bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Asymetric Dimethylarginine and Homocysteine in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hendrawati Tetty , Bakri Syakib , Arif Mansyur
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). ADMA reduces NO synthesis when its concentration elevates. ADMA is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Plasma ADMA accumulates in patients with endstage renal disease, due to reduced renal clearance. Hyperhomocysteinemia is often found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Homocysteine may cause ADMA to accumulate; however, the mechanism by which ADMA level elevates in hyperhomocysteinemia is still unclear. Objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of homocysteine and ADMA and to assess the correlation between homocysteine and ADMA concentrations with the severity of chronic kidney disease.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 75 patients with CKD, comprising men and women aged 40-70 years. Assessments were done on the concentrations of creatinine, homocysteine, ADMA, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol HDL and triglyceride.RESULTS: In later stage of CKD there was significantly higher tHcy concentration as compared with the earlier stage of CKD (p=0.0000). In CKD stage 2 to 4 there was a tendency for ADMA concentration to increase to a significant average (p=0.210), but ADMA concentration was lower at stage 5. There was increased ADMA along with increased tHcy concentration of around 20μ mol/L, and this then decreased. The inverse correlation between tHcy and ADMA concentrations started to appear in CKD stage 4, but this correlation was statistically insignificant (r2 =0.19; p=0.499).CONCLUSIONS: This study showed there was a correlation between homocysteine and ADMA concentrations in patients with CKD stage 2 to 5, although statistically not significant.KEYWORDS: Asymetric Dimethylarginine, Homocysteine, Chronic Kidney Disease
Visfatin and Adiponectin Have an Opposite Correlation with Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome in Non-Diabetic Obese Indonesian Men
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Lawrence Gatot Susilo , Patellongi Ilhamjaya , Wijaya Andi , As'ad Suryani
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Along with the increase in obesity is a parallel increase in the prevalence of metabolic complications of obesity, often referred to as the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The role of adipose tissue in MetS has continued to evolve with the description of numerous secretory peptides from adipocytes named adipocytokines or adipokines. Recent studies have found visfatin as the regulation of inflammatory and immunomodulating prosesses, meanwhile adiponectin was known to have a potent anti-inflammatory properties. Here we try to assess the correlation between those two adipokines to MetS, via an inflammatory pathway.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 128 non diabetic obese male subject (waist circumferences ≥90 cm). Visfatin and adiponectin were assessed by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows v.16.00 with signifcantly p<0.05. The correlations among biomarkers were assessed using Spearman's Rho test.RESULTS: This study showed a significant positive correlation between levels of visfatin and inflammatory markers TNF-α (r=0.22, p<0.005), and hsCRP (r=0.12, p=0.19), significant negative correlation between levels of adiponectin and TNF-α (r=-0.22-8, p<0.005-1), adiponectin and hsCRP (r=-0.14, p=0.11) and visfatin (r=-0.029, p<0.01). Plasma visfatin levels were increased along with the number MetS components, white plasma adiponectin showed inversely relation.CONCLUSION: Our present study has shown that visfatin has a proinflammatory properties and adiponectin has an anti-inflammatory properties, and how they have an opposite effects on MetS. Visfatin was found to have a positive correlaton while adiponectin was found to have a negative correlation with the number of MetS components.KEYWORDS: Obesity, Inflammation, Metabolic Syndrome, Adipocytokines, Visfatin, Adiponectin, TNF-α, hsCRP
Oil at USD 20 per Barrel: Can It Be?
Authors: Duhon Howard
Published: October 2015

The PFC Technical Director discusses oil prices and their primary determinants.
Batata 2 Remote Well Pad: Executing Sustainable Development at a Sensitive Amazon Basin Area--Decommission and Abandonment
Authors: Benalcazar Fernando L. , Valdivieso Sebastin
Published: October 2015

In Ecuador (circa 2006-07), PetroOriental (operator of Blocks 14 and 17) concluded a large exploration project with the construction of the Batata 2 well pad and the drilling of two exploratory wells, pursuing the confirmation and development of oil reserves identified during the seismic work started in 2003 by EnCanEcuador (subsidiary of EnCana Corporation) in the northern region of Block 14. All this development occurred within the Yasuní National Park, one of the natural areas in South America with the highest biodiversity, and also a traditional land of peoples living in voluntary isolation (the Tagaeri and the Taromenani).

The early planning and execution of this project included the development of a long-term strategy and a set of high-standard social and environmental practices to minimize the company's exposure to social and environmental liabilities and to guarantee the success of this challenging project. Unfortunately, by the first half of 2007, after drilling the previously mentioned exploratory wells, the prospects were declared noncommercial, triggering the process for decommissioning and restoration of the Batata 2 well pad. The loop was closed, and the success of the project was dimmed by the lack of results.

This paper summarizes some of the most important elements of the project planning and execution of the Batata 2 well pad by means of a retrospective analysis with the intent to identify some of those practices, highlight them, and present them to our colleagues in the industry. We now have many examples of life-cycle applications, which is our contribution to the discussion, because we believe that life-cycle assessment and life-cycle management are closely linked to sustainable development, a journey that the oil and gas industry is just starting to make.
Soil water movement under a drip irrigation double-point source
Authors: Hou Lizhu , Shang Jie , Liu Jiangtao , Lu Haiyuan , Qi Zhiming
Published: October 2015

Particularly in dry regions, the scarcity of high-quality fresh water has heightened the importance of urban runoff water re-use, leading as well to the improvement of water use efficiency through the surface drip irrigation method. Given the limited research on wetting front migration under a surface drip irrigation emitter, soil water movement under a double-point-source irrigation emitter was investigated. An experimental soil bin was designed and filled with silt loam soil, and time domain reflectometry and tensiometers were used to measure soil moisture contents and soil water potential, respectively. The results show that under the conditions of 6 hours of irrigation with two drippers each delivering 1.05 L hr−1 and spaced at 45 cm, the soil moisture content of the 0–30 cm layer increased rapidly and reached 0.29 cm3 cm−3, and was greater than that in the 30–60 cm layer as irrigation proceeded. After 6 hours the irrigation was stopped, such that in the redistribution phase, soil moisture of the top layer gradually decreased, while that of the sublayer gradually increased. The results indicate that 6 hours of irrigation under given emitter flow conditions produced adequate soil moisture down to 30 cm for most shallow-rooted crops.
The need for Virtual Water Credits and Trading System
Authors: Ravi Shankar S. , Jayasri A. S. V.
Published: October 2015

Understanding, sensitizing and accounting Virtual Water Trade (the embedded water flow) between locations, nations and geographies is necessary to contain future water wars. Virtual water need not be limited to agricultural output, but can also be applied to all other products and services. Across nations, all organizations, farmers and consumers should be accounted for the Virtual Water Units consumed. There is a need for an international Virtual Water protocol defined similarly to the current Carbon Credits model and managed by an independent body. This paper discusses the need for Virtual Water Credits, an International Trading System for Virtual Water Trade between countries, roles and responsibilities of all key stakeholders.
Adaptable urban water demand prediction system
Authors: Banjac G. , Vašak M. , Baotić M.
Published: October 2015

In this work, identification of 24-hours-ahead water demand prediction model based on historical water demand data is considered. As part of the identification procedure, the input variable selection algorithm based on partial mutual information is implemented. It is shown that meteorological data on a daily basis are not relevant for the water demand prediction in the sense of partial mutual information for the analysed water distribution systems of the cities of Tavira, Algarve, Portugal and Evanton East, Scotland, UK. Water demand prediction system is modelled using artificial neural networks, which offer a great potential for the identification of complex dynamic systems. The adaptive tuning procedure of model parameters is also developed in order to enable the model to adapt to changes in the system. A significant improvement of the prediction ability of such a model in relation to the model with fixed parameters is shown when a certain trend is present in the water demand profile.
Simultaneous determination of trace lead and cadmium in water samples by adsorptive stripping voltammetry using gallic acid as a selective chelating agent
Authors: Abbasi Shahryar , Rostamniya Masoumeh , Khani Hossein
Published: October 2015

This work describes a procedure for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead in some food and water samples using an adsorptive stripping voltammetric method. The method is based on the adsorptive accumulation of 2,3,4-trihydroxybenzoic acid (gallic acid (GA)) complexes of these elements onto a hanging mercury drop electrode, followed by the reduction of the adsorbed species. Optimal analytical conditions were found to be 0.10 M borate buffer (pH 6.2), 2.5 × 10−5 M GA, an accumulation potential of – 0.1 V (Versus SCE), an accumulation time of 80 s and a scan rate of 60 mV/s. The peak current is proportional to the concentration of lead and cadmium over the range of 0.50–70.00 ng mL−1 and 0.20–35.00 ng mL−1, respectively, and the detection limit is 0.014 ng mL−1 and 0.011 ng mL−1 for lead and cadmium, respectively, for a 80 s adsorption time. The propose method was applied to the determination of lead and cadmium in water and food samples with satisfactory results.
Topological clustering as a tool for planning water quality monitoring in water distribution networks
Authors: Kirstein Jonas Kjeld , Albrechtsen Hans-Jørgen , Rygaard Martin
Published: October 2015

Topological clustering was explored as a tool for water supply utilities in preparation of monitoring and contamination contingency plans. A complex water distribution network model of Copenhagen, Denmark, was simplified by topological clustering into recognizable water movement patterns to: (1) identify steady clusters for a part of the network where an actual contamination has occurred; (2) analyze this event by the use of mesh diagrams; and (3) analyze the use of mesh diagrams as a decision support tool for planning water quality monitoring. Initially, the network model was divided into strongly and weakly connected clusters for selected time periods and mesh diagrams were used for analysing cluster connections in the Nørrebro district. Here, areas of particular interest for water quality monitoring were identified by including user-information about consumption rates and consumers particular sensitive towards water quality deterioration. The analysis revealed sampling locations within steady clusters, which increased samples' comparability over time. Furthermore, the method provided a simplified overview of water movement in complex distribution networks, and could assist identification of potential contamination and affected consumers in contamination cases. Although still in development, the method shows potential for assisting utilities during planning of monitoring programs and as decision support tool during emergency contingency situations.
Biodegradation of multiple nitrosamines by the Bacillus species LT1C in drinking water biofilters
Authors: Wang Wanfeng , Guo Yanling , Huang Yao , Zhu Chunyou , Fan Jing , Pan Feng
Published: October 2015

To better clarify the biodegradation mechanism of nitrosamines at low concentrations and characterize the nitrosamine-reducing strains isolated from biological activated carbon (BAC) filters in drinking water treatment plants. The nitrosamine-reducing bacterial culture Bacillus species LT1C was cultivated, isolated and purified from a pilot filter system using BAC, and was then applied to evaluate the biodegradable capacity for nitrosamines. Five nitrosamines (N-nitrosomethylethylamine, N-nitrosodi-n-propylamine; N-nitrosopyrrolidine and N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine) were biodegraded in mineral salts medium with removal ratios which ranged from 23.6 to 51.2%. The removal ratios achieved by the isolate were in accordance with the structure, LogKow and Henry's constant of the nitrosamines examined. The findings of this study demonstrate increased potential for the establishment of nitrosamine control strategies in the water supply industry.
Can statistical linkage of missing variables reduce bias in treatment effect estimates in comparative effectiveness research studies?
Authors: Crown William , Chang Jessica , Olson Melvin , Kahler Kristijan , Swindle Jason , Buzinec Paul , Shah Nilay , Borah Bijan
Published: October 2015

Aim:
Missing data, particularly missing variables, can create serious analytic challenges in observational comparative effectiveness research studies. Statistical linkage of datasets is a potential method for incorporating missing variables. Prior studies have focused upon the bias introduced by imperfect linkage.
Methods:
This analysis uses a case study of hepatitis C patients to estimate the net effect of statistical linkage on bias, also accounting for the potential reduction in missing variable bias.
Results:
The results show that statistical linkage can reduce bias while also enabling parameter estimates to be obtained for the formerly missing variables.
Conclusion:
The usefulness of statistical linkage will vary depending upon the strength of the correlations of the missing variables with the treatment variable, as well as the outcome variable of interest.
Using community-based participatory research in patient-centered outcomes research to address health disparities in under-represented communities
Authors: Sofolahan-Oladeinde Yewande , Mullins C Daniel , Baquet Claudia R
Published: October 2015

The emergence of patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) has created a paradigm shift in the way health outcomes research is designed, conducted and disseminated. While PCOR expands the potential for patients to play a key advisory role in every aspect of the research process, community-based participatory research (CBPR) has long provided this opportunity for engaging communities in research. CBPR is an excellent tool for achieving PCOR goals of improving the health of all people by providing them with evidence-based information for making informed healthcare decisions. We propose ways by which PCOR can effectively use CBPR principles to engage patients in general, and specifically patients from underserved communities. The hope is that this will help to reduce and eventually eliminate health disparities.
Vertical eruption patterns of impacted mandibular third molars after the mesialization of second molars using miniscrews
Authors: Baik Un-Bong , Kook Yoon-Ah , Bayome Mohamed , Park Je-Uk , Park Jae Hyun
Published: October 2015

Objective: 

To investigate (1) whether vertical eruption of impacted third molars improves after mesialization of second molars and (2) what factors affect the vertical eruption of impacted third molars when space caused by missing molars is successfully closed by mesialization of the second molar using miniscrews.

Materials and Methods: 

The treatment group (Group 1) included 52 patients who had (1) missing mandibular first molars (ML-6) or missing deciduous mandibular second molars (ML-E), (2) initially impacted mandibular third molars, and (3) successful space closure of the edentulous area with orthodontics. Panoramic radiographs at start of treatment (T1) and at time of space closure (T2) were collected. The control group (Group 2) included 46 nonedentulous patients with impacted mandibular third molars without molar protraction treatment. Panoramic radiographs with similar T1/T2 treatment times were selected. Nine measurements were obtained regarding horizontal available space, vertical eruption, and third molar angulation.

Results: 

Third molars erupted vertically an average of 2.54 mm in Group 1 compared with 0.41 mm in Group 2. Age, gender, Nolla stage, and angle of the third molars did not show significant correlations with the vertical change of the impacted third molars, whereas the depth of third molar impaction and available space showed significant correlations.

Conclusions: 

Impacted mandibular third molars vertically erupt as a result of uprighting with mesialization of the second molar, and vertical eruption is affected by the initial vertical location of impacted third molars and available space.
EFFICACY OF INVASIVE GREEN MANURES AND MYCORRHIZA ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF DIFFERENT LEGUMES CROPS AND STUDY THEIR ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Vaidya Geeta Shrestha , Bhattarai Nabin
Published: October 2015

Application of the invasive green manure (locally available Lantana camara, Eupatorium adenophorum) is an essential means to maintain soil fertility, soil structure and stimulate biological activities extensively. In this present study field trial of Lentil and Rajma were conducted in Kosebali Divison of Rampur, Chitwan district. Mycorrhiza was isolated from agricultural soil by sugar decantation method and mass production with the help of onion plant. Leaves of Lantana camara and Eupatorium adenophorum were collected and shed dried and grinded on powdered form. The treatments with green manures and mycorrhizae showed higher yield than the control in case of Lentil field trial. In case of Rajma field trial, length of stems and dry seed formation was higher in Eupatorium adenophorum and followed by Lantana camara, chemical fertilizer, control and mycorrhiza. Mycorrhizal spores were found higher in Lantana camara followed by Eupatorium adenophorum, mycorrhizal, chemical fertilizer and control. The number of mycorrhizal spores was found higher in case of Lantana camara followed by Eupatorium adenophorum, mycorrhiza, compost, chemical fertilizer and control. The percentage of seedless and low seeded pods were found higher on control followed by compost, chemical fertilizer, Lantana camara, Eupatorium adenophorum and mycorrhiza.Scientific World, Vol. 12, No. 12, September 2014, page 65-69
Genetic Divergence of Balam Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Germplasm of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed MS , Parveen S , Bashar MK , Shamsuddin AKM
Published: October 2015

Forty genotypes of Balam rice germplasm of Bangladesh were studied for 17 morpho-physicochemical characters at BRRI during 2009-11. The cluster analysis using Mahalanobis D2 statistics, grouped the genotypes into seven clusters, where no duplicate germplasm was found for the studied characters. The highest number of genotypes (8) was constellated into clusters I, III and V and the lowest (2) was in cluster IV. The intra- and inter-cluster distances were maximum (1.17 and 21.16) in cluster VII and between clusters II and IV and minimum (0.27 and 2.23) in cluster IV and between clusters II and VII respectively. Based on the values of principal component score, the two-dimensional scatter diagram (Z1-Z2) also distributed the genotypes into seven groups. The genotype of cluster IV, produced the highest flag and penultimate leaf area (1136 cm2), culm diameter (7.2 mm), days to maturity (152 days), primary and secondary branches per panicle (63), grain yield per panicle (4.9 g), 1000-grain weight (29.3 g), grain yield per hill (31.3 g), cooking time (19 min) and amylose content (24.1%). Similarly, the genotype of cluster I, produced the tallest plant (148 cm), maximum straw yield per hill (40.0 g) and protein content (9.6%), while the genotype of cluster VI, produced the highest panicle per plant (21) and the genotype of cluster III, produced the longest grain (8.8 mm). Therefore, it may be possible to obtain the highest mean values for the maximum studied characters, if the genotypes of cluster IV are crossed with the genotypes of cluster I, cluster III and cluster VI respectively. Besides, the canonical variate analysis showed that the grain length, cooking time, straw yield per hill, days to maturity, plant height and grain yield per panicle contributed maximum to the genetic divergence of the studied germplasms. Finally, the study revealed that the Balam rice germplasm can offer a diverse valuable gene reservoir to utilize in hybridization programmes for the improvement of Balam rice.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(1): 9-15
Effect of Plant Revitalization Hormone and Foliar Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Boro Rice
Authors: Karim MR , Rashid MM , Salam MA , Mazid MA , Momin MA , Islam MS
Published: October 2015

Correction: In the last line of the abstract, the word 'increase' was replaced with the word 'reduced' on 25th November 2015. The correct sentence now reads "The application of PRH, Calsol and Magic Growth significantly reduced rice yield than that obtained with recommended fertilizer dose."AbstractInherent soil fertility and application of exogenous fertilizer generally affect rice yield. Fertilization would be soil fertilization or foliar feeding through leaf area. Plant growth promoting substances also improve plant performance through modulation of its growth and yield. The study was conducted at BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Center (BARDC), Gazipur. The aim of the study was to find out the growth and yield of Boro rice as influenced by plant revitalization hormone (PRH) and liquid fertilizer Calsol and Magic Growth during dry season 2012-13 using randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatment consists of; T1=Recommend fertilizer dose of NPKS and Zn (Control), T2=T1+ recommended PRH, T3=T2 + half of the PRH, T4=Half of doses of T1 + PRH, T5=PRH, T6=Recommended fertilizer dose of NPK with three N top dressed along with Calsol, T7=Recommended fertilizer dose of NPK with 1st and 3rd split of N application and along with three split of Calsol application, T8=Recommended dose of liquid fertilizer Magic Growth. The effect of different treatment combinations of PRH and liquid fertilizer Calsol and Magic Growth showed significant difference (p<0.05) in panicle m-2, unfilled grain panicle-1, total grain panicle-1, and grain yield. However, none of the treatments out yielded the existing fertilizer application method. The application of PRH, Calsol and Magic Growth significantly reduced (corrected on 25th Nov. 2015) rice yield than that obtained with recommended fertilizer dose.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(1): 33-39
Assessment of Appropriate Doses of GA3 and Row Ratio for Better Seed Yield of a Promising Hybrid Rice Variety
Authors: Hasan MJ , Rahman MH , Akter A , Kulsum MU , Islam A
Published: October 2015

A field experiment was carried out at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) farm, Gazipur during dry season 2013-14 to find out the appropriate GA3 dose and row ratio for hybrid seed production. GA3 doses were applied @ 0, 80, 160, 240 and 320 g ha-1 with different row ratio. Results revealed that GA3 application influenced the panicle exsertion rate only. The calculated optimum GA3 dose was 302.4 g ha-1 with the highest PER (84.62%). Seed yield and OCR were influenced by row ratio. The highest OCR was observed with 2:12 row ratio while the highest seed yield was found in 2:14 row ratio.Bangladesh Rice j. 2015, 19(1): 57-61
Relationship between gestational diabetes and pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH)
Authors: Perveen Sajida , Jabeen Qaiser , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: October 2015

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) both have no adequate classification in addition to nomenclature that creates difficulties for researchers to find link between them. Aim of this work was to review the most recent data available on PIH and GDM and find the association between both conditions during gestation. Epidemeologies and whole studies which have done till now days, could not satisfy that what is association between PIH and GDM. The main issue to solve is how to find the association between GDM and PIH. Very limited data and research studies are available, creating hindrance to find any association. The one way to find the association now, can be that it should be checked the level of hypertension before, during and after gestation. According to the available data and research, it could be deduced that insulin resistance, present in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), may provide association more frequently. However, no direct evidential data is available for this link.Perveen et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, October 2015, 4(11): 453-456
Copolymers Based on Indole-6-Carboxylic Acid and 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene as Platinum Catalyst Support for Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Wu Tzi-Yi , Kuo Chung-Wen , Chen Yu-Lun , Chang Jeng-Kuei
Published: October 2015

Indole-6-carboxylic acid (ICA) and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) are copolymerized electrochemically on a stainless steel (SS) electrode to obtain poly(indole-6-carboxylic acid-co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)s (P(ICA-co-EDOT))s. The morphology of P(ICA-co-EDOT)s is checked using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the SEM images reveal that these films are composed of highly porous fibers when the feed molar ratio of ICA/EDOT is greater than 3/2. Platinum particles can be electrochemically deposited into the P(ICA-co-EDOT)s and PICA films to obtain P(ICA-co-EDOT)s-Pt and PICA-Pt composite electrodes, respectively. These composite electrodes are further characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SEM, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The SEM result indicates that Pt particles disperse more uniformly into the highly porous P(ICA3-co-EDOT2) fibers (feed molar ratio of ICA/EDOT = 3/2). The P(ICA3-co-EDOT2)-Pt nanocomposite electrode exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the electrooxidation of methanol in these electrodes, which reveals that P(ICA3-co-EDOT2)-Pt nanocomposite electrodes are more promising for application in an electrocatalyst as a support material.
Autophagy-Related Deubiquitinating Enzymes Involved in Health and Disease
Authors: Magraoui Fouzi , Reidick Christina , Meyer Hemut , Platta Harald
Published: October 2015

Autophagy is an evolutionarily-conserved process that delivers diverse cytoplasmic components to the lysosomal compartment for either recycling or degradation. This involves the removal of protein aggregates, the turnover of organelles, as well as the elimination of intracellular pathogens. In this situation, when only specific cargoes should be targeted to the lysosome, the potential targets can be selectively marked by the attachment of ubiquitin in order to be recognized by autophagy-receptors. Ubiquitination plays a central role in this process, because it regulates early signaling events during the induction of autophagy and is also used as a degradation-tag on the potential autophagic cargo protein. Here, we review how the ubiquitin-dependent steps of autophagy are balanced or counteracted by deubiquitination events. Moreover, we highlight the functional role of the corresponding deubiquitinating enzymes and discuss how they might be involved in the occurrence of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases or infection with pathogenic bacteria.
Management of Antithrombotic Agents in Oral Surgery Maria Martinez and Dimitrios A. Tsakiris *
Authors: Martinez Maria , Tsakiris Dimitrios
Published: October 2015

Systemic anticoagulation with intravenous or oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents is an efficient treatment against thromboembolic or cardiovascular disease. Invasive dental procedures or oral surgery might be associated with bleeding complications if carried out under anticoagulants. Patients on vitamin K antagonists, new direct anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents having dental interventions with low-risk for bleeding do not need interruption of anticoagulation. In case of bleeding complications local hemostatic measures, such as local surgical sutures, fibrin glue, local antifibrinolytic treatment with tranexamic acid, or e-aminocaproic acid suffice to stop bleeding. In patients with high risk of bleeding an individual assessment of the benefit/risk ratio of interrupting anticoagulation should be carried out. Bridging the long-term anticoagulation with short-term anticoagulants should be planned according to national or international guidelines. The introduction of the newer direct oral anticoagulants having more flexible pharmacokinetic properties has facilitated bridging, allowing short-term interruption without increasing the risk of relapsing thrombotic or cardiovascular events.
A Tale of Two Entangled Instabilities—The Dual Role of δ-O in HgBa2Can-1CunO2(n+1)+δ
Authors: Panas Itai
Published: October 2015

Low-energy instabilities in the hole-doped cuprates include, besides short range antiferromagnetic fluctuations and superconductivity, also ubiquitous translational and rotational symmetry breakings. The overwhelming majority of interpretations of these possibly related properties rely on mappings onto three bands spanned by the three atomic orbitals Cu3d(x2−y2)(σ), O2px(σ), and O2py(σ), these three local orbitals spanning the Zhang–Rice band (ZRB), the lower Hubbard bands (LHB) and the upper Hubbard bands (UHB), respectively. Here we demonstrate by means of supercell Density Functional Theory (DFT) (a) how oxygen intercalation affects the structures of the buffer layers, and (b) how the attenuated crystal field pulls two additional oxygen bands in the CuO2 plane to the Fermi level. The self-consistent changes in electronic structure reflected in the corresponding changes in external potential comprise formal properties of the Hohenberg–Kohn theorems. Validation of present days’ approximate exchange-correlation potentials to capture these qualitative effects by means of supercell DFT is made by comparing computed doping dependent structural shifts to corresponding experimentally observed correlations. The simplest generalization of Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory is offered to articulate high-critical temperature superconductivity (HTS) from a normal state where crystal field causes states related to two non-hybridizing bands to coalesce at EF.
Assessing the Groundwater Quality at a Saudi Arabian Agricultural Site and the Occurrence of Opportunistic Pathogens on Irrigated Food Produce
Authors: Alsalah Dhafer , Al-Jassim Nada , Timraz Kenda , Hong Pei-Ying
Published: October 2015

This study examines the groundwater quality in wells situated near agricultural fields in Saudi Arabia. Fruits (e.g., tomato and green pepper) irrigated with groundwater were also assessed for the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens to determine if food safety was compromised by the groundwater. The amount of total nitrogen in most of the groundwater samples exceeded the 15 mg/L permissible limit for agricultural irrigation. Fecal coliforms in densities > 12 MPN/100 mL were detected in three of the groundwater wells that were in close proximity to a chicken farm. These findings, coupled with qPCR-based fecal source tracking, show that groundwater in wells D and E, which were nearest to the chicken farm, had compromised quality. Anthropogenic contamination resulted in a shift in the predominant bacterial phyla within the groundwater microbial communities. For example, there was an elevated presence of Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria in wells D and E but a lower overall microbial richness in the groundwater perturbed by anthropogenic contamination. In the remaining wells, the genus Acinetobacter was detected at high relative abundance ranging from 1.5% to 48% of the total groundwater microbial community. However, culture-based analysis did not recover any antibiotic-resistant bacteria or opportunistic pathogens from these groundwater samples. In contrast, opportunistic pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated from the fruits irrigated with the groundwater from wells B and F. Although the groundwater was compromised, quantitative microbial risk assessment suggests that the annual risk incurred from accidental consumption of E. faecalis on these fruits was within the acceptable limit of 10−4. However, the annual risk arising from P. aeruginosa was 9.55 × 10−4, slightly above the acceptable limit. Our findings highlight that the groundwater quality at this agricultural site in western Saudi Arabia is not pristine and that better agricultural management practices are needed alongside groundwater treatment strategies to improve food safety.
In-situ Real-Time Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compound Exposure and Heart Rate Variability for Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Authors: Mizukoshi Atsushi , Kumagai Kazukiyo , Yamamoto Naomichi , Noguchi Miyuki , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Kumano Hiroaki , Sakabe Kou , Yanagisawa Yukio
Published: October 2015

In-situ real-time monitoring of volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure and heart rate variability (HRV) were conducted for eight multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients using a VOC monitor, a Holter monitor, and a time-activity questionnaire for 24 h to identify the relationship between VOC exposure, biological effects, and subjective symptoms in actual life. The results revealed no significantly different parameters for averaged values such as VOC concentration, HF (high frequency), and LF (low frequency) to HF ratio compared with previous data from healthy subjects (Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7, 4127–4138). Significant negative correlations for four subjects were observed between HF and amounts of VOC change. These results suggest that some patients show inhibition of parasympathetic activities along with VOC exposure as observed in healthy subjects. Comparing the parameters during subjective symptoms and normal condition, VOC concentration and/or VOC change were high except for one subject. HF values were low for five subjects during subjective symptoms. Examining the time-series data for VOC exposure and HF of each subject showed that the subjective symptoms, VOC exposure, and HF seemed well related in some symptoms. Based on these characteristics, prevention measures of symptoms for each subject may be proposed.
Iron Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Effects on Plant Performance and Root Associated Microbes
Authors: Burke David , Pietrasiak Nicole , Situ Shu , Abenojar Eric , Porche Mya , Kraj Pawel , Lakliang Yutthana , Samia Anna
Published: October 2015

In this study, we investigated the effect of positively and negatively charged Fe3O4 and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth of soybean plants (Glycine max.) and their root associated soil microbes. Soybean plants were grown in a greenhouse for six weeks after application of different amounts of NPs, and plant growth and nutrient content were examined. Roots were analyzed for colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and nodule-forming nitrogen fixing bacteria using DNA-based techniques. We found that plant growth was significantly lower with the application of TiO2 as compared to Fe3O4 NPs. The leaf carbon was also marginally significant lower in plants treated with TiO2 NPs; however, leaf phosphorus was reduced in plants treated with Fe3O4. We found no effects of NP type, concentration, or charge on the community structure of either rhizobia or AM fungi colonizing plant roots. However, the charge of the Fe3O4 NPs affected both colonization of the root system by rhizobia as well as leaf phosphorus content. Our results indicate that the type of NP can affect plant growth and nutrient content in an agriculturally important crop species, and that the charge of these particles influences the colonization of the root system by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Phytochemical and Biological Investigation of Two Diplotaxis Species Growing in Tunisia: D. virgata & D. erucoides
Authors: Salah Nizar , Casabianca Hervé , Jannet Hichem , Chenavas Sophie , Sanglar Corinne , Fildier Aurélie , Bouzouita Nabiha
Published: October 2015

A phytochemical investigation of Diplotaxis virgata D.C. and D. erucoides (L.) D.C. (Brassicaceae) offered to the isolation of two new flavonoids isorhamnetin-3-O-α-l-glucopyranoside (1) and rhamnetin-3,3ʹ-di-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), respectively. Their structures have been elucidated from the extended spectroscopic methods, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV and mass spectrometry analysis and by comparison with literature data. The fatty acid composition of the hexane extracts of the two species was also investigated by using GC-MS. The antioxidant activity of ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-butanol extracts and the isolated compounds from the two species was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS+ scavenging assays. All the tested samples showed an efficient radical scavenging ability, with IC50 values ranging from 16–40 µg/mL for the DPPH and from 17–44 µg/mL for the ABTS+ assays. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the prepared extracts and compounds 1 and 2, determined by well diffusion agar method against two Gram positive and five Gram negative bacteria, was evaluated and the results showed significant effects against all strains used.
Detection of Site-Specific Blood Flow Variation in Humans during Running by a Wearable Laser Doppler Flowmeter
Authors: Iwasaki Wataru , Nogami Hirofumi , Takeuchi Satoshi , Furue Masutaka , Higurashi Eiji , Sawada Renshi
Published: October 2015

Wearable wireless physiological sensors are helpful for monitoring and maintaining human health. Blood flow contains abundant physiological information but it is hard to measure blood flow during exercise using conventional blood flowmeters because of their size, weight, and use of optic fibers. To resolve these disadvantages, we previously developed a micro integrated laser Doppler blood flowmeter using microelectromechanical systems technology. This micro blood flowmeter is wearable and capable of stable measurement signals even during movement. Therefore, we attempted to measure skin blood flow at the forehead, fingertip, and earlobe of seven young men while running as a pilot experiment to extend the utility of the micro blood flowmeter. We measured blood flow in each subject at velocities of 6, 8, and 10 km/h. We succeeded in obtaining stable measurements of blood flow, with few motion artifacts, using the micro blood flowmeter, and the pulse wave signal and motion artifacts were clearly separated by conducting frequency analysis. Furthermore, the results showed that the extent of the changes in blood flow depended on the intensity of exercise as well as previous work with an ergometer. Thus, we demonstrated the capability of this wearable blood flow sensor for measurement during exercise.
An Improved Inertial Frame Alignment Algorithm Based on Horizontal Alignment Information for Marine SINS
Authors: Che Yanting , Wang Qiuying , Gao Wei , Yu Fei
Published: October 2015

In this paper, an improved inertial frame alignment algorithm for a marine SINS under mooring conditions is proposed, which significantly improves accuracy. Since the horizontal alignment is easy to complete, and a characteristic of gravity is that its component in the horizontal plane is zero, we use a clever method to improve the conventional inertial alignment algorithm. Firstly, a large misalignment angle model and a dimensionality reduction Gauss-Hermite filter are employed to establish the fine horizontal reference frame. Based on this, the projection of the gravity in the body inertial coordinate frame can be calculated easily. Then, the initial alignment algorithm is accomplished through an inertial frame alignment algorithm. The simulation and experiment results show that the improved initial alignment algorithm performs better than the conventional inertial alignment algorithm, and meets the accuracy requirements of a medium-accuracy marine SINS.
A Novel Low-Cost Instrumentation System for Measuring the Water Content and Apparent Electrical Conductivity of Soils
Authors: Rêgo Segundo Alan , Martins José , Monteiro Paulo , De Oliveira Rubens , Freitas Gustavo
Published: October 2015

The scarcity of drinking water affects various regions of the planet. Although climate change is responsible for the water availability, humanity plays an important role in preserving this precious natural resource. In case of negligence, the likely trend is to increase the demand and the depletion of water resources due to the increasing world population. This paper addresses the development, design and construction of a low cost system for measuring soil volumetric water content (θ), electrical conductivity (σ) and temperature (T), in order to optimize the use of water, energy and fertilizer in food production. Different from the existing measurement instruments commonly deployed in these applications, the proposed system uses an auto-balancing bridge circuit as measurement method. The proposed models to estimate θ and σ and correct them in function of T are compared to the ones reported in literature. The final prototype corresponds to a simple circuit connected to a pair of electrode probes, and presents high accuracy, high signal to noise ratio, fast response, and immunity to stray capacitance. The instrument calibration is based on salt solutions with known dielectric constant and electrical conductivity as reference. Experiments measuring clay and sandy soils demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the instrument.
Analysis of Benefits to Young Rail Enthusiasts of Participating in Extracurricular Academic Activities
Authors: Fraszczyk Anna , Dungworth Joseph , Marinov Marin
Published: October 2015

The paper examines a number of positive academic outcomes achieved by university students who, as young rail enthusiasts representing over 10 European institutions, took part in extracurricular rail-related academic activities. Analyses presented in the paper are based on the evaluation of the responses to the questionnaire distributed amongst participants of three consecutive editions of an intensive program in rail and logistics which took place in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Also, quotes from follow-up one-to-one interviews with participants are used to support the results presented. The sample for each year varies in terms of numbers, nationalities, academic backgrounds, and male:female ratio. Academic benefits are specifically looked into, which includes teaching and learning activities throughout the three weeks of the program. The analysis of results revealed that young rail enthusiasts who participated in the program benefited from lectures delivered in Week 1, especially those focused on multimodal transport and rail infrastructure in 2013, which received positive mean ratings of 4.45 and 4.53, respectively, on a five-point Likert scale. Moreover, academic benefits were strongly supported by non-technical skills improvements in areas such as English language and communication, both reaching the mean ratings of 4.35 or above in 2014. A number of recommendations for improvements of next editions of similar rail-related programs as well as areas for future research are identified in the paper
HPV16 E6 Controls the Gap Junction Protein Cx43 in Cervical Tumour Cells
Authors: Sun Peng , Dong Li , MacDonald Alasdair , Akbari Shahrzad , Edward Michael , Hodgins Malcolm , Johnstone Scott , Graham Sheila
Published: October 2015

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) causes a range of cancers including cervical and head and neck cancers. HPV E6 oncoprotein binds the cell polarity regulator hDlg (human homologue of Drosophila Discs Large). Previously we showed in vitro, and now in vivo, that hDlg also binds Connexin 43 (Cx43), a major component of gap junctions that mediate intercellular transfer of small molecules. In HPV16-positive non-tumour cervical epithelial cells (W12G) Cx43 localised to the plasma membrane, while in W12T tumour cells derived from these, it relocated with hDlg into the cytoplasm. We now provide evidence that E6 regulates this cytoplasmic pool of Cx43. E6 siRNA depletion in W12T cells resulted in restoration of Cx43 and hDlg trafficking to the cell membrane. In C33a HPV-negative cervical tumour cells expressing HPV16 or 18 E6, Cx43 was located primarily in the cytoplasm, but mutation of the 18E6 C-terminal hDlg binding motif resulted in redistribution of Cx43 to the membrane. The data indicate for the first time that increased cytoplasmic E6 levels associated with malignant progression alter Cx43 trafficking and recycling to the membrane and the E6/hDlg interaction may be involved. This suggests a novel E6-associated mechanism for changes in Cx43 trafficking in cervical tumour cells.
Protein and small non‐coding RNA‐enriched extracellular vesicles are released by the pathogenic blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Nowacki Fanny C. , Swain Martin T. , Klychnikov Oleg I. , Niazi Umar , Ivens Alasdair , Quintana Juan F. , Hensbergen Paul J. , Hokke Cornelis H. , Buck Amy H. , Hoffmann Karl F.
Published: October 2015

Background

Penetration of skin, migration through tissues and establishment of long‐lived intravascular partners require Schistosoma parasites to successfully manipulate definitive host defences. While previous studies of larval schistosomula have postulated a function for excreted/secreted (E/S) products in initiating these host‐modulatory events, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) has yet to be considered. Here, using preparatory ultracentrifugation as well as methodologies to globally analyse both proteins and small non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs), we conducted the first characterization of Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula EVs and their potential host‐regulatory cargos.

Results

Transmission electron microscopy analysis of EVs isolated from schistosomula in vitro cultures revealed the presence of numerous, 30–100 nm sized exosome‐like vesicles. Proteomic analysis of these vesicles revealed a core set of 109 proteins, including homologs to those previously found enriched in other eukaryotic EVs, as well as hypothetical proteins of high abundance and currently unknown function. Characterization of E/S sncRNAs found within and outside of schistosomula EVs additionally identified the presence of potential gene‐regulatory miRNAs (35 known and 170 potentially novel miRNAs) and tRNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs; nineteen 5′ tsRNAs and fourteen 3′ tsRNAs).

Conclusions

The identification of S. mansoni EVs and the combinatorial protein/sncRNA characterization of their cargo signifies that an important new participant in the complex biology underpinning schistosome/host interactions has now been discovered. Further work defining the role of these schistosomula EVs and the function/stability of intra‐ and extra‐vesicular sncRNA components presents tremendous opportunities for developing novel schistosomiasis diagnostics or interventions.