bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sialylated Receptor Setting Influences Mycoplasma pneumoniae Attachment and Gliding Motility
Authors: Williams Caitlin R. , Chen Li , Driver Ashley D. , Arnold Edward A. , Sheppard Edward S. , Locklin Jason , Krause Duncan C.
Published: June 2018

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of human respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and atypical pneumonia. M. pneumoniae binds glycoprotein receptors having terminal sialic acid residues via the P1 adhesin protein. Here, we explored the impact of sialic acid presentation on M. pneumoniae adherence and gliding on surfaces coated with sialylated glycoproteins, or chemically functionalized with α‐2,3‐ and α‐2,6‐sialyllactose ligated individually or in combination to a polymer scaffold in precisely controlled densities. In both models, gliding required a higher receptor density threshold than adherence, and receptor density influenced gliding frequency but not gliding speed. However, very high densities of α‐2,3‐sialyllactose actually reduced gliding frequency over peak levels observed at lower densities. Both α‐2,3‐ and α‐2,6‐sialyllactose supported M. pneumoniae adherence, but gliding was only observed on the former. Finally, gliding on α‐2,3‐sialyllactose was inhibited on surfaces also conjugated with α‐2,6‐sialyllactose, suggesting that both moieties bind P1 despite the inability of the latter to support gliding. Our results indicate that the nature and density of host receptor moieties profoundly influences M. pneumoniae gliding, which could affect pathogenesis and infection outcome. Furthermore, precise functionalization of polymer scaffolds shows great promise for further analysis of sialic acid presentation and M. pneumoniae adherence and gliding.
Expression and regulation of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa hibernation promoting factor
Authors: Akiyama Tatsuya , Williamson Kerry S. , Franklin Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Bacterial biofilms contain subpopulations of cells that are dormant and highly tolerant to antibiotics. While dormant, the bacteria must maintain the integrity of macromolecules required for resuscitation. Previously, we showed that hibernation promoting factor (HPF) is essential for protecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa from ribosomal loss during dormancy. In this study, we mapped the genetic components required for hpf expression. Using 5ʹ‐RACE and fluorescent protein reporter fusions, we show that hpf is expressed as part of the rpoN operon, but that hpf also has a second promoter (Phpf) within the rpoN gene. Phpf is active when the cells enter stationary phase, and expression from Phpf is modulated, but not eliminated, in mutant strains impaired in stationary phase transition (ΔdksA2, ΔrpoS and ΔrelA/ΔspoT mutants). The results of reporter gene studies and mRNA folding predictions indicated that the 5ʹ end of the hpf mRNA may also influence hpf expression. Mutations that opened or that stabilized the mRNA hairpin loop structures strongly influenced the amount of HPF produced. The results demonstrate that hpf is expressed independently of rpoN, and that hpf regulation includes both transcriptional and post‐transcriptional processes, allowing the cells to produce sufficient HPF during stationary phase to maintain viability while dormant.
Blood‐induced differential gene expression in Anopheles dirus evaluated using RNA sequencing
Authors: Mongkol W. , Nguitragool W. , Sattabongkot J. , Kubera A.
Published: June 2018

Malaria parasites are transmitted through blood feeding by female Anopheline mosquitoes. Unveiling the blood‐feeding process will improve understanding of vector biology. Anopheles dirus (Diptera: Culicidae) is one of the primary malaria vectors in the Greater Mekong Subregion, the epicentre of malaria drug resistance. In this study, differential gene expression between sugar‐ and blood‐fed An. dirus was investigated by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). A total of 589 transcripts were found to be upregulated and 703 transcripts downregulated as a result of blood feeding. Transcriptional differences were found in genes involved in blood digestion, peritrophic matrix formation, oogenesis and vitellogenesis. The expression levels of several genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The present results provide better understanding of An. dirus biology in relation to its blood feeding.
Matching global and regional distribution models of the recluse spider Loxosceles rufescens: to what extent do these reflect niche conservatism?
Authors: Taucare‐Ríos A. , Nentwig W. , Bizama G. , Bustamante R. O.
Published: June 2018

The Mediterranean recluse spider, Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour, 1820) (Araneae: Sicariidae) is a cosmopolitan spider that has been introduced in many parts of the world. Its bite can be dangerous to humans. However, the potential distribution of this alien species, which is able to spread fairly quickly with human aid, is completely unknown. Using a combination of global and regional niche models, it is possible to analyse the spread of this species in relation to environmental conditions. This analysis found that the successful spreading of this species varies according to the region invaded. The majority of populations in Asia are stable and show niche conservatism, whereas in North America this spider is expected to be less successful in occupying niches that differ from those in its native region and that do not support its synanthropic way of living.
Tissue protein biomarker candidates to predict progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions
Authors: Wang Meng , Smith Jennifer S. , Wei Wen‐Qiang
Published: June 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most predominant malignancies worldwide. The 5‐year survival rate is still relatively low due to few symptoms presenting with the early disease, diagnosis at middle to late stage, and high risk of recurrence after therapy. Novel protein biomarkers for early detection and treatment of ESCC have the potential to reduce incidence and mortality rates, and significantly prolong the 5‐year survival rate. To date, several ESCC biomarkers are being investigated for screening, diagnosis, and treatment to decrease the disease burden. This review summarizes recent developments in candidate protein biomarkers for early diagnosis, predictors for precancerous disease progression, and prognosis of ESCC. Protein biomarkers that enable identification of the different pathologic grades of ESCC will need to be identified. ESCC biomarkers have the potential to improve screening and treatment strategies; multicenter prospective studies with large sample sizes will be required to confirm the usefulness of these candidate biomarkers.
Leaders and followers behaving badly: A meta‐analytic examination of curvilinear relationships between destructive leadership and followers’ workplace behaviors
Authors: Mackey Jeremy D. , McAllister Charn P. , Maher Liam P. , Wang Gang
Published: June 2018

We draw from social psychological and resource‐based theories to meta‐analytically examine curvilinear relationships between destructive leadership and followers’ workplace behaviors (i.e., job performance, organizational citizenship behaviors, and workplace deviance). Overall, our meta‐analytic results demonstrate that relationships between destructive leadership and followers’ workplace behaviors are essentially linear. The limited evidence of curvilinear relationships we did find supports the application of social psychological theories when examining high levels of destructive leadership. Overall, this study's meta‐analytic regression, relative weight, and semipartial correlation results have important implications for how to interpret the conclusions drawn from prior destructive leadership research, how to conduct future studies that examine destructive leadership, and practitioners’ attempts to limit the effects of destructive leadership on followers’ workplace behaviors.
Cellular dynamics during maturation‐related decline of adventitious root formation in forest tree species
Authors: Pizarro Alberto , Díaz‐Sala Carmen
Published: June 2018

Adventitious root formation is a process in which roots are induced, from determined or differentiated cells that have not been specified to develop a root, at positions where they do not normally occur during development. In forest tree species, a decline in the capacity to form adventitious roots from similar cell types in stem cuttings is associated with tree age and maturity. This decline limits the success of vegetative propagation of selected adult trees. The joint action of local signals and a dynamic cascade of regulatory changes in gene expression, resulting in stereotypical cell division patterns, regulate cell fate changes that enable a somatic differentiated cell to reactivate meristem programs toward the induction of an adventitious root meristem.
Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) improves bucks’ semen quality during the nonbreeding season
Authors: Beracochea Florencia , Viera María Noel , Acevedo Lucía , Santiago‐Moreno Julián , Ungerfeld Rodolfo
Published: June 2018

In most goat breeds, testosterone serum concentration and semen quality decrease during the nonbreeding season. However, bucks reproductive activity may be stimulated with the administration of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the repeated administration of eCG stimulates the reproductive status of bucks during the nonbreeding season. The study was performed with 19 bucks that were assigned to a group that was treated with eCG (GeCG) and an untreated control group (GCon). The GeCG bucks received an initial dose of 800 IU of eCG (Day 0), followed by four doses of 500 IU administered every 5 days beginning on Day 5. Serum testosterone and anti‐eCG antibody concentrations, testicular and seminal traits were determined until Day 60. Testosterone concentration (from Day 3 to 21: p < 0.0001), anti‐eCG titre (from Day 12 to 44: p ≤ 0.01), percentage of motile spermatozoa (Day 6: p = 0.006 and 14: p = 0.001) and of spermatozoa with progressive motility (Day 6: p = 0.01 and 14: p = 0.002) and the percentage of spermatozoa with functional membrane (Day 6: p = 0.02 and 22: p = 0.008) were higher in GeCG than in GCon bucks. Also in frozen‐thawed samples, the percentage of motile spermatozoa tended to be higher in GeCG than that of GCon bucks (p = 0.07). In conclusion, the administration of eCG during the nonbreeding season stimulated the secretion of testosterone and improved fresh and possibly frozen‐thawed semen quality. However, it also resulted in an increase in anti‐eCG antibody titre.
Selection for genetics‐based architecture traits in a native cottonwood negatively affects invasive tamarisk in a restoration field trial
Authors: Mahoney Sean M. , Mike Jesse B. , Parker Jackie M. , Lassiter Linda S. , Whitham Thomas G.
Published: June 2018

Climate change and competition from invasive species remain two important challenges in restoration. We examined the hypothesis that non‐native tamarisk (Tamarix spp.) reestablishment after aboveground removal is affected by genetics‐based architecture of native Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) used in restoration. As cottonwood architecture (height, canopy width, number of stems, and trunk diameter) is, in part, determined by genetics, we predicted that trees from different provenances would exhibit different architecture, and mean annual maximum temperature transfer distance from the provenances would interact with the architecture to affect tamarisk. In a common garden in Chevelon, AZ, U.S.A. (elevation 1,496 m), with cottonwoods from provenances spanning its elevation distribution, we measured the performance of both cottonwoods and tamarisk. Several key findings emerged. On average, cottonwoods from higher elevations were (1) two times taller and wider, covered approximately 3.5 times more basal area, and were less shrubby in appearance, by exhibiting four times fewer number of stems than cottonwoods from lower elevations; (2) had 50% fewer tamarisk growing underneath, which were two times shorter and covered 6.5 times less basal area than tamarisk growing underneath cottonwoods of smaller stature; and (3) the number of cottonwood stems did not affect tamarisk growth, possibly because the negative relationship between cottonwood stems and basal area. In combination, these findings argue that cottonwood architecture is affected by local conditions that interact with genetics‐based architecture. These interactions can negatively affect the growth of reinvading tamarisk and enhance restoration success. Our study emphasizes the importance of incorporating genetic and environmental interactions of plants used in restoration.
Dialysate bicarbonate concentration: Too much of a good thing?
Authors: Basile Carlo , Rossi Luigi , Lomonte Carlo
Published: June 2018

Acid‐base equilibrium is a complex and vital system whose regulation is impaired in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of CKD. It is typically due to the accumulation of sulfate, phosphorus, and organic anions. Metabolic acidosis is correlated with several adverse outcomes, such as morbidity, hospitalization and mortality. In patients undergoing hemodialysis, acid‐base homeostasis depends on many factors: net acid production, amount of alkali given by the dialysate bath, duration of interdialytic period, as well as residual diuresis, if any. Recent literature data suggest that the development of postdialysis metabolic alkalosis may contribute to adverse clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, no randomized studies exist about the effect of different dialysate bicarbonate concentrations on hard outcomes, such as mortality. Like everything else in dialysis, the quest for the “ideal” dialysate bicarbonate concentration is far from over. The Latin aphorism “ne quid nimis” ie “nothing in excess” (excess of neither acid nor base) probably best summarizes our current state of knowledge in this field. For the present, the clinician should understand that target values for predialysis serum bicarbonate concentrations have been established primarily based on observational studies and expert opinion. On the basis of this information, we should keep predialysis serum bicarbonate concentrations at least at 22 mEq/L. Furthermore, a specific focus should be addressed to the clinical and nutritional status of the major outliers on both the acid and alkaline sides of the curve.
Inflection points in longitudinal models: Tracking recovery and return to play following concussion
Authors: Parrington L. , Fino N. F. , Fino P. C. , Murchison C. F. , Chesnutt J. C. , King L. A.
Published: June 2018

The return to play (RTP) process may occur during longitudinal studies tracking recovery after concussion. This factor, which is often omitted within statistical designs, could affect the fit and overall interpretation of the statistical model. This article demonstrates the difference in results and interpretation between 2 linear mixed‐model designs: (1) a between‐group longitudinal (GROUP) analysis and (2) a between‐group longitudinal model that used an inflection point to account for changes around the time of RTP (RTP analysis). These analyses were conducted on instrumented balance data collected on 23 concussed athletes and 25 controls over 8 weeks following concussion. Total sway area and the range of mediolateral acceleration were used as outcome measures. No significant findings were found in the GROUP design for either outcome measure. In contrast, the RTP analysis revealed significant effects of time (P = .007) and RTP change (P = .007), and group*time (P = .028) and group*RTP change (P = .022) interactions for total sway area, and effects of group (P = .011), time (P = .010), and RTP change (P = .014), and group*time (P = .013) and group*RTP change interactions (P = .013) for range of mediolateral acceleration. For both outcomes, the RTP model fit the data significantly better on comparison of likelihood ratios (P ≤ .027). These results suggest that allowing for an inflection point in the statistical design may assist understanding of what happens around clinically meaningful time points. The choice of statistical model had a considerable effect on the interpretation of findings, and provokes discussion around the best method for analyzing longitudinal datasets when important clinical time points like RTP exist.
Evidence of balance training‐induced improvement in soccer‐specific skills in U11 soccer players
Authors: Cè E. , Longo S. , Paleari E. , Riboli A. , Limonta E. , Rampichini S. , Coratella G. , Esposito F.
Published: June 2018

The present study aimed to determine the role of balance training improving technical soccer skills in young players. Two U11 soccer teams were randomly assigned one to either balance training (BT; n = 22) or control group (Ctrl; n = 21). At the end of their habitual soccer training (identical in BT and Ctrl), BT underwent additional balance training for 12 weeks (3 sessions/week, 20 minutes per session), while Ctrl had a 20‐minute scrimmage. Before and after the intervention, BT and Ctrl underwent two soccer‐specific tests (Loughborough Soccer Passing, LSPT, and Shooting, LSST, Tests), and bipedal and unipedal balance evaluations. After intervention, both groups decreased the trials time and improved passing accuracy, with larger improvements in BT than Ctrl (LSPT penalty time [CI95%]: −2.20 seconds [−2.72/−1.68]; ES [CI95%]: −2.54 seconds [−3.34/−1.74]). Both groups improved balance ability, with BT showing larger increments in bipedal tests than Ctrl (static balance: −29 mm [−42/−16]; ES: −1.39 [−2.05/−0.72]; limit of stability: 4% [3/5]; ES 3.93 [2.90/4.95]; unipedal quasi‐dynamic balance: 0.07 a.u. [0.03/0.11]; ES: 1.04 [0.40/1.67] and active range of motion: −5% [−8/−2]; ES −0.89 [−1.51/−0.26]). Low‐to‐moderate correlations between the players’ technical level and unipedal balance ability were retrieved, particularly in the non‐dominant limb (R from 0.30 to 0.48). Balance training improved some technical soccer skills more than habitual soccer training alone, suggesting that young soccer players may benefit from additional balance training added to their traditional training.
Where horses run free? Autonomy, temporality and rewilding in the Côa Valley, Portugal
Authors: DeSilvey Caitlin , Bartolini Nadia
Published: June 2018

This paper builds on work about rewilding and human–animal relations by focusing inquiry on Portugal's Côa Valley, where a concentration of prehistoric rock art animal figures shares a landscape with a rewilding pilot which seeks to re‐establish a population of wild horses. In response to recent geographical debates, the paper offers a sustained, situated analysis of the temporalities of rewilding and related claims to non‐human autonomy. In the Côa Valley, ancient images of animal others are enrolled in efforts to return “wild” horses to the landscape, but conceptions of wildness and domesticity, and autonomy and temporality, remain fluid and unfixed – even as they are implicated in the production of bounded spaces and invoked in present‐day management imperatives. To conclude, we argue for an appreciation of degrees of animal autonomy in rewilding contexts, moving beyond the binaries that often seem to be the focus of rewilding debates. Understanding of these degrees of autonomy, we argue, must be grounded in histories of landscape co‐habitation and co‐production, and consider the intersection of past cultural tradition and conceptions of desired future natures.
Emitter Velocity Estimation Comparison for Frequency Difference of Arrival Measurement Based Single and Multiple Reference Lateration Algorithm
Authors: Yaro Abdulmalik Shehu , Sha'ameri Ahmad Zuri
Published: June 2018

The accuracy at which the instantaneous velocity and position of a non-stationary emitting source estimated using a lateration algorithm depends on several factors such as the lateration algorithm approach, the number and choice of reference receiving station (RS) used in developing the lateration algorithm. In this paper, the use of multiple reference RSs was proposed to improve the velocity estimation accuracy of the frequency difference of arrival (FDOA) based lateration algorithm. The velocity estimation performance of the proposed multiple reference FDOA based lateration algorithm is compared with the conventional approach of using single reference RS at some selected emitter positions using Monte Carlo simulation. Simulation result based on an equilateral triangle RS configuration shows that the use of multiple reference RSs improved the velocity estimation accuracy of the lateration algorithm. Based on the selected emitter positions, a reduction in velocity estimation error of about 0.033  and 1.31  for emitter positions at ranges 0.5 km and 5 km respectively was achieved using the multiple reference lateration algorithm.
ZnO Thin Film Transistor: Effect of Traps and Grain Boundaries
Authors: Razak A.A. , Khoo W.H. , Mohamed Sultan Suhana
Published: June 2018

Recently ZnO has drawn a lot of attention in semiconductor industry due to its interesting features. High exciton binding energy, high resistivity against radiation, high breakdown voltage, low temperature deposition are some of the interesting features of this material. Zinc oxide TFT device gains an increasing interest for its potential in sensing applications due to its biocompability, chemical stability and  simple fabrication process with various methods and high surface-to-volume ratio. However, ZnO TFT devices from previous work exhibited poor ION and field effect mobility. This work investigates the cause of its poor performance by focusing only two factors: traps and defects in the channel and grain boundary. The work was performed in Silvaco TCAD 2D simulator. It was found that a single grain boundary in the channel causes a reduction of the ION by 95%. The effect in the ION is less severe when traps and defects were introduced in the ZnO channel. The results can assist in optimizing the TFT device performance for sensing applications.
Size-exclusion liquid chromatography for effective purification of amphiphilic trinuclear gold(I) pyrazolate complex
Authors: Jalani Mohamad Azani , Yuliati Leny , Lee Siew Ling , Lintang Hendrik Oktendy
Published: June 2018

Column gravity chromatography suffered from several drawbacks such as time-consuming and need a large amount of eluents. Herein we reported an efficient technique for effective separation of amphiphilic trinuclear gold(I) pyrazolate complex ([Au3Pz3]C10TEG) with high polarity based on size-exclusion principle of chromatographic technique. Based on the size-exclusion limit, [Au3Pz3]C10TEG having a larger size with molecular weight of 4011.39 Da (4030.40 Da when added Na+) was successfully eluted and collected firstly from its impurities after being recycled for 2 times. In the chromatogram for first cycle, an intense peak upon excitation at 220 nm for [Au3Pz3]C10TEG was observed at retention time of 58 mins, while small peaks due to the presence of impurities was observed in the range between 73 to 85 mins. In the second cycle, the impurities were flushed away before [Au3Pz3]C10TEG was successfully collected at retention time of 170 mins in the third cycle. The columns were a set of polystyrene/divinylbenzene (PS/DVB) JAIGEL-1H and -2.5H connected in series having exclusion limit of 1 X 103 and 2 X 104 in which chloroform was used as the eluent at flow rate of 3.5 mL min-1. As a result, the visual appearance of dark-yellowish [Au3Pz3]C10TEG was successfully purified to give pale-yellowish product. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry thermogram showed that extra shoulder from impurities at 6.13 °C in the first endothermic peak of [Au3Pz3]C10TEG at 0.76 °C was completely removed. Hence, it can be concluded that size-exclusion chromatography can be used as an effective purification method with much more convenience and small consumption of solvents.
Degradation study of stevioside using RP-HPLC and ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Martono Yohanes , Rohman Abdul , Martono Sudibyo , Riyanto Sugeng
Published: June 2018

Stevioside is very potential to be an antidiabetic pro-drug. In processing, the active ingredient may be degraded. This research conducted a study of the degradation of stevioside on several stress factors such as acid and base hydrolysis; exposure to UV rays, thermal heating and oxidation using RP-HPLC. The degradation products were identified using ESI-MS/MS. Hydrolysis of acid-base solution and exposure to UV254 nm rays caused the breakdown of glycoside bonds in the analyte. Stevioside was unstable in dry heating at 105oC for 48 hours due to degradation of 91%. Stevioside was oxidized under H2O2 oxidation for 48 hours. Based on the ESI-MS/MS analysis, the identified stevioside degradation products were [M-H] ̶ with m/z = 803 as stevioside; [M-H] ̶ with the value of m/z = 641 as steviolbioside; [M-H] ̶ with m/z = 479 as steviolmonoside; [M-H] ̶ with m/z = 317 as steviol. Termination of glucose was characterized by fragmentation [M-162] ̶.Our study provides a basic view on the stability and degradation characteristics of stevioside, and demonstrates the formation of degradation products.
Influence of drying methods on the quality of Orthosiphon stamineus extract
Authors: Lau Cher Haan , Chua Lee Suan
Published: June 2018

The interest in herbal products is tremendously increasing in recent years, probably due to their health promoting benefits. Drying is one of the important processes in herbal extract preparation. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of drying methods on the quality of Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) extract. The OS extract was concentrated by a centrifugal concentrating system operated at three different modes (Infrared (IR), IR-Heat and Heat), vacuum evaporator (VE) and oven dryer. The phytochemical profiles of the dried extracts were analysed by LC-MS/MS. The oven-dried OS extract showed the highest yield (26.2%), followed by heat-dried, IR-heat-dried, IR-dried and VE-dried. The VE-dried extract showed the highest reduction of extract quality in term of its phytochemical content, particularly for the major compounds such as caffeic acid, eupatorin, eupatorin derivative, myricetin, rosmarinic acid, rutin and sinensetin. The drying kinetic for IR, heat and IR-heat methods were fitted well into Page model with R2>0.99. This research concluded that the selection of drying method is important because it will affect the phytochemical profile of the plant extract significantly.
The anthocyanin pigment extract from red rose as antibacterial agent
Authors: Saati Elfi Anis , Dyah Pusparini Annisa , Wachid Mochammad , Winarsih Sri
Published: June 2018

Red rose consisting of anthocyanin pigment has been used as an antibacterial agent. However, there is no study on the anthocyanin pigment extract from red rose as the antibacterial agent. The effectiveness of the antibacterial agent can be affected by the solvent extraction and the flower shelf life. Here, we report the effects of solvent extraction and red rose (Rosa sp.) shelf life on the antibacterial activity. Red rose concentrated extraction and randomized complete block design factorial was carefully used with factors of long display and solvent extraction. The extraction solvent (P) comprised of water, ethanol, and mixture of water-ethanol (1 : 1), while the red rose shelf life (M) consisted of 0, 2, 4 and 6 days. Moreover, pH, antioxidant activity and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) with four variations of concentrated concentration (100%, 50%, 25% and 12.5%) on Escherichia coli, Salmonella thypi, and Pseudomonas sp. were analyzed. After two days of shelf life using water as the solvent for extraction, the antioxidant activity achieved 79% at pH of 2.5. It was also demonstrated that it was able to kill all the investigated bacterias, which were Escherichia coli, Salmonella thypi, and Pseudomonas sp. with concentrated concentrations of 100%, 50% and 25%. When the concentrated concentration was 12.5%, the MBC value was constantly found to be 1.39 × 108 cfu/g for Escherichia coli and 9.53 × 107 cfu/g for Salmonella thypi.
Adsorptive characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch-based activated carbons for dye removal
Authors: Ahmad Zaini Muhammad Abbas , Ali Abdul Haris
Published: June 2018

The present study was aimed to evaluate the adsorptive characteristics and microwave dielectric properties of activated carbons derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) prepared by microwave-assisted potassium hydroxide activation at 300 W and 800 W for 5 min. The resultant products were characterized for dielectric properties, BET specific surface area, surface functional groups and methylene blue adsorption. Results show that the microwave-assisted activation yields activated carbons with surface area of 695 m2/g and 1339 m2/g for heating rates (microwave irradiation power) of 300 W and 800 W, respectively and both exhibit more than 95% removal of methylene blue at concentrations higher than 100 mg/L. The dielectric properties revealed a better propensity of activated carbons towards microwave heating especially at a higher heating rate due to high surface area, and possibly high moisture content and carbon content. A greater heating rate or microwave power could turn EFB into activated carbon with a higher surface area and excellent adsorptive properties for pollution abatement.
Effects of simulated microgravity on rice (MR219) growth and yield
Authors: Zulkifli Nur Athirah , Chuang Teoh Chin , Khim Ong Keat , Abdul Rauf Ummul Fahri , Abu Bakar Norliza , Wan Yunus Wan Md Zin
Published: June 2018

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food in many Asian countries with an ever increasing demand. However, the production of high quality rice seeds is insufficient to meet this demand. Research on plant growth in space related to the exposure of a microgravity environment are rare, costly and time-limited. Similar experiments can be conducted on the ground to simulate the microgravity condition using a 2-D clinostat which compensates for the unilateral influence of gravity. This study was conducted to establish a simple and cost effective technique to enhance the quality of the Malaysian rice seed variety MR 219 by using a 2-D clinostat and to determine the effects of simulated microgravity on the growth and yield of the rice seeds. The experiments were performed at different rotation speeds (2 rpm and 10 rpm) for 10 days at room temperature. The rice growth and yield parameters were measured every 2 weeks and at harvest time (day 110), respectively.  The data were analysed using the MINITAB statistical software package. The mean value estimates of the parameters obtained under different conditions were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Tukey test for multiple comparisons using a 0.05 significance level. Significant differences in the number of tiller, stem width , chlorophyll content , weight of grains and panicles and total grain weight per plant were identified at rotation speed 10 rpm  when compared to rotation speed 2 rpm and control. The highest means were mainly obtained under 10 rpm clinorotated rice seeds. In general, plants grown from 10 rpm clinorotated seeds are also more resistant to rice diseases (rice blast disease, rice tungro disease and hopper burn). These results suggest that simulated microgravity using a 2-D clinostat affected several rice (MR219) growth and yield parameters significantly.
Mitochondrial regulation in skeletal muscle: A role for non‐coding RNAs?
Authors: Silver Jessica , Wadley Glenn , Lamon Séverine
Published: June 2018

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This article draws evidence from the current literature to support the hypothesis that non‐coding RNA‐mediated gene regulation takes place in the mitochondria. An emphasis is put on skeletal muscle.

What advances does it highlight?

This review highlights the potential role of microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs in mitochondrial gene regulation. The discovery of a new level of skeletal muscle mitochondria‐controlled gene regulation presents exciting perspectives for our understanding of skeletal muscle physiology in health and disease.

Skeletal muscle is a highly metabolic tissue characterized by high mitochondrial abundance. As such, skeletal muscle homeostasis relies on the tight control of mitochondrial gene expression to ensure efficient mitochondrial function. Mitochondria retain a conserved genome from prokaryotic ancestors, and mitochondrial gene regulation relies on communication between mitochondrial‐ and nuclear‐encoded transcripts. Small and long non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have regulatory roles in the modulation of gene expression. Emerging evidence demonstrates that regulatory ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), localize within the mitochondria in diverse physiological and pathological states. These molecules present intriguing possibilities for the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression. Current research suggests that all known miRNAs are encoded by the nuclear genome but can target mitochondrial genes. Initial investigations demonstrate direct interactions between the muscle‐enriched miR‐1 and miR‐181c and mitochondrial transcripts, suggesting advanced roles of miRNAs in mitochondrial gene regulation. This review draws evidence from the current literature to discuss the hypothesis that a level of ncRNA‐mediated gene regulation, in particular miRNA‐mediated gene regulation, takes place in the mitochondria. Although ncRNA‐mediated regulation of the mitochondrial genome is a relatively unexplored field, it presents exciting possibilities to further our understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and human muscle physiology.
Use of non-invasive ventilation in cerebral palsy
Authors: Grychtol Ruth , Chan Elaine Y
Published: June 2018

Patients with cerebral palsy (CP), especially those at the severe end of the spectrum (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels IV–V equivalent), frequently suffer from sleep disturbance and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is increasingly used in this patient group, albeit with little published evidence of its effectiveness in CP. This article aims to review the current evidence in the use of NIV in children with CP, highlighting areas of uncertainties, as well as the balance of potential risks, challenges and benefits. We would also share our experience and practical considerations in using NIV to manage SDB in this group of patients. Between January 2010 and December 2016, 21 patients (median age 11.1 (range 1.7–16.1) years) with CP were initiated on NIV at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children following diagnosis of moderate to severe SDB on cardiorespiratory polygraphy. Over half of our patients with CP (n=11) failed to establish on NIV either due to intolerance of mask and/or ventilation pressure at the initial trial in hospital, or poor adherence during follow-up, in contrast to the overall failure rate of 8.7% among total patient population commenced on NIV. Children with CP constitute a relatively small but challenging group of patients. Decision to undertake NIV should be individualised, based on benefit outweighing the risk and burden of the treatment.
Clinical assessment of acute lateral ankle sprain injuries (ROAST): 2019 consensus statement and recommendations of the International Ankle Consortium
Authors: Delahunt Eamonn , Bleakley Chris M , Bossard Daniela S , Caulfield Brian M , Docherty Carrie L , Doherty Cailbhe , Fourchet François , Fong Daniel T , Hertel Jay , Hiller Claire E , Kaminski Thomas W , McKeon Patrick O , Refshauge Kathryn M , Remus Alexandria , Verhagen Evert , Vicenzino Bill T , Wikstrom Erik A , Gribble Phillip A
Published: June 2018

Lateral ankle sprain injury is the most common musculoskeletal injury incurred by individuals who participate in sports and recreational physical activities. Following initial injury, a high proportion of individuals develop long-term injury-associated symptoms and chronic ankle instability. The development of chronic ankle instability is consequent on the interaction of mechanical and sensorimotor insufficiencies/impairments that manifest following acute lateral ankle sprain injury. To reduce the propensity for developing chronic ankle instability, clinical assessments should evaluate whether patients in the acute phase following lateral ankle sprain injury exhibit any mechanical and/or sensorimotor impairments. This modified Delphi study was undertaken under the auspices of the executive committee of the International Ankle Consortium. The primary aim was to develop recommendations, based on expert (n=14) consensus, for structured clinical assessment of acute lateral ankle sprain injuries. After two modified Delphi rounds, consensus was achieved on the clinical assessment of acute lateral ankle sprain injuries. Consensus was reached on a minimum standard clinical diagnostic assessment. Key components of this clinical diagnostic assessment include: establishing the mechanism of injury, as well as the assessment of ankle joint bones and ligaments. Through consensus, the expert panel also developed the International Ankle Consortium Rehabilitation-Oriented ASsessmenT (ROAST). The International Ankle Consortium ROAST will help clinicians identify mechanical and/or sensorimotor impairments that are associated with chronic ankle instability. This consensus statement from the International Ankle Consortium aims to be a key resource for clinicians who regularly assess individuals with acute lateral ankle sprain injuries.
Prevalence of knee osteoarthritis features on magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic uninjured adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Culvenor Adam G , Øiestad Britt Elin , Hart Harvi F , Stefanik Joshua J , Guermazi Ali , Crossley Kay M
Published: June 2018

Background

Knee MRI is increasingly used to inform clinical management. Features associated with osteoarthritis are often present in asymptomatic uninjured knees; however, the estimated prevalence varies substantially between studies. We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of the prevalence of MRI features of osteoarthritis in asymptomatic uninjured knees.

Methods

We searched six electronic databases for studies reporting MRI osteoarthritis feature prevalence (ie, cartilage defects, meniscal tears, bone marrow lesions and osteophytes) in asymptomatic uninjured knees. Summary estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis (and stratified by mean age: <40 vs ≥40 years). Meta-regression explored heterogeneity.

Results

We included 63 studies (5397 knees of 4751 adults). The overall pooled prevalence of cartilage defects was 24% (95% CI 15% to 34%) and meniscal tears was 10% (7% to 13%), with significantly higher prevalence with age: cartilage defect <40 years 11% (6%to 17%) and ≥40 years 43% (29% to 57%); meniscal tear <40 years 4% (2% to 7%) and ≥40 years 19% (13% to 26%). The overall pooled estimate of bone marrow lesions and osteophytes was 18% (12% to 24%) and 25% (14% to 38%), respectively, with prevalence of osteophytes (but not bone marrow lesions) increasing with age. Significant associations were found between prevalence estimates and MRI sequences used, physical activity, radiographic osteoarthritis and risk of bias.

Conclusions

Summary estimates of MRI osteoarthritis feature prevalence among asymptomatic uninjured knees were 4%–14% in adults aged <40 years to 19%–43% in adults ≥40 years. These imaging findings should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentations and considered in clinical decision-making.
Associations between anthropometric indices, blood pressure and physical fitness performance in young Swiss men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Staub Kaspar , Floris Joël , Koepke Nikola , Trapp Adrian , Nacht Andreas , Schärli Maurer Susanna , Rühli Frank J , Bender Nicole
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To assess the benefit of waist circumference (WC) measurements during routine conscription medical examination in two military conscription centres in Switzerland. We compared the prevalence of overweight and obesity assessed by body mass index (BMI) with the prevalence of elevated disease risks assessed by WC and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We investigated how these measures were associated with systolic blood pressure, physical fitness performance and socioeconomic determinants.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Two Swiss conscription centres in 2016.

Participants

1548 Swiss male conscripts, 18–22 years old.

Main outcome

Prevalences of elevated WC, WHtR and BMI values according to WHO categories. Secondary outcomes include systolic blood pressure, physical fitness performance and endurance performance.

Results

Using BMI cut-points, 25.0% of all conscripts were overweight or obese. When applying WC cut-points, 9.2% had an increased disease risk, while 14.8% of the conscripts were at risk using WHtR cut-points. In the BMI range of 25.0–27.4 kg/m2, 3.6% showed an increased disease risk when using WC and 24.6% when using WHtR cut-points. Of the conscripts with a BMI of 27.5–29.9 kg/m2, 72.4% had an increased disease risk using WHtR, and 42.5% when using WC cut-points. Determinants of elevated BMI, WC and WHtR were low occupational status, rural residential area, older age and location in central and Northwest Switzerland. Systolic blood pressure increased with increasing BMI, WC and WHtR. Physical fitness and endurance test performances decreased with increasing BMI, WC and WHtR.

Conclusion

In addition to BMI, WC and WHtR add relevant information to the health assessment of young men. However, the prevalence of overweight/increased health risk differed when using BMI, WC or WHtR. Further studies should include measures of body composition to test whether these differences arise from muscular young men within the overweight BMI range, who had a normal WC.
Workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout, perceived organisational support and their effects on turnover intention among Chinese nurses in tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Zhao Shihong , Shi Lei , Zhang Zhong , Liu Xinyan , Li Li , Duan Xiaojian , Li Guoqiang , Lou Fengge , Jia Xiaoli , Fan Lihua , Sun Tao , Ni Xin
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Our aims were to assess the relationship between workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout, organisational support and turnover intention, and to explore factors associated with turnover intention among nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals.

Methods

The purposive sampling method was used to collect data from August 2016 through January 2017. A total of 1761 nurses from 9 public tertiary hospitals in 4 provinces (municipalities) located in eastern (Beijing), central (Heilongjiang, Anhui) and western (Shaanxi) regions of China completed the questionnaires (effective response rate=85.20%). A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Workplace Violence Scale, Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire Revised Short Version, Perceived Organizational Support-Simplified Version Scale and Turnover Intention Scale.

Results

A total of 1216 of 1706 (69.1%) participants had high turnover intention. During the previous 12 months, the prevalence of physical violence and psychological violence towards nurses was 9.60% and 59.64%, respectively. As expected, the level of turnover intention was negatively correlated with participants’ scores on job satisfaction (r=−0.367, p<0.001) and perceived organisational support (r=−0.379, p<0.001), respectively. Burnout was positively associated with turnover intention (r=0.444, p<0.001). Workplace violence was positively associated with turnover intention (β=0.035, p<0.001) in linear regression analysis. The total effect (β=0.53) of workplace violence on turnover intention comprised its direct effect (β=0.36) and its indirect effect (β=0.17).

Conclusions

Perceived organisational support served as a mediator between workplace violence, job satisfaction, burnout and turnover intention, and it had a significantly negative impact on turnover intention. Therefore, nursing managers should understand the importance of the organisation’s support and establish a reasonable incentive system to decrease turnover intention.
Educational inequalities in subjective health in Germany from 1994 to 2014: a trend analysis using the German Socio-Economic Panel study (GSOEP)
Authors: Moor Irene , Günther Sebastian , Knöchelmann Anja , Hoebel Jens , Pförtner Timo-Kolja , Lampert Thomas , Richter Matthias
Published: June 2018

Introduction

As trend studies have shown, health inequalities by income and occupation have widened or remained stable. However, research on time trends in educational inequalities in health in Germany is scarce. The aim of this study is to analyse how educational inequalities in health evolved over a period of 21 years in the middle-aged population in Germany, and whether the trends differ by gender.

Methods

Data were obtained from the German Socio-Economic Panel covering the period from 1994 to 2014. In total, n=16 339 participants (106 221 person years) aged 30–49 years were included in the study sample. Educational level was measured based on the ‘Comparative Analysis of Social Mobility in Industrial Nations’ (CASMIN) classification. Health outcomes were self-rated health (SRH) as well as (mental and physical) health-related quality of life (HRQOL, SF-12v2). Absolute Index of Inequality (Slope Index of Inequality (SII)) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were calculated using linear and logarithmic regression analyses with robust SEs.

Results

Significant educational inequalities in SRH and physical HRQOL were found for almost every survey year from 1994 to 2014. Relative inequalities in SRH ranged from 1.50 to 2.10 in men and 1.25 to 1.87 in women (RII). Regarding physical HRQOL, the lowest educational group yielded 4.5 to 6.6 points (men) and 3.3 to 6.1 points (women) lower scores (SII). Although educational level increased over time, absolute and relative health inequalities remained largely stable over the last 21 years. For mental HRQOL, only few educational inequalities were found.

Discussion

This study found persistent educational inequalities in SRH and physical HRQOL among adults in Germany from 1994 to 2014. Our findings highlight the need to intensify efforts in social and health policies to tackle these persistent inequalities.