bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRPγ regulates lipid metabolism through Dh44 neuroendocrine cells
Authors: Nath Dharmendra Kumar , Dhakal Subash , Lee Youngseok
Published: July 2024

Understanding how the brain controls nutrient storage is pivotal. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are conserved from insects to humans. They serve in detecting environmental shifts and in acting as internal sensors. Here, we found that a TRPγ mutant exhibited in
Drosophila melanogaster
are required for maintaining normal lipid and protein levels. In animals, lipogenesis and lipolysis control lipid levels in response to food availability. Lipids are mostly stored as triacylglycerol in the fat bodies (FBs) of
D. melanogaster
. Interestingly,
trpγ
deficient mutants exhibited elevated TAG levels and our genetic data indicated that
Dh44
neurons are indispensable for normal lipid storage but not protein storage. The
trpγ
mutants also exhibited reduced starvation resistance, which was attributed to insufficient lipolysis in the FBs. This could be mitigated by administering lipase or metformin orally, indicating a potential treatment pathway. Gene expression analysis indicated that
trpγ
knockout downregulated
brummer
, a key lipolytic gene, resulting in chronic lipolytic deficits in the gut and other fat tissues. The study also highlighted the role of specific proteins, including neuropeptide DH44 and its receptor DH44R2 in lipid regulation. Our findings provide insight into the broader question of how the brain regulates nutrient storage.
Dysfunctional S1P/S1PR1 signaling in the dentate gyrus drives vulnerability of chronic pain-related memory impairment
Authors: Cui Mengqiao , Pan Xiaoyuan , Fan Zhijie , Ji Ran , Wu Shulin , Wang Xianlei , Kong Xiangxi , Wu Zhou , Song Weiyi , Yang Jun-Xia , Zhang Hongjie , Zhang Hongxing , Ding Hai-Lei , Cao Jun-Li
Published: July 2024

Memory impairment in chronic pain patients is substantial and common, and few therapeutic strategies are available. Chronic pain-related memory impairment has susceptible and unsusceptible features. Therefore, exploring the underlying mechanisms of its vulnerability is essential for developing effective treatments. Here, combining two spatial memory tests (Y-maze test and Morris water maze), we segregated chronic pain mice into memory impairment-susceptible and -unsusceptible subpopulations in a chronic neuropathic pain model induced by chronic constrictive injury of the sciatic nerve. RNA-seq analysis and gain/loss-of-function study revealed that S1P/S1PR1 signaling is a determinant for vulnerability to chronic pain-related memory impairment. Knockdown of the S1PR1 in the DG promoted a susceptible phenotype and led to structural plasticity changes of reduced excitatory synapse formation and abnormal spine morphology as observed in susceptible mice, while overexpression of the S1PR1 and pharmacological administration of S1PR1 agonist in the DG promoted an unsusceptible phenotype and prevented the occurrence of memory impairment, and rescued the morphological abnormality. Finally, GO enrichment analysis and biochemical evidence indicated that down-regulation of S1PR1 in susceptible mice may impair DG structural plasticity via interaction with actin cytoskeleton rearrangement-related signaling pathways including Itga2 and its downstream Rac1/Cdc42 signaling and Arp2/3 cascade. These results reveal a novel mechanism and provide a promising preventive and therapeutic molecular target for vulnerability to chronic pain-related memory impairment.
Sacred Footwear: Latvian Perceptions in the 19th Century and Today
Authors: Pīgozne Ieva ,   Institute of Latvian History, University of Latvia
Published: July 2024

This article sheds light on previously overlooked perceptions of Latvian traditional footwear and demonstrates how both the material of the footwear and the way of obtaining it determined whether shoes were considered sacred and pure or sinful and unlucky. An analysis of folklore texts and the results of a contemporary survey show that wooden shoes made of bast were looked upon as sacred and pure, as opposed to leather which was considered impure. Bast shoes are the cheapest to make, yet historical records from central Latvia show that they were worn for weddings. Peasants did this to ensure success for the couple, suggesting that the choice of footwear was determined by some mythological meaning and not only by practical or financial considerations. Though some new developments can be observed, many modern Latvians tend to sympathize with the perceptions documented a century ago. This allows for estimates of the significance of these perceptions in previous centuries.
COVID-19 in Saaremaa. Limited Resources and the Mechanisms for Healing and Prevention
Authors: Kõiva Mare ,   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu, Estonia
Published: July 2024

COVID-19 challenged the entire population of the world, affected everyone, and all spheres of life, changing the content and ways of communication, cultural habits. The article investigates COVID-19 on Saaremaa island, looking at 1) how islanders with their limited territory and resources and therefore greater vulnerability copied during the pandemic; 2) the choices that individuals made in their everyday lives; 3) I present the mechanisms what people used for healing and prevention of COVID-19.
Panorama da cultura da cana-de-açúcar utilizando prospecção tecnológica
Authors: Nascimento Douglas Prescilio do , Bueno Miriam Pinehiro , Costa Júnior Jarbas Gabriel , Gomes Wellington Silva , Fischer Filho João Alberto
Published: July 2024

Saccharum spp, popularmente conhecida como cana-de-açúcar, é uma gramínea com alta representatividade na cadeia econômica, sendo o Brasil o principal produtor mundial da cultura, principalmente na produção de açúcar e etanol. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um mapeamento tecnológico atual da espécie vegetal Saccharum spp., visando avaliar a participação do Brasil no cenário internacional. Para isso, a coleta de dados foi realizada na plataforma Orbit Intelligence onde foram identificadas 942 famílias de patentes depositadas entre 2016-2020 relacionadas ao termo de prospecção. Dentre os países com mais depósitos estão China, União Europeia e Estados Unidos. O Brasil destaca-se na quarta posição no número de depósitos de patentes. A média de depósitos de patentes no Brasil relacionados a esta pesquisa foi de 63±5 patentes/ano. Os maiores cessionários são empresas multinacionais Bayer, Dupont e Basf. As classificações internacionais mais observadas nesta busca foram: C12N-015/82, AO1N-043/90 e A01P-007/04, voltadas as áreas de controle fitossanitário e biotecnologia. Conclui-se que o Brasil se insere no mapa de interesse dos principais cessionários detentores das técnicas e inovações de patentes depositadas referentes a cana-de-açúcar.
Edible Flowers in Herbal Beverage Development
Authors: Madurangi A. D. R. , Maduwanthi S.D.T.
Published: July 2024

Herbal beverages with nutraceutical benefits are becoming more widely acknowledged as healthy dietary choices among mindful consumers. There are numerous types of herbal beverages prepared from different morphological plant elements. Edible flowers, with their unique flavors, distinct aromas, vivid colors, and nutraceutical properties, have gained predominance among all the other botanical ingredients utilized in the formulation of herbal beverages. This review elaborates on applications of edible flowers used in the preparation of herbal teas, infusions, and a few other novel developments in herbal beverages. Although several commercialized herbal beverages have been developed with edible flowers, many other edible flowers with medicinal properties remain unexplored. The review further elaborates on the pharmacotherapeutic properties of these flowers, emphasizing their potential to be used in herbal beverage formulations. Additionally, ensuring the food safety aspects of innovative herbal beverages derived from edible flowers by addressing their potential toxicity and microbiological quality is vitally important. Insights presented here pave the way for incorporating edible flowers in herbal beverages, encouraging nutritious and health-promoting beverage development and consumption.
Emerging Role of Probiotics in Advancement of Combating Physical Abnormalities and Diseases: A Systematic Perspective Analysis
Authors: Khatun Mst. Tania , Hoque Forkanul , Hoque Naeema Salatia , Hossain Md. Sakhawat , Alam Md. Ashraful , Afrin Sabrina , Eva Tanjina Nasrin , Tama Rahima Tanbin
Published: July 2024

Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria that give the host health benefits when given in sufficient amounts. It works in various defensive mechanisms, including releasing antimicrobial compounds, competitive adhesion to the mucosa and epithelium, fortifying the gut epithelial barrier and regulating the immune system. Probiotics have a considerable effect in reducing allergies and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhoea and ulcers.  Probiotics are quite beneficial for managing and preventing complex diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, anaemia, urogenital diseases, dental caries, URTI, cancers and various abnormalities like obesity, depression, etc. Nowadays, Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge associated with high morbidity and mortality. The current lack of efficacious treatments necessitates the creation of innovative therapeutic approaches and substitute antimicrobial therapies. So, natural products or probiotics would be a better option for treating human health. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Jstor and Base; studies only about human health were included here. All types of animal diseases and articles before 1990 are excluded. A total of 6,410 articles were identified and 300 articles were taken for further evaluation based on context. However, Probiotics have already become a successful therapeutic intervention strategy among physicians. This investigation covers a comprehensive overview of the current state of probiotic research which comprises a wide range of topics including sourcing, mode of action, probiotic strains, isolating procedures and the role of probiotics.
Graphical abstract
Transforming Nutritional Value into Commercial Gain: The Impact of Intensive Food Production
Authors: Riccardi Bruno , Resta Sergio , Resta Giacomo
Published: July 2024

Two thousand years have passed since Hippocrates (Hippocrates of Kos, 460 BC) coined the famous phrase: "let food be your medicine", with which he wanted to indicate the high biological value of food and its therapeutic content.
But in the time of Hippocrates, man and food went hand in hand to provide all the resources and nutrients essential for survival.
Two thousand years later, the industrial revolution completely overturned that profound bond. Food
has lost its natural biological and therapeutic value, and has been replaced by symbolic contents, surrogates of the original meaning, but essential for a society based on consumption.
Furthermore, the symbiotic bond between man and mother nature, which represents the essence of life itself, has been broken, making us lose track of our origins.
The need to implement production to satisfy the growing global demand for food has led to the use
of chemical substances that are effective in combating biological pests that destroy foodstuffs.
These substances remain throughout the production chain even after transformation into ready-to-eat foods.
So, if on the one hand chemistry has solved production problems, on the other it has generated serious consequences for the health of consumers.
The objective of this work is promoting consumer food awareness for responsible and sustainable consumption of food.
Assessment of Genetic Variability and Component Relationship of Seed Yield and Its Contributing Traits in Greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Jain Kajal , Lal Gaibriyal M.
Published: July 2024

After pigeonpea and chickpea, greengram is the third most significant pulse crop in Asia. Pulses are the primary source of protein needed to satisfy both the daily need and the daily consumption for a balanced diet. Pulses are essential to achieving the diet's protein requirements for humans. Because they are the least expensive type of protein, they are referred to as poor people's meat. It is the primary source of vital amino acids for India's vegetarian population. There are twenty genotypes of Greengram in this experiment, plus one check. Three replications of the experiment were carried out at RBD during the month of Zaid in 2023. Thirteen characters' worth of data were collected in order to investigate genetic advancement, variability, heritability, correlation, and path analysis. The majority of the traits under study have significant genetic diversity in the available germplasm, according to analysis of variance. According to the mean performance of grain yield and its constituents, CO-7 performed better than AMULYA, SML-20-10, and IPM-2-14. A detailed examination of the variability coefficients showed that there was no environmental influence on the expression of the traits under study, as evidenced by the small difference between PCV and GCV. For biological yield, number of pods per plant, and number of seed yield per plant, high to moderate estimations of GCV & PCV were noted. For the seed index, plant height, harvesting index, and quantity of seeds per pod, high estimates of heritability were noted. Since they are less affected by environmental factors and have a greater potential for genetic determination, high heritability estimates can be used for genetic improvement. For the seed index, number of branches per plant, and number of clusters per plant, low estimations of genetic advance were noted. According to correlation, plant height, major branches per plant, clusters per plant, pods per plant, biological yield, and harvest index all positively and significantly correlated with grain yield per plant. Path analysis revealed that plant height, cluster size per plant, biological yield, and harvest index have a direct impact on yield at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. These characteristics are therefore acknowledged as the effective and prospective characteristics for direct selection in order to increase Greengram productivity in the current experimental materials.
Bioinformatics Analysis of 5HT2C Gene Cys23ser Polymorphism and Epigenetics Insights into the HTR2C Receptor Gene Regulation: Implications for Physiological Roles in the Brain
Authors: Bhogegowda Kiran Kumar Halagur , Niketh Sajeeda , BS Sowmyashree , Kekuda Tenkanidiyooru Ramamoorthy Prashith
Published: July 2024

The expression profile, signaling and neuronal functions of the 5-HT2C receptor makes it a candidate of interest for the treatment of several neuropsychiatric diseases. The encoded ligand-gated G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) protein responds to cell signaling through several neurotransmitters. Signal transduction through G-proteins is a prominent feature of several eukaryotes. In this review and analysis paper, we provide background literature on the unique biochemical, structural, and pharmacological properties of the 5-HT2c receptor and gene architecture, regulation, RNA editing and  association studies of polymorphisms.Also on the evolutionary, and phylogenetic paths. of the 5HT2C gene. We conduct in silico predictions using bioinformatics tools SIFT and POLYPHEN to assess the effect of Cys23ser substitution in the N-terminal extracellular loop. Further, epigenetic analysis of the promoter and regions flanking the exon such as (DNase I Hypersensitivity, enhancer with TF binding site); methylation analysis of promoter (CpG methylation and CpG island); and histone marks with FAIRE. The results suggested that the cys23ser substitution can affect the 3D-protein structure. The additional cysteine amino acids (position-23,235,341) in human receptor could enable additional structural stability to the protein and may have evolved from previous ancestors (various mammals and primates) to aid the modulation of behavioral traits under evolutionary pressure. The alterations in DNA methylation and associated regulatory elements in promoter and upstream could impact gene expression, inactivation, genome stabilization, and inheritance which could have relevance in pathological states in the Central nervous system (CNS).
On the Extended (k, t) - Fibonacci Numbers
Authors: Falcon Sergio
Published: July 2024

This article studies an extension of the concept of k-Fibonacci numbers by introducing a new non-zero positive integer parameter t. In case t = 1, the numbers found are the Leonardo numbers. A homogeneous recurrence relationship is found between these new numbers, and various formulas are studied such as the Binet Identity or the generating function.
Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial of Oculomotor Exercises Added to Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders
Authors: Mode Leticia Neves , Nakamura Cindy Mozer , Cunha Taisi Antunes Da , Nakamoto Fernanda Cardoso , Leonardis Margarete Nobilo , Gomes Cid André Fidelis De Paula , Politti Fabiano , Biasotto-Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding oculomotor exercises to the treatment of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) on pain intensity, range of mandibular movement, TMD severity, and ocular convergence insufficiency (CI), immediately, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment.
Study Design: Controlled and randomized clinical trial included blinded evaluators and participants.
Methodology: Individuals aged 18–45 years diagnosed with TMD and convergence insufficiency.
Intervention: Two groups: the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG) groups will receive 12 treatment sessions. Main outcome measures: pain intensity, range of mandibular movement, convergence insufficiency, and severity of TMD during follow-up immediately after treatment, 3 and 6 months.
Analysis: The statistical analysis will use linear mixed models based on the intention to treat. The significance level will be set at 5%.
Results: This is a preliminary protocol; results will be available once the study is completed. It is expected relevant patient clinical improvement results.
Conclusion: It will be possible to determine the effects of adding oculomotor exercises in the treatment of TMD.
Implications for Practice: If successful, the protocol could be integrated into clinical practice as an adjunct to conventional therapy for TMD, expanding the therapeutic options available to healthcare professionals and patients.
Perancangan Social Media Strategy Instagram PT XYZ untuk Membangun Brand Awareness
Authors: Karouw Michellina Irene , Bezaleel Michael , Utami Birmanti Setia
Published: July 2024

Strategi media sosial merupakan sebuah perencanaan terstruktur yang digunakan untuk mencapai suatu tujuan yang diinginkan pada media sosial. Banyaknya pengguna aktif media sosial di Indonesia memberikan kesempatan kepada setiap perusahaan untuk mempromosikan produk atau jasa yang ditawarkan dengan menjangkau konsumen-konsumen potensial melalui media sosial. Instagram merupakan salah satu media sosial yang sering digunakan oleh target audiens PT XYZ. Oleh karena tujuan penelitian ini adalah merancang strategi media sosial Instagram PT XYZ untuk membangun kesadaran merek PT XYZ. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif di mana tahapan penelitiannya mengacu pada social media strategy wheels. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian, strategi media sosial Instagram yang dirancang dapat memberikan informasi yang dibutuhkan target audiens dalam pengembangan bisnis mereka dan memberi keyakinan kepada target audiens untuk menggunakan jasa PT XYZ. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah strategi media sosial Instagram yang mampu membangun brand awareness PT XYZ.
Performance of Hydrothermally Prepared NiMo Dispersed on Sulfated Zirconia Nano-Catalyst in The Conversion of Used Palm Cooking Oil into Jet Fuel Range Bio-Hydrocarbons
Authors: Wijaya Karna , Saviola Aldino Javier , Amin Amalia Kurnia , Vebryana Marini Fairuz , Bhagaskara Adyatma , Ekawati Hilda Anggita , Ramadhani Saffana , Saputra Dita Adi , Agustanhakri Agustanhakri
Published: July 2024

Human efforts to overcome environmental problems from using fossil fuels continue, such as hydroconversion of biomass into bio-jet fuel. Research on producing a jet fuel range of bio-hydrocarbons from used palm cooking oil catalyzed by sulfated zirconia impregnated with nickel-molybdenum bimetal has been successfully conducted. The hydrothermal method synthesized the nano-catalyst material in the sulfation and impregnation processes. The hydroconversion process was carried out at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 300–600 °C for 2 h with a hydrogen gas flow rate of 20 mL/min and a catalyst-to-feed ratio of 1:100 (wt%). Compared with zirconia and sulfated zirconia, NiMo-impregnated sulfated zirconia showed the best activity and selectivity in bio-jet fuel production with liquid product and selectivity of 61.07% and 43.49%, respectively. This catalyst also performed well in three consecutive runs, with bio-jet fuel selectivity in the second and third runs of 51.68% and 30.86%, respectively. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Understanding the Hydrosphere Using Satellite Observations
Authors: Landerer Felix W. , Boening Carmen , Watkins Michael
Published: September 2013

Using satellite observations from the joint NASA/DLR Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission to monitor, simulate, and understand ongoing changes in the Earth's hydrosphere and water cycle was the topic of a recent workshop sponsored by the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Center for Climate Sciences and GRACE team, with support from the Global Energy and Water Exchanges Project (GEWEX). The meeting brought together more than 60 international scientists with backgrounds in hydrology, oceanography, geodesy, and climate modeling to discuss the best uses of GRACE data in these fields. Since 2002, the GRACE mission has provided global observations of variations in the Earth's gravity field in unprecedented detail, revealing key insights into global water storage and transport.
Slingerland Receives 2012 G. K. Gilbert Award: Citation
Authors: Tucker Gregory E.
Published: September 2013

Rudy L. Slingerland received the 2012 G. K. Gilbert Award at the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting, held 3–7 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “a scientist who has either made a single significant advance or sustained significant contributions to the field of Earth and planetary surface processes, and who has in addition promoted an environment of unselfish cooperation in research and the inclusion of young scientists into the field.”
Lamb Receives 2012 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award: Citation
Authors: Myrow Paul
Published: September 2013

Michael Lamb received the 2012 Luna B. Leopold Young Scientist Award at the 2012 AGU Fall Meeting, held 3–7 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “a young scientist for making a significant and outstanding contribution that advances the field of Earth and planetary surface processes.”
Characterizing internal tides near the Luzon Strait
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: September 2013

In the Luzon Strait, which lies between the Philippines and Taiwan and connects the western Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, ridges extending along the ocean bottom generate large internal tides—waves with a tidal frequency within the ocean, not on its surface—that propagate into the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Arctic is especially sensitive to nearby black carbon emissions
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: September 2013

Black carbon, also known as soot, emitted from combustion of fuels and biomass burning absorbs solar radiation in the atmosphere and is one of the major causes of global warming, after carbon dioxide emissions. When black carbon is deposited on snow and ice, the soot‐covered snow or ice absorbs more sunlight, leading to surface warming. Due to the large amount of snow and ice in the Arctic—which has warmed twice as fast as the global average over the past century—the region is likely to be especially sensitive to black carbon.
Large‐Scale Blast Experiments Examine Subsurface Explosions
Authors: Sonder Ingo , Graettinger Alison , Valentine Greg
Published: September 2013

Volcanic craters are often formed by multiple subsurface explosions caused by the interaction of magma and groundwater [Lorenz, 1973; Valentine and White, 2012]. To understand the processes and products of such explosions, scientists spent 2 years conducting experiments that produced craters on the meter scale at the Geohazards Field Station in Ashford, N. Y.
Public Lectures and Exhibits: Outreach Activities at the 2013 Meeting of the Americas
Authors: Urrutia‐Fucugauchi Jaime , Hernández‐Terrones Laura , Pérez‐Cruz Ligia
Published: September 2013

The 2013 Joint Assembly Meeting of the Americas (MOA), held 14–17 May in Cancun, Mexico, included an outreach program with public lectures, exhibits, and a planetarium dome show, all held in parallel to the sessions, plenary presentations, town halls, and other events. The outreach activities run by enthusiastic volunteers attracted local students, the public, and meeting attendees. The meeting was sponsored by 14 societies across the Americas, and the scientific program encompassed topics in all areas of Earth and space sciences.
Update on AGU Publishing: A Focus on Open Access
Authors: Van Der Hilst Rob , Hanson Brooks
Published: September 2013

In the 23 July 2013 issue of Eos, we provided a broad update on recent events in AGU publishing, focusing on the partnership with John Wiley & Sons (Eos, 94(30), 264–266, doi:10.1002/2013EO300009). Here we briefly comment on the latest developments in the partnership, but the main focus is on recent events regarding open access as it relates to AGU publishing.
Atlantic overturning circulation susceptible to tipping point shift
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: September 2013

A sudden shift in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is thought to be the most important mechanism behind several past abrupt changes in the climate. AMOC transports heat, salt, and nutrients throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Paleoclimate evidence has shown that changes in its strength affect the climate worldwide. Whether AMOC could suddenly shift again depends on whether the circulation can exist in more than one stable state.
Dark matter in the inert doublet model after the discovery of a Higgs-like boson at the LHC
Authors: Goudelis A. , Herrmann B. , Stål O.
Published: September 2013

Abstract

We examine the Inert Doublet Model in light of the discovery of a Higgs-like boson with a mass of roughly 126 GeV at the LHC. We evaluate one-loop corrections to the scalar masses and perform a numerical solution of the one-loop renormalization group equations. Demanding vacuum stability, perturbativity, and S-matrix unitarity, we compute the scale up to which the model can be extrapolated. From this we derive constraints on the model parameters in the presence of a 126 GeV Higgs boson. We perform an improved calculation of the dark matter relic density with the Higgs mass fixed to the measured value, taking into account the effects of three- and four-body final states resulting from off-shell production of gauge bosons in dark matter annihilation. Issues related to direct detection of dark matter are discussed, in particular the role of hadronic uncertainties. The predictions for the interesting decay mode h
0 → γγ are presented for scenarios which fulfill all model constraints, and we discuss how a potential enhancement of this rate from the charged inert scalar is related to the properties of dark matter in this model. We also apply LHC limits on Higgs boson decays to invisible final states, which provide additional constraints on the mass of the dark matter candidate. Finally, we propose three benchmark points that capture different aspects of the relevant phenomenology.
The Impact of Skin Grafting on the Quality of Life and Self‐Esteem of Patients with Venous Leg Ulcers
Authors: Salomé Geraldo M. , Blanes Leila , Ferreira Lydia M.
Published: September 2013

Background

The assessment of health‐related quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers provides important information for clinical decision making, evaluation of therapeutic benefits, and prediction of survival probabilities.

Methods

Health‐related quality of life and self‐esteem were assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) and the Rosenberg self‐esteem (RSE) scale, respectively, in patients with venous leg ulcers treated with split‐thickness skin grafts. One hundred patients with venous leg ulcers and indication for skin grafting were divided into two groups of 50 patients each: the control group (patients who received conservative treatment) and surgery group (patients who received split‐thickness skin grafts).

Results

Patients in the surgery group reported significantly higher SF‐36 scores (better health status) than controls one month after surgery, as well as 90 and 180 days postoperatively (p < 0.002). The mean total RSE score was significantly lower (indicating higher self‐esteem) in the surgery group (mean RSE score, 17.54) than in the control group (mean RSE score, 24.22).

Conclusions

Split‐thickness skin grafting resulted in better health‐related quality of life and self‐esteem in patients with venous leg ulcers than did compression therapy with Unna’s boot.
HAZOP-based identification of events in use cases
Authors: Jurkiewicz Jakub , Nawrocki Jerzy , Ochodek Mirosław , Głowacki Tomasz
Published: September 2013

Completeness is one of the main quality attributes of requirements specifications. If functional requirements are expressed as use cases, one can be interested in event completeness. A use case is event complete if it contains description of all the events that can happen when executing the use case. Missing events in any use case can lead to higher project costs. Thus, the question arises of what is a good method of identification of events in use cases and what accuracy and review speed one can expect from it. The goal of this study was to check if (1) HAZOP-based event identification is more effective than ad hoc review and (2) what is the review speed of these two approaches. Two controlled experiments were conducted in order to evaluate ad hoc approach and H4U method to event identification. The first experiment included 18 students, while the second experiment was conducted with the help of 82 professionals. In both cases, accuracy and review speed of the investigated methods were measured and analyzed. Moreover, the usage of HAZOP keywords was analyzed. In both experiments, a benchmark specification based on use cases was used. The first experiment with students showed that a HAZOP-based review is more effective in event identification than ad hoc review and this result is statistically significant. However, the reviewing speed of HAZOP-based reviews is lower. The second experiment with professionals confirmed these results. These experiments showed also that event completeness is hard to achieve. It on average ranged from 0.15 to 0.26. HAZOP-based identification of events in use cases is an useful alternative to ad hoc reviews. It can achieve higher event completeness at the cost of an increase in effort.
Tensile, Fatigue, and Creep Properties of Aluminum Heat Exchanger Tube Alloys for Temperatures from 293 K to 573 K (20 °C to 300 °C)
Authors: Kahl Sören , Ekström Hans-Erik , Mendoza Jesus
Published: September 2013

Since automotive heat exchangers are operated at varying temperatures and under varying pressures, both static and dynamic mechanical properties should be known at different temperatures. Tubes are the most critical part of the most heat exchangers made from aluminum brazing sheet. We present tensile test, stress amplitude-fatigue life, and creep–rupture data of six AA3XXX series tube alloys after simulated brazing for temperatures ranging from 293 K to 573 K (20 °C to 300 °C). While correlations between several mechanical properties are strong, ranking of alloys according to one property cannot be safely deduced from the known ranking according to another property. The relative reduction in creep strength with increasing temperature is very similar for all six alloys, but the general trends are also strong with respect to tensile and fatigue properties; an exception is one alloy that exhibits strong Mg-Si precipitation activity during fatigue testing at elevated temperatures. Interrupted fatigue tests indicated that the crack growth time is negligible compared to the crack initiation time. Fatigue lifetimes are reduced by creep processes for temperatures above approximately 423 K (150 °C). When mechanical properties were measured at several temperatures, interpolation to other temperatures within the same temperature range was possible in most cases, using simple and well-established equations.
Targeting PKCε by miR‐143 regulates cell apoptosis in lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Ni , Su Yunshu , Xu Lijun
Published: September 2013

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common causes for lung cancer and cancer‐related death. The imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis was suggested to play an important role in cancer pathogenesis and PKCε is one of the widely recognized targets. Here, we demonstrate that miR‐143 is aberrantly downregulated in NSCLC tissue and negatively correlates with expression of PKCε. We show that miR‐143 specifically targets the 3′‐UTR of PKCε and regulates its expression. Treatment with miR‐143 inhibitor mimics cell proliferation and apoptosis imbalance in NSCLC, while inhibition of PKCε can reverse it. Our findings suggest that targeting PKCε overexpression in NSCLC should be beneficial for lung cancer therapy.
Phospho‐ΔNp63α regulates AQP3, ALOX12B, CASP14 and CLDN1 expression through transcription and microRNA modulation
Authors: Ratovitski Edward A.
Published: September 2013

Cisplatin‐induced and ATM‐phosphorylated (p)‐ΔNp63α regulates the expression of epidermal differentiation and skin barrier regulators (AQP3, CASP14, ALOX12B, and CLDN1) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells by dual transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms. We found that p‐ΔNp63α bound to target gene promoters, and regulated the activity of the tested promoters in vitro. P‐ΔNp63α was shown to upregulate miR‐185‐5p and downregulate let7‐5p, which subsequently modulated AQP3, CASP14, ALOX12B and CLDN1 through their respective 3′‐untranslated regions. The introduction of miR‐185‐5p into resistant SCC‐11M cells, which are unable to phosphorylate ΔNp63α, render these cells more sensitive to cisplatin treatment. Further studies of the AQP3, CASP14, ALOX12B, and CLDN1 contributions to chemoresistance may assist in developing novel microRNA‐based therapies for human SCC.
Progranulin directly binds to the CRD2 and CRD3 of TNFR extracellular domains
Authors: Jian Jinlong , Zhao Shuai , Tian Qingyun , Gonzalez-Gugel Elena , Mundra Jyoti Joshi , Uddin Sardar MZ , Liu Ben , Richbourgh Brendon , Brunetti Ryan , Liu Chuan-ju
Published: September 2013

We previously reported that PGRN directly bound to TNF receptors (TNFR) in vitro and in chondrocytes (Tang, et al., Science, 2011). Here we report that PGRN also associated with TNFR in splenocytes, and inhibited the binding of TNFα to immune cells. Proper folding of PGRN is essential for its binding to TNFR, as DTT treatment abolished its binding to TNFR. In contrast, the binding of PGRN to Sortilin was enhanced by DTT. Protein interaction assays with mutants of the TNFR extracellular domain demonstrated that CRD2 and CRD3 of TNFR are important for the interaction with PGRN, similar to the binding to TNFα. Taken together, these findings provide the molecular basis underlying PGRN/TNFR interaction and PGRN‐mediated anti‐inflammatory activity in various autoimmune diseases and conditions.
Spatial‐temporal expressions of Crumbs and Nagie oko and their interdependence in zebrafish central nervous system during early development
Authors: Zou Jian , Wen Yi , Yang Xiaojun , Wei Xiangyun
Published: September 2013

A vast number of apicobasal polarity proteins play essential roles in the polarization and morphogenesis of the neuroepithelia. Crumbs (Crb) type I transmembrane cell–cell adhesion proteins are among these proteins. Five crb genes have been identified in zebrafish. However, their expressional and functional differences during early neural development remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we study the spatial‐temporal expression patterns and functions of Crb1, Crb2a, and Crb2b in the central nervous system (CNS) during the neurulation period. We show that: 1, the optic vesicle and undifferentiated retinal neuroepithelium only express Crb2a; 2, Crb1 and Crb2a expressions overlap extensively in the undifferentiated neural tube epithelium; 3, Crb2b expression is the weakest of the three and is restricted to the ventral‐most regions of the anterior CNS; and 4, Nok and Crb proteins require each other for their apical localization in neuroepithelium. The commencements of Crb1, Crb2a, and Crb2b expressions follow a spatial‐temporal spread from anterior to posterior and from ventral to dorsal and lag behind that of adherens junction components, such as ZO‐1 and actin bundles. Genetic and morpholino suppression analyses suggest that in regions where these Crb expressions overlap, they are functionally redundant in maintaining apicobasal polarity of the undifferentiated neuroepithelium.
Synmetamorphic granitoids (~ 490 Ma) as accretion indicators in the evolution of the Ol’khon terrane (western Cisbaikalia)
Authors: Donskaya T.V. , Gladkochub D.P. , Fedorovsky V.S. , Mazukabzov A.M. , Cho M. , Cheong W. , Kim J.
Published: September 2013

We present geological, structural, and geochemical data on synmetamorphic granitoids from the Tutai and South Ol’khon plutons of the Ol’khon terrane (Central Asian Fold Belt) with an estimation of the U–Pb zircon age of the Tutai granites. The structural and petrological data suggest the synfolding and synmetamorphic origin of the granitoids. The U–Pb zircon age of the Tutai granites (488.6 ± 8.0 Ma) almost coincides with the previously estimated age of quartz syenites from the South Ol’khon pluton (495 ± 6 Ma). The plutons occupy the same position in the regional structure. The granitoids underwent final deformations and metamorphism at 464 ± 11 Ma. The Tutai pluton consists of moderately potassic granites, whereas the South Ol’khon pluton is made up of quartz syenites and granites. The geochemical characteristics of the granites from both plutons (low Y and Yb contents, fractionated REE patterns) indicate their formation under conditions of garnet crystallization in deep crustal restite. The higher Y and Yb contents of the South Ol’khon quartz syenites as compared with those of the granites suggest the lack of equilibrium between the quartz syenite magmas and garnet parageneses during their formation or evolution. The Tutai and South Ol’khon granites were derived from quartz-feldspar crustal rocks, whereas the South Ol’khon quartz syenites might have originated from a mixed (crust-mantle) source. It is presumed that the granitoids formed within accretion-thickened crust. Early accretion, which has been first identified in the region, affected not only the Pribrezhnaya zone (the zone of the Tutai and South Ol’khon plutons) but also the entire Anga–Satyurty megazone of the Ol’khon terrane. The accretion ended with the convergence and oblique collision of the Ol’khon terrane and Siberian continent, when strike-slip tectonics became ubiquitous.
Structure and evolution of the Earth’s crust in the region of junction of the Central Asian Fold Belt and the Siberian Platform: Skovorodino–Tommot profile
Authors: Didenko A.N. , Efimov A.S. , Nelyubov P.A. , Sal’nikov A.S. , Starosel’tsev V.S. , Shevchenko B.F. , Goroshko M.V. , Gur’yanov V.A. , Zamozhnyaya N.G.
Published: September 2013

An integrated geological and geophysical study was performed to investigate the region of junction of the eastern part of the Central Asian Fold Belt and the Siberian Platform in the Skovorodino–Tommot 3-DV reference profile line (52°–60° N, 122°–129° E), where the belt is separated from the Aldan–Stanovoi Shield of the Platform by a series of deep faults. The main results are as follows: Seismic, density, and geoelectric characteristics of rocks were obtained and used to determine (refine) the intracrustal boundaries of tectonic structures; large-block structure of the Earth’s crust, caused by mantle faults, and the difference between the layered structure of the crust for the shield and fold regions were established; and available paleomagnetic data were used to perform palinspastic reconstructions for 180 and 140 million years, the most productive metallogenic epoch in the region, coeval with collision processes at the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk paleobasin.
Vendian–Early Cambrian island-arc plagiogranitoid magmatism in the Altai–Sayan folded area and in the Lake Zone of western Mongolia (geochronological, geochemical, and isotope data)
Authors: Rudnev S.N. , Kovach V.P. , Ponomarchuk V.A.
Published: September 2013

We generalize results of geological, geochronological, geochemical, and isotope-geochemical studies of the Vendian–Early Cambrian island-arc plagiogranitoid magmatism in the Altai–Sayan folded area and in the Lake Zone of western Mongolia. Based on these data, we analyzed the scales of development of plagiogranitoid magmatism, studied the petrologic composition and isotope characteristics of granitoids, and established the main sources of plagiogranitoid-generating melts and the leading mechanisms of formation of Early Caledonian juvenile crust.
Lentil-based diets attenuate hypertension and large-artery remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Hanson Matthew G. , Zahradka Peter , Taylor Carla G.
Published: September 2013

Hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The prevalence of hypertension is expected to continue increasing, and current pharmacological treatments cannot alleviate all the associated problems. Pulse crops have been touted as a general health food and are now being studied for their possible effects on several disease states including hypertension, obesity and diabetes. In the present study, 15-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were fed diets containing 30 % w/w beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, or mixed pulses or a pulse-free control diet for 4 weeks. Normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were placed on a control diet. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured weekly, while blood pressure (BP) was measured at baseline and week 4. Fasting serum obtained in week 4 of the study was analysed for circulating lipids. A histological analysis was carried out on aortic sections to determine vascular geometry. Of all the pulse varieties studied, lentils were found to be able to attenuate the rise in BP in the SHR model (P< 0·05). Lentils were able to decrease the media:lumen ratio and media width of the aorta. The total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and HDL-cholesterol levels of rats fed the pulse-based diets were found to be lower when compared with those of the WKY rat and SHR controls (P< 0·05). Although all pulses reduced circulating TC and LDL-C levels in the SHR, only lentils significantly reduced the rise in BP and large-artery remodelling in the SHR, but had no effect on PWV. These results indicate that the effects of lentils on arterial remodelling and BP in the SHR are independent of circulating LDL-C levels.
Combining functional features of whole-grain barley and legumes for dietary reduction of cardiometabolic risk: a randomised cross-over intervention in mature women
Authors: Tovar Juscelino , Nilsson Anne , Johansson Maria , Björck Inger
Published: September 2013

The usefulness of dietary strategies against cardiometabolic risk is increasingly being acknowledged. Legumes and whole grains can modulate risk markers associated with cardiometabolic diseases, but their possible additive/synergistic actions are unknown. The objective of the present study was to assess, in healthy subjects, the effect of a diet including specific whole-grain barley products and legumes with prior favourable outcomes on cardiometabolic risk parameters in semi-acute studies. A total of forty-six overweight women (50–72 years, BMI 25–33 kg/m2and normal fasting glycaemia) participated in a randomised cross-over intervention comparing a diet rich in kernel-based barley products, brown beans and chickpeas (D1, diet 1 (functional diet)) with a control diet (D2, diet 2 (control diet)) of similar macronutrient composition but lacking legumes and barley. D1 included 86 g (as eaten)/d brown beans, 82 g/d chickpeas, 58 g/d whole-grain barley kernels and 216 g/d barley kernel bread. Both diets followed the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, providing similar amounts of dietary fibre (D1: 46·9 g/d; D2: 43·5 g/d), with wheat-based products as the main fibre supplier in D2. Each diet was consumed for 4 weeks under weight-maintenance conditions. Both diets decreased serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels, but D1 had a greater effect on total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels (P< 0·001 andP< 0·05, respectively). D1 also reduced apoB (P< 0·001) and γ-glutamyl transferase (P< 0·05) levels, diastolic blood pressure (P< 0·05) and the Framingham cardiovascular risk estimate (P< 0·05). D1 increased colonic fermentative activity, as judged from the higher (P< 0·001) breath hydrogen levels recorded. In conclusion, a specific barley/legume diet improves cardiometabolic risk-associated biomarkers in a healthy cohort, showing potential preventive value beyond that of a nutritionally well-designed regimen.
Dynamic Elite Partisanship: Party Loyalty and Agenda Setting in the US House
Authors: Lindstädt René , Vander Wielen Ryan J.
Published: September 2013

Legislators and legislative parties must strike a balance between collective and member-level goals. While there are legislative and reputational returns to co-ordinated behavior, partisan loyalty has a detrimental effect on members’ electoral success. This article argues that members and parties navigate these competing forces by pursuing partisan legislation when the threat of electoral repercussions is relatively low – when elections are distant. This study tests our theory by examining US House members’ likelihood of voting with their party on both partisan and non-divisive votes during the course of the election cycle in order to assess whether members strategically alter their levels of party loyalty as elections approach. It also explores whether majority parties strategically structure the agenda according to variation in members’ electoral constraints. This approach allows elite partisanship to follow a dynamic process, which is referred to here as dynamic elite partisanship. The results demonstrate that as elections approach, members are less likely to cast party votes, and parties are less inclined to schedule votes that divide the parties. At the same time, the study finds no evidence of strategic variation in members’ voting behavior on broadly consensual votes with election proximity.