bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative pathways of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons activation: the formation of polar DNA adducts.
Authors: Baer-Dubowska W
Published: January 2020

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, and some are potent carcinogens in rodents. Carcinogenic PAHs are activated in the cells to metabolites that react with DNA to form covalent adducts. For most PAHs the reactive, electrophilic species which bind to DNA, are bay-region diol-epoxides. Application of 32P-postlabeling to PAH-DNA adducts analysis revealed that for some PAHs the adduct profiles generated in model systems are more complex and include adducts which are more polar than those formed by classic bay-region diol-epoxides. This minireview summaries the information gained on typical representatives of polar PAH-DNA adducts. Formation of triol-epoxide-DNA adducts was proposed for chrysene and a non-alterant PAH, benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F). 5-OH-B[b]F, the precursor of B[b]F triol-epoxide, was found to be a potent tumor initiator in mouse skin. For planar PAHs such as dibenzanthracenes the possibility of bis-diol epoxide-DNA adducts formation was suggested. The most comprehensive data were obtained for dibenz[a,j]anthracene (DB[a,j]A). This hydrocarbon when applied to SENCAR mouse skin forms up to 23 species of adducts, most of which are polar. Among these polar adducts seven were identified as derived from DB[aj]A-3,4-10,11-bis-diol. Analysis of tumor-initiating activity showed, however, that this proximate metabolite was inactive in this respect. In contrast, an excellent correlation was observed between levels of less polar DNA adducts (i.e. those derived from bay-region diolepoxides) and skin tumor initiating activity of DB[a,j]A. Thus, while triol-epoxides seems to be involved in tumor initiating activity of the parent compound, non alterant B[b]F, the significance of bis-diol epoxide-DNA adducts, at least those derived from DB[aj]A, is minor.
Current techniques in protein glycosylation analysis. A guide to their application.
Authors: Merry T
Published: January 2020

The importance of glycosylation in biological events and the role it plays in glycoprotein function and structure is an area in which there is growing interest. In order to understand how glycosylation affects the shape or function of a protein it is however important to have suitable techniques available to obtain structural information on the oligosaccharides attached to the protein. For many years the complexity of the structures required sophisticated analytical techniques only available to a few specialist laboratories. In many cases these techniques were not available or required a large amount of material and therefore the number of glycoproteins which were fully characterised were relatively few. In recent years there have been substantial developments in the analysis of glycosylation which has significantly changed the capability to fully characterise molecules of biological interest. A number of different techniques are available which differ in terms of their complexity, the amount of information which is available from them, the skill needed to perform them and their cost. It is now possible for many laboratories who do not specialise in glycosylation analysis to obtain some information although this may be incomplete. These developments do, however, also make complete characterisation of a glycoprotein a much less daunting task and in many cases this can be performed more easily and with less starting material than was previously required. In this review a summary will be given of current techniques and their suitability for different types of analysis will be considered.
Variability of human hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity.
Authors: Little J M , Lester R , Kuipers F , Vonk R , Mackenzie P I , Drake R R , Frame L , Radominska-Pandya A
Published: January 2020

The availability of a unique series of liver samples from human subjects, both control patients (9) and those with liver disease (6; biliary atresia (2), retransplant, chronic tyrosinemia type I, tyrosinemia, Wilson's disease) allowed us to characterize human hepatic UDP-glucuronosyltransferases using photoaffinity labeling, immunoblotting and enzymatic assays. There was wide inter-individual variation in photoincorporation of the photoaffinity analogs, [32P]5-azido-UDP-glucuronic acid and [32P]5-azido-UDP-glucose and enzymatic glucuronidation of substrates specific to the two subfamilies of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. However, the largest differences were between subjects with liver disease. Glucuronidation activities toward one substrate from each of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases subfamilies, 1A and 2B, for control and liver disease, respectively, were 1.7-4.5 vs 0.4-4.7 nmol/mg x min for hyodeoxycholic acid (2B substrate) and 9.2-27.9 vs 8.1-75 nmol/mg x min for pchloro-m-xylenol (1A substrate). Microsomes from a patient with chronic tyrosinemia (HL32) photoincorporated [32P]5-azido-UDP-glucuronic acid at a level 1.5 times higher than the other samples, was intensely photolabeled by [32P]5-azido-UDP-glucose and had significantly higher enzymatic activity toward p-chloro-m-xylenol. Immunoblot analysis using anti-UDP-glucuronosyltransferase antibodies demonstrated wide inter-individual variations in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase protein with increased UDP-glucuronosyltransferase protein in HL32 microsomes, corresponding to one of the bands photolabeled by both probes. Detailed investigation of substrate specificity, using substrates representative of both the 1A (bilirubin, 4-nitrophenol) and 2B (androsterone, testosterone) families was carried out with HL32, HL38 (age and sex matched control) and HL18 (older control). Strikingly increased (5-8-fold) glucuronidation activity was seen in comparison to HL18 only with the phenolic substrates. The results indicate that one or more phenol-specific UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A isoforms are expressed at above normal levels in this tyrosinemic subject.
Activity of partially purified UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase with different peptide acceptors.
Authors: Porowska H , Paszkiewicz-Gadek A , Gindzieński A
Published: January 2020

As part of investigations on the role of the UDP-GalNAc-ribosome complex in the initial O-glycosylation of proteins, we have isolated from porcine gastric mucosa GalNAc-transferase, mucin and apomucin, and its three fractions containing carbohydrate in the amounts: I - 1.6%, II - 0.65% and III - 0.00% (wt/wt) of apomucin mass. Amino acid analysis showed that fractions I and II contained slightly higher amounts of serine and threonine as compared to native mucin and apomucin. The short peptide Pro-Thr-Ser-Ser-Pro-Ile-Ser-Thr was the most effectively glycosylated. Our apomucin preparations are also good acceptors of GalNAc and can be used for testing of O-glycosylation in vitro.
The carbohydrate moiety of human glycophorin in CDG syndrome.
Authors: Krotkiewska B , Zwierz K , Krotkiewski H
Published: January 2020

Human glycophorin, the major sialoglycoprotein of erythrocyte membranes, was isolated from erythrocytes of healthy individuals and four patients with CDG syndrome. Sugar analysis revealed lower carbohydrate content in three out of four CDG-glycophorin samples. In order to characterize closer the glycosylation differences between glycophorin samples in health and disease, reaction with four biotinylated lectins was performed, using ELISA procedure on polystyrene microplates. Results obtained so far strongly suggest that both N- and O-glycans of glycophorin are affected in CDG syndrome.
Structure and biogenesis of small nucleolar RNAs acting as guides for ribosomal RNA modification.
Authors: Filipowicz W , Pelczar P , Pogacic V , Dragon F
Published: January 2020

Maturation of pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) in eukaryotic cells takes place in the nucleolus and involves a large number of cleavage events, which frequently follow alternative pathways. In addition, rRNAs are extensively modified, with the methylation of the 2'-hydroxyl group of sugar residues and conversion of uridines to pseudouridines being the most frequent modifications. Both cleavage and modification reactions of pre-rRNAs are assisted by a variety of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), which function in the form of ribonucleoprotein particles (snoRNPs). The majority of snoRNAs acts as guides directing site-specific 2'-O-ribose methylation or pseudouridine formation. Over one hundred RNAs of this type have been identified to date in vertebrates and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This number is readily explained by the findings that one snoRNA acts as a guide usually for one or at most two modifications, and human rRNAs contain 91 pseudouridines and 106 2'-O-methyl residues. In this article we review information about the biogenesis, structure and function of guide snoRNAs.
Structure of the arginase coding gene and its transcript in Aspergillus nidulans.
Authors: Borsuk P , Dzikowska A , Empel J , Grzelak A , Grześkowiak R , Weglenski P
Published: January 2020

The arginase structural gene (agaA) from Aspergillus nidulans has been cloned and characterised. Depending on the growth conditions of the mycelium, transcripts of this gene have different 5'ends. These differences could result either from the presence of multiple transcription initiation sites or from differential processing of mRNA. The agaA mRNA has a long 5'UTR with a potentially complex secondary structure. Putative arginine binding aptamers were found in this UTR suggesting interesting possibilities for regulation of the agaA expression.
The ultraviolet studies on protein-lipid interaction of a protein kinase C-gamma phorbol-binding domain.
Authors: Kowara R , Gryckiewicz E , Matecki A , Pawelczyk T
Published: January 2020

Family of protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes play a key role in transducing a vast number of signals into the cells. The members of classical PKC family are activated by binding of various lipid ligands to one of the several cysteine-rich domains of the enzyme. Second cysteine-rich (Cys2) domain of PKC-gamma was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with glutathione-S-transferase (GST) using the cDNA sequence from rat brain. The Cys2 protein after cleavage from GST was purified to homogeneity using glutathione-agarose and Mono-S cation exchanger column. In order to investigate the interaction of lipids and calcium with Cys2 protein we used UW spectroscopy. The UV spectrum of Cys2 protein exhibited a maximum at 205 nm. Exposition of Cys2 protein to phosphatidylserine (PS) vesicles resulted in significant decrease in the absorbance in the 210 nm region. Changes in UW spectrum of Cys2 protein induced by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB) were smaller than those induced by PS, and addition of PDB with PS had no effect on the PS induced changes in UV spectrum of Cys2. Neither phosphatidylcholine (PC) nor phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) affected UV spectrum of Cys2 but in the presence of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) or phosphatidyliinositol 4-phosphate (PIP) vesicles some changes were observed. Calcium ions alone or in the presence of PS had no effect on the UV spectrum of Cys2 protein. These data indicate that PS comparing to PDB, interacts with a larger area of Cys2 protein, and that the binding sites for these two molecules are at least overlapping. The site of PIP and PIP2 interaction with PKC-gamma is distinct from that of phorbol ester binding site.
Affinity labeling of annexin VI with a triazine dye, Cibacron blue 3GA. Probable interaction of the dye with C-terminal nucleotide-binding site within the annexin molecule.
Authors: Danieluk M , Buś R , Pikuła S , Bandorowicz-Pikuła J
Published: January 2020

Annexin VI (AnxVI) from porcine liver, a member of the annexin family of Ca(2+)- and membrane-binding proteins, has been shown to bind ATP in vitro with a K(d) in the low micromolar concentration range. However, this protein does not contain within its primary structure any ATP-binding consensus motifs found in other nucleotide-binding proteins. In addition, binding of ATP to AnxVI resulted in modulation of AnxVI function, which was accompanied by changes in AnxVI affinity to Ca2+ in the presence of ATP. Using limited proteolytic digestion, purification of protein fragments by affinity chromatography on ATP-agarose, and direct sequencing, the ATP-binding site of AnxVI was located in a C-terminal half of the AnxVI molecule. To further study AnxVI-nucleotide interaction we have employed a functional nucleotide analog, Cibacron blue 3GA (CB3GA), a triazine dye which is commonly used to purify multiple ATP-binding proteins and has been described to modulate their activities. We have observed that AnxVI binds to CB3GA immobilized on agarose in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. Binding is reversed by EGTA and by ATP and, to a lower extent, by other adenine nucleotides. CB3GA binds to AnxVI also in solution, evoking reversible aggregation of protein molecules, which resembles self-association of AnxVI molecules either in solution or on a membrane surface. Our observations support earlier findings that AnxVI is an ATP-binding protein.
LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PROVERBS DESCRIBING FAMILY RELATIONS IN THE GERMAN LINGUISTIC PICTURE OF THE WORLD
Authors: Eduardovna Rakhimova Alina , Fanilevna Mukhamadiarova Albina , Kharisovna Tarasova Fanuza
Published: January 2020

Purpose of the study: The current study deals with a close examination of the linguistic and cultural characteristics of proverbs describing family relations in the paradigm of peculiarities of the German linguistic picture of the world. The purpose of this article is to study and analyze German proverbs describing family relations.

Methodology: While conducting the present research work such scientific methods were used: the method of theoretical analysis of literature on the topic under consideration, the method of semantic and structural analysis of German proverbs, the method of lexical and semantic group description, the comparative method. In the course of our study, 180 proverbs were analyzed (describing family relations with the following components: Mann, Frau, Mutter, Vater, Kind, Bruder, Schwester, Sohn, Tochter, Verwandte), reflecting, to varying degrees, the specifics of family relationships. Among these proverbs, thematic groups were distinguished.

Main Findings: The semantic features of German proverbs about the family have been distinguished. The classification of German proverbs about the family to the semantic groups was done: the role of women in the family, the role of men in the family, the characteristics of the relationship between wife and husband, etc.

Applications of this study: The study may be used for close browsing of the current state of investigations in this scientific area as well as for further investigations of linguistic and cultural characteristics of proverbs describing family relations in the German linguistic picture of the world.

Novelty/Originality of this study: When considering the connotation of German proverbs about the family, the author discovered the following regularity: most German proverbs about the family have a positive connotation. The author conducts a semantic analysis of proverbs, during which he identifies specific features that characterize family life in Russian linguoculture. Such findings were firstly done in the current survey.
A STUDY OF COMPOSITE INDEX: WITH SPECIAL CONTEXT TO GOND TRIBE OF CENTRAL INDIA
Authors: Sunder Singh Shyam , Sharma Akhand
Published: January 2020

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is to reveal the facts that fall under composite index; socio-economic, health and education status of Gond Tribe in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. The study exposed the facts whether the tribal people are aware and benefitted from the Government programs related to Education and Health running in these areas or not.

Methodology: The study has used purposive and systematic sampling for selecting the sample of 154households. SPSS 21 and AMOS are used for data analysis. The Multinomial Logistic Regression, Correlation and Regression Analysis and Multiple Correlation and Regression Analysis, are used for analyzing the data. The percentage-wise analysis is used for analyzing other facts related to socio-economic, health and education services.

Main Findings: Medical and educational services are not satisfactory in the tribal region. The result reveals that there is a significant correlation between household income and the health status of the family. The study explored households whose incomes are less than five thousand in such families’ adults are suffering from chronic diseases whereas children are facing malnutrition problems.

Applications of this study: The study has discussed specific ideas that will help the government in implementing programs/ schemes so that it will help in improvising the quality of life of the tribal people.

Novelty/ Originality of this study: The work is a highly original and innovative and studied composite index in context to the Gond tribe, it reflects the ground-level reality of the welfare programs which are running for the benefits of the tribal.
Manajemen Pemasaran Pondok Pesantren Berbasis Program Pengabdian Masyarakat
Authors: Sopwandin Iwan
Published: January 2020

This study aims to describe the marketing management of Al-Fadlliyah Islamic boarding school. Marketing at this pesantren focuses on a cooperative approach and community service, so that not only the pesantren cottage benefits, but the community also benefits from the activity. This research method uses qualitative research with case study research type. Data collection techniques used are: interview, observation and documentation. The results show that: 1) the marketing management process at this boarding school is through 4 stages, namely: planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating; 2) Implications of marketing management of Islamic boarding schools, namely: a) Islamic boarding schools have a good image in the community, b) an increase in the number of students, especially from regions originating from locations where PPM is conducted.
The Implementation of Qauniyah Verses Based on Unification Curriculum in SMA Trensains
Authors: Shalihin Rahmat Ryadhush , Bahriya Fitrohtin , Wantini Wantini
Published: January 2020

The curriculum in Indonesia has been changed eleven times since 1947th. In fact, the changes that are expected to increase education globally and nationality especially in Islamic Education, have not already revolutionary era yet. As one of independently formal Islamic Education, SMA Trensains Muhammadiyah, Sragen made their own curriculum named “unification curriculum”. It has a lot of programs implemented in each variety schedule, particularly in Islamic Education. Those unique activities combine not only in theoretical things and classical methods, but also directly applicated the qauniyah verses in the Quran through the technology and learning media. The aims of this paper are to describe how the curriculum in Trensains worked and implemented the verses Quran in different ways from the others. This research uses field research with qualitative methods. Then the data analyze with descriptive ways. The results of this study showed that through the implementation of the unification curriculum in Trensains learning process between Islamic education and natural science collaborated increasing of intellectual and spiritual of students. The students more interactive and productive in integrative curriculum with qauniyah verses in Qur’an and science rather than conventional process.
ANÁLISIS DE LOS DAÑOS EN VIVIENDAS Y EDIFICIOS COMERCIALES DURANTE LA OCURRENCIA DEL SISMO DEL 19 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2017
Authors: Buendía Sánchez Luis Manuel , Reinoso Angulo Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Se presenta un análisis de los daños en estructuras de los estados de México, Morelos, Puebla y la Ciudad de México durante la ocurrencia del sismo del 19 de septiembre de 2017, mediante datos recolectados en diversas fuentes como reportes, visitas técnicas y redes sociales, entre otros. Con los datos recabados fue posible geo-localizar cada estructura a nivel predio e identificar las características de cada inmueble tales como el número de pisos y el sistema estructural, además de posibles agravantes de los daños presentados tales como irregularidades geométricas y daños previos, entre otros. Se presenta un análisis estadístico de estos factores con la finalidad de identificar la vulnerabilidad y poder encontrar tendencias para estimar el riesgo.
Evaluation of Groundwater Resources in Aiyar Basin: A GIS Approach for Agricultural Planning and Development
Authors: Balasubramani K , Gomathi M , Kumaraswamy K
Published: January 2020

Groundwater is an integral part of agriculture and rural development. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyse the spatio-temporal variations of groundwater level in Aiyar basin using spatial statistics and GIS so as to associate the variations with cropping pattern; to suggest agricultural planning and development practices. The groundwater level was measured in the basin through 40 dug wells in the months of July (pre-monsoon) and January (post-monsoon) besides water level data collected from 50 permanent monitoring wells for a period of thirty-six years (1980-2015) from the State Groundwater Division for spatial and statistical analyses. In order to understand the fluctuations in the groundwater level of the basin, seasonal groundwater levels were computed for pre and post-monsoon seasons. To understand the regional variations in water level fluctuations, hot spot analysis is carried out using Getis-Ord Gi* statistics in GIS. Based on z-score, the basin is divided into five clusters. The long-term fluctuation of groundwater level in each cluster was examined independently and the trends were determined. Based on the trend of groundwater level and cropping pattern of the clusters, suggestions are drawn for each cluster for agricultural planning and development. By comparing the clusters, it is found that the foot of Kollimalai and Pachamalai hills (cluster-4 and 5) experiences a severe drop in groundwater level. During the last 36 years, the water table of these clusters is decreased from 4 m to 10 m BGL and the rate of decline is very severe after the drought years of 2002-2003. The main reason for the declining water level in this region is the cultivation of wet crops especially paddy and sugarcane in extensive areas, although irrigation facilities are limited and the climate is conducive only for rainfed agriculture. Hence, it is necessitated to reduce the acreage of wet crops and compensate by suitable dry crops in these clusters.    

Keywords: Groundwater, Agriculture, GIS, Hot Spot Analysis, River basin, SDG
PROPOSIONALITAS ALASAN POLIGAMI PADA UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 1 TAHUN 1974 TENTANG PERKAWINAN
Authors: D Ahmadi Hasanuddin , Hanum Cholida , Rohman M. Saiful
Published: January 2020

Pada dasarnya Perkawinan di Indonesia menganut asas monogami, namun hal tersebut tidak bersifat mutlak sehingga poligami dapat dilakukan dengan alasan tertentu. Legalisasi poligami di Indonesia secara eksplisit tercantum dalam pasal 3 hingga 5 Undang-Undang No. 1 Tahun 1947 tentang perkawinan. Pada UU ini juga dimuat syarat poligami yang harus dipenuhi oleh suami yang ingin melakukan poligami. Syarat Poligami sebagaimana yang tertera dalam peraturan perundang-undangan di Indonesia ini 1). Istri tidak dapat menjalankan kewajibannya, 2) Istri mendapat cacat badan atau penyakit yang tidak dapat disembuhkan dan, 3) Istri tidak dapat melahirkan keturunan. Ketiga syarat ini terlalu mendiskreditkan perempuan dalam perspektif gender islam. Sehingga perlu adanya proporsionalitas alasan agar syarat dalam berpoligami tidak menyudutkan posisi perempuan. Ketiga syarat yang tercantum dalam Pasal 4 ayat (2) UU perkawinan ini harus diberikan pembatasan penafsiran agar tidak mendiskreditkan perempuan. Karena jika hal ini tidak dilakukan, maka akan menimbulkan permasalahan baru dalam yang kemudian mengakibatkan perempuan sebagai pihak yang dirugikan atas syarat tersebut. Oleh karena itu, penulis menghimbau para hakim peradilan unuk mengubah paradigma penafsiran atas syarat tersebut agar terdapat proporsionalitas syarat bagi para pelaku poligami yang tidak mendiskreditkan perempuan.
Intelligence Fusion Centers for Homeland Security
Authors: Gardner Jeffrey
Published: January 2020

This exploratory case study evaluates how effectively federal agencies share terrorism intelligence with fusion centers through interviews with senior leaders, federal agents deployed to fusion centers, and intelligence analysts working in fusion centers. Findings indicated that information sharing was hindered by both technology and inter-organizational relationships between the fusion centers and federal agencies. This study recommends enhanced information sharing approaches in order to alleviate the tension between federal and local agencies and remove obstacles, particularly related to classified intelligence related to counterterrorism. Doing so can improve the dynamics between federal and local agencies, thereby allowing critical information to be shared with state and local governments in a proactive manner that may better protect communities from catastrophic terrorist attacks.
The Potential of RIP (Ribosome Inactivating Protein) as Biopesticides
Authors: Suharti Tati , Djam’an Dharmawati F
Published: January 2020

RIP (Ribosome Inactivating Protein) produced by plants that can act as a plant defense from pest and disease. This protein is widely used as an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-virus and anti-insect. Therefore, RIP contained in plants has the potential to be used for environmentally friendly biopesticides. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on RIP derived from plants and its potential as a biopesticide.The mode of action of RIP works is by inhibiting protein synthesis during translating process of pest and plant pathogen. RIP has a broad spectrum so that it can overcome insect pests from various orders and pathogens both fungi, bacteria and viruses. Some types of plants that contain RIP include neem, ginger, turmeric, galangal, castor bean, jatropha, soursop and bitter melon. RP applications can be in the form of oil, essential oils, solutions, flour, ash and simplicia. RIP can be applied to seeds, seeds, plants and post-harvest products. The advantages of using RIP include easily available materials, inexpensive, easy to application and environmentally friendly.The plants contain RP has high potency to commercially developed so in the future, the controlling of pest and disease rely on the plants contain RIP both direct and in the pesticides formulations form. Therefore echo friendly plantation programme can be realized.
Community expectations and motivations in entomological research activities for the development of innovative malaria vector control tools: Target Malaria as a case study in Bana, Western Burkina Faso
Authors: Barry Nourou , Toé Patrice , Pare/Toe Lea , Lezaun Javier , Drabo Mouhamed , Dabiré Roch , Diabate Abdoulaye
Published: January 2020

BackgroundMany field entomology research projects involve local communities in mosquito-collection activities. Since 2012, Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, has been working with community members in various studies of mosquito collection, release and recapture in the village of Bana, in Western Burkina Faso. Target Malaria’s long-term goal is to develop innovative solutions to combat malaria in Africa with the help of mosquito modification technologies. Since the start of the project, members of local communities have shown interest in playing an active role in the implementation of the project’s research activities, but their actual motivations for such an interest remain under-investigated. This study therefore aimed to examine the factors that motivate the local community to contribute to the implementation of Target Malaria’s activities in the village of Bana. MethodsA qualitative approach was used to examine the factors motivating the local community to assist in the implementation of Target Malaria’s entomological research activities in Bana. 85 individual in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by interviews with three focus groups, one with youths who had participated in mosquito collections and two with men and women from the village. All data collected were fully transcribed, processed, and submitted for thematic content analysis. ResultsData showed that the willingness of local community members to participate in the entomological research activities of Target Malaria was informed by a wide range of motivational factors. Although the actors interviewed expressed their motivations under different semantic registers, the data showed a degree of consistency between different motivations advanced. These similarities enabled us to classify all of the motivational factors under 5 distinct categories: (a) assist in field research, (b) contribute to a better future, (c) acquire knowledge, (d) earn financial compensation, and (e) gain social prestige.ConclusionThese varying motivations reflected fundamentally different personal and collective perceptions about the participation process. In addition, this study shows that the interest of research on participation is a useful part of understanding public perceptions.
The Natural History of Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy
Authors: Altuame Fadie D , Foskett Gretchen , Atwal Paldeep , Endemann Sarah , Midei Mark , Milner Peter , Salih Mustafa A , Hamad Muddathir , Al-Muhaizea Mohammad , Hashem Mais , Alkuraya Fowzan S
Published: January 2020

Background: Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder of early onset causing premature death. It results from biallelic pathogenic variants in PLA2G6, which encodes a calcium‐independent phospholipase A2. Objective: We aim to outline the natural history of INAD and provide a comprehensive description of its clinical, radiological, laboratory, and molecular findings. Materials and Methods: We comprehensively analyzed the charts of 28 patients: 16 patients from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8 patients from North and South America and 4 patients from Europe with a molecularly confirmed diagnosis of PLA2G6‐associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) and a clinical history consistent with INAD.Results: In our cohort, speech impairment and loss of gross motor milestones were the earliest signs of the disease. As the disease progressed, loss of fine motor milestones and bulbar dysfunction were observed. Temporo-frontal function was among the last of the milestones to be lost. Appendicular spastic hypertonia, axial hypotonia, and hyperreflexia were common neurological findings. Other common clinical findings include nystagmus (60.7%), seizures (42.9%), gastrointestinal disease (42.9%), skeletal deformities (35.7%), and strabismus (28.6%). Cerebellar atrophy and elevations in serum AST and LDH levels were consistent features of INAD. There was a statistically significant difference when comparing patients with non-sense/truncating variants compared with missense/in-frame deletions in the time of initial concern (p = 0.04), initial loss of language (p = 0.001), initial loss of fine motor skills (p = 0.009), and initial loss of bulbar skills (p = 0.007).Conclusion: INAD is an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disorder that presents in early childhood, with a relentlessly progressive clinical course. Knowledge of the natural history of INAD may serve as a resource for healthcare providers to develop a targeted care plan and may facilitate the design of clinical trials to treat this disease.
Phenotypic and genetic spectrum of isolated macrodactyly: somatic mosaicism of PIK3CA and AKT1 oncogenic variants
Authors: Tian Wen , Huang Yingzhao , Sun Liying , Guo Yang , Zhao Sen , Lin Mao , Dong Xiying , Zhong Wenyao , Yin Yuehan , Chen Zefu , Zhang Nan , Zhang Yuanqiang , Wang Lianlei , Lin Jiachen , Yan Zihui , Yang Xinzhuang , Zhao Junhui , Qiu Guixing , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Zhihong , Wu Nan
Published: January 2020

Background: Isolated macrodactyly is a severe congenital hand anomaly with functional and physiological impact. Known causative genes include PIK3CA, AKT1 and PTEN. The aim of this study is to gain insights into the genetics basis of isolated macrodactyly. Results: We enrolled 24 patients with isolated macrodactyly. Four of them were diagnosed with Proteus syndrome based on skin presentations characteristic to this disease. Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed using patients’ blood and affected tissues. Overall, 20 patients carry mosaic PIK3CA pathogenic variants, i.e. p.His1047Arg (N=7), p.Glu542Lys (N=6), p.Glu545Lys (N=2), p.His1047Leu (N=2), p.Glu453Lys (N=1), p.Gln546Lys (N=1) and p.His1047Tyr (N=1). Four patients who met the diagnostic criteria of Proteus syndrome carry mosaic AKT1 p.Glu17Lys variant. Variant allele frequencies of these mosaic variants obtained through next-generation sequencing range from 10% to 33%. In genotype-phenotype correlation analysis of patients with PIK3CA variant, we found that patients with the macrodactyly of the upper and lower limbs tend to carry PIK3CA variants located in the kinase and helical domain (P=0.011). Conclusions: Mosaic PIK3CA and AKT1 variants can be found in all of our samples with isolated macrodactyly. Insights into phenotypic and genetic spectrum of isolated macrodactyly may be helpful in perusing a more precise and effective management of isolated macrodactyly.
WY195, a new inducible promoter from the rubber powdery mildew pathogen, can be used as an excellent tool for genetic engineering
Authors: Wang Yi , Rajaofera Mamy Jayne Nelly , Zhu Li , Yin Jinyao , Wang Chen , Liu Wenbo , Zheng Fucong , miao weiguo
Published: January 2020

Background: In recent years, the rational use of inducible promoters and organ/tissue-specific promoters have become a focus of promoter research because these enable greater control of expression.Results: The WY195 promoter in the genome of Oidium heveae, the rubber powdery mildew pathogen, was predicted using PromoterScan and its promoter function was verified by the transient expression of the b-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. WY195 drove high levels of GUS expression in dicotyledons (Nicotiana tabacum, Hevea brasiliensis Reyan 7-33-97 and Hylocereus undatus) and monocotyledons (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica cv. Nipponbare, Hordeum vulgare and Zea mays). qRT-PCR indicated that GUS expression regulated by the WY195 promoter was 17.54-fold greater than that obtained using the CaMV 35S promoter in dicotyledons (N. tabacum), and 5.09-fold greater than that obtained using the ACT1 promoter in monocotyledons (O. sativa). Furthermore, WY195-regulated GUS gene expression was induced under high-temperature and drought conditions. Soluble proteins extracted from WY195-hpaXm transgenic tobacco was bioactive. Defensive micro-HR induced by the transgene expression of hpaXm was observed on transgenic tobacco leaves. Disease resistance bioassays showed that WY195-hpaXm transgenic tobacco enhanced the resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).Conclusions: WY195 is an excellent endogenous inducible promoter with great potential for development as a new tool for genetic engineering and should also promote O. heveae molecular research, which to date has been a challenge owing to the obligate parasitic nature of this pathogen.
The commonness and difference among the Lactobacillus feruloyl esterases expressed in Escherichia coli
Authors: Xu Zhenshang , Kong Jian , Zhang Susu , Wang Ting , Liu Xinli
Published: January 2020

Background: Construction of recombinant Escherichia coli strains carrying feruloyl esterase genes for secretory expression offers an attractive way to facilitate enzyme purification and one-step produce ferulic acid from agricultural waste. It was found that the Lactobacillus crispatus feruloyl esterase could be secreted into extracellular environment of E. coli. Whether other Lactobacillus feruloyl esterases share the same secretory characteristic is worth investigation.Results: A total of ten feruloyl esterases derived from nine Lactobacillus species were used to analyze their commonness and compare their difference when heterologously expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Extracellular activity determination showed all these Lactobacillus feruloyl esterases could be secreted out of E. coli cells. However, protein analysis indicated that they could be classified as three types. The first type presented a low secretion level, including feruloyl esterases derived from Lb. acidophilus and Lb. johnsonii. The second type showed a high secretion level, including feruloyl esterases derived from Lb. amylovorus, Lb. crispatus, Lb. gasseri and Lb. helveticus. The third type also behaved a high secretion level but easy degradation, including feruloyl esterases derived from Lb. farciminis, Lb. fermentum and Lb. reuteri. Moreover, these recombinant E. coli strains could directly release ferulic acid from de-starched wheat bran. Conclusions: Recombinant E. coli strains expressing feruloyl esterase of Lb. amylovorus, Lb. crispatus and Lb. helveticus displayed high secretion level and stable extracellular activity. Furthermore, the highest yield of ferulic acid was 140 µg on the basis of 0.1 g de-starched wheat bran after 72 h cultivation of E. coli expressing Lb. amylovorus feruloyl esterase. These results provided a solid basis for the production of feruloyl esterase and ferulic acid.
Long Acting Reversible Contraception use among postpartum women in Hossana Town, Southern Ethiopia: cross sectional study
Authors: Woldu Biruktawit Fekade , Ermolo Tadesse Lelago , Lemu Lidiya Gutema , Gejo Negeso Gebeyehu
Published: January 2020

Background: In low and middle-income countries, 95% of postpartum women want to avoid a pregnancy for 2 years, but 70% are not using contraception. Delay in use of contraception by couples during postpartum period can result in many unwanted pregnancies. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is ideal for postpartum women. Therefore this study aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with LARC use among postpartum women.Methods: Facility based cross sectional study was conducted among 381 women in extended postpartum period visiting Child Immunization service in hosanna health institutions. Pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. The presence and strength of association was determined using AOR with its 95% CI. Variables with P value less than 0.05 were considered as statistical significant. Results: Less than one fifth (18.1%) of participants intend to give birth within 2 years. The prevalence of LARC use was 36.5% (95%CI (33.05-39.95)). The main reason for not using was fear of side effect and false information. Previous use of LARC n (AOR=3.3, 95%CI (1.7-6.5)) and have ever discussed with health providers on LARC (AOR=2.5, 95%CI (1.1-5.74)) were found to be significantly associated with LARC use. Conclusions: Despite their lesser intention to give birth within 2 years, the utilization of LARC among postpartum women was found to be low in this study. Provision of health education and expanding access should be emphasized to enhance its utilization.
Crucial role of androgen receptor in resistance and endurance trainings-induced muscle hypertrophy through IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway
Authors: YIN Lijun , LU Lin , LIN Xiaojing , Wang Xiaohui
Published: January 2020

Background: Androgen receptor (AR) has been reported to play vital roles in exercise-induced increase of muscle mass in rats, but needs to be further verified and the mechanism behind remains unclear. As AR target genes, insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) promote muscle hypertrophy through activating PI3K/Akt- mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a classic pathway of muscle hypertrophy. So the main purpose of this study was using AR antagonist flutamide to demonstrate AR’s effect on training-induced muscle hypertrophy and its possible mechanism: IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway? Methods: Forty-eight Sprague Dawley male rats aged seven weeks were randomly divided into six groups: control (C), flutamide (F), resistance training (R), resistance training plus flutamide (R+F), endurance training (E), and endurance training plus flutamide (E+F) groups. Flutamide was used to block AR in rats. Rats in R and R+F groups fulfilled 3 weeks of ladder climbing with progressively increased load, while E and E+F rats completed 3-week moderate intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill. The relative muscle mass (muscle mass/body weight) of rats was detected. Serum levels of testosterone and IGF-1 of rats were determined by ELISA, and mRNA levels of IGF-1R and mTOR in muscles by real-time PCR. Protein levels of AR, IGF-1, IGF-1R, mTOR, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt in muscles were detected by Western blot. Results: (1) The training-induced rise in the relative muscle mass and the expression levels of AR were only found in the gastrocnemius of R rats and in the soleus of E rats (selective muscle hypertrophy), which were blocked by flutamide. (2) Serum testosterone in the R and E rat were increased, and flutamide exerted no effect. (3) The levels of IGF-1, IGF-1R and mTOR as well as the activities of PI3K and Akt were enhanced selectively (in the gastrocnemius of R rats and in the soleus of E rats), which were reduced by flutamide. Conclusions: AR exerted an essential role in both resistance training and endurance training-induced muscle hypertrophy, which was mediated at least partly through IGF-1/IGF-1R- PI3K/Akt- mTOR pathway.
Avaliação do gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos através do Sistema de Indicadores de Sustentabilidade Pressão-Estado-Impacto-Reposta (PEIR) no Município de Cachoeira dos Índios, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Lima Thayse da Silva , Barros José Deomar de Souza
Published: January 2020

O crescimento da população e consequente aumento da produção e consumo, aliados ao uso desenfreado dos recursos naturais, tem originado diversos fatores que afetam o meio ambiente, dentre estes se destaca o grande número de resíduos sólidos gerados, os quais, sem um gerenciamento adequado, pode ocasionar impactos negativos ao meio ambiente. Nesta perspectiva, esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o gerenciamento dos resíduos sólidos na Cidade de Cachoeira dos Índios, Estado da Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil, desenvolvida entre 6 de junho e 21 de outubro de 2018, sendo entrevistados 49 atores sociais e institucionais. Para a coleta de dados utilizou-se questionários e observações da coleta, transporte e local de disposição dos resíduos sólidos urbanos. Na análise dos dados foi utilizada a abordagem quali-quantitativa, avaliando o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos como “favorável” ou “desfavorável”, do ponto de vista da sustentabilidade, por meio do sistema de indicadores de sustentabilidade Pressão-Estado-Impacto-Resposta (PEIR). Os resultados indicam que o município avaliado não dispõe de um aterro sanitário, sendo os resíduos sólidos depositados em lixão a céu aberto. Desta forma, o gerenciamento não se encontra de acordo com o estabelecido na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, tendo a gestão municipal e a população civil pouco conhecimento sobre a problemática dos resíduos sólidos. Dos 31 indicadores, 24 foram avaliados como desfavoráveis do ponto de vista da sustentabilidade. Estes dados revelam uma situação preocupante quanto à sustentabilidade do município, que necessita da implementação de políticas públicas voltadas para um gerenciamento adequado dos resíduos sólidos urbanos.
Sustentabilidade nas instituições financeiras públicas e privadas: percepção, atitude e comportamento dos colaboradoress
Authors: Prado Juliana Jorge do , Wander Alcido Elenor , Costa Filho Bento Alves da
Published: January 2020

Decorrente da realidade ecológica e de empresas cada vez mais competitivas, surgem na atualidade, um diferencial notável nas organizações: a responsabilidade socioambiental. A implantação de programas com esse cunho dentro das empresas está condicionada a uma gama de fatores para lograr êxito, como programas adequados, contextualizados e bem instituídos, incluindo mensuração de resultados, envolvimento dos colaboradores, dentre outros. Na busca por uma perspectiva melhor para o futuro, surge o interesse pelo estudo do comportamento e da percepção apresentados por funcionários de diferentes instituições bancárias frente ao desenvolvimento sustentável, diante das políticas já instituídas nas empresas. Este processo foi realizado por meio de um estudo exploratório tipo survey, comparando-se instituições financeiras públicas e privadas. Os resultados apontam para uma melhor percepção por parte dos empregados de instituições privadas, com maior predisposição para uma conduta ecologicamente correta no ambiente institucional e comportamentos mais próximos do objetivo das políticas implantadas. Embora os colaboradores tenham apresentado certo grau de conhecimento, predisposição favorável e comportamentos consistentes em prol do meio ambiente, identificou-se que há espaço para um maior envolvimento destes no desenvolvimento de ações proativas nas instituições.
Evidenciação de informações socioambientais: um estudo nas organizações do Centro Industrial Subaé, Feira de Santana, Estado da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Moura Herval da Silva , Faria Juliano Almeida de
Published: January 2020

A competitividade tem sido fator determinante para despertar nas empresas dos mais diversos portes concepções de que o uso desordenado do meio ambiente provoca um desequilíbrio onde estão inseridas. Neste sentido as empresas têm buscado repensar sua forma de gerenciamento ambiental e, por conseguinte, se veem impulsionadas a evidenciar o seu posicionamento diante deste cenário. Por isto a contabilidade, enquanto área de conhecimento influenciada por fatores, econômicos, políticos e sociais, busca cumprir sua finalidade ao propiciar o fornecimento de informações que sejam úteis aos seus diversos usuários na tomada de decisão, como informações socioambientais de natureza monetária e não-monetária. Tais informações são fornecidas por meio de relatórios que visam a assegurar a transparência das ações organizacionais, além de iniciar o diálogo das mesmas com a sociedade. Nesta perspectiva, o objetivo deste estudo é demonstrar quais as informações contábeis socioambientais são evidenciadas pelas empresas industriais que fazem parte do Centro Industrial Subaé (CIS), no Município de Feira de Santana (Estado da Bahia, Brasil). A pesquisa é classificada como exploratória, bibliográfica e quali quantitativa. Quanto aos procedimentos, classifica-se como um levantamento por meio de entrevista estruturada. Como resultados, observa-se que o tratamento dado aos gastos ambientais pelas empresas participantes da pesquisa ainda são superficiais, pois não são amplamente conhecidos pelas empresas do CIS. As estratégias de evidenciação ambiental utilizadas, quando existem, são associadas às filiais cuja divulgação é centralizada na matriz, não localizada em Feira de Santana. Por fim, conclui-se que a sociedade carece de informações relacionadas aos gastos ambientais, haja vista baixo nível de evidenciação local. Esta situação revela potencial para desenvolvimento de futuras pesquisas e desenvolvimento de projetos de fomento ao estudo dos custos ambientais e respectivo fluxo de evidenciação à comunidade.
Solutions and constructional modifications of dosimetry systems ofelectron accelerators
Authors: Misiarz Agnieszka , Malesa Bożena , Markopolskyi Wasyl , Jakubowska Ewa , Wyspokiński Jerzy
Published: January 2020

The study is designed to present a method of dosimetry system solution in electron accelerators manufactured at the NCBJ Nuclear Equipment Division (HITEC). Two special cases of accelerator applications have been presented - the first using a high-efficiency electron beam in material research and the second using a low-efficiency photon beam in cargo inspection at borders. The article presents constructional modifications of the standardly used ionization chamber, which successfully enabled proper dose measurement in both of the above-mentioned cases.