bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA 3113-5p is a novel marker for early cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Ye Xing , Yan Fengping
Published: October 2019

Background

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of heart is one of the major causes of acute cardiac injury, which may result in worsening or even loss of heart function. With novel microRNAs being evolutionarily discovered, numbers of them remained functionally unknown. We aimed to discover novel microRNAs with therapeutic or diagnostic potential in the setting of early cardiac I/R injury.

Methods

Cardiac electrical activity, biochemical detection and histopathology analysis were performed to reveal early changes of cardiac I/R injury. A microRNA array was performed to screen differential microRNAs in the mouse model of cardiac I/R injury. The differentially expressed microRNAs were validated in cardiac tissues and in serum samples.

Results

The abnormality in electrocardiogram and increases in serum cTnI levels suggested the successful establishment of cardiac I/R injury in mice. A total of 1882 microRNAs were identified, of which 11 were significantly down-regulated and 41 were significantly up-regulated at 3 h post reperfusion. microRNA 223-3p and microRNA 3113-5p were among the mostly altered microRNAs and were validated to be up-regulated within the early hours of I/R injury in heart tissues. In the circulating system, cTnI, a sensitive marker of cardiac injury, or microRNA 223-3p only increased within the first 6 h post I/R injury. However, microRNA 3113-5p stably increased in the serum, keeping an increase of 2.5-fold throughout the 24 h. In the human serum samples, microRNA 3113-5p was detected to be significantly upregulated as soon as 3 h after I/R stimuli and kept significantly higher levels within the 48 h.

Conclusion

This is the first study that reported the functional roles of microRNA 3113-5p in cardiovascular system. Our data suggested that cardiac microRNA 3113-5p might be a useful target for therapeutic purposes and circulating microRNA 3113-5p might serve as a stable marker for early diagnosis of cardiac I/R injury.
Investigation of urban birds as source of β-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in Marseille city, France
Authors: Ngaiganam Edgarthe Priscilla , Pagnier Isabelle , Chaalal Wafaa , Leangapichart Thongpan , Chabou Selma , Rolain Jean-Marc , Diene Seydina Mouhamadou
Published: October 2019

Background

We investigate here the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from stool samples of yellow-legged gulls and chickens (n = 136) in urban parks and beaches of Marseille, France. Bacterial isolation was performed on selective media, including MacConkey agar with ceftriaxone and LBJMR medium. Antibiotic resistance genes, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) (i.e. blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaSHV), carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-58) and colistin resistance genes (mcr-1 to mcr-5) were screened by real-time PCR and standard PCR and sequenced when found.

Results

Of the 136 stools samples collected, seven ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria (BGN) and 12 colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were isolated. Among them, five ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and eight colistin-resistant Hafnia alvei strains were identified. Four blaTEM-1 genes were detected in yellow-legged gulls and chickens. Three CTX-M-15 genes were detected in yellow-legged gulls and pigeons, and one CTX-M-1 in a yellow-legged gull. No mcr-1 to mcr-5 gene were detected in colistin-resistant isolates. Genotyping of E. coli strains revealed four different sequence types already described in humans and animals and one new sequence type.

Conclusions

Urban birds, which are believed to have no contact with antibiotics appear as potential source of ESBL genes. Our findings highlight the important role of urban birds in the proliferation of multidrug-resistant bacteria and also the possible zoonotic transmission of such bacteria from wild birds to humans.
Adverse reproductive health outcomes in a cohort of young women with breast cancer exposed to systemic treatments
Authors: Silva Cristina , Ribeiro Rama Ana Cristina , Reis Soares Sérgio , Moura-Ramos Mariana , Almeida-Santos Teresa
Published: October 2019

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in young women. Fortunately current survival rates of BC are significant which makes future fertility very important for quality of life of BC survivors. Chemotherapy carries a significant risk of infertility in BC patients so it is important to support fertility preservation decisions in premenopausal women. Amenorrhea has long been used as a surrogate marker of infertility in cancer patients but more reliable ovarian reserve (OR) markers are available. This study aimed to prospectively measure levels of OR in a cohort of young women with breast cancer exposed to chemotherapy, to identify adverse reproductive health outcomes in this population and to assess the influence of patient and treatment-related factors in those outcomes.

Methods

This prospective observational study included premenopausal women with breast cancer aged 18–40 years at diagnosis and proposed for (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated before, during and a minimum of 9 months after the end of chemotherapy. Reproductive health outcomes: menses, hormonal and ultrasound OR markers, recovery of ovarian function and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).

Results

A total of 38 patients were included (mean age 32.9 ± 3.5 years). Levels of OR significantly decreased during the study. At the last follow up, 35 patients had AMH below the expected values for age; eight presented postmenopausal FSH; ten had not recovered their ovarian function and five met the defined criteria for POI. Age and baseline AMH were positively correlated with AMH at the last follow-up. AMH levels were higher in the group of patients treated with trastuzumab and lower in those under hormonal therapy, at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

Significant effects of systemic treatments on several reproductive outcomes and a strong relation of those outcomes with patient’s age and baseline level of AMH were observed. Our results point to a possible lower gonadotoxicity when treatment includes targeted therapy with trastuzumab. Also, this investigation highlights the lack of reliable OR markers in women under hormonal therapy.
Enhanced production of biomass and lipids by Euglena gracilis via co-culturing with a microalga growth-promoting bacterium, Emticicia sp. EG3
Authors: Toyama Tadashi , Hanaoka Tsubasa , Yamada Koji , Suzuki Kengo , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Morikawa Masaaki , Mori Kazuhiro
Published: October 2019

Background

Euglena gracilis, a unicellular flagellated microalga, is regarded as one of the most promising species as microalgal feedstock for biofuels. Its lipids (mainly wax esters) are suitable for biodiesel and jet fuel. Culture ofE. gracilisusing wastewater effluent will improve the economics ofE. gracilisbiofuel production. Enhancement of the productivity ofE. gracilisbiomass is critical to creating a highly efficient biofuels production system. Certain bacteria have been found to promote microalgal growth by creating a favorable microenvironment. These bacteria have been characterized as microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB). Co-culture of microalgae with MGPB might offer an effective strategy to enhance microalgal biomass production in wastewater effluent culture systems. However, no MGPB has been identified to enhance the growth ofE. gracilis. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to isolate and characterize the MGPB effective forE. gracilisand to demonstrate that the isolated MGPB indeed enhances the production of biomass and lipids byE. gracilisin wastewater effluent culture system.

Results

A bacterium,Emticiciasp. EG3, which is capable of promoting the growth of microalgaE. gracilis, was isolated from anE. gracilis-municipal wastewater effluent culture. Biomass production rate ofE. graciliswas enhanced 3.5-fold and 3.1-fold by EG3 in the co-culture system using a medium of heat-sterilized and non-sterilized wastewater effluent, respectively, compared to growth in the same effluent culture but without EG3. Two-step culture system was examined as follows:E. graciliswas cultured with or without EG3 in wastewater effluent in the first step and was further grown in wastewater effluent in the second step. Production yields of biomass and lipids byE. graciliswere enhanced 3.2-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively, in the second step of the system in whichE. graciliswas co-cultured with EG3 in the first step.

Conclusion

Emticiciasp. EG3 is the first MGPB forE. gracilis. Growth-promoting bacteria such as EG3 will be promising agents for enhancingE. gracilisbiomass/biofuel productivities.
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome presenting with dysmenorrhea: a case report
Authors: Nishu Dilruba Sharmen , Uddin Md. Monir , Akter Khadija , Akter Shameema , Sarmin Monira , Begum Sartaj
Published: October 2019

Background

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The most common presentation is abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and abdominal mass secondary to hematocolpos. We present the first case report on Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome from Bangladesh.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old Asian girl presented with lower abdominal pain of 3 months’ duration. She had had menarche 3 months earlier and had a regular menstrual cycle with cyclical abdominal pain. Abdominal examination found a tender mass on the right iliac fossa. Further evaluation with ultrasound revealed distended endometrial cavity filled with complex fluid and nonvisualization of the right kidney. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed absent right kidney and two separate endometrial stripes surrounded by endometrium and a muscular layer. The right endometrial cavity and cervix were distended with blood. This magnetic resonance imaging finding is consistent with Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome with uterine didelphyis, right-sided hematometra resulting from obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral agenesis of the right kidney. The vaginal septum was resected for vaginoplasty. She was discharged 5 days after surgery and came for follow-up after 7 days. Vaginal examination revealed a healthy wound with no adhesion of the vaginal wall. She also informed us that she had started regular menstruation without any pain 30 days after the operation.

Conclusion

An unusual presentation of regular menstruation and nonspecific abdominal pain delays the diagnosis, which can lead to complications such as endometriosis and infertility. Awareness is required; otherwise, misdiagnosis clearly can occur.
Protective and therapeutic effects of Trianthema portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in male albino rats via G-protein-coupled receptor 124
Authors: Wu Haoyu , Gao Tianjiao , Cao Yiwei , Diao Jiayu , Chang Fengjun , Qi Jie , Wang Congxia
Published: October 2019

Atherosclerosis is a severe cardiovascular disease characterized by narrowing of the lumen, plaque formation, and blood flow turbulence as a result of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the inner lining of arteries. Bishkhapra (Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.) is a well-known common weed belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from this weed and widely used against several diseases. The present study evaluated the protective and therapeutic efficacies of T. portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in a rat model. The animals were divided into the sham, control (diabetes- + atherosclerosis-inducing diet), 100 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, and positive control groups. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and other lipid parameters, as well as the expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124), were measured. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly reduced to near normal levels. The serum levels of fibrinogen, sVCAM-1, and oxidized low density lipoproteins were substantially increased in control rats. Treatment with the T. portulacastrum extract reversed these levels to near normal levels. The mRNA expression of GPR124 was increased by 150% in the control group. However, treatment with T. portulacastrum extract decreased the mRNA expression up to 40% compared with the control group. Rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum extract showed a decrease in GPR124 protein expression by 9.5% and 33.3%, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that an extract of T. portulacastrum is effective against atherosclerosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
High-throughput phenotyping in cotton: a review
Authors: PABUAYON Irish Lorraine B. , SUN Yazhou , GUO Wenxuan , RITCHIE Glen L.
Published: October 2019

Recent technological advances in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenotyping have offered tools to improve the efficiency of data collection and analysis. High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) is a non-destructive and rapid approach of monitoring and measuring multiple phenotypic traits related to the growth, yield, and adaptation to biotic or abiotic stress. Researchers have conducted extensive experiments on HTP and developed techniques including spectral, fluorescence, thermal, and three-dimensional imaging to measure the morphological, physiological, and pathological resistance traits of cotton. In addition, ground-based and aerial-based platforms were also developed to aid in the implementation of these HTP systems. This review paper highlights the techniques and recent developments for HTP in cotton, reviews the potential applications according to morphological and physiological traits of cotton, and compares the advantages and limitations of these HTP systems when used in cotton cropping systems. Overall, the use of HTP has generated many opportunities to accurately and efficiently measure and analyze diverse traits of cotton. However, because of its relative novelty, HTP has some limitations that constrains the ability to take full advantage of what it can offer. These challenges need to be addressed to increase the accuracy and utility of HTP, which can be done by integrating analytical techniques for big data and continuous advances in imaging.
In vitro tissue-engineered adipose constructs for modeling disease
Authors: Murphy Connor S. , Liaw Lucy , Reagan Michaela R.
Published: October 2019

Adipose tissue is a vital tissue in mammals that functions to insulate our bodies, regulate our internal thermostat, protect our organs, store energy (and burn energy, in the case of beige and brown fat), and provide endocrine signals to other organs in the body. Tissue engineering of adipose and other soft tissues may prove essential for people who have lost this tissue from trauma or disease. In this review, we discuss the applications of tissue-engineered adipose tissue specifically for disease modeling applications. We provide a basic background to adipose depots and describe three-dimensional (3D) in vitro adipose models for obesity, diabetes, and cancer research applications. The approaches to engineering 3D adipose models are diverse in terms of scaffold type (hydrogel-based, silk-based and scaffold-free), species of origin (H. sapiensandM. musculus) and cell types used, which allows researchers to choose a model that best fits their application, whether it is optimization of adipocyte differentiation or studying the interaction of adipocytes and other cell types like endothelial cells. In vitro 3D adipose tissue models support discoveries into the mechanisms of adipose-related diseases and thus support the development of novel anti-cancer or anti-obesity/diabetes therapies.
From primary instabilities to secondary instabilities in Görtler vortex flows
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Jianqiang , Yuan Xianxu , Tu Guohua , Zhang Yifeng
Published: October 2019

We have studied the transformation process from primary instabilities to secondary instabilities with direct numerical simulations and stability theories (Spatial Biglobal and plane-marching parabolized stability equations) in detail. First Mack mode and second Mack mode are shown to be able to evolve into the sinuous mode and the varicose mode of secondary instability, respectively. Although the characteristics of second Mack mode eventually lose in the downstream due to the synchronization with the continuous spectrum, second Mack mode is found to be able to trigger a sequence of mode resonations which in turn give birth to highly unstable secondary instabilities. In contrast, first Mack mode does not involve in any mode synchronization. Nevertheless, it can still “jump" to a sinuous mode of secondary instability with a much larger growth rate than that of the first Mack mode. Therefore, secondary instabilities of Görtler vortices are highly receptive to the primary instabilities in the upstream, so that one should consider the primary instability in the upstream and the secondary instability in the downstream as a whole in order to get an accurate prediction of the boundary layer transition.
Paying for Progress: School Taxes, Municipal Government, and Liberal State Building, Cuetzalan and Huehuetla, Mexico, 1876–1930
Authors: Acevedo-Rodrigo Ariadna
Published: October 2019

Focusing on school funding, this article examines the relationship between the majority indigenous population of the Puebla Sierra and the Mexican state from 1876 to 1930. The article questions assumptions about peasant resistance to taxes and about the dearth of rural schooling before 1921. I find that the municipal personal taxes that funded education during the Porfiriato were raised continually in spite of the fact that they burdened the poor disproportionately. Acquiescence to taxation administered by local authorities was further demonstrated when personal taxes were abolished in 1917 and municipalities resuscitated a Porfirian-era education tax in order to maintain schools that state and federal governments would not pay for—a fact ignored by the historiography, which has focused on federal schools. This article argues that municipalities contributed to the emergent educational system and that school funding helped to construct an economically unequal liberal citizenship in which the price for inclusion could be high.
Strategy Choice in the Infinitely Repeated Prisoner’s Dilemma
Authors: Dal Bó Pedro , Fréchette Guillaume R.
Published: October 2019

We use a novel experimental design to reliably elicit subjects’ strategies in an infinitely repeated prisoner’s dilemma experiment with perfect monitoring. We find that three simple strategies repre‑ sent the majority of the chosen strategies: Always Defect, Tit‑for‑Tat, and Grim. In addition, we identify how the strategies systematically vary with the parameters of the game. Finally, we use the elicited strategies to test the ability to recover strategies using statistical methods based on observed round‑by‑round cooperation choices and find that this can be done fairly well, but only under certain conditions. (JEL C72, C73, C92)
MRI-guided stereotactic ablative radiation therapy of spinal bone metastases: a preliminary experience
Authors: Llorente Ricardo , Spieler Benjamin O , Victoria James , Takita Cristiane , Yechieli Raphael , Ford John C , Brown Karen , Samuels Michael A , Mellon Eric A
Published: October 2019

Objective:

MRI provides clear visualization of spinal cord, tumor, and bone for patient positioning and verification during MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRI-RT). Therefore, we wished to evaluate spine stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) feasibility with MRI-RT. Given dosimetric limitations of first generation Co-60 MRI-RT, we then evaluated improvements by newer linear accelerator (linac) MRI-RT.

Methods:

Nine spinal metastases were treated with Co-60 MRI-RT. Seven received a single 16 Gy fraction, and two received three fractions totaling 24 or 30 Gy. After replanning with linac MRI-RT software, comparisons of organ at risk and dose spillage objectives between Co-60 and linac plans were performed.

Results:

Spinal cord and cauda equina dose constraints were met in all Co-60 cases. Treatments were delivered successfully with real-time imaging during treatment and no treatment-related toxicities. While limits for dose spillage into surrounding soft tissues were not achieved due to the limitations of the Co-60 system, this could be corrected with linac MRI-RT delivery.

Conclusions:

MRI-RT SABR of spinal metastases is feasible with Co-60 MRI-RT. Dose delivery is improved by linac MRI-RT.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first report of MRI-RT for SABR of spinal metastases. The enhanced visualization of anatomy by MRI may facilitate RT dose escalation for spine SABR.
Bisphophonate alterations of the jaw bones in individuals with multiple myeloma
Authors: Feitosa Édila Figuerêdo , Vasconcellos Mariana Monteiro , Magalhães Roberto José Pessoa , Domingos-Vieira Andrea Castro , Visconti Maria Augusta , Guedes Fabio Ribeiro , Maiolino Angelo , Torres Sandra Regina
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

To verify quantitative differences of the mandibular cortical and trabecular bone between patients with multiple myeloma (MM) under bisphosphonate (BP) therapy and a control group never exposed to BP.

Methods:

Clinical and demographic characteristics were collected through medical records and interviews. Mandibular cortical thickness (MCT) and fractal dimension (FD) were measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, on the molar region, in both groups. Additionally, FD was measured on periapical digital intraoral radiography and results were compared to CBCT measurements.

Results:

There were 33 patients with MM under BP therapy and 28 controls, with no significant differences in gender and age between groups. Pamidronate was used by all MM patients, either associated or not to other types of BP. The median MCT was higher in MM group exposed to BP (5.20 mm) than in controls (3.50 mm, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the median FD between patients in the MM group and controls, on CBCT (0.95 vs 0.90, p = 0.814) and periapical digital intraoral radiography (0.98 vs 0.96, p = 0.963), respectively, even when more than one type of BP was used.

Conclusions:

The MCT represents an useful tool in the detection of bone dimensional changes caused by BP, in patients with MM. Additional studies are necessary to improve the knowledge on the quantitative evaluation of trabecular jaw bone, in individuals with MM, under BP therapy.
Association of thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly in malaria patients in East Kalimantan: A cross-sectional, retrospective study
Authors: Siagian Loly R.D. , Lumbantoruan Vera M. , Hasanah Nurul , Sihotang Fransiska A. , Gunawan Carta
Published: October 2019

Background: Malaria still presents as a major health problem in Indonesia and specifically in East Kalimantan. One common sign found in malaria patient is thrombocytopenia, the mechanism of which is still unclear. Several studies have suggested some mechanisms, one of which is splenomegaly. This study aimed to discover the association between thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly of malaria patients in East Kalimantan.

Methods: This study was a descriptive retrospective study with clinical and laboratory data obtained from the medical records of malaria patients in four major public hospitals from January 2015 to July 2018. The association between thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly was analysed using Chi-Square test.

Results: A total of 215 patients were included; 189 male (87.9%) and 26 female (12.1%). The etiologic agents found in these patients were Plasmodium vivax (43.2%), Plasmodium falciparum (42.8%), and mixed infection (Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax) (4.6%). The thrombocyte count was normal in 28 patients (13%) and decreased in 187 patients (87%). Among patients with thrombocytopenia, the percentage of mild, moderate and severe thrombocytopenia was 18.2%, 43.8% and 33%, respectively. Splenomegaly was found in only 11 patients (5.1%). We found no association between thrombocytopenia with splenomegaly (p=0.61).

Conclusions: We conclude that splenomegaly, which was a rare clinical finding of these malaria patients, was not associated with thrombocytopenia.
Presurgical epilepsy evaluation and epilepsy surgery
Authors: Baumgartner Christoph , Koren Johannes P. , Britto-Arias Martha , Zoche Lea , Pirker Susanne
Published: October 2019

With a prevalence of 0.8 to 1.2%, epilepsy represents one of the most frequent chronic neurological disorders; 30 to 40% of patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy (that is, seizures cannot be controlled adequately with antiepileptic drugs). Epilepsy surgery represents a valuable treatment option for 10 to 50% of these patients. Epilepsy surgery aims to control seizures by resection of the epileptogenic tissue while avoiding neuropsychological and other neurological deficits by sparing essential brain areas. The most common histopathological findings in epilepsy surgery specimens are hippocampal sclerosis in adults and focal cortical dysplasia in children. Whereas presurgical evaluations and surgeries in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis and benign tumors recently decreased in most centers, non-lesional patients, patients requiring intracranial recordings, and neocortical resections increased. Recent developments in neurophysiological techniques (high-density electroencephalography [EEG], magnetoencephalography, electrical and magnetic source imaging, EEG-functional magnetic resonance imaging [EEG-fMRI], and recording of pathological high-frequency oscillations), structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (ultra-high-field imaging at 7 Tesla, novel imaging acquisition protocols, and advanced image analysis [post-processing] techniques), functional imaging (positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography co-registered to MRI), and fMRI significantly improved non-invasive presurgical evaluation and have opened the option of epilepsy surgery to patients previously not considered surgical candidates. Technical improvements of resective surgery techniques facilitate successful and safe operations in highly delicate brain areas like the perisylvian area in operculoinsular epilepsy. Novel less-invasive surgical techniques include stereotactic radiosurgery, MR-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy, and stereotactic intracerebral EEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation.
Recent advances in SHH medulloblastoma progression: tumor suppressor mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Tamayo-Orrego Lukas , Charron Frédéric
Published: October 2019

Medulloblastoma, the most common of the malignant pediatric brain tumors, is a group of four molecularly and clinically distinct cancers with different cells of origin. One of these medulloblastoma groups displays activation of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling and originates from granule cell precursors of the developing cerebellum. Ongoing basic and clinical research efforts are tailored to discover targeted and safer therapies, which rely on the identification of the basic mechanisms regulating tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. In SHH medulloblastoma, the mechanisms regulating neural progenitor transformation and progression to advanced tumors have been studied in some detail. The present review discusses recent advances on medulloblastoma progression derived from studies using mouse models of SHH medulloblastoma. We focus on mechanisms that regulate progression from precancerous lesions to medulloblastoma, describing novel roles played by tumor suppressor mechanisms and the tumor microenvironment.
A hands-on introduction to querying evolutionary relationships across multiple data sources using SPARQL
Authors: Sima Ana Claudia , Dessimoz Christophe , Stockinger Kurt , Zahn-Zabal Monique , Mendes de Farias Tarcisio
Published: October 2019

The increasing use of Semantic Web technologies in the life sciences, in particular the use of the Resource Description Framework (RDF) and the RDF query language SPARQL, opens the path for novel integrative analyses, combining information from multiple sources. However, analyzing evolutionary data in RDF is not trivial, due to the steep learning curve required to understand both the data models adopted by different RDF data sources, as well as the SPARQL query language. In this article, we provide a hands-on introduction to querying evolutionary data across multiple sources that publish orthology information in RDF, namely: The Orthologous MAtrix (OMA), the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) RDF platform, the Database of Orthologous Groups (OrthoDB) and the Microbial Genome Database (MBGD). We present four protocols in increasing order of complexity. In these protocols, we demonstrate through SPARQL queries how to retrieve pairwise orthologs, homologous groups, and hierarchical orthologous groups. Finally, we show how orthology information in different sources can be compared, through the use of federated SPARQL queries.
Estimating the proportion of vaccine-induced hospitalized dengue cases among Dengvaxia vaccinees in the Philippines
Authors: Flasche Stefan , Wilder-Smith Annelies , Hombach Joachim , Smith Peter G.
Published: October 2019

Background: Dengvaxia was used in the Philippines to vaccinate 9-10-year-old school children, living in areas highly endemic for dengue. After about 830,000 had received at least 1 of 3 recommended doses, risks of enhanced disease in dengue-naïve vaccinees were reported.

Methods: We used Phase 3 trial data to derive the proportions of cases of hospitalised and severe dengue that might have been prevented by the Philippines vaccination programme and, among those cases that may occur in vaccinees, what proportions are likely to arise in those who were seropositive or seronegative for dengue at the time of first vaccination and what proportion in the latter group may be enhanced disease attributable to the vaccine.

Results: Assuming about 15% of vaccinees were dengue naïve at vaccination and the effects of the vaccine are independent of the number of doses received, we estimate that, in the 5 years following vaccination, the number of cases of severe disease in the vaccinated population will be reduced by about 70%. Among vaccinees who do develop severe disease, about half the cases will be due to vaccine breakthrough in seropositive vaccinees, and about a quarter will be excess cases in seronegative vaccinees that will have occurred as a consequence of vaccination.

Conclusions: Overall, the Philippine dengue vaccination programme will likely prevent a substantial number of severe dengue cases and, among those that do occur, the majority are likely to be breakthrough disease in seropositive vaccinees and a minority attributable to the excess risk of enhanced disease in seronegative vaccinees.
Marketing: creating and communicating consumer value
Authors: Данченок Лариса , Danchenok Larisa , Мешков Алексей , Meshkov Aleksey , Мусатов Борис , Musatov Boris , Мхитарян Сергей , Mhitaryan Sergey , Сагинова Ольга , Saginova Ol'ga , Сейфуллаева Маиса , Seyfullaeva Maisa , Никишкин Валерий , Nikishkin Valeriy , Мусатова Жанна , Musatova Zh. , Голубкова Евгения , Golubkova Evgeniya , Ивашкова Наталья , Ivashkova Natal'ya , Лукина Анастасия , Lukina Anastasiya , Муртузалиева Таира , Murtuzalieva Taira , Широченская Ирина , Shirochenskaya Irina , Ефимова Дарья , Efimova Dar'ya , Невоструев Петр , Nevostruev Petr , Просвиркин Борис , Prosvirkin Boris , Цветкова Анна , Cvetkova Anna , Рыкалина Ольга , Rykalina Olga , Твердохлебова Мария , Tverdohlebova Mariya , Лопатинская Ирина , Lopatinskaya Irina , Гринева Ольга , Grineva Ol'ga , Гусейнова Залина , Guseynova Zalina , Перепёлкин Николай , Perepelkin Nikolay , Маркин Илья , Markin Il'ya
Published: October 2019

The textbook was prepared by the team of authors of the first Russian Department of marketing of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. The textbook combines modern theory, applied aspects and practice of marketing, reflects important modern economic trends that affect business and marketing activities: the need to implement a relational approach, the importance of environmental factors, social responsibility of marketing, changes occurring in connection with the development of the digital economy, the adaptation of marketing activities in the Internet environment, social media, when using mobile applications marketing. Each Chapter of the textbook contains a mini-case, tasks and questions for repetition, as well as a list of recommended relevant literature, diagrams, tables, drawings, calculation tasks.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
Students of educational institutions of higher education, studying in the areas of bachelor's degree "Management" and "Economics", profile " Marketing»; students and undergraduates studying special marketing disciplines: "Banking marketing", "Internet marketing", "Marketing of small and medium-sized businesses", "Marketing research", "Marketing communications", "Marketing planning and audit", "tourism Marketing", "service Marketing", "international marketing", "Marketing in industries and spheres of activity", "non-Commercial marketing", "Fundamentals of strategic marketing", "consumer Behavior", "Industrial marketing", "Trade marketing", " Pricing and distribution policy»; as well as graduate students, teachers, business practitioners and marketers.
A VARIETY IN THE SPRING WHEAT PROTECTION SYSTEM FROM LEAFY DISEASES
Authors: Асхадуллин Данил , Ashadullin Danil , Асхадуллин Дамир , Ashadullin Damir , Василова Нурания , Vasilova Nuraniya , Хусаинова Ильсина , Husainova Il'sina , Тазутдинова Мухаббат , Tazutdinova Muhabbat
Published: October 2019

In 2018, 21 varieties of spring soft wheat were recommended for cultivation in Tatarstan, with a specific weight of 79.2% in the structure of the harvested area under spring wheat. Determining the degree of resistance to diseases of these varieties allows you to properly plan protective measures throughout the republic. Studies were conducted in 2015-2018 on the experimental fields of Tatar Scientific Research Institute of Agricultural Sciences. Varieties, recommended for cultivation, differ in the degree of field resistance to the main fungal diseases. The Ester and Zlata varieties have the maximum field resistance to powdery mildew (average 7 points), Chelyaba Stepnaya and Tulaykovskaya Nadezhda varities have the minimum (4 points). Most spring wheat varieties are susceptible to the local brown leaf rust population. The following varities remain resistant to leaf brown rust: Tulaykovskaya 10, Ekada 113, Tulaykovskaya 108, Arkhat, Ulyanovskaya 105, Tulaykovskaya Nadezhda. Moreover, the homogeneity of the genetics of most resistant varieties (caused by the resistance gene Lr19) does not allow epiphytoties of leaf brown rust in the future. According to the 2016-2018 studies, the least degree of stem rust damage was observed in the varieties: Tulaykovskaya 10, Ekada 113, Tulaykovskaya 108, Arkhat, Ulyanovskaya 105 and Tulaykovskaya Nadezhda, on average, 5-10%. There are no varieties, which are immune to stem rust. In 2017 in the conditions of the massive development of dark brown spotting, there were no signs of disease on the leaf of Kazanskaya Yubileinaya variety, the resistance of this variety is determined by the Sb1 gene. The maximum susceptibility to dark brown leaf spotting has the Simbirtsit and Idelle varieties. An integrated resistance to the studied diseases have varieties: Ekada 113, Tulaykovskaya 108 and Arkhat.
EFFICIENCY OF BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS IN ALFALFA PRESERVING
Authors: Бикчантаев Ирек , Bikchantaev Irek
Published: October 2019

Preserving the green mass of plants is a complex technological process that depends on many factors: the population of epiphytic microflora, plant moisture, phase of plant development, sugar concentration in the grass mass, weather conditions, etc. Therefore, the quality of the resulting forage may be different. The usagee of various chemical and biological preservatives, recommended in recent years by many researchers, makes it possible to obtain high quality finished forage. The chemical preservatives (formic, propionic, benzoic acids, etc.) quickly acidify the herbal mass to the desired pH level (3.8 ... 4.2). But at the same time, one should not forget about the danger of harming these preservatives to the health of specialists, the environment and the corrosion properties of metal. In addition, they have a high cost. Therefore, in world practice, research is being conducted to find inexpensive, environmentally friendly and convenient to use biological products. These types include drugs, which include associated groups of lactic acid bacteria in a certain concentration with the aim of enhancing lactic acid fermentation in plant materials and preserving the nutritional value of the finished feed. In this regard, this article discusses a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of various biological preparations when preserving the dried green mass of alfalfa, both domestically produced Ferbac-Sil (Kazan) and foreign Sila Prime (Belarus) under laboratory conditions. During the study, a positive effect of the studied drugs on the safety of nutrients and energy was established. Among the tested preservatives, the biological preparation Ferbak-Sil distinguished itself, which stimulated lactic acid fermentation in the phytomass, which in turn had a positive effect on the preservation of dry matter, crude protein and metabolic energy, whose indicators were higher than the control by 5.47%, 1.64%, 1.47%.
Localising Global Faiths The Heterodox Pantheon of the Sundarbans
Authors: Bhattacharyya Shatarupa
Published: October 2019

This essay foregrounds the Sundarbans, a littoral zone in India that moves between sea and land and is a site of global history. It studies the pantheon of divinities, especially Bonbibi (Lady of the Forest), a mythical figure of Muslim origin. Such deities are worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims exclusively in the Sundarbans (Beautiful Forest) that straddles the state of West Bengal (India) and the nation-state of Bangladesh. It demonstrates how the Sundarbans, during Islamisation in the medieval era actively adapted, as against passively adopting, the global faith of Islam to suit the local needs of the people there. The result was a religious worldview that was not quite Islamic, but not quite Hindu either, but rather a singular faith system unique to the region and suited to meet the needs of the people there. And because this faith system does not conform to the orthodox beliefs of either Hinduism or Islam, it can accurately be described as a heterodox pantheon.
Borderscapes – krajobrazy granic jako nowa perspektywa badań
Authors: Szlachcicowa Irena
Published: October 2019

Borderscapes – Borders’ Landscapes as a New Research Perspective The last two decades brought a marked change in the way the border is understood. There was also a revival of discussion about the historical and social context of the border creation and functioning, which resulted in opening new theoretical perspectives. The concept of borderscapes is an attempt to complement and enrich the current way of thinking about borders by emphasizing the role of social and cultural aspects of shaping the space around borders. The inspiration for new ideas was both spatial and relational turn taking place in social sciences at the turn of the century. The aim of this article is to present the original way of conceptualizing and testing boundaries labeled as borderscapes. The perspective of borderscape brings a new view on reality and seeks theoretical and empirical possibilities to capture the complex, multidimensional social space that the borders set. This approach attempts to show the border as a dynamic transnational space of relations, discourses and social practices.
Osłabiona granica – ekspresje świata demonicznego w przestrzeni domu na podstawie przekazów folklorystycznych i etnograficznych z XIX i XX wieku
Authors: Piotrowski Robert
Published: October 2019

Weakened Border – Expressions of Demonic World in the House Space in the Folklore and Ethnographic Materials from the 19th and the 20th Century

The article focuses on three issues: folk beliefs related to the house, magic protecting the house against demonic creatures, and the so‑called “weak boundaries”. “Weak boundaries” are places through which demonic figures enter the human world. These are mostly slits – slots in the walls, a chimney, a keyhole or a window. Small holes can be interpreted as symbols of inversion and amorphousness of the underworld.
Granice przestrzeni i granice rzeczywistości w dramacie epickim Jensa Bjørneboe – na podstawie "Til lykke med dagen" (1965)
Authors: Drozdowska Karolina
Published: October 2019

The Borders of Space and Reality in Jens Bjørneboe’s Epic Drama – Based on "Til lykke med dagen" (1965) The aim of this paper is to present the concept of Jens Bjørneboe’s version of epic drama. This phenomenon is explained with the help of a “border”‑criterium, showing how the Norwegian author established, defined and crossed borders on many different levels in his dramatic works and their adaptations on stage. Bjørneboe is presented as an author who not only consciously uses the border‑criterium to manipulate space and reality in his play "Til lykke med dagen", but also expands or even crosses borders of theatrical theories and conventions, mainly Bertolt Brecht’s concepts. His “epic plays” are hybrid in their forms, joining different European traditions and expanding beyond what was common and accepted in the peripheral (both geographically and culturally) Norwegian theatre world of the 1960’s. Jens Bjørneboe is presented as an author of transgression, one of the first “to cast off the Ibsenite leg‑irons”.
Experiences of transient ischaemic attack diagnosis and secondary prevention: a qualitative review
Authors: Ravenhill Garth , Gkanasouli Loukia , Lawrence Maggie
Published: October 2019

Background:

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) diagnosis is a serious, early sign that a person is at high risk of stroke. However, little is known about patients' experiences, perceptions and behaviours regarding TIA symptoms, diagnosis and secondary prevention.

Aim:

To explore patients' experiences of TIA symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and secondary prevention.

Methods:

A qualitative review was conducted using a meta-aggregation approach. Five major databases were searched to identify eligible papers. Findings were extracted and grouped into categories to generate synthesised findings.

Findings:

Four papers (69 participants) were included. Three synthesised findings were developed: The first 24 hours; Impact and effect on quality of life; and Reducing the risk. Following TIA diagnosis, patients may experience persistent anxiety and fatigue, and many patients do not understand the importance of secondary prevention.

Conclusion:

There is a lack of awareness of TIA symptoms and of the importance of seeking immediate help and engaging with secondary prevention.
Setting up a nurse-led nutrition service
Authors: Corbee Ronald Jan , van de Lande Rilana , van Duiven Inge
Published: October 2019

Nutrition is a very important aspect of basic veterinary care. This is recognised by the WSAVA, as nutritional assessment is regarded as the 5th vital assessment. Veterinary nurses play a key role is nutritional assessment, nutritional recommendation, and follow up. This article will describe how to set up a nurse-led nutrition service, with Utrecht University Companion Animal Clinic as an example.
Poisons affecting the kidney
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: October 2019

The kidney has an essential role in maintaining normal physiological functions but it can be affected by various drugs and chemicals. A common seasonal cause of renal failure in cats is ingestion of antifreeze containing ethylene glycol. It is not the ethylene glycol itself which causes renal failure but toxic metabolites which result in deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tubules. Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly those used in human medicine such as ibuprofen, flurbiprofen and naproxen, cause renal effects through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis which results in reduced renal blood flow and disruption of normal renal function and homeostatic mechanisms. For some common substances, such as lilies in cats and grapes and their dried fruit in dogs, kidney injury occurs through unknown mechanisms. Management of poison-induced kidney injury is supportive with monitoring and support of renal function. Although haemodialysis and other extracorporeal techniques can be used, they are rarely available in veterinary medicine and therefore preventive measures are used. This includes aggressive intravenous fluid therapy before onset of signs for lily and grape poisoning and early use of the antidote (ethanol) in ethylene glycol poisoning to prevent formation of toxic metabolites, allowing excretion of the parent compound. In most cases, once kidney injury is advanced, prognosis is poor.
Classification of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Kuroda Yutaka , Tanaka Takeyuki , Miyagawa Takaki , Kawai Toshiyuki , Goto Koji , Tanaka Sakae , Matsuda Shuichi , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Using a simple classification method, we aimed to estimate the collapse rate due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in order to develop treatment guidelines for joint-preserving surgeries.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 505 hips from 310 patients (141 men, 169 women; mean age 45.5 years (sd 14.9; 15 to 86)) diagnosed with ONFH and classified them using the Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification. The JIC system includes four visualized types based on the location and size of osteonecrotic lesions on weightbearing surfaces (types A, B, C1, and C2) and the stage of ONFH. The collapse rate due to ONFH was calculated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, with radiological collapse/arthroplasty as endpoints.

Results

Bilateral cases accounted for 390 hips, while unilateral cases accounted for 115. According to the JIC types, 21 hips were type A, 34 were type B, 173 were type C1, and 277 were type C2. At initial diagnosis, 238/505 hips (47.0%) had already collapsed. Further, the cumulative survival rate was analyzed in 212 precollapsed hips, and the two-year and five-year collapse rates were found to be 0% and 0%, 7.9% and 7.9%, 23.2% and 36.6%, and 57.8% and 84.8% for types A, B, C1, and C2, respectively.

Conclusion

Type A ONFH needs no further treatment, but precollapse type C2 ONFH warrants immediate treatment with joint-preserving surgery. Considering the high collapse rate, our study results justify the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in asymptomatic patients with type C2 ONFH. Cite this article: Y. Kuroda, T. Tanaka, T. Miyagawa, T. Kawai, K. Goto, S. Tanaka, S. Matsuda, H. Akiyama. Classification of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: Who should have surgery?. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:451–458. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.810.BJR-2019-0022.R1.