bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : Les qualités maternelles des ruminants allaitants : exemple des facilités de vêlage et de l’allaitement
Authors: MÉNISSIER F. , SAPA J. , POIVEY J.P.
Published: July 2020

Les qualités d’élevage ou qualités maternelles mettent en cause des relations complexes entre la mère et ses produits, de leur conception à leur sevrage. L’analyse du déterminisme biologique des facilités de naissance puis de l’allaitement et de la croissance avant sevrage illustre ces implications et répercussions sur la pertinence du choix des critères et objectifs de sélection pour les qualités maternelles.
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : La production de fibres textiles chez la chèvre, le lapin et le mouton
Authors: ALLAIN D. , THÉBAULT R.G.
Published: July 2020

Cet article présente l’état actuel de la production de fibres textiles animales en France : le mohair produit par la chèvre angora, l’angora produit par le lapin angora, et la laine produite par le mouton et considérée comme un sous-produit de l’élevage ovin. Chez la chèvre angora, dont la toison est normalement composée d’un seul type de fibres non médullées, et chez le mouton dont la composition de la toison est très diversifiée selon les races, les paramètres zootechniques de la production de fibres sont la quantité individuelle de poils produit, la finesse et la longueur des fibres, et la pureté de la toison (rendement au lavage, taux de fibres médullées grossières, matières végétales). Chez le lapin angora, dont la toison est composée de 3 types de fibres médullées, les paramètres zootechniques de la production d’angora sont le poids de toison, la composition (poil jarreux, poil laineux) et la dureté de la toison, et la longueur des différents types de fibres. Certains critères de qualité font l’objet de mesures objectives normalisées (finesse, longueur), d’autres doivent être précisés (dureté, taux de jarres). Chez la chèvre angora et le lapin angora, la mise en place du contrôle de performances en ferme avec mesures de critères de qualité des toisons et la conduite de travaux expérimentaux en station permettent d’appréhender les composantes et les facteurs de variations de la production et de créer des génotypes particuliers dans le cadre d’une collaboration avec les éleveurs allant du simple appui technique au programme collectif d’amélioration génétique.
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : Evaluation de l’aptitude sportive chez le cheval : application à la définition de critères précoces de sélection
Authors: BARREY E.
Published: July 2020

Dans le but de rechercher des critères précoces de sélection chez les chevaux de sport et de courses, nous proposons de mesurer certains paramètres physio-locomoteurs représentatifs du potentiel sportif. Ces mesures réalisées sur un grand nombre de chevaux apparentés permettront d’étudier la variabilité génétique et l’héritabilité de ces caractères. Dans cette perspective, notre premier objectif est de répertorier les critères physio-locomoteurs intéressants et de mettre au point un appareillage de mesure performant pour ce nouveau développement de la sélection chez le cheval.
Les objectifs et les critères de sélection : Adaptation des ovins aux conditions de milieu difficiles
Authors: BOUIX J.
Published: July 2020

Les qualités d’adaptation des animaux aux conditions de milieu ne sont pas prises en compte actuellement de façon explicite dans les schémas de sélection, ni dans l’organisation du croisement, ni dans la production ovine en général. Ces caractères d’adaptation ou de rusticité sont cependant a priori des facteurs primordiaux de réussite économique de l’élevage en milieu contraignant ou peu maîtrisé. De telles formes d’élevage sont appelées à se développer dans le cadre des grandes orientations européennes de revalorisation de zones marginales et de protection de l’environnement, et il importe d’adapter sinon de redéfinir les programmes génétiques en fonction de ces nouvelles données. Une approche de ces problèmes (Bibé et Vissac) consiste à faire l’hypothèse que les performances zootechniques sont la résultante, sinon la somme, des expressions globales de "gènes de production" et de "gènes d’adaptation" dans le milieu d’élevage ; une sélection basée sur le contrôle des performances dans les conditions de la production permettrait alors de progresser globalement sans trop d’erreurs, à la fois sur les aptitudes de production et les qualités d’adaptation requises. Cette démarche est cependant imparfaite, particulièrement dans le cas de productions en milieux difficiles, car les contraintes d’environnement y sont par définition mal maîtrisées, et par conséquent les parts respectives des qualités d’adaptation et de production dans l’expression des performances sont fluctuantes. D’un autre point de vue, il est a priori plus efficace de travailler sur les composantes d’un phénomène plutôt que sur leur résultante dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas étroitement corrélées. Une autre approche consiste donc à étudier les éléments de la rusticité au même titre que les performances zootechniques classiques, pour tenter de valoriser leur éventuelle variabilité génétique intra ou inter races selon les méthodes d’amélioration génétique adéquates. Les actions dans lesquelles la SAGA (Station d’amélioration génétique des animaux - INRA) est impliquée, portant sur les caractères d’adaptation des ovins relèvent de cette double réflexion.
L’évaluation des reproducteurs : Complications des modèles d’évaluation : exemples des performances répétées et des effets maternels
Authors: LALOË D.
Published: July 2020

Les hypothèses classiques du modèle simple d’évaluation génétique, à savoir normalité des effets génétiques, distributions normales, identiques et indépendantes, des résiduelles, indépendance des effets génétiques et des résiduelles, sont rappelées. Ces hypothèses peuvent être mises en défaut par des considérations zootechniques et génétiques concernant les phénomènes biologiques sous-jacents. Il est alors nécessaire d’adapter ce modèle simple. Le propos est illustré par deux exemples :- répétition des performances et nécessité de passer à un modèle multicaractère,- effets maternels et nécessité d’inclure ces effets sous une forme particulière dans le modèle. Le modèle avec effets maternels et l’interprétation des résultats qu’il fournit sont plus spécialement développés. On rappelle enfin l’équilibre à trouver entre rigueur et simplicité dans l’élaboration d’un modèle : les meilleurs modèles ne sont pas les plus compliqués.
La gestion des populations : La loi sur l’élevage et l’organisation générale de la sélection en France
Authors: BOUGLER J.
Published: July 2020

Pour obtenir de bons résultats en amélioration génétique, il faut des objectifs clairs, des méthodes éprouvées, des hommes compétents et une organisation assurant la cohérence des actions entreprises par chacun des partenaires. La Loi sur l’Elevage mise en place en France en 1966 a apporté aux élevages français le cadre correspondant qui est ici brièvement décrit. Le Département de Génétique Animale de l’INRA a, depuis le début, joué un rôle essentiel pour concevoir, mettre en place et assurer le suivi de toute cette organisation.
La gestion des populations : La diversité des plans d’amélioration génétique
Authors: SELLIER P.
Published: July 2020

La diversité des programmes d’amélioration génétique des animaux domestiques concerne à la fois les plans de croisement et les plans de sélection. L’intérêt du croisement et les formes d’utilisation du croisement (création d’une nouvelle population ou croisement systématique de type discontinu ou continu) dépendent de l’importance des effets d’hétérosis, du degré d’antagonisme génétique entre la performance de production et la performance de reproduction et de l’excédent de fécondité de l’espèce par rapport à ce qui est nécessaire pour le maintien d’une population de race pure. De nombreux facteurs contribuent à la diversité des plans de sélection : la nature des caractères sélectionnés (notamment leur déterminisme génétique), les paramètres de reproduction de l’espèce (notamment le nombre de produits par femelle et par cycle de reproduction), les modalités du contrôle de performances chez les candidats à la sélection et/ou leurs apparentés, les méthodes d’estimation des valeurs génétiques des reproducteurs, la structure de la population (noyau de sélection et troupeaux de production).
La gestion des populations : De l’optimisation au progrès génétique réalisé dans les schémas de sélection
Authors: ELSEN J.M.
Published: July 2020

Un schéma de sélection est une opération complexe qui fait intervenir, par cycles successifs, l’évaluation des valeurs génétiques des reproducteurs ou des candidats à la reproduction, le tri des meilleurs d’entre eux et leurs accouplements. Des modèles mathématiques ont été mis au point pour en décrire le fonctionnement. Ces modèles sont des outils d’aide à la décision pour les sélectionneurs et pour l’Etat qui les subventionne. A partir d’un exemple concret, nous décrivons ici la structure et l’utilisation de ces modèles. Quelques indications sont également données sur les méthodes d’estimation a posteriori du gain génétique réalisé grâce à ces schémas de sélection.
La gestion des populations : Intérêt possible des biotechnologies de l’embryon pour la sélection des bovins laitiers
Authors: COLLEAU J.J.
Published: July 2020

Les effets possibles d’une utilisation de la transplantation embryonnaire dans les schémas de sélection des bovins laitiers sont décrits. La perspective est étendue au cas de l’utilisation d’embryons sexés ou sexés et clonés bien que les techniques correspondantes soient encore en cours de développement. Ces effets sont décrits en termes de génétique des populations où plusieurs paramètres très différents contribuent à l’efficacité globale des programmes de sélection. Leur résultat net est que la transplantation embryonnaire permet d’augmenter les progrès génétiques annuels dans une proportion non négligeable (de l’ordre de 20 %), essentiellement parce qu’elle permet d’accélérer la reproduction dans une espèce handicapée à cet égard. Les perspectives offertes par le sexage et clonage apparaissent nettement plus positives que pour le sexage seul, puisque les progrès génétiques augmenteraient encore et parce que l’accès à des embryons femelles très bien connus d’après la performance de leurs clones deviendrait possible à l éleveur.
La gestion des populations : Comment exploiter la variabilité génétique entre races : du croisement simple à la souche synthétique
Authors: BIDANEL J.P.
Published: July 2020

Cet article fait le point sur les modalités d’exploitation par le croisement de la variabilité génétique entre races. Le croisement ou accouplement d’animaux issus de populations différentes permet de tirer parti des différences additives entre races, de bénéficier des effets d’hétérosis et de complémentarité et peut dans certains cas conduire à un accroissement de la variabilité génétique. Le croisement recouvre en fait un grand nombre de modalités appelées systèmes ou plans de croisement. Ceux-ci diffèrent entre eux par le nombre de populations impliquées et le mode de renouvellement des reproducteurs, mais également par l’utilisation des différences entre races, des effets d’hétérosis et de complémentarité. Le choix d’un plan de croisement dépend des caractéristiques biologiques de l’espèce, des conditions socio-économiques de production et bien entendu de son efficacité économique. Celle-ci est fonction des effectifs et des performances moyennes des différents types génétiques produits. Ces performances moyennes peuvent être prédites à un instant t à partir des paramètres du croisement (effets additifs et d’hétérosis directs et maternels). La valeur additive d’un type génétique se calcule aisément comme la somme des effets additifs de chaque race pondérés par leur proportion relative dans le génotype considéré. La prédiction des effets d’hétérosis peut s’avérer plus complexe, car elle dépend de la nature des effets d’hétérosis (dominance ou épistasie). Par contre, pour pouvoir prédire la performance moyenne d’un type génétique au cours du temps, il est nécessaire de prendre en compte les effets conjoints de la sélection et du croisement.
La gestion des populations : La gestion génétique des petites populations
Authors: VERRIER E.
Published: July 2020

La conservation des races animales domestiques menacées dans leurs effectifs est un élément de la gestion des ressources génétiques exploitables par l’agriculture. Les programmes de conservation comportent, outre des actions visant à assurer une place de ces races dans l’économie, un volet de gestion génétique. L’objet de ce dernier est d’éviter au sein de ce type de populations, dont les effectifs sont limités, une élévation trop rapide de la consanguinité et la réduction concomitante de la variabilité génétigue. Des outils de description de cette variabilité, comme les coefficients de parenté et de consanguinité ou les probabilités d’origine des gènes, permettent de raisonner les méthodes de gestion génétique, qui reposent sur l’uniformisation des tailles de descendance entre les reproducteurs, et la division des populations en groupes de reproduction. Les exemples de la race ovine Solognote et de la race bovine Parthenaise permettent d’illustrer l’efficacité de ces méthodes. Ils permettent également de souligner l’importance de définir des règles de gestion suffisamment simples pour être appliquées en pratique, et l’absolue nécessité qu’il y a de trouver des débouchés économiques viables pour ces races qui ont été délaissées par les systèmes de production habituels.
Les contrôles de filiation dans les populations
Authors: FRANÇOIS D. , BOSCHER M.Y. , MÉRIAUX J.C. , NGUYEN T.C.
Published: July 2020

Le contrôle de filiation est utilisé par les organismes en charge de l’amélioration génétique des espèces d’élevage. Il permet de contrôler l’exactitude des généalogies enregistrées dans les fichiers des chaînes nationales d’identification. Il est réalisé en comparant les hémotypes des trois membres (père, mère, produit) des familles contrôlées. Les analyses comportent un grand nombre de tests immunologiques et biochimiques conférant au contrôle de filiation une grande efficacité dans la détection des familles erronées.
Impact of rural schools on further adaptation of rural youth to the university life in a city: experience of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University
Authors: Shalivska Yulia , Tkachenko Kateryna , Danylyuk Serhiy
Published: July 2020

The current research aims to summarize the features of school education in rural areas in Ukraine and to establish their potential influence on students' academic and socio-psychological adaptation to a new learning and living environment. Small number of students in class, poor material and technical condition, limited opportunities for self-realization, low motivation to study etc. are distinguished as the basic peculiarities of Ukrainian rural schools. The authors’ mini-questionnaire revealed that 62% of the first-year students of rural origin from a local Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University at Cherkasy experience hardships during adaptation. Challenges faced by 270 first-year students are described: personal, educational, living conditions, psychological, communicative, relationships in the group. The outcomes of the study convince that students of rural origin encounter additional challenges adjusting to changed living conditions while studying in universities in contrast to students from urban and suburban areas. Recommendations are provided to assist rural school counselors in preparing students for their further adaptation at large colleges and universities. Directions of work of psychological service, counsellors and educators in higher education institutions are displayed: individual counseling for the student, development and implementation of special training programs, integration of individual classes into training programs.
Modal sosial dalam ketahanan komunitas terhadap bencana banjir di Kelurahan Kemijen dan Krobokan, Kota Semarang
Authors: Norzistya Avinda Dyah , Handayani Wiwandari
Published: July 2020

Berdasarkan letak geografisnya, Kota Semarang sering dilanda bencana banjir dan rob. Manajemen bencana telah dilakukan di wilayah ini tetapi masih bersifat teknis. Aspek sosial jarang diperhatikan dalam tahapan manajemen bencana. Hal ini tentunya berdampak pada ketahanan komunitasnya dalam merespon dan menyerap dampak terhadap bencana banjir. Membangun ketahanan komunitas bergantung pada hubungan sosial, jaringan, dan keterhubungan di antara komunitas. Beberapa faktor tersebut terdapat pada modal sosial sebagai sumberdaya potensial yang dapat menstimulasi berbagai fungsi yang terikat dalam struktur sosial. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji ketahanan komunitas terhadap manajemen bencana banjir di Kelurahan Kemijen dan Krobokan yang dilihat dari sejauh mana nilai-nilai modal sosial yang tertanam pada Kelurahan Siaga Bencana (KSB). Ini didukung dengan menggunakan pendekatan campuran antara kuantitatif yang menggunakan metode survei serta kualitatif menggunakan metode case study. Pendekatan campuran ini didukung dengan metode analisis skoring, normalisasi, dan deskripsi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan nilai modal sosial pada KSB Kemijen dan Krobokan dalam manajemen bencana banjir. Perbedaan terlihat pada nilai bonding dan bridging di KSB Kemijen lebih kuat dibandingkan dengan KSB Krobokan. Salah satunya dipengaruhi oleh keaktifan anggota komunitas dalam mengikuti tahap kesiapsiagaan bencana banjir. Namun, kondisi tersebut tidak mengurangi modal sosial di KSB Krobokan dalam manajemen bencana banjir salah satunya dipengaruhi oleh peran ketua KSB yang selalu menginformasikan terkait kebencanaan. Selain itu, keberadaan institusi lokal sebagai media dalam meningkatkan modal sosial di kedua KSB. Modal sosial yang tertanam pada KSB berperan dalam ketahanan komunitas Kelurahan Kemijen dan Krobokan dalam manajemen bencana banjir.
Kerangka kerja penilaian rencana tata ruang berbasis manajemen risiko bencana
Authors: Rozita Syarifah Gita , Setiadi Rukuh
Published: July 2020

Sistem regulasi di Indonesia mengamanatkan untuk memasukkan pertimbangan kebencanaan dalam penyusunan rencana tata ruang. Namun demikian belum ada panduan yang terintegrasi untuk menerjemahkan konsep manajemen risiko bencana ke dalam rencana tata ruang. Studi ini bertujuan untuk merumuskan kerangka kerja untuk memadukan konsep manajemen risiko bencana (MRB) ke dalam rencara tata ruang sehingga dapat dijadikan panduan dalam penilaian produk tata ruang. Metode yang digunakan ialah deskriptif kualitatif, dengan menggunakan sumber data sekunder berupa literatur sebagai data utamanya. Penelitian ini menghasilkan tabel kerangka kerja yang berfungsi sebagai pedoman untuk menilai penerapan konsep MRB dalam menyusun rencana tata ruang. Studi ini menemukan bahwa tidak semua komponen dari MRB dapat masuk ke dalam ranah perencanaan tata ruang, terutama untuk komponen yang terkait dengan tahapan respon bencana.
A new, more accurate, and easier to use Jacob's staff
Authors: Holland Steven M. , Regan Anik K.
Published: July 2020

A new Jacob's staff using 3D printed brackets, a laser pointer, and an iOS app is described here. The staff offers improved accuracy of sighting, especially in situations where the rock exposure is not in the direction of dip, or where a lateral offset in a stratigraphic section is needed. Although the Jacob's staff will also work with a pocket transit or other inclinometer, the iOS app makes it easier to simultaneously maintain the correct dip angle and direction of the staff. The laser pointer substantially reduces error in sighting. The availability and low cost of 3D printing make this staff more accessible than similar apparatuses that require machined or welded metal parts. Field tests by students demonstrate greater accuracy than a traditional Jacob's staff combined with a transit.
Perceptions on Blended Learning in Higher Education among Academics and Learners in SEGI College Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Kumarasamy Krishnamoorthy , Kalimuthu Kalaivani , Narayanansamy Mahalecumy
Published: July 2020

This paper serves as an exploration into finding the perceptions of students and academics on blended learning approach over a course, also to identify the perceived benefits, challenges and limitations in teaching and learning among students and academics. To examine the students’ and academics’ perceptions, this paper has used mixed methodology of questionnaire to the students and structured interview survey to the academics. Both data was analysed at the end of the course after all the content, assessment strategies and learning processes taken place with blended approach. Results indicated that the students’ perceptions are more likely to show positive association towards blended learning approach with some concerns on the format of blended learning approach.  Likewise, the academics who have carried blended learning approach into their teaching have shown similar association. Besides that, the academics also shared their insights on the benefits, challenges and limitations respectively towards blended learning approach.
A Stochastic Method to Estimate the Anisotropic Stress-Dependent Coal Permeability by Pore-Volume Distribution and Stress-Strain Measurements
Authors: Raza Syed Shabbar , Rudolph Victor , Rufford Tom , Chen Zhongwei
Published: July 2020

A novel, simple, economical, and time-effective method to estimate the anisotropic permeability of coal is presented in this paper. This method estimates the coal’s anisotropic permeability by avoiding the tedious experimentation using triaxial permeameter or history-matching exercises. This method calculates the absolute magnitude of the permeability of the sample. In this regard, it is unlike other analytical permeability models, such as given by Palmer and Mansoori (1998) and Shi and Durucan (2014), that only calculate the permeability ratio (k/k0). The motivation is to find a method by which the permeability of the coal may be determined with reasonable accuracy by using only two easy measurements: mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and anisotropic stress-strain (σ-ɛ) measurement. The main blocks of the method are based on cleat size that is obtained from MIP and randomly allocated to form flow channels/cleats through the coal; these cleats form parallel paths in the orthogonal face and butt cleat directions that provide the permeability; and the cleat width (b) is stress dependent. This method is further validated by comparing with the experimentally measured stress-dependent permeability of Surat Basin (Australia) coal and German coal in face cleat and butt cleat directions.
Relocation experiences of the elderly to a long-term care facility in Taiwan: a qualitative study
Authors: Wu Chia-Shan , Rong Jiin-Ru
Published: July 2020

BackgroundRelocation to a long-term care (LTC) facility is a major life change for most elderly people. Following relocation, many elderly experience difficulties in adapting to changes in the living environment. Taiwan is increasingly becoming an "aging society” and the numbers of those who relocate from family residences to long-term residential care facilities have increased over years. However, in-depth evidence on the experiences of the elderly of their stay in LTC facilities in Taiwan is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore the relocation experiences of the elderly to a LTC facility to inform policy and practice to address their needs effectively.MethodsA qualitative study, using semi-structured in-depth interviews, was conducted to explore the experiences of 16 elderly people who have relocated to and lived in a LTC facility in Taiwan for up to a period of 12 months. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using grounded theory approach.ResultsParticipants’ accounts reflected four interrelated key themes: wish to minimize the burden, but stay connected with the family; perceived barriers to adaptation; valuing tailored care; and acceptance and engagement. Each theme included interrelated subthemes that influenced one another and represented the different stages in the relocation journey. Most participants viewed relocation as a way of minimizing the burden of their care from family members, but desired to keep a close connection with family and friends. Participants recounted experiences of psychological resistance while making the decision to relocate. Fear of losing autonomy and the ability to perform self-care was a major reason for resistance to adapt. Provision of tailored care was accorded much value by the participants. The decision to accept the relocation and to adapt themselves to the new environment due to their needs for constant care was explicit in some accounts.ConclusionsRelocation to LTC facility is a dynamic process in the first year of moving into the facility, and involves a range of emotions, feelings and experiences. Adaptation of the elderly into the LTC facility can be maximized if the relocation is well planned with provisions for individually tailored care and family involvement.
Anthropometrical measurements and maternal visceral fat during first half of pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kretzer Daniela Cortés , Matos Salete , Von Diemen Lisia , Magalhães José Antônio de Azevedo , Schöffel Alice Carvalhal , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran , Rocha Alexandre da Silva , Bernardi Juliana Rombaldi
Published: July 2020

Background

Determining anthropometric measures that indicate different fat deposits can be useful to predict metabolic risk and set specific treatment goals, reducing negative consequences for maternal and fetal health. In cases where pre-gestational weight measure and subsequent body mass index (BMI) values cannot be determined, other anthropometric measurements may be ideal for measuring the nutritional status of pregnant women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to identify which anthropometric measurements correlate better with the maternal fat deposits measured by ultrasound.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women from the city of Porto Alegre (city), capital of Rio Grande do Sul (state), southern Brazil, from October 2016 until January 2018. Anthropometrical variables (weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference [MUAC], circumferences of calf and neck and triceps skinfolds [TSF] and subscapular skinfolds [SBSF]), and ultrasound variables (visceral adipose tissue [VAT] and total adipose tissue [TAT]) were collected. To verify the correlation of anthropometric and ultrasound measurements, a non-adjusted and adjusted Spearman correlation was used. The study was approved by the ethics committees.

Results

The age median of the 149 pregnant women was 25 years [21 - 31], pre-pregnancy BMI was 26.22kg/m² [22.16 – 31.21] and gestational age was 16.2 weeks [13.05 – 18.10]. The best measurements correlated with VAT and TAT were MUAC and SBSF, both of which showed a higher correlation than pre-pregnancy BMI.

Conclusion

It is possible to provide a practical and reliable estimate of VAT and TAT from the anthropometric evaluation (MUAC or SBSF) that is low cost, efficient and replicable in an outpatient clinic environment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Antibacterial Activity of Cu(II) and Co(II) Porphyrins: Role of Ligand Modification
Authors: Beyene belete , Wassie Getaneh A.
Published: July 2020

In this study, we report antibacterial activity of metalloporphyrins; 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis ( para -X phenyl)porphyrinato M (II) [where X= H, NH 2 and COOMe for M = Cu and X= COOH and OMe for M = Co] . The activity study of the as-synthesized metalloporphyrins toward two Gram-positive ( S. aureus and S. pyogenes) and two Gram-negative ( E. coli and K. pneumoniae ) bacteria showed a promising inhibitory activity . Among the complexes under study, the highest antibacterial activity is observed for 5, 10, 15, 20-tetrakis (p-carboxyphenyl)porphyrinato cobalt (II), with inhibition zone of 16.5mm against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). This activity could be attributed to the high binding ability of COOH group to cellular components, membranes, proteins, and DNA as well as the lipophilicity of the complex. Moreover, consistent with literature report, the study revealed that metalloporphyrins with electron withdrawing group at para-positions have better antibacterial activity than metalloporphyrin which possess electron donating group at para position.
Measuring Clinical Uncertainty and Equipoise by Applying the Agreement Study Methodology to Patient Management Decisions
Authors: FAHED Robert , DARSAUT Tim E. , FARZIN Behzad , CHAGNON Miguel , Raymond Jean
Published: July 2020

Background: Clinical uncertainty and equipoise are vague notions that play important roles in contemporary problems of medical care and research, including the design and conduct of pragmatic trials. Our goal was to show how the reliability study methods normally used to assess diagnostic tests can be applied to particular management decisions to measure the degree of uncertainty and equipoise regarding the use of rival management options.Methods: We first use thrombectomy in acute stroke as an illustrative example of the method we propose. We then review, item by item, how the various design elements of diagnostic reliability studies can be modified in order to measure clinical uncertainty.Results: The thrombectomy example shows sufficient disagreement and uncertainty to warrant the conduct of additional randomized trials. The general method we propose is that a sufficient number of diverse individual cases sharing a similar clinical problem and covering a wide spectrum of clinical presentations be assembled into a portfolio that is submitted to a variety of clinicians who routinely manage patients with the clinical problem. Clinicians are asked to independently choose one of the predefined management options, which are selected from those that would be compared within a randomized trial that would address the clinical dilemma. Intra-rater agreement can be assessed at a later time with a second evaluation. Various professional judgments concerning individual patients can then be compared and analyzed using kappa statistics or similar methods. Interpretation of results can be facilitated by providing examples or by translating the results into clinically meaningful summary sentences.Conclusions: Measuring the uncertainty regarding management options for clinical problems may reveal substantial disagreement, provide an empirical foundation for the notion of equipoise, and inform or facilitate the design/conduct of clinical trials to address the clinical dilemma.
The algal selenoproteomes
Authors: Jiang Liang , Lu Yiqian , Zheng Lin , Li Gaopeng , Chen Lianchang , Zhang Maona , Ni Jiazuan , Liu Qiong , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2020

Background: Selenium is an important trace element, and selenocysteine is its predominant form in vivo. The protein containing selenocysteine is selenoprotein, whose special structural features include not only the TGA codon encoding selenocysteine, but also the SECIS element in mRNA and the conservation of selenocysteine flanking region. These special features have led to the development of a series of bioinformatics methods for the prediction and research of selenoprotein genes. There are some studies and reports on the evolution and distribution of selenoprotein genes in prokaryotes and multicellular eukaryotes, but the systematic analysis of single-cell eukaryotes, especially algae, is very limited. Results: In this study, we predicted selenoprotein genes in 137 species of algae by using a program we previously developed. More than 1000 selenoprotein genes were obtained. A database website was built to hold these algae selenoprotein genes (www.selenoprotein.com). These genes belong to 42 selenoprotein families, including three novel selenoprotein gene families. Conclusions: This study reveals the primordial state of the eukaryotic selenoproteome. It is an important clue to explore the significance of selenium for primordial eukaryotes and to build the whole evolutionary spectrum of selenoproteins for all life.
Intersectional equity in health care: Assessing complex inequities in primary and secondary care utilization by gender and education in Northern Sweden
Authors: Nyamande Fortune N , Mosquera Paola A , Sebastián Miguel San , Gustafsson Per E
Published: July 2020

Background: Knowledge remains scarce about inequities in health care utilization between groups defined, not only by single, but by multiple and intersecting social categories. This study aims to estimate intersectional horizontal inequities in health care utilization by gender and educational level in Northern Sweden, applying a novel methodological approach.Methods: Data on participants (N=22,997) aged 16-84 years from Northern Sweden came from the 2014 Health on Equal Terms cross sectional survey. Primary (general practitioner) and secondary (specialist doctor) health care utilization and health care needs indicators were self-reported, and sociodemographic information came from registers. Four intersectional categories representing high and low educated men, and high and low educated women, were created, to estimate intersectional (joint, referent, and excess) inequalities, and needs-adjusted horizontal inequities in utilization. Results: Joint inequalities in primary care were large; 8.20 percentage points difference (95%CI: 6.40-9.99) higher utilization among low-educated women than high-educated men. Only the gender referent inequity remained after needs adjustment, with high- (but not low-) educated women utilizing care more frequently than high-educated men (3.66 percentage points difference (95%CI: 2.67-5.25)). In contrast, inequalities in specialist visits were dominated by referent educational inequalities, (5.69 percentage points difference (95%CI: 2.56−6.19), but with no significant horizontal inequity – by gender, education, or their combination – remaining after needs adjustment. Conclusion: This study suggests a complex interaction of gender and educational inequities in access to care in Northern Sweden, with horizontal equity observable for secondary but not primary care. The study thereby illustrates the unique knowledge gained from an intersectional perspective to equity in health care.
Bone Mineral Density and Bone Microarchitecture in a Cohort of Patients with Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: He Tianhua , Cui Lijia , Niu Na , Wang Fengdan , Miao Huilei , Zhao Hao , Gao Xuemin , Liu Chang , Yu Fan , Jiang Yan , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Zhou Daobin , Li Jian , Cao Xin-xin , Xia Weibo
Published: July 2020

Background: Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) is a rare type of non-Langerhans histiocytosis. Skeletal structures are affected in over 95% ECD patients. Due to the lack of proper imaging assessment tools, the alteration of bone microarchitecture in ECD has not been well studied. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is a newly developed assessment of bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with thirteen patients diagnosed with ECD in Peking Union Medical College Hospital between October 2018 and June 2019. The diagnosis of ECD was based on typical pathological findings in the context of appropriate clinical and radiological manifestations. Bone geometry, volumetric bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture of those ECD patients were assessed using HR-pQCT at the non-dominant distal radius and distal tibia. Those HR-pQCT parameters were then compared to an ongoing population-based database of HR-pQCT for Mainland Chinese. Results: As a result, remarkable heterogeneity of osteosclerosis in the HR-pQCT images was found in ECD patients, ranging from apparent normal structure, scattered thickening of trabecula, to homogenous consolidation. In terms of quantitative measurements, total volumetric BMD (383.50mg/cm3, 1.352 times of normal mean, p=0.023) of the tibia differed significantly in ECD patients, due to the increased trabecular volumetric BMD (291 mg/cm3, 2.058 times of normal mean, p=0.003). The increased trabecular volumetric BMD of tibia was associated with remarkably increased number of trabecula (1.7/mm, 1.455 times of normal mean, p=0.002) and increased thickness of trabecula (0.37mm, 1.466 times of normal mean, p=0.003). These differences could be due to the existence of dense bone interposed in the trabecula. Conclusion: This study is the first to assess the volumetric bone mineral density and bone microstructure with HR-pQCT in a cohort of ECD patients and indicated that the application of HR-pQCT may help to reveal the nature of bone lesions in the disease.
Discriminative Validity of the Core Outcome Set Functional Independence in a Population of Older Adults
Authors: Dockx Yvonne , Molenaar Esther , Barten Di-Janne , Veenhof Cindy
Published: July 2020

BackgroundClinicians are currently challenged to support older adults to maintain a certain level of Functional Independence (FI). FI is defined as “functioning physically safely and independent from another person, within one’s own context”. A Core Outcome Set was developed to measure FI. The purpose of this study was to assess discriminative validity of the Core Outcome Set FI (COSFI) in a population of Dutch older adults (> 65 years) with different levels of FI. Secondary objective was to assess to what extent the underlying domains ‘coping’, ‘empowerment’ and ‘health literacy’ contribute to the COSFI in addition to the domain ‘physical capacity’.MethodsA population of 200 community-dwelling older adults and older adults living in residential care facilities were evaluated by the COSFI. The COSFI contains measurements on the four domains of FI: physical capacity, coping, empowerment and health literacy. In line with the COSMIN Study Design checklist for Patient-reported outcome measurement instruments, predefined hypotheses regarding prediction accuracy and differences between three subgroups of FI were tested. Testing included ordinal logistic regression analysis, with main outcome prediction accuracy of the COSFI on a proxy indicator for FI.ResultsOverall, the prediction accuracy of the COSFI was 68%. For older adults living at home and depending on help in (i)ADL, prediction accuracy was 58%. 60% of the preset hypotheses were confirmed. Only physical capacity measured with Short Physical Performance Battery was significantly associated with group membership. Adding health literacy with coping or empowerment to a model with physical capacity improved the model significantly (p<0.01).ConclusionsThe current composition of the COSFI, did not yet meet the COSMIN criteria for discriminative validity. However, with some adjustments, the COSFI potentially becomes a valuable instrument for clinical practice. Context-related factors, like the presence of a spouse, also may be a determining factor in this population. It is recommended to include context-related factors in further research on determining FI in subgroups of older people.
Tumor-suppressor miRNA-27b-5p regulates the growth and metastatic behaviors of ovarian carcinoma cells by targeting CXCL1
Authors: Liu Chun Hua , Jing Xue Ning , Liu Xiao Lan , Qin Shan Yong , Liu Min Wei , Hou Chun Hong
Published: July 2020

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial functions in the progression of ovarian cancer. MicroRNA-27b-5p (miR-27b-5p) has been identified as a cancer-associated miRNA. Nevertheless, the expression profile of miR-27b-5p and its functions in ovarian cancer are unexplored.MethodsqRT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the levels of miR-27b-5p and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1). The impact of miR-27b-5p on ovarian cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro were investigated using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), wound healing and Transwell, respectively. The expression of matrix metalloprotein-2/9 (MMP-2/9) were measured using immunofluorescence staining. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis were used to predict the target of miR-27b-5p. The growth of ovarian cancer cells in vivo was evaluated using transplanted tumor model.ResultsHere, we demonstrated that miR-27b-5p was downregulated in ovarian carcinoma cells and clinical specimens. Higher expression of miR-27b-5p was associated with an unfavorable overall survival in patients with ovarian cancer. Upregulation of miR-27b-5p decreased the viability, migration ability and invasion capacity of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cell. MiR-27b-5p also inhibited the growth of SKOV3 cell in nude mice. Additionally, we verified that CXCL1 was a target of miR-27b-5p in ovarian carcinoma cells. Restoring the expression of CXCL1 abolished the inhibitory impacts of miR-27b-5p in ovarian cancer carcinoma cells.ConclusionThis research revealed that miR-27b-5p restrained the progression of ovarian carcinoma possibly via targeting CXCL1.
Rural-urban differences in the mental health of perinatal women: a UK-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ginja Samuel , Jackson Katherine , Newham James J , Henderson Emily J , Smart Debbie , Lingam Raghu
Published: July 2020

Background: International data suggest that living in a rural area is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mental illness. This study tested the association between rurality and risk for two mental illnesses prevalent in perinatal women - depression and anxiety. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, antenatal and postnatal women were approached by healthcare professionals and through other networks in a county in Northern England (UK). After providing informed consent, women completed a questionnaire where they indicated their postcode (used to determine rural-urban status) and completed three outcome measures: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Whooley (depression measure), and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2). Logistic regression models were developed, both unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders, including socioeconomic status, social support and perinatal stage. Results: 295 participants provided valid data. Women in rural areas (n=130) were mostly comparable to their urban counterparts (n=165). Risk for depression and/or anxiety was found to be higher in the rural group across all models: unadjusted OR 1.67 95% CI 1.03 to 2.72, p=.038. This difference though indicative did not reach statistical significance after adjusting for socioeconomic status and perinatal stage (OR 1.57 (0.40), 95% CI 0.95 to 2.58, p=.078), and for social support (OR 1.65 (0.46), 95% CI 0.96 to 2.84, p=.070). Conclusions: Data suggested that women in rural areas were at higher risk of depression and anxiety than their urban counterparts. Further work should be undertaken to corroborate these findings and investigate the underlying factors. This will help inform future interventions and the allocation of perinatal services to where they are most needed.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies a novel mutation in spermine synthase gene (SMS) associated with Snyder-Robinson Syndrome
Authors: Qazi Talal J. , Wu Qiao , Aierken Ailikemu , Lu Daru , Bukhari Ihtisham , Hussain Hafiz M. J. , Yang Jingmin , Mir Asif , Qing Hong
Published: July 2020

Background: Loss of function mutations in the spermine synthase gene (SMS) have been reported to cause a rare X-linked intellectual disability known as Snyder-Robinson Syndrome (SRS). Besides intellectual disability, SRS is also characterized by reduced bone density, osteoporosis and facial dysmorphism. SRS phenotypes evolve with age from childhood to adulthood. Methods: Whole exome sequencing was performed to know the causative gene/pathogenic variant. Later we confirmed the pathogenic variant through Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, we also performed the mutational analysis through HOPE SERVER and SWISS-MODEL. Also, radiographs were also obtained for affected individual to confirm the disease features. Results: In this article, we report the first Pakistani family consisting of three patients with SRS and a novel missense pathogenic variant in the SMS gene (c.905 C>T p.(Ser302Leu)). In addition to the typical phenotypes, one patient presented with early-onset seizures. Clinical features, genetic and in-silico analysis linked the affected patients of the family with Snyder-Robinson and suggest that this novel mutation affects the spermine synthase activity Conclusion: A novel missense variant in the SMS, c.905C >T p. (Ser302Leu), causing Snyder- Robinson Syndrome (SRS) is reported in three members of Pakistani Family.
Activation and enhancement of Caerulomycin A biosynthesis in marine-derived Actinoalloteichus sp. AHMU CJ021 by combinatorial genome mining strategies
Authors: Xie Yunchang , Chen Jiawen , Wang Bo , Chen Tai , Chen Junyu , Zhang Yuan , Liu Xiaoying , Chen Qi
Published: July 2020

Backgrounds: Activation of silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in marine-derived actinomycete strains is a feasible strategy to discover bioactive natural products. Actinoalloteichus sp. AHMU CJ021, isolated from the seashore, was shown to contain an intact but silent caerulomycin A (CRM A) BGC- cam in its genome. Thus, a genome mining work was preformed to activate the strain’s production of CRM A, an immunosuppressive drug lead with diverse bioactivities.Results: To well activate the expression of cam , ribosome engineering was adopted to treat the wild type Actinoalloteichus sp. AHMU CJ021. The initial mutant strain XC-11G with gentamycin resistance and CRM A production titer of 42.51 ± 4.22 mg/L was selected from all generated mutant strains by gene expression comparison of the essential biosynthetic gene-camE. The titer of CRM A production was then improved by two strain breeding methods via UV mutagenesis and cofactor engineering-directed increase of intracellular riboflavin, which finally generated the optimal mutant strain XC-11GUR with a CRM A production titer of 113.91 ± 7.58 mg/L. Subsequently, this titer of strain XC-11GUR was improved to 618.61 ± 16.29 mg/L through medium optimization together with further adjustment derived from response surface methodology. In terms of this 14.6 folds increase in the titer of CRM A compared to the initial value, strain XC-GUR could be a well alternative strain for CRM A development.Conclusions: Our results have constructed an ideal CRM A producer. More importantly, our efforts also have demonstrated the effectiveness of abovementioned combinatorial strategies, which is applicable to the genome mining of bioactive natural products from abundant actinomycetes strains.