bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioefficacy of red cabbage against hypercholesterolemic diet mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Ashfaq Faiza , Butt Masood Sadiq , Bilal Ahmad , Tehseen Saima , Suleria Hafiz Ansar Rasul
Published: October 2019

Background

The shift towards hypercaloric diets and sedentariness has raised lifestyle related disorders and escalated health care cost. In order to tackle this epidemiological transition, healthy, affordable food choices should be introduced in the routine menu. In this context, red cabbage is known for its rich phytochemistry, minerals, antioxidant vitamins and dietary fiber. Considering these evidences, red cabbage leaves and its extract were assessed against hypercholesterolemia and associated oxidative stress.

Methods

In bioefficacy assessment trial (12 weeks), there were two dietary regimens; normal and hypercholesterolemic (1% cholesterol) that were further split into three groups each. In both feeding trials, red cabbage leaves (20%) and its extract in dose equivalent to red cabbage leaves were assessed against control diets. At termination of trial, serum lipidemic parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed to test the efficacy of diets.

Results

In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, red cabbage leaves showed significant reduction in cholesterol, LDL-c and triacylglycerol levels i.e. 15.19, 18.09 and 9.42% than extract administered groups; 10.79, 12.24 and 5.72, respectively. Besides, red cabbage leaves also portrayed momentous enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity up to 13.29 & 17.63% by lowering lipid peroxidation by 27.86% in hypercholesterolemic diet fed groups, whereas red cabbage extract administered group depicted relatively lesser amelioration in lipid peroxidation i.e. 21.42%.

Conclusions

Red cabbage leaves possess higher ameliorative potential against altered lipidemic profile and lipid peroxidation as compared to its extract thus explains its ability to prevent exhaustion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes; SOD and CAT.
Does abnormal lending behavior increase bank riskiness? Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Shahzad Farrukh , Fareed Zeeshan , Zulfiqar Bushra , Habiba Umme , Ikram Muhammad
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study empirically analyzes whether the rapid growth of loans and risk-taking behavior during the expansion of loans affected non-performing loans (NPLs) and the solvency of financial institutions in the Turkish banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the GMM Generalized Method of Moments, this study used data on Turkish banks from 2011 to 2017 to test two hypotheses on the effects of loan growth on NPLs and solvency.

Findings

This study finds significant results for the effect of loan growth on NPLs and solvency. NPLs rose from the previous year’s loan growth, which tended to reduce solvency.

Research limitations/implications

Due to selected research methods, the results may lack generality. Therefore, future studies should test the propositions herein further.

Practical implications

The results indicate that careful allocation behavior is required when lending. Additionally, these findings may be helpful to financial managers and decision makers.

Originality/value

This study confirms the need to determine how to allocate loans during the loan boom periods.
New functionalism: rejuvenating historical and cultural heritage through urban revival
Authors: Zhang Jijiao
Published: October 2019

The better protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage sites, objects, and practices (especially intangible aspects of cultural heritage) based on anthropological research can work in the field of urban planning and design, an applied field with interdisciplinary cooperation, thus bringing new vitality to urban development. Additionally, the relationship between historical and cultural heritage and urban revival is not only binary opposition, but also coexistence and connection. Thus, this article does not highlight the dichotomy of tradition vs. modernity. After a critique of the inherited “view of cultural conservatism”, based on Malinowski’s classic and static “cultural functionalism”, Fei Xiaotong’s idea of “cultural development and utilization”, Li Peilin’s “continuous spectrum” theory and the “Wirth-Redfield” model, this paper puts forward a classic and dynamic theory of “new functionalism” that analyzes the relationship between historical and cultural heritage and urban revival through the new value of historical and cultural heritage in urban revival. The comparative cases focus on four domestic and foreign cities—— the City of York, England; Kyoto, Japan; Dali in Yunnan, China; and Haikou in Hainan, China—— and show that the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage is one of the core issues of urban revival. In this light, tangible historical and cultural heritage is the “body” and intangible heritage is the “soul” of urban areas. It is important to integrate the traditional “body” with the innovative “soul”. In urban revival, only when we protect and use sites of historical and cultural heritage well, and rejuvenate them for driving urban development, will the cities grow in a way that will be long-lived and healthy and along the path of sustainable development.
A qualitative study exploring the health-related quality of life and symptomatic experiences of adults and adolescents with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Newton Louise , Randall Jason A. , Hunter Theresa , Keith Shannon , Symonds Tara , Secrest Roberta J. , Komocsar Wendy J. , Curtis Sarah E. , Abetz-Webb Linda , Kappelman Michael , Naegeli April N.
Published: October 2019

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) often first presents during adolescence and early adulthood. Primary symptoms of UC are well known, yet similarities and differences of disease experience in adults and adolescents are not well characterized.

Methods

To understand the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptomatic experience of UC, in-depth interviews were conducted in the US with 21 adults (20–70 years) and 14 adolescents (12–17 years). Eligibility and medical history were confirmed by clinician report. A previously conducted literature review and resultant conceptual model informed the discussion guide to explore symptoms and HRQoL. Age appropriate creative tasks (“animal” task and collage) were employed to facilitate discussion. Transcripts and collages were subjected to thematic analysis using ATLAS.ti software.

Results

Clinician-reported UC severity included 24% mild, 38% moderate, 38% severe among adults; and 64% mild, 29% moderate, 7% severe among adolescents. Among adults, 52% were female, 67% were white. Among adolescents, 50% were female, 71% were white. During analysis it was noted that all participants reported stomach/abdominal pain. Other key symptoms identified were frequent bowel movements, diarrhea, blood in stools, sudden need for bowel movement, stomach cramping, bloating, and feeling gassy/passing gas (≥75% of participants). Key impacts identified were embarrassment, dietary limitations, having to plan around UC, worry/fear, anger, low mood/depression, and relationship with others, (≥75% of participants). In creative tasks, animals were chosen to represent their UC and content included in the collages reflected the most commonly discussed themes from the interviews. Only adults discussed feeling dehydrated, while only adolescents discussed the impact of UC on school life.

Conclusions

Open-ended interviews highlighted the HRQoL and symptomatic experiences of UC from the patient’s perspective, which were similar between adult and adolescent UC patients.
Reproducibility of semiautomated body composition segmentation of abdominal computed tomography: a multiobserver study
Authors: Kjønigsen Lisa Jannicke , Harneshaug Magnus , Fløtten Ann-Monica , Karterud Lena Korsmo , Petterson Kent , Skjolde Grethe , Eggesbø Heidi B. , Weedon-Fekjær Harald , Henriksen Hege Berg , Lauritzen Peter M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Segmentation of computed tomography (CT) images provides quantitative data on body tissue composition, which may greatly impact the development and progression of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer. We aimed to evaluate the inter- and intraobserver variation of semiautomated segmentation, to assess whether multiple observers may interchangeably perform this task.

Methods

Anonymised, unenhanced, single mid-abdominal CT images were acquired from 132 subjects from two previous studies. Semiautomated segmentation was performed using a proprietary software package. Abdominal muscle compartment (AMC), inter- and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were identified according to pre-established attenuation ranges. The segmentation was performed by four observers: an oncology resident with extensive training and three radiographers with a 2-week training programme. To assess interobserver variation, segmentation of each CT image was performed individually by two or more observers. To assess intraobserver variation, three of the observers did repeated segmentations of the images. The distribution of variation between subjects, observers and random noise was estimated by a mixed effects model. Inter- and intraobserver correlation was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

For all four tissue compartments, the observer variations were far lower than random noise by factors ranging from 1.6 to 3.6 and those between subjects by factors ranging from 7.3 to 186.1. All interobserver ICC was ≥ 0.938, and all intraobserver ICC was ≥ 0.996.

Conclusions

Body composition segmentation showed a very low level of operator dependability. Multiple observers may interchangeably perform this task with highly reproducible results.
The effects of kinesio taping of lower limbs on functional mobility, spasticity, and range of motion of children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Tabatabaee Mirjavad , Cheraghifard Moslem , Shamsoddini Alireza
Published: October 2019

Background

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disease in a growing brain.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of kinesio taping (KT) of the lower limbs on functional mobility, spasticity, and range of motion (ROM) of children with cerebral palsy.

Methods

Thirty children with spastic cerebral palsy aged 3 to 10 years old were selected from pediatric rehabilitation clinics. Subjects were divided randomly into intervention and control groups. Each group contains 15 subjects. Both groups received kinesio taping along with occupational therapy for 2 weeks. In the intervention group, kinesio taping was applied in a treatment mode with suitable tension; however, taping was applied in the control group in a sham mode. Timed get up and go (TUG), Modified Modified Ashworth (MMA), and goniometer tests were used prior to the intervention and 2 days and 2 weeks after the intervention.

Results

Short-term application of kinesio taping in the intervention group did not lead to significant changes in ROM (P = 0.582), muscle tone (P = 0.317), and functional mobility (P = 0.320). However, long-term application of kinesio taping improved the range of motion, muscle tone, and functional mobility (P < 0.05). No significant change has been observed in the control group in different intervals.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that kinesio taping can increase ROM of the knee and reduce spasticity. It also can improve the functional mobility. Therefore, it seems that kinesio taping is efficient for rehabilitation of spastic CP as a reliable treatment method.

Trial registration

IRCT, IRCT2017082135822N1, Registered 19 September 2017, https://fa.irct.ir/IRCT2017082135822N1.
Application of Bacillus species for controlling root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in eggplant
Authors: El-Nagdi Wafaa M. A. , Abd-El-Khair Hassan
Published: October 2019

Background

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is one of the important vegetable crops infected by Meloidogyne incognita all over the world, including Egypt. Chemical nematicides frequently cause environmental pollution and toxic hazards to human, plants, and animals; certain biocontrol agents that are environmentally friendly and safe to humans and animals were tested against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in eggplant.

Objective

This work is aimed to determine the nematicidal activity of Bacillus spp., viz., B. subtilis and B. pumilus, against M. incognita in three separated experiments to study their ability in controlling M. incognita and in improving the growth parameters of eggplants. Bacillus spp. were applied as single or in combination (experiment I), single treatment at different doses (experiment II), and different times (three times) of application (experiment III).

Results

The results of experiment I revealed that Bacillus sp. + B. subtilis significantly reduced the second-stage juvenile (J2) in soil and galls and egg masses in roots, while Bacillus sp. + B. pumilus significantly reduced J2 in roots. Bacillus spp. in pairs were more effective against M. incognita. In experiment II, Bacillus sp. (40 ml) significantly reduced the J2 in soil and galls and egg masses in roots, while B. pumilus (40 ml) significantly reduced the J2 in roots. The nematicidal activity of Bacillus spp. was increased by increasing the applied dose. In experiment III, B. subtilis, when applied three times, significantly reduced the J2 in soil and the J2 and galls in roots, while B. pumilus (applied three times) significantly reduced the egg masses in roots. All Bacillus spp. treatments highly increased the tested growth parameters compared to the controls.

Conclusions

The tested biocontrol agents used more than once or in combination are more effective than those used only once in controlling nematode parameters in eggplant under greenhouse conditions with a consequent increase in eggplant growth. These bacterial isolates need to be studied under different field conditions for confirmation.
Occurrence, toxicity, production and detection of Fusarium mycotoxin: a review
Authors: Ji Fang , He Dan , Olaniran A. O. , Mokoena M. P. , Xu Jianhong , Shi Jianrong
Published: October 2019

Fusarium mycotoxin contamination of both foods and feeds is an inevitable phenomenon worldwide. Deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 toxin and fumonisin B1 are the most studied Fusarium mycotoxins. Co-contamination of mycotoxins has also been studied frequently. Fusarium mycotoxins occur frequently in foods at very low concentrations, so there is a need to provide sensitive and reliable methods for their early detection. The present review provides insight on the types, toxicology and occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins. It further elucidates various detection methods of mycotoxin production from Fusarium strains, with a special focus on chromatographic and immunochemical techniques.
Delayed myocardial enhancement in children with different types of cardiomyopathy: a diagnostic and prognostic tool
Authors: Elfadl Hend Gamal Mohamed Fathy Abuo , El Mogy Sabry Alam El Dean Mohamed , Abouelkeir Mohamed Magdy Aly , Gaballah Ghada Mohamad , Eid Nevertiti Kamal El-Din
Published: October 2019

Background

The pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiomyopathy is quite different in children compared to adults. In addition, the data about LGE imaging in children are still restricted, so the goal was to study the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with different techniques, including LGE images in diagnosis and evaluation of different types of cardiomyopathy in children.

Results

In group A (enhancement group), LVEDV 146.2 (144) ml, indexed LVEDV 81.8 (195) ml, LVESV 50 (357) ml, indexed LVESV 47.5 (243) ml, and LVEF 36% (64%), and a major adverse effect was found in 12 out of 15 cases (80%). However, in group B (non-enhancement group), the results were LVEDV 72 (303) ml, indexed LVEDV 75 (318) ml, LVESV 30 (220) ml, indexed LVESV 37.1 (189) ml, and LVEF 45.79% (65%), and a major adverse cardiac effect was found in 2 out of 16 cases (12.5%). The LVEF was lower, and LV volume indices including LVEDV and LVESV were higher in patients with LGE compared to those without LGE with a statistically significant difference (p value = 0.001, p value = 0.003, and p value = 0.005, respectively). Furthermore, it was also found that a major adverse effect occurs with higher incidence in enhancement cases (92%) as compared to non-enhancement cases (12.5%) with a statistically significant difference (p value ≤ 0.001). LGE was found in 15 cases out of 31 cases (48.4%); however, the remaining 13 cases had no contrast study.

Conclusion

Cardiac MRI can be considered as an important non-invasive imaging modality, not only for assessment but also for differentiation between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy in the pediatric age group. Using its different techniques allows a better assessment of morphologic and functional parameters in cardiomyopathy. Moreover, the late gadolinium enhancement is regarded as a promising non-invasive tool in the detection and quantification of myocardial scars. That is considered of high importance in diagnosis, categorization, and detection of etiology in most cases of different types of cardiomyopathy, in addition to risk stratification that can be an essential step in patient management.
Trans-arterial embolization of malignant tumor-related gastrointestinal bleeding: technical and clinical efficacy
Authors: Elmokadem Ali H. , Abdelsalam Hassan , El-Morsy Ahmed , Elsabbagh Ahmed
Published: October 2019

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding is a major cause of mortality among patients with GI malignancies. We aimed to assess the technical and clinical efficacy of trans-arterial embolization (TAE) as a symptomatic treatment of tumor-related GI bleeding. This study was conducted for patients with GI bleeding secondary to histopathologically proven different GI malignancies. Fourteen patients underwent trans-arterial embolization. Patients were followed up clinically for any complications or episodes of recurrent bleeding.

Results

Fourteen patients were included (9 males and 5 females) with mean age 55.5 years (range 42–69 years). All procedures were technically successful with post-procedural hemorrhage control and no immediate complication. The 30-day post-procedural clinical success rate was 78.4%. Three repeated clinically successful TAE sessions were done for recurrent bleeding. The median post-procedural follow-up duration was 241 days. The 30-day mortality rate was 7.1%, while the overall mortality rate was 35.7%.

Conclusion

Trans-arterial embolization of tumor-related GI bleeding controlled hemorrhage with acceptable clinical success rate and without complication in this small group of patients.
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Is a Pancreatic Polypeptide Secretagogue in Humans
Authors: Veedfald Simon , Vedtofte Louise , Skov-Jeppesen Kirsa , Deacon Carolyn F , Hartmann Bolette , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip K , Christensen Mikkel B , Holst Jens J
Published: October 2019

Background

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) has been suggested to stimulate the secretion of pancreatic polypeptide (PP), an islet hormone thought to regulate gut motility, appetite, and glycemia.

Objective

To determine whether human GIP1-42 (hGIP) stimulates PP secretion.

Method

As glycemia modulates the secretion of PP, we measured plasma PP concentrations from 2 studies in healthy men (n = 10) and in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 12), where hGIP1-42 had been administered intravenously during fasting glycemia, hyperglycemia (12 mmol/L), and insulin-induced hypoglycemia (targets: 2.5 mmol/L [healthy]; 3.5 mmol/L [T2D]). Porcine GIP1-42 (pGIP) was also infused intra-arterially in isolated porcine pancreata (n = 4).

Results

Mean fasting plasma glucose concentrations were approximately 5 mmol/L (healthy) and approximately 8 mmol/L (T2D). At fasting glycemia, PP concentrations were higher during intravenous hGIP1-42 infusion compared with saline in healthy men (mean [standard error of the mean, SEM], net incremental areas under the curves (iAUCs)[0-30min], 403 [116] vs –6 [57] pmol/L × min; P = 0.004) and in patients with T2D (905 [177] vs –96 [86] pmol/L × min; P = 0.009). During hyperglycemic clamping, mean [SEM] PP concentrations were significantly higher during hGIP1-42 infusion compared with saline in patients with T2D (771 [160] vs –183 [117] pmol/L × min; P = 0.001), but not in healthy individuals (–8 [86] vs –57 [53] pmol/L × min; P = 0.69). When plasma glucose levels were declining in response to exogenous insulin, mean [SEM] PP concentrations were higher during hGIP1-42 infusion compared with saline in healthy individuals (294 [88] vs –82 [53] pmol/L × min; P = 0.0025), but not significantly higher in patients with T2D (586 [314] vs –120 [53]; P = 0.070). At target hypoglycemia, PP levels surged in both groups during both hGIP1-42 and saline infusions. In isolated pancreata, pGIP1-42 increased mean [SEM] PP output in the pancreatic venous effluent (baseline vs infusion, 24[5] vs 79 [16] pmol/min x min; P = 0.044).

Conclusion

GIP1-42 increases plasma PP secretion in healthy individuals, patients with T2D, and isolated porcine pancreata. Hyperglycemia blunts the stimulatory effect of hGIP1-42 in healthy individuals, but not in patients with T2D.
Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Screening II: Effect of Treating Maternal Suboptimal Thyroid Function on Child Behavior
Authors: Hales Charlotte , Taylor Peter N , Channon Sue , McEwan Kirsten , Thapar Anita , Langley Kate , Muller Ilaria , Draman Mohd S , Dayan Colin , Gregory John W , Okosieme Onyebuchi , Lazarus John H , Rees D Aled , Ludgate Marian
Published: October 2019

Context & Objectives

The Controlled Antenatal Thyroid Screening (CATS) study was the first randomized controlled trial to investigate effects of treating suboptimal gestational thyroid function (SGTF) on child cognition. Since observational studies indicated that SGTF may also increase symptoms of autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the CATS cohort was used to investigate whether treatment of mothers affected their children’s behavior.

Design & Participants

Mothers (N = 475) completed 3 questionnaires: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Child ADHD Questionnaire, and the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ, used as a screen for autism spectrum disorder [ASD]), about their children (mean age 9.5 years). Group comparisons of total scores, numbers of children above clinical thresholds, and association between high maternal free thyroxine (FT4) (> 97.5th percentile of the UK cohort, “overtreated”) and child neurodevelopment were reported.

Results

There were no differences in total scores between normal gestational thyroid function (GTF) (n = 246), treated (n = 125), and untreated (n = 104) SGTF groups. More children of treated mothers scored above clinical thresholds, particularly the overtreated. Scores were above thresholds in SDQ conduct (22% vs 7%), SCQ total scores (7% vs 1%), and ADHD hyperactivity (17% vs 5%) when comparing overtreated (n = 40) and untreated (N = 100), respectively. We identified significantly higher mean scores for SDQ conduct (adjusted mean difference [AMD] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.021-1.431; P = 0.040, effect size 0.018) and ADHD hyperactivity (AMD 1.60, 95% CI, 0.361-2.633; P = 0.003, effect size 0.028) comparing overtreated with normal-GTF children.

Conclusions

There was no overall association between SGTF and offspring ADHD, ASD, or behavior questionnaire scores. However, children of “overtreated” mothers displayed significantly more ADHD symptoms and behavioral difficulties than those of normal-GTF mothers. Thyroxine supplementation during pregnancy requires monitoring to avoid overtreatment.
Elevated Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Activity Early in Pregnancy Predicts Prediabetes 5 Years Later
Authors: Ueland Thor , Roland Marie Cecilie Paasche , Michelsen Annika E , Godang Kristin , Aukrust Pål , Henriksen Tore , Bollerslev Jens , Lekva Tove
Published: October 2019

Context

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) regulates high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and interaction between glucose, and HDL metabolism is central in the development of diabetes.

Objective

We hypothesized that CETP levels would be regulated in diabetic pregnancies. We tested the hypothesis by evaluating CETP activity measured multiple times during pregnancy and at 5 years’ follow-up in a prospective cohort (STORK) and investigated its association with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy or development of prediabetes 5 years after pregnancy. We also evaluated the strongest correlation of CETP activity among measures of adipocity and glucose metabolism, lipoproteins, adipokines, and monocyte/macrophage activation markers.

Design

A population-based longitudinal cohort study was conducted from 2001 to 2013.

Setting

The study setting was Oslo University Hospital.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 300 women during pregnancy and at 5 years postpartum participated in this study.

Main Outcome Measures

CETP activity was measured at 14 to 16, 22 to 24, 30 to 32, and 36 to 38 weeks’ gestation, and at 5 years’ follow-up.

Results

We found higher CETP activity in pregnancy in women developing prediabetes but no association with GDM. CETP activity decreased throughout pregnancy and remained low at follow-up. High CETP activity was associated with sCD14 levels, in particular in women who developed prediabetes. These data show that enhanced CETP activity during pregnancy is associated with systemic indices of monocyte/macrophage activation, in particular in women who develop prediabetes later in life.

Conclusions

CETP activity during pregnancy identifies women at risk for later diabetes development.
The Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator Ulipristal Acetate Inhibits the Activity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Authors: Small Benjamin , Millard Charles E F , Kisanga Edwina P , Burman Andreanna , Anam Anika , Flannery Clare , Al-Hendy Ayman , Whirledge Shannon
Published: October 2019

Context

The selective progesterone modulator ulipristal acetate (ulipristal) offers a much-needed therapeutic option for the clinical management of uterine fibroids. Although ulipristal initially passed safety evaluations in Europe, postmarketing analysis identified cases of hepatic injury and failure, leading to restrictions on the long-term use of ulipristal. One of the factors potentially contributing to significant side effects with the selective progesterone modulators is cross-reactivity with other steroid receptors.

Objective

To determine whether ulipristal can alter the activity of the endogenous glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in relevant cell types.

Design

Immortalized human uterine fibroid cells (UtLM) and hepatocytes (HepG2) were treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone and/or ulipristal. Primary uterine fibroid tissue was isolated from patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery and treated ex vivo with dexamethasone and/or ulipristal. In vivo ulipristal exposure was performed in C57Bl/6 mice to measure the effect on basal gene expression in target tissues throughout the body.

Results

Dexamethasone induced the expression of established glucocorticoid-target genes period 1 (PER1), FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5), and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) in UtLM and HepG2 cells, whereas cotreatment with ulipristal blocked the transcriptional response to glucocorticoids in a dose-dependent manner. Ulipristal inhibited glucocorticoid-mediated phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and DNA interactions of GR. Glucocorticoid stimulation of PER1, FKBP5, and GILZ was abolished by cotreatment with ulipristal in primary uterine fibroid tissue. The expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes was decreased in the lung, liver, and uterus of mice exposed to 2 mg/kg ulipristal. Interestingly, transcript levels of Fkbp5 and Gilz were increased in the hippocampus and pituitary.

Conclusions

These studies demonstrate that ulipristal inhibits endogenous glucocorticoid signaling in human fibroid and liver cells, which is an important consideration for its use as a long-term therapeutic agent.
Exposure to Glucocorticoids in the First Part of Fetal Life is Associated with Insulin Secretory Defect in Adult Humans
Authors: Riveline Jean-Pierre , Baz Baz , Nguewa Jean-Louis , Vidal-Trecan Tiphaine , Ibrahim Fidaa , Boudou Philippe , Vicaut Eric , Brac de la Perrière Aude , Fetita Sabrina , Bréant Bernadette , Blondeau Bertrand , Tardy-Guidollet Véronique , Morel Yves , Gautier Jean-François
Published: October 2019

Objective

High glucocorticoid levels in rodents inhibit development of beta cells during fetal life and lead to insulin deficiency in adulthood. To test whether similar phenomena occur in humans, we compared beta-cell function in adults who were exposed to glucocorticoids during the first part of fetal life with that of nonexposed subjects.

Research Design and Methods

The study was conducted in 16 adult participants exposed to glucocorticoids during the first part of fetal life and in 16 nonexposed healthy participants with normal glucose tolerance who were matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Exposed participants had been born to mothers who were treated with dexamethasone 1 to 1.5 mg/day from the sixth gestational week (GW) to prevent genital virilization in children at risk of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We selected offspring of mothers who stopped dexamethasone before the 18th GW following negative genotyping of the fetus. Insulin and glucagon secretion were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and graded intravenous (IV) glucose and arginine tests. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic-clamp.

Results

Age, BMI, and anthropometric characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Insulinogenic index during OGTT and insulin sensitivity during the clamp were similar in the 2 groups. In exposed subjects, insulin secretion during graded IV glucose infusion and after arginine administration decreased by 17% (P = 0.02) and 22% (P = 0.002), respectively, while glucagon secretion after arginine increased.

Conclusion

Overexposure to glucocorticoids during the first part of fetal life is associated with lower insulin secretion at adult age, which may lead to abnormal glucose tolerance later in life.
Associations of Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances With Thyroid Hormone Concentrations and Birth Size
Authors: Xiao Christina , Grandjean Philippe , Valvi Damaskini , Nielsen Flemming , Jensen Tina Kold , Weihe Pal , Oulhote Youssef
Published: October 2019

Background

Adequate thyroid function during pregnancy is essential for optimal fetal growth. Gestational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can negatively affect birth size and disrupt maternal and neonatal thyroid function, although the interrelationship is unclear.

Objective

We aimed to quantify the associations between maternal serum–PFAS concentrations and birth weight, birth length, and cranial circumference. We also aimed to estimate associations between PFAS and thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations, thereby elucidating whether THs potentially mediate the associations between PFAS concentrations and birth size.

Methods

We studied a population-based prospective cohort of 172 mother-singleton pairs from the Faroe Islands. Twelve PFAS were measured in maternal serum obtained at 34 weeks of gestation. THs were measured in maternal and cord serum. Associations between PFAS concentrations and birth size and TH concentrations were estimated using multivariable linear regressions. Sex-stratified analyses along with a mediation analysis were performed to estimate potential mediating effects of THs in the association between PFAS and birth outcomes.

Results

Several PFASs were negatively associated with birth weight, length, and head circumference, and a general positive association between maternal serum–PFASs and cord serum–thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; also known as thyrotropin) was found. For instance, a doubling in perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was associated with a 53% (95% CI, 18%-99%) and 40% (95% CI, 8%-81%) increases in TSH concentrations, respectively. There was little evidence of sexually dimorphic associations. Overall, THs were not found to mediate associations between PFASs and birth size.

Conclusion

In this study, several PFASs were negatively associated with birth size and increased THs; however, this did not explain lower birth weight among children exposed to PFAS.
Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptor Therapies for the Treatment of Obesity, Do Agonists = Antagonists?
Authors: Killion Elizabeth A , Lu Shu-Chen , Fort Madeline , Yamada Yuichiro , Véniant Murielle M , Lloyd David J
Published: October 2019

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIPR) is associated with obesity in human genome-wide association studies. Similarly, mouse genetic studies indicate that loss of function alleles and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide overexpression both protect from high-fat diet–induced weight gain. Together, these data provide compelling evidence to develop therapies targeting GIPR for the treatment of obesity. Further, both antagonists and agonists alone prevent weight gain, but result in remarkable weight loss when codosed or molecularly combined with glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs preclinically. Here, we review the current literature on GIPR, including biology, human and mouse genetics, and pharmacology of both agonists and antagonists, discussing the similarities and differences between the 2 approaches. Despite opposite approaches being investigated preclinically and clinically, there may be viability of both agonists and antagonists for the treatment of obesity, and we expect this area to continue to evolve with new clinical data and molecular and pharmacological analyses of GIPR function.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Versus Standard of Care Recovery for Emergency Cesarean Deliveries at Mbarara Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Baluku Moris , Bajunirwe Francis , Ngonzi Joseph , Kiwanuka Joseph , Ttendo Stephen
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND:

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) expedites return to patient baseline and functional status by reducing surgical trauma, stress, and organ dysfunction. Despite the potential benefits of enhanced recovery protocols, limited research has been done in low-resource settings, where 95% of cesarean deliveries are emergent and could possibly benefit from the application of ERAS protocols.

METHODS:

In a prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, mothers delivering by emergency cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to either an ERAS or a standard of care (SOC) recovery arm. Patients in the ERAS arm were treated with a modified ERAS protocol that included modified counseling and education, prophylactic antibiotics, antiemetics, normothermia, restrictive fluid administration, and multimodal analgesia. They also received early initiation of mobilization, feeding, and urethral catheter removal. The primary end point was length of hospital stay. The secondary end points were complications and readmission rates. Mean length of stay in the intervention and control arms were compared using t tests. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 13 (College Station, TX).

RESULTS:

A total of 160 patients were enrolled in the study, with 80 randomized to each arm. There was a statistically significant shorter length of stay for the ERAS arm compared to SOC, with a difference of −18.5 hours (P < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI], −23.67, −13.34). The incidence of complications of severe pain and headache was lower in the ERAS arm compared to SOC (P = .001 for both complications). However, pruritus was more common in the ERAS arm compared to SOC (P = .023).

CONCLUSIONS:

Use of an ERAS protocol for women undergoing emergency cesarean delivery in a low-income setting is feasible and reduces length of hospital stay without generally increasing the complication rate.
Economic Insecurity and the Causes of Populism, Reconsidered
Authors: Margalit Yotam
Published: October 2019

Growing conventional wisdom holds that a chief driver of the populist vote is economic insecurity. I contend that this view overstates the role of economic insecurity as an explanation in several ways. First, it conflates the significance of economic insecurity in influencing the election outcome on the margin with its significance in explaining the overall populist vote. Empirical findings indicate that the share of populist support explained by economic insecurity is modest. Second, recent evidence indicates that voters’ concern with immigration—a key issue for many populist parties—is only marginally shaped by its real or perceived repercussions on their economic standing. Third, economics-centric accounts of populism treat voters’ cultural concerns as largely a byproduct of experiencing adverse economic change. This approach underplays the reverse process, whereby disaffection from social and cultural change drives both economic discontent and support for populism.
Retrospectives: Tragedy of the Commons after 50 Years
Authors: Frischmann Brett M. , Marciano Alain , Ramello Giovanni Battista
Published: October 2019

Garrett Hardin’s “The Tragedy of the Commons” (1968) has been incredibly influential generally and within economics, and it remains important despite some historical and conceptual flaws. Hardin focused on the stress population growth inevitably placed on environmental resources. Unconstrained consumption of a shared resource—a pasture, a highway, a server—by individuals acting in rational pursuit of their self-interest can lead to congestion and, worse, rapid depreciation, depletion, and even destruction of the resources. Our societies face similar problems, with respect to not only environmental resources but also infrastructures, knowledge, and many other shared resources. In this article, we examine how the tragedy of the commons has fared within the economics literature and its relevance for economic and public policies today. We revisit the original piece to explain Hardin’s purpose and conceptual approach. We expose two conceptual mistakes he made: conflating resource with governance and conflating open access with commons. This critical discussion leads us to the work of Elinor Ostrom, the recent Nobel Prize in Economics laureate, who spent her life working on commons. Finally, we discuss a few modern examples of commons governance of shared resources.
Advocate cultivation of academic ethics: why is it necessary?
Authors: Janket Sok-Ja , Meurman Jukka , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: October 2019

We teach and practice ethical behavior with all clinical and research activities. Notably, we are well educated to treat the subjects participating in research studies with high ethical standards. However, the ethics of interacting with colleagues, or with junior faculty members, are neither well defined nor taught. Dealing with junior faculty has parallels to dealing with vulnerable research subjects such as children, mentally or physically challenged groups, prison inmates or army recruits. Like any other vulnerable population, lower-ranking faculty members are often at the mercy of department chairs or other higher-ranked faculty members. Herein we present some potentially unethical or unfair examples related to academic research. Our goal is to educate the academic community of conceptual paths and to prevent similar untoward occurrences from happening in the future. Unethical behaviors related to sexual misconduct have already been described elsewhere and are not included in this manuscript.
Ambient and Indoor Air Pollution in Pregnancy and the risk of Low birth weight and Ensuing Effects in Infants (APPLE): A cohort study in Bangalore, South India
Authors: Shriyan Prafulla , Babu Giridhara R , Ravi Deepa , Ana Yamuna , van Schayck Onno CP , Thankachan Prashanth , Murthy GVS
Published: October 2019

Background: Exposure to air pollution (IAP) from the combustion of solid fuels is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Pregnant women exposed to higher pollutant levels are at higher risk of delivering a low-birth-weight (LBW) baby. There is a lack of standardized data regarding the levels and types of specific pollutants and how they impact LBW. We aim to prospectively assess the association between ambient and indoor air pollution levels in pregnancy and low birth weight and understand the subsequent risk of adiposity in these infants.

Methods: We will conduct a prospective cohort study of 516 pregnant women recruited before 18 weeks of gestation in the urban slums of Bangalore, who have voluntarily consented to participate. We will estimate the level of air pollutants including coarse particulate matter 10 ug/m3 (PM10 ), fine particulate matter 2.5 ug/m3(PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) parts per million (ppm) levels in both indoor and ambient environment. The follow-up of the delivered children will be done at delivery until the infant is two years old. The association between pollutants and LBW will be evaluated using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders.Further, we will explore the mediation role of LBW in the hypothesized causal chain of air pollution and adiposity. Nested within a larger Maternal Antecedents of Adiposity and Studying the Transgenerational role of Hyperglycemia and Insulin (MAASTHI) cohort, we can estimate the absolute risk of having low birth weight caused by air pollution and other variables.

Discussion: Understanding the association between exposures to ambient and indoor air pollution and low birth weight is essential in India. LBW babies have a higher risk of developing obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) during adulthood. The results from this study can inform the efforts for controlling the air pollution-related chronic diseases in India.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone – Public Health England (MOHS-PHE) Ebola Biobank
Authors: Hannigan Bernie , Whitworth Jimmy , Carroll Miles , Roberts Allen , Bruce Christine , Samba Thomas , Sahr Foday , Coates Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

During the Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015 in Sierra Leone, residual clinical specimens and accompanying data were collected from routine diagnostic testing in Public Health England (PHE) led laboratories. Most of the samples with all the accompanying data were transferred to PHE laboratories in the UK for curation by PHE.  The remainder have been kept securely in Sierra Leone. The biobank holds approximately 9955 samples of which 1108 tested positive for Ebola virus. Researchers from the UK and overseas, from academia, government other research organisations and commercial companies can submit proposals to the biobank to access and use the samples.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation in Sierra Leone (MOHS) retains ownership of the data and materials and is working with PHE and other researchers to develop and conduct a series of research projects that will inform future healthcare and public health strategies relating to Ebola.  The Ebola Biobank Governance Group (EBGG) was established to guarantee equality of access to the biobank for the most scientifically valuable research including by researchers from low and middle-income countries. Ensuring benefit to the people of Sierra Leone is an over-arching principle for decisions of the EBGG.  Four ongoing research collaborations are based on the first wave of biobank proposals approved by EBGG.  Whilst the biobank is a valuable resource its completeness and sample quality are consistent with the outbreak conditions under which they were collected.
SUSTAINABILITY OF SOFT WHEAT GENOTYPES, GROWN IN TAJIKISTAN, TO THE RACES OF YELLOW, STEM AND LEAF RUST
Authors: Отамбекова Мунира , Otambekova Munira , Махкамов Маруфкул , Mahkamov Marufkul , Солихов Бахриддин , Solihov Bahriddin , Рахматов Махбубджон , Rahmatov Mahbubdzhon , Хусенов Бахромиддин , Husenov Bahromiddin , Муминджанов Хафиз , Mumindzhanov Hafiz
Published: October 2019

One of the factors affecting wheat productivity in Tajikistan is the emergence and spread of rust diseases - yellow, stem and leaf rust. Emerging new races of pathogens virulent to existing resistance genes in wheat varieties create new challenges. The selection of rust resistant wheat genotypes is usually carried out by studying phenotypic traits in seedlings (seedling resistance) and in adult plants (adult plant resistance) and analysis using available molecular markers. It has been established that races of yellow rust affecting wheat varieties in Tajikistan are aggressive and are characterized by high temperature tolerance. According to the results of studies, it was found that the highest degree of resistance to yellow rust is observed in varieties Sarvar, Vakhdat, AIKT-20 and Fayzbakhsh, in old-grown varieties Kaboi Pandzhakent and Surkhak-5688, as well as in the line PASTOR/3/VORON. Most of the new wheat varieties have the following groups of rust resistance genes: Sr31/Yr9/Lr26, Sr38/Yr17/Lr37, Yr30/Sr2/Lr27 и Yr18/Lr34/Sr5. In this regard, it is necessary to constantly monitor the spread and development of rust diseases, as well as to select wheat varieties for resistance to rust using both traditional and modern methods using molecular markers.
BROWN RUST OF RYE: ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY SOURCES
Authors: Пономарева Мира , Ponomareva Mira , Пономарев Сергей , Ponomarev Sergey , Маннапова Гульназ , Mannapova Gul'naz , Гильмуллина Лилия , Gil'mullina Liliya , Фомин Сергей , Fomin Sergey , Илалова Любовь , Ilalova Lyubov'
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the work is to assess the prevalence and development of rye brown rust over time, to determine its harmfulness in modern varieties and to identify sources of resistance for further selection. The main counts and studies of crops and the pathogen (Puccinia recondita f. sp. secalis) were carried out in the period 2001-2017 at the central experimental field of “KazSC RAS” (Laishevsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan). As a material for research, 70 collection varieties of winter rye were used, as well as zoned and passed state varietal tests of the variety. An analysis of the long-term dynamics of brown rust in the Republic of Tatarstan showed an increase in the prevalence and degree of development of the disease in the last decade compared to the previous one. Out of 17 years, for five (29.4% of years) the disease assumed the character of epiphytotia, with a prevalence of ≥20%. During the study period, the development of the disease is characterized by an alternation of increase and decrease in the development of the pathogen. As a result of brown rust damage, bushiness of plants decreased to a greater extent (up to 38%), grain weight from an ear (up to 32%) and from a plant (up to 42%). Constant monitoring of the phytosanitary situation and limitation of the harmfulness of brown rust by creating resistant varieties are required. As a result of the research, a gene pool was selected from 11 Russian and foreign winter rye varieties that have high and medium resistance to leaf rust, which are of practical interest for selection.