bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic HPA activity in mothers with preterm delivery: A pilot nested case-control study
Authors: Gelaye B. , Kirschbaum C. , Zhong Q.Y. , Sanchez S.E. , Rondon M.B. , Koenen K.C. , Williams M.A.
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND:

Chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity role in the pathogenesis of preterm birth (PTB) remains unclear due to inconsistent measures with limited ability to monitor long-term cortisol concentrations. We explored this relationship using the novel method of assessing cortisol in hair, which is a valid and reliable measure of chronic HPA axis activity.

METHODS:

137 participants (40 PTB cases and 97 controls from a birth cohort of pregnant women in Peru) were interviewed and invited to provide a 9-cm hair sample from the posterior vertex position of the scalp (mean = 13 weeks gestation). Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was determined using luminescence immunoassay and values were natural-log transformed. PTB cases were defined as women who delivered before 37 gestational weeks. Case-control differences were assessed using multivariable linear and logistic regressions.

RESULTS:

Overall, combined pre-conception and first-trimester HCC was 13% lower among cases as compared with controls ( p-value = 0.01). Compared with controls, maternal HCC among PTB cases were 14% ( p = 0.11), 10% ( p = 0.22) and 14% ( p = 0.08) lower for 3–6 months pre-conception, 0–3 months pre-conception, and first trimester, respectively. After adjusting for putative confounders, a 1-unit increase in HCC was associated with 55% reduced odds of PTB (aOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.17–1.17). For a 1-unit increase in HCC in the scalp-intermediate and scalp-distal segments (representing HCC concentrations in 0–3 months pre-conception and first trimester), the corresponding odds for PTB were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.19–1.48) and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.13–1.13), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Women who deliver preterm, as compared with those who deliver at term, have lower preconception and first trimester HCC. Our findings suggest that HPA axis activation, integral to the adaptive stress-response system, may be chronically dysregulated in women at increased risk of PTB.
Use of extubation bundle including modified spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) to reduce the rate of reintubation, among preterm neonates ≤ 30 weeks
Authors: Eissa A. , Al Rifai H. , Abdelmaaboud M. , Eldakrouri A. , Santos J. , Pastoral G. , Furigay J. , Girish S.
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND:

Respiratory support in the form of mechanical ventilation is a crucial intervention in premature neonates, with respiratory problems. However, prolonged mechanical ventilation and endotracheal intubation may be associated with major adverse effects. The ideal time for extubation is based on clinical and laboratory parameters assessed at the time of planned extubation. However, such parameters are not very objective, which makes extubation in NICUs a trial-and-error approach.

OBJECTIVE:

This work was done to assess the use of extubation bundle including modified spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) (10 minutes) to reduce the rate of reintubation, among preterm neonates≤30 weeks who were mechanically ventilated and extubated to non-invasive ventilation in the NICU, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar.

METHODS:

A prospective study based on the collection of data regarding preterm neonates≤30 weeks gestation admitted to the NICU, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), from January, 2015 to December, 2017, who were subjected to mechanical ventilation (MV) and extubation. When the clinical team decides a newborn is ready for extubation based on the extubation bundle, a modified SBT (10 min) is used.

RESULTS:

This study included 465 premature babies from 24-≤30 weeks recruited in the NICU, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC). Extubation bundle with modified SBT was able to predict success of extubation with 95% sensitivity and 90.4% Positive Predictive Value (PPV) in the gestational age (GA) group 24 -≤27 weeks (245) and 95.3% sensitivity and 90% PPV in the GA group > 27 -≤30 weeks (220). As expected, successfully extubated babies had a higher GA and weighed more at extubation, compared to babies who required re-intubation.

CONCLUSION:

We recommend the extubation bundle with modified SBT prior to elective extubation to be used in predicting successful extubation in premature babies. Guidelines for extubation among premature babies are needed in order to reduce unnecessary exposure to adverse effects of mechanical ventilation.
Sentiment analysis of customer data
Authors: Tarnowska Katarzyna A. , Ras Zbigniew W.
Published: November 2019

This paper presents an application of sentiment analysis on customer feedback data in the area of heavy equipment repair services. Sentiment analysis is used as a part of a framework for text mining-based Customer Loyalty Improvement Recommender System (CLIRS). In order to provide business users of the system with accurate predictions for customer satisfaction metrics, the original algorithm for the opinion mining needed to be improved. The paper presents the background of the proposed approach, the current techniques used to mine text data and existing applications of sentiment analysis. We propose an aspect-based, taxonomy-driven approach for customized sentiment analysis. The contribution of this paper is the implementation and evaluation of the proposed methods that improve the accuracy and coverage of the opinion mining algorithm. The improvements are illustrated with examples covered by the algorithm in the customer dataset. The application of the proposed methods resulted in increasing the algorithm’s accuracy from 92% to 96%, and coverage from 36% to 48%. This research is an attempt to handle well-known issues in natural language processing that are currently not handled by text mining algorithms, such as ambiguity and context, opinionated verbs/nouns, subject recognition from pronouns. This is significant because the proposed techniques are generalizable to any application that uses sentiment analysis algorithm.
Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of «Prazitel® Specialis Suspension» for intestinal worm infection in puppies and kittens
Authors: Оробец Владимир , Orobec Vladimir , Севостьянова Ольга , Sevost'yanova Ol'ga , Заиченко Игорь , Zaichenko Igor' , Мукасеев Сергей , Mukaseev Sergey
Published: November 2019

The effectiveness of the anthelmintic drug «Prazitel® Specialis suspension» for dogs and cats over 6 years of age in puppies and kittens with intestinal worm infection was studied. Suspension Prazitel® Specialis refers to low-hazard substances (hazard class IV according to GOST 12.1.007-76), contains a unique active substance R-praziquantel in combination with pyrantel pamoat and silybin.

Efficiency of «Prazitel® Specialis suspension» for dogs weighing up to 5 kg after double oral administration to puppies at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg BW, which corresponds to a dose of R-praziquantel 1.5 mg/kg, pyrantel pamoate 15.0 mg/kg and silybin 1.7 mg/kg for toxocariasis, hookworm infection, dipylidiosis, teniosis and mixed invasion was 100 %. The effectiveness of «Prazitel® Special suspension» for dogs weighing from 5 to 25 kg after double oral administration to puppies at a dose of 1.0 ml/5,0 kg BW, which corresponds to a dose of R-praziquantel 1.5 mg/kg, pyrantel pamoate 20.0 mg/kg and silybin 1.7 mg/kg for toxocariasis, hookworm infection, dipylidiosis, teniosis and mixed invasion was 100 %.

Anthelmintic drug «Prazitel® Specialis suspension» for cats after double oral administration to kittens at a dose of 1.0 ml/kg BW, which corresponds to a dose of R-praziquantel 1.5 mg/kg, pyrantel pamoate 15.0 mg/kg and silybin 1.7 mg/kg provides complete exemption animals from helminths with toxocariasis, hookworm infection, dipylidiosis, teniosis and mixed invasion.

Thus, the high therapeutic effectiveness of the anthelmintic drug «Prazitel® Specialis suspension» for dogs and cats in puppies and kittens with intestinal worm infection has been experimentally confirmed.
The Influence of GCG Implementation on the Performance of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan in Branch Offices in the Region of DKI Jakarta
Authors: Faisal Aziz Andy , Prihantoro Edi , Yagustana I Made
Published: November 2019

This research was conducted to provide confidence in the effect of the implementation of GCG BPJS Ketenagakerjaan on the performance of branch offices in the DKI Jakarta area. Therefore a theoretical model with 15 hypotheses was proposed to be tested using the SEM method, through 255 respondents who were BPJS Ketenagakerjaan in the DKI Jakarta Region, as the largest contributor area of contributions compared to 10 other regions in Indonesia. Based on this research, it is known that the implementation of GCG in the form of Transparency is very significant, followed by the implementation of the Responsibility principle and the Fairness principle on the Expansion of Participation Performance, Service Satisfaction and Fee Acceptance, and in general there is a positive relationship on the implementation of GCG on Branch Office Performance. Based on this research it is recommended that the BPJS Employment Office be able to optimize the socialization, monitoring and evaluation on an ongoing basis on the implementation of GCG principles for managing the performance of Branch Offices in its area, so that the expected performance can be achieved and the quality and quantity can be continuously improved.
ANALYSIS OF INFLATION AND INTEREST RATES ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN INDONESIA
Authors: Fitriani Efi
Published: November 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of inflation and interest rate on economic growth in Indonesia and to determine the strategy of increasing economic growth in Indonesia. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and regression analysis. The descriptive analysis explained that the growth of inflation and interest rate. Based on regression analysis, there is a positive influence between inflation on economic growth and the negative influence between the interest rate on economic growth in Indonesia. Strategies for increasing economic growth through human resources, entrepreneurs, employment, investment, export, and infrastructure.
Cápsulas de alginato para la protección de polifenoles presentes en el aceite esencial de orégano
Authors: Muchiutti Gabriela Silvina , López Novello Luciano Hernán , Córsico Francisco Armando , Larrosa Virginia Judit
Published: November 2019

Se evaluó el alginato de sodio como material encapsulante del aceite esencial de orégano, aplicando la técnica de gelificación iónica del alginato de sodio y calcio. Se estudió mediante un diseño bifactorial, en el cual se adoptaron dos niveles para la distancia de caída y para los tiempos de retención en los procesos de elaboración. El aceite esencial se obtuvo de orégano seco de la variedad Origanum majorana, empleando un aparato de tipo Clevenger. La liberación del aceite esencial en agua se cuantificó mediante polifenoles totales determinados espectrofotométricamente según el procedimiento de Folin-Ciocalteau. La evaluación de alginato de sodio como material encapsulante indicó que las cápsulas con mayor contenido de aceite esencial fueron las obtenidas por proceso de mayor distancia y menor tiempo de retención. Se concluyó qué alginato de sodio es adecuado para formar cápsulas de aceite esencial de orégano y podrían incluirse en productos alimenticios.
Biophysical and Microstructural Changes of Swelling Cornea Caused by Endothelial Cells Damage
Authors: HE F. , LIU J. , YE P. , WU J. , LIANG G. , XU W.
Published: November 2019

Biophysical properties and microstructural changes of swelling cornea which caused by endothelial cells damage will be evaluated. Swelling cornea models were established by endothelial cells damage in 114 Sprague Dawley rats. Relative gray value, swelling rate and light transmittance were measured to evaluated the biophysical properties and microstructure changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Relative gray value decreased while swelling rate rose along with time and both of them reached relative stability after 7 days. Light transmittance showed a decline trend with time even after corneal thickness had reached stable stage. Observed by transmission electron microscopy, interfibrillar distance increased, fewer proteoglycans coating appeared and remnants proteoglycan branches became thinner and longer in 7 days. Diameter of fibrils didn’t change obviously with time. In cornea edema models caused by endothelial cells damage, the changes of biophysical property and microstructure can help us evaluate corneal edema accurately and objectively.
On Neighborhood Structures and Repair Techniques for Blocking Job Shop Scheduling Problems
Authors: Lange Julia , Werner Frank
Published: November 2019

The job shop scheduling problem with blocking constraints and total tardiness minimization represents a challenging combinatorial optimization problem of high relevance in production planning and logistics. Since general-purpose solution approaches struggle with finding even feasible solutions, a permutation-based heuristic method is proposed here, and the applicability of basic scheduling-tailored mechanisms is discussed. The problem is tackled by a local search framework, which relies on interchange- and shift-based operators. Redundancy and feasibility issues require advanced transformation and repairing schemes. An analysis of the embedded neighborhoods shows beneficial modes of implementation on the one hand and structural difficulties caused by the blocking constraints on the other hand. The applied simulated annealing algorithm generates good solutions for a wide set of benchmark instances. The computational results especially highlight the capability of the permutation-based method in constructing feasible schedules of valuable quality for instances of critical size and support future research on hybrid solution techniques.
Genetic Diversity of IGHM and IGHE in the Leporids Revealed Different Patterns of Diversity in the Two European Rabbit Subspecies (O. cuniculus algirus and O. c. cuniculus)
Authors: Pinheiro Ana , Almeida Tereza , Esteves Pedro J.
Published: November 2019

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been an important model for immunological studies but the study of its immunoglobulins (Ig) has been restricted to its unique IgA and IgG. Here, we studied the genetic diversity of IgM and IgE in several species of leporids and performed population genetics studies on European rabbit wild populations and domestic breeds. The leporids sequencing showed that these Ig are well conserved (98% sequence similarity among leporids), For IgM the Cµ1 and Cµ4 were the most diverse and most conserved domains, respectively, while for IgE the Cε1 was the most diverse domain and Cε2 and Cε3 the most conserved domains. The differences in the pattern of most conserved and most diverse domain between the Ig isotypes are most likely related to each isotype function. The genetic population data showed contrasting results for IgM and IgE. For both Ig, as expected, a greater diversity was observed in the original species range, the Iberian Peninsula. However, unexpectedly the genetic diversity found for IgE in the domestic animals is higher than that for the French wild populations. These results will increase knowledge of the genetic diversity of leporids and wild and domestic rabbit populations and are important tools for the management of wild populations and rabbitries.
Four Novel SNPs of MYO1A Gene Associated with Heat-Tolerance in Chinese Cattle
Authors: Jia Peng , Cai Cuicui , Qu Kaixing , Chen Ningbo , Jia Yutang , Hanif Quratulain , Liu Jianyong , Zhang Jicai , Chen Hong , Huang Bizhi , Lei Chuzhao
Published: November 2019

Based on the previous GWAS research related to bovine heat tolerance trait, this study aimed to explore the effect of myosin-1a (MYO1A) gene on bovine heat tolerance trait, and find the molecular markers related to the heat tolerance of Chinese cattle. In our study, four novel candidate SNPs highly conserved in B. indicus breeds but barely existed in B. taurus were identified in MYO1A gene according to Bovine Genome Variation Database and Selective Signatures (BGVD). PCR and DNA sequencing were used to genotype 1072 individuals including 34 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds as well as Angus and Indian zebu. Two synonymous mutations (rs208210464 and rs110123931), one missense mutation (rs209999142; Phe172Ser), and one intron mutation (rs135771836) were detected. The frequencies of mutant alleles of the four SNPs gradually increased from northern groups to southern groups of Chinese cattle, which was consistent with the distribution of various climatic conditions of China. Additionally, four SNPs were significantly associated with four climatic conditions including annual mean temperature (T), relative humidity (H), temperature-humidity index (THI), and average annual sunshine hours (100-cloudiness) (SR). Among these, rs209999142 and Hap 1/1 had better performance than others. Our results suggested that rs209999142 was associated with heat-tolerance trait and rs208210464, rs110123931, and rs135771836 showed high phenotypic effect on heat-tolerance trait because of the strong linkage with rs209999142. These SNPs could be used as candidates for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in cattle breeding.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cows with Left Displacement of Abomasum
Authors: Fiore Filippo , Spissu Nicoletta , Sechi Sara , Cocco Raffaella
Published: November 2019

Left Displacement of the Abomasum (LDA) is a condition that occurs in high-producing postpartum dairy cows and it causes economic losses. Studies performed in the last decade indicate that adult dairy cows experience oxidative stress. Increasing interest in the role of oxidative status in ruminant medicine has emphasized the need to develop reliable methods to assess it. A few studies have evaluated the relationship between LDA and oxidative status, mostly through the determination of single parameters of oxidation and the determination of antioxidant status separately, with contrasting results. The aim of this study was to assess the oxidative status by the measurement of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites with d-ROMs and Biological Antioxidant Potential BAP and the calculation of the Oxidative Status index in 74 multiparous dairy cows with LDA. Each case was matched with a control herdmate. The amount of free oxygen radicals in plasma samples was determined using the d-ROMs test, the concentration of antioxidants was measured using the BAP test and the Oxidative Status index was also calculated. The concentration of d-ROMs was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (179 ± 37.7 U CARR and 158 ± 23.0 U CARR, respectively), while the concentration of BAP was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (2156 ± 98.1 µmol/L vs. 2558 ± 108.5 µmol/L). The Oxidative Status index value was significantly higher in cows with LDA than in healthy cows (8.3 ± 1.51 vs. 6.2 ± 0.76). The results of this study indicated that an inbalance between oxidants and antioxidants occurred in cattle with LDA.
Performance and Ruminal Parameters of Boer Crossbred Goats Fed Diets that Contain Crude Glycerin
Authors: Bezerra Higor , Santos Edson , Oliveira Juliana , Carvalho Gleidson , Silva Fabiano , Cassuce Meiry , Perazzo Alexandre , Zanine Anderson , Pinho Ricardo
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four levels of crude glycerin (0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg on a dry matter basis) on intake, digestibility, production performance, and ruminal parameters for finishing Boer crossbred goats. Thirty-two crossbred, castrated Boer × undefined breed goat kids, with an initial average weight of 17.8 ± 2.2 kg and approximately four months old, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and eight repetitions. The dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intakes, both in g/day and percent of body weight, linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) with increased inclusion levels of crude glycerin in the diet. The dietary crude glycerin levels linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.01) the digestibility coefficients of ether extract and quadratically increased (p = 0.04) digestibility coefficients of neutral detergent fiber. The final weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain for the animals showed a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.02) as dietary crude glycerin levels increased. The addition of crude glycerin caused a linear increase in ruminal pH (p ≤ 0.01), which ranged from 6.27 to 6.49 for diets with 0 and 150 g/kg crude glycerin, respectively. The concentration of ruminal NH3–N exhibited a linear decrease as the crude glycerin inclusion levels increased (p ≤ 0.01). Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration, individual molar ratio, and the acetate: Propionate ratio in the ruminal fluid of the animals were not influenced (p ≥ 0.07) by the dietary crude glycerin levels. These data indicate that crude glycerin should not be used to replace ground corn in the diets of growing goats that are finished in a feedlot because the substitution reduces the intake and digestibility of several nutrients and decreases performance.
Novel β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Combination Versus Meropenem for Treating Nosocomial Pneumonia
Authors: Lin Wei-Ting , Lai Chih-Cheng , Cheong Chong-Un
Published: November 2019

This study reports the integrated analysis of two phase III studies of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase combination versus meropenem for treating nosocomial pneumonia (NP) including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The ASPECT-NP trial compared the efficacy and safety of ceftolozane–tazobactam versus meropenem for treating NP/VAP. The REPROVE trial compared ceftazidime–avibactam and meropenem in the treatment of NP/VAP. A total of 1528 patients (361 in the ceftolozane–tazobactam group; 405 in the ceftazidime–avibactam group; 762 in the meropenem group) were analyzed. The clinical cure rates at test-of-cure among the novel β-lactam/β-lactamase combinations group were non-inferior to those of the meropenem (70.7% vs. 72.1%, risk difference (RD) −0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.05) in the clinical evaluable populations. Overall 28-day mortality did not differ between novel β-lactam/β-lactamase combinations and the meropenem group (RD, −0.02, 95% CI, −0.09 to 0.05). Regarding the microbiological eradication rate, novel β-lactam/β-lactamase combinations were non-inferior to meropenem for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus marcescens, and Enterobacter cloacae. Finally, novel β-lactam/β-lactamase combinations had a similar risk of (i) treatment-emergent adverse events (RD, 0.02, 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.06), (ii) events leading to the discontinuation of the study drug (RD, 0.00, 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.03), (iii) severe adverse events (RD, 0.03, 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.07), and (iv) death (RD, 0.02, 95% CI, −0.02 to 0.05) when compared with meropenem group. In conclusion, our findings suggest that novel β-lactam/β-lactamase combinations of ceftolozane−tazobactam and ceftazidime–avibactam can be recommended as one of the therapeutic options in the treatment of NP/VAP.
First Report and Comparative Genomics Analysis of a blaOXA-244-Harboring Escherichia coli Isolate Recovered in the American Continent
Authors: Abril Deisy , Bustos Moya Ingrid Gisell , Marquez-Ortiz Ricaurte Alejandro , Josa Montero Diego Fernando , Corredor Rozo Zayda Lorena , Torres Molina Isabel , Vanegas Gómez Natasha , Escobar-Perez Javier
Published: November 2019

The carbapenemase OXA-244 is a derivate of OXA-48, and its detection is very difficult in laboratories. Here, we report the identification and genomic analysis of an Escherichia coli isolate (28Eco12) harboring the blaOXA-244 gene identified in Colombia, South America. The 28Eco12 isolate was identified during a retrospective study, and it was recovered from a patient treated in Colombia. The complete nucleotide sequence was established using the PacBio platform. A comparative genomics analysis with other blaOXA-244–harboring Escherichia coli strains was performed. The 28Eco12 isolate belonged to sequence type (ST) 38, and its genome was composed of two molecules, a chromosome of 5,343,367 bp and a plasmid of 92,027 bp, which belonged to the incompatibility group IncY and did not harbor resistance genes. The blaOXA-244 gene was chromosomally encoded and mobilized by an ISR1-related Tn6237 composite transposon. Notably, this transposon was inserted and located within a new genomic island. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a blaOXA-244–harboring Escherichia coli isolate in America. Our results suggest that the introduction of the OXA-244-producing E. coli isolate was through clonal expansion of the ST38 pandemic clone. Other isolates producing OXA-244 could be circulating silently in America.
Evidence for an Allosteric S-Nitrosoglutathione Binding Site in S-Nitrosoglutathione Reductase (GSNOR)
Authors: Fontana Kathleen , Onukwue Nneamaka , Sun Bei-Lei , Lento Cristina , Ventimiglia Leslie , Nikoo Sahar , Gauld James W. , Wilson Derek J. , Mutus Bulent
Published: November 2019

Current research has identified S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) as the central enzyme for regulating protein S-nitrosylation. In addition, the dysregulation of GSNOR expression is implicated in several organ system pathologies including respiratory, cardiovascular, hematologic, and neurologic, making GSNOR a primary target for pharmacological intervention. This study demonstrates the kinetic activation of GSNOR by its substrate S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). GSNOR kinetic analysis data resulted in nonhyperbolic behavior that was successfully accommodated by the Hill–Langmuir equation with a Hill coefficient of +1.75, indicating that the substrate, GSNO, was acting as a positive allosteric affector. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the location of the GSNO allosteric domain comprising the residues Asn185, Lys188, Gly321, and Lys323 in the vicinity of the structural Zn2+-binding site. GSNO binding to Lys188, Gly321, and Lys323 was further supported by hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectroscopy (HDXMS), as deuterium exchange significantly decreased at these residues in the presence of GSNO. The site-directed mutagenesis of Lys188Ala and Lys323Ala resulted in the loss of allosteric behavior. Ultimately, this work unambiguously demonstrates that GSNO at large concentrations activates GSNOR by binding to an allosteric site comprised of the residues Asn185, Lys188, Gly321, and Lys323. The identification of an allosteric GSNO-binding domain on GSNOR is significant, as it provides a platform for pharmacological intervention to modulate the activity of this essential enzyme.
Assessing the Efficacy of Dietary Selenomethionine Supplementation in the Setting of Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Reyes Leila , Bishop David P. , Hawkins Clare L. , Rayner Benjamin S.
Published: November 2019

Oxidative stress is a major hallmark of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This partly arises from the presence of activated phagocytes releasing myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its production of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The dietary supplement selenomethionine (SeMet) has been shown to bolster endogenous antioxidant processes as well as readily react with MPO-derived oxidants. The aim of this study was to assess whether supplementation with SeMet could modulate the extent of cellular damage observed in an in vitro cardiac myocyte model exposed to (patho)-physiological levels of HOCl and an in vivo rat model of cardiac I/R injury. Exposure of the H9c2 cardiac myoblast cell line to HOCl resulted in a dose-dependent increase in necrotic cell death, which could be prevented by SeMet supplementation and was attributed to SeMet preventing the HOCl-induced loss of mitochondrial inner trans-membrane potential, and the associated cytosolic calcium accumulation. This protection was credited primarily to the direct oxidant scavenging ability of SeMet, with a minor contribution arising from the ability of SeMet to bolster cardiac myoblast glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. In vivo, a significant increase in selenium levels in the plasma and heart tissue were seen in male Wistar rats fed a diet supplemented with 2 mg kg−1 SeMet compared to controls. However, SeMet-supplementation demonstrated only limited improvement in heart function and did not result in better heart remodelling following I/R injury. These data indicate that SeMet supplementation is of potential benefit within pathological settings where excessive HOCl is known to be generated but has limited efficacy as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of heart attack.
Bio-Waste Aloe vera Leaves as an Efficient Adsorbent for Titan Yellow from Wastewater: Structuring of a Novel Adsorbent Using Plackett-Burman Factorial Design
Authors: El-Azazy Marwa , Dimassi Sarra , El-Shafie Ahmed , Issa Ahmed
Published: November 2019

Titan yellow (TY), a triazene azo dye, was removed from contaminated wastewater samples using a green adsorbent recycled from Aloe vera leaves (AV) waste. Two adsorbents were developed—air-dried Aloe vera (ADAV) and thermally treated Aloe vera (TTAV). Adsorption efficacy of both adsorbents was assessed in terms of percent removal (%R) of TY and adsorption capacity (qe). ADAV had a better performance compared to TTAV. Plackett–Burman design (PBD) was exploited to establish the experimental pattern of the study. Four variables were studied: pH, adsorbent dose (AD), dye concentration (DC), and stirring time (ST). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95.0 confidence interval (CI), control, and quality charts helped establish regression model(s). Characterization of both adsorbents was performed using FT-IR/Raman spectroscopy together with TGA/dTGA and SEM/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Textural properties were determined using nitrogen adsorption isotherms at 77 K. Results showed that the surface areas of ADAV and TTAV300 were 3.940 and 7.076 m2/g, respectively. Raman analysis showed that the TTAV had clear D- and G-bands. Equilibrium studies revealed that data were well fitted to Freundlich isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 55.25 mg/g using Langmuir equation, and the adsorption was physisorption. Adsorption followed a pseudo-second order that occurred in two steps—diffusion and then adsorption.
Effect of Maize as Adjunct and the Mashing Proteolytic Step on the Brewer Wort Composition
Authors: Rocha dos Santos Mathias Thiago , Moreira Menezes Leonardo , Camporese Sérvulo Eliana Flávia
Published: November 2019

The partial substitution of barley malt has been one of the main strategies of breweries to reduce production costs. In Brazil, as in other countries, maize is a raw material that is used mostly for this purpose. Aiming for strategic cost management, some large breweries have adopted a reduction in the time and energy costs of the process. As an example, changes have been made to the traditional mashing curves by reducing the times or omitting the proteolytic step. The objective of this work was to compare the physical and chemical aspects of sweet and bitter worts prepared through experimental design with and without the addition of maize as adjunct, as well as the execution or not of the proteolytic step in mashing. Color, total acidity, extract, total reducing sugars, total phenolic compounds, and proteins content were evaluated. In addition, the antioxidant activity was determined. The wort obtained with maize and not submitted to the proteolytic step presented a bright color as well as reduced phenolic compounds, protein, and antioxidant activity. Comparatively, the action of proteases in the wort resulted in a greater release of total reducing sugars, a more intense color, and a higher content of total nitrogen and phenolic compounds. The results indicate that despite being an alternative to reduce costs in the brewing process, the use of the adjunct and the exclusion of the proteolytic step of mashing will imply a poor wort in regards to nutrition, which can compromise the activity of the yeast during the process and therefore affect the quality of the final product.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Multiplex Genome Editing of JAGGED Gene in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Zaman Qamar U , Chu Wen , Hao Mengyu , Shi Yuqin , Sun Mengdan , Sang Shi-Fei , Mei Desheng , Cheng Hongtao , Liu Jia , Li Chao , Hu Qiong
Published: November 2019

Pod shattering resistance is an essential component to achieving a high yield, which is a substantial objective in polyploid rapeseed cultivation. Previous studies have suggested that the Arabidopsis JAGGED (JAG) gene is a key factor implicated in the regulatory web of dehiscence fruit. However, its role in controlling pod shattering resistance in oilseed rape is still unknown. In this study, multiplex genome editing was carried out by the CRISPR/Cas9 system on five homoeologs (BnJAG.A02, BnJAG.C02, BnJAG.C06, BnJAG.A07, and BnJAG.A08) of the JAG gene. Knockout mutagenesis of all homoeologs drastically affected the development of the lateral organs in organizing pod shape and size. The cylindrical body of the pod comprised a number of undifferentiated cells like a callus, without distinctive valves, replum, septum, and valve margins. Pseudoseeds were produced, which were divided into two halves with an incomplete layer of cells (probably septum) that separated the undifferentiated cells. These mutants were not capable of generating any productive seeds for further generations. However, one mutant line was identified in which only a BnJAG.A08-NUB-Like paralog of the JAG gene was mutated. Knockout mutagenesis in BnJAG.A08-NUB gene caused significant changes in the pod dehiscence zone. The replum region of the mutant was increased to a great extent, resulting in enlarged cell size, bumpy fruit, and reduced length compared with the wild type. A higher replum–valve joint area may have increased the resistance to pod shattering by ~2-fold in JAG mutants compared with wild type. Our results offer a basis for understanding variations in Brassica napus fruit by mutating JAG genes and providing a way forward for other Brassicaceae species.
Combinatory Multifactor Treatment Effects on Primary Nanofiber Oligodendrocyte Cultures
Authors: Enz Lukas S. , Zeis Thomas , Hauck Annalisa , Linington Christopher , Schaeren-Wiemers Nicole
Published: November 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Neurological deficits are attributed to inflammatory demyelination, which compromises axonal function and survival. These are mitigated in experimental models by rapid and often complete remyelination of affected axons, but in MS this endogenous repair mechanism frequently fails, leaving axons increasingly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of inflammatory and metabolic stress. Understanding the molecular basis of remyelination and remyelination failure is essential to develop improved therapies for this devastating disease. However, recent studies suggest that this is not due to a single dominant mechanism, but rather represents the biological outcome of multiple changes in the lesion microenvironment that combine to disrupt oligodendrocyte differentiation. This identifies a pressing need to develop technical platforms to investigate combinatory and/or synergistic effects of factors differentially expressed in MS lesions on oligodendrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Here we describe protocols using primary oligodendrocyte cultures from Bl6 mice on 384-well nanofiber plates to model changes affecting oligodendrogenesis and differentiation in the complex signaling environment associated with multiple sclerosis lesions. Using platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF–AA), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) as representative targets, we demonstrate that we can assess their combinatory effects across a wide range of concentrations in a single experiment. This in vitro model is ideal for assessing the combinatory effects of changes in availability of multiple factors, thus more closely modelling the situation in vivo and furthering high-throughput screening possibilities.
Algorithm to Predict the Rainfall Starting Point as a Function of Atmospheric Pressure, Humidity, and Dewpoint
Authors: Gutierrez-Lopez Alfonso , Cruz-Paz Ivonne , Muñoz Mandujano Martin
Published: November 2019

Forecasting extreme precipitations is one of the main priorities of hydrology in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Flood damage in urban areas increases every year, and is mainly caused by convective precipitations and hurricanes. In addition, hydrometeorological monitoring is limited in most countries in this region. Therefore, one of the primary challenges in the LAC region the development of a good rainfall forecasting model that can be used in an early warning system (EWS) or a flood early warning system (FEWS). The aim of this study was to provide an effective forecast of short-term rainfall using a set of climatic variables, based on the Clausius–Clapeyron relationship and taking into account that atmospheric water vapor is one of the variables that determine most meteorological phenomena, particularly regarding precipitation. As a consequence, a simple precipitation forecast model was proposed from data monitored at every minute, such as humidity, surface temperature, atmospheric pressure, and dewpoint. With access to a historical database of 1237 storms, the proposed model allows use of the right combination of these variables to make an accurate forecast of the time of storm onset. The results indicate that the proposed methodology was capable of predicting precipitation onset as a function of the atmospheric pressure, humidity, and dewpoint. The synoptic forecast model was implemented as a hydroinformatics tool in the Extreme Precipitation Monitoring Network of the city of Queretaro, Mexico (RedCIAQ). The improved forecasts provided by the proposed methodology are expected to be useful to support disaster warning systems all over Mexico, mainly during hurricanes and flashfloods.
Rolling Contact Performance of a Ti-Containing MoS2 Coating Operating Under Ambient, Vacuum, and Oil-Lubricated Conditions
Authors: Singh Harpal , Mutyala Kalyan C. , Doll Gary L.
Published: November 2019

Solid lubricant molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) coatings have been frequently used to lubricate mechanisms operating in environments where oil and grease lubrication are ineffective. This work evaluated the rolling contact performance of a Titanium-containing MoS2 coating under humid ambient, vacuum, and oil-lubricated conditions. Weibull analyses of L50 lifetimes of AISI 52100 steel balls coated with a Ti-MoS2 coating paired with uncoated M50 steel rods were determined to be 3.7, 14.5, and 158.6 million cycles in ambient, vacuum, and oil-lubricated environments, respectively. In the ambient and vacuum tests, failures were determined to be associated with the onset of abrasive wear rather than fatigue or spalling. The L50 lifetimes of tests performed in those environments were found to depend upon the wear rate of the coatings on the balls. That is, the Ti-MoS2 functioned as a barrier to the onset of abrasive wear between the steel alloys until the coating was sufficiently worn away. Under oil-lubricated (boundary lubrication) conditions, L50 was found to depend on the durability and composition of tribofilms formed in-situ on the surfaces of the uncoated M50 rods. The tribofilms were comprised of mixtures of MoS2 crystallites and amorphous hydrocarbon (a-C:H). The crystalline MoS2 in the tribofilm originated from the amorphous Ti-MoS2 coating and likely underwent a thermodynamic phase transition as a result of the applied Hertz stress and frictional heating in the contact. The a-C:H in the tribofilm probably originated from a catalytic scission of the polyalphaolefin (PAO) molecules caused by the d-band character of the Mo or Ti in the coating. Overall, the Ti-MoS2-coated balls were effective at extending the operational lifetimes of M50 rods under ambient, vacuum, and oil-lubricated conditions by an order of magnitude.
Efficient Evaluation of Molecular Electrostatic Potential in Large Systems
Authors: Lopez Rafael , Martinez Frank , Ema Ignacio , Garcia de la Vega Jose Manuel , Ramirez Guillermo
Published: November 2019

An algorithm for the efficient computation of molecular electrostatic potential is reported. It is based on the partition/expansion of density into (pseudo) atomic fragments with the method of Deformed Atoms in Molecules, which allows to compute the potential as a sum of atomic contributions. These contributions are expressed as a series of irregular spherical harmonics times effective multipole moments and inverse multipole moments, including short-range terms. The problem is split into two steps. The first one consists of the partition/expansion of density accompanied by the computation of multipole moments, and its cost depends on the size of the basis set used in the computation of electron density within the Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals framework. The second one is the actual computation of the electrostatic potential from the quantities calculated in the first step, and its cost depends on the number of computation points. For a precision in the electrostatic potential of six decimal figures, the algorithm leads to a dramatic reduction of the computation time with respect to the calculation from electron density matrix and integrals involving basis set functions.
The Role of the Reduced Laplacian Renormalization in the Kinetic Energy Functional Development
Authors: Śmiga Szymon , Constantin Lucian A. , Della Sala Fabio , Fabiano Eduardo
Published: November 2019

The Laplacian of the electronic density diverges at the nuclear cusp, which complicates the development of Laplacian-level meta-GGA (LLMGGA) kinetic energy functionals for all-electron calculations. Here, we investigate some Laplacian renormalization methods, which avoid this divergence. We developed two different LLMGGA functionals, which improve the kinetic energy or the kinetic potential. We test these KE functionals in the context of Frozen-Density-Embedding (FDE), for a large palette of non-covalently interacting molecular systems. These functionals improve over the present state-of-the-art LLMGGA functionals for the FDE calculations.
The Spotted Cleaner Shrimp, Periclimenes yucatanicus (Ives, 1891), on an Unusual Scleractinian Host
Authors: González-Muñoz Ricardo , Garese Agustín , Acuña Fabián H. , Reimer James D. , Simões Nuno
Published: November 2019

The spotted cleaner shrimp, Periclimenes yucatanicus (Ives, 1891), forms symbioses with sea anemones that may serve as cleaning stations for reef fishes [...]
Strategies for Sustainable Use of Indigenous Cattle Genetic Resources in Southern Africa
Authors: Mapiye Cletos , Chikwanha Obert C. , Chimonyo Michael , Dzama Kennedy
Published: November 2019

Indigenous cattle breeds are the most important livestock species in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region owing to their role in human food, nutrition, income, and social security. Despite the role of these breeds in the household and national economies, they are currently underutilised, their productivity remains low, and populations are faced with extinction. In addition, there are insufficient measures taken to secure their present and future value. The current review highlights strategies for sustainable use of indigenous cattle genetic resources in the region, including the use of novel production and marketing practices, women and youth empowerment, and development of the appropriate capacity building, legislative, and policy structures. At present, the lack of coordination among the different stakeholders still poses a challenge to the implementation of these strategies. To this end, partnerships, collaboration, and stakeholders’ participation are recommended to effectively implement strategies for sustainable use of indigenous cattle breeds.
Pediatric Dental Education Improves Interprofessional Healthcare Students’ Clinical Competence in Children’s Oral Health Assessment
Authors: Niranjan Remya , Kim JungSoo , Lin Brent , Lewis Sheela , Patel Punam , Le Thuan , Alkon Abbey , Chen Jyu-Lin
Published: November 2019

Primary care and healthcare providers can facilitate children’s timely referral to a dental home. However, there are few studies of providers’ oral health knowledge and clinical skills. This study aims to improve future healthcare providers’ knowledge, confidence, attitude, and clinical competence in assessing children’s oral health. Sixty-five health professional students participated in a 10-week didactic and clinical curriculum on children’s oral health. Fifty students completed pre- and post-training questionnaires and were assessed in their knowledge, confidence, and attitude. Calibrated examiners graded students’ clinical skills on a 24-point grading criterion. Descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, and Pearson correlation were used in data analyses. Students were in dentistry (46%), nursing (28%), medicine (22%), and pharmacy (3%). Students significantly improved in knowledge (t = −7.71, p < 0.001), confidence (t = −10.30, p = <0.001), and attitude (t = −4.24, p = <0.001). Students on average scored 83% on clinical competence, with the highest average for fluoride varnish application (96%) and lowest for providing anticipatory guidance (69%). There was a moderate correlation between improvement in knowledge and their clinical skills (r = 0.39, p = 0.010). Interprofessional education improves students’ knowledge, confidence, attitude, and clinical competence in assessing children’s oral health. Such education is necessary in guiding future providers to gain adequate competence in serving children’s oral health needs.
Application of a Novel Adaptive Med Fault Diagnosis Method in Gearboxes
Authors: Du Wenhua , Guo Xiaoming , Han Xiaofeng , Wang Junyuan , Zhou Jie , Wang Zhijian , Yao Xingyan , Shao Yanjun , Wang Guanjun
Published: November 2019

Minimum entropy deconvolution (MED) is not effective in extracting fault features in strong noise environments, which can easily lead to misdiagnosis. Moreover, the noise reduction effect of MED is affected by the size of the filter. In the face of different vibration signals, the size of the filter is not adaptive. In order to improve the efficiency of MED fault feature extraction, this paper proposes a firefly optimization algorithm (FA) to improve the MED fault diagnosis method. Firstly, the original vibration signal is stratified by white noise-assisted singular spectral decomposition (SSD), and the stratified signal components are divided into residual signal components and noisy signal components by a detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) algorithm. Then, the noisy components are preprocessed by an autoregressive (AR) model. Secondly, the envelope spectral entropy is proposed as the fitness function of the FA algorithm, and the filter size of MED is optimized by the FA algorithm. Finally, the preprocessed signal is denoised and the pulse enhanced with the proposed adaptive MED. The new method is validated by simulation experiments and practical engineering cases. The application results show that this method improves the shortcomings of MED and can extract fault features more effectively than the traditional MED method.