bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy and Safety of Eravacycline in the Treatment of Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lan Shao-Huan , Chang Shen-Peng , Lai Chih-Cheng , Lu Li-Chin , Chao Chien-Ming
Published: June 2019

This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of eravacycline for treating complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) in adult patients. The PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane databases, Ovid Medline, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to May 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated eravacycline and other comparators for the treatment of cIAI were included. The primary outcome was the clinical cure rate at the test-of-cure visit based on modified intent-to-treat population, microbiological intent-to-treat population, clinically evaluable population, and microbiological evaluable population, and the secondary outcomes were clinical failure rate and the risk of adverse event. Three RCTs were included. Overall, eravacycline had a clinical cure rate (88.7%, 559/630) at test-of-cure in modified intent-to-treat population similar to comparators (90.1%, 492/546) in the treatment of cIAIs (risk ratio (RR), 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95–1.03; I2 = 0%, Figure 3). In the microbiological intent-to-treat, clinically evaluable, and microbiological evaluable populations, no difference was found between eravacycline and comparators in terms of clinical cure rate at test-of-cure (microbiological intent-to-treat population, RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95–1.04; I2 = 0%, clinically evaluable population, RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.97–1.03; I2 = 0%, microbiological evaluable population, RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95–1.02; I2 = 0%). In addition, eravacycline had clinical failure rate similar to comparators at test-of-cure in modified intent-to-treat population (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.61–0.69; I2 = 0%), microbiological intent-to-treat population (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.77–2.31; I2 = 16%), clinically evaluable population (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.61–1.76; I2 = 0%), and microbiological evaluable population (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.75–2.32; I2 = 10%). Although eravacycline was associated with higher risk of treatment-emergent adverse event than comparators (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.13–1.58; I2 = 0%), no significant differences were found between eravacycline and comparators for the risk of serious adverse event (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.65–1.65; I2 = 0%), discontinuation of study drug because of adverse event (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.23–1.99; I2 = 13%), and all-cause mortality (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.41–2.9; I2 = 28%). In conclusion, the clinical efficacy of eravacycline is as high as that of the comparator drugs in the treatment of cIAIs and this antibiotic is as well tolerated as the comparators.
Exchange Rate Misalignment and Capital Flight from Botswana: A Cointegration Approach with Risk Thresholds
Authors: Bosupeng Mpho , Dzator Janet , Nadolny Andrew
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the impact of exchange rate misalignment on outward capital flight in Botswana over the period 1980–2015. The study uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration and the Toda and Yamamoto (1995) approach to Granger causality. Botswana’s currency misalignment was caused by current account imbalances. The most important determinant of capital flight from Botswana is trade openness, which indicates that exportable commodities are misinvoiced leading to net capital outflows. Our main findings show that in the long-run, when the currency is overvalued, the volume of capital flight through trade misinvoicing declines and increasing foreign reserves does not reduce outward capital flight. However, when the currency is undervalued, the volume of capital flight through trade misinvoicing increases and foreign reserves reduce outward capital flight. Investors respond more to prospects of devaluation than to inflation. Botswana should tolerate overvaluation of the pula of only up to 5%. When the pula is overvalued beyond 5%, capital flight increases substantially. The government has to formulate trade regulations and monitor imported and exported commodities. Botswana should also implement capital controls to limit capital smuggling and maintain monetary autonomy.
Nonstandard Use of the “Reflexive” Affix -sja in Russian Speech of Bilingual Speakers of Northern Siberia and the Russian Far East
Authors: Khomchenkova Irina , Pleshak Polina , Stoynova Natalia
Published: June 2019

One of the features of the oral Russian speech of bilingual speakers of the indigenous languages of Russia is the omission/the overuse of the “reflexive” affix -sja (a “middle voice” marker with a wide range of uses including reflexive, reciprocal, anticausative, passive, and some others). We discuss the data on the nonstandard use of -sja in the Russian speech of bilingual speakers of two language groups that differ both from Russian and from each other in this grammatical domain: Samoyedic (Forest Enets, Nganasan, and Nenets) and Tungusic (Nanai and Ulch). The data come from the corpus of contact-influenced Russian speech, which is being created by our team. We show that the mismatches in standard and nonstandard usage cannot be explained by direct structural copying from the donor language (indigenous) to the recipient one (the local variety of Russian). Nor is there a consistent system which differs from standard Russian since there are many more usages that follow the rules of standard Russian. The influence of the indigenous languages explains some overuses and omissions; the others can be explained by other factors, e.g., difficulties in the acquisition of verb pairs with non-transparent semantic or syntactic relations.
Injectable Scaffolds Enriched with Silver to Inhibit Bacterial Invasion in Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Ceresa Chiara , Fracchia Letizia , Marchetti Alice , Rinaldi Maurizio , Bosetti Michela
Published: June 2019

During wound healing, bacterial infections may prolong skin regeneration and tissue repair, causing delayed or incomplete healing. The therapeutic strategies currently used include general therapeutic modes, growth factors, skin substitutes, matrices and/or cell therapy. Among recent technologies, wound dressing materials comprising silver nitrate or silver sulfadiazine as the antimicrobial agent are widespread, despite their known cytotoxicity. The aim of this work was to develop and evaluate the efficacy of gelatinous injectable biomaterials composed of collagen and alginates, enriched with silver against bacterial pathogens commonly involved in wound infections. To reduce cytotoxicity, silver was used as lactate and saccharinated salts. Results show that silver-enriched beads were effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains in a concentration-dependent manner. Silver addition was more active against Staphylococcus epidermidis than against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity was localized only in the area of contact with the beads at concentrations lower than 0.3 mM, whereas at higher concentrations a larger inhibition halo was observed. No cytotoxic effect on eukaryotic cells was seen both testing the materials’ extracts or the Ag-doped beads in contact tests. These results, although preliminary, suggest that these scaffolds are a promising approach for realizing injectable or spreadable functional biomaterials with antibacterial activity for applications in wound management.
In-Situ Growth of Au on KTaO3 Sub-Micron Cubes via Wet Chemical Approach for Enhanced Photodegradation of p-Nitrophenol
Authors: Chang Shengding , Ji Muwei , Yan Changxu , Zhang Kai , Deng Qian , Xu Jian , Zhu Caizhen , Li Bo , Wang Jin
Published: June 2019

KTaO3/Au hetero-nanostructures were synthesized by in-situ reduction of HAuCl4 on the surface of hydrothermally-grown KTaO3 sub-micron cubes. The concentration of Au source was found to be a critical factor in controlling the hetero-nucleation of Au nanoparticles on the surface of KTaO3 sub-micron cubes. Loading of Au particles on KTaO3 nanocrystals enriched KTaO3 additional UV-vis absorption in the visible light region. Both KTaO3 and KTaO3/Au nanocrystals were shown to be active in the photo-degradation of p-nitrophenol, while the loading of Au on KTaO3 clearly improved the photo-degradation efficiency of p-nitrophenol compared to that on bare KTaO3 nanocrystals, probably due to the improved light absorption and charge separation.
Expandable Layered Hybrid Materials Based on Individual 1D Metalorganic Nanoribbons
Authors: Moreno Jose Maria , Velty Alexandra , Diaz Urbano
Published: June 2019

Different metalorganic lamellar hybrid materials based on associated nanoribbons were synthesized by the use of alkyl–benzyl monocarboxylate spacers, containing alkyl tails with variable lengths, which acted like structural growing inhibitors. These molecular agents were perpendicularly located and coordinated to aluminium nodes in the interlayer space, controlling the separation between individual structure sub-units. The hybrid materials were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical and thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM)/transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing their physicochemical properties. The specific capacity of the metalorganic materials to be exfoliated through post-synthesis treatments, using several solvents due to the presence of 1D structure sub-units and a marked hydrophobic nature, was also evidenced.
Identification of Risk Factors for Multiple Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers in Italian Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zavattaro Elisa , Fava Paolo , Veronese Federica , Cavaliere Giovanni , Ferrante Daniela , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Ranghino Andrea , Biancone Luigi , Fierro Maria Teresa , Savoia Paola
Published: June 2019

Background and objectives: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) represent the most frequently encountered malignancy in organ transplant recipients and their incidence increases proportionally to the duration of immunosuppression. Furthermore, patients of this group often develop multiple and more aggressive cancers and, to date, risk factors for the development of multiple NMSCs have not been yet established. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for multiple NMSCs in a cohort of Italian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Materials and Methods: We consecutively included all KTRs referring to two post-transplant outpatient clinics of North-Western Italy between 2001 and 2017. In this cohort, we evaluated different clinical (endogenous and exogenous) risk factors in order to establish their correlation with NMSCs. Results: 518 KTRs were included, of which 148 (28.6%) developed keratinocyte cancers, with a single tumor in 77 subjects, two skin cancers in 31 patients, 3 in 21 patients, whereas at least 4 NMSCs developed in 19 KTRs. We observed an increased risk of the development of cutaneous neoplasms for the male gender, old age at transplantation (>50 years), light phototype, solar lentigo, history of sunburns, or chronic actinic damage. Considering patients affected by multiple keratinocyte neoplasms, we observed a significant association of actinic damage and solar lentigo with an increased risk of NMSCs; their significance was confirmed even at the multivariable model. Conclusions: Our results confirm the role played by chronic cutaneous actinic damage in carcinogenesis on KTRs and highlight the significance of individualized periodic dermatological screening.
Do We Need Anti-Prion Compounds to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Willbold Dieter , Kutzsche Janine
Published: June 2019

Background: While phase III clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) keep failing regardless of the target, more and more data suggest that the toxic protein assemblies of amyloid-beta protein (Aβ) and tubulin binding protein (TAU) behave like prions. Irrespective of the question of whether AD is theoretically or practically contagious, the presence of a self-replicating toxic etiologic agent in the brains of AD patients must have decisive consequences for drug development programs and clinical trial designs. Objectives: We intend to challenge the hypothesis that the underlying etiologic agent of AD is behaving prion-like. We want to discuss whether the outcome of clinical trials could have been predicted based on this hypothesis, and whether compounds that directly disassemble the toxic prion could be more beneficial for AD treatment. Method: We collected publicly accessible pre-clinical efficacy data of Aβ targeting compounds that failed or still are in phase III clinical trials. We describe the desired properties of an anti-prion compound and compare it the properties of past and current phase III drug candidates. Results: We could not find convincing and reproducible pre-clinical efficacy data of past and current phase III drug candidates on cognition other than in preventive treatment settings. The desired properties of an anti-Aβ-prionic compound are fulfilled by the drug candidate RD2, which has been developed to directly disassemble toxic Aβ oligomers. Conclusion: RD2 is the first anti-prion drug candidate. It is able to enhance cognition and impede neurodegeneration in three different transgenic AD mouse models, even under truly non-preventive conditions and even when applied orally. In addition, it is safe in humans.
Osmanicin, a Polyketide Alkaloid Isolated from Streptomyces osmaniensis CA-244599 Inhibits Elastase in Human Fibroblasts
Authors: Samy Mamdouh N. , Le Goff Géraldine , Lopes Philippe , Georgousaki Katerina , Gumeni Sentiljana , Almeida Celso , González Ignacio , Genilloud Olga , Trougakos Ioannis , Fokialakis Nikolas , Ouazzani Jamal
Published: June 2019

The strain Streptomyces osmaniensis CA-244599 isolated from the Comoros islands was submitted to liquid-state fermentation coupled to in situ solid-phase extraction with amberlite XAD-16 resin. Elution of the trapped compounds on the resin beads by ethyl acetate afforded seven metabolites, osmanicin (1), streptazolin (2), streptazone C (3), streptazone B1 (4), streptenol C (5), nocardamine (6) and desmethylenylnocardamine (7). Osmanicin (1) is a newly reported unusual scaffold combining streptazolin (2) and streptazone C (3) through a Diels-Alder type reaction. Experimental evidence excluded the spontaneous formation of 1 from 2 and 3. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit elastase using normal human diploid fibroblasts. Compound 1 exhibited the most potent activity with an IC50 of 3.7 μM.
NMR-Based Metabolomics in Metal-Based Drug Research
Authors: De Castro Federica , Benedetti Michele , Del Coco Laura , Fanizzi Francesco Paolo
Published: June 2019

Thanks to recent advances in analytical technologies and statistical capabilities, the application field of metabolomics has increased significantly. Currently, this approach is used to investigate biological substrates looking for metabolic profile alterations, diseases markers, and drug effects. In particular, NMR spectroscopy has shown great potential as a detection technique, mainly for the ability to detect multiple (10s to 100s) metabolites at once without separation. Only in recent years has the NMR-based metabolomic approach been extended to investigate the cell metabolic alterations induced by metal-based antitumor drug administration. As expected, these studies are mainly focused on platinum complexes, but some palladium and ruthenium compounds are also under investigation. The use of a metabolomics approach was very effective in assessing tumor response to drugs and providing insights into the mechanism of action and resistance. Therefore, metabolomics may open new perspectives into the development of metal-based drugs. In particular, it has been shown that NMR-based, in vitro metabolomics is a powerful tool for detecting variations of the cell metabolites induced by the metal drug exposure, thus offering also the possibility of identifying specific markers for in vivo monitoring of tumor responsiveness to anticancer treatments.
Aβ(M1–40) and Wild-Type Aβ40 Self-Assemble into Oligomers with Distinct Quaternary Structures
Authors: Bouchard Jacob L. , Davey Taylor C. , Doran Todd M.
Published: June 2019

Amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) self-assemble into polymorphic species with diverse biological activities that are implicated causally to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Synaptotoxicity of AβO species is dependent on their quaternary structure, however, low-abundance and environmental sensitivity of AβOs in vivo have impeded a thorough assessment of structure–function relationships. We developed a simple biochemical assay to quantify the relative abundance and morphology of cross-linked AβOs. We compared oligomers derived from synthetic Aβ40 (wild-type (WT) Aβ40) and a recombinant source, called Aβ(M1–40). Both peptides assemble into oligomers with common sizes and morphology, however, the predominant quaternary structures of Aβ(M1–40) oligomeric states were more diverse in terms of dispersity and morphology. We identified self-assembly conditions that stabilize high-molecular weight oligomers of Aβ(M1–40) with apparent molecular weights greater than 36 kDa. Given that mixtures of AβOs derived from both peptides have been shown to be potent neurotoxins that disrupt long-term potentiation, we anticipate that the diverse quaternary structures reported for Aβ(M1–40) oligomers using the assays reported here will facilitate research efforts aimed at isolating and identifying common toxic species that contribute to synaptic dysfunction.
Synthesis of a Novel Zn-Salphen Building Block and Its Acrylic Terpolymer Counterparts as Tunable Supramolecular Recognition Systems
Authors: Zelada-Guillén Gustavo A. , Cuéllar-Sánchez Ana B. , Romero-Ávila Margarita , Escárcega-Bobadilla Martha V.
Published: June 2019

In this work, we present the synthesis of a novel Zn-Salphen complex containing an allyl group, which was used as building block in the further preparation of a new family of functional terpolymers. These polymers were obtained through radical co-polymerization with methyl metacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (nBuA) in different ratios. The supramolecular recognition behavior of each polymer was evaluated via potentiometric measurements against selected anions in aqueous media. Interestingly, this proof of concept study shows that these systems were selective against only fluoride (F−) or both, fluoride and acetate (OAc−), by tailoring the relative content of Zn-Salphen monomer, thus making them a promising starting point for modular design of chemical sensors through straightforward synthetic approaches.
Solid State and Solution Study on the Formation of Inorganic Anion Complexes with a Series of Tetrazine-Based Ligands
Authors: Savastano Matteo , García-Gallarín Celeste , Giorgi Claudia , Gratteri Paola , López de la Torre Maria Dolores , Bazzicalupi Carla , Bianchi Antonio , Melguizo Manuel
Published: June 2019

Four molecules (L1–L4) constituted by an s-tetrazine ring appended with two identical aliphatic chains of increasing length bearing terminal morpholine groups were studied as anion receptors in water. The basicity properties of these molecules were also investigated. Speciation of the anion complexes formed in solution and determination of their stability constants were performed by means of potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations, while further information was obtained by NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements. The crystal structures of two neutral ligands (L3, L4) and of their H2L3(ClO4)2∙2H2O, H2L4(ClO4)2∙2H2O, H2L3(PF6)2, and H2L3(PF6)2∙2H2O anion complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The formation of anion–π interactions is the leitmotiv of these complexes, both in solution and in the solid state, although hydrogen bonding and/or formation of salt-bridges can contribute to their stability. Evidence of the ability of these ligands to form anion–π interactions is given by the observation that even the neutral (not-protonated) molecules bind anions in water to form complexes of significant stability, including elusive OH− anions.
Liquefaction of Biomass and Upgrading of Bio-Oil: A Review
Authors: Zhang Shiqiu , Yang Xue , Zhang Haiqing , Chu Chunli , Zheng Kui , Ju Meiting , Liu Le
Published: June 2019

The liquefaction of biomass is an important technology to converse the biomass into valuable biofuel. The common technologies for liquefaction of biomass are indirect liquefaction and direct liquefaction. The indirect liquefaction refers to the Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) process using the syngas of biomass as the raw material to produce the liquid fuel, including methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, and dimethyl ether. The direct liquefaction of biomass refers to the conversion biomass into bio-oil, and the main technologies are hydrolysis fermentation and thermodynamic liquefaction. For thermodynamic liquefaction, it could be divided into fast pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction. In addition, this review provides an overview of the physicochemical properties and common upgrading methods of bio-oil.
Conformation and Dynamics of the Cyclic Lipopeptide Viscosinamide at the Water-Lipid Interface
Authors: Geudens Niels , Kovács Benjámin , Sinnaeve Davy , Oni Feyisara Eyiwumi , Höfte Monica , Martins José C.
Published: June 2019

Cyclic lipodepsipeptides or CLiPs from Pseudomonas are secondary metabolites that mediate a wide range of biological functions for their producers, and display antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Direct interaction of CLiPs with the cellular membranes is presumed to be essential in causing these. To understand the processes involved at the molecular level, knowledge of the conformation and dynamics of CLiPs at the water-lipid interface is required to guide the interpretation of biophysical investigations in model membrane systems. We used NMR and molecular dynamics to study the conformation, location and orientation of the Pseudomonas CLiP viscosinamide in a water/dodecylphosphocholine solution. In the process, we demonstrate the strong added value of combining uniform, isotope-enriched viscosinamide and protein NMR methods. In particular, the use of techniques to determine backbone dihedral angles and detect and identify long-lived hydrogen bonds, establishes that the solution conformation previously determined in acetonitrile is maintained in water/dodecylphosphocholine solution. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancements pinpoint viscosinamide near the water-lipid interface, with its orientation dictated by the amphipathic distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues. Finally, the experimental observations are supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Thus a firm structural basis is now available for interpreting biophysical and bioactivity data relating to this class of compounds.
NanoTiO2 Sunscreen Does Not Prevent Systemic Oxidative Stress Caused by UV Radiation and a Minor Amount of NanoTiO2 is Absorbed in Humans
Authors: Pelclova Daniela , Navratil Tomas , Kacerova Tereza , Zamostna Blanka , Fenclova Zdenka , Vlckova Stepanka , Kacer Petr
Published: June 2019

The present pilot study tested the efficiency of nanoTiO2 sunscreen to prevent the oxidative stress/inflammation caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation using biomarkers in subjects’ blood, urine, and exhaled breath condensate (EBC). In addition, the skin absorption of nanoTiO2 was studied. Six identical subjects participated in three tests: (A) nanoTiO2 sunscreen, (B) UV radiation, and (C) sunscreen + UV. The first samples were collected before the test and the second after sunscreen application and/or UV exposure. On day 4, the third samples were collected, and the sunscreen was washed off, and the fourth samples were collected on day 11. The following biomarkers were measured: malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxy-trans-hexenal, 4-hydroxy-trans-nonenal, aldehydes C6-C12, 8-iso-Prostaglandin F2α, o-tyrosine, 3-chlorotyrosine, 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, 8-hydroxyguanosine, 5-hydroxymethyl uracil, and leukotrienes, using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry. Titania was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and TiO2 nanoparticles by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Sunscreen alone did not elevate the markers, but UV increased the biomarkers in the plasma, urine, and EBC. The sunscreen prevented skin redness, however it did not inhibit the elevation of oxidative stress/inflammatory markers. Titania and nanoTiO2 particles were found in the plasma and urine (but not in the EBC) in all sunscreen users, suggesting their skin absorption.
Influence of the Sulfur Content Catalyst on the Packing Density of Carbon Nanotube Forests
Authors: Moon Sook Young , Kang In Ji , Kim Seung Min , Kim Woo Sik
Published: June 2019

For the fabrication of high-performance carbon nanotube (CNT) composites with practical applicability, the development of new methods for the controlled growth of high-aspect-ratio CNTs still constitutes a challenge. With the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the catalytic CNT growth, in this study, the effect of the catalyst composition is investigated using different mixtures of Fe2(SO4)3 and FeCl2 as catalysts. The relationship between the catalyst chemical state and the growth behavior of CNT forests is demonstrated by evaluating the alignment, diameter, length, and areal density of the CNT forests. When the Fe2(SO4)3 content is increased, the area density, the IG/ID ratio, and the crystallite size of the CNTs increase. Additionally, the obtained CNT forests exhibit good spinnability with increasing the sulfur content.
Cu-Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Heavy Metal-Contaminated Sewage Sludge for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Materials
Authors: Tan Zhouliang , Yu Feng , Liu Liu , Jia Xin , Lv Yin , Chen Long , Xu Yisheng , Shi Yulin , Guo Xuhong
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we report a complete solution for enhanced sludge treatment involving the removal of toxic metal (Cu(II)) from waste waters, subsequent pyrolytic conversion of these sludge to Cu-doped porous carbon, and their application in energy storage systems. The morphology, composition, and pore structure of the resultant Cu-doped porous carbon could be readily modulated by varying the flocculation capacity of Cu(II). The results demonstrated that it exhibited outstanding performance for supercapacitor electrode applications. The Cu(II) removal efficiency has been evaluated and compared to the possible energy benefits. The flocculant dosage up to 200 mg·L−1 was an equilibrium point existing between environmental impact and energy, at which more than 99% Cu(II) removal efficiency was achieved, while the resulting annealed product showed a high specific capacity (389.9·F·g−1 at 1·A·g−1) and good cycling stability (4% loss after 2500 cycles) as an electrode material for supercapacitors.
Glutamine, but not Branched-Chain Amino Acids, Restores Intestinal Barrier Function during Activity-Based Anorexia
Authors: L’Huillier Clément , Jarbeau Marine , Achamrah Najate , Belmonte Liliana , Amamou Asma , Nobis Séverine , Goichon Alexis , Salameh Emmeline , Bahlouli Wafa , do Rego Jean-Luc , Déchelotte Pierre , Coëffier Moïse
Published: June 2019

Background: During activity-based anorexia (ABA) in mice, enhanced paracellular permeability and reduced protein synthesis have been shown in the colon while the gut–brain axis has received increasing attention in the regulation of intestinal and mood disorders that frequently occur during anorexia nervosa, a severe eating disorder for which there is no specific treatment. In the present study, we assessed the effects of oral glutamine (Gln) or branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation during ABA to target intestinal functions, body composition and feeding behavior. Methods: C57BL/6 male mice were randomized in Control (CTRL) and ABA groups. After ABA induction, mice received, or not, either 1% Gln or 2.5% BCAA (Leu, Ile, Val) for one week in drinking water. Results: Neither Gln nor BCAA supplementation affected body weight and body composition, while only Gln supplementation slightly increased food intake. ABA mice exhibited increased paracellular permeability and reduced protein synthesis in the colonic mucosa. Oral Gln restored colonic paracellular permeability and protein synthesis and increased the mucin-2 mRNA level, whereas BCAA did not affect colonic parameters. Conclusion: In conclusion, oral Gln specifically improves colonic response during ABA. These data should be further confirmed in AN patients.
Exploring the Relationship between School Gardens, Food Literacy and Mental Well-Being in Youth Using Photovoice
Authors: Lam Vanessa , Romses Kathy , Renwick Kerry
Published: June 2019

The goal of the project was to gain an understanding of the relationships between secondary school youth experiences in school gardens and their mental well-being. Over the course of five months, sixteen youths participated in a photovoice research project in which they expressed their personal experiences about food and gardening through photography and writing. The aspects of secondary school youths’ life experiences affected by exposure to school gardens and their impact upon their well-being were identified. The youth explicitly associated relaxation with the themes of love and connectedness, growing food, garden as a place, cooking, and food choices. They were able to demonstrate and develop food literacy competency because of their engagement with the gardening and cooking activities. Youth clubs or groups were identified as a key enabler for connection with other youth and adults. Youth shared their food literacy experiences, observing that their engagement improved some aspect of their mental well-being. Through the photovoice process, the youth identified how their involvement in green spaces enabled connections with others, and highlighted aspects of personal health and personal growth, all of which contribute to their mental well-being.
Insect Antifeedant Components of Senecio fistulosus var. fistulosus—Hualtata
Authors: Ruiz-Vásquez Liliana , Reina Matías , Fajardo Víctor , López Matías , González-Coloma Azucena
Published: June 2019

From a bioactive methanolic extract of Senecio fistulosus, the antifeedant effects of the alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal fractions were tested against the insects Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi, with the non-alkaloidal fraction being antifeedant. The phytochemical study of the non-alkaloidal fraction of S. fistulosus, resulted in the isolation of four compounds, two 9-oxo-furanoeremophilanes (1, 2), an eremophilanolide, 1β,10β-epoxy-6-acetoxy-8α-hydroxy-eremofil-7(11)-en-8β,12-olide (3) and a maaliol derivative (4). The alkaloidal fraction yielded two known pyrrolizidine alkaloids (5, 6). Compounds 1, 3 and 4 are new natural products. Furanoeremophilane 2 was a strong antifeedant against S. littoralis and maaliane 4 inhibited the settling of M. persicae.
Temporal, Plant Part, and Interpopulation Variability of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Activity of Inula helenium L.
Authors: Zlatić Nenad , Jakovljević Dragana , Stanković Milan
Published: June 2019

Variations in abiotic environmental factors have significant effects on quantity and quality of secondary metabolites, which is particularly important for plant species that possess biologically active compounds. The purpose of this study is determination of the total phenolic content, flavonoid concentration, and antioxidant activity of the different parts of Inula helenium L. (Asteraceae) sampled from different populations and in different time periods. The amounts obtained for the total phenolics varied from 16.73 to 89.85 mg of gallic acid (GA)/g. The concentration of flavonoids ranged from 9.32 to 376.22 mg of rutin (Ru)/g. The IC50 values of antioxidant activity determined using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method varied from 161.60 to 1563.02 μg/ml. The inflorescence and roots possessed high concentration of phenolic compounds and significant antioxidant activity, while leaves contained the highest concentration of flavonoids. Additionally, the quantity of the phenolics, as well as antioxidant activity, significantly varied among the different populations due to different impacts of environmental factors. This research showed that I. helenium represents an abundant source of bioactive substances, and that the quantity of these compounds greatly differs among the different populations as well as in the same populations regarding the different time periods as well as plant parts.
A Comparison of Two Tree Detection Methods for Estimation of Forest Stand and Ecological Variables from Airborne LiDAR Data in Central European Forests
Authors: Sačkov Ivan , Kulla Ladislav , Bucha Tomáš
Published: June 2019

Estimation of biophysical variables based on airborne laser scanning (ALS) data using tree detection methods concentrates mainly on delineation of single trees and extraction of their attributes. This study provides new insight regarding the potential and limits of two detection methods and underlines some key aspects regarding the choice of the more appropriate alternative. First, we applied the multisource-based method implemented in reFLex software (National Forest Centre, Slovakia), which uses the information contained in the point cloud and a priori information. Second, we applied the raster-based method implemented in OPALS software (Vienna University of Technology, Austria), which extracts information from several ALS-derived height models. A comparative study was conducted for a part of the university forest in Zvolen (Slovakia, Central Europe). ALS-estimated variables of both methods were compared (1) to the ground reference data within four heterogonous stands with an area size of 7.5 ha as well as (2) to each other within a comprehensive forest unit with an area size of 62 ha. We concluded that both methods can be used to evaluate forest stand and ecological variables. The overall performance of both methods achieved a matching rate within the interval of 52%–64%. The raster-based method provided faster and slightly more accurate estimate of most variables, while the total volume was more precisely estimated using the multisource-based method. Specifically, the relative root mean square errors did not exceed 7.2% for mean height, 8.6% for mean diameter, 21.4% for total volume, 29.0% for stand density index, and 7.2% for Shannon’s diversity index. Both methods provided estimations with differences that were statistically significant, relative to the ground data as well as to each other (p < 0.05).
Microcapsule-Based Signal Amplification Method for Biomolecules
Authors: Yamaguchi Masaki
Published: June 2019

The direct signal amplification of target molecules could be an effective means of increasing the sensitivity and reducing the size of biosensors. The purpose of this study was to propose a novel signal amplification method suitable for the detection of biomolecules using microcapsules that can quickly respond to concentration variation. This microcapsule-based amplification method consists of two elements—microcapsules and a well-array. The microcapsules consist of (i) an inner shell fabricated through layer-by-layer assembly, (ii) a lipid bilayer, and (iii) loaded target molecules. In this method, the inner surface of the well-array was modified using TiO2 as a photocatalyst. The diameter and thickness of the fabricated micro-capsules for biomarker loading were shown to be 2.7 μm and 78 nm, respectively. An ultraviolet (UV) irradiation time of 5 min was needed when the change in optical density reached 90% saturation of the optical density change. Dye molecules were incorporated into the microcapsules and were subsequently released, and the concentration of the released solution changed in proportion with the encapsulated dye concentration. This demonstrates the proof of concept for this novel signal amplification method based on microcapsules.
Limitations of Rural Tourism as an Economic Diversification and Regional Development Instrument. The Case Study of the Region of La Vera
Authors: Castellano-Álvarez Francisco Javier , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Álvarez-García José , Durán-Sánchez Amador
Published: June 2019

In the mid-1980s, at the same time as the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms resulted in a decrease in agricultural employment, the Single European Act transformed the reduction of regional differences into an objective of European regional policy. The LEADER Initiative and the PRODER Program were two of the instruments chosen by the European Commission to deal with the effects that these new challenges would have for the rural environment. This research studies the scope and limitations of these programs. For this, we analyzed their implementation, resorting to the case study of the region of La Vera, Extremadura (Spain). The results show that although the structure of these programs is consistent with the purpose of developing and diversifying rural economies, their application must overcome a number of risks, including an excessive concentration of investments in the tourism sector, which stands out from the rest. In addition to highlighting the limitations of tourism as an axis of development, this research detects some aspects that should be taken into account when implementing these programs.
How Outstanding Universal Value, Service Quality and Place Attachment Influences Tourist Intention Towards World Heritage Conservation: A Case Study of Mount Sanqingshan National Park, China
Authors: Nian Sifeng , Zhang Honglei , Mao Ling , Zhao Wenjing , Zhang Hui , Lu Youhai , Zhang Yingying , Xu Yifan
Published: June 2019

Since tourists are one of the important stakeholders in World Heritage Sites (WHSs), what factors influence them and how does the impact mechanism work on heritage conversation? In particular, World Natural Heritage Sites (WNHSs) are generally facing threats to their ecological and heritage protection by the influx of tourists. To this end, this study took the perspective of attractions with Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and tourist perceptions of service quality, and used place attachment as a mediator variable. Based on the 565 questionnaires responses by Mount Sanqingshan National Park (MSNP) tourists, the structural equation modelling technical method was adapted to explore the influence and mechanisms of tourist heritage protection. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) the perception of an OUV attraction had a positive effect on place attachment and intention to protect heritage; however, place attachment did not have a mediating effect; (2) service quality had a positive effect on place attachment and intention to protect heritage, yet place attachment did not have a mediating effect; (3) service quality was more effective than the OUV attraction on intention to protect heritage, and affiliate attraction had a ‘core’ trend; and (4) tourists’ place attachment was not accepted as a positive assumption of their intention to protect heritage. Finally, we proposed measures and implications for enhancing the conservation and management of WNHSs, with a focus on building both the tourism industry and sustainable development of WHSs.
Local Scale Prioritisation of Green Infrastructure for Enhancing Biodiversity in Peri-Urban Agroecosystems: A Multi-Step Process Applied in the Metropolitan City of Rome (Italy)
Authors: Capotorti Giulia , De Lazzari Vera , Alós Ortí Marta
Published: June 2019

Urban–rural interfaces represent complex systems that require complex solutions for sustainable development and resilience against pollution, habitat fragmentation, biodiversity loss and impaired flux of ecosystem services (ES). Green infrastructure (GI) is increasingly recognised as an effective tool for addressing such a complexity, but needs priority setting to maximise benefits and minimise drawbacks of implementation. Therefore, a prioritisation approach focused on biodiversity and ES in peri-urban areas is required. In the present work, a systematic and hierarchical framework is proposed for setting priority GI objectives, location and actions aimed at enhancing local biodiversity, ES flux and farming sustainability in urban peripheries. By means of a case study in the Metropolitan City of Rome, the framework allowed identification of the main demand for ES and biodiversity; the most suitable location for GI implementation; and the best cost-effective actions. The GI implementation showed an improvement in terms of wooded hedgerow density, an increase regarding the ecological connectivity of riparian ecosystems, and an increment of agroecosystems designated to enhance the ecological network and wildlife support. Finally, the prioritisation framework contributes to fostering environmental benefits while complying with regulations and management practices from the regional to the farm/field decision level.
The Importance of Environmental Knowledge for Private and Public Sphere Pro-Environmental Behavior: Modifying the Value-Belief-Norm Theory
Authors: Liobikienė Genovaitė , Poškus Mykolas Simas
Published: June 2019

The promotion of pro-environmental behavior is regarded as very important in solving environmental problems. The Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory usually emphasizes internal factors; however, we have transformed this theory by including the environmental knowledge as an external factor. The results showed that action-related environmental knowledge was related to the ecological worldview and directly influenced the private sphere behavior. The ecological worldview, which in this paper was operationalized as environmental concern, had a direct effect on public sphere behavior and an indirect effect on private behavior through awareness of behavioral consequences. Thus, in this paper we revealed how specific environmental knowledge influenced pro-environmental behavior. We also suggest that it is important to educate people about local and global environmental problems, about the impact of behavior on the environment not only in private but also in the public sphere, and to foster the ecocentrism, as well. In addition, we revealed the meaning and necessity of education for environmental citizenship.
Female Education Externality and Inclusive Growth
Authors: Hong Gihoon , Kim Soyoung , Park Geunhwan , Sim Seung-Gyu
Published: June 2019

Education is generally believed to be beneficial in fostering, independent of gender, higher labor productivity. Female education may, however, cause other socio-economic gains which are not captured by higher wage or better compensation package for the educated female worker in the labor market (positive externality). This paper investigates the casual effect of enhancing female education and reducing gender education inequality on various measures of sustainable development. After addressing the endogeneity issue associated with gender education inequality employing a novel instrumental variable (IV), we find mitigating gender education inequality to be associated with lower infant mortality and poverty rates and improvements in health and environmental conditions. Our IV estimation result reports that a one-standard-deviation increase in the female-to-male ratio of average years of schooling is associated with a lower poverty rate by about 0.98 percentage points. The results indicate that expanding women’s educational opportunities is an effective way to promote inclusive growth.
Investigating the Energy–Economic Growth–Governance Nexus: Evidence from Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Bercu Ana-Maria , Paraschiv Gigel , Lupu Dan
Published: June 2019

Achieving the goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction implies an important condition for access to electricity for the entire population. In the economic literature, the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth has different perspectives. The lack of good governance within an economy, besides the deficiencies of energy resources, is a key issue in worsening energy issues for developing countries. These countries have failed to alleviate the energy crises that have hindered development prospects, amid flourishing corruption and inefficient governments. Our research, using a panel methodology, analyzes the long-term relationship between energy consumption, economic growth and good governance for 14 Central and Eastern European countries, over the period 1995–2017. The study demonstrates empirically that there is a causal relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth, underlining the fact that deficiencies in the energy system lead to slowing economic growth. The study also shows that good governance influences electricity and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) consumption, and the governments from Central and Eastern European countries have to restore good governance in the economy, creating an environment conducive to investment in the energy sector, which would increase competition and reduce inefficiencies in the production, transmission, and distribution of energy.
Public and Private Infrastructure Investment and Economic Growth in Pakistan: An Aggregate and Disaggregate Analysis
Authors: Javid Muhammad
Published: June 2019

This study investigates the relationship between infrastructure investment and economic growth at the aggregate and sectoral levels, namely, the industrial, agriculture, and services sectors for Pakistan over the period from 1972 to 2015. In contrast to earlier literature, we make a comparative analysis of the different composition of infrastructure investments, including public versus private investment and infrastructure investment in sub-sectors such as in power, roads, and telecommunication sectors. The long-run relationship is estimated using fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) to address the problem of reverse causality. The main conclusion of this study is that both public and private infrastructure investments have positive but different effects on economic growth. In other words, the marginal productivities of private and public infrastructure investments differ across the different sectors of the economy. In most of the cases, public infrastructure investment has a larger impact on economic growth than private infrastructure investment. Two important policy implications emerge from this study, as follows: (1) The different elasticity estimates can be used by policy makers to quantify the impact of policies targeted at the specific sector and (2) the government should develop an enabled policy environment to attract private investment, with the consideration of structural characteristics of the various sectors. The involvement of the private sector in the provision of infrastructure would help to control the tight budgetary situation.