Comprehensive genetic analysis of the human lipidome identifies loci associated with lipid homeostasis with links to coronary artery disease

We integrated lipidomics and genomics to unravel the genetic architecture of lipid metabolism and identify genetic variants associated with lipid species putatively in the mechanistic pathway for coronary artery disease (CAD). We quantified 596 lipid species in serum from 4,492 individuals from the Busselton Health Study. The discovery GWAS identified 3,361 independent lipid-loci associations, involving 667 genomic regions (479 previously unreported), with validation in two independent cohorts. A meta-analysis revealed an additional 70 independent genomic regions associated with lipid species. We identified 134 lipid endophenotypes for CAD associated with 186 genomic loci. Associations between independent lipid-loci with coronary atherosclerosis were assessed in ∼456,000 individuals from the UK Biobank. Of the 53 lipid-loci that showed evidence of association (P \u3c 1 × 10−3), 43 loci were associated with at least one lipid endophenotype. These findings illustrate the value of integrative biology to investigate the aetiology of atherosclerosis and CAD, with implications for other complex diseases

CSR, marketing capabilities and human resource development: the endogenous role of network capabilities

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between human resource development (HRD) and the interaction between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and marketing capabilities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses the extended regression model on a sample of 2,649 food SMEs in Vietnam. Findings: This research found that CSR and marketing strategies positively influence HRD; the interaction of CSR and marketing capabilities has a negative effect on HRD; the endogenous role of network capabilities on the effects of CSR and marketing capabilities on HRD. Originality/value: This research helps food companies use their resources in allocating resources for CSR and conduct marketing reasonably and effectively. This study highlights that the impact of CSR and marketing on HRD is dominated by endogenous networking

Influence of the Human Lipidome on Epicardial Fat Volume in Mexican American Individuals

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and is the leading cause of death in the US. Lipid dysregulation is a well-known precursor to metabolic diseases, including CVD. There is a growing body of literature that suggests MRI-derived epicardial fat volume, or epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume, is linked to the development of coronary artery disease. Interestingly, epicardial fat is also actively involved in lipid and energy homeostasis, with epicardial adipose tissue having a greater capacity for release and uptake of free fatty acids. However, there is a scarcity of knowledge on the influence of plasma lipids on EAT volume. Aim: The focus of this study is on the identification of novel lipidomic species associated with CMRI-derived measures of epicardial fat in Mexican American individuals. Methods: We performed lipidomic profiling on 200 Mexican American individuals. High-throughput mass spectrometry enabled rapid capture of precise lipidomic profiles, providing measures of 799 unique species from circulating plasma samples. Because of our extended pedigree design, we utilized a standard quantitative genetic linear mixed model analysis to determine whether lipids were correlated with EAT by formally testing for association between each lipid species and the CMRI epicardial fat phenotype. Results: After correction for multiple testing using the FDR approach, we identified 135 lipid species showing significant association with epicardial fat. Of those, 131 lipid species were positively correlated with EAT, where increased circulating lipid levels were correlated with increased epicardial fat. Interestingly, the top 10 lipid species associated with an increased epicardial fat volume were from the deoxyceramide (Cer(m)) and triacylglycerol (TG) families. Deoxyceramides are atypical and neurotoxic sphingolipids. Triacylglycerols are an abundant lipid class and comprise the bulk of storage fat in tissues. Pathologically elevated TG and Cer(m) levels are related to CVD risk and, in our study, to EAT volume. Conclusion: Our results indicate that specific lipid abnormalities such as enriched saturated triacylglycerols and the presence of toxic ceramides Cer(m) in plasma of our individuals could precede CVD with increased EAT volume

COPPER HEXACYANOFERRATE (II): SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND CESIUM, STRONTIUM ADSORBENT APPLICATION

Low-cost nanoscale copper hexacyanoferrate (CuHF), a good selective adsorbent for cesium (Cs+) removal, was prepared using the chemical co-precipitation method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) were conducted to determine the CuHF morphology. Copper hexacyanoferrate, Cu13[Fe(CN)6]14.(2K).10H2O, has a cubic structure (space group F-43m) in the range of 10-30 nm and a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area of 462.42 m2/g. The removal of Cs+ and Sr2+ is dependent on pH; the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of CuHF is achieved at a pH = 6. From the Langmuir model, qmax = 143.95 mg/g for Cs+ and 79.26 mg/g for Sr2+, respectively. At high concentrations, Na+, Ca2+, and K+ ions have very little effect on Cs+ removal, and Na+ and K+ ions have a higher affinity for removing Sr2+ than Ca2+ at all concentrations. CuHF has a high affinity for alkaline cations in the order: Cs+ > K+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > Sr2+, as proposed and discussed

APOE ε2 resilience for Alzheimer’s disease is mediated by plasma lipid species: Analysis of three independent cohort studies

Introduction The apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer\u27s disease. However, its effect on lipid metabolic pathways, and their mediating effect on disease risk, is poorly understood. Methods We performed lipidomic analysis on three independent cohorts (the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle [AIBL] flagship study, n = 1087; the Alzheimer\u27s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative [ADNI] 1 study, n = 819; and the Busselton Health Study [BHS], n = 4384), and we defined associations between APOE ε2 and ε4 and 569 plasma/serum lipid species. Mediation analysis defined the proportion of the treatment effect of the APOE genotype mediated by plasma/serum lipid species. Results A total of 237 and 104 lipid species were associated with APOE ε2 and ε4, respectively. Of these 68 (ε2) and 24 (ε4) were associated with prevalent Alzheimer\u27s disease. Individual lipid species or lipidomic models of APOE genotypes mediated up to 30% and 10% of APOE ε2 and ε4 treatment effect, respectively. Discussion Plasma lipid species mediate the treatment effect of APOE genotypes on Alzheimer\u27s disease and as such represent a potential therapeutic target

Comprehensive genetic analysis of the human lipidome identifies loci associated with lipid homeostasis with links to coronary artery disease

We integrated lipidomics and genomics to unravel the genetic architecture of lipid metabolism and identify genetic variants associated with lipid species putatively in the mechanistic pathway for coronary artery disease (CAD). We quantified 596 lipid species in serum from 4,492 individuals from the Busselton Health Study. The discovery GWAS identified 3,361 independent lipid-loci associations, involving 667 genomic regions (479 previously unreported), with validation in two independent cohorts. A meta-analysis revealed an additional 70 independent genomic regions associated with lipid species. We identified 134 lipid endophenotypes for CAD associated with 186 genomic loci. Associations between independent lipid-loci with coronary atherosclerosis were assessed in ∼ 456,000 individuals from the UK Biobank. Of the 53 lipid-loci that showed evidence of association (P \u3c 1 × 10−3), 43 loci were associated with at least one lipid endophenotype. These findings illustrate the value of integrative biology to investigate the aetiology of atherosclerosis and CAD, with implications for other complex diseases

Aging in Place in Howard County: A Survey of Older Adults

Final project for SPHL498G: Public Health in the City (Spring 2016). University of Maryland, College Park.This report is a compilation of original research conducted by students in the course SPGL498G, Pubic Health in the City, during the spring 2016 semester at the University of Maryland College Park. (See Appendix A) Students interviewed older adults in Howard County to determine factors that could impact their ability to age in place. We defined aging in place (AIP) as, “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age, income or ability level.” (CDC, n.d.) Research has shown that 90% of older adults express a desire to age in place and many characteristics affect their ability to do so, including their financial status, social supports, functional abilities, and access to housing. (Golant, 2008). We sought the answers to the following research questions: What percentage of older adults in Howard County desire to AIP, and how does this vary by age, gender, race/ethnicity?; Can we distinguish between different levels of preference? (generalized preference vs. desire to AIP even with a disability); What are the characteristics of those who wish to AIP?; How do County residents use existing resources such as 50+ Centers?; What is the impact of 50+ Centers on older adults’ well-being? Currently, 10.1% of Howard County’s population is 65 years of age or older. By the year 2040, it is estimated that this population will more than double, to 22.4%. (Engelberg, 2016) We aimed to both identify barriers and facilitating factors to aging in place in Howard County. Finally, we make recommendations for changes to existing programming or policies that could assist residents who want to age in place.Howard Count

Is Chytridiomycosis an Emerging Infectious Disease in Asia?

The disease chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has caused dramatic amphibian population declines and extinctions in Australia, Central and North America, and Europe. Bd is associated with >200 species extinctions of amphibians, but not all species that become infected are susceptible to the disease. Specifically, Bd has rapidly emerged in some areas of the world, such as in Australia, USA, and throughout Central and South America, causing population and species collapse. The mechanism behind the rapid global emergence of the disease is poorly understood, in part due to an incomplete picture of the global distribution of Bd. At present, there is a considerable amount of geographic bias in survey effort for Bd, with Asia being the most neglected continent. To date, Bd surveys have been published for few Asian countries, and infected amphibians have been reported only from Indonesia, South Korea, China and Japan. Thus far, there have been no substantiated reports of enigmatic or suspected disease-caused population declines of the kind that has been attributed to Bd in other areas. In order to gain a more detailed picture of the distribution of Bd in Asia, we undertook a widespread, opportunistic survey of over 3,000 amphibians for Bd throughout Asia and adjoining Papua New Guinea. Survey sites spanned 15 countries, approximately 36° latitude, 111° longitude, and over 2000 m in elevation. Bd prevalence was very low throughout our survey area (2.35% overall) and infected animals were not clumped as would be expected in epizootic events. This suggests that Bd is either newly emerging in Asia, endemic at low prevalence, or that some other ecological factor is preventing Bd from fully invading Asian amphibians. The current observed pattern in Asia differs from that in many other parts of the world

Challenges in project management in international cooperation within multicultural teams using the example of Germany and China with case study of the company IMS Gear Taicang Co., Ltd

Nowadays, teams and projects are becoming more and more relevant in the business industry. The increasing internationalization and globalization of the economy leads to a more interconnected and globalize business and therefore also increasing competition. This requires new approaches for a more faster, flexible and innovative way to finding solutions. For this reason, there is an increase of international cooperation that can open up new opportunities, as well as generate challenges. The purpose of this assignment is to identify the cultural differences between Germany and China and to determine the key aspect, which has to be considered in performing project management in a multicultural context. Furthermore, this assignment should demonstrate how cultures can affect the cooperation and if there is a potential way to standardize a multicultural cooperation to reduce the challenges that arise in multicultural teams. The work is based on literature research using secondary data. In addition, an empirical study has been carried out to create a case study of an executed project with German and Chinese team members in China. The empirical study has been carried out as an expert interview with the German project manager who is currently working as an expatriate in China. This interview has been used to collect information about the plant relocation of a German-based company located in China. The literature research has shown that political, technological, cultural, as well as communication aspects have to be considered in performing project management in a multicultural context. Also cultural difference affects leadership style. Therefore, the knowledge of different leadership styles is beneficial. Standardization for a multicultural cooperation is not possible due to the different situation in different context with different people. However, the knowledge about the effects of cultural values on the mindset and behavior can ease the teamwork. The case study confirms the findings as the project manager also had to deal with cultural, communication, and leadership issues, as well as dealing with cultural differences and the respond to it encourage the teamwork

Evaluating change of surface topography as urban development in the south of Ho Chi Minh city based on analyzing remote sensing data

The low-lying swamps represent a natural shape of a region, which is the location of the ecological balance, help regulate water flow. Since unscientific urban development, especially build on low-lying areas will lead to more consequences. This paper presents the application of remote sensing to detect and assess changes in the surface topography through the transformation of low-lying areas, ponds due process of urban development for the two regions Nha Be and 7 District. Research has used Landsat images to assess the current state and to detect changes in the low-lying areas of time in 1990 and 2010. Image classification method combined band ratio helped identify surface features, especially the urban and water with classification accuracy over 80% for both the satellite image. From the current state and change maps constructed, study showed statistically urbanization rate in these two areas increased rapidly, while the disappearance of low-lying swamps was quite evident through the significant reduction of their area in 20 years. The research results are a good reference support for urban management, particularly in the fight against flooding on site as well as for the urban area of Ho Chi Minh City.Tài liệu dẫnĐặng Văn Bào, Đào Đình Bắc, Nguyễn Hiệu, Đặng Kinh Bắc, 2010: Nghiên cứu địa mạo cho quy hoạch mở rộng đô thị Hà Nội về phía tây. Tuyển tập các báo cáo khoa học, Hội thảo khoa học quốc tế Địa lý Đông Nam Á lần thứ X, Hà Nội, 23-26/11/2010; Nxb. ĐH Sư phạm, tr.132-139Phạm Văn Cự, 1996: Xây dựng bản đồ địa mạo một vùng đồng bằng trên cơ sở phối hợp hệ xử lý ảnh số và hệ thông tin địa lý, Luận án Tiến sỹ, Thư viện Quốc gia, Hà Nội, 140tr.Trần Quốc Cường, 2004, Ứng dụng Hệ thông tin địa lý và ảnh viễn thám vào việc đánh giá tác động của việc khai thác than lộ thiên tới địa hình và đường bờ biển Cẩm Phả - Cửa Ông, Tạp chí Địa chất, số 283.Nguyễn Đỗ Dũng. Giải quyết vấn nạn ngập lụt: Thêm không gian cho nước, 2009, http://dothivietnam.org/2009/05/01/them-khong-gian-cho-n%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Bc/Nguyễn Đỗ Dũng. Ngập lụt Tp. HCM: đi tìm căn nguyên, 2011, http://dothivietnam.org/2011/02/28/ngapluthcmc/.Châu Quỳnh, Nald Eckert, Moritz Maikamper, Barbara Horst, Frank Shcwartze, 2013: Cẩm nang Quy hoạch và Thiết kế Đô thị Thích ứng với Biến đổi khí hậu cho Tp. HCM/Việt Nam. Trường ĐH Kỹ Thuật Brandenburg Cottbus. 65-68.Lê Văn Trung, 2015: Giáo trình viễn thám. Nxb. Đại học Quốc gia Tp. HCM.Trần Thị Vân, Hoàng Thái Lan, Lê Văn Trung, 2011: Nghiên cứu thay đổi nhiệt độ bề mặt đô thị dưới tác động của quá trình đô thị hóa ở thành phố Hồ Chí Minh bằng phương pháp viễn thám, Tạp chí Các khoa học về Trái đất, Nxb Khoa học TNCN thuộc Viện KHCN Việt Nam,  tập 33, số 3, pp. 347-359Trần Thị Vân, 2011: Ứng dụng viễn thám và GIS giám sát đô thị hóa thành phố Hồ Chí Minh thể hiện qua các mặt không thấm, Tạp chí Phát triển Khoa học và Công nghệ, Nxb. Đại học Quốc gia Tp. HCM, tập 14, số M1, pp. 65-76.