To validate the efficacy of MALDI-TOF MS in identification of clinical pathogenic anaerobes.
METHODS: Twenty-eight studies covering 6685 strains of anaerobic bacteria were included in this meta-analysis. Fixed-effects models based on the P -value and the I-squared were used for meta-analysis to consider the possibility of heterogeneity between studies. Statistical analyses were performed by using STATA 12.0.
RESULTS : The identification accuracy of MALDI-TOF MS was 84% for species (I 2 = 98.0%, P < 0.1), and 92% for genus (I 2 = 96.6%, P < 0.1). Thereinto, the identification accuracy of Bacteroides was the highest at 96% with a 95% CI of 95-97%, followed by Lactobacillus spp., Parabacteroides spp., Clostridium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Prevotella spp., Veillonella spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp., and their correct identification rates were all above 90%, while the accuracy of rare anaerobic bacteria was relatively low. Meanwhile, the overall capabilities of two MALDI-TOF MS systems were different. The identification accuracy rate was 90% for VITEK MS vs . 86% for MALDI biotyper system.
CONCLUSIONS: Our research showed that MALDI-TOF-MS was satisfactory in genus identification of clinical pathogenic anaerobic bacteria. However, this method still suffers from different drawbacks in precise identification of rare anaerobe and species levels of common anaerobic bacteria.
Key words : MALDI-TOF MS , anaerobec, bacteria identification
Indonesian-English Code-Switching in Gogirl! Magazine: Types and Features
Authors: Febiyaska Agatha Elma , Ardi Priyatno
Published: November 2019

The present study investigates the types and features of Indonesian-English code switching in GoGirl! Magazine of March to May 2016 editions. Content analysis was employed in this study. The results of the analysis revealed that 1.355 cases of Indonesian-English code switching appeared in the magazines. The types of code-switching included alternation, insertion, and congruent lexicalization. The features of code switching in the magazines were several constituents, non-nested a b a, length and complexity, discourse particles and adverbs, peripherality, single constituent, nested a b a, content words, linear and structural equivalence, multi-constituent code-mixing, non-constituent mixing, and triggering. The researchers concluded that the mostly used type was alternation and non-nested a b a is the mostly used feature in GoGirl! Magazine.
Real-time discrimination of photon pairs using machine learning at the LHC
Authors: Benson Sean , Casais Vidal Adrián , Cid Vidal Xabier , Puig Navarro Albert
Published: November 2019

ALP–mediated decays and other as-yet unobserved B decays to di-photon
final states are a challenge to select in hadron collider environments
due to the large backgrounds that come directly from the pp collision.
We present the strategy implemented by the LHCb experiment in 2018 to
efficiently select such photon pairs. A fast neural network topology,
implemented in the LHCb real-time selection framework achieves high
efficiency across a mass range of
4–20GeV/c^22.
We discuss implications and future prospects for the LHCb
experiment.
Maritime financial instability and supply chain management effects
Authors: Koilo Viktoriia , Honningdal Grytten Ola
Published: November 2019

The paper investigates the offshore crisis 2015–2017 and its impact on central international offshore oil and gas related maritime cluster, the Blue Maritime Cluster, located at the North-Western coast of Norway.This complete maritime cluster, heavily involved in offshore petroleum operations, it experienced an almost devastating blow, as it lost almost one-third of its employees as its value added contracted by 39 percent.When the crises is basically seen as a result of falling of oil prices and lower activity and squeezed profit margins, this paper investigates the crisis in the light of financial instability and reactions down the maritime supply chain. By collecting data from the Blue Maritime Cluster and the Norwegian central company register one is able both to trace the fall in the activity due to the crisis and measures of financial strength. The study approaches the data by using a structural time series analysis in order to map cycles as deviations from polynomial trends.The findings ascertain that financial instability was dominant within the Blue Maritime Cluster during its boom before the crisis. Debt ratios and thereby gearing (leverage) were high. Thus, the companies could not meet their obligations when the crisis hit.The paper also finds that narrow focused supply chain management made the cluster fall deep into the abyss. Companies with a more diversified portfolio were able to meet the hard years better than others.
Özel Eğitim Öğretmen Adaylarının Rehberlik Araştırma Merkezi’nde Gerçekleştirdikleri Öğretmenlik Uygulamasına İlişkin Deneyimleri
Authors: SOLA ÖZGÜÇ Canan
Published: November 2019

Bu araştırmada, bir devlet üniversitesinin zihin engelliler öğretmenliği programı son sınıf öğrencilerinin
öğretmenlik uygulaması kapsamında Rehberlik Araştırma Merkezinde (RAM) gerçekleştirdikleri uygulamaya
ilişkin deneyimlerinin belirlenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Olgubilimsel (fenomenolojik) desenle yürütülen araştırmanın
katılımcıları Zihin Engelliler Öğretmenliği programında okuyan, son sınıf öğrencilerinden 13 öğretmen adayıdır.
Araştırmanın temel verisi yarı-yapılandırılmış görüşmelerden elde edilmiş ve öğretmen adaylarının günlük
raporları ile RAM’dan elde ettikleri süreç ürünleri ise destek veri olarak kullanılmıştır. Yarı-yapılandırılmış
görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler içerik analizi ile analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular, öğretmen adaylarının RAM’a
ilişkin görüşleri, RAM’da uygulama deneyimleri ve RAM’da öğretmen olmaya ilişkin görüşleri şeklinde üç ana
başlık altında sunulmuştur. RAM’da gerçekleştirilen uygulamanın öğretmen adaylarının uygulama öncesindeki
olumsuz tutumlarını olumlu yönde geliştirdiği görülmüştür. Öğretmen adayları, RAM’da yapılan uygulamanın
olumlu ve olumsuz yönlerini irdelemişlerdir. Bazı öğretmen adaylarının RAM’da çalışmak istedikleri
belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışmanın Kurumlarda Gözlem dersi kapsamında tekrarlanması ve farklı üniversitelerde
uygulanması önerilmektedir.
Assessment of drinking water quality in regional New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Senevirathna S. T. M. L. D. , Goncher Andrea M. , Hollier Aaron
Published: November 2019

There is a substantial research gap relating to the quality of drinking water in regional Australia and identifying possible improvements. In particular, the quality of water available in public places (washing and drinking), such as water bubblers installed in regional parks, schools, rest areas and railway stations, is poorly investigated. This paper discusses the primary and secondary water quality of eight water distribution networks in New South Wales (NSW) regional towns. An analysis of a large number of drinking water samples (more than 11,000) identified that maintaining microbial water quality and the required free chlorine level (>0.2 mg/L) are challenging issues for regional water distribution networks. Sixty-three per cent of the samples collected from the water outlets available in public places of a regional town showed free chlorine levels of <0.2 mg/L, and 30% of samples showed positive results for total coliform. All heavy metal levels of the samples were within the safe level. Water temperature was identified as the most problematic secondary water quality parameter in public water bubblers. Stainless steel was the common material used in bubblers where surface temperatures exceeded 50 °C during summer. This study identifies possible design and operational modifications to improve regional drinking water quality and make public water bubblers more usable.
A Comprehensive Guide to the Commercial Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems for Recombinant Protein Production
Authors: Mishra Vibhor
Published: November 2019

The Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS) is a workhorse for recombinant
protein expression for over thirty-five years. Ever since it was first used to overexpress the human
IFN-β protein, the system has been engineered and modified several times for quick and easy
expression and scale-up of the recombinant proteins. Multiple gene assemblies performed on the
baculovirus genome using synthetic biology methods lead to optimized overexpression of the multiprotein
complexes. Nowadays, several commercially available BEVS platforms offer a variety of
customizable features, and often it is confusing which one to choose for a novice user. This short
review is intended to be a one-stop guide to the commercially available baculovirus technology for
heterologous protein expression in the insect cells, which users can refer to choose from popular
and desirable BEVS products or services.
Individual DNA Methylation Profile is Correlated with Age and can be Targeted to Modulate Healthy Aging and Longevity
Authors: Guarasci Francesco , D'Aquila Patrizia , Montesanto Alberto , Corsonello Andrea , Bellizzi Dina , Passarino Giuseppe
Published: November 2019

:

Patterns of DNA methylation, the best characterized epigenetic modification, are modulated by aging. In humans, different studies at both site-specific and genome-wide levels have reported that modifications of DNA methylation are associated with the chronological aging process but also with the quality of aging (or biological aging), providing new perspectives for establishing powerful biomarkers of aging.

:

In this article, the role of DNA methylation in aging and longevity has been reviewed by analysing literature data about DNA methylation variations occurring during the lifetime in response to environmental factors and genetic background, and their association with the aging process and, in particular, with the quality of aging. Special attention has been devoted to the relationship between nuclear DNA methylation patterns, mitochondrial DNA epigenetic modifications, and longevity. Mitochondrial DNA has recently been reported to modulate global DNA methylation levels of the nuclear genome during the lifetime, and, in spite of the previous belief, it has been found to be the target of methylation modifications.

:

Analysis of DNA methylation profiles across lifetime shows that a remodeling of the methylome occurs with age and/or with age-related decline. Thus, it can be an excellent biomarker of aging and of the individual decline and frailty status. The knowledge about the mechanisms underlying these modifications is crucial since it might allow the opportunity for targeted treatment to modulate the rate of aging and longevity.
Functionalized Allenes: Generation by Sigmatropic Rearrangement and Application in Heterocyclic Chemistry
Authors: Banert Klaus
Published: November 2019

The present review article summarizes the synthesis of allenes, which bear an adjacent functional group, by [3,3]- or [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of appropriate propargyl substrates. Functionalized allenes, such as allenyl isothiocyanates, isoelenocyanates, isocyanates, thiocyanates, azides, azo compounds and others, are easily available by these methods. In several cases, however, the title compounds show high reactivity, which leads to rapid intermolecular or intramolecular successive reactions. Consequently, synthesis of the allenes by sigmatropic rearrangement has to be combined with special techniques, for example, flash vacuum pyrolysis or in situ generation and trapping reactions. The high tendency of the presented functionalized allenes to undergo cyclization reactions can be utilized to prepare heterocyclic products, for instance, thiazoles, selenazoles, 1,2,3-triazoles and pyrazoles. The synthesis of functionalized 1,3-butadienes by a second sigmatropic rearrangement of the title compounds is also successful.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer: How Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists Could Be Used as a New Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Muñoz Miguel , Rosso Marisa , Coveñas Rafael
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among females. BC cells not showing HER-2/Neu amplification and not expressing estrogen/ progesterone receptors are named triple-negative BC (TNBC) cells. TNBC represents 10-15% of all BC and is associated with an aggressive clinical course. TNBC patient prognosis, survival and response to current therapies are poor and for this reason, it is crucial to search for new therapeutic targets in TNBC to develop new therapeutic strategies. One of these targets is the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). It is well known that the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system is involved in cancer progression. TNBC cells overexpress the NK-1R and, after binding to this receptor, SP promotes the proliferation/ migration of TNBC cells. Non-peptide NK-1R antagonists (e.g., aprepitant) are known to exert, via the NK-1R, an antitumor action; TNBC cells die by apoptosis. In this review, we update the data on a promising therapeutic innovation: the use of NK-1R antagonists for the treatment of TNBC patients.
Serum Vitamin D Levels in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Before and During Treatment
Authors: Mohamed Amal A. , Abdo Sabry , Said Ebada , El Agawy Waleed , Awad Peter , Ghanem Ayat I.M. , Khattab Rania A. , El-damasy Dalia A. , Elkadeem Mahmoud , Abd-Elsalam Sherief
Published: November 2019

Background & Aims:

Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection and it
is a major global health problem. Over the past decade, numerous studies have reported that patients
with CLD, especially HCV-positive and HBV-positive patients, have decreased 25(OH) D
levels. The current study was designed to assess the serum levels of vitamin D [25(OH) D3] in
chronic hepatitis B patients, before and during treatment with antiviral therapy.

Methods:

It was a prospective study in which 80 subjects were enrolled between December 2017
and June 2018. A total of 50 treatment-naïve chronic HBV patients and 30 healthy subjects were
recruited. The studied cases received treatment in the form of Lamivudine 100 mg tablet, once
daily. Full routine laboratory investigations, HBV DNA measurement by real-time PCR were
conducted once before initiation of antiviral treatment and again at least 6 months later. Serum vitamin
D level [25(OH)D3 was assessed twice, once before initiation of antiviral treatment and
again at least 6 months later. This was done for all the patients enrolled in the study.

Results:

The studied cases showed a significantly low mean serum Vitamin D level when assessed
before treatment (21.6 ± 5.8 ng/ml), compared to the level after 6 ms of treatment (31.1 ± 7.3
ng/ml) which was comparable to that of the control group (33.4 ± 5 ng/ml).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the impact of antiviral therapy on vitamin D deficiency
in CHB patients, where effective therapy improves vitamin D levels. Meanwhile, it is recommended
to study the impact of vitamin D replacement and correction on the disease progression or
regression.
Neurobehavioral Consequences Associated with Long Term Tramadol Utilization and Pathological Mechanisms
Authors: Raj Khadga , Chawla Pooja , Singh Shamsher
Published: November 2019

:

Tramadol is a synthetic analog of codeine used to treat pain of moderate to severe intensity
and is reported to have neurotoxic potential. At therapeutic dose, tramadol does not cause major side
effects in comparison to other opioid analgesics, and is useful for the management of neurological
problems like anxiety and depression. Long term utilization of tramadol is associated with various neurological
disorders like seizures, serotonin syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Tramadol produces seizures through inhibition of nitric oxide, serotonin reuptake and inhibitory effects
on GABA receptors. Extensive tramadol intake alters redox balance through elevating lipid peroxidation
and free radical leading to neurotoxicity and produces neurobehavioral deficits. During Alzheimer’s
disease progression, low level of intracellular signalling molecules like cGMP, cAMP, PKC
and PKA affect both learning and memory. Pharmacologically tramadol produces actions similar to Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), increasing the concentration of serotonin, which causes
serotonin syndrome. In addition, tramadol also inhibits GABAA receptors in the CNS has been evidenced
to interfere with dopamine synthesis and release, responsible for motor symptoms. The reduced
level of dopamine may produce bradykinesia and tremors which are chief motor abnormalities in Parkinson’s
Disease (PD).
Facile Synthesis of 1,8-dioxooctahydro Xanthenes by Reusable Zinc Sulfide based Ternary Nanocomposite via Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Sunkara Jhansi R. , Botsa Sathish M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Metal oxide or metal oxide composite nanoparticles are attaining tremendous importance due to their catalytic activities for various organic transformations.

Objective:

To report the one-pot synthesis of xanthene derivatives prepared by ZnS-Fe2O3-Ag composite under solvent-free conditions.

Method:

To prepare nanocomposite by a facile and simple hydrothermal approach.

Results:

The prepared composite is smaller (17.56 nm) in size and can be easily separable, recycled and reused six times without any significant loss of catalytic activity with excellent yields. In short reaction time, great catalytic activity was perceived with no co-catalyst and any other activator.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, ZnS-Fe2O3-Ag composite provides a simple, economical, efficient and greener method for the synthesis of one-pot multicomponent reaction of aldehyde with 1,3-diketones under solvent free conditions for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxooctahydro xanthenes. In short reaction time, great catalytic activity was perceived with no co-catalyst and any other activator.
Evaluation of the Feasibility of Transfusing Leucocyte Depletion Filter (LDF) Processed Intra-Operative Cell Salvage (IOCS) Blood in Metastatic Spine Tumour Surgery (MSTS): Protocol for a Non Randomised study (Preprint)
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Tan Jiong Hao , Ravikumar Nivetha , Tan Joel Yong Hao , Milavec Helena , Agrawal Rohit , Kannan Rajesh , Kumar Aravind
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Metastatic Spine Tumour Surgery (MSTS) is often complex and extensive leading to significant blood loss. Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is mainstay of blood replenishment but with immune-mediated post-operative complications. Alternative blood management techniques (salvaged blood transfusion (SBT)) allow us to overcome such complications. Despite widespread use of intra-operative cell salvage (IOCS) in oncological and non-oncological surgeries, surgeons remain reluctant to employ IOCS in MSTS.

OBJECTIVE

This study will analyse the safety of IOCS-LDF processed blood transfusion to patients undergoing MSTS by assessing clinical outcomes – disease progression: tumour progression and overall survival (OS). We will also evaluate whether reinfusion of IOCS-LDF processed blood can reduce the ABT rates in patients undergoing MSTS by comparing the proportion of MSTS patients requiring ABT in those patients who consent to receive SBT, and those who do not consent for SBT.

METHODS

We aim to recruit 90-patients (minimum)-30 SBT, 30 ABT and 30 with no blood transfusion (NBT). SBT and ABT form the two experimental arms, while NBT forms the control cohort.
All available patient data will be reviewed to determine tumour burden secondary to metastasis and post-operative survival and/or disease progression, improvement in pain, neurology and ambulatory status. Collected data will be studied at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-operatively, or until demise, whichever occurs first. Collected outcomes of the experimental groups will be compared with that of the control group.
Statistical Analysis: Outcomes will be analysed using one-way ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test. OS will be studied by Kaplan-Meier curve and log rank test. Multivariate and competing risk analysis will be used to study the association between blood transfusion type and tumour progression. All statistical analyses will be done using STATA/SE14.0

RESULTS

This is the first clinical study on the use of IOCS in MSTS from various primary malignancies. It will provide major clinical evidence regarding safety and applicability of IOCS in MSTS. It will help reduce ABT usage; thus improving overall blood management of MSTS patients. However, limitation of this study is that not all patients undergoing MSTS will survive for the total follow-up period (two years), thereby theoretically leading to under-reporting of disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and will pave the way for future studies

CLINICALTRIAL

This study did not involve a healthcare intervention and hence, did not need to be registered
Mobile Apps for Health Behavior Change in Physical Activity, Diet, Drug and Alcohol Use, and Mental Health: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Milne-Ives Madison , Lam Ching , De Cock Caroline , Van Velthoven Michelle Helena , Meinert Edward
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

With a growing focus on patient interaction with health management, mobile apps are increasingly used to deliver behavioral health interventions. The large variation in these mobile health apps—their target patient group, health behavior, and behavioral change strategies—has resulted in a large but incohesive body of literature.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of mobile apps in improving health behaviors and outcomes and to examine the inclusion and effectiveness of behavior change techniques (BCTs) in mobile health apps.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles published between 2014 and 2019 that evaluated mobile apps for health behavior change. Two authors independently screened and selected studies according to the eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed by one reviewer and validated by a second reviewer.

RESULTS

A total of 52 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis—37 studies focused on physical activity, diet, or a combination of both, 11 on drug and alcohol use, and 4 on mental health. Participant perceptions were generally positive—only one app was rated as less helpful and satisfactory than the control—and the studies that measured engagement and usability found relatively high study completion rates (mean 83%; n=18, N=39) and ease-of-use ratings (3 significantly better than control, 9/15 rated >70%). However, there was little evidence of changed behavior or health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no strong evidence in support of the effectiveness of mobile apps in improving health behaviors or outcomes because few studies found significant differences between the app and control groups. Further research is needed to identify the BCTs that are most effective at promoting behavior change. Improved reporting is necessary to accurately evaluate the mobile health app effectiveness and risk of bias.