RESUMO
The association between telomere length (TL) dynamics on cognitive performance over the life-course is not well understood. This study meta-analyses observational and causal associations between TL and six cognitive traits, with stratifications on APOE genotype, in a Mendelian Randomization (MR) framework. Twelve European cohorts (N=17 052; mean age=59.2±8.8 years) provided results for associations between qPCR-measured TL (T/S-ratio scale) and general cognitive function, mini-mental state exam (MMSE), processing speed by digit symbol substitution test (DSST), visuospatial functioning, memory and executive functioning (STROOP). In addition, a genetic risk score (GRS) for TL including seven known genetic variants for TL was calculated, and used in associations with cognitive traits as outcomes in all cohorts. Observational analyses showed that longer telomeres were associated with better scores on DSST (ß=0.051 per s.d.-increase of TL; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.024, 0.077; P=0.0002), and MMSE (ß=0.025; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.047; P=0.03), and faster STROOP (ß=-0.053; 95% CI: -0.087, -0.018; P=0.003). Effects for DSST were stronger in APOE É4 non-carriers (ß=0.081; 95% CI: 0.045, 0.117; P=1.0 × 10-5), whereas carriers performed better in STROOP (ß=-0.074; 95% CI: -0.140, -0.009; P=0.03). Causal associations were found for STROOP only (ß=-0.598 per s.d.-increase of TL; 95% CI: -1.125, -0.072; P=0.026), with a larger effect in É4-carriers (ß=-0.699; 95% CI: -1.330, -0.069; P=0.03). Two-sample replication analyses using CHARGE summary statistics showed causal effects between TL and general cognitive function and DSST, but not with STROOP. In conclusion, we suggest causal effects from longer TL on better cognitive performance, where APOE É4-carriers might be at differential risk.
Assuntos
Disfunção Cognitiva/genética , Análise da Randomização Mendeliana , Telômero/genética , População Branca/genética , Adulto , Idoso , Apolipoproteína E4/genética , Disfunção Cognitiva/diagnóstico , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Triagem de Portadores Genéticos , Genótipo , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos/estatística & dados numéricos , Psicometria , Estatística como AssuntoRESUMO
Pyrolysis of low density polyethylene (LDPE) waste from local waste separation company in subcritical water was conducted to investigate the effect of reaction time, temperature, as well as the mass ratio of water to polymer on the liquid yield. The data obtained from the study were used to optimize the liquid yield using response surface methodology. The range of reaction temperature used was 162-338°C, while the reaction time ranged from 37â min to 143â min, and the ratio of water to polymer ranged from 1.9 to 7.1. It was found that pyrolysis of LDPE waste in subcritical water produced hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, while the liquid product contained alkanes and alkenes with 10-50 carbons atoms, as well as heptadecanone, dichloroacetic acid and heptadecyl ester. The optimized conditions were 152.3°C, reaction time of 1.2â min and ratio of water solution to polymer of 32.7, with the optimum liquid yield of 13.6â wt% and gases yield of 2.6â wt%.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/química , Temperatura Alta , Polietileno/química , Eliminação de Resíduos/métodos , ÁguaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ) is an established self-reported instrument used across the world to measure the work dimensions based on the Karasek's demand-control-support model. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometrics properties of the Malay version of M-JCQ among nurses in Malaysia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on nurses working in 4 public hospitals in Klang Valley area, Malaysia. M-JCQ was used to assess the perceived psychosocial stressors and physical demands of nurses at their workplaces. Construct validity of the questionnaire was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Cronbach's α values were used to estimate the reliability (internal consistency) of the M-JCQ. RESULTS: EFA showed that 34 selected items were loaded in 4 factors. Except for psychological job demand (Cronbach's α 0.51), the remaining 3 α values for 3 subscales (job control, social support, and physical demand) were greater than 0.70, indicating acceptable internal consistency. However, an item was excluded due to poor item-total correlation (r<0.3). The final M-JCQ was consisted of 33 items. CONCLUSION: The M-JCQ is a reliable and valid instrument to measure psychosocial and physical stressors in the workplace of public hospital nurses in Malaysia.
Assuntos
Recursos Humanos de Enfermagem Hospitalar/psicologia , Inquéritos e Questionários/normas , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Hospitais Públicos , Humanos , Satisfação no Emprego , Malásia , Masculino , Doenças Profissionais/etiologia , Psicometria , Apoio Social , Estresse Psicológico/etiologia , Trabalho/psicologia , Carga de Trabalho/psicologia , Local de Trabalho/psicologiaRESUMO
By replacing the liquid acetic acid present in the "acid concentrate" of a bicarbonate-based dialysis solution-generating system with an equimolar amount of solid L-lactic acid and by using the dry forms of the remaining constituents, we were able to create a dry "acid concentrate" just prior to use, and successfully employed this "acid concentrate" to produce a bicarbonate-based solution to hemodialyze patients.
Assuntos
Bicarbonatos , Soluções para Diálise , Lactatos , Diálise Renal , Dióxido de Carbono/classificação , Cloretos/sangue , Creatinina/sangue , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Potássio/sangue , Pós , Sódio/sangue , Ureia/sangueRESUMO
High-level quinolone resistance in Enterococcus faecium was associated with mutations in both gyrA and parC genes in 10 of 11 resistant strains. On low-level resistant strain without such mutations may instead possess an efflux mechanism or alterations in the other subunits of the gyrase or topoisomerase IV genes. These findings are similar to those for other gram-positive bacteria, such as Enterococcus faecalis.