bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pilot-scale study of Cryptosporidium-sized microsphere removals from swimming pools via sand filtration
Authors: Lu Ping , Amburgey James E.
Published: February 2016

Cryptosporidium species are the most common cause of gastrointestinal illness in treated recreational water venues. In order to protect public health during swimming, Cryptosporidium-sized microsphere removals by high-rate sand filtration with six coagulants were evaluated with a 5.5 m3 pilot-scale swimming pool. A sand filter without coagulation removed 20–63% of Cryptosporidium-sized microspheres. Cryptosporidium-sized microsphere removals exceeded 98% by sand filtration with five of the six tested coagulants. Continuously feeding coagulants A, B, and F (i.e., organic polymers) led to coagulant accumulation in the system and decreased removals over time (<2 days). Coagulant E (polyaluminum chloride) consistently removed more than 90% of microspheres at 30 m/h while the removals dropped to approximately 50% at a filtration rate of 37 m/h. Coagulant C was a chitosan-based product that removed fewer microspheres compared with other products, <75%, under the studied conditions. Results indicated aluminum-based coagulants (coagulants D and E) had an overall performance advantage over the organic polymer based coagulants primarily in terms of their tendency not to accumulate in the water and cease to be effective at improving filter efficiency.
Bidet toilet seats with warm-water tanks: residual chlorine, microbial community, and structural analyses
Authors: Iyo Toru , Asakura Keiko , Nakano Makiko , Yamada Mutsuko , Omae Kazuyuki
Published: February 2016

Despite the reported health-related advantages of the use of warm water in bidets, there are health-related disadvantages associated with the use of these toilet seats, and the bacterial research is sparse. We conducted a survey on the hygienic conditions of 127 warm-water bidet toilet seats in restrooms on a university campus. The spray water from the toilet seats had less residual chlorine than their tap water sources. However, the total viable microbial count was below the water-quality standard for tap water. In addition, the heat of the toilet seats' warm-water tanks caused heterotrophic bacteria in the source tap water to proliferate inside the nozzle pipes and the warm-water tanks. Escherichia coli was detected on the spray nozzles of about 5% of the toilet seats, indicating that the self-cleaning mechanism of the spray nozzles was largely functioning properly. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected on about 2% of the toilet seats. P. aeruginosa was found to remain for long durations in biofilms that formed inside warm-water tanks. Infection-prevention measures aimed at P. aeruginosa should receive full consideration when managing warm-water bidet toilet seats in hospitals in order to prevent opportunistic infections in intensive care units, hematology wards, and other hospital locations.
Comparison of Colilert-18 with miniaturised most probable number method for monitoring of Escherichia coli in bathing water
Authors: Tiwari Ananda , Niemelä Seppo I. , Vepsäläinen Asko , Rapala Jarkko , Kalso Seija , Pitkänen Tarja
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this equivalence study was to compare an alternative method, Colilert-18 Quanti-Tray (ISO 9308-2) with the European bathing water directive (2006/7/EC) reference method, the miniaturised most probable number (MMPN) method (ISO 9308-3), for the analysis of Escherichia coli. Six laboratories analysed a total of 263 bathing water samples in Finland. The comparison was carried out according to ISO 17994:2004. The recovery of E. coli using the Colilert-18 method was 7.0% and 8.6% lower than that of the MMPN method after 48 hours and 72 hours of incubation, respectively. The confirmation rate of presumptive E. coli-positive wells in the Colilert-18 and MMPN methods was high (97.8% and 98.0%, respectively). However, the testing of presumptive E. coli-negative but coliform bacteria-positive (yellow but not fluorescent) Colilert-18 wells revealed 7.3% false negative results. There were more false negatives in the naturally contaminated waters than in the samples spiked with waste water. The difference between the recovery of Colilert-18 and the MMPN method was considered not significant, and subsequently the methods are considered as equivalent for bathing water quality monitoring in Finland. Future bathing water method equivalence verification studies may use the data reported herein. The laboratories should make sure that any wells showing even minor fluorescence will be determined as positive for E. coli.
Predicting ‘very poor’ beach water quality gradings using classification tree
Authors: Thoe Wai , Choi King Wah , Lee Joseph Hun-wei
Published: February 2016

A beach water quality prediction system has been developed in Hong Kong using multiple linear regression (MLR) models. However, linear models are found to be weak at capturing the infrequent ‘very poor’ water quality occasions when Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration exceeds 610 counts/100 mL. This study uses a classification tree to increase the accuracy in predicting the ‘very poor’ water quality events at three Hong Kong beaches affected either by non-point source or point source pollution. Binary-output classification trees (to predict whether E. coli concentration exceeds 610 counts/100 mL) are developed over the periods before and after the implementation of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme, when systematic changes in water quality were observed. Results show that classification trees can capture more ‘very poor’ events in both periods when compared to the corresponding linear models, with an increase in correct positives by an average of 20%. Classification trees are also developed at two beaches to predict the four-category Beach Water Quality Indices. They perform worse than the binary tree and give excessive false alarms of ‘very poor’ events. Finally, a combined modelling approach using both MLR model and classification tree is proposed to enhance the beach water quality prediction system for Hong Kong.
Impact of providing in-home water service on the rates of infectious diseases: results from four communities in Western Alaska
Authors: Thomas T. K. , Ritter T. , Bruden D. , Bruce M. , Byrd K. , Goldberger R. , Dobson J. , Hickel K. , Smith J. , Hennessy T.
Published: February 2016

Approximately 20% of rural Alaskan homes lack in-home piped water; residents haul water to their homes. The limited quantity of water impacts the ability to meet basic hygiene needs. We assessed rates of infections impacted by water quality (waterborne, e.g. gastrointestinal infections) and quantity (water-washed, e.g. skin and respiratory infections) in communities transitioning to in-home piped water. Residents of four communities consented to a review of medical records 3 years before and after their community received piped water. We selected health encounters with ICD-9CM codes for respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections. We calculated annual illness episodes for each infection category after adjusting for age. We obtained 5,477 person-years of observation from 1032 individuals. There were 9,840 illness episodes with at least one ICD-9CM code of interest; 8,155 (83%) respiratory, 1,666 (17%) skin, 241 (2%) gastrointestinal. Water use increased from an average 1.5 gallons/capita/day (g/c/d) to 25.7 g/c/d. There were significant (P-value < 0.05) declines in respiratory (16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 11–21%), skin (20, 95%CI: 10–30%), and gastrointestinal infections (38, 95%CI: 13–55%). We demonstrated significant declines in respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections among individuals who received in-home piped water. This study reinforces the importance of adequate quantities of water for health.
Removal of arsenic and iron removal from drinking water using coagulation and biological treatment
Authors: Pramanik Biplob Kumar , Pramanik Sagor Kumar , Suja Fatihah
Published: February 2016

Effects of biological activated carbon (BAC), biological aerated filter (BAF), alum coagulation and Moringa oleifera coagulation were investigated to remove iron and arsenic contaminants from drinking water. At an initial dose of 5 mg/L, the removal efficiency for arsenic and iron was 63% and 58% respectively using alum, and 47% and 41% respectively using Moringa oleifera. The removal of both contaminants increased with the increase in coagulant dose and decrease in pH. Biological processes were more effective in removing these contaminants than coagulation. Compared to BAF, BAC gave greater removal of both arsenic and iron, removing 85% and 74%, respectively. Longer contact time for both processes could reduce the greater concentration of arsenic and iron contaminants. The addition of coagulation (at 5 mg/L dosage) and a biological process (with 15 or 60 min contact time) could significantly increase removal efficiency, and the maximum removal was observed for the combination of alum and BAC treatment (60 min contact time), with 100% and 98.56% for arsenic and iron respectively. The reduction efficiency of arsenic and iron reduced with the increase in the concentration of dissolved organics in the feedwater due to the adsorption competition between organic molecules and heavy metals.
Enteric viruses in surface water and sediment samples from the catchment area of Peri Lagoon, Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Authors: Elmahdy E. M. , Fongaro G. , Schissi C. D. , Petrucio M. M. , Barardi C. R. M.
Published: February 2016

This paper aims to quantify human adenovirus (HAdV), rotavirus species A (RVA), and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in surface water and sediments and to determine the viability of HAdV in these samples. Water and sediment samples were collected, and HAdV, RVA, and HAV were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); HAdV was also evaluated for infectivity by a plaque assay (PA). For the water samples, HAdV was detected in 70.8% of the summer collections, with 82.4% containing infectious HAdV; the HAdV incidence in winter was 62.5%. For the sediment samples, the incidence of HAdV was 37.5% in the summer collections, with 66.7% containing infectious HAdV; the HAdV incidence in winter was 37.5%. RVA was detected in 20.8 and 45.8% of surface water samples collected in summer and winter, respectively, and 8.3 and 12.5% of sediment samples collected in summer and winter, respectively. HAV was detected only in surface waters, with 54.8 and 12.5% positivity in summer and winter samples, respectively. This study demonstrated that enteric viruses are present in water and sediments and that the presence of infectious viruses should be investigated whenever possible for quantitative microbial risk assessment studies. Combined analyses of water and sediments are important for reliable public health risk analysis of recreational and lagoon waters.
The Effect of Intravitreal Azithromycin on the Albino Newborn Rabbit Retina
Authors: Cam Duygu , Saatci Ali Osman , Micili Serap Cilaker , Ergur Bekir Ugur , Karabag Revan Yildirim , Durak Ismet , Berk Ayse Tulin
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of intravitreal azithromycin on the retina in a newborn rabbit model.

Methods:

Twelve, two-week old New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into two groups (six in each). The right eyes of six rabbits received 0.75 mg (0.05 mL) azithromycin and the right eyes of the remaining six rabbits 1.5 mg (0.1 mL) azithromycin intravitreally. Left eyes were served as the control and received the same volume of saline. All eyes were enucleated at the third postinjection week. Retinal histology was examined by light microscopy. Apoptosis of the retinal cells was further evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) of DNA fragments.

Results:

Light microscopy demonstrated no retinal abnormalities in all eyes. However, retinal nuclear DNA fragmentation was evident in both study groups (33.6% with 1.5 mg and 21.4% with 0.75 mg azithromycin) with the TUNEL method. TUNEL staining ratio was statistically higher only in the second group treated with 1.5 mg azithromycin when compared to the control group (p=0.01 Mann Whitney U test). The ratio of caspase-3 positive cells in the two study groups was 21.5% and 20.2%, respectively. Caspase-3 staining ratio was statistically higher in both study groups when compared to the control eyes (p=0.00, p=0.00 respectively). The difference of TUNEL staining ratio between the two study groups was statistically significant (p=0.028), but there were no statistically significant differences in the two study groups by caspase-3 staining (p=0.247).

Conclusion:

In newborn rabbits, intravitreal azithromycin injection resulted in an apoptotic activity in the photoreceptor, bipolar and ganglion cells. Immunohistochemical analysis suggested that doses of 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg azithromycin, administered intravitreally might be toxic to the newborn rabbit retina.
Markers of inflammation as risk predictors of lethal outcome in patients diagnosed with delirium
Authors: Stasevic-Karlicic Ivana , Stasevic Milena , Jankovic Slobodan , Djukic-Dejanovic Slavica , Milovanovic Srdjan
Published: February 2016

Background/Aim. Delirium is an acute or subacute, and most frequently
reversible syndrome of higher cortical functions disturbances that is
manifested as generalized disorder. If not prevented, it is associated with
various adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the
connection between the markers of inflammation and lethal outcome in patients
diagnosed with delirium, hospitalized in the psychiatric intensive care unit.
Methods. This retrospective study included 120 patients hospitalized in the
psychiatric intensive care unit in whom examination of differences in
inflammation markers was done. The examinees have been divided into two
groups: the case group of 40 patients who died during the hospitalization,
and the control group of 80 examinees who were discharged with the diagnosis
Post delirium status. The following variables were taken into account: age,
gender, clinical diagnosis of infection (pneumonia and urinary tract
infection), laboratory parameters (total of white blood cells, granulocytes,
monocytes, C-reactive protein ? CRP) and type of delirium (withdrawal or
organic). Results. The average age of patients was 50.3 ? 13.1 years. The
patients who survived delirium, were on the average 10.5 years younger than
the deceased (p < 0.001). More than half (57.5%) of the deceased had
pneumonia. There was a statistically significant correlation between
pneumonia and lethal outcome in the patients with delirium (p < 0.001). The
examinees with lethal outcome had significantly higher median CRP levels than
the group of examinees who survived (75.6% ? 54.0 vs 30.3 ? 42.5 ng/L, p <
0.001). Conclusion. Aiming to better and more precise diagnostics of this
complicated and still unclear neuropsychiatric syndrome it would be useful to
consider introduction of more precise diagnostic algorithms in every unit of
intensive care. That would significantly reduce the number of delirium
diagnosis overlook, decrease complication of clinical features and would also
reduce the unfavorable outcome rate, therefore the total cost of treatment.
Transverse colon volvulus in neurologicaly imparied patient as an emergency surgical condition: A case report
Authors: Milickovic Maja , Savic Djordje , Stankovic Nikola , Vukadin Miroslav , Vlahovic Aleksandar , Bozic Dejana
Published: February 2016

Introduction. Transverse colon volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel
obstruction in general. Predisposing factors are mental retardation,
dysmotility disorders, chronic constipation and congenital megacolon. Case
report. We presented transverse colon volvulus in a 16-year-old boy with
cerebral palsy. Chronic constipation in neurologicaly impaired patient was a
risk factor predisposing to volvulus. The patient was admitted to the
hospital with enormous abdominal distension and acute respiratory
insufficiency. A boy was emergently taken to the operating room for
exploratory laparotomy. During the surgery, a 360? clockwise volvulus of the
transverse colon was found. After reduction of volvulus, an enormous
transverse colon was resected and colostomy was formed. In the postoperative
period, despite the good functioning of stoma and intraabdominal
normotension, numerous and long lasting respiratory problems developed. The
patient was discharged from our institution after 8 months. Conclusion.
Though very rare in pediatric group, the possibility of a transverse colon
volvulus must be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute large
bowel obstruction.
Quality Control in Medical Education
Authors: Mishra S. M.
Published: February 2016

Not available.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 1-1
Depression with Somatic Symptoms in Patients Attending Psychiatry OPD of Nepalgunj Medical College
Authors: Belbase Mohan , Adhikari J. , Khan T.A. , Jalan R.K.
Published: February 2016

Background: Depression is the most common mental health problem but its presentation may not be the same all the time. Presentation of depression in the form of somatic symptoms makes it difficult to identify by untrained eyes which needs detailed investigations before labeling them as having a psychiatric problems.  Methods: This is a descriptive study done in patients attending psychiatry OPD of Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, for six months from the month of May to October 2014. Results: Out of the 240 study subjects, the most common age group is 21-30 years, 90(37.5%), followed by 11-20 years, 50(20.83%). Among the physical symptoms, Generalized weakness 145(29.84%), loss of appetite 106(21.81%), vague pain (joint/abdomen) 84(17.28%), headache 80(16.46%), burning and tingling sensation 71(14.61%).Conclusions: Depression is a common psychiatric entity but may present in the form of physical symptoms. The commonest being generalized weakness 145(29.84%), followed by loss of appetite 106(21.81%).JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 17-19
Seasonal Variations in Cataract Surgery Numbers in Mid Western and Far Western Terrain Belts of Nepal
Authors: Bastola Pradeep , Bascaran C. , Foster A.
Published: February 2016

Introduction: In western regions of Nepal many more cataract operations are performed during the winter season than the summer season. This causes problems with resource allocation. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of seasonal variation in cataract surgery, explore the causes, and make recommendations to optimize resource utilization.Methods: Hospital data of the number of patients undergoing cataract surgery in the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 in 3 hospitals was analyzed by month of surgery. 100 consecutive patients having cataract surgery in the winter season and 100 in the summer season were compared for differences and questioned as to the reasons for choosing cataract surgery at that time.Results: Of the 127,718 cataract operations performed over 3 years in the 3 hospitals, 45% were performed in the 3 months February-April and 9% in the 3 months June-August. The mean number performed in March (highest volume month) was more than 7 times higher than that performed in July (lowest month) – 8016 versus 1041 per month. At univariate level nationality, marital status, socioeconomic status, cost per surgery, occupation, age and ethnicity were associated with seasonal variations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of seasonal uptake showed Nationality/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic status and cost per surgery statistically significant in predicting attendance in high season.Conclusions: There is a large seasonal variation in cataract surgery numbers in West Nepal. Factors including patients' nationality cost of surgery and cultural beliefs contribute to the seasonal variation. If these can be addressed then resource allocation and utilization can be improved.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 24-29
Evaluation of Prophylactic Antibiotic in Caesarean Section
Authors: Ansari Nazmussaba , Das CR , Ansari Miraj Alam
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Caesarean section is one of the most rewarding surgeries when performed in time and indication. The number of C/S has been growing rapidly in the developing as well as developed world.Aims & Objectives: Evaluation of prophylactic antibiotic in caesarean section.Methodology: This study was conducted in Nepalgunj Medical College Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur from June 2014 to September 2014. Group A consisted of 100 patient who were randomly allocated & injection ceftriaxone 1gm. I/V stat was given at the time of induction of anesthesia (30 mins. before incision). Group B also consisted of 100 patients who were given 5 days antibiotics.Results: In post operative evaluation the infection rate were compared in both groups, group A wound infection 2% and group B 3% , Endometritis - group A 1% and group B 2%, UTI- group A 3% and group B 4%, Fever - group A 6% and group B 4%.Conclusion: Single dose prophylactic antibiotic is comparable to multi dose antibiotic in this study. Since the single dose antibiotic is as efficacious as multi dose regime, it is advocated that single dose prophylactic antibiotic can be given in caesarean section as it is cost effective and as efficient as multi dose regimen.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 40-41
Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease: Azithromycin Must Replace Penicillin for Treatment and Prophylaxis
Authors: Lalchandani Arati , Raj Senthi , Godara M. , Singh V. , Kumar A. , Rajan A.
Published: February 2016

The standard and age-old treatment of RF/ RHD is a single injection of Benzathine Penicillin G given intramuscular after sensitivity test in a dose of 1.2 million units. For secondary prophylaxis, this is followed by Injection Benzathine Penicillin given intramuscular, each time after sensitivity test, after every 21 days (3weeks), in the same dose of 1.2 million units. The treatment and prophylaxis of RF/ RHD has never seriously been reviewed in the light of newer drugs discovered for GAS (Group A Streptococcus) after Penicillin. All the other drugs mentioned above are oral forms which could never be an alternative to Benzathine Penicillin due to the daily dose required, except for Azithromycin which has a long half-life and several other pharmacological properties which make it an ideal drug for treatment and prophylaxis of RF/ RHD. Benzathine Penicillin G is in use for past 60 years due to convenience of dosing, its undoubted efficacy in eradication of the GABHS, and the low cost. But the scene is changed now.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 42-45
Black Plays Matter: Watah Theatre, Creating Safe Space for Black Artists in These Dangerous Times
Authors: anitafrika d’bi.young
Published: February 2016

This article explores the Watah Theatre and the crucial role it plays in providing professional development to emerging and emerged Black theatre practitioners in Canada. Watah contributes to, supports, and develops the legacy of Black theatre in Canada by cultivating and sharing a unique African-Caribbean-Canadian womxnist theatre aesthetic, heavily informed by the radical performance tradition of Jamaica’s dub poetry and dub theatre. The company insists on challenging systemic barriers that exclude Black theatre artists and womxn; giving Black arts practitioners a local, national, and international platform to showcase and celebrate their work. Radical arts-engagement sits at the core of Watah’s commitment to providing Black artists with the tools to self-actualize, create relevant art, and uncover crucial mentorship skills for each one to teach one. Year-long residencies that culminate in monodramas written by the artists, ongoing publication of the resident-artists’ work, and the staging of ground-breaking new theatre are the foundation of Watah’s season.
Pippi Longstocking as Friedrich Nietzsche’s overhuman
Authors: Tholander Michael
Published: February 2016

Not Available.
“Equally mixed”: artistic representations of old love
Authors: Cohen-Shalev Amir , Marcus Esther-Lee
Published: February 2016

Michael Haneke’s (2012) film Amour is used as a point of departure for discussing a spectrum of artistic representations of ‘‘old love,’’ a phenomenon that is still little understood. While most critics have focused on euthanasia when referring to the film’s dramatic climax, its late-life perspective of love has been marginalized. Analyzing Amour, as well as other recent cinematic and poetic texts, we challenge the widespread midlife and ageist perception of ‘‘April love,’’ contrasting it with different views from within old love. Our reading of Amour illustrates the effects of intense, all-encompassing, and sealed intimacy in advanced old age and sheds light on potential consequences it may have on the decisions and lives of the people involved. We conclude by discussing how certain forms of love, seen from within, unfold in tandem with age or life phases that affect the pace, emotional, and interpersonal nature of the partnership.
Aboveground Net Primary Productivity in a Riparian Wetland Following Restoration of Hydrology
Authors: Koontz Melissa , Lundberg Christopher , Lane Robert , Day John , Pezeshki Reza
Published: February 2016

This research presents the initial results of the effects of hydrological restoration on forested wetlands in the Mississippi alluvial plain near Memphis, Tennessee. Measurements were carried out in a secondary channel, the Loosahatchie Chute, in which rock dikes were constructed in the 1960s to keep most flow in the main navigation channel. In 2008–2009, the dikes were notched to allow more flow into the secondary channel. Study sites were established based on relative distance downstream of the notched dikes. Additionally, a reference site was established north of the Loosahatchie Chute where the dikes remained unnotched. We compared various components of vegetation composition and productivity at sites in the riparian wetlands for two years. Salix nigra had the highest Importance Value at every site. Species with minor Importance Values were Celtis laevigata, Acer rubrum, and Plantanus occidentalis. Productivity increased more following the introduction of river water in affected sites compared to the reference. Aboveground net primary productivity was highest at the reference site (2926 ± 458.1 g·m−2·year−1), the intact site; however, there were greater increase at the sites in the Loosahatchie Chute, where measurements ranged from 1197.7 ± 160.0 g m−2·year−1·to 2874.2 ± 794.0 g·m−2·year−1. The site furthest from the notching was the most affected. Pulsed inputs into these wetlands may enhance forested wetland productivity. Continued monitoring will quantify impacts of restored channel hydrology along the Mississippi River.
Thermodynamics of Quantum Feedback Cooling
Authors: Liuzzo-Scorpo Pietro , Correa Luis , Schmidt Rebecca , Adesso Gerardo
Published: February 2016

The ability to initialize quantum registers in pure states lies at the core of many applications of quantum technologies, from sensing to quantum information processing and computation. In this paper, we tackle the problem of increasing the polarization bias of an ensemble of two-level register spins by means of joint coherent manipulations, involving a second ensemble of ancillary spins and energy dissipation into an external heat bath. We formulate this spin refrigeration protocol, akin to algorithmic cooling, in the general language of quantum feedback control, and identify the relevant thermodynamic variables involved. Our analysis is two-fold: on the one hand, we assess the optimality of the protocol by means of suitable figures of merit, accounting for both its work cost and effectiveness; on the other hand, we characterise the nature of correlations built up between the register and the ancilla. In particular, we observe that neither the amount of classical correlations nor the quantum entanglement seem to be key ingredients fuelling our spin refrigeration protocol. We report instead that a more general indicator of quantumness beyond entanglement, the so-called quantum discord, is closely related to the cooling performance.
Potential for Hybrid Poplar Riparian Buffers to Provide Ecosystem Services in Three Watersheds with Contrasting Agricultural Land Use
Authors: Fortier Julien , Truax Benoit , Gagnon Daniel , Lambert France
Published: February 2016

In temperate agricultural watersheds, the rehabilitation of tree vegetation in degraded riparian zones can provide many ecosystem services. This study evaluated ecosystem service provision potential following the conversion of non-managed herbaceous buffers to hybrid poplar (Populus spp.) buffers in three watersheds (555–771 km2) of southern Québec (Canada), with contrasting agricultural land uses. To extrapolate services at the watershed level, total stream length where hybrid poplars could be established was calculated using GIS data from hydrological and land cover maps. After nine years, a 100% replacement of herbaceous buffers by hybrid poplar buffers along farm streams could lead to the production of 5280–76,151 tons of whole tree (stems + branches) biomass, which could heat 0.5–6.5 ha of greenhouses for nine years, with the potential of displacing 2–29 million litres of fuel oil. Alternatively, the production of 3887–56,135 tons of stem biomass (fuelwood) could heat 55–794 new farmhouses or 40–577 old farmhouses for nine years. Producing fuelwood in buffers rather than in farm woodlots could create forest conservation opportunities on 300–4553 ha. Replacing all herbaceous buffers by poplar buffers could provide potential storage of 2984–42,132 t C, 29–442 t N and 3–56 t P in plant biomass, if woody biomass is not harvested. The greatest potential for services provision was in the Pike River watershed where agriculture is the dominant land use. A review of the potential services of poplar buffers is made, and guidelines for managing services and disservices are provided.
Taiwan Universities: Where to Go?
Authors: Kuo Yu-Ying
Published: February 2016

The dramatic expansion of Taiwan universities/colleges from about 100 to 160 from the late 1980s has encountered problems due to social and global changes. What should Taiwan universities move toward and how? This research relies on secondary data to explore the issues Taiwan universities currently face—a low birth rate and global competition. The decreasing number of incoming students will result in a lower registration rate and less tuition revenue, which will make some universities struggle to survive. Hence, government policies, proposed by the Ministry of Education, have been implemented to assist Taiwan universities to adjust to external changes. The Innovative Transformation Policy, adopted in 2015, consists of strategies for university–industry cooperation, university mergers, university closures, and a re-shaping of the university paradigm. This policy has begun to be implemented and its initial outcome will be continually evaluated. In accordance with the Innovative Transformation Policy, this study encourages Taiwan universities to improve governance, set prominent unique characteristics of development, and enhance global competitiveness.
Environment and Its Influence on Health and Demographics in South Korea
Authors: Bravo Santisteban Ramiro , Kim Young , Farooq Umar , Kim Tae-Seong , Youm Sekyoung , Park Seung-Hun
Published: February 2016

As the prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing in South Korea, it is critical to better understand possible associations between environmental surroundings and general health status. We characterize key health test readings and basic demographic information from 10,816 South Koreans, obtained from two Ubiquitous Healthcare (U-Healthcare) centers that have distinct surrounding neighborhood characteristics. One is located in a rural area in Busan, the other is located in an urban area in Daegu surrounded by a highly crowded residential and commercial business area. We analyze comprehensive health data sets, including blood pressure, body mass index, pulse rate, and body fat percentage from December 2013 to December 2014 to study differences in overall health test measurements between users of rural and urban U-Healthcare centers. We conduct multiple regression analyses to evaluate differences in general health status between the two centers, adjusting for confounding factors. We report statistical evidence of differences in blood pressure at the two locations. As local residents are major users, the result indicates that the environmental surroundings of the centers can influence the demographics of the users, the type of health tests in demand, and the users’ health status. We further envision that U-Healthcare centers will provide public users with an opportunity for enhancing their current health, which could potentially be used to prevent them from developing chronic diseases, while providing surveillance healthcare data.
Evaluation of Microbiological and Chemical Contaminants in Poultry Farms
Authors: Skóra Justyna , Matusiak Katarzyna , Wojewódzki Piotr , Nowak Adriana , Sulyok Michael , Ligocka Anna , Okrasa Małgorzata , Hermann Janusz , Gutarowska Beata
Published: February 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbiological and chemical contamination in settled dust at poultry farms. The scope of research included evaluating the contributions of the various granulometric fractions in settled dust samples, assessing microbial contamination using culture methods, concentrations of secondary metabolites in dust and their cytotoxicity against hepatocyte chicken cells by means of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) tests. In addition, we also evaluated the concentration of selected volatile odorous compounds (VOCs) using gas chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods and airborne dust concentration in the air with DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor. Studies were carried out on chicken broilers and laying hens at 13 poultry farms, with numbers of birds ranging from 8000 to 42,000. The airborne total dust concentration at poultry farms averaged 1.44 mg/m3 with a high percentage of the PM10 fraction (particulate matter with a diameter less than 10 μm). Microorganism concentrations in the settled dust were: 3.2 × 109 cfu/g for bacteria and 1.2 × 106 cfu/g for fungi. Potential pathogens (Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces variotii) were also found. Secondary metabolites included aurofusarin, deoxynivalenol, 15-hydroxyculmorin zearalenone, zearalenone-sulfate, infectopyron, and neochinulin A. However, the dust samples showed weak cytotoxicity towards chicken hepatocyte cells, which ranged between 9.2% and 29.7%. Among volatile odorous compounds ammonia, acrolein, methyloamine, acetic acid, acetoaldehyde and formaldehyde were detected in the air. In conclusion, settled dust can be a carrier of microorganisms, odours and secondary metabolites in poultry farms, which can be harmful to workers’ health.
The Impact of Knowledge of Suicide Prevention and Work Experience among Clinical Staff on Attitudes towards Working with Suicidal Patients and Suicide Prevention
Authors: Ramberg Inga-Lill , Di Lucca Maria , Hadlaczky Gergö
Published: February 2016

Suicide-preventive training has shown to influence attitudes. This study aimed at investigating what impact other factors than knowledge might have on attitudes towards work with suicidal patients and suicide prevention. In 2007, 500 health-care staff working in a psychiatric clinic in Stockholm received a questionnaire with items concerning work with suicidal patients to which 358 (71.6%) responded. A set of attitude items were tested using structural equation modelling (LISREL). Three models were found to be satisfactory valid and reliable: Job clarity, Job confidence and Attitudes towards prevention. These were then used in regression analyses as dependent variables with predictors such as experience of work with suicidal patients, perceived sufficient training, age and gender. Perceived sufficient training was consistently the most important predictor for all three attitude concepts (p < 0.01, β = 0.559 for Job clarity; p < 0.01, β = 0.53 for Job confidence; p < 0.01, β = 0.191 for Attitudes towards prevention). Age was another significant predictor for Job clarity (p < 0.05, β = 0.134), as was experience of patient suicide for Job confidence (p < 0.05, β = 0.137). It is concluded that providing suicide preventive education is likely to improve attitudes towards the prevention of suicide, clarity and confidence regarding their role in the care for suicidal patients. These improvements may contribute to the prevention of suicide in health care settings.
Biological and Chemical Removal of Primary Cilia Affects Mechanical Activation of Chondrogenesis Markers in Chondroprogenitors and Hypertrophic Chondrocytes
Authors: Deren Matthew , Yang Xu , Guan Yingjie , Chen Qian
Published: February 2016

Chondroprogenitors and hypertrophic chondrocytes, which are the first and last stages of the chondrocyte differentiation process, respectively, are sensitive to mechanical signals. We hypothesize that the mechanical sensitivity of these cells depends on the cell surface primary cilia. To test this hypothesis, we removed the primary cilia by biological means with transfection with intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88) siRNA or by chemical means with chloral hydrate treatment. Transfection of IFT88 siRNA significantly reduced the percentage of ciliated cells in both chondroprogenitor ATDC5 cells as well as primary hypertrophic chondrocytes. Cyclic loading (1 Hz, 10% matrix deformation) of ATDC5 cells in three-dimensional (3D) culture stimulates the mRNA levels of chondrogenesis marker Type II collagen (Col II), hypertrophic chondrocyte marker Type X collagen (Col X), and a molecular regulator of chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). The reduction of ciliated chondroprogenitors abolishes mechanical stimulation of Col II, Col X, and BMP-2. In contrast, cyclic loading stimulates Col X mRNA levels in hypertrophic chondrocytes, but not those of Col II and BMP-2. Both biological and chemical reduction of ciliated hypertrophic chondrocytes reduced but failed to abolish mechanical stimulation of Col X mRNA levels. Thus, primary cilia play a major role in mechanical stimulation of chondrogenesis and chondrocyte hypertrophy in chondroprogenitor cells and at least a partial role in hypertrophic chondrocytes.
GLP-2 Attenuates LPS-Induced Inflammation in BV-2 Cells by Inhibiting ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Li Nan , Liu Bo-Wen , Ren Wen-Zhi , Liu Ju-Xiong , Li Su-Nan , Fu Shou-Peng , Zeng Ya-Long , Xu Shi-Yao , Yan Xuan , Gao Ying-Jie , Liu Dian-Feng , Wang Wei
Published: February 2016

The pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) often involves the over-activation of microglia. Over-activated microglia could produce several inflammatory mediators, which trigger excessive inflammation and ultimately cause dopaminergic neuron damage. Anti-inflammatory effects of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) in the periphery have been shown. Nonetheless, it has not been illustrated in the brain. Thus, in this study, we aimed to understand the role of GLP-2 in microglia activation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. BV-2 cells were pretreated with GLP-2 and then stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells were assessed for the responses of pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α); the related signaling pathways were evaluated by Western blotting. The rescue effect of GLP-2 on microglia-mediated neurotoxicity was also examined. The results showed that GLP-2 significantly reduced LPS-induced production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-s (COX-2), IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Blocking of Gαs by NF449 resulted in a loss of this anti-inflammatory effect in BV-2 cells. Analyses in signaling pathways demonstrated that GLP-2 reduced LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p65, while no effect was observed on p38 phosphorylation. In addition, GLP-2 could suppress microglia-mediated neurotoxicity. All results imply that GLP-2 inhibits LPS-induced microglia activation by collectively regulating ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p65.
Genetic and Transcriptomic Profiles of Inflammation in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer, Parkinson, Creutzfeldt-Jakob and Tauopathies
Authors: López González Irene , Garcia-Esparcia Paula , Llorens Franc , Ferrer Isidre
Published: February 2016

Polymorphisms in certain inflammatory-related genes have been identified as putative differential risk factors of neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal protein aggregates, such as sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (sPD). Gene expression studies of cytokines and mediators of the immune response have been made in post-mortem human brain samples in AD, sPD, sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) subtypes MM1 and VV2, Pick’s disease (PiD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration linked to mutation P301L in MAPT Frontotemporal lobar degeneration-tau (FTLD-tau). The studies have disclosed variable gene regulation which is: (1) disease-dependent in the frontal cortex area 8 in AD, sPD, sCJD MM1 and VV2, PiD, PSP and FTLD-tau; (2) region-dependent as seen when comparing the entorhinal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and frontal cortex area 8 (FC) in AD; the substantia nigra, putamen, FC, and angular gyrus in PD, as well as the FC and cerebellum in sCJD; (3) genotype-dependent as seen considering sCJD MM1 and VV2; and (4) stage-dependent as seen in AD at different stages of disease progression. These observations show that regulation of inflammation is much more complicated and diverse than currently understood, and that new therapeutic approaches must be designed in order to selectively act on specific targets in particular diseases and at different time points of disease progression.
Argonaute and Argonaute-Bound Small RNAs in Stem Cells
Authors: Zhai Lihong , Wang Lin , Teng Feng , Zhou Lanting , Zhang Wenjing , Xiao Juan , Liu Ying , Deng Wenbin
Published: February 2016

Small RNAs are essential for a variety of cellular functions. Argonaute (AGO) proteins are associated with all of the different classes of small RNAs, and are indispensable in small RNA-mediated regulatory pathways. AGO proteins have been identified in various types of stem cells in diverse species from plants and animals. This review article highlights recent progress on how AGO proteins and AGO-bound small RNAs regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of distinct stem cell types, including pluripotent, germline, somatic, and cancer stem cells.
Decoding the Secret of Cancer by Means of Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Kosaka Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2016

One of the recent outstanding developments in cancer biology is the emergence of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs, which are small membrane vesicles that contain proteins, mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs), are secreted by a variety of cells and have been revealed to play an important role in intercellular communications. These molecules function in the recipient cells; this has brought new insight into cell-cell communication. Recent reports have shown that EVs contribute to cancer cell development, including tumor initiation, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, drug resistance, invasion, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and EMT phenotype. In this review, I will summarize recent studies on EV-mediated miRNA transfer in cancer biology. Furthermore, I will also highlight the possibility of novel diagnostics and therapy using miRNAs in EVs against cancer.
Solving Classification Problems for Large Sets of Protein Sequences with the Example of Hox and ParaHox Proteins
Authors: Hueber Stefanie , Frickey Tancred
Published: February 2016

Phylogenetic methods are key to providing models for how a given protein family evolved. However, these methods run into difficulties when sequence divergence is either too low or too high. Here, we provide a case study of Hox and ParaHox proteins so that additional insights can be gained using a new computational approach to help solve old classification problems. For two (Gsx and Cdx) out of three ParaHox proteins the assignments differ between the currently most established view and four alternative scenarios. We use a non-phylogenetic, pairwise-sequence-similarity-based method to assess which of the previous predictions, if any, are best supported by the sequence-similarity relationships between Hox and ParaHox proteins. The overall sequence-similarities show Gsx to be most similar to Hox2–3, and Cdx to be most similar to Hox4–8. The results indicate that a purely pairwise-sequence-similarity-based approach can provide additional information not only when phylogenetic inference methods have insufficient information to provide reliable classifications (as was shown previously for central Hox proteins), but also when the sequence variation is so high that the resulting phylogenetic reconstructions are likely plagued by long-branch-attraction artifacts.
Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Phycobiliproteins of Dulse Palmaria palmata
Authors: Furuta Tomoe , Miyabe Yoshikatsu , Yasui Hajime , Kinoshita Yasunori , Kishimura Hideki
Published: February 2016

We examined the inhibitory activity of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) in protein hydrolysates from dulse, Palmaria palmata. The proteins extracted from dulse were mainly composed of phycoerythrin (PE) followed by phycocyanin (PC) and allophycocyanin (APC). The dulse proteins showed slight ACE inhibitory activity, whereas the inhibitory activity was extremely enhanced by thermolysin hydrolysis. The ACE inhibitory activity of hydrolysates was hardly affected by additional pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin treatments. Nine ACE inhibitory peptides (YRD, AGGEY, VYRT, VDHY, IKGHY, LKNPG, LDY, LRY, FEQDWAS) were isolated from the hydrolysates by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and it was demonstrated that the synthetic peptide LRY (IC50: 0.044 μmol) has remarkably high ACE inhibitory activity. Then, we investigated the structural properties of dulse phycobiliproteins to discuss the origin of dulse ACE inhibitory peptides. Each dulse phycobiliprotein possesses α-subunit (Mw: 17,477–17,638) and β-subunit (Mw: 17,455–18,407). The sequences of YRD, AGGEY, VYRT, VDHY, LKNPG and LDY were detected in the primary structure of PE α-subunit, and the LDY also exists in the APC α- and β-subunits. In addition, the LRY sequence was found in the β-subunits of PE, PC and APC. From these results, it was suggested that the dulse ACE inhibitory peptides were derived from phycobiliproteins, especially PE. To make sure the deduction, we carried out additional experiment by using recombinant PE. We expressed the recombinant α- and β-subunits of PE (rPEα and rPEβ, respectively), and then prepared their peptides by thermolysin hydrolysis. As a result, these peptides showed high ACE inhibitory activities (rPEα: 94.4%; rPEβ: 87.0%). Therefore, we concluded that the original proteins of dulse ACE inhibitory peptides were phycobiliproteins.