bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endotoxin levels after chemomechanical preparation of root canals with sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine: a systematic review of clinical trials and meta‐analysis
Authors: Neelakantan P. , Herrera D. R. , Pecorari V. G. A. , Gomes B. P. F. A.
Published: June 2018

Aim

The aim of this systematic review was to answer the following question: in patients with primary endodontic infection, is there a statistically significant difference in the endotoxin levels after chemomechanical preparation with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or chlorhexidine (CHX)?

Methodology

A protocol was prepared and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017069996). Four electronic databases (MEDLINE via PubMeb, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) were searched from their start dates to 1 March 2017 using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. Only clinical trials (randomized and nonrandomized) that compared the effectiveness of NaOCl and CHX to reduce endotoxins during chemomechanical preparation of teeth with primary endodontic infection were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the quality using the risk of bias tool.

Results

From 712 articles that resulted from the initial search, 37 studies were included for full‐text appraisal; four studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative synthesis. A single meta‐analysis was performed to compare the endotoxin levels before and after chemomechanical preparation with NaOCl or CHX. The forest plot of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels indicated that the data were heterogeneous [I2 = 63.9%; Tau2 = 574.5 (P = 0.04)]. The use of NaOCl and CHX during chemomechanical preparation significantly reduced the LPS levels compared to the initial ones.

Conclusions

Chemomechanical canal preparation with both NaOCl and CHX reduced the endotoxin levels compared to the initial ones found in primary endodontic infections. When NaOCl was used during chemomechanical preparation, endotoxins levels were lower than those obtained after chemomechanical preparation with CHX.
GOVERNMENT DEBT AND BANKING FRAGILITY: THE SPREADING OF STRATEGIC UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Cooper Russell , Nikolov Kalin
Published: June 2018

This article studies the interaction of government debt and financial markets. This interaction, termed a “diabolic loop,” is driven by government choice to bail out banks and the resulting incentives for banks to hold government debt instead of self‐insure through equity buffers. We highlight the role of bank equity issuance in determining whether the “diabolic loop” is a Nash equilibrium of the interaction between banks and the government. When equity is issued, no diabolic loop exists. In equilibrium, banks' rational expectations of a bailout ensure that no equity is issued and the sovereign‐bank loop is operative.
Urban neighbourhood flood vulnerability and risk assessments at different diurnal levels
Authors: Percival Sarah , Gaterell Mark , Teeuw Richard
Published: June 2018

Diurnal changes within communities can significantly alter the level of impacts during a flood, yet these essential daily variations are not currently catered for within flood risk assessments. This paper develops a flood vulnerability and risk model that captures crucial features of flood vulnerability; integrating physical and socio‐economic vulnerability data, combined with a flood hazard analysis, to give overall flood risk at neighbourhood scale, at two different times of day, for floods of different magnitudes. The flood vulnerability and risk model, the resulting diurnal coastal flood vulnerability and risk indexes, and corresponding maps for the ward of Hilsea (Portsmouth, United Kingdom), presented within this paper, highlight three previously unidentified neighbourhoods in particular in the northwest of the Hilsea ward, which have the highest levels of risk during both time zones and for flood events of different magnitude. Critically, these neighbourhoods lie further inland and not directly on the Hilsea coastline, yet by analysing at this resolution (including diurnal impacts), substantial levels of underlying vulnerability were identified within these areas.
Survival and Growth of Isolated Polyps of Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus 1767) on Six Kinds of Culture Substrates: Implications for Mariculture, Aquarium Culture, and Conservation
Authors: Pavia Richard Thomas B. , Estacion Janet S.
Published: June 2018

Coral aquaculture is viewed as a sustainable method of providing colonies for use in the aquarium trade, pharmacological studies, and coral reef rehabilitation. The production of large, healthy specimens depends on providing conditions that mimic or surpass natural reef environments. Materials with a high degree of variability in physical and chemical properties are utilized as substrates in coral aquaculture, but until fragment–substrate interactions are isolated and independently studied, the possible inhibitory and facilitative effects of each material will remain unclear. To understand potential key roles that substrates can play in coral culture, a comparison was made about the role of various materials on fragment survival and growth. The experiment examined the interactions between isolates of a common scleractinian coral, Galaxea fascicularis, and six commonly used substrates (coral rock, terracotta, polyvinyl chloride, steel, rubber tire, and concrete) and how these affected survival and growth. No differences were observed in the survival, colony size, and polyp production of the resulting microcolonies. The results show that, for G. fascicularis, growth is not affected by substrate type. The results demonstrate the use of a wide variety of materials for the successful aquaculture of scleractinian corals.
Identifying a novel connection between the fungal plasma membrane and pH‐sensing
Authors: Brown Hannah E. , Ost Kyla S. , Esher Shannon K. , Pianalto Kaila M. , Saelens Joseph W. , Guan Ziqiang , Andrew Alspaugh J.
Published: June 2018

The mechanisms by which micro‐organisms sense and internalize extracellular pH signals are not completely understood. One example of a known external pH‐sensing process is the fungal‐specific Rim/Pal signal transduction pathway. Fungi, such as the opportunistic pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, use Rim signaling to sense and respond to changes in environmental pH. Mutations in this pathway result in strains that are attenuated for survival at alkaline pH, and often for survival within the host. Here, we used an insertional mutagenesis screen to identify novel genes required for C. neoformans growth at host pH. We discovered altered alkaline pH growth in several strains with specific defects in plasma membrane composition and maintenance of phospholipid assembly. Among these, loss of function of the Cdc50 lipid flippase regulatory subunit affected the temporal dynamics of Rim pathway activation. We defined distinct and overlapping cellular processes regulated by Rim101 and Cdc50 through analysis of the transcriptome in these mutant strains. We further explored how pH‐induced membrane changes affect membrane‐bound pH‐sensing proteins, specifically the C‐terminal domain of the Rra1 protein, an upstream Rim pathway activator and pH sensor. These results suggest both broadly applicable and phylum‐specific molecular interactions that drive microbial environmental sensing.
CozEa and CozEb play overlapping and essential roles in controlling cell division in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Stamsås Gro Anita , Myrbråten Ine Storaker , Straume Daniel , Salehian Zhian , Veening Jan‐Willem , Håvarstein Leiv Sigve , Kjos Morten
Published: June 2018

Staphylococcus aureus needs to control the position and timing of cell division and cell wall synthesis to maintain its spherical shape. We identified two membrane proteins, named CozEa and CozEb, which together are important for proper cell division in S. aureus. CozEa and CozEb are homologs of the cell elongation regulator CozESpn of Streptococcus pneumoniae. While cozEa and cozEb were not essential individually, the ΔcozEaΔcozEb double mutant was lethal. To study the functions of cozEa and cozEb, we constructed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system for S. aureus, allowing transcriptional knockdown of essential genes. CRISPRi knockdown of cozEa in the ΔcozEb strain (and vice versa) causes cell morphological defects and aberrant nucleoid staining, showing that cozEa and cozEb have overlapping functions and are important for normal cell division. We found that CozEa and CozEb interact with and possibly influence localization of the cell division protein EzrA. Furthermore, the CozE‐EzrA interaction is conserved in S. pneumoniae, and cell division is mislocalized in cozESpn‐depleted S. pneumoniae cells. Together, our results show that CozE proteins mediate control of cell division in S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, likely via interactions with key cell division proteins such as EzrA.
The lytic transglycosylase MltB connects membrane homeostasis and in vivo fitness of Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Crépin Sébastien , Ottosen Elizabeth N. , Peters Katharina , Smith Sara N. , Himpsl Stephanie D. , Vollmer Waldemar , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: June 2018

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a leading nosocomial pathogen, infecting a wide range of anatomic sites including the respiratory tract and the bloodstream. In addition to being multi‐drug resistant, little is known about the molecular basis of A. baumannii pathogenesis. To better understand A. baumannii virulence, a combination of a transposon‐sequencing (TraDIS) screen and the neutropenic mouse model of bacteremia was used to identify the full set of fitness genes required during bloodstream infection. The lytic transglycosylase MltB was identified as a critical fitness factor. MltB cleaves the MurNAc‐GlcNAc bond of peptidoglycan, which leads to cell wall remodeling. Here we show that MltB is part of a complex network connecting resistance to stresses, membrane homeostasis, biogenesis of pili and in vivo fitness. Indeed, inactivation of mltB not only impaired resistance to serum complement, cationic antimicrobial peptides and oxygen species, but also altered the cell envelope integrity, activated the envelope stress response, drastically reduced the number of pili at the cell surface and finally, significantly decreased colonization of both the bloodstream and the respiratory tract.
Development and Pilot Test of a New Set of Good Practice Indicators for Chronic Nonmalignant Pain Management
Authors: Saturno Pedro Jesus , Ángel‐García Daniel , Martínez‐Nicolás Ismael , López Soriano Francisco , Escolar Reina Maria Pilar , Guerrero Díaz María Beatriz , Ros Martínez María Encarnación , Medina Mirapeix Francesc , Saturno Marcos Mayo
Published: June 2018

Objectives

This study was designed to address the current relative void of valid measures by developing evidence‐based quality indicators for pain management of chronic nonmalignant pain.

Methods

We performed a 10‐year literature search to identify guidelines and review articles on chronic pain management to identify evidence‐based recommendations for the different conditions associated to chronic pain. A complementary search of indicators and indicator‐related articles was also performed. Then, we built new indicators or adapted existing ones to cover all the evidence‐based recommendations we found. The resulting set was pilot tested for feasibility, reliability (kappa), and usefulness to identify quality problems, using the Lot Quality Acceptance method (α ≤ 0.05 and β ≤ 0.01) for 75% (40% threshold) and 95% (70% threshold) compliance standards, and estimates with binomial exact 95% confidence intervals. We reviewed clinical records from a primary care center, a medium‐size hospital (250 beds), and a large hospital (500 beds).

Results

Forty‐six indicators were developed (6 general and 40 condition specific). Thirty‐three were feasible in primary care and/or hospitals. Feasible indicators were also reliable (most kappa > 0.7). Regarding compliance, 4 quality indicators obtained compliance levels over 60%, addressing pharmacological treatment, multimodal approach, and appropriate use of neuro‐image tests, while 16 obtained compliance scores under 15% (6 with 0% compliance).

Conclusions

The created set has tested to be feasible, reliable, and useful, with the capacity to serve as the baseline for developing the necessary strategies to improve the management of chronic nonmalignant pain, by monitoring and evaluating quality of care.
BRUSHY1/TONSOKU/MGOUN3 is required for heat stress memory
Authors: Brzezinka Krzysztof , Altmann Simone , Bäurle Isabel
Published: June 2018

Plants encounter biotic and abiotic stresses many times during their life cycle and this limits their productivity. Moderate heat stress (HS) primes a plant to survive higher temperatures that are lethal in the naïve state. Once temperature stress subsides, the memory of the priming event is actively retained for several days preparing the plant to better cope with recurring HS. Recently, chromatin regulation at different levels has been implicated in HS memory. Here, we report that the chromatin protein BRUSHY1 (BRU1)/TONSOKU/MGOUN3 plays a role in the HS memory in Arabidopsis thaliana. BRU1 is also involved in transcriptional gene silencing and DNA damage repair. This corresponds with the functions of its mammalian orthologue TONSOKU‐LIKE/NFΚBIL2. During HS memory, BRU1 is required to maintain sustained induction of HS memory‐associated genes, whereas it is dispensable for the acquisition of thermotolerance. In summary, we report that BRU1 is required for HS memory in A. thaliana, and propose a model where BRU1 mediates the epigenetic inheritance of chromatin states across DNA replication and cell division.
The Mandate Effect: A Typology and Conceptualization of Mediation Mandates
Authors: Nathan Laurie
Published: June 2018

This article focuses on the mediation mandate, a phenomenon that is neglected in the literature but extremely significant in practice. It aims to highlight the importance of the mandate and deepen conceptual clarity by presenting a typology of different kinds of mediation mandate and examining their functions, effects, and relationships. It shows that mandates can both constrain and empower mediators and that they are major determinants of the process, goals, and outcome of mediation.
Successful induction of therapeutic urinary concentration by intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir with remission of adenoviral hemorrhagic cystitis after cord blood transplantation
Authors: Yanagisawa Toshimitsu , Saito Shoji , Katsuyama Yoshihiko , Hirabayashi Koichi , Shigemura Tomonari , Tanaka Miyuki , Sakashita Kazuo , Nakazawa Yozo
Published: June 2018

AdV11‐HC is one of the major complications after allogeneic HSCT in Japan. We previously reported that the intravenous infusion of ganciclovir was effective against AdV11‐HC in a post‐transplant patient. We here report a case of a 10‐year‐old boy who underwent cord blood transplantation for the treatment of relapsed lymphoblastic lymphoma. He developed AdV11‐HC with an elevated AdV load in his urine and blood on day 14 after HSCT. He was immediately treated with intravenous ganciclovir; he rapidly achieved a remission of AdV11‐HC with a decreased AdV load in his urine and blood. He remained in remission of AdV11‐HC, even after we switched ganciclovir to oral valganciclovir on day 63. A pharmacokinetics study of his urine revealed that therapeutic concentrations of ganciclovir could be achieved by both intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir. These findings suggested that both intravenous ganciclovir and oral valganciclovir could be promising alternatives for the treatment of AdV11‐HC in post‐transplant patients.
Internal transport of CO2 from the root‐zone to plant shoot is pH dependent
Authors: Shimono Hiroyuki , Kondo Motohiko , Evans John R.
Published: June 2018

We investigated the fate of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by roots or internally produced by respiration using gas exchange and stable isotopic labeling. CO2 efflux from detached leaves supplied with bicarbonate/CO2 solutions was followed over six cycles. CO2 effluxes were detected when bicarbonate solution at high pH was used, corresponding to 71–85% of the expected efflux. No CO2 efflux was detected when CO2 solutions at low pH were used but CO2 efflux was subsequently detected as soon as bicarbonate solutions at high pH were supplied. By sealing the leaf and petiole in a plastic bag to reduce diffusion to the atmosphere, a small CO2 efflux signal (14–30% of the expected efflux) was detected suggesting that CO2 in the xylem stream can readily escape to the atmosphere before reaching the leaf. When the root‐zones of intact plants were exposed to CO2 solutions, a significant efflux from leaf surface was observed (13% of the expected efflux). However, no signal was detected when roots were exposed to a high pH bicarbonate solution. Isotopic tracer experiments confirmed that CO2 supplied to the root‐zone was transported through the plant and was readily lost to the atmosphere. However, little 13C moved to the shoot when roots were exposed to bicarbonate solutions at pH 8, suggesting that bicarbonate does not pass into the xylem.
Leaf growth rate and nitrogen content determine respiratory costs during leaf expansion in grapevines
Authors: Hernández‐Montes Esther , Tomás Magdalena , Escalona José M. , Bota Josefina , Medrano Hipolito
Published: June 2018

Respiration processes are well recognized as fundamental for the plant carbon balance, but little attention has been paid to the relationships among respiration rates, environment and genetic variability. This can be of particular interest to understand the differences in net carbon balances in crops as grapevines. Night respiration (Rn) and its associated growth (Rg) and maintenance (Rm) components were evaluated during leaf expansion in two grapevine cultivars (Tempranillo cv. and Garnacha cv.) that differ in their plant growth pattern and carbon balance. Simultaneously, leaf traits as leaf mass area, nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) content were evaluated in order to relate to the respiratory processes and the leaf growth. The results showed the differences in respiration rates associated with the leaf expansion pattern. Tempranillo developed leaves with higher leaf area and lower dry weight per leaf unit than Garnacha. Although differences between cultivars were observed in terms of growth costs in expanding leaves, the maintenance costs were similar for both cultivars. Also, a significant linear regression was found between respiration rates and N content in expanding and mature leaves. The results indicate that differences in structure and nitrogen content of expanding leaves may lead to respiratory differences between cultivars. These results also demonstrate the importance of respiratory cost components in carbon balance calculations in grapevines.
Proteome of the periovulatory oviduct and uterus of goats as related to nutritional balance
Authors: Fernandes César Carneiro Linhares , Rodriguez‐Villamil Paula , Vasconcelos Fábio Roger , Nagano Celso Shiniti , Rossetto Rafael , Moura Arlindo de Alencar Araripe Noronha , Rondina Davide
Published: June 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different feeding levels on the proteome of oviduct and uterus tissues of hormonally stimulated goats during the periovulatory period. Forty goats were separated into four different diet groups: Diet 1.0 M (n = 11), Diet 1.3 M (n = 10), Diet 1.6 M (n = 9), Diet 1.9 M (n = 10), fed with 1.0, 1.3, 1.6 and 1.9 times live weight maintenance, respectively. After four weeks of treatment, six hormonally stimulated females per treatment group were randomly selected for collection of uterine and the oviduct tissue samples. Samples were collected after animals were slaughtered in a commercial unit. Feeding goats with 1.3 to 1.9 times more nutrients than a control group directly influenced the proteome of the oviduct and uterus, altering the expression of proteins that participate in biological processes such as apoptosis, antioxidant, and immunological activities. These events are crucial for fertilization and early embryonic survival. Expression of oviduct proteins such as Tubulin Beta 2B, Transferrin and Disulphide‐isomerase A3 increased in the 1.9 M group in relation to the other feeding levels. Disulphide‐isomerase A4 showed higher expression in the 1.0 M group compared to diets with higher energetic levels. As energy intake increased in the diets, there was higher expression of Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin and downregulation of Profilin‐1 in the uterus of the goats. In conclusion, this study showed that specific proteins of the goat oviduct and uterus expressed during the periovulatory period are modified as the result of nutritional balance.
Ultrafiltration rate in conventional hemodialysis: Where are the limits and what are the consequences?
Authors: Slinin Yelena , Babu Megha , Ishani Areef
Published: June 2018

Background

Ultrafiltration rate (UFR) has attracted attention as a modifiable aspect of volume management.

Objective

The objective of this review is to summarize the evidence that links UFR to patient outcomes and discuss UFR cut‐offs proposed, and discuss possible consequences of adapting UFR as a quality metric.

Results

Higher UFRs has been associated with younger age, longer dialysis vintage, greater prevalence of comorbidities, higher Kt/V, lower weight, greater interdialytic weight gain, lower residual renal function, and shorter treatment times. Many of the characteristics associated with high UFRs have also been independently associated with poor patient outcomes. Four observational studies have assessed the association between UFR and patient mortality. All of them reported an association between higher UFR and greater patient mortality, though the studies differed in their definition of UFR, follow‐up, and adjustment for confounding. Evidence for the association between higher UFR and potential mediations of the mortality association, such as interdialytic hypotension, cardiac remodeling, and cardiovascular events was less consistent. There was a graded association between higher UFRs and all‐cause mortality; no definitive cut‐off for acceptable UFR can be established based on the current evidence. Targeting UFR in isolation might result in volume expansion and worsening patient outcomes. Residual confounding likely contributed to the findings of the observational studies. No randomized controlled trials addressed the questions.

Conclusion

Evidence supporting UFR limits is weak and confounded. Randomized controlled trials are needed before UFR can be used as a quality of care indicator.
The complement lectin pathway after cardiac arrest
Authors: Haugaard S. F. , Jeppesen A. N. , Troldborg A. , Kirkegaard H. , Thiel S. , Hvas A.‐M.
Published: June 2018

The lectin pathway (LP) of the complement system may initiate inflammatory reactions when body tissue is altered. We aimed to investigate the levels of the LP proteins in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest patients, and to compare these with healthy individuals. Furthermore, we aimed to clarify whether the duration of targeted temperature management influenced LP protein levels, and we further examined whether LP proteins were associated with 30‐day mortality. We included 82 patients resuscitated from out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest. The patients were randomly assigned to 24 or 48 hours of targeted temperature management at 33 ± 1°C. Blood samples were obtained 22, 46 and 70 hours after target temperature was reached. Levels of the LP proteins (mannan‐binding lectin [MBL], M‐ficolin, H‐ficolin, collectin liver 1 [CL‐L1], MBL‐associated serine protease 1 [MASP‐1], MASP‐2, MASP‐3 and MBL‐associated protein of 44 kDa [MAp44]) were measured using time‐resolved immunofluorometric assays. Data from 82 gender matched healthy individuals were used for comparison. Levels of CL‐L1, MASP‐1, MASP‐2 and MAp44 were significantly higher, whereas M‐ficolin levels were significantly lower in cardiac arrest patients compared with healthy individuals. MASP‐2, MASP‐3 and M‐ficolin levels changed significantly when comparing 24 and 48 hours of targeted temperature management. The LP protein levels were not different between 30‐day survivors and non‐survivors after cardiac arrest. The differences in LP protein levels between patients and healthy individuals may indicate that cardiac arrest patients have an activated LP. Overall, the LP protein levels were not influenced by the duration of targeted temperature management, and the levels were not associated with 30‐day mortality.
High dose hypofractionated frameless volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy is a feasible method for treating canine trigeminal nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Dolera Mario , Malfassi Luca , Marcarini Silvia , Mazza Giovanni , Carrara Nancy , Pavesi Simone , Sala Massimo , Finesso Sara , Urso Gaetano
Published: June 2018

The aim of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of curative intent high dose hypofractionated frameless volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy for treatment of canine trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Client‐owned dogs with a presumptive imaging‐based diagnosis of trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumor were recruited for the study during the period of February 2010 to December 2013. Seven dogs were enrolled and treated with high dose hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy delivered by a 6 MV linear accelerator equipped with a micro‐multileaf beam collimator. The plans were computed using a Monte Carlo algorithm with a prescription dose of 37 Gy delivered in five fractions on alternate days. Overall survival was estimated using a Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow‐up examinations revealed complete response in one dog, partial response in four dogs, and stable disease in two dogs. Median overall survival was 952 days with a 95% confidence interval of 543–1361 days. Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy was demonstrated to be feasible and effective for trigeminal peripheral nerve sheath tumor treatment in this sample of dogs. The technique required few sedations and spared organs at risk. Even though larger studies are required, these preliminary results supported the use of high dose hypofractionated volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy as an alternative to other treatment modalities.
Sliding Mode Controller for Trajectory Tracking Control of Autonomous Mobile Robot
Authors: Oon Thay Ang , Mohd Basri Mohd Ariffanan , Mohd Subha Nurul Adilla , Shamsudin Mohamad Amir , Sahlan Shafishuhaza
Published: June 2018

Trajectory tracking control is an important issue in the field of autonomous mobile robot. In high speed and heavy load applications, the dynamic of autonomous mobile robot plays an important factor in allowing the robot to follow the desired trajectory path. However, the parameters attribute to robot dynamic are difficult to model and highly uncertain. One of the uncertainty factors is the load variation which changes the dynamic parameters of autonomous mobile robot. Meanwhile, Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is well known for its robustness against model uncertainties and disturbances. This paper is about design of dynamic controller based on SMC technique for trajectory tracking control of autonomous mobile robot system. The model of mobile robot is developed based on Pioneer 3-DX mobile robot. The trajectory tracking controller is divided into two parts, kinematic controller and dynamic controller. Stability of both dynamic and kinematic controller is verified using Lyapunov stability theory. The performance of trajectory tracking control for proposed dynamic controller based on SMC technique is compared against dynamic controller based on Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) technique with and without the presence of dynamic uncertainties. Simulation results show proposed dynamic controller based on SMC technique give better performance in trajectory tracking control in comparison to PID.
Effects of PV and Battery Storage Technologies on the Optimal Sizing of Renewable Energy Microgrid
Authors: Abdulkarim Abubakar , Abdelkader S.M. , Morrow D. J. , Y. Amuda S. A. , Madugu I.S. , Falade A.J. , Saminu S. , Adediran Y.A.
Published: June 2018

This paper presents analyses of the model for the optimum design of standalone hybrid microgrid. The model is developed with the aim of optimizing system component sizing that can reliably satisfy isolated loads. The objective function is to minimize the annual cost of the plant while taking all constraints into consideration. Mixed integer linear programming technique is used to solve the optimization problem. By applying some approximations, the output power of the wind energy conversion system is expressed as a linear function of wind speed. Effects of different PV technologies and the rated power of each unit have been investigated. The results have shown the ability of the proposed model by reducing the cost of energy by 89.35%, 90.26%, 88.3530%, and 89.99% for AP120, ASE 300, KC120 and SAPC165 respectively. In the same way the carbon dioxide emission is reduced by 83%, 82.82%, 82.51% and 73.48 in the same order of the PV modules. Also, the optimal design is sensitive to the rated power of the WECS and SECS, while the benefit-to-cost ratio and payback period are sensitive to the storage technology.
Two antimicrobial compounds drimane sesquiterpene polygodial and 11-hydroxydrim-8-en-7-one from the stem bark of Drimys arfakensis Gibbs. (Winteraceae)
Authors: Santoso Bimo Budi , Hernandez Hidelisa Padua , Rodriguez Evelyn Bernadeth , Dalmacio Ida Farida
Published: June 2018

Antimicrobial-guided fractionation and isolation of the bioactive compounds from the stem bark of Drimys arfakensis Gibbs. were carried out. Two antimicrobial compounds were isolated. The sructures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2-D NMR, ESI-MS and EI-MS. Based on the spectroscopic data, the two antimicrobial compounds were polygodial, 1 and and       11-Hydroxydrim-8-en-7-one, 2. . Compound 1 exhibited very strong activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (B-1823), and yeast-like fungi Candida albicans (B-2219) with both having MIC values of  7.8 µg.mL-1.  It also showed strong activity against gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli (B-1634 ) with MIC value of 31.2 µg.mL-1 . While compound 2 only possesses strong activity against S. aureus (MRSA), no activity against C. albicans and E. coli was observed. This is the first report on the antimicrobial activity of compound 2 and on the isolation of these two compounds from D. arfakensis Gibbs.
Highly efficient zinc oxide-carbon nitride composite photocatalysts for degradation of phenol under UV and visible light irradiation
Authors: Hussin Faisal , Oktendy Lintang Hendrik , Lee Siew Ling , Yuliati Leny
Published: June 2018

In order to utilize solar light in an efficient way, a good photocatalyst shall absorb both UV and visible light. In this study, a series of composite photocatalyst consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) and carbon nitride (CN) was successfully prepared through a physical mixing method. The ZnO is an ultraviolet (UV)-based photocatalyst, while the CN is known as a visible light-driven photocatalyst. The effect of zinc to carbon mol ratio (Zn/C) towards the properties and photocatalytic activities was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that the prepared ZnO-CN composite photocatalysts composed of wurtzite ZnO and graphitic CN. The presence of ZnO and CN made the composites have absorption at both UV and visible region, suggesting the potential application as photocatalysts under both UV and visible light. Fluorescence studies revealed that all ZnO-CN composites showed emission peaks at 445 and 460 nm when excited at 273 nm, but with lower intensity as compared to those of the CN. The lower emission intensity suggested the role of ZnO to reduce the charge recombination and improve the charge separation on the CN. The ZnO-CN composites were further evaluated for photocatalytic degradation of phenol. The amount of degraded phenol was determined by a gas chromatography, in which a flame ionization detector was used in this study (GC-FID). The composite photocatalyst with an optimum content of 1% Zn/C gave almost 1.15 times higher activity than the CN under visible light irradiation. On the other hand, the composite photocatalyst with an optimum content of 50% Zn/C showed 2.6 times higher activity than the CN under UV light. The improved photocatalytic efficiency on the ZnO-CN composite photocatalysts was caused by the synergic effect between ZnO and CN. The ZnO would boost the separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons on the CN, while the CN would enable ZnO to absorb visible light region as the ZnO-CN composites.
Phytochemical investigation of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) leaves extract applicated for sunscreen product
Authors: Setyani Wahyuning , Setyowati Hanny
Published: June 2018

Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) is an annual plant, distributed in the tropical parts of the world. Chemical constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, and minerals have been isolated from this plant. The pharmacological properties, based on scientific research, claimed as antibacterial, antiulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and especially for antimelanogenesis therapy. Iridoid, a flavonoid compound, is the main component found in the Noni leaves extract. Screening of Noni leaves extract possessed flavonoid and steroid content with the concentration of 2.82% and 0.14%, respectively. Therefore, the Noni leaves extract was potential used for sunscreen, based on antimelanogenesis activity.
Analysis of bioactive compounds for Jasmine flower via Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Authors: Rassem Hesham Hussein , Hamid  Nour Abdurahman , Mohamed Yunus Rosli
Published: June 2018

The current work analyses the chemical constituents of Jasmine flower using Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The dried Jasmine flower powder was extracted by methanol via the Microwave-assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD) process. The GC-MS analysis revealed different peaks that showed the presence of ten compounds. In the current study, we have focused on the main compounds that can be used for biological activity, i.e. 2-Phenylthiolane (57.31%), Cyclohexene, 3-ethenyl- (25.91%), Acetaldehyde (12.70%), N-Methylallylamine (9.99%), Propanamide (6.79%) and Phthalic acid, bis (7-methyloctyl) ester (5.21%). The bio-compounds with methanol extract of Jasmine flower were analyzed by using GC-MS. Functional group analysis was carried out on the volatile oil obtained through MAHD by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphologies of untreated dried powdered Jasmine flower (i.e. raw powdered jasmine flower without soaking into methanol solution prior to extraction) and pre-treated powdered Jasmine flower (soaked into methanol solution for 1 hr) were investigated through SEM analysis.
In vitro shoot regeneration and analysis of biochemical, antioxidant and anticancer properties of Ananas comosus var. MD2
Authors: Abdul Halim Nur Asniyati , Ramasamy Sujatha , Tan Boon Chin , Khalid Norzulaani , Yaacob Jamilah Syafawati
Published: June 2018

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is one of the most important crops in the world. Although the phytochemical compounds of pineapple fruits have been extensively studied, little attention was paid on other parts of the plant. In this study, we developed an efficient in vitro regeneration procedures for A. comosus var. MD2 as well as analyzed the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer activities in field-grown and in vitro leaf samples. Leaf base explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing 1.0 mg/L IBA and 2.0 mg/L BAP produced the highest percentage of shoot response (100%) with a mean number of 6 microshoots per explant. Biochemical analysis showed that in vitro leaf samples contained higher amount of carotenoids and anthocyanins but lower total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity than field-grown leaves. Flavonoids, tannins, sterols and alkaloids were detected in both field-grown and in vitro leaf samples. The methanolic extracts from both samples exhibited low cytotoxic activity against human ovarian SKOV-3 and human breast MCF-7 cancer cells. These results suggested that pineapple leaves might not be suitable to serve as chemotherapeutic agent and further exploitation on other secondary metabolites is required.
Effect of initial bacteria cells number and fermentation time on increasing nutritive value of sago flour
Authors: Gunawan Setiyo , Wirawasista Aparamarta Hakun , Zarkasie Ilham Muttaqin , Prihandini Wuwuh Wijang
Published: June 2018

Indonesia is the largest sago feedstock in the world. There are about 2 millions ha sago forest that approximately half of the world's sago forest is present in Indonesia. Naturally, sago spreads widely in Papua, while semi-cultivation is in Maluku, Sulawesi, Borneo, and Sumatra. The species sago (Metroxylon sago) was used in this study. It has a relatively high starch content (95.99%) with low amylose content (20.61%) and low protein content (1.63%). Modified sago flour is a product from sago flour that modified with fermentation to increase the nutritional value of the sago flour. It can be used as a gluten free flour and low-calorie food products. The bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum) was used in the fermentation. However, the color of the modified sago flour is off-white, if the fermentation time is too long. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of fermentation time and initial bacteria cells number on increasing nutritive value of sago flour. The variables used were fermentation times (12, 24, and 36 h) and initial bacteria cells number (7 x 1010, 7 x 1011, 1.05 x 1012, and 3,05 1012 cells of L. plantarum). The result showed that amylose and protein content increased from 20.61% to 33,06% and from 1.41% to 4.11%, respectively, with bacterial variables of 3,5 x 1012 and fermentation time of 36 h.
Pharmaceutical quality assurance of local private distributors: a secondary analysis in 13 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Van Assche Kerlijn , Nebot Giralt Ariadna , Caudron Jean Michel , Schiavetti Benedetta , Pouget Corinne , Tsoumanis Achilleas , Meessen Bruno , Ravinetto Raffaella
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The rapid globalisation of the pharmaceutical production and distribution has not been supported by harmonisation of regulatory systems worldwide. Thus, the supply systems in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain exposed to the risk of poor-quality medicines. To contribute to estimating this risk in the private sector in LMICs, we assessed the quality assurance system of a convenient sample of local private pharmaceutical distributors.

Methods

This descriptive study uses secondary data derived from the audits conducted by the QUAMED group at 60 local private pharmaceutical distributors in 13 LMICs. We assessed the distributors’ compliance with good distribution practices (GDP), general quality requirements (GQR) and cold chain management (CCM), based on an evaluation tool inspired by the WHO guidelines ’Model Quality Assurance System (MQAS) for procurement agencies'. Descriptive statistics describe the compliance for the whole sample, for distributors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) versus those in non-SSA, and for those in low-income countries (LICs) versus middle-income countries (MICs).

Results

Local private pharmaceutical distributors in our sample were non-compliant, very low-compliant or low-compliant for GQR (70%), GDP (60%) and CCM (41%). Only 7/60 showed good to full compliance for at least two criteria. Observed compliance varies by geographical region and by income group: maximum values are higher in non-SSA versus SSA and in MICs versus LICs, while minimum values are the same across different groups.

Conclusion

The poor compliance with WHO quality standards observed in our sample indicates a concrete risk that patients in LMICs are exposed to poor-quality or degraded medicines. Significant investments are needed to strengthen the regulatory supervision, including on private pharmaceutical distributors. An adapted standardised evaluation tool inspired by the WHO MQAS would be helpful for self-evaluation, audit and inspection purposes.
Shared decision-making for people living with dementia in extended care settings: a systematic review
Authors: Daly Rachel Louise , Bunn Frances , Goodman Claire
Published: June 2018

Background

Shared decision-making is recognised as an important element of person-centred dementia care.

Objectives

The aim of this review was to explore how people living with dementia and cognitive impairment can be included in day-to-day decisions about their health and care in extended care settings.

Design

A systematic review including primary research relating to shared decision-making, with cognitively impaired adults in (or transferrable to) extended care settings. Databases searched were: CINAHL, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, NICE Evidence, OpenGrey, Autism Data, Google Scholar, Scopus and Medicines Complete (June to October 2016 and updated 2018) for studies published in the last 20 years.

Results

Of the 19 included studies 15 involved people with living dementia, seven in extended care settings. People living with cognitive impairment often have the desire and ability to participate in decision-making about their everyday care, although this is regularly underestimated by their staff and family care partners. Shared decision-making has the potential to improve quality of life for both the person living with dementia and those who support them. How resources to support shared decision-making are implemented in extended care settings is less well understood.

Conclusions

Evidence suggests that people living with cognitive impairment value opportunities to be involved in everyday decision-making about their care. How these opportunities are created, understood, supported and sustained in extended care settings remains to be determined.

Trial registration number

CRD42016035919
Sexual assaults in individuals with visual impairment: a cross-sectional study of a Norwegian sample
Authors: Brunes Audun , Heir Trond
Published: June 2018

Objective

To examine the prevalence of sexual assaults among individuals with visual impairment (VI) compared with the general population and to investigate the association between sexual assault and outcomes of self-efficacy and life satisfaction.

Design

Cross-sectional interview-based study conducted between February and May 2017.

Participants

A probability sample of adults with VI (≥18 years) who were members of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. A total of 736 (61%) members participated, of whom 55% were of female gender. We obtained norm data for sexual assaults from a representative survey of the general Norwegian population.

Outcome measures

Sexual assaults (Life Event Checklist for DSM-5), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale) and life satisfaction (Cantril’s Ladder of Life Satisfaction).

Results

The prevalence of sexual assaults (rape, attempted rape and forced into sexual acts) in the VI population was 17.4% (95% CI 14.0 to 21.4) among women and 2.4% (95% CI 1.2 to 4.7) among men. For women, the VI population had higher rates of sexual assaults across age strata than the general population. For men, no significant differences were found. In the population of people with VI, the risk of sexual assault was greater for those having other impairments in addition to the vision loss. Individuals with VI who experienced sexual assaults had lower levels of self-efficacy (adjusted relative risk (ARR): 0.18, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.61) and life satisfaction (ARR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.50) than others.

Conclusions

The risk of experiencing sexual assault appears to be higher in individuals with VI than in the general population. Preventive measures as well as psychosocial care for those who have been exposed are needed.
Impact of the introduction of a universal childhood influenza vaccination programme on influenza-related admissions to paediatric intensive care units in England
Authors: Hardelid Pia , Kapetanstrataki Melpo , Norman Lee , Fleming Sarah J , Lister Paula , Gilbert Ruth , Parslow Roger C
Published: June 2018

Introduction

A universal childhood influenza vaccination programme was introduced in the UK in September 2013. We examine the impact of the gradual introduction of this programme on influenza-related paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission rates in England.

Methods

We extracted data on all influenza-related admissions to PICUs in England in resident children aged 0–15 years old between October 2003 and March 2017 from the Paediatric Intensive Care Audit Network (PICANet) database. We estimated influenza-associated PICU admission rates per 100 000 children by age group, sex and winter season (October to March), and used Poisson regression models to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) in the winter seasons since the introduction of universal childhood vaccination compared with the two winters before the introduction of the programme (2011–2013).

Results

We identified 929 influenza-related PICU admissions among 873 children. 48.3% of admissions were among children aged less than 2 years old. The influenza-associated PICU admission rate was 1.32 per 100 000 children (95% CI 1.23 to 1.40). We identified a significant increase in influenza PICU admissions in the winters following the introduction of the universal childhood vaccination programme compared with the winters of 2010/2011–2012/2013 among children aged <5 years old: IRR 1.58 (1.05, 2.37) in children <1 year, 2.71 (1.43, 5.17) in 1 year-olds and 1.98 (1.18, 3.31) in children 2–4 years old. No significant difference was found among children aged 5–15 years.

Conclusion

The universal childhood influenza vaccination has not yet reduced the influenza-associated burden on PICUs in England during its early phase of introduction. Monitoring of influenza PICU admission rates needs to continue in England to assess the long-term impact of universal paediatric influenza vaccination. Linkage between PICANet and national infection surveillance databases would better enable such monitoring.