bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Residual Extractable Lignin on Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol Production in SHF and SSF Processes
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Yu , Shi Suan , Tu Maobing
Published: March 2020

Background

Lignin played an important role in biochemical conversion of biomass to biofuels. A significant amount of lignin is precipitated on the surface of pretreated substrates after organosolv pretreatment. The effect of this residual lignin on enzymatic hydrolysis has been well understood, however, their effect on subsequent ABE fermentation is still unknown.

Results

To determine the effect of residual extractable lignin on Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol (ABE) fermentation in separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) processes, we compared ABE production from ethanol washed and unwashed substrates. The ethanol organosolv pretreated loblolly pine (OPLP) was used as the substrate. It was observed that butanol production from OPLP-UW (unwashed) and OPLP-W(washed) reached 8.16 and 1.69 g/L, respectively in SHF. The results showed that ABE production in SHF from OPLP-UW prevents an “acid crash” as comparing the OPLP-W. In SSF process, the “acid crash” occurred for both OPLP-W and OPLP-UW. The inhibitory extractable lignin intensified the “acid crash” for OPLP-UW and resulted in less ABE production than OPLP-W. The addition of detoxified prehydrolysates in SSF processes shortened the fermentation time and could potentially prevent the “acid crash”.

Conclusions

The results suggested that the residual extractable lignin in high sugar concentration could help ABE production by lowering the metabolic rate and preventing “acid crash” in SHF processes. However, it became unfavorable in SSF due to its inhibition of both enzymatic hydrolysis and ABE fermentation with low initial sugar concentration. It is essential to remove extractable lignin of substrates for ABE production in SSF processes. Also, a higher initial sugar concentration is needed to prevent the “acid crash” in SSF processes.
A cross-sectional study on spouse and parent differences in caregiving experiences of people living with schizophrenia in rural China
Authors: Yu Yu , Li Tong-xin , Li Yi-lu , Qiu Dan , Xi Shi-jun , Xiao Shuiyuan , Tebes Jacob
Published: March 2020

Background: Conflicting evidence exists on whether parent or spouse caregivers experience better outcomes when caring for family members with schizophrenia. The current study aims to examine relative caregiving experiences and impacts of spouse and parent caregivers for people living with schizophrenia (PLS) in China.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 264 community-dwelling primary family caregivers of PLS. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on family caregiving activities; objective and subjective burden; caregiver psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety; positive caregiving impact, such as caregiving rewarding feelings; and family functioning for spouse and parent caregivers.
Results: Both types of caregivers report engaging in similar caregiving activities and report comparable levels of objective burden. However, parent caregivers report significantly higher subjective burden than spouse caregivers ( b =7.94, 95% CI :2.08, 13.80, P <0.01), which is also reflected in significantly higher depression ( b =3.88, 95% CI :1.35, 6.41, P <0.01) and anxiety ( b =2.53, 95% CI : 0.22, 4.84, P <0.05), and lower family functioning ( b =-1.71, 95% CI : -2.73, -0.49, P <0.01). Despite these differences, both groups of caregivers report comparable rewarding feelings about caregiving.
Conclusions: Our findings have implications for family caregivers globally, but especially for countries that adhere to Confusion cultural values, and provide guidance for future family intervention programs. Such programs may do well to incorporate cultural values and beliefs in understanding caregiving and kinship family dynamics so as support family caregivers, and in particular, the specific vulnerabilities of parent caregivers.

Keywords: Schizophrenia; family caregivers; caregiver burden; caregiving, parent, spouse
What is the main problem in conservative management for complicated appendicitis? A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Chi , Ren Xuemeng , Gao Peng
Published: March 2020

Background: As a classification of appendicitis, complicated appendicitis has no standardized treatment for adults.Method: According to the related literature systematically searched on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane and Web of Science, we evaluated the efficacy of surgical treatment and conservative treatment for complicated appendicitis, especially focused on the outcomes about the length of stay, operation time, postoperative complications and unplanned additional intervention, in the literature. Result: A total of 14 studies were involved in the meta-analysis, including 845 patients in the immediate operation group (IO) and 756 patients in the conservative management group (CM). Compared with conservative treatment, the total hospitalization time was reduced by 1 day (WMD=-1.29, 95%CI [-2.42, -0.16], P=0.03<0.05). The incidence of unplanned additional intervention in patients undergoing emergency surgery is lower than that of conservative treatment (OR=0.18, 95%CI [0.11, 0.30], P<0.00001). Surgical patients are more likely to have complications such as wound infection (OR=2.41, 95%CI [1.08, 5.38], P=0.03<0.05) and intestinal obstruction (OR=4.14, 95%CI [2.21, 7.75], P<0.00001) than conservative patients. The incidence of abdominal abscess was lower than that of conservative treatment, and the difference was not statistically significant (OR=0.9, 95%CI [0.54, 1.47], P=0.66>0.05). Conclusion: Compared with conservative management patients, immediately operated patients have shorter hospitalization time and less unplanned intervention, which can significantly reduce the readmission opportunity of patients with complicated appendicitis and lighten the burden of follow-up and medical resource consumption.
Microbiota Core in Central Lung Cancer with Streptococcal Enrichment as a Possible Diagnostic Marker
Authors: Bello Salvador , Vengoechea José J. , Ponce-Alonso Manuel , Figueredo Ana L. , Mincholé Elisa , Rezusta Antonio , Gambó Paula , Pastor Juan M. , Galeano Javier , Campo Rosa del
Published: March 2020

Background: Dysbiosis has been scarcely explored in the respiratory tract with cancer. We aimed to define the bacterial and fungal microbiota of the bronchi in cancer versus a healthy state, also defining the microbiota core, and their correlation with that in saliva and feces; and to detect markers for the early diagnosis of central lung cancer. For this purpose, twenty-five patients with central lung cancer and sixteen healthy controls without antimicrobial intake during the previous month were recruited. Bacterial and fungi distribution was determined by massive sequencing in bronchial biopsies. Complex computational analysis was performed to define for the first time the lung microbiota core.Results: A greater abundance of Streptococcus, Rothia, Gemella and Lactobacillus distinguish the saliva of patients. Affected and contralateral bronchi of these patients have almost identical microbiota dominated by Streptococcus, whereas Pseudomonas was the major genera in controls. Oral and pulmonary ecosystems were significantly more similar in patients, probably due to microaspirations. Streptococcal bronchial abundance differentiates patients from controls by an ROC curve (90.9% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, AUC=0.897). The mycobiome of controls (Candida) was significantly different from that of patients (Malassezia), with the cancer-affected bronchi similar to their saliva, but different from their contralateral bronchi. Conclusions: Central lung cancer is highly enriched with Streptococcus, and shows significantly differences in their composition from healthy subjects. Alterations are not restricted to the tumor tissue, and seem to be the consequence of microaspirations from the oral cavity. These findings could be useful in the screening and even diagnosis of this pathology.
Hypoxia-challenged MSC-derived exosomes deliver miR-210 to attenuate post-infarction cardiac apoptosis
Authors: Cheng Hao , Chang Shufu , Xu Rende , Chen Lu , Song Xiaoyue , Wu Jian , Qian Juying , Zou Yunzeng , Ma Jianying
Published: March 2020

BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. Although percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting can prolong life, cardiac damage persists. In particular, cardiomyocytes have no regenerative capacity. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive candidates for the treatment of MI. The manner by which MSCs exert a beneficial effect upon injured cells is a source of continued study.MethodsAfter the isolation and identification of exosomes from MSCs, the expression of miR-210 was determined by Microarray Chip. Subsequently, gain- and loss-function approaches were conducted to detect the role of exosomes and exosomal-miR-210 in cell proliferation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, as well as the MI in vivo. Dual-Luciferase Report Gene System was used to demonstrate the target gene of miR-210. ResultsWe tested the hypothesis that MSC-derived exosomes transfer specific miRNA to protect cardiomyocytes from apoptotic cell death. Interestingly, direct cardiac injection of MSC exosomes reduced infarct size and improved heart function after coronary ligation. In vitro, the MSC exosomes enhanced cardiomyocyte survival to hypoxia. Confirmation of exosome uptake in myocytes was confirmed. Dual luciferase reporter assay implicated miR-210 as a mediator of the therapeutic effect and AIFM3 as a downstream target. Treatment with miR-210 overexpressing MSC exosomes improved myocyte protection to both in vitro and in vivo stress. Furthermore, the endogenous and exogenous miR-210 had the same therapeutic effects. ConclusionThese results demonstrated that the beneficial effects offered by MSC-exosomes transplantation after MI are at least partially because of excreted exosome containing mainly miR-210.
Nurses’ appraisal of organizational attractiveness and the role of management support, interdepartmental collaboration climate, and service quality of care
Authors: Slåtten Terje , Lien Gudbrand
Published: March 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of Electroencephalogram Guided Anesthesia on Postoperative Delirium: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Lin , Chen DongXu , Li Qian
Published: March 2020

Background: Postoperative delirium is a common complication characterized by confusion, inattentiveness and other mental symptoms. It is still unclear whether the use of electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring during surgery can decrease the incidence of postoperative delirium. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of EEG guided anesthesia on postoperative delirium (POD) based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The electronic databases of Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library database, CNKI and other local databases were systematically searched for RCTs from their inception until October 2019. The odds ratios (ORs) and the mean differences (MDs) with a 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the correlation between EEG and itemized categories and continuous variable, respectively. Results: Seven RCTs with 3859 patients were included in the final analysis. The summary OR indicated that patients receiving EEG monitoring had a lower incidence rate of postoperative delirium (OR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.46- 0.92; P = 0.01). In addition, no significant difference was found between the EEG monitoring group and the routine care group with respects to the length of hospitalization (MD: -0.59; 95%CI: -1.26 to 0.07; P=0.08). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicated that intraoperative use of electroencephalogram monitoring could decrease the risk of postoperative delirium. But for high risk patients, we should take a multi-component strategy to prevent delirium. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials should be conducted to verify the treatment effect of intraoperative use of electroencephalogram monitoring on patients.
What drives regional differences in Body Mass Index? Evidence from Spain
Authors: Paolo Antonio Di , Gil Joan , Raftopoulou Athina
Published: March 2020

Background: This paper contributes to the debate on the North-South health divide by disentangling the conditioning factors responsible for regional differences in BMI. Specifically, this paper analyses differences in BMI between northern and southern Spanish regions, a country characterized by important geographical disparities in BMI and other health outcomes, as well as by the decentralized structure of its National Health System (NHS). Method: First, we decompose the average North-South BMI gap into the contribution of explained and unexplained factors using the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition. Second, we perform a distributional analysis by applying the Recentered Influence Function (RIF) Regression and the corresponding decomposition, to analyse BMI differentials along its unconditional distribution. Results and Conclusions: Our findings indicate that North to South differences in BMI are significant only for women and a large share (74%) of this gap is explained by differences in endowments (basically years of schooling) to the detriment of women living in the South. Moreover, the explained (unexplained) portion of the gap steadily increases (decreases) along the BMI distribution, suggesting that what really matters to deal with the obesity epidemic among overweight women is focusing attention on regional disparities in observed endowments, human capital being the main driver.
Effectiveness of the level of personal relevance of visual autobiographical stimuli in the induction of positive emotions in young and older adults: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Fernandez Dolores , Ros Laura , Sánchez-Reolid Roberto , Ricarte Jorge Javier , Latorre Jose Miguel
Published: March 2020

Background The ability to retrieve specific memories is a cognitive and emotional protective factor. Among the most effective techniques to generate autobiographical memories is the use of audio-visual stimuli, particularly images. Developing and improving techniques that facilitate the generation of such memories could be highly effective in the prevention of depressive symptoms, especially in the elderly population. The aim of the present study is to examine how the level of personal relevance of pictures as autobiographical memory cues to induce positive emotions may affect an individual’s emotion regulation.Methods The participants, 120 older adults aged 65 and over and 120 young adults aged between 18 and 35, of both sexes and without depressive symptoms, will be induced to a negative mood state by means of viewing a film clip. Following the negative mood induction, the participants will be shown positive images according to experimental group to which they were randomly assigned (high personal relevance: personal autobiographical photographs; medium personal relevance: pictures of favourite locations associated with specific positive autobiographical memories; and low personal relevance: positive images from the International Affective Picture System). We will analyse the differences in subjective (responses to questionnaires) and objectives measures (EEG signal, heart rate variability and electrodermal activity) between the groups before and after the induction of negative affect and following the recall of positive memories.Discussion The use of images associated with specific positive autobiographical memories may be an effective input for inducing positive mood states, which has potentially important implications for their use as a cognitive behavioural technique to treat emotional disorders, such as depression, which are highly prevalent among older adults.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04251104. Registered on 30 January 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04251104
Traditional uses of Corchorus olitorius L in Oyam District, Northern Uganda: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey
Authors: Nakaziba Rebecca , Anyolitho Maxson Kenneth , Amanya Sharon Bright , Ogwal-Okeng Jasper , Alele Paul E.
Published: March 2020

Background: Corchorus olitorius L is a naturally growing green leafy vegetable used for various medicinal purposes worldwide. Several studies conducted elsewhere indicate that the plant is used for treating cardiac insufficiency, infertility, wounds, malaria, typhoid fever, female and ulcers. However, in Uganda most studies that define medicinal plants do not reveal Corchorus olitorius L as being one of them. As a result, there is dearth of documented information regarding its medicinal benefits in the country. In order to bridge this gap, we conducted a study to establish the traditional medicinal uses of Corchorus olitorius L in Oyam District, Northern Uganda.Methods: We employed an ethnobotanical survey using quantitative approach of data collection and analysis. We randomly sampled 246 participants from 40 villages and four sub counties from Oyam district. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed for descriptive statistics using SPSS v20 software.Results: We collected a total of 239 valid questionnaires giving a response rate of 97 %. The study found out that 231 (96.7%) of the participants ate Corchorus olitorius L whereas 185 (77.4%) used it for medicinal purposes. Interestingly, they used it mainly for treatment of joint difficulties (58.12%) and gastrointestinal disturbances (31.19%). Conclusion: Corchorus olitorius L is predominantly used as a medicinal plant for the treatment of joint and gastrointestinal complications.
NCSTN promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth and metastasis via β-catenin activation in a Notch1/AKT dependent manner
Authors: Li Hui , Lan Tian , Xu Lin , Liu Hailing , Wang Jinju , Li Jiaxin , Chen Xiangzheng , Huang Jiwei , Yuan Kefei , Zeng Yong , Wu Hong
Published: March 2020

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third top cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. The prognosis of HCC patients remains poor due to rapid progression and high incidence of tumor recurrence. Nicastrin (NCSTN), a core subunit of γ-Secretase, has been reported to play a vital role in tumor progression. However, no study till now has revealed its role in HCC. Methods The expression of NCSTN was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR. Cell counting kit-8, colony formation and cell cycle assays were used for evaluating cell growth in vitro. Transwell and wound-healing assays were used for evaluating cell migration and invasion capacity. Immunofluorescence, subcellular protein fractionation and co-immunoprecipitation were used for location analysis of β-catenin. The in vivo functions of NCSTN were illustrated by xenograft tumor models. Results NCSTN was dramatically overexpressed in HCC compared to normal liver tissues. Elevated NCSTN expression level was significantly correlated to worse overall and recurrence-free survival of HCC patients. Enhanced NCSTN expression promoted HCC cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations showed that NCSTN induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via upregulation of Zeb1. Subsequently, we revealed that NCSTN facilitated nuclear translocation of β-catenin, a positive transcriptional regulator of Zeb1. Using Notch and AKT inhibitors, we revealed that NCSTN promoted β-catenin activation through Notch1 and AKT signaling pathway. NCSTN increased AKT and GSK-3β phosphorylation by cleavage of Notch1, which decreased GSK-3β/β-catenin complex. The inactivation of GSK-3β inhibited the β-catenin degradation and promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin to initiate transcription of Zeb1, resulting in malignant phenotype. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that NCSTN promoted HCC cell growth and metastasis via β-catenin-mediated upregulation of Zeb1 in a Notch1/AKT dependent manner, suggesting that NCSTN might serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Citrus Greening: Management Strategies and Their Economic Impact
Authors: Li Sheng , Wu Feng , Duan Yongping , Singerman Ariel , Guan Zhengfei
Published: March 2020

Citrus huanglongbing (HLB), or greening, is the most destructive citrus disease worldwide and is threatening the sustainability of the industry in major citrus-growing regions. Various treatments have been proposed in the literature to manage the disease. We review such literature and conduct an economic analysis based on the reported treatment effects on fruit yield and quality to identify cost-effective management strategies. Our results suggest that, among the treatments we reviewed, broad-spectrum insecticides provide the only cost-effective strategy for mitigating the impact of the disease. Our findings and discussion should help growers, policymakers, and other stakeholders make informed decisions in the search for effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly treatments and policies against HLB.
Seed Priming Improves Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Isatis indigotica Fort. under Salt Stress
Authors: Jiang Xu-Wen , Zhang Cheng-Ran , Wang Wei-Hua , Xu Guang-Hai , Zhang Hai-Yan
Published: March 2020

The effects of CaCl2, GA3, and H2O2 priming on Isatis indigotica Fort. seed germination characteristics, seedling growth parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities under salt stress were investigated. NaCl had an adverse effect on the germination and seedling performance of I. indigotica. However, these three priming agents alleviated salt stress by increasing the germination percentage, improving seed vigor, accelerating germination velocity, and establishing strong seedlings. The optimal concentrations were 15 g/L for CaCl2, 0.2 g/L for GA3, and 40 mm for H2O2. Seed priming treatments enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes in seedlings, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), under a salt environment, which reduced the oxidative injury caused by salt. Seed priming is a promising technique that can enhance the ability of I. indigotica seed germination when salt is present.
Antibiotics And Bacteria: Mechanisms Of Action And Resistance Strategies
Authors: Skarżyńska Magdalena , Zając Magdalena , Wasyl Dariusz
Published: March 2020

The resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial substances is one of the most serious epidemiological problems present on a global scale. The widespread use of same classes of antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine, often without laboratory confirmation of the efficacy of active compounds used, contributes to the selection of resistant bacteria in humans and animals, and their spread in nature. The increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria leads to serious consequences for both human and animal health. However, the resistance of commensal bacteria is equally important as they constitute a reservoir and vector of resistance determinants in the environment. Exposure to antimicrobials belonging to different classes can lead to cross-resistance and the selection of genes that may spread horizontally on mobile genetic elements. The emergence of plasmid-encoded resistance to critically important antibiotics for human medicine e.g. carbapenems or polymyxins is alarming. On the example of antibiotics classified as critically important for human medicine, it is possible to discuss almost all bacterial mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. For effective combat against the growing antibiotic resistance of bacteria, it is necessary to know the mechanisms of resistance and the methods of their acquisition by bacteria. The aim of the paper is to review the ways that critically important antimicrobials act on bacterial cells and present complex mechanisms that are responsible for resistance to these substances as well as genes conferring for resistance.

1. Introduction. 2. Antimicrobials that cause loss of cell wall integrity: β-lactams, glycopeptides and phosphonic acid derivatives. 2.1. Mechanisms of antimicrobial action. 2.2. Mechanisms of resistance. 3. Antimicrobials affecting the cell membrane: polymyxins and lipopeptides. 3.1. Mechanisms of antimicrobial action. 3.2. Mechanisms of resistance. 4. Antimicrobial substances that inhibit the synthesis of nucleic acids: quinolones and ansamycins. 4.1. Mechanisms of antimicrobial action. 4.2. Mechanisms of resistance. 5. Antimicrobial substances inhibiting protein synthesis: macrolides, ketolides, aminoglycosides, glycylcyclines, oxazolidinones. 5.1. Mechanisms of antimicrobial action. 5.2. Mechanisms of resistance. 6. Summary
Religious factors on tax non-compliance: evidence from Libyan self-employed
Authors: Mustafa Abodher Fareg , Zainol Ariffin Zaimah , Saad Natrah
Published: March 2020

Tax non-compliance phenomenon has become a key issue for developing countries such as Libya because it hinders taxpayers from contributing effectively to the economy. Previous literature refers to diverse socio-psychological factors that influence tax non-compliance behavior. Nevertheless, there is a lack of study on the influence of religious factors on tax non-compliance. Therefore, the current study empirically examines the impact of Islamic perspective and Islamic religiosity on tax non-compliance behavior among self-employed taxpayers in Libya. A quantitative method using a questionnaire is utilized to collect the data. Structural equation modeling was employed using PLS. This study provides empirical evidence that Islamic perspective and Islamic religiosity have a significant positive relationship with tax non-compliance among Libyan self-employed. Theoretically, the findings have extended the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the effect of religious factors on tax non-compliance. Practically, the study provides fruitful insights for policymakers and government officials to consider these factors as crucial while formulating taxation policies to minimize the phenomenon of tax non-compliance among Libyan individual taxpayers and, hence, increase government revenue.
Numerical investigation of the spatial distribution ofEscherichia coliin river deltas for different values of river discharge, temperature and irradiation of the water surface
Authors: Leonardi Nicoletta , Matsoukis Constantinos , Carnacina Iacopo
Published: March 2020

Escherichia coli and other enteric pathogens' presence indicate that the water has been contaminated with fecal matter. River deltas are population hotspots which are becoming increasingly urbanized and where poor sanitation has been frequently identified as a pressing issue. In this study, we have investigated the spatial distribution of E. coli in river deltas under varying river discharge, temperature and irradiation at the water surface. A hydrodynamic and water quality model has been used to reproduce an idealized river delta configuration and to investigate the spatial distribution of E. coli across the delta floodplain and channels. The concentration of E. coli rapidly declines downstream, following a tripartite trend with different decline rates on the delta front, pro-delta and shelf area. The highest differences in the spatial distribution of E. coli bacteria occur for low-river discharge values. Temperature and irradiation both influence the concentration of E. coli and mostly influence downstream areas and smaller channels.
Challenges in calibration of water distribution network: a case study of Ramnagar Elevated Service Reservoir command area in Nagpur City, India
Authors: Rathi Shweta , Gupta Rajesh , Labhasetwar Pawan , Nagarnaik Pranav
Published: March 2020

Calibration of a hydraulic model is a challenging task as it considers the involvement of a large number of uncertain parameters. There are some parameters like length and diameter of pipes, for which fairly accurate values can be obtained. As with all hydraulic models, water demands are one of the main parameters that cause the most uncertainty in the model outputs. The calibration of the water demands is usually not feasible, which is attributable to the limited quantity of available measurements in most real water networks. However, some parameters like nodal demands and pipe roughness coefficients are estimated close to the actual values. Various types of valves are used for flow control by throttling. Hence, their setting in the field is also an important input to the model. Having more precise data helps in reducing time and results in better calibration as presented in the case study of one hydraulic zone served from Ramnagar Elevated Service Reservoir (ESR) (Zone II) in Nagpur City, Maharashtra State, India. This paper aims at presenting the complexities and challenges involved in calibration of the study area. It further describes the entire process from collection of the required data to the calibration of the network.
Degradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) by a bacterium strain Flavobacterium mizutaii L-15
Authors: Xiuyan Liu , Ji Zhang , Hancheng Mao , Fanyi Kong , Cong Teng , Jingang Huang , Chuyan Yu , Xiangyang Xu , Sheng Teng
Published: March 2020

Acid orange 7 (AO7) is an azo dye widely used in the dyeing and direct printing industry. AO7 is an environmental pollutant because the cleavage of azo bonds produces aromatic amines, which are considered mutagenic and carcinogenic. Microbial degradation is one of the most effective methods to remove environmental pollutants. A bacterium strain L-15 was isolated from the wastewater treatment system of a dye manufacturer. This strain is capable of decolorizing AO7. The strain was identified as Flavobacterium mizutaii based on its morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and the sequence of 16S rDNA. The AO7-degrading characteristics and the effects of culture condition on the degrading efficiency of the strain were investigated by shake-flask culturing. The optimal degradation condition of L-15 was 30 °C and pH 7.0. After culturing at 30 °C for 3 days with the initial AO7 concentration of 20 mg/L, the degradation rate of AO7 was 60.45%. The optimal salt concentration was lower than 2%.
Evaluation of an Educational Health Website on Infections and Antibiotics in England: Mixed Methods, User-Centered Approach
Authors: Allison Rosalie , Hayes Catherine , Young Vicki , McNulty Cliodna A M
Published: March 2020

Background

e-Bug, an educational health website for teachers and students, aims to help control antibiotic resistance by educating young people about microbes, hygiene, and antibiotic resistance, reducing the incidence of infection and, therefore, the need for antibiotics. The teachers’ section of the e-Bug website has not been evaluated since it was launched in 2009, and worldwide page views have been steadily decreasing since 2013.

Objective

This study aimed to apply GoodWeb, a comprehensive framework utilizing methodologies and attributes that are relevant to the digital era, to evaluate and suggest improvements to the e-Bug website.

Methods

Electronic questionnaires and face-to-face completion of task scenarios were used to assess content, ease of use, interactivity, technical adequacy, appearance, effectiveness, efficiency, and learnability of the teachers’ section of the e-Bug website.

Results

A total of 106 teachers evaluated the e-Bug website; 97.1% (103/106) of them reported that they would use e-Bug, and 98.1% (104/106) of them reported that they would recommend it to others. Participants thought that there was a niche for e-Bug because of the way the resources fit into the national curriculum. Suggestions for improvements included changing the menu indication by highlighting the current page or deactivating links, improving home page indication, and providing a preview of resources when hovering the mouse over hyperlinks. Additional features requested by users included a search function and access to training opportunities.

Conclusions

This paper reports that the GoodWeb framework was successfully applied to evaluate the e-Bug website, and therefore, it could be used to guide future website evaluations in other fields. Results from this study will be used to appraise the current quality and inform any future changes, modifications, and additions to e-Bug.
Reliability of Smartphone for Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: Diagnostic Test Accuracy Study
Authors: Sakai Kenichiro , Komatsu Teppei , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Takao Hiroyuki , Ishibashi Toshihiro , Murayama Yuichi
Published: March 2020

Background

High-quality neuroimages can be viewed using a medical app installed on a smartphone. Although interdevice agreement between smartphone and desktop PC monitor was found to be favorable for evaluating computed tomography images, there are no interdevice agreement data for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).

Objective

The aim of our study was to compare DWI interpretation using the Join smartphone app with that using a desktop PC monitor, in terms of interdevice and interrater agreement and elapsed interpretation time.

Methods

The ischemic change in the DWI of consecutive patients with acute stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory was graded by 2 vascular neurologists using the Join smartphone app and a desktop PC monitor. The vascular neurologists were blinded to all patient information. Each image was categorized as either Diffusion-Weighted Imaging–Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores (DWI-ASPECTS) ≥7 or DWI-ASPECTS <7 according to the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy. We analyzed interdevice agreement and interrater agreement with respect to DWI-ASPECTS. Elapsed interpretation time was compared between DWI-ASPECTS evaluated by the Join smartphone app and a desktop PC monitor.

Results

We analyzed the images of 111 patients (66% male; median age=69 years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission=4). Interdevice agreement regarding DWI-ASPECTS between the smartphone and the desktop PC monitor was favorable (vascular neurologist 1: κ=0.777, P<.001, vascular neurologist 2: κ=0.787, P<.001). Interrater agreement was also satisfactory for the smartphone (κ=0.710, P<.001) and the desktop PC monitor (κ=0.663, P<.001). Median elapsed interpretation time was similar between the smartphone and the desktop PC monitor (vascular neurologist 1: 1.7 min vs 1.6 min; P=.64); vascular neurologist 2: 2.4 min vs 2.0 min; P=.14).

Conclusions

The use of a smartphone app enables vascular neurologists to estimate DWI-ASPECTS accurately and rapidly. The Join medical smartphone app shows great promise in the management of acute stroke.
Googling Musculoskeletal-Related Pain and Ranking of Medical Associations’ Patient Information Pages: Google Ads Keyword Planner Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoichiro , Lee Deokcheol , Nagai Takuya , Funamoto Taro , Tajima Takuya , Chosa Etsuo
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Most people currently use the internet to obtain information about many subjects, including health information. Thus, medical associations need to provide accurate medical information websites. Although medical associations have their own patient education pages, it is not clear if these websites actually show up in search results.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate how well medical associations function as online information providers by searching for information about musculoskeletal-related pain online and determining the ranking of the websites of medical associations.

METHODS

We conducted a Google search for frequently searched keywords. Keywords were extracted using Google Ads Keyword Planner associated with “pain” relevant to the musculoskeletal system from June 2016 to December 2019. The top 20 search queries were extracted and searched using the Google search engine in Japan and the United States.

RESULTS

The number of suggested queries for “pain” provided by Google Ads Keyword Planner was 930 in the United States and 2400 in Japan. Among the top 20 musculoskeletal-related pain queries chosen, the probability that the medical associations’ websites would appear in the top 10 results was 30% in the United States and 45% in Japan. In five queries each, the associations’ websites did not appear among the top 100 results. No significant difference was found in the rank of the associations’ website search results (P=.28).

CONCLUSIONS

To provide accurate medical information to patients, it is essential to undertake effective measures for search engine optimization. For orthopedic associations, it is necessary that their websites should appear among the top search results.
Learning Impact of a Virtual Brain Electrical Activity Simulator Among Neurophysiology Students: Mixed-Methods Intervention Study (Preprint)
Authors: Björn Marko Henrik , Laurila Jonne MM , Ravyse Werner , Kukkonen Jari , Leivo Sanna , Mäkitalo Kati , Keinonen Tuula
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Virtual simulation is the re-creation of reality depicted on a computer screen. It offers the possibility to exercise motor and psychomotor skills. In biomedical and medical education, there is an attempt to find new ways to support students’ learning in neurophysiology. Traditionally, recording electroencephalography (EEG) has been learned through practical hands-on exercises. To date, virtual simulations of EEG measurements have not been used.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the development of students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the EEG measurement when using a virtual EEG simulator in biomedical laboratory science in the context of a neurophysiology course.

METHODS

A computer-based EEG simulator was created. The simulator allowed virtual electrode placement and EEG graph interpretation. The usefulness of the simulator for learning EEG measurement was tested with 35 participants randomly divided into three equal groups. Group 1 (experimental group 1) used the simulator with fuzzy feedback, group 2 (experimental group 2) used the simulator with exact feedback, and group 3 (control group) did not use a simulator. The study comprised pre- and posttests on theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on evaluation of EEG electrode placement.

RESULTS

The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated that the two groups that utilized a computer-based electrode placement simulator showed significant improvement in both theoretical knowledge (Z=1.79, P=.074) and observed practical skills compared with the group that studied without a simulator.

CONCLUSIONS

Learning electrode placement using a simulator enhances students’ ability to place electrodes and, in combination with practical hands-on training, increases their understanding of EEG measurement.
Recommendations for a mobile health research platform from a developer's perspective: Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Salvi Dario , Velardo Carmelo , Goburdhun Arvin Rishi , Tarassenko Lionel
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile phone apps and connected wearable devices offers a great opportunity for health research. In order make healthcare data accessible across organisations, physicians and patients, recent platforms like Apple HealthKit, Google Fit or Samsung Health allow to securely store and share health data among smartphone apps with the consent of the user. These mobile health records can be combined with software platforms, like ResearchKit and ResearchStack to simplify the development of research apps by providing ready-made common use cases while being compliant to regulations in data protection and health research. Even though a plethora of such platforms exist, none of them can be considered as a widely established tool yet.

OBJECTIVE

To provide recommendations for new platforms through the analysis of the limitations posed by existing platforms and by identifying common needs and established practices in mHealth development.

METHODS

We first analyse the state of the art of mobile-health development in research settings, including existing tools and frameworks to support it. To complement the scant literature, we disseminated a survey among mobile-health researchers and developers to understand best practices, what type of tools are used and which would be desirable.

RESULTS

Related to current practices and unmet needs in mHealth development we identify the following themes: a) costs and resources, b) usability and context awareness, c) middleware and software architectures, d) multi-platform support, e) mobile connectivity, f) reliability and testing, g) data protection and regulatory compliance and h) interoperability. In relation to existing platforms we identified these common shortcomings: 1) poor regulatory compliance, 2) lack of documentation, 3) low maturity, 4) poor usability (from the developer’s perspective) and intuitiveness.

Our survey received 28 very varied responses, which identify a core of concerns shared for most of the reported projects and not entirely met by the current offer of development platforms. Based on these results, we provide recommendations for future mobile-health platforms, particularly focusing on multi-operating system support, integration with existing health records, regulatory compliance, involvement of stakeholders, modularity, extensibility and overall quality of the code base.

CONCLUSIONS

Our recommendations intend to guide the development of a platform to be used as a common tool for future research in mobile-health.
Predicting COVID-19 Incidence Through Analysis of Google Trends Data in Iran: Data Mining and Deep Learning Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ayyoubzadeh Seyed Mohammad , Ayyoubzadeh Seyed Mehdi , Zahedi Hoda , Ahmadi Mahnaz , R Niakan Kalhori Sharareh
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The recent global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting many countries worldwide. Iran is one of the top 10 most affected countries. Search engines provide useful data from populations, and these data might be useful to analyze epidemics. Utilizing data mining methods on electronic resources’ data might provide a better insight into the COVID-19 outbreak to manage the health crisis in each country and worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to predict the incidence of COVID-19 in Iran.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Google Trends website. Linear regression and long short-term memory (LSTM) models were used to estimate the number of positive COVID-19 cases. All models were evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation, and root mean square error (RMSE) was used as the performance metric.

RESULTS

The linear regression model predicted the incidence with an RMSE of 7.562 (SD 6.492). The most effective factors besides previous day incidence included the search frequency of handwashing, hand sanitizer, and antiseptic topics. The RMSE of the LSTM model was 27.187 (SD 20.705).

CONCLUSIONS

Data mining algorithms can be employed to predict trends of outbreaks. This prediction might support policymakers and health care managers to plan and allocate health care resources accordingly.
Challenges and Opportunities in Strengthening ASEAN Space Technology Cooperation
Authors: Rafikasari Astri
Published: March 2020

ASEAN is regional cooperation between countries in the Southeast Asia region to benefit its member states. Amidst much ongoing teamwork, regional space cooperation has not been optimized as it is still limited to the use of technology. By applying a qualitative method, this paper aims to describe the challenges and opportunities in strengthening the ASEAN Space Technology Cooperation. It may either hinder or even potentially frame a sustainable international relation that accommodates ASEAN member states to develop more possibilities to maximize the use of space technology. This literary study argues that ASEAN Space Technology Cooperation may become a robust bridge to transfer space technology, strengthen national, regional, and international security, enhance economic growth, and means of transferring knowledge or space education to its member states.
Does Capitalism Need a Government to Be Nice: Robert Axelrod and His Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma Computer Tournament
Authors: Park Sung Ho
Published: March 2020

In the past few decades, the progressive political ideal of strong central governments or collective morality being necessary to enforce cooperative behavior has become widely-accepted. However, many philosophers throughout history, especially that from the classical liberalism tradition, have espoused free market, open society ideals arguing not only that governments are the source of much of the immorality and conflict many are afraid of, but also that man left in a free environment can and will cooperate and develop naturally moral systems that allow for economic and societal development. Robert Axelrod, more recently, studied this debate using the famous Prisoner’s Dilemma (PD) game from traditional game theory and applied computer science to find that, indeed, cooperation can arise naturally even between selfish prisoners. This paper develops the study further by examining more realistic situations of PD games involving multiple players, using computer simulations, i.e. agent-based modeling, and finds that Axelrod’s original conclusions hold true.
ELASTASE ACTIVITY INHIBITION BY THE MOST ACTIVE FRACTION OF STAR FRUIT (AVERRHOA CARAMBOLA L.) LEAVES FROM THREE WEST JAVA REGIONS
Authors: MARDHIYAH SITI , ELYA BERNA , NOVIANI ARIKADIA
Published: March 2020

Objective: Premature skin aging is caused by increased elastase proteolytic activity, which causes elastin breakdown and disorganization in connectivetissue, reducing elasticity and flexibility, and wrinkling skin. Natural compounds in plants, especially polyphenols, inhibit elastase proteolyticactivity and prevent premature skin aging. Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) leaves contain many polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial activities. However, no studies have shown that A. carambola leaves inhibit elastase proteolytic activity.Methods: This study tested the inhibition of elastase proteolytic activity by the water fractions (WF), ethyl acetate fractions, and n-hexane fractionsof A. carambola leaves from the Depok, Sukabumi, and Subang regions of West Java. Each fraction was tested using a microplate reader, and the totalphenolic and flavonoid content was determined for the most active fraction.Results: The WF of the A. carambola leaves from Depok was the most active fraction, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 160.36 μg/mL.The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the WF was 115.68 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract and 9.15 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract,respectively.Conclusion: The WF of A. carambola leaves is a natural material that may inhibit elastase proteolytic activity and prevents premature skin aging.