870 research outputs found
Genetically elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase and Alzheimer’s disease
Observational epidemiological evidence supports a linear and independent association between serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) concentrations and the risk of Alzheimer’ disease (AD). However, the causality of this association has not been previously investigated. We sought to assess the causal nature of this association using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Using inverse-variance weighted MR analysis, we assessed the association between GGT and AD using summary statistics for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-AD associations obtained from the International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Project of 17,008 individuals with AD and 37,154 controls. We used 26 SNPs significantly associated with GGT in a previous genome-wide association study on liver enzymes as instruments. Sensitivity analyses to account for potential genetic pleiotropy included MR-Egger and weighted median MR.
The odds ratio of AD was 1.09 (95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 1.22; p = 0.10) per one standard deviation genetically elevated GGT based on all 26 SNPs. The results were similar in both MR-Egger and weighted median MR methods. Overall, our findings cannot confirm a strong causal effect of GGT on AD risk. Further MR investigations using individual-level data are warranted to confirm or rule out causality.This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Dr. Setor Kunutsor acknowledges support from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol ... Dr. Stephen Burgess is supported by a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship jointly funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Royal Society (Grant Number 204623/Z/16/Z)
Pathogenic Yersinia and Listeria monocytogenes in organic pork production
The goal of this study is to determine the prevalence of pathogenic Yersinia and Listeria monocytogenes in organic pork production and assess risks in different steps of the pork production chain
Maritime Safety Education with VR Technology (MarSEVR)
This paper presents the development of a virtual training technology that can be used in maritime safety training. This system is under testing phase and has being developed with a multidisciplinary team consisting of maritime specialists, computer scientists, business developers and VR experts. The technology is a cost effective, portable maritime training system that can be used on board, in training centers or even at home environments. Boosting situation awareness in navigation with VR-training applications is an easy and efficient method to practice whenever an officer has time for training. This can be done in an effective and fun way, giving measurable training progress indexes. The paper emphasizes on the need of VR Training in the shipping industry, the industry challenges and the description of the proof-of the-concept through the MarSEVR (Maritime Safety Education with VR) technology. The main objective in this paper is to present a prototype of the technology which can be utilized to train trainees and professionals in immersive training scenarios
The True Seroprevalence of Enteropathogenic Yersinia in Pigs, a Hayesian Approach
Bayesian inference was used to estimate the true seroprevalence of enteropathogenic Yersinia in pigs in Finland. Sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test were also estimated. One-hundred-seventy-two pigs of different ages were sampled and analysed for antibodies against enteropathogenic Yersinia outer proteins by a commercially ELISA test
Segregation, precipitation, and \alpha-\alpha' phase separation in Fe-Cr alloys: a multi-scale modelling approach
Segregation, precipitation, and phase separation in Fe-Cr systems is
investigated. Monte Carlo simulations using semiempirical interatomic
potential, first-principles total energy calculations, and experimental
spectroscopy are used. In order to obtain a general picture of the relation of
the atomic interactions and properties of Fe-Cr alloys in bulk, surface, and
interface regions several complementary methods has to be used. Using Exact
Muffin-Tin Orbitals method the effective chemical potential as a function of Cr
content (0-15 at.% Cr) is calculated for a surface, second atomic layer and
bulk. At ~10 at.% Cr in the alloy the reversal of the driving force of a Cr
atom to occupy either bulk or surface sites is obtained. The Cr containing
surfaces are expected when the Cr content exceeds ~10 at.%. The second atomic
layer forms about 0.3 eV barrier for the migration of Cr atoms between bulk and
surface atomic layer. To get information on Fe-Cr in larger scales we use
semiempirical methods. Using combined Monte Carlo molecular dynamics
simulations, based on semiempirical potential, the precipitation of Cr into
isolated pockets in bulk Fe-Cr and the upper limit of the solubility of Cr into
Fe layers in Fe/Cr layer system is studied. The theoretical predictions are
tested using spectroscopic measurements. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
and Auger electron spectroscopy investigations were carried out to explore Cr
segregation and precipitation in Fe/Cr double layer and Fe_0.95Cr_0.05 and
Fe_0.85Cr_0.15 alloys. Initial oxidation of Fe-Cr was investigated
experimentally at 10^-8 Torr pressure of the spectrometers showing intense
Cr_2O_3 signal. Cr segregation and the formation of Cr rich precipitates were
traced by analysing the experimental spectral intensities with respect to
annealing time, Cr content, and kinetic energy of the exited electron.Comment: 16 pages, 14 figures, 52 reference
Differences in code terminology and frequency of findings in meat inspection of finishing pigs in seven European countries
The overall objectives of meat inspection are to contribute to food safety, animal welfare, and animal health. In the European Union (EU), there is a request for a modernised meat inspection system that addresses these objectives in a more valid, feasible and cost-effective way than does the traditional system. One part of the modernisation deals with the coding system to register meat inspection findings. Although unified standards are set at the EU level for judgement criteria regarding fitness of meat for consumption, different national systems are in force. The question is the extent of the differences and whether there is a basis for harmonisation. To investigate this, information was gathered about the code systems in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain. Moreover, meat inspection data covering pigs slaughtered in 2019 were collected. A comparison of the number of codes available, the terminology and the frequencies of the findings registered was undertaken. Codes with a similar meaning were grouped. Hereby, two lists were compiled showing the most common codes leading to total and to partial condemnation. Substantial variations in the percentage of condemned pigs and in the terms used were identified, and possible reasons behind this are discussed. Moreover, a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT)-like analysis was applied to the coding systems. Finally, the reasons for unfitness of meat given in the EU Food Inspection Regulation 2019/627 were compared to the national code lists. The results show the systems in force varied substantially, and each system had its advantages and disadvantages. The diverse terminology observed made it a challenge to compare data between countries. Development of harmonised terminology for meat inspection findings is suggested, enabling comparison of data between abattoirs, regions, and countries, while respecting the national epidemiological situation, the local food safety culture, and the trade agreements in force.Peer reviewe
High resolution Compton scattering as a Probe of the Fermi surface in the Iron-based superconductor
We have carried out first principles all-electron calculations of the
(001)-projected 2D electron momentum density and the directional Compton
profiles along the [100], [001] and [110] directions in the Fe-based
superconductor LaOFeAs within the framework of the local density approximation.
We identify Fermi surface features in the 2D electron momentum density and the
directional Compton profiles, and discuss issues related to the observation of
these features via Compton scattering experiments.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure
Association of oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold with risk of incident hypertension:a long-term prospective cohort study
FLIM reveals alternative EV-mediated cellular up-take pathways of paclitaxel
In response to physiological and artificial stimuli, cells generate nano-scale extracellular vesicles (EVs) by encapsulating biomolecules in plasma membrane-derived phospholipid envelopes. These vesicles are released to bodily fluids, hence acting as powerful endogenous mediators in intercellular signaling. EVs provide a compelling alternative for biomarker discovery and targeted drug delivery, but their kinetics and dynamics while interacting with living cells are poorly understood. Here we introduce a novel method, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate these interaction attributes. By FLIM, we show distinct cellular uptake mechanisms of different EV subtypes, exosomes and microvesicles, loaded with anti-cancer agent, paclitaxel. We demonstrate differences in intracellular behavior and drug release profiles of paclitaxel-containing EVs. Exosomes seem to deliver the drug mostly by endocytosis while microvesicles enter the cells by both endocytosis and fusion with cell membrane. This research offers a new real-time method to investigate EV kinetics with living cells, and it is a potential advancement to complement the existing techniques. The findings of this study improve the current knowledge in exploiting EVs as next-generation targeted drug delivery systems.Peer reviewe
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