bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for surgical site infection after colorectal surgery: a multiple-center prospective study of 3,663 consecutive patients in China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gan Hui-Quan , Zhou Jing-Fang , Gong Ya-Jie , Li Liu-Yi , Zhang Xin-Qiang , Meng Yue , Chen Jie-Rong , Liu Wei-Jiang , Ye Long , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Zhao Yun-Hu , Hou Tie ying
Published: January 2020

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery (CRS) remains a significant problem for its negative clinical outcomes. However, it is poorly understood in China . This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and microbiology of SSI after CRS. Methods: A nationwide prospective multicenter design was applied. Patients in 19 Chinese hospitals from 2015 to 2018 were prospectively monitored for SSI after CRS. Demographic data, hospital characteristics, and potential perioperative risk factors were collected and analyzed, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Among 3,663 study participants, 134(3.66%) episodes of SSI were identified. The prevalence rate of SSI decreased from 5.9 infections per 100 procedures in 2014 to 3.1 infections per 100 procedures in 2017 (prevalence rate ratio [PRR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.28–0.94). The SSI rates were 1.88, 4.15, 6.27 and 11.58 per 100 operations for the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system (NNIS) risk index categories of 0, 1, and 2 or 3, respectively. Escherichia coli (54/134, 40.3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10/134, 7.5%) were the most frequently isolated microorganisms. A high prevalence of antibiotic resistance were observed in our study, with rates of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing or carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia of 50.0%(27/54) and 30.0%(3/10) respectively. Preoperative hospital stay ≥ 48h (OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.03–5.02) and contaminated or dirty wound (OR=3.38, 95% CI: 1.88–6.06) were significantly associated with increasing risk of SSI after CRS. Conclusion: A statistically significant but modest decrease in the prevalence rate of CRS SSI over the 4-year study period was observed in this study. Noticeably, the relatively high rates of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing SSI after CRS should be alert despite of the small number of isolates identified in our survey.
Increasing lipid productivity in Chlamydomonas by engineering lipid catabolism using the CRISPR-Cas9 system
Authors: Nguyen Thu Ha Thi , Park Seunghye , Jeong Jooyeon , Shin Ye Sol , Sim Sang Jun , Jin EonSeon
Published: January 2020

Background Currently, most of the attention in renewable energy industry is focused on the development of alternative, sustainable energy sources. Microalgae are a promising feedstock for biofuel production in response to the energy crisis. The use of metabolic engineering to improve yields of biofuel-related lipid components in microalgae, without affecting cell growth, is now a promising approach to develop more sustainable energy sources and to make this approach more economically feasible. Results The CRISPR-Cas9 system was successfully applied to generate a target-speciﬁc knockout of the ELT gene in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . The target gene encodes an enzyme involved in lipid catabolism, in which the knockout phenotype impacts fatty acid degradation. As a result, the knockout mutants show up to 28.52% increased total lipid accumulation in comparison with the wild-type strain. This is also accompanied by a shift in the fatty acid composition with an increase of up to 27.2% in the C18:1 proportion. These changes do not signiﬁcantly impact cell growth. Conclusion This study provides useful insights for the improvement of the oleaginous microalgae strain for biodiesel production. The acquired elt mutants showed improved lipid accumulation and productivity without compromising the growth rate.
Proteome Characteristics of Liver Tissue from Patients with Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Mamtawla Gulsudum , Tian Feng , Sun Haifeng , Zhang Li , Gao Xuejin , Xue Bin , Wang Xinying
Published: January 2020

Background Parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated liver disease (PNALD) is a common and life-threatening complication in patients receiving PN. However, its definitive etiology is not yet clear. Therefore, performed proteomic analyses of human liver tissue to explore the same.Methods Liver tissue was derived and compared across selected patients with (n = 3) /without (n = 4) PNALD via isobaric Tag for Relative and Absolute Quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases to explore the mechanisms of PNALD based on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The essential proteins that were differentially expressed between the two groups were explored and verified by western blotting.Results A total of 112 proteins were found to be differentially expressed, of which 73 were down-regulated, and 39 were up-regulated in the PNALD group. Bioinformatics analysis showed DEPs to be associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (mainly involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I assembly), hepatic glycolipid metabolism (involved primarily in glycogen formation and gluconeogenesis), and oxidative stress (mainly involved in antioxidant change).Conclusion Overall, our results indicated that mitochondrial energy metabolism impairment, hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorder, and excessive oxidative stress injury might explain the comprehensive mechanism underlying PNALD. Moreover, we have provided multiple potential targets for further exploring the PNALD mechanism.
Dietary Momordica Cochinchinensis aril ameliorates metabolic dysfunction, nonalcoholic fatty liver, and gut microbiota in diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Lin Yu-Chun , Huang Hsiu-Chen , Lai Yu-Heng , Chen Jui-Chieh , Tien Hsiao-Hsuan , Chen Ying-Fang , Chen Yu-Hsin , Huang Cheng
Published: January 2020

Background Obesity and its associated conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are a particular worldwide health problem at present. Momordica cochinchinensis fruit is consumed widely in Southeast Asia. However, whether it has functional effects on fat-induced metabolic dysfunction and gut microbiota remains unclear. This study was conducted to determine how Momordica cochinchinensis aril (MCA) affects obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver, insulin resistance and gut microbiota in diet-induced obese mice.Methods Wild type male mice at age of 5 weeks received four different kinds of diets: a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), or HFD supplemented with 1% or 3% (wt:wt) lyophilized MCA for 10 weeks. Body weight, adipose tissue and liver weight, serum biochemical parameters, glucose tolerance and liver lipids were measured. Gut microbial composition was analyzed.Results MCA protected the mice against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced body weight gain, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, compared with mice that were not treated. MCA inhibited the expansion of adipose tissue and adipocyte hypertrophy. In addition, the insulin sensitivity-associated index that evaluates insulin function was also significantly restored. MCA also regulated the secretion of adipokines in HFD-induced obese mice. Moreover, hepatic fat accumulation and liver inflammation were reduced, which suggested that fatty liver was prevented by MCA. Furthermore, MCA supplementation suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation by activation of AMPK and PPAR-alpha signaling pathway in the human fatty liver HuS-E/2 cell model. Supplementation with MCA resulted in microbiota populations changed significantly.Conclusion Our data indicate that dietary MCA is involved in the prevention of HFD-induced adiposity, insulin resistance and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and altered the microbial contents of the gut and modulated microbial dysbiosis in the host.
Assessing Clinical Embryology research: A global bibliometric analysis
Authors: Simopoulou Mara , Sfakianoudis Konstantinos , Maziotis Evangelos , Rapani Anna , Giannelou Polina , Pantou Agni , Anifandis George , Bakas Panagiotis , Vlahos Nikolaos , Pantos Konstantinos , Koutsilieris Michael
Published: January 2020

Background: The evaluative strength of available bibliometric tools in the field of clinical embryology has never been examined in the literature. This work aims to uniquely bring insight regarding the identity of clinical embryology research, introducing concerns when solely relying on the methodology of bibliometric analysis. Methods: An all-inclusive analysis of the most bibliometrically highlighted scientific contributions with regards to the cornerstones of clinical embryology was performed employing the Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed databases. Identified articles corresponded to the time period 1978-2018. Statistical analysis was performed employing the chi square test, and the Spearman’s Correlation coefficient. An analysis of the number of publications, respective citations and h-index, g-index, along with m-quotient is presented. The top 30 contributing authors, for each distinctive area of research are listed. An attempt at visualizing the yearly published articles, clusters and collaborations of authors, along with the geographic origin of publications is also presented. Results: Combining all searches and keywords yielded 54,522 results. In the Scopus database, employing the keyword “In Vitro Fertilization” yielded 41,292 results. The publications of the top 5 authors in each research field were analytically presented and compared to the total number of publications for each respective field. The research field of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis/Screening/Testing (PGD/PGT-A) was allocated the highest percentage of publications produced by the top 5 authors (11%). Regarding journal bibliometrics, based on the year 2017 metrics, there are only 29 journals according to WoS that refer to “Reproductive Biology”, ranking it 187th among 235 disciplines. Out of 29 journals, only 4 are not dedicated to human studies. The USA produced the highest number of publications (12,537).Conclusions: Results indicate an explosion of interest published in the literature regarding the field of clinical embryology. Further analysis on collaborations and the trends involved should be of added value as productivity between countries varies significantly. Data provides a critical analysis on the value of research methodology entailing bibliometric tools. This may provide researchers, In-Vitro-Fertilization professionals and prospective authors with direction and guidance during literature search, while proving useful regarding manuscript design and concurring on keywords and abstract content.
Assessing catastrophic out-of-pocket payments in Ethiopia’s health system
Authors: Obse Amarech G. , Ataguba John E.
Published: January 2020

Background: Providing adequate financial protection for all remains an essentialaspect of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In Ethiopia, although the government has introduced reforms, out-of-pocket (OOP) spending accounts for 37% of current health expenditure in 2016. This is considered high enough to lead to financial catastrophe—a situation where a household spends more than a given fraction of its expenditure (or capacity to pay) OOP on health services. This study assessedfinancial catastrophe resulting from OOP health spending in Ethiopia.
Methods: Data come fromthe Ethiopian Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2010/11 with about 28,000 households. The incidence and intensity of catastrophic spending were estimated using rank-dependent thresholds that are different depending on household income levels—the thresholds become lower for low-income households. Initial thresholds used ranged between 5% and 25% of total household expenditure, and between 20% and 40% of household non-food expenditure. Concentration indices are used to assess whether financial catastrophe is more prevalent among the poor or rich.
Results: Atthe 10% initial threshold of total household expenditure, financial catastrophe was estimated at 4.08%, translating to over 668,000 households. At an initial threshold of 40% of total household non-food expenditure, about 0.82% or about 133,600 households incurred financial catastrophe, paying more thantheir rank-dependent thresholds. Financialcatastrophe was more prevalent among poorer and urban households, butthere was a mixed pattern across Ethiopia’s 11 regions.
Conclusion: Financialcatastrophe resulting from paying OOP for health services exists in Ethiopia, affecting over 100,000 households. The low incidence compared to other studies may suggest that government’s initiatives like the fee-waiver and exemption systems have been successful, but the prevalence of financial catastrophe among the poor may signify that more is needed to achieve universal financial protection in Ethiopia.
Keywords: Universal health coverage; financial catastrophe; Ethiopia
Efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive agent monotherapy for IgA nephropathy: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Han Shisheng , Yao Tianwen , Lu Yan , Chen Min , Xu Yanqiu , Wang Yi
Published: January 2020

BackgroundThe efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive agent monotherapy were evaluated for Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) using a network meta-analysis approach based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsPubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and the Web of Science were systematically searched for RCTs published before October 2019 using immunosuppressive agents for treating IgAN. Quality assessments were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook. Pooled relative risks (RRs) or standard mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for discrete or continuous variables, respectively. The primary outcomes were clinical remission, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and serious adverse events (SAEs); the secondary outcomes were urinary protein excretion and serum creatinine. Data were synthesised by the random-effects model.ResultsTwenty-five RCTs with 2005 participants were deemed to be eligible, and six medications were evaluated: corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), tacrolimus (TAC), cyclosporine (CsA), leflunomide (LEF), and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). Compared to supportive care alone, steroids (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17–1.93), MMF (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.15–3.65), TAC (RR 3.67, 95% CI 1.06–12.63), and HCQ (RR 3.25, 95% CI 1.05–10.09) each significantly improved clinical remission rates; only steroids reduced the risk of ESRD (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.12–0.98), but the SAEs were significantly higher than those in the control group (RR 2.90, 95% CI 1.37–6.13). Furthermore, steroids, LEF, and HCQ showed lower proteinuria in the pairwise meta-analysis. There was no evidence of different effects of the therapies on serum creatinine levels. The effect of MMF, whereby it induced remission, was reversed when excluding studies with follow-up of fewer than two years in the sensitivity analysis (RR 1.41, 95% CI 0.40–4.92). The anti-proteinuric effect of TAC was reversed three months after discontinuing medication; the long-term effects of HCQ could not be evaluated due to the short follow-up.ConclusionsCorticosteroids might induce remission and increase renal survival in IgAN; however, the adverse reactions should be considered. TAC, LEF, HCQ, and MMF, might improve remission of proteinuria when treating IgAN, but showed no superiority compared to steroids, and the long-term effects require further study.
Type D personality and its impact on patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsin , Chen Di-An , Lin Chemin , Huang Hsuan
Published: January 2020

Background: Type D personality (TDP) has been recognized as a risk factor for many diseases. Researches in association with TDP and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were limited. Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of TDP, also to assess the relationship between TDP and perceived stress, self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and psychological distress on Taiwanese patients with T2DM.Methods: 198 patients with T2DM were recruited consecutively from the department of endocrinology of a regional hospital in Taipei, Taiwan from December 2017 to April 2018. The participants completed questionnaires containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics, TDP, illness-related stress, self-efficacy, execution of diabetes management and emotional distress. Their medical records were reviewed for biomedical data.Results: 41.4% of the 198 patients had TDP. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, patients with TDP were reported significantly poorer on glycemic control than those without this personality (P<0.05). Compared to those without TDP, the results showed significantly higher levels of perceived stress (P<0.001) and psychological distress (anxiety and depression) (P<0.001), as well as significantly lower levels of self-efficacy (P<0.001) and self-care behaviors (P<0.001) on patients with TDP. TDP is positively correlated with perceived stress and psychological distress. It is negatively correlated with self-efficacy and self-care behavior scores.Discussion: This study provides the evidence linking TDP with poor glycemic control, self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors, as well as high perceived stress and psychological distress, which highlights the screening of TDP and the specific needs for the care among T2DM patients with TDP.
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among healthcare workers in relation to patient contact
Authors: Shih Hsin-I , Shen Fan-Ching , Lee Yun-Ju , Hsu Hsiang-Chin , Wu Chiu-Hui , Chang Chia-Ming , Chi Chia-Yu
Published: January 2020

Background : Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health concern worldwide. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are an important source of transmission of MRSA. We conducted a prospective study to define the frequency of S. aureus nasal colonization and emphasize on the carriage of MRSA in HCWs in relation to the intensity of patient contact.

Methods: To evaluate the prevalence of S. aureus carriage and the relevance of transmission from community to the hospital, MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) nasal colonization in selected HCWs was compared. These included an emergency department, intensive care unit, out-of-hospital care emergency medical technicians and students, and a long-term care facility (LTCF). The MRSA isolates were further identified by their microbiological and molecular characteristics.

Results: S. aureus was isolated from 63 of 248 HCWs (25.4%). The overall MRSA nasal carriage rate was 15/248, 6%. Most MRSA carriers were female (14/15, 93.3%), and HCWs who had worked for ≥5 years (11/15, 73.3%). LTCFs had the highest prevalence (3/25, 12%). In contrast, the overall carriage of MSSA was 48/248, 19.4%, and most carriers worked for ≥5 years (25/48, 52.1%). Hospital nurses had the highest rate of MSSA carriage (22/103, 21.4%). Most of the MRSA isolates were SCC mec IV/ST59 or ST45 (60%), and were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin (53%). Only one MRSA was chlorhexidine resistant. All produced low level of biofilms.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates hospital nurses have highest S. aureus nasal carriage, whereas HCWs worked in the LTCFs have the highest prevalence of nasal MRSA colonization. The differences in the characteristics of MRSA and MSSA nasal carriage among HCWs highlights the importance on inclusion of all strains of S. aureus in surveillance and infection control programs.
Impacts of Temperature and Rootstocks on Tomato Grafting Success Rates
Authors: Nordey Thibault , Shem Elias , Huat Joel
Published: January 2020

Numerous studies have highlighted the merits of grafting to improve the performance of vegetable crops. However, the technique is hindered by several obstacles, including the synchronization of seedlings used as scions and rootstocks, and the effects of rootstocks and climatic conditions on grafting success rates. This study sought to gain insights into how such technical obstacles affect tomato grafting. An initial experiment conducted in a greenhouse set out to assess the relevance of using degree-days to predict the growth rates of seedlings used for grafting (i.e., stem diameters above cotyledons). The success rate for grafting a tomato variety (Tanya) on 10 different rootstocks from different species—namely tomato, eggplant, african eggplant, and a wild species—was assessed at different temperatures (i.e., 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C). The effects of grafting on plant vigor (i.e., fresh biomass), number of leaves, and plant height, and on the hydraulic conductivity of xylem vessels in the plant stem were assessed 2 weeks after grafting. The results show the advantage of using degree-days to predict the ready-to-graft stage of seedlings, as it reduced the discrepancy among trials. The grafting success rate was more than 90% at 15 and 20 °C, but decreased significantly with higher temperatures, down to 20% at 40 °C. Larger variations in growth rate for seedlings used as scions and rootstocks, a lower grafting success rate, and less vigor were recorded for heterografted plants than for homografted plants. The lower hydraulic conductivity measured in the stems of grafted plants, especially heterografted plants, was consistent with the lower plant vigor observed. Further studies are needed to investigate how grafting affects the hydraulic conductivity of xylem vessels in later developmental stages of grafted plants.
Lingbaoite, AgTe3, a new silver telluride from the Xiaoqinling gold district, central China
Authors: Jian Wei , Mao Jingwen , Lehmann Bernd , Li Yanhe , Ye Huishou , Cai Jianhui , Li Zongyan
Published: January 2020

Lingbaoite, AgTe3, is a new silver telluride discovered in the S60 gold-bearing quartz vein, Xiaoqinling gold district, central China. The new mineral is named after Lingbao city, the municipality of which covers a major part of the Xiaoqinling gold district. Lingbaoite is only microscopically visible and occurs within pyrite as small composite inclusions (<50 μm) that commonly consist of lingbaoite, sylvanite, and chalcopyrite, and locally of bornite, galena, altaite, and stützite. The largest lingbaoite grain is about 30 × 12 μm in size. At least two stages of gold and telluride mineralization are recognized in the lingbaoite-bearing sample set. The first stage is characterized by the deposition of lingbaoite, native tellurium, and sylvanite, within the commonly observed mineral assemblages of lingbaoite + sylvanite + chalcopyrite and sylvanite + native tellurium + stützite. The second stage is characterized by the deposition of Bi-bearing minerals and native gold, within the commonly observed mineral assemblages of rucklidgeite + altaite + volynskite ± hessite ± petzite and rucklidgeite + gold ± altaite.

Lingbaoite is opaque and exhibits no internal reflections. In plane-polarized reflected light, lingbaoite shows a creamy yellow reflection color. The calculated density is 7.06 g/cm3. Seventeen WDS spot analyses from 17 different lingbaoite grains gave an empirical formula of Ag0.946Fe0.134Cu0.008Pb0.003 Te2.841S0.067. When considering Ag and Te as the only two essential structural components, the empirical formula is Ag1.00Te3.00.

The EBSD and SAED data confirm the structural identity of lingbaoite and synthetic AgTe3. Synthetic AgTe3 is trigonal, space group R3m, with a = 8.645 Å, c = 5.272 Å, V = 341.2 Å3, and Z = 3. The unit-cell parameters of lingbaoite are: a = 8.60 (5) Å, c = 5.40 (18) Å, V = 346 (9) Å3, and Z = 3. Synthetic AgTe3, and by analog lingbaoite, can be viewed as silver-stabilized cubic tellurium, which is an ordered (1:3 Ag:Te) analog of the α-polonium structure (i.e., simple cubic crystal structure). Synthetic AgTe3 becomes a stable phase at above 0.4 GPa, but can also occur in a metastable state at atmospheric pressure.

Lingbaoite probably formed through the cooling of polymetallic melt droplets within the hydrothermal system. Lingbaoite and associated minerals (e.g., sylvanite, native tellurium) reveal a previously unrecognized but perhaps common magmatic-hydrothermal process in the Xiaoqinling gold district, which precedes the precipitation of native gold, suggesting that gold mineralization in the Xiaoqinling gold district involves multiple superimposed processes of gold enrichment.
Petrogenetic insights from chromite in ultramafic cumulates of the Xiarihamu intrusion, northern Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Song Xie-Yan , Wang Kai-Yuan , Barnes Stephen J. , Yi Jun-Nian , Chen Lie-Meng , Schoneveld Louise E.
Published: January 2020

Chromite is one of the earliest crystallized minerals from mafic melts and has been used as an important “petrogenetic indicator.” Its composition may be modified by interaction with intercumulate melt and adjacent minerals. Thus, chromite in mafic-ultramafic rocks contains clues to the geochemical affinity, evolution, and mantle source of its parent magmas. The Devonian Xiarihamu intrusion, located in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt in the northern Tibet Plateau, China, hosts a very large disseminated Ni-Co sulfide deposit. This study focuses on geochemistry of the chromite enclosed in olivine of ultramafic rocks of the intrusion. Enrichments in Mg and Al in the rim of the chromite indicate only minor effects of alteration on the compositions of the chromite. The chromites enclosed in the olivines with forsterite percentage (Fo) lower than 87 are characterized by large variations in major and trace elements, such as large ranges of Cr·100/(Cr+Al) (Cr# = 15–47), Mg·100/(Mg+Fe2+) (Mg# = 41–65), and Al2O3 (= 26–53 wt%) as well as 380–3100 ppm V, 70–380 ppm Ga, and 1100–16300 ppm Zn. The chromites display positive correlations between Cr/(Cr+Al) and Ti, Mn, V, Ga, and Sc, inconsistent with fractional crystallization but indicative of an interaction between the chromites, intercumulate melts and hosting minerals. In contrast, chromites hosted in olivine with Fo > 87 in harzburgite have small variations in Cr# (ranging from 37 to 41), Mg# (48 to 51), and Al2O3 (30 to 35 wt%) as well as restricted variation in trace elements, indicating relatively weak interaction with trapped liquid and adjacent phases; these compositions are close to those of the most primitive, earliest crystallized chromites. The most primitive chromite has similarities with chromite in mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) in TiO2 and Al2O3 contents (0.19–0.32 and 27.9–36.3 wt%, respectively) and depletion of Sc and enrichment of Ga and Zn relative to MORB chromite. The geochemistry of the chromite indicates a partial melting of the asthenospheric mantle that was modified by melts derived from the subduction slab at garnet-stable pressures.
Kaolinization of 2:1 type clay minerals with different swelling properties
Authors: Li Shangying , He Hongping , Tao Qi , Zhu Jianxi , Tan Wei , Ji Shichao , Yang Yiping , Zhang Chaoqun
Published: January 2020

Kaolinization of 2:1 type clay minerals commonly occurs in the supergene environments of the Earth, which plays critical roles in many geochemical and environmental processes. However, the transformation mechanism involved and the specific behavior of 2:1 type swelling and non-swelling clay minerals during kaolinization remain poorly understood. In this study, laboratory experiments on the kaolinization of montmorillonite (swelling), illite (non-swelling), and rectorite (partially swelling) were carried out to investigate the kaolinization mechanism of 2:1 type clay minerals and to evaluate whether swelling and non-swelling layers of 2:1 type clay minerals perform differently or not in their kaolinization processes. The results show that montmorillonite, illite, and rectorite in acidic Al3+-containing solutions can be transformed into kaolinite, whereas such transformation is hard to take place in Al3+-free solutions. Part of the Al3+ in the solutions was exchanged into the interlayer spaces of swelling clay minerals at the early stage and resulted in the formation of hydroxy-aluminosilicate (HAS) interlayers, but they show no influence on the transformation process. Interstratified kaolinite-smectite (K-S), kaolinite-illite (K-I), and kaolinite-rectorite (K-R) formed as the intermediate phases during the transformations of the three different precursor minerals, respectively. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that 2:1 type clay minerals, including both swelling and non-swelling ones, can be transformed into kaolinite via a local dissolution-crystallization mechanism, which starts mainly from the layer edges rather than the basal surfaces. Due to different dissolution rates from domain to domain within a precursor mineral particle, the layers with a low dissolution rate become “splints,” while the dissolved elements are concentrated between two “splints,” leading to precipitation of kaolinite along the basal surfaces of precursor minerals. The size and stacking order of the newly formed kaolinite strongly depend on the morphology and property of the precursor minerals. These findings not only are of importance for better understanding the transformation procedures between different clay minerals and the mechanisms involved but also provide new insights for well understanding mineral-water interactions that are central to all geochemical processes.
Role Colour Plays in Influencing Consumer Behaviour
Authors: Rajain Pallavi , Rathee Rupa
Published: January 2020

The ability of colours to attract attention has been used for a long time by marketers to gain customer’s attention. A product with attractive packaging is bound to lure customers and stand apart from other products kept on the shelf. It has been found in several studies that if there is a mismatch in representation of colour associations the colour  becomes an eyesore. Therefore, the present study was conducted to understand the role colour plays in influencing consumer behaviour.  For this an online survey form was circulated among respondents to study their colour preferences. It was found that yellow colour  was preferred the least and blue the most. There were significant differences in choices made by the two genders. The results indicated that colour influenced customer’s decision and brand recall while making purchases. It was also found that there was significant difference among respondents regarding purchase of warm and cool  colours as well as warm and neutral colours.
Social Construction Fandom as Cultural Industry Marketing of JKT 48 Fan Group
Authors: Mulyana Ahmad , Briandana Rizki , Ningrum Dwi Anggraini Puspa
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research is to analyzed the social construction of marketing of the JKT48 fandom group in the context of the cultural industry context. The culture industry can be interpreted as cultural production and consumption or contribution to cultural production.  This reality is one of the popular culture products which is quite popular with a group of JKT 48 fans. This study uses a case study method with interview and observation as data collection technique.  The results show that the social construction of fandom is formed on the same interest in a cultural form. The presence of JKT48 gives a new color in forming a subculture about the concept of become a fan as a consumer of popular culture. This relates to the marketing of a culture as a form of cultural industry as a contribution in cultural production.
Loan-to-Value Policy and Property Loans Risk in Conventional Commercial Banks of Indonesia
Authors: Sasikirono Nugroho , Sudana I Made , Sumanto Syelma , Meidiaswati Harlina
Published: January 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of loan-to-value (LTV) policy on bank’s property loan risk of Indonesia. This study utilizes a purposive sampling method and multiple linear regression analysis techniques.  The number of samples in this study is 66 banks with 563 observations data. The results show that bank’s property loan risk, which is proxied by the NPL ratio of property loans, is lower in the LTV tightening policy period than the easing period. We utilize some control variables in this study: inflation, gross domestic product growth, property loan growth, and bank size. Inflation, property loan growth, and bank size have a significant positive effect on non-performing loans, while gross domestic product growth has a significant negative effect.
Stakeholder Analysis on Indonesian E-Commerce Taxation
Authors: Setiawan Amelia , Maratno Sylvia Fettry Elvira , Rahayu Puji Astuti , Dewanti Monica Paramita Ratna Putri
Published: January 2020

The growth of Indonesian online trading activities is predicted to be extremely high because of the huge number of internet users in Indonesia. This is perceived as a great chance to enter the online commercial trading market. The online marketplace makes it easy to buy and sell goods and services efficiently. However, there is little consideration on the taxation aspect of e-commerce transaction in Indonesia. This study analyzed Indonesian e-commerce taxation based on main group of stakeholders. The literature review is conducted to get comprehensive understanding on common e-commerce taxation.  The analysis of e-commerce taxation grasps the comparison of practices between developed and developing countries. In order to get more depth understanding in Indonesian e-commerce taxation, questionnaires distributed to main group of stakeholders. The result has shown that the regulation applied for e-commerce transaction is considered sufficient. However, improvement on the e-commerce tax compliance of related parties must be enforced.
Good Corporate Governance, Devidend, Leverage, and Firm Value
Authors: Kartikasari Evi Dwi , Hermantono Agung , Mahmudah Annita
Published: January 2020

The establishment of the company in carrying out its business generally has the aim of obtaining maximum profits for the survival of the company. The survival of the company can be achieved if the company’s performance is good, it always increases and has good corporate governance. The value of the company is a reflection of the addition of the company’s equity with the company’s debt. This type of research is descriptive with a quantitative approach. The sample of 32 companies included in publicly listed manufacturing companies using purposive sampling method. The results showed that good corporate governance which was proxy by institutional ownership and managerial ownership had no effect on Value of the firm. Devidend payout ratio, leverage that is proxy by debt to assets ratio and debt to equity ratio, financial performance which is proxy by return on assets and return on equity has a significant effect on value of the firm. Companies must increase the value of the company in order to attract the attention of potential investors, one of them by increasing the financial performance of the company
Applications of Machine Learning in miRNA Discovery and Target Prediction
Authors: Parveen Alisha , Mustafa Syed H. , Yadav Pankaj , Kumar Abhishek
Published: January 2020

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding molecule that is involved in gene regulation
and RNA silencing by complementary on their targets. Experimental methods for target prediction can
be time-consuming and expensive. Thus, the application of the computational approach is implicated
to enlighten these complications with experimental studies. However, there is still a need for an optimized
approach in miRNA biology. Therefore, machine learning (ML) would initiate a new era of research
in miRNA biology towards potential diseases biomarker. In this article, we described the application
of ML approaches in miRNA discovery and target prediction with functions and future prospective.
The implementation of a new era of computational methodologies in this direction would initiate
further advanced levels of discoveries in miRNA.
Nanotechnology-based Targeting of Neurodegenerative Disorders: A Promising Tool for Efficient Delivery of Neuromedicines
Authors: Rajpoot Kuldeep
Published: January 2020

Traditional drug delivery approaches remained ineffective in offering better treatment to various neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). In this context, diverse types of nanocarriers have shown their great potential to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and have emerged as a prominent carrier system in drug delivery. Moreover, nanotechnology-based methods usually involve numerous nanosized carrier platforms, which potentiate the effect of the therapeutic agents in the therapy of NDs especially in diagnosis and drug delivery with negligible side effects. In addition, nanotechnology-based techniques have offered several strategies to cross BBB to intensify the bioavailability of drug moieties in the brain. In the last few years, diverse kinds of nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed by incorporating various biocompatible components (e.g., polysaccharide-based NPs, polymeric NPs, selenium NPs, AuNPs, protein-based NPs, gadolinium NPs, etc.), that showed great therapeutic benefits against NDs. Eventually, this review provides deep insights to explore recent applications of some innovative nanocarriers enclosing active molecules for the efficient treatment of NDs.
Cell Senescence in Cardiac Repair and Failure
Authors: Rolle Irene Giulia , Crivellari Ilaria , Caragnano Angela , Cervellin Celeste , Aleksova Aneta , Cesselli Daniela , Beltrami Antonio Paolo
Published: January 2020

Although the lack of a robust cardiomyocyte proliferative response has been considered to
be a crucial determinant of cardiac pathology and Heart Failure in adult mammalians, the emerging
picture is that myocardial regeneration is a complex phenotype involving many actors, including acute
cellular senescence and inflammation. However, three major and interconnected events occur in response
to tissue injury: loss of protein homeostasis, accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and
chronic inflammation. These events blunt the reparative response of the heart, are associated with the
accumulation of chronically senescent cells and progressively lead to cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, it
is crucial to understand which are the pivotal players of this process, in order to devise strategies aimed at
reducing the occurrence of chronic cell senescence in the heart in vivo.
In SilicoStudy of Potential Cross-Kingdom Plant MicroRNA Based Regulation in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Elias Marjanu Hikmah , Nordin Noraziah , Hamid Nazefah Abdul
Published: January 2020

Background:

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is associated with the BCRABL1 gene, which plays a central role in the pathogenesis of CML. Thus, it is crucial to suppress the expression of BCR-ABL1 in the treatment of CML. MicroRNA is known to be a gene expression regulator and is thus a good candidate for molecularly targeted therapy for CML.

Objective:

This study aims to identify the microRNAs from edible plants targeting the 3’ Untranslated Region (3’UTR) of BCR-ABL1.

Methods:

In this in silico analysis, the sequence of 3’UTR of BCR-ABL1 was obtained from Ensembl Genome Browser. PsRNATarget Analysis Server and MicroRNA Target Prediction (miRTar) Server were used to identify miRNAs that have binding conformity with 3’UTR of BCR-ABL1. The MiRBase database was used to validate the species of plants expressing the miRNAs. The RNAfold web server and RNA COMPOSER were used for secondary and tertiary structure prediction, respectively.

Results:

In silico analyses revealed that cpa-miR8154, csi-miR3952, gma-miR4414-5p, mdm-miR482c, osa-miR1858a and osa-miR1858b show binding conformity with strong molecular interaction towards 3’UTR region of BCR-ABL1. However, only cpa-miR- 8154, osa-miR-1858a and osa-miR-1858b showed good target site accessibility.

Conclusion:

It is predicted that these microRNAs post-transcriptionally inhibit the BCRABL1 gene and thus could be a potential molecular targeted therapy for CML. However, further studies involving in vitro, in vivo and functional analyses need to be carried out to determine the ability of these miRNAs to form the basis for targeted therapy for CML.
Internet Addiction in India: Its Current Prevalence and Psychological and Complementary Treatment Techniques
Authors: Aziz Namra , Wal Ankita , Wal Pranay , Bhalla Rupa
Published: January 2020

Background:

In this technical era, undoubtedly, the internet has brought a great revolution
worldwide. Smartphones and technology-mediated social networking sites have caused a drastic
increase in internet usage in all age groups of people. This has caused internet captivity leading
to its addiction.

Objective:

The paper focussed on the mediators and predictors of internet addiction in India in all
age groups of people. Its long-term solutions, i.e. psychological and complementary treatments were
focussed that work on personal level rather than disease level.

Methods:

An extensive literature review was done on the prevalence of the internet and its psychological
and complementary treatment. The possible non-pharmacological treatment, specifically
cognitive behaviour treatment, art and music therapy, internet fasting and cosmic medicine were
focussed on its efficient improvement in one’s health.

Conclusion:

As evident from our study, internet addiction is one of the growing challenges of
health complications in all age groups of people. The mainly discussed psychological and complementary
treatments of internet addiction have ample opportunity of seeking betterment with healthy
social and mental well being.
Secure Cloud Quantum Computing with Verification Based on Quantum Interactive Proof
Authors: Morimae Tomoyuki
Published: January 2020

In cloud quantum computing, a classical client delegate quantum computing to a remote quantum server. An important property of cloud quantum computing is the verifiability: the client can check the integrity of the server. Whether such a classical verification of quantum computing is
possible or not is one of the most important open problems in quantum computing. We tackle this problem from the view point of quantum interactive proof systems. Dr Tomoyuki Morimae is part of the Quantum Information Group at the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics at Kyoto University,
Japan. He leads a team which is concerned with two main research subjects: quantum supremacy and the verification of quantum computing.
STUDY OF THE INFLUENCE OF CRACKS ON THE BEARING CAPACITY OF REINFORCED CONCRETE PLATES USING THE PRINS CALCULATION COMPLEX
Authors: Aydemirov K. R. , Agapov V. P.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. In order to determine a residual safety factor, a finite element method is considered for determining the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete plates having defects in the form of cracks.

Method. The methodology is based on the use of structural calculation algorithms that take physical nonlinearity implemented in the PRINS programme into account. These algorithms assume the use of the same computational scheme in the process of solving the problem. However, the specificity of the task consists in considering differences between the calculation schemes of the initial structure and the structure having cracks.

Result. With this in mind, the algorithms of nonlinear structural analysis according to the PRINS programme are supplemented with an option that allows the parameters of the design scheme to be changed in an end-to-end calculation process. Multilayer finite elements are used to study the load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete plates, each having a specific material package. The modernisation of the design scheme in this case consists in replacing one package of materials with another. The input file of the PRINS programme is supplemented by a description of cracks with an indication of their location and all other relevant characteristics. Examples of problems arising when determining the bearing capacity of a plate with defects in the form of cracks under various boundary conditions are given.

Conclusion. The problem of determining the bearing capacity of reinforced concrete plates with defects in the form of cracks can be effectively solved using a reconfigurable design scheme for end-to-end calculation. In the event of defects appearing in the form of cracks, this will enable operational services to monitor changes in the bearing capacity of buildings and structures containing reinforced concrete plates, as well as to determine the operability of structures and make substantiated decisions in case of repair.
MODERNISED DESIGN OF A HYDROSTATIC DENSIMETER FOR MEASURING DENSITY OF HIGHLY VISCOUS OILS
Authors: Sagdeev D. I. , Abdulagatov I. M. , Nikulin N. K. , Tyulkin V. I.
Published: January 2020

Objectives. The aim of this work is to modernise a VT-KHTI densimeter operated by the method of hydrostatic weighing in order to study the density of highly viscous oils and oil products in the temperature range from 293 K to 473 K at atmospheric pressure.

Method. Among the many methods for studying density, the following were used in the course of the study: the constant- and variable-volume piezometer method and the method of hydrostatic weighing.

Results. The results of the densimetric study of highly viscous oils obtained from the Republic of Tatarstan in the temperature range from 293 K to 473 K at atmospheric pressure. The following grades are presented: Ashalchinskaya oil (super-viscous, SVO); Kuakbash oil (sulphur), Kichuy oil and Devon oil. Following an analysis and selection of methods for measuring density, a technique for error estimation and densimeter calibration is presented. A calculated expression for the hydrostatic weighing method, derived from the modernised hydrostatic densimeter design for measuring the density of highly viscous oils, is presented.

Conclusion. The VT-KHTI densimeter for vacuum working fluids has been modernised and calibrated for research work on measuring the dynamic viscosity coefficient of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids.
Toward Standardized Monitoring of Patients With Chronic Diseases in Primary Care Using Electronic Medical Records: Development of a Tool by Adapted Delphi Procedure
Authors: Falck Leandra , Zoller Marco , Rosemann Thomas , Martínez-González Nahara Anani , Chmiel Corinne
Published: January 2020

Background

Long-term care for patients with chronic diseases poses a huge challenge in primary care. There are deficits in care, especially regarding monitoring and creating structured follow-ups. Appropriate electronic medical records (EMR) could support this, but so far, no generic evidence-based template exists.

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop an evidence-based standardized, generic template that improves the monitoring of patients with chronic conditions in primary care by means of an EMR.

Methods

We used an adapted Delphi procedure to evaluate a structured set of evidence-based monitoring indicators for 5 highly prevalent chronic diseases (ie, diabetes mellitus type 2, asthma, arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, and osteoarthritis). We assessed the indicators’ utility in practice and summarized them into a user-friendly layout.

Results

This multistep procedure resulted in a monitoring tool consisting of condensed sets of indicators, which were divided into sublayers to maximize ergonomics. A cockpit serves as an overview of fixed goals and a set of procedures to facilitate disease management. An additional tab contains information on nondisease-specific indicators such as allergies and vital signs.

Conclusions

Our generic template systematically integrates the existing scientific evidence for the standardized long-term monitoring of chronic conditions. It contains a user-friendly and clinically sensible layout. This template can improve the care for patients with chronic diseases when using EMRs in primary care.