bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chapitre 2 : La protéine prion cellulaire (PrPc) : propriétés et rôle physiologique
Authors: DUCROT C.
Published: June 2020

Les propriétés et le rôle physiologique de la protéine prion sont encore mal connus, de même que la façon et les raisons pour lesquelles la protéine prion normale est transformée en protéine prion pathogène. Ces différentes questions sont importantes, à la fois pour comprendre les mécanismes moléculaires à l’origine des encéphalopathies spongiformes transmissibles et pour rechercher des possibilités de thérapie. C’est la raison pour laquelle divers types de travaux sont conduits sur ces questions, utilisant différentes approches.
L’article de Lepage et al. est basé sur l’approche physicochimique de la structure de la protéine prion. L’objectif de ces travaux est de rechercher les domaines de la protéine prion qui pourraient avoir un rôle clé dans la transconformation de la protéine normale en protéine pathogène, tant pour induire que pour réguler ce processus.
L’article de Moudjou et al. est basé sur une approche immunochimique. Des anticorps monoclonaux ont été mis au point, avec des affinités particulières pour certaines régions de la protéine prion PrP. Ainsi certains anticorps reconnaissent différentes formes glycosylées de la protéine et discriminent les allèles de la PrP associés à la susceptibilité des moutons à la tremblante. Ces réactifs offrent des perspectives dans plusieurs domaines, notamment dans l’étude du rôle de la glycosylation dans la capacité de la protéine prion à être convertie en protéine pathogène et dans l’analyse fine des profils glycotypiques de la protéine anormale, dans le cadre du typage moléculaire des souches de prions. Ces anticorps peuvent également être utilisés comme moyen de génotypage rapide des moutons.
Enfin, l’article de Gatti et al. analyse le rôle physiologique de la protéine prion cellulaire. Des travaux ont été entrepris pour établir la présence et les voies de sécrétion de la protéine prion normale dans différents organes et tissus de l’organisme, ainsi que son rôle, en utilisant différents modèles animaux et cellulaires.
Approche physicochimique de la structure de la protéine prion PrPc : Plasticité conformationnelle de peptides de la région 121-170 (H1-S2) de la protéine prion ovine
Authors: LEPAGE C. , RABESONA H. , KOZIN S. , BLOND A. , HAERTLE T. , DEBEY P. , REBUFFAT S.
Published: June 2020

Le passage de la forme non pathogène de la protéine prion normalement présente chez l’individu sain (PrPC) vers la forme pathogène (PrPSc) se traduit par une augmentation de la proportion de feuillet bêta dans la protéine, favorisant son agrégation, la formation de fibrilles et la résistance à la protéinase K. La structure tridimensionnelle de PrPC, déterminée pour quatre espèces, est extrêmement conservée. Elle comporte un segment désordonné et très flexible à l’extrémité N-terminale et une partie globulaire, constituée de deux brins bêta (S1, S2) et de trois hélices alpha (H1 à H3) associés par des boucles (L1 à L5). Le fragment de la protéine correspondant à l’hélice H1 se structure en hélice de façon autonome. En revanche, le peptide comportant la région H1-L3- S2 (PrPH1-L3-S2) montre, comme la protéine, une capacité à adopter différentes conformations. Ces résultats contribuent à proposer l’hélice H1 comme l’un des motifs structuraux de la protéine capables d’initier la transconformation, c’est-à-dire la transformation de la protéine prion normale en protéine prion pathogène. Le rôle clé de l’hélice H1 dans la transconformation a été étayé par une série d’études physicochimiques, détaillées dans l’article, réalisées à l’aide d’une série de peptides de tailles variées (9 à 33 résidus, séquence ovine) ciblés sur la région [133-165] qui comporte la succession des motifs structuraux L2-H1-L3-S2. Les principaux résultats de cette étude montrent la grande stabilité de l’hélice H1, en particulier en présence de la boucle L2 ou des deux boucles L2 et L3. L’absence de la boucle L2 et la présence du brin bêta S2 sont en revanche des facteurs de déstabilisation de l’hélice H1. La boucle L2 pourrait d’ailleurs jouer un rôle tout particulier comme le suggère l’observation d’une interaction entre cette boucle et la protéine PrPC. Une telle interaction pourrait être mise en jeu dans les mécanismes intervenant dans l’interaction protéine prion saine/protéine prion pathogène impliquée dans la propagation de la maladie. Ces résultats, qui devront être confirmés et développés, conduisent à proposer la boucle L2 et le feuillet S2 comme deux régions assurant la «régulation» de la stabilité de l’hélice H1, qui apparaît comme une région clef dans les processus de conversion pathogène.
Variabilité génétique de la résistance aux Encéphalopathies Spongiformes Transmissibles chez l’animal
Authors: VILOTTE J.L.
Published: June 2020

L’influence du polymorphisme au locus Prnp sur la sensibilité des animaux aux Encéphalopathies Spongiformes Transmissibles (EST) est très bien documentée pour l’espèce ovine, avec la mise en évidence d’allèles associés à une plus grande sensibilité des animaux aux EST ou au contraire à une plus grande résistance. Cela a résulté dans la mise en place de nouvelles stratégies de sélection afin de diminuer l’incidence de cette maladie chez cette espèce. Chez d’autres espèces, des études sont en cours, notamment chez la chèvre où plusieurs allèles du gène Prnp ont été trouvés. En dehors du locus Prnp, d’autres facteurs génétiques influencent la sensibilité des animaux. Le développement des études de cartographie du génome des animaux de ferme a permis la recherche de QTL (Locus agissant sur un caractère quantitatif). Cela a conduit à la mise en évidence de gènes influençant la sensibilité des animaux aux EST, autres que Prnp, chez les bovins et les ovins, ainsi que chez la souris, même si l’identification et la validation des gènes concernés restent à déterminer.
Le diagnostic des encéphalopathies spongiformes chez les ruminants
Authors: LANTIER F. , MARC D. , SARRADIN P. , BERTHON P. , MERCEY R. , EYCHENNE F. , ANDREOLETTI O. , SCHELCHER F. , ELSEN J.M.
Published: June 2020

Le diagnostic des Encéphalopathies Spongiformes Transmissibles (EST) des ruminants est aujourd’hui basé sur la mise en évidence de l’isoforme pathologique, résistante à la protéinase K, de la protéine PrP, la PrPres. La PrPres peut être mise en évidence in situ, à l’aide de techniques immunohistochimiques ou, bien après extraction et traitement à la protéinase K, par des techniques immunochimiques (western blot, Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay). Si le diagnostic de routine des encéphalopathies spongiformes animales a fait de gros progrès ces dernières années, il demeure un diagnostic post-mortem qui n’est applicable qu’aux tissus nerveux d’animaux suffisamment âgés pour permettre la formation de dépôts de PrPres dans le système nerveux central. La biopsie d’amygdales offre une possibilité de diagnostic ante-mortem chez les seuls animaux dont le tissu lymphoïde présente une accumulation de PrPres, les ovins génétiquement sensibles et la chèvre. Deux voies de développement des tests sont poursuivies actuellement : d’une part la mise au point d’un diagnostic sanguin précoce basé sur la détection de PrPres ou d’un autre marqueur spécifique de l’incubation d’une EST, et d’autre part des tests permettant de distinguer entre elles les souches de prion, notamment la souche Encéphalopathie Spongiforme Bovine (ESB). Ces évolutions constitueraient un progrès considérable pour notre compréhension des modes de transmission des EST et pour l’efficacité de la prophylaxie sanitaire.
Utilisation des microorganismes dans l’hydrolyse des amyloïdes et des farines animales
Authors: TSIROULNIKOV K. , REZAEI H. , BONCH-OSMOLOVSKAYA E. , NEDKOV P. , GOUSTEROVA A. , CUEFF V. , GODFROY A. , BARBIER G. , MÉTRO F. , CHOBERT J.M. , CLAYETTE P. , DORMONT D. , GROSCLAUDE J. , HAERTLÉ T.
Published: June 2020

A la suite de l’interdiction des farines animales en alimentation animale, il est nécessaire de mettre au point des procédés simples et économiques pour les valoriser et les décontaminer vis-à-vis de la présence possible de prion pathogène. L’usage des microorganismes est une solution possible. Aussi, des collections de microorganismes capables de croître sur la kératine ou sur des farines animales et sécrétant des protéases capables de dégrader la PrPsc contenue dans les farines animales ont été criblées. Ceci a permis de découvrir trois souches de bactéries thermophiles, isolées de différentes sources chaudes réparties sur la planète, qui sont capables de dégrader la protéine prion infectieuse PrPsc et de croître sur un milieu composé de farines animales. Leur activité protéolytique, de type chymotrypsique pour l’essentiel, est maximale à la température de 60 à 80°C et focalisée sur certaines liaisons peptidiques qui sont nombreuses sur la protéine prion. Leur action découpe ainsi la protéine prion en morceaux plus courts inoffensifs. Les perspectives sont de mettre en oeuvre ces microorganismes thermophiles dont le patrimoine protéolytique permettrait la dégradation des farines animales, actuellement incinérées, et les protéines prions qu’elles renferment.
Influence additions on the structure of the free fares
Authors: Vasyukova A. T. , Tikhonov D. A. , Tonapetyan T. A. , Boyko G. J.
Published: June 2020

The basic information about the functional properties of combined fish minced meat, developed on the basis of a combination of animal and vegetable products in a specialized product. Food products with functional properties are timely, and their development is relevant. The purpose of research is the development of technology and formulations of minced fish products with dietary supplements. The objects of study in the development of the recipe and technology of model minced fish were: pollock, cod; wheat bread from premium flour, oil extract of dried mushrooms, juniper oil extract, coriander oil extract and Moby Lux Universal as a dietary supplement. As a plasticizing additive and flavoring substances used oil extracts of plant materials. The use of additives of plant origin allows you to stabilize the functional and technological properties of raw materials, increase biological value, emphasize the organoleptic characteristics of the finished product. Oil extracts of plant materials and Mobi-Lux Universal are rich in minerals and vitamins, dietary fiber, protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids. The rare chemical composition of the presented additives helps to improve the taste and increase the nutritional and biological value of combined fish culinary products. We used standard and generally accepted sensory, rheological, physicochemical and microbiological methods for studying raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products. Mathematical processing of the research results was carried out using the Curve Expert Ver software package. 1.34. New taste qualities of fish steam cutlets have been developed, both with the addition of dietary supplements, such as dried mushroom extract, coriander extract and Moby Lux Universal, and without addition (control). It was found that even with short-term storage in all samples and control, the pH of the medium decreases in the range 1.31 – 1.36%. The obtained water-holding ability (WCS) of fish minced meat is in the range: for cutlets 74.3–77.2%; steaks 75.4 – 79.3%; raw minced meat – 72.2%. The most adjusted amino acid composition of steam cutlets with Moby-Lux Universal. Unconventional gamma obtained in cutlets and steaks with extract of dried mushrooms, coriander extract.
Risk Perceptions of Antibiotic Usage and Resistance: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Poultry Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Al-Mustapha A. , Adetunji Victoria O. , Heikinheimo Annamari
Published: June 2020

There are overwhelming empirical evidences highlighting the contribution of indiscriminate antibiotic usage (ABU) in food animals to the overall burden of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in humans, thus making antibiotic use the main selective pressure driving antibiotic resistance. Social and behavioral perspective on antibiotic use and resistance in poultry is limited. Our study therefore aimed at obtaining information on antibiotic usage, awareness of ABR, and the attitude and perceptions towards prudent antibiotic usage and ABR. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted in 125 poultry farms in Kwara state in December 2019. Most farmers (69.6%, n=87/125) were aware of ABR and had satisfactory knowledge about ABR with a mean knowledge score of 3.16±1.47. The age, gender, level of education of farmers, and their flock size were significantly associated with a satisfactory knowledge of ABR (p<0.05). Tertiary education was significantly associated with ABR awareness (OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 0.0690, 0.654; p=0.007) and the ABR knowledge level (OR: 7.8269; 95% CI: 3.2693, 18.7381; p < 0.01). Higher flock size was significantly associated with a satisfactory knowledge of ABR (OR: 9.4551; 95%CI: 3.7928, 23.5707; p<0.01). Most of the poultry farmers (68%) had positive attitudes towards prudent antibiotic use with a mean score of 2.75±0.89. On the contrary, only 32.8% of poultry farmers had a good perception of ABR with a mean perception score of 4.95±1.12. The ABR knowledge level was significantly associated with the perceptions of farmers (p<0.05) but not their attitudes toward ABU and ABR (P=0.083). There was evidence of unprescribed use of antibiotics in poultry and a failure to observe antibiotic withdrawal periods. These constitute a risk of exposure to unacceptable levels of drug residues from poultry products and an increased risk of ABR. Improving education and communication on antibiotic stewardship programs are crucial to prevent the looming antibiotic apocalypse.
EVALUASI PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRIS DI EF “ENGLISH FIRST” BANDAR LAMPUNG
Authors: Khoirun Nisaa Arnoi  , Dwiyanto Djoko Pranowo
Published: June 2020

In this article the author will try to evaluate the English learning program at one of the English First (EF) English language institutions in Bandar Lampung. The author will not evaluate all aspects of educational evaluation, but only evaluate a few aspects, such as curriculum (subject matter), methods of learning and teaching, assessment techniques (learning evaluation), and learning media. The conclusions in this study: 1) curriculum (subject matter), in terms of curriculum (learning material) implemented through the lesson plan is good because EF has a syllabus that is suitable for the students need, 2) methods of learning and teaching, in terms of methods in the process learning English at EF has already varied greatly, 3) evaluation of learning, in terms of evaluating English learning at EF has been very good and in accordance with the learning objectives to be achieved, and finally 4) learning media, in terms of what media are used in the learning process has also varied greatly.
PELAKSANAAN PENILAIAN RANAH KETERAMPILAN BERDASARKAN KURIKULUM 2013 PADA MATA PELAJARAN IPS SMP
Authors: Mufid M. Khoirul Annas Waladul
Published: June 2020

Perubahan pada aspek penilaian dalam K13 memberi permasalahan kepada guru untuk melaksanakannya sesuai dengan pedoman. Penelitian ini berfokus untuk mendiskusikan proses pelaksanaan penilaian ranah keterampilan oleh guru-guru mata pelajaran IPS dan kendala yang dihadapinya. Pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan desain naratif digunakan untuk membahas fokus dalam penelitian ini. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi terhadap guru mata pelajaran IPS SMP di Kota Malang. Data kemudian dianalisis menggunakan model analisis data interaktif yang terdiri dari (1) pengumpulan, (2) penyajian, (3) reduksi, dan (4) verifikasi data. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan penilaian ranah keterampilan sudah sesuai dengan pedoman. Namun, masih terdapat beberapa kendala berupa kebingungan guru dalam menentukan kegiatan, peserta didik yang tidak aktif dan bervariasi, waktu, serta guru yang tidak tega dalam memberikan nilai secara objektif. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya peningkatan kompetensi, salah satunya dengan bimbingan terstruktur.
Flavia Buzzetta, Magia naturalis e scientia cabalae in Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Leo S. Olschki Editore, Firenze 2019 (Studi Pichiani, 20).
Authors: Edelheit Amos
Published: June 2020

Review of: Flavia Buzzetta, 'Magia naturalis' e 'scientia cabalae' in Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, Leo S. Olschki Editore, Firenze 2019 (Studi Pichiani, 20), 342 pp., ISBN 9788822266309.
Shlomo Sela, Abraham Ibn Ezra’s Introductions to Astrology. A Parallel Hebrew-English Critical Edition of the Book of the Beginning of Wisdom and the Book of Judgments of the Zodiacal Signs, Brill, Leiden–Boston 2017.
Authors: Hasselhoff Görge K.
Published: June 2020

Review of: Shlomo Sela, Abraham Ibn Ezra’s Introductions to Astrology. A Parallel Hebrew-English Critical Edition of the Book of the Beginning of Wisdom and the Book of Judgments of the Zodiacal Signs, Brill, Leiden – Boston 2017 (Études Sur Le Judaïsme Médiéval, 69; Abraham Ibn Ezra’s Astrological Writings, 5), XIII + 822 pp., ISBN 9789004342279  (HBK), 9789004342286 (EBK).
Outi Merisalo, Miika Kuha, Susanna Niiranen (eds.), Transmission of Knowledge in the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Brepols, Turnhout 2019 (Bibliologia 53. Elementa ad librorum studia pertinentia).
Authors: Solidoro Cristina
Published: June 2020

Review of: Outi Merisalo, Miika Kuha, Susanna Niiranen (eds.), Transmission of Knowledge in the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Brepols, Turnhout 2019 (Bibliologia 53. Elementa ad librorum studia pertinentia), 239 pp., 19 colour ill., ISBN 9782503581569.
Genome-wide characterization of copy number variations in the host genome in genetic resistance to Marek's disease using next generation sequencing
Authors: Bai Hao , He Yanghua , Ding Yi , Zhang Huanmin , Chen Jilan , Song Jiuzhou
Published: June 2020

Background:Marek’s disease (MD) is a highly neoplastic disease primarily affecting chickens, and remains as a chronic infectious disease that threatens the poultry industry. Copy number variation (CNV) has been examined in many species and is recognized as a major source of genetic variation that directly contributes to phenotypic variation such as resistance to infectious diseases. Two highly inbred chicken lines 63(MD-resistant) and 72(MD-susceptible), as well as their F1generation and six recombinant congenic strains (RCSs) with varied susceptibility to MD, are considered as ideal models to identify the complex mechanisms of genetic and molecular resistance to MD.Results:In the present study, to unravel the potential genetic mechanisms underlying resistance to MD, we performed a genome-wide CNV detection using next generation sequencing on the inbred chicken lines with the assistance of CNVnator. As a result, a total of 1,649 CNV regions (CNVRs) were successfully identified after merging all the nine datasets, of which 90 CNVRs were overlapped across all the chicken lines. Within these shared regions, 1,360 harbored genes were identified. In addition, 55 and 44 CNVRs with 62 and 57 harbored genes were specifically identified in line 63and 72, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the nearby genes were significantly enriched in 36 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways including JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Ten CNVRs (nine deletions and one duplication) involved in 10 disease-related genes were selected for validation by using qRT-PCR, all of which were successfully confirmed. Finally, qRT-PCR was also used to validate two deletion events in line 72that were definitely normal in line 63. One high-confidence gene,IRF2was identified as the most promising candidate gene underlying resistance and susceptibility to MD in view of its function and overlaps with data from previous study.Conclusions:Our findings provide valuable insights for understanding the genetic mechanism of resistance to MD and the identified gene and pathway could be considered as the subject of further functional characterization.
Characterization of CT scans of patients with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome compared with those of Chinese patients with non-BHD diffuse cyst lung diseases
Authors: Xu WenShuai , Xu Zhiyan , Liu Yaping , Zhan Yongzhong , Sui Xin , Feng Ruie , Peng Min , Li Xue , Wang Jun , Meng Shuzhen , Wang Li , Tian Xinlun , Zhang Xue , Xu Kai-Feng
Published: June 2020

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to create a practical CT-based algorithm to differentiate Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome from other diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLD).Methods: The study was a retrospective review of the CT images of 33 patients with BHD syndrome, 33 patients with LAM, and 23 patients with NBNL (non-BHD and non-LAM) among DCLD patients. On the basis of the data collected, the CT images were reviewed again to evaluate the characteristics (size, number, distribution, and morphology) of pulmonary cysts.Results: Lower lung-predominant cysts were more likely to be found in patients with BHD syndrome than in patients with LAM or in the NBNL DCLD group. In the axial distribution, 18 of 33 patients in BHD group had cysts that were predominantly near the mediastinum, and all the patients in the LAM and NBNL DCLD groups had diffuse cysts. The appearance of fusiform cysts was more easily observed in patients in the BHD group. In total, 58% patients in the BHD group had less than 50 lung cysts, while all patients in the non-BHD group had more than 50 lung cysts. The biggest cyst was located in the lower lobe in 28 of 33 patients in the BHD group, while 11 of 33 patients in LAM group and 10 patients in the NBNL DCLD group had the biggest cyst in the lower lobe.Conclusion: The pulmonary cysts in patients with BHD tended to be fusiform, less numerous and located predominantly in the lower lobe and near the mediastinum. These radiologic pulmonary features could assist physicians in differentiating BHD from other DCLDs.
The impact of occupational and personal factors on musculoskeletal pain - A cohort study of female nurses, sonographers and teachers.
Authors: Arvidsson Inger , Simonsen Jenny Gremark , Andersson Agneta Lindegård , Björk Jonas , Nordander Catarina
Published: June 2020

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is common in the general population and constitutes a major public health problem. A large proportion of these conditions may be work related. The aim of this study was to explore the relative importance of physical, psychosocial and personal factors, in single- and multisite musculoskeletal pain, among women in common professions with a broad variety of occupational exposures. Methods: A cohort of 1115 women responded to a questionnaire on ergonomic, psychosocial, personal and life-style factors, and the outcome measure of musculoskeletal pain (based on frequency and intensity of complaints at nine anatomical sites), at baseline and at follow-up (mean 28 months later). Sum scores of ergonomic and psychosocial factors were created. The importance of exposure at baseline for multisite pain (number of pain sites) at follow-up were estimated using ordinal regression. The importance of exposure at baseline for single-site pain in the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back and feet at follow-up were estimated using multi-exposure Poisson regression models. Results: High sum scores for ergonomic and psychosocial factors at baseline were found to be of importance for multisite pain at follow-up, although the strongest risk factor was the presence of multisite pain at baseline. A large fluctuation was seen in the number of pain sites between the two time points, on the individual level. Eighteen percent of the study population reported ≥four pain sites at both baseline and follow-up, while only eleven percent did not report any pain at baseline or at follow-up. Among the single-site outcomes, a high sum score of ergonomic factors was a risk factor for pain in the neck, hands and feet. A high sum score of psychosocial factors was a risk factor for neck and shoulder pain. The strongest risk factor was, however, pain at that specific anatomical site at baseline. Only a few of the personal and life-style factors were found to be of importance for subsequent single- and multisite pain.Conclusions: An overwhelming majority of the women in common occupations were affected by musculoskeletal pain. Both ergonomic and psychosocial factors were predictive of single- and multisite pain. These findings indicate the need for preventive measures on the individual, organizational and societal level.
Partial trisomy 4q and monosomy 5p inherited from a maternal translocationt(4;5)(q33;p15) in three adverse pregnancies
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Zhang Bei , Liu Tong , Xie Huihui , Zhai Jingfang
Published: June 2020

Background：Carriers of balanced reciprocal chromosomal translocations are at known reproductive risk for offspring with unbalanced genotypes and resultantly abnormal phenotypes. Once fertilization of a balanced translocation gamete with a normal gamete, the partial monosomy or partial trisomy embryo will undergo abortion, fetal arrest or fetal malformations. We reported a woman with chromosomal balanced translocation who had two adverse pregnancies. Prenatal diagnosis was made for her third pregnancy to provide genetic counseling and guide her fertility. Case presentation：We presented a woman with chromosomal balanced translocation who had three adverse pregnancies. Routine G banding and CNV-seq were used to analyze the chromosome karyotypes and copy number variants of amniotic fluid cells and peripheral blood. The karyotype of the woman was 46,XX,t(4;5)(q33;p15). During her first pregnancy, odinopoeia was performed due to fetal edema and abdominal fluid. The umbilical cord tissue of the fetus was examined by CNV-seq. The results showed a genomic gain of 24.18 Mb at 4q32.3-q35.2 and a genomic deletion of 10.84 Mb at 5p15.2-p15.33 and 2.36 Mb at 15q11.1-q11.2. During her second pregnancy, she did not receive a prenatal diagnosis because a routine prenatal ultrasound examination found no abnormalities. In 2016, she gave birth to a boy.. The karyotype the of the boy was 46,XY,der(5)t(4;5)(q33;p15)mat. The results of CNV-seq showed a deletion of short arm of chromosome 5 capturing regions 5p15.2-p15.33, a copy gain of the distal region of chromosome 4 at segment 4q32.3q35.2, a duplication of chromosome 1 at segment 1q41q42.11 and a duplication of chromosome 17 at segment 17p12. During her third pregnancy, she underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation. Chromosome karyotype hinted 46,XY,der(5)t(4;5)(q33;p15)mat. Results of CNV-seq showed a deletion of short arm (p) of chromosome 5 at the segment 5p15.2p15.33 and a duplication of the distal region of chromosome 4 at segment 4q32.3q35.2.Conclusions：Chromosomal abnormalities in three pregnancies were inherited from the mother. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is recommended to prevent the birth of children with chromosomal abnormalities.
Comparison of whole-body vibration training, strength training and health education on physical function and neuromuscular function of individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lai Zhangqi , Lee Seullee , Chen Yiyang , Wang Lin
Published: June 2020

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of global disability which causes knee pain, stiﬀness, and swelling. Impaired neuromuscular function contributes to the development and/or progression of KOA. As a new modality to treat KOA, whole-body vibration (WBV) training is considered to improve pain and physical function effectively. However, limited numbers of studies were designed to investigate the effect of WBV on neuromuscular function in KOA.Methods 81 eligible participants with KOA were randomly allocated to WBV, strength training (ST) and health education (HE) groups. Each group of participants was encouraged to perform the WBV training, similar strength training and health education program, respectively. These supervised interventions were performed three times per week for 8 consecutive weeks. Neuromuscular function was measured with isokinetic muscle strength and proprioception. Physical function was assessed with Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 6-min Walk Distance tests. Results Physical function and neuromuscular function did not show significant difference between three groups (p > 0.05). However, post-hoc test showed that isokinetic knee muscle strength of WBV group (peak torque of extensor at 180°/s, peak torque of flexors at 180°/s, peak work of extensor at 180°/s, and peak work of flexor at 90°/s, all p < 0.05) increased significantly compared with HE group. Similarly, compared with ST group, muscle strength of WBV group (peak torque of extensor at 180°/s and peak work of extensor at 180°/s, p < 0.05) improved significantly. Conclusion The current study showed that the advantage of WBV training on muscle strength gain in patients with KOA compared with similar strength training without vibration and health education.Trial registration It was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry a priori as a clinical trial (ID: ChiCTR-IOR-16009234). Registered 21 September 2016.
Importance of lipid ratios for predicting intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Authors: Yang Wen-Song , Li Rui , Shen Yi-Qing , Wang Xing-Chen , Liu Qing-Jun , Wang Hai-Yang , Li Qi , Yao Guo-En , Xie Peng
Published: June 2020

Background: This study aims to investigate the association of lipid ratios with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) in a Chinese population.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 658 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke. Intracranial and extracranial arteries were evaluated for atherosclerotic stenosis using digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography. Lipid ratios [total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG)/HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C)/HDL-C, remnant cholesterol (RC)/HDL-C, apolipoprotein B (apo B)/apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), and apo B/HDL-C] were calculated.Results: The TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C, apo B/HDL-C and apo B/apo A-I ratios were significantly associated with ICAS but not with extracranial atherosclerotic stenosis after adjustment for confounding factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analyses revealed that the apo B/apo A-I ratio had the largest area under the ROC curve (AUC) among lipid levels alone and for lipid ratios (AUC = 0.588). Lipid ratios had higher AUC values than those for lipid levels alone for identification of ICAS.Conclusion: The TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C apo B/HDL-C, and apo B/apo A-I ratios were significantly related to ICAS risk. Compared with the other variables tested, the apo B/apo A-I ratio appeared to be a better discriminator for identifying ICAS risk in stroke patients. Take home message: Variables that were significantly related to ICAS risk included the TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, RC/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C, apo B/HDL-C, and apo B/apo A-I ratios. Among the variables tested, the apo B/apo A-I ratio showed the best performance in identifying ICAS risk in stroke patients. Besides, several gender differences were observed with regard to other lipid ratios.
Estimation of the Ideal Correction of Lumbar Lordosis to Prevent Reoperation for Symptomatic Adjacent Segment Disease After Lumbar Fusion in Older People
Authors: Wang Shan-Jin , Zhang Shu-Bao , Yi Yu-Yang , Xu Hao-Wei , Wu De-Sheng
Published: June 2020

Background Symptomatic adjacent segment disease (ASDis) is a major complication following spinal fusion. Sagittal spinopelvic imbalance may contribute to the development of ASDis. However, the exact ideal correction of LL is unknown for different ages of people to prevent ASDis. The purpose of this study was to estimate the ideal correction of lumbar lordosis (LL) required to prevent symptomatic ASDis requiring revision surgery in patients of various ages, and to determine the radiographic risk factors for ASDis.Methods 468 patients who underwent lumbar fusion between January 2014 and December 2016, were enrolled in the present study. The patients were classified into the ASDis and N-ASD group. These two matched groups were compared regarding surgery-related factors and radiographic features. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for ASDis.Results Sixty-two patients (13.25%) underwent reoperation for ASDis during a mean follow-up duration of 38.07 months. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the postoperative LL - preoperative LL (△LL) cutoff value was 11.7°for the development of ASDis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for symptomatic ASDis were a smaller LL angle, △LL > 12°, and PI-LL > 10° (p < 0.05). For patients > 60 years, the incidence of ASDis was higher in patients with a LL correction of ≥ 10° and a lumbar-pelvic mismatch (PI-LL) of > 20°.Conclusions The significant predictors of the occurrence of ASD were a smaller LL angle, △LL > 12°, and PI-LL > 10°. However, in patients older than 60 years, the incidence of ASD after lumbar fusion was higher in those with a LL correction of ≥ 10° and PI-LL of > 20°. More attention should be paid to patient age and the angle of correction of LL before lumbar fusion.
Prospective evaluation of contrast-enhanced ultrasound of breast BI-RADS 3-5 lesions
Authors: Eva Janu , Lucie Krikavova , Jirina Little , Karel Dvorak , Dagmar Brancikova , Eva Jandakova , Tomas Pavlik , Petra Kovalcikova , Kazda Tomas , Vlastimil Valek
Published: June 2020

Background

To determine the benefit of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the assessment of breast lesions.

Methods

A standardized contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed in 230 breast lesions classified as BI-RADS category 3 to 5. All lesions were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. MVI (MicroVascular Imaging) technique was used to derive qualitative analysis parameters; blood perfusion of the lesions was assessed (perfusion homogeneity, type of vascularization, enhancement degree). Quantitative analysis was conducted to estimate perfusion changes in the lesions within drawn regions of interest (ROI); parameters TTP (time to peak), PI (peak intensity), WIS (wash in slope), AUC (area under curve) were obtained from time intensity (TI) curves. Acquired data were statistically analyzed to assess the ability of each parameter to differentiate between malignant and benign lesions. The combination of parameters was also evaluated for the possibility of increasing the overall diagnostic accuracy. Biological nature of the lesions was verified by a pathologist. Benign lesions without histopathological verification (BI-RADS 3) were followed up for at least 24 months.

Results

Out of 230 lesions, 146 (64%) were benign, 67 (29%) were malignant, 17 (7%) lesions were eliminated. Malignant tumors showed statistically significantly lower TTP parameters (sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 52.7%) and higher WIS values (sensitivity 74.6%, specificity 66.4%) than benign tumors. Enhancement degree also proved to be statistically well discriminating as 55.2% of malignant lesions had a rich vascularity (sensitivity 89.6% and specificity 48.6%). The combination of quantitative analysis parameters (TTP, WIS) with enhancement degree did not result in higher accuracy in distinguishing between malignant and benign breast lesions.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that contrast-enhanced breast ultrasound has the potential to distinguish between malignant and benign lesions. In particular, this method could help to differentiate lesions BI-RADS category 3 and 4 and thus reduce the number of core-cut biopsies performed in benign lesions. Qualitative analysis, despite its subjective element, appeared to be more beneficial. A combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis did not increase the predictive capability of CEUS.
Transmission characteristics of the COVID-19 outbreak in China: a study driven by data
Authors: Li Meili , Chen Pian , Yuan Qianqian , Song Baojun , Ma Junling
Published: June 2020

Background

The COVID-19 outbreak has been a serious public health threat worldwide. Individually documented case descriptions of COVID-19 are published by Chinese provinces (excluding Hubei). We use these descriptions to study the transmission characteristics in China, and how they are influenced by public awareness and control measures.
Methods

Dates for infection, symptom onset, quarantine, hospitalization and diagnosis, and sources of infection are tabulated from published cases descriptions. We use MCMC to estimate the exponential growth rate of cases infected in Hubei, and parametrize the distributions for the incubation period, and periods from symptom onset to hospitalization and diagnosis. Graph of infection is constructed and used to estimate the reproduction number in each generation.
Results

The median incubation period is 6.2 days overall, and 7.3% patients have an incubation period longer than the recommended 14-day quarantine period. The median period from symptom onset to hospitalization is 4.4 days before the lockdown of Wuhan city, and 2.1 days after the lockdown. The median period from symptom onset to diagnosis is 8.8 days before the lockdown, and 4.8 days after the lockdown. The number of cases in Hubei doubled every 3 days before the lockdown. In other provinces, reproduction number decreased from 1.51 in the first-generation patients to less than 0.21 in later generation patients.
Conclusions

We parametrized incubation period, and the periods from symptom onset to hospitalization and diagnosis. Some (possibly a majority of) patients were infected before the symptom onset of their sources of infection, causing a low success rate of official (not self) quarantines. Social distancing and self-quarantine greatly reduced the reproduction number, and shorted the periods from symptom onset to hospitalization and diagnosis.
Implementation of the POGIL-based flipped classroom learning: an approach to promote learning in emergency medicine
Authors: tang yishu , liu huaizheng , Zhou Kefu , zhang tianyi , Sun Chuanzheng
Published: June 2020

Background: As the Emergency medicine is a multidisciplinary discipline, the emergency medicine education is focuses on teaching students to think actively. The flipped classroom was widely used in various medicine teaching that can improve the efficacy of classroom learning. While the process-oriented guided-inquiry learning (POGIL), which be proved can promoting active learning and critical thinking.We assume that both two teaching methods may complement each other in emergency medicine education. Object: To evaluate the student’ learning effectiveness and acceptability of the process-oriented guided-inquiry learning (POGIL)-based flipped classroom model for teaching emergency medicine education. Methods: A total of 90 students majoring in clinical medicine at Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and control group, with 45 students in each group. The experimental group adopted the POGIL-based flipped classroom model, and the control group adopted the traditional teaching model; teaching effectiveness was evaluated through tests, an operation exam and questionnaire surveys. Results: After the completion of the course, the scores of the two groups were compared. The theoretical and operational scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The learning interest, clinical thinking ability, and acceptance of the teaching model for the students in the experimental group were significantly higher than those for students in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The POGIL-based flipped classroom model can significantly improve students' scores, students' acceptance of the teaching model, and teaching quality.
The constraints between amino acids influence the unequal distribution of codons and protein sequence evolution
Authors: Qian Yi , Zhang Rui , Jiang Xinglu , Wu Guoqiu
Published: June 2020

4 nucleotides(A, U, C, G) constitute 64 codons at free combination but 64 codons are unequally assigned to 21 items (20 amino acids plus one stop). About 500 amino acids are known but only 20 ones are selected to make up the proteins. However, the relationships between amino acid and codon and between 20 amino acids have been unclear. In this paper, we studied on the relationships between 20 amino acids in 33 species and found there were three constraints between 20 amino acids, such as the relatively stable mean carbon and hydrogen(C:H) ratios(0.50), similarity interactions between the constituent ratios of amino acids, and the frequency of amino acids according with Poisson distribution under a certain conditions. We demonstrated that the unequal distribution of 64 codons and the choice of amino acids in molecular evolution would be constrained to remain stable C:H ratios. The constituent ratios and frequency of 20 amino acids in a species or a protein are two determinants of protein sequence evolution, so this findings showed the constraints between 20 amino acids played an important role in protein sequence evolution.
Barriers and Facilitators to Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis in New Zealand: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Blackmore Tania , Norman Kimberley , Kidd Jacquie , Cassim Shemana , Chepulis Lynne , Keenan Rawiri , Firth Melissa , Jackson Christopher , Elwood Mark , Stokes Tim , Weller David , Emery Jon , Lawrenson Ross
Published: June 2020

Background
New Zealand (NZ) has high rates of colorectal cancer but low rates of early diagnosis. Due to a lack of understanding of the pre-diagnostic experience from the patient’s perspective, it is necessary to investigate potential patient and health system factors that contribute to longer diagnostic intervals. Previous qualitative studies have discussed delays using The Model of Pathways to Treatment, but this has not been explored in the NZ context. This study aimed to understand the patient experience and perception of their general practitioner (GP) through the diagnostic process in the Waikato region of NZ. In particular, we sought to investigate potential barriers and facilitators that contribute to longer diagnostic intervals.
Methods
Ethical approval for this study was granted by the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee. Twenty-eight participants, diagnosed with colorectal cancer, were interviewed about their experience. Semi-structured interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using The Model of Pathways to Treatment framework (intervals: appraisal, help-seeking, diagnostic).
Results
Participant appraisal of symptoms was a barrier to prompt diagnosis, particularly if symptoms were normalised, intermittent, or isolated in occurrence. Successful self-management techniques also resulted in delayed help-seeking. However if symptoms worsened, disruption to work and daily routines were important facilitators to seeking a GP consultation. Participants positively appraised GPs if they showed good technical competence and were proactive in investigating symptoms. Negative GP appraisals were associated with a lack of physical examinations and misdiagnosis, and left participants feeling dehumanised during the diagnostic process. However high levels of GP interpersonal competence could override poor technical competence, resulting in an overall positive experience, even if the cancer was diagnosed at an advanced stage. Māori participants often appraised symptoms inclusive of their sociocultural environment and considered the impact of their symptoms in relation to family.
Conclusions
The findings of this study highlight the importance of tailored colorectal cancer symptom communication in health campaigns, and indicate the significance of the interpersonal competence aspect of GP-patient interactions. These findings suggest that interpersonal competence be overtly displayed in all GP interactions to ensure a higher likelihood of a positive experience for the patient.
Why do male students in higher education buy sex? A Phenomenological Exploration
Authors: Estifanos Nathan , Serbessa Mirgissa Kaba
Published: June 2020

Background

Epidemiological and behavioral studies have concentrated on female sex workers. There's a crucial ought to focus equivalent attention on the activities of male clients as has been directed towards female sex workers. In Ethiopia, where higher education students considered as the most at-risk population for human immune deficiency virus, the transmission of infection may occur within networks composed of female sexworkers, their clients and the other sexual partners of the latter. However, there is a huge gap in qualitative studieson the exploration of why higher education male students buy sex.
Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore why higher education male students buy sex.
Methods

A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews wereconducted with 12 higher education male students who had a history of visiting female sex workers during their stay on campus.Inductive codingwas used to determine invariant constituents reduce constituents to sub-themes, and clustersub-themes into themes. Dependability and credibility were achieved through an audio recording, bracketing, and member checking.
Results

Through the use of thematic analysis two common themes and five sub-themes were identified from motives of male higher education students to buy sex.These themes are motives associated with desires including emotional and experiential; and motives associated with context including academic, time and money context, socio-environmental context and family, romantic partner and campus girl context.
Conclusions

In this study, Sexual need, sexual fantasies,experiential desire, Peer pressure, substance use, low academic result, availability of time and money, break up with a romantic partner and demanding nature of campus girls were the reasons reported by participants when they were asked about why they visited female sex worker. Therefore, addressing higher education male students’ motives related to their desire and context is vital.
Prototyping and Performance Evaluation of Household Cow Dung Gasifier Stove: Cooking and Environmental Performance in the Case of Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Adamu Sh. , Gabisa Elias , Mekonnen Basazzin A.
Published: June 2020

Biomass energy is the most important primary energy sources in Ethiopia, above 90% of primary energy comes from biomass.Cow dung is one of the widely consumed biomass as a source of energy in rural areas of Ethiopia in traditional and inefficient cook stoves. To this end, this piece of research work is aimed at designing, manufacturing and experimentally testing its environmental and energy performance compared to the traditional three-stone stove. In this study water boiling test and control cooking test was used to investigate the performance of stoves. The proposed gasifier stove shows a better performance than three stones stove when water-boiling test conducted in terms of cooking duration, specific fuel consumption, and pollutant gases emission. The experimental results revealed that gasifier stove has shown an increase of thermal efficiency by 26.6% and reduced PM2.5 and CO emission by 58.9% and 88.6% respectively as compared to the traditional three-stone cook stove.Furthermore, the gasifier stove has shown 64% fuel saving efficiency as compared to the three stones stove and 54% cooking time saving to cook the same amount and kind of meal. In every aspect of the measuring parameters whether the energy efficiency performance or environmental performance the designed gasifier stove performs better than the traditional three-stone cook stoves. Therefore, with a small and simple modification, the gasifier stove could be disseminated to the rural community of the region in collaboration with the regional bureau.