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Data management and intelligent systems provide new possibilities and trajectories for environmentally robust industrial production. Global climate change has evoked a number of fresh studies on data management, openness and environmental innovation. This literature review approaches current academic research focusing on big data, industry, and emissions. The paper is based on key word searches that returned publications from high-class scientific journals dedicated to this particular topic. The article reading illustrates that big data is utilised in various industries, and explores a large variety of polluting substances. The authors argue that innovative and insightful new ways of using big data provide tools for emission monitoring and clean technology utilisation. The diversity in the analysed articles proves the complexity of market operations and corporate responsibility. The paper concludes in addressing the need of using and combining data resources, particularly at the industry unit level, in order to develop more efficient tools for environmental monitoring and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMaternal prenatal depression predicts post-partum depression and increases risk of prematurity and low birth weight. These effects may be mediated by altered placental function. We hypothesized that placental function would be influenced by the gestational week of experiencing depressive symptoms and aimed to examine associations between maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and placental expression of genes involved in glucocorticoid and serotonin transfer between mother and fetus.MethodWe studied women participating in a prospective pregnancy cohort: the Prediction and Prevention of Preeclampsia (PREDO) Study, Helsinki, Finland. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed at 2-week intervals throughout pregnancy in 56 healthy women with singleton, term pregnancies. Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors and serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD1) and 2 (HSD2) were quantified in placental biopsies.ResultsIn adjusted analyses women who reported higher depressive symptoms across the whole pregnancy had higher mRNA levels of GR [effect size 0.31 s.d. units, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.60, p = 0.042] and MR (effect size 0.34 s.d. units, 95% CI 0.01–0.68, p = 0.047). These effects were significant for symptoms experienced in the third trimester of pregnancy for GR; findings for MR were also significant for symptoms experienced in the second trimester. GR and MR mRNA levels increased linearly by having the trimester-specific depressive symptoms scores 0, 1 or 2–3 times above the clinical cut-off for depression (p = 0.003, p = 0.049, respectively, and p = 0.004, p = 0.15 in adjusted analyses).ConclusionsOur findings offer potential gestational-age-specific mechanisms linking maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy via placental biology. Future studies will test whether these also link with adverse offspring outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Commercial direct immunoassays for serum testosterone sometimes result in inaccuracies in samples from women and children, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. The diagnosis of male hypogonadism also requires an accurate testosterone assay method. We therefore developed a sensitive and specific stable-isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for serum testosterone at the concentrations encountered in women and children. Testosterone was extracted with ether-ethyl acetate from 250 µL or 500 µL of serum. Instrumental analysis was performed on an API 2000 tandem mass spectrometer in the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode after separation on a reversed-phase column. The MRM transitions (m/z) were 289/97 for testosterone and 291/99 for d2 testosterone. The calibration curves exhibited consistent linearity and repeatability in the range 0.2-100 nmol/L. Interassay CVs were 4.2-7.6 % at mean concentrations of testosterone of 3.3-45 nmol/L. Total measurement uncertainty (U, k = 2) was 12.9 % and 13.4 % at testosterone levels of 2.0 nmol/L and 20 nmol/L, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.05 nmol/L (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) and the overall method recovery of testosterone was 95 %. Correlation (r) with our in-house extraction RIA was 0.98 and with a commercial RIA 0.92. Reference intervals for adult males and females in age groups 18-30, 31-50, 51-70 and over 70 years were established. Sensitivity and specificity of the LC-MS/MS method offer advantages over immunoassay and make it suitable for use as a high-throughput assay in routine clinical laboratories. The high equipment costs are balanced by higher throughput together with shorter chromatographic run times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Measurement of urinary free tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone ratio (allo-THF+THF)/THE is clinically important in the diagnosis of hypertension caused by congenital absence of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (apparent mineralocorticoid excess, AME) or inhibition of the enzyme after licorice ingestion. Although gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) provides reliable results, it requires derivatization and is lengthy and time-consuming. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that detection by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is a potentially superior method. Material and methods. The analysis utilizes 1 mL urine. The samples were extracted with solid-phase extraction (SPE) using ethyl acetate as eluent. The extract was evaporated to dryness, and allo-tetrahydrocortisol (allo-THF), THF and THE concentrations were analyzed by LC-MS/MS operating in the negative mode after separation on a reversed-phase column. The calibration curves exhibited consistent linearity and reproducibility in the range of 7.5–120 nmol/L. Interassay CVs were 7.0–10 % at mean ratios of (allo-THF+THF)/THE of 0.54–1.9. The detection limit of the analytes was 0.4–0.8 nmol/L (signal-to-noise ratio = 3). The mean recovery of the three analytes ranged from 88 to 95 %. The regression equation for the free ratio using the LC-MS/MS (x) method and the total ratio using the GC-MS (y) method was: y = 0.30x+0.91 ( r = 0.61; n = 25). Conclusions. The sensitivity and specificity of the LC-MS/MS method offer an advantage over GC-MS by eliminating derivatization. The high costs of equipment are balanced by higher through-put, owing also to shorter chromatographic run times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), a rare autosomal dominant subtype of migraine with aura, has been linked to two chromosomal loci, 19p13 and 1q23. Mutations in the Na+,K+-ATPase α2 subunit gene, ATP1A2, on 1q23 have recently been shown to cause familial hemiplegic migraine type 2 (FHM2). We sequenced the coding regions of this gene in a Finnish chromosome 1q23-linked FHM family with associated symptoms such as coma and identified a novel A1033G mutation in exon 9. This mutation results in a threonine-to-alanine substitution at codon 345. This residue is located in a highly conserved N-terminal region of the M4–5 loop of the Na+,K+-ATPase. Furthermore, the T345A mutation co-segregated with the disorder in our family and was not present in 132 healthy Finnish control individuals. For these reasons it is most likely the FHM-causing mutation in this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Episodic ataxia type 2 (EA-2) is an autosomal dominant neurological disorder, characterized by episodes of ataxia, vertigo, nausea, nystagmus, and fatigue, associated with acetazolamide responsiveness. The disease is caused by mutations in the P/Q-type calcium channel Cav2.1 subunit gene, CACNA1A, located on chromosome 19p13.2. We analyzed a family with 13 affected individuals for linkage to this locus and reached a two-point maximum LOD score of 4.48. A novel CACNA1A mutation, IVS36-2A

EU Directive of MARPOL Annex VI and its economic impact on the Nordic paper industry is theme of this research work. Empirical data for analysis purposes was gained from a large Nordic paper mill that exports bulk products mainly to Europe (70 % of its volume). The study shows that in the end the industry’s location still has an economical effect, and that the location has a distinct impact on competition through rising transportation costs. Environmental regulation continues and fosters long-term upwards trajectory of transportation cost, which has been experienced by the paper mill earlier during years 2001-2009. Sulphur regulation change to cleaner grades of maritime diesel did not turn as heavy cost increase in the 2015, however, possibility to gain cost benefits in rapidly deteriorating oil markets were not reached either. Therefore, in depressed industrial product markets, like paper industry, implications were such that margins of export industry remained low.

The effect of oxytetracycline (1 g/day for five days) on the enterohepatic recycling of oestrogens and on plasma sex hormone concentrations was assessed in healthy men. Plasma oestrone (E1), oestradiol-17 beta (E2), 4-androstenedione (A), 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT), total and free testosterone (T and free T), binding capacity of sex hormone binding globulin, luteinizing hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate, urinary total E1, E2, and oestriol (E3), and oestriol-3-glucuronide (E3-3G) and faecal unconjugated and conjugated E1, E2, and E3 were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Treatment with the antibiotic significantly increased the excretion of faecal conjugated oestrogens, which parallelled a decrease in urinary oestrogen excretion, especially of E3. The effect on urinary E3 could be explained almost entirely by the simultaneous decrease of urinary E3-3G concentrations. In urine and faeces the E2/E3 and E1 + E2/E3 ratios increased, probably because of the diminished reductive metabolism of oestrogens in the gut. No significant effects on plasma unconjugated oestrogen concentrations were observed. Moreover, in the present study oxytetracycline had no remarkable effect on plasma total, or free T concentrations, nor on other plasma hormones measured. Our results suggest that enterohepatic recycling and intestinal metabolism of oestrogens may be significant in men. The mechanism of action of antibiotics on oestrogen metabolism probably involves decreased hydrolysis by beta-glucuronidase of oestrogen conjugates by the intestinal contents, diminishing the reabsorption of aglycones of oestrogen conjugates and resulting in faecal loss of the steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Air emissions of shipping have decreased in SECA regions after 2015. Environmental impacts of regulation policies are identifiable and measurable, as a study from the port of Gothenburg recently exposed. In addition to emissions, it is important to understand how regulations and decisions, focusing on environmental sustainability, impact on the maritime business indicators such as transport costs and marginal revenues. When SECA decision was made, the oil and bunker prices were historically high. Prices were also highly volatile. Numerous studies estimated difficulties for shipping companies, and maritime transport dependent export companies. The oil price dropped dramatically in 2016 remaining at the same level till the early 2018. This empirical case study examines and simulates bunker price data in relation to different vessel speeds. The paper looks at how different speed and oil price combinations impact transport costs and export business. The results of this simulation can be summarized with the notion that the negative economic impacts of the oil price variation can be mitigated to some extent by using lower vessel speeds, thus slow steaming, on short sea shipping (SSS). However, variable relations are not straightforward and they require additional studies.

Introduction Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a heterogeneous pregnancy-specific disorder. Prediction of different subtypes may require different strategies. Early identification of high-risk women would allow closer surveillance and application of preventive measures. Objectives To evaluate first-trimester biomarkers, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulsatility index (PI) of uterine artery (Uta) for the prediction of PE and its early- and late-onset forms (EOPE delivery < 34 and LOPE ⩾ 34 weeks of gestation, respectively) in the prospectively collected PREDO (Prediction and Prevention of Pre-eclampsia) study cohort. Methods We studied a subcohort of 257 high-risk women with biomarker and blood pressure measurements available at 11 0/7–13 6/7 weeks of gestation. Placental growth factor (PlGF), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), hyperglycosylated hCG (hCG-h), hCG-beta and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A). Doppler ultrasound measurement was available at the same time point from 217 women (83.7%). The results are presented as multiples of the medians (MoMs). The binary logistic regression was used to evaluate univariate associations. Multivariable prediction models were built using regularized logistic regression with L1/L2-norm. Cross validation was used to select regularization variables and separately to assess model fit. Three separate models were fitted for all outcomes. The first model included only background variables and mean arterial pressure in the first trimester (model 1), then biomarkers (model 2) and MoM of mean PI of Uta was added (model 3). Areas under ROC (receiver operating characteristics) curves (AUC) were determined for all models and compared using R package pROC. Results Nine women developed EOPE (3.5%) and 25 LOPE (13.2%). In univariate analyses low PlGF, high MAP and high Uta PI were associated with PE. Women with EOPE had lower PlGF [median 0.73 MoM (IQR 0.63–0.83) vs. 1.22 (IQR 0.98–3.88) p = 0.02] and higher MAP [mean 104.3 (SD 15.0) mmHg vs. 95.4 (SD 11.5) mmHg p = 0.03] than women without EOPE. %hCG-h MoM was lower [median 0.76 (IQR 0.64–0.89) MoM vs. 1.02 (IQR 0.71–1.46) MoM p = 0.02] and MAP was higher [mean 101.0 (SD 14.5) mmHg vs. 95.0 (SD 11.2) mmHg p = 0.01] in the LOPE group than in those women that had not LOPE. The best multivariable models for PE, EOPE and LOPE are presented in Table 1. Conclusions In univariate analyses low PlGF, high MAP and Uta PI were associated with pre-eclampsia. Women with EOPE had lower PlGF and higher MAP than women without EOPE and women with LOPE had lower %hCG-h and higher MAP than women without LOPE. In multivariable regression analyses the ROC values presented in this study did not meet requirements of a clinically useful screening test after validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Here we describe a new technical solution for optimization of Pichia pastoris shake flask cultures with the example of production of stable human type II collagen. Production of recombinant proteins in P. pastoris is usually performed by controlling gene expression with the strong AOX1 promoter, which is induced by addition of methanol. Optimization of processes using the AOX1 promoter in P. pastoris is generally done in bioreactors by fed-batch fermentation with a controlled continuous addition of methanol for avoiding methanol toxification and carbon/energy starvation. The development of feeding protocols and the study of AOX1-controlled recombinant protein production have been largely made in shake flasks, although shake flasks have very limited possibilities for measurement and control. Results By applying on-line pO2 monitoring we demonstrate that the widely used pulse feeding of methanol results in long phases of methanol exhaustion and consequently low expression of AOX1 controlled genes. Furthermore, we provide a solution to apply the fed-batch strategy in shake flasks. The presented solution applies a wireless feeding unit which can be flexibly positioned and allows the use of computer-controlled feeding profiles. By using the human collagen II as an example we show that a quasi-continuous feeding profile, being the simplest way of a fed-batch fermentation, results in a higher production level of human collagen II. Moreover, the product has a higher proteolytic stability compared to control cultures due to the increased expression of human collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase as monitored by mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion The recommended standard protocol for methanol addition in shake flasks using pulse feeding is non-optimal and leads to repeated long phases of methanol starvation. The problem can be solved by applying the fed-batch technology. The presented wireless feeding unit, together with an on-line monitoring system offers a flexible, simple, and low-cost solution for initial optimization of the production in shake flasks which can be performed in parallel. By this way the fed-batch strategy can be applied from the early screening steps also in laboratories which do not have access to high-cost and complicated bioreactor systems.

Collagen V, a fibrillar collagen with important functions in tissues, assembles into distinct chain associations. The most abundant and ubiquitous molecular form is the heterotrimer [alpha1(V)](2)alpha2(V). In the attempt to produce high levels of recombinant collagen V heterotrimer for biomedical device uses, and to identify key factors that drive heterotrimeric chain association, several cell expression systems (yeast, insect, and mammalian cells) have been assayed by cotransfecting the human proalpha1(V) and proalpha2(V) chain cDNAs. Suprisingly, in all recombinant expression systems, the formation of [alpha1(V)](3) homotrimers was considerably favored over the heterotrimer. In addition, pepsin-sensitive proalpha2(V) chains were found in HEK-293 cell media indicating that these cells lack quality control proteins preventing collagen monomer secretion. Additional transfection with Hsp47 cDNA, encoding the collagen-specific chaperone Hsp47, did not increase heterotrimer production. Double immunofluorescence with antibodies against collagen V alpha-chains showed that, contrary to fibroblasts, collagen V alpha-chains did not colocalized intracellularly in transfected cells. Monensin treatment had no effect on the heterotrimer production. The heterotrimer production seems to require specific machinery proteins, which are not endogenously expressed in the expression systems. The different constructs and transfected cells we have generated represent useful tools to further investigate the mechanisms of collagen trimer assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]