bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Younger Infants in the Elementary School: Discursively Constructing the Under-Fives in Institutional Spaces and Practices
Authors: Olusoga Yinka
Published: July 2019

Expansion of state-regulation of education and care for under-fives in England has seen increasing numbers of under-fives attending primary school early years provision in the 21st century’s opening decades. However, this is not entirely novel as under-fives attending elementary school feature in numerous 19th and 20th century reports. This article examines how under-fives have been discursively constructed in three reports between 1861 and 1933. Changing conceptualizations of under-fives are reflected in these documents. Shifting discourses of schooling, child development and curriculum are deployed, adapted or silenced to frame and judge the personal, social and moral conduct of the young child and parent. This normalizing discursive gaze positions the spaces and practices of schooling as necessary interventions inculcating specific governmentally designated desirable aspects of the child. Under-fives are enmeshed in an advancing process of educational colonization that removes them from the home, coming to dominate their time and experiences as young children. Current trends towards earlier school starting ages, longer daily hours, and the forensic use of data to chart progress towards expected goals is extension of this pattern. Attending to the genealogy of the discursive rationalization of this process helps us to critique how similar contemporary policy arguments are made.
Assessment of Traffic-Related Air Pollution: Case Study of Pregnant Women in South Texas
Authors: Askariyeh Mohammad Hashem , Vallamsundar Suriya , Zietsman Josias , Ramani Tara
Published: July 2019

Population groups vulnerable to adverse effects of traffic-related air pollution correspond to children, pregnant women and elderly. Despite these effects, literature is limited in terms of studies focusing on these groups and a reason often cited is the limited information on their mobility important for exposure assessment. The current study presents a method for assessing individual-level exposure to traffic-related air pollution by integrating mobility patterns tracked by global positioning system (GPS) devices with dynamics of air pollutant concentrations. The study is based on a pool of 17 pregnant women residing in Hidalgo County, Texas. The traffic-related particulate matter with diameter of less than 2.5 micrometer (PM2.5) emissions and air pollutant concentrations are predicted using MOVES and AERMOD models, respectively. The daily average traffic-related PM2.5 concentration was found to be 0.32 µg/m3, with the highest concentration observed in transit (0.56 µg/m3), followed by indoors (0.29 µg/m3), and outdoor (0.26 µg/m3) microenvironment. The obtained exposure levels exhibited considerable variation between time periods, with higher levels during peak commuting periods, close to the US–Mexico border region and lower levels observed during midday periods. The study also assessed if there is any difference between traffic-related dynamic exposure, based on time-varying mobility patterns, and static exposure, based solely on residential locations, and found a difference of 9%, which could be attributed to the participants’ activity patterns being focused mostly indoors.
Environmental and Motivational Determinants of Physical Activity among Canadian Inuit in the Arctic
Authors: Akande Victor O. , Ruiter Robert A.C. , Kremers Stef P.J.
Published: July 2019

Background: Canadian Inuit have transited from a physically active hunter-gatherer subsistence lifestyle into sedentary ways of life. The purpose of the current study was to measure physical activity levels among Nunavut Inuit adults, and explore the socio-cognitive and environmental factors influencing the number of steps taken per day. Method: Inuit and non-Inuit adults (N = 272) in Nunavut participated in a seven-day pedometer study during summer and winter seasons. Participants were asked to complete the Neighbourhood Environmental Walkability Scale (NEWS) and Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3). Data analyses included descriptive statistics, hierarchical linear regression, and tests of mediation effects. Results: Participants had limited to low activity at a rate of 5027 ± 1799 and 4186 ± 1446 steps per day, during summer and winter, respectively. There were no seasonal and age effects on the number of steps. Gender effects and community differences were observed. Perceived infrastructure and safety as well as land use mix diversity were found to be positive environmental correlates of steps taken, which were partially mediated by identified motivational regulation. Conclusion: Physical activity levels among Nunavut adults are generally low, but can be promoted by improving the external physical environment and internal motivational regulation.
Smart Software Can Increase Sit–Stand Desk Transitions During Active Computer Use
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Pickens Adam , Mehta Ranjana , Han Gang , Benden Mark E.
Published: July 2019

The objective use of table top adjustable sit–stand desks has yet to be determined, due to the lack of an effective digital evaluation method. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of computer prompt software on table top sit–stand desks to determine if there was a difference in the frequency of desk position changes. This five month, pre-post pilot study on 47 university staff members used a novel USB accelerometer sensor and computer software reminders to continuously record and prompt increases in desk usage to promote physical activity at the workstation. During the baseline phase (3 months), desk usage data were continuously recorded for all workers. Following the baseline, the results from a two-month intervention of personalized computer reminders doubled the number of desk position changes per work day from 1 desk position change every 2 work days to 1 change every work day. Furthermore, those who changed desk positions once or twice a day increased from 4% to 36% from baseline to intervention. Overall, the intervention was encouraging, but longer intervention studies are warranted to determine if the desk usage behavior change can be improved and sustained for years and whether that change results in health gains.
Effects of Total Dissolved Gas Supersaturation in Fish of Different Sizes and Species
Authors: Xue Shudan , Wang Yuanming , Liang Ruifeng , Li Kefeng , Li Ran
Published: July 2019

Two endemic fish in the upper Yangtze River, the Rock Carp (Procypris rabaudi) and Prenant’s Schizothoracin (Schizothorax prenanti), were used as research objects in this study to assess the effects of total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation on fish of varying sizes. Fish were exposed to TDG-supersaturated water at the levels of 145, 140, 135, 130, and 125%. The results showed that fish swam slowly, responded clumsily, and then exhibited spiral swimming performance after a period of exposure to TDG-supersaturated water. Fish exhibited exophthalmos, body swelling, gill bleeding, and caudal fin bleeding when they died in the TDG-supersaturated water. With the increase in TDG supersaturation, the tolerance capacity of fish to supersaturated TDG significantly reduced. At high supersaturation, the difference in survival time between species was not significant, while fish with smaller sizes showed greater tolerance capacity. At low supersaturation, the tolerance capacity of fish was mainly affected by species, and the influence of size was relatively small. With the decrease in TDG supersaturation, the catalase (CAT) activity first increased and then decreased. Rock Carp displayed significantly less activity than Prenant’s Schizothoracin on exposure to TDG-supersaturated water. At high supersaturation levels, the CAT activity of Prenant’s Schizothoracin of small size was greater than that of large Prenant’s Schizothoracin. In contrast, small Prenant’s Schizothoracin showed less CAT activity at low TDG levels than did large individuals.
Determinants of Health Facility Utilization at Birth in South Sudan
Authors: Tongun Justin Bruno , Mukunya David , Tylleskar Thorkild , Sebit Mohamedi Boy , Tumwine James K , Ndeezi Grace
Published: July 2019

South Sudan has a high maternal mortality ratio estimated at 800 deaths per 100,000 live births. Birth in health facilities with skilled attendants can lower this mortality. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the level and determinants of health facility utilization and skilled birth attendance in Jubek State, South Sudan. Mothers of children aged less than two years were interviewed in their homes. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with health facility births. Only a quarter of the mothers had given birth at health facilities, 209/810 (25.8%; 95% CI 18.2–35.3) and 207/810 had a skilled birth attendant (defined as either nurse, midwife, clinical officer, or doctor). Factors positively associated with health facility births were four or more antenatal visits (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 19; 95% CI 6.2, 61), secondary or higher education (AOR 7.9; 95% CI 3, 21), high socio-economic status (AOR 4.5; 95% CI 2.2, 9.4), and being primipara (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5, 5.4). These findings highlight the need for efforts to increase health facility births in South Sudan.
An Exploratory Study on the Effects of Forest Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Cancers
Authors: Kim Hyeyun , Lee Yong Won , Ju Hyo Jin , Jang Bong Jin , Kim Yeong In
Published: July 2019

The improvement of sleep quality in patients with cancer has a positive therapeutic effect on them. However, there are no specific treatment guidelines for treating sleep disturbance in cancer patients. We investigated the effect of forest therapy on the quality of sleep in patients with cancer. This study was conducted on nine patients (one male, eight female; mean age, 53.6 ± 5.8 years) with gastrointestinal tract cancer. All patients participated in forest therapy for six days. They underwent polysomnography (PSG) and answered questionnaires on sleep apnea (STOP BANG), subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), sleepiness (Stanford and Epworth Sleepiness Scales), and anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) to evaluate the quality of sleep before and after forest therapy. Sleep efficiency from the PSG results was shown to have increased from 79.6 ± 6.8% before forest therapy to 88.8 ± 4.9% after forest therapy (p = 0.027) in those patients, and total sleep time was also increased, from 367.2 ± 33.4 min to 398 ± 33.8 min (p = 0.020). There was no significant difference in the STOP BANG score, PSQI scores, daytime sleepiness based on the results of the Stanford and Epworth Sleepiness Scales, and depression and anxiety scores. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that forest therapy may be helpful in improving sleep quality in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Gait Speed with Anti-Slip Devices on Icy Pedestrian Crossings Relate to Perceived Fall-Risk and Balance
Authors: Larsson Agneta , Berggård Glenn , Rosander Peter , Gard Gunvor
Published: July 2019

It is important to find criteria for preventive measures and appropriate assistive devices to reduce pedestrian injuries and increase walking in winter. Reducing the rate of falls on icy surfaces and improving people’s ability to safely cross a street in winter conditions by achieving an adequate walking speed, for example, need to be considered. This study explores pedestrian perceptions of fall risk, balance, and footfall transitions while using different designs for anti-slip devices on ice and snow-covered ice and relates these to measures of gait speed and friction. Trials were performed with nine pedestrians testing 19 anti-slip devices on ice and ice covered with snow. Laboratory tests of the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) on plain ice were also performed. The findings suggest that there was conformity in the participants’ perceptions of good balance and low fall risk for one-fifth of the devices (three whole-foot designs and one design with built-in spikes). We also found that gait speed on icy pedestrian crossings is related to perceived fall-risk and balance control, but not to DCOF of the anti-slip devices.
Effect of MyMAFI—A Newly Developed Mobile App for Field Investigation of Food Poisoning Outbreak on the Timeliness in Reporting: A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Hamzah Fathul Hakim , Mohd Hairon Suhaily , Yaacob Najib Majdi , Musa Kamarul Imran
Published: July 2019

Prompt investigation of food poisoning outbreak are essential, as it usually involves a short incubation period. Utilizing the advancement in mobile technology, a mobile application named MyMAFI (My Mobile Apps for Field Investigation) was developed with the aim to be an alternative and better tool for current practices of field investigation of food poisoning outbreak. A randomized cross-over trial with two arms and two treatment periods was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the newly developed mobile application as compared to the standard paper-based format approach. Thirty-six public health inspectors from all districts in Kelantan participated in this study and they were randomized into two equal sized groups. Group A started the trial as control group using the paper-format investigation form via simulated outbreaks and group B used the mobile application. After a one-month ‘washout period’, the group was crossed over. The primary outcome measured was the time taken to complete the outbreak investigation. The treatment effects, the period effects and the period-by-treatment interaction were analyzed using Pkcross command in Stata software. There was a significant treatment effect with mean square 21840.5 and its corresponding F statistic 4.47 (p-value = 0.038), which indicated that the mobile application had significantly improve the reporting timeliness. The results also showed that there was a significant period effect (p-value = 0.025); however, the treatment by period interaction was not significant (p-value = 0.830). The newly developed mobile application—MyMAFI—can improve the timeliness in reporting for investigation of food poisoning outbreak.
Activation of the Cyano Group at Imidazole via Copper Stimulated Alcoholysis
Authors: Gayfullina Rezeda , Jääskeläinen Sirpa , Koshevoy Igor O. , Hirva Pipsa
Published: July 2019

Reactions of 4,5-dicyano-1-methylimidazole with CuX2 (X = Cl, Br) in alcohol solvents (ethanol and methanol) resulted in the formation of Cu(II) carboximidate complexes [CuCl2(5- cyano-4-C(OEt)N-1-methylimidazole)(EtOH)] (1), [Cu2(µ-Cl)2Cl2(5-cyano-4-C(OMe)N-1-methylimidazole)2] (2), [Cu2(µ-Br)2Br2(5-cyano-4-C(OMe)N-1-methylimidazole)2] (3), and [Cu2(µ-Br)2Br2(5-cyano-4-C(OEt)N-1-methylimidazole)2] (4). The structures were determined by the X-ray crystallographic method, and further spectroscopic and computational methods were employed to explain the structural features. The solvent contributed to the alcoholysis reaction of the cyano group, as the result of which the ligand coordinated to the metal center in bidentate mode forming a five-membered chelating ring. In 1, the solvent also acts as an additional ligand, which coordinates to the metal center of a monomeric complex. In compounds 2–4, two halogen ligands link the metal atoms forming dihalo-bridged copper dimers. The infrared absorption characteristics were verified by simulation of the infrared spectra at the density functional theory level. In addition, the electronic absorption characteristics were explained by simulation of the UV–Vis spectra using the TD-DFT method. Molecular modelling at the DFT level was performed to study the effects of halogen type and steric hindrance of the alkoxy groups in forming the copper(II) complexes.
Outcome of Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate with the GreenLight-XPS 180 Watt System Compared to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Authors: Reimann Maximilian , Fishman Nikita , Lichy Isabel , Wiemer Laura , Hofbauer Sebastian , Almedom Zenai , Buckendahl John , Steiner Ursula , Schlomm Thorsten , Friedersdorff Frank , Cash Hannes
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper was to compare the perioperative and postoperative results of photoselective vaporization of the prostate with the GreenLight-XPS 180 Watt System (PVP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This retrospective study included 140 men who underwent PVP and 114 men who underwent TURP for symptomatic benign prostate enlargement (BPE) between June 2010 and February 2015. The primary outcome measures were the patient reported outcome, operative results, International Prostate Symptom Score-Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL), complication rates, catheterization time, and length of hospital stay. The median follow-up times were 27 months (range 14–44) for the PVP group and 36 months (range 25–47) for the TURP group. The patient characteristics were well balanced in both groups with a median age of 71 years (PVP group) vs. 70 years (TURP group) and a comparable prostate volume (median 50 mL in the PVP group vs. 45 mL in the TURP group). The IPSS-QoL was significantly higher in the PVP group than in the TURP group (median 22 + 4; range 16–27 + 3−5 vs. median 19 + 3; range 15−23 + 3−4; p = 0.02). Men undergoing PVP were more likely to be on anticoagulants (PVP group n = 23; 16% vs. TURP group n = 2; 2%, p < 0.001). The median operation time (OT; min) for both procedures was comparable with 68 min (PVP group; range 53–91) vs. 67 min (TURP group; range 46–85). The rate of severe intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the PVP group than in the TURP group (n = 7; 5% vs. n = 16; 14%; p = 0.01). The postoperative catheterization time and length of hospital stay was significantly lower in the PVP group (median 1–2 days; range 1–4) vs. the TURP group (median 2–4 days; range 2–5; both p < 0.001). Complication rates (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥III) based on the follow-up data showed no statistically significant difference between the PVP group and the TURP group (n = 6; 4% vs. n = 6; 5%; p = 0.28). The IPSS on follow-up showed an equivalent reduction in symptoms for both treatment modalities (IPSS-QoL of 5 + 1; range 2–11 + 0−2 for both). There were no differences concerning urge (PVP group n = 3; 2% vs. TURP group n = 3; 3%; p = 0.90) and men were similarly satisfied with the postoperative outcome (PVP group 92% vs. TURP group 87%; p = 0.43). The PVP group was associated with a shorter hospitalization time and showed a reduced risk of bleeding, despite patients remaining on anticoagulants, without increasing the overall operative time. There was no difference in the patient reported outcome for both procedures.
Stress-Induced Phase Transformation and Its Correlation with Corrosion Properties of Dual-Phase High Carbon Steel
Authors: Handoko Wilson , Pahlevani Farshid , Hossain Rumana , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: July 2019

It is well known that stress-induced phase transformation in dual-phase steel leads to the degradation of bulk corrosion resistance properties. Predicting this behaviour in high carbon steel is imperative for designing this grade of steel for more advanced applications. Dual-phase high carbon steel consists of a martensitic structure with metastable retained austenite which can be transformed to martensite when the required energy is attained, and its usage has increased in the past decade. In this study, insight into the influence of deformed microstructures on corrosion behaviour of dual-phase high carbon steel was investigated. The generation of strain-induced martensite formation (SIMF) by residual stress through plastic deformation, misorientation and substructure formation was comprehensively conducted by EBSD and SEM. Tafel and EIS methods were used to determine corrosion intensity and the effect of corrosion behaviour on hardness properties. As a result of the static compression load, the retained austenite transformed into martensite, which lowered its corrosion rate by 5.79% and increased the dislocation density and the length of high-angle grain boundaries. This study demonstrates that balancing the fraction of the martensite phase in structure and dislocation density, including the length of high-angle grain boundaries, will result in an increase in the corrosion rate in parallel with the applied compression load.
Heritage Portuguese and Heritage Polish in Contact with German: More Evidence on the Production of Objects
Authors: Rinke Esther , Flores Cristina , Sopata Aldona
Published: July 2019

This paper compares the production of different types of direct objects by Portuguese–German and Polish–German bilingual school-aged children in their heritage languages (HLs), Polish and European Portuguese (EP). Given that the two target languages display identical options of object realization, our main research question is whether the two HLs develop in a similar way in bilingual children. More precisely, we aim at investigating whether bilingual children acquiring Polish and EP are sensitive to accessibility and animacy when realizing a direct object in their HL. The results of a production experiment show that this is indeed the case and that the two groups of bilinguals do not differ from each other, although they may overgeneralize null objects or full noun phrases to some extent. We conclude that the bilingual acquisition of object realization is guided by the relevant properties in the target languages and is not influenced by the contact language, German.
A New Broadband and Strong Absorption Performance FeCO3/RGO Microwave Absorption Nanocomposites
Authors: Huang Wei , Wei Shicheng , Wang Yujiang , Wang Bo , Liang Yi , Huang Yuwei , Xu Binshi
Published: July 2019

A novel composite of FeCO3 nanoparticles, which are wrapped with reduced graphene oxide (RGO), is fabricated using a facile one-spot solvothermal method. The composite consists of a substrate of RGO and FeCO3 nanoparticles that are embedded in the RGO layers. The experimental results for the FeCO3/RGO composite reveal a minimum refection loss (−44.5 dB) at 11.9 GHz when the thickness reaches 2.4 mm. The effective bandwidth is 7.9 GHz between 10.1 and 18 GHz when the refection loss was below −10 dB. Compared to GO and RGO, this type of composite shows better microwave absorption thanks to improved impedance matching. Overall, this thin and lightweight FeCO3/RGO composite is a promising candidate for absorbers that require both strong and broad absorption.
Understanding the Influence of a Bifunctional Polyethylene Glycol Derivative in Protein Corona Formation around Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Ruiz Amalia , Alpízar Adán , Beola Lilianne , Rubio Carmen , Gavilán Helena , Marciello Marzia , Rodríguez-Ramiro Ildefonso , Ciordia Sergio , Morris Christopher J. , Morales María del Puerto
Published: July 2019

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are one of the most prominent agents used in theranostic applications, with MRI imaging the main application assessed. The biomolecular interface formed on the surface of a nanoparticle in a biological medium determines its behaviour in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we have compared the formation of the protein corona on highly monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles with two different coatings, dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), and after conjugation, with a bifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG)-derived molecule (2000 Da) in the presence of Wistar rat plasma. The protein fingerprints around the nanoparticles were analysed in an extensive proteomic study. The results presented in this work indicate that the composition of the protein corona is very difficult to predict. Proteins from different functional categories—cell components, lipoproteins, complement, coagulation, immunoglobulins, enzymes and transport proteins—were identified in all samples with very small variability. Although both types of nanoparticles have similar amounts of bonded proteins, very slight differences in the composition of the corona might explain the variation observed in the uptake and biotransformation of these nanoparticles in Caco-2 and RAW 264.7 cells. Cytotoxicity was also studied using a standard 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Controlling nanoparticles’ reactivity to the biological environment by deciding on its surface functionalization may suggest new routes in the control of the biodistribution, biodegradation and clearance of multifunctional nanomedicines.
Influence of Wood-Based Biomass Ash Admixing on the Structural, Mechanical, Hygric, and Thermal Properties of Air Lime Mortars
Authors: Pavlíková Milena , Zemanová Lucie , Pokorný Jaroslav , Záleská Martina , Jankovský Ondřej , Lojka Michal , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: July 2019

Mechanically-activated wood-based biomass ash (WBA) was studied as a potential active admixture for design of a novel lime-pozzolan-based mortar for renovation purposes. The replacement ratio of lime hydrate in a mortar mix composition was 5%, 10%, and 15% by mass. The water/binder ratio and the sand/binder ratio were kept constant for all examined mortar mixes. Both binder constituents were characterized by their powder density, specific density, BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller), and Blaine specific surfaces. Their chemical composition was measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and mineralogical analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Morphology of WBA was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element mapping was performed using an energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyzer. The pozzolanic activity of WBA was tested by the Chapelle test and assessment of the Portlandite content used simultaneous thermal analysis (STA). For the hardened mortar samples, a complete set of structural, mechanical, hygric, and thermal parameters was experimentally determined. The mortars with WBA admixing yielded similar or better functional properties than those obtained for traditional pure lime-based plaster, pointing to their presumed application as rendering and walling renovation mortars. As the Chapelle test, STA, and mechanical test proved high pozzolanity of WBA, it was classified as an alternative eco-efficient low-cost pozzolan for use in lime blend-based building materials. The savings in CO2 emissions and energy by the use of WBA as a partial lime hydrate substitute in mortar composition were also highly appreciated with respect to the sustainability of the construction industry.
Design and Development of a New Press for Grape Marc
Authors: Formato Andrea , Ianniello Domenico , Romano Raffaele , Pellegrino Arcangelo , Villecco Francesco
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research was to determine the optimal geometry of a variable pitch conical helicoid to be used in a pressing machine for grape pomace, also known as grape marc. This study attempted to understand if the optimized geometry of the considered helicoid after every pitch resulted in volume decrease DVc, equal to that obtained during the pressing phase of grape pomace DVp, using an optimized membrane press. The conical helicoid with variable pitch was replaced in a machine that offered continuous pressing of grape pomace using a cylindrical helicoid with constant pitch (constant pressure distribution, not optimized, along the cochlea axis). As this was a machine already available in the market, the overall dimensions were already established—5.95 m in length and 1.5 m in width. The pressure distribution p1 and volume change DVp, obtained during the grape pomace pressing phase in the optimized membrane press (producing high-quality wine) was taken into consideration in this research. Furthermore, the optimized pressure distribution p1 was applied in seven phases during the pressing process, and a consequent volume change value DVp was obtained for each phase. Therefore, this study determined the geometry of the variable pitch conical helicoid, which, after every pitch, resulted in volume changing DVc that was similar to the volume changing DVp obtained by the optimized membrane press. For this scope, calculations were realized using the Mathematica 10 program code, which, on being assigned the overall dimensions, slope angle of the helicoid, and volume for the first pitch value, determined the radius and pitch values of the helicoid, total volume, and volume change DVc. It was also noted that by appropriately varying the geometric parameters (taper and pitch of the helicoid), different options of pressure distribution on grape pomace can be obtained, thus enabling improvement and optimization of product quality.
Long Survival of a Patient with Trisomy 18 and Dandy-Walker Syndrome
Authors: Moura Ferreira de Souza Leonardo , Galvão e Brito Medeiros Augusto , Ribeiro Júnior José Paulo , Nogueira de Melo Aurea , Dias Sylvyo André Morais Medeiros
Published: July 2019

Trisomy 18 is a genetic disease resulting from an extra chromosome 18, characterized by a broad clinical spectrum, poor prognosis and low rates of survival. This is the case of a 12 year-old girl diagnosed with full trisomy 18, and multiple malformations, including Dandy-Walker Syndrome and congenital heart defects on long term survival. At nine months, a new echocardiogram showed a double outlet right ventricle, significant pulmonary stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect. Cardiac surgery was performed at one year and seven months. Early surgical intervention and multidisciplinary follow-up may change the clinical outcome of the disease. Further studies are required to evaluate the benefit of invasive procedures such as cardiac surgery on survival of patients with trisomy 18.
Antidiabetic Potential of Mangifera indica L. cv. Anwar Ratol Leaves: Medicinal Application of Food Wastes
Authors: Saleem Mohammad , Tanvir Muiz , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Iqbal Mazhar , Saleem Ammara
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: Anwar Ratol is one of the most famous cultivar of mango in South Asia, especially Pakistan. Mango leaves are left as food waste. This study evaluated the potential of mango (Anwar Ratol) leaves for their use against diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods: In this study, hydro-alcoholic extract of the plant leaves was prepared and evaluated by electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the presence of phytochemicals. The plant extract was administered to Alloxan induced diabetic mice followed by evaluation through oral glucose tolerance test; determination of postprandial glucose, body weight, lipid profile and histopathological evaluation of pancreas. Results: Chemical evaluation revealed the presence of mangiferin, rhamnetin, catechin, epicatechin, iriflophenone 3-C-β-D-glucoside, gallic acid and other phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The plant extract exhibited a decrease in postprandial blood glucose following seven days therapy in diabetic mice. The extract also prevented the rise in blood glucose level as determined by glucose tolerance test in diabetic mice. Furthermore, therapy of diabetic mice with the extract prevented a decrease in body weight and decline in beta-cell mass associated with alloxan and improved lipid profile. Conclusion: The findings of the study clearly suggested that the leaf extract of the plant might possess anti-diabetic activity possibly due to the presence of mangiferin and other phytochemicals such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds. This study will serve as a basis for the use of mango leaf extract against diabetes. Furthermore, this study will also provide basis for the bioassay-based fractionation and isolation of active principles responsible for the antidiabetic potential of mango leaves.
Comparison of Point-of-Care Ultrasonography and Radiography in the Diagnosis of Long-Bone Fractures
Authors: Avci Mustafa , Kozaci Nalan , Tulubas Gul , Caliskan Gulsum , Yuksel Aysegul , Karaca Adeviye , Doganay Fatih , Etli Ibrahim
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives: In this study, the accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) was compared to radiography (XR) in the diagnosis of fractures, the determination of characteristics of the fractures, and treatment selection of fractures in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) due to trauma and suspected long bone (LB) fractures. Materials and Methods: The patients were included in the study, who were admitted to ED due to trauma, and had physical examination findings suggesting the presence of fractures in LB (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula). The patients were evaluated by two emergency physicians (EP) in ED. The first EP examined LBs with POCUS and the second EP examined them with XR. LBs were evaluated on the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral surfaces and from the proximal joint to the distal one (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle joint) in both longitudinal and transverse axes with POCUS. Results: A total of 205 patients with suspected LB fractures were included in the study. LB fractures were determined in 99 patients with XR and in 105 patients with POCUS. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of POCUS in determining the fractures were 99%, 93%, 93%, and 99%, respectively, compared to XR. Compared to XR, POCUS was able to determine 100% of fissure type fractures (kappa (κ) value: 0.765), 83% of linear fractures (κ: 0.848), 92% of fragmented fractures(κ: 0.756), 67% of spiral fractures (κ:0.798), 75% of avulsion type fractures (κ: 0.855), and 100% of full separation type fractures (κ: 0.855). Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that POCUS has a high sensitivity in diagnosing LB fractures. POCUS has a high sensitivity in identifying fracture characteristics. POCUS can be used as an alternative imaging method to XR in the diagnosis of LB fractures and in the determination of fracture characteristics.
Sheathless High-Throughput Circulating Tumor Cell Separation Using Viscoelastic non-Newtonian Fluid
Authors: Lim Hyunjung , Back Seung Min , Hwang Min Ho , Lee Dae-Hee , Choi Hyuk , Nam Jeonghun
Published: July 2019

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have attracted increasing attention as important biomarkers for clinical and biological applications. Several microfluidic approaches have been demonstrated to separate CTCs using immunoaffinity or size difference from other blood cells. This study demonstrates a sheathless, high-throughput separation of CTCs from white blood cells (WBCs) using a viscoelastic fluid. To determine the fluid viscoelasticity and the flow rate for CTC separation, and to validate the device performance, flow characteristics of 6, 13, and 27 μm particles in viscoelastic fluids with various concentrations were estimated at different flow rates. Using 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) solution, MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7) cells mimicking CTCs in this study were successfully separated from WBCs at 500 μL/min with a separation efficiency of 94.8%. Small amounts of MCF-7 cells (~5.2%) were found at the center outlet due to the size overlap with WBCs.
Short Communication: Preliminary Differences Identified in Genes Responsible for Biofilm Formation in Poultry Isolates of Salmonella enterica Heidelberg, Enteritidis, and Kentucky
Authors: Shi Zhaohao , Dittoe Dana K. , Feye Kristina M. , Kogut Mike , Ricke Steven C.
Published: July 2019

Salmonella enterica is one of the most prevalent foodborne pathogens. The large quantity of serovar types results in the colonization of a large spectrum of hosts, with different environmental conditions and hazards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in gene expression (bcsA and csgD) of Salmonella enterica serovars Heidelberg, Kentucky, and Enteritidis during biofilm formation using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Overall, there appeared to be differences in expression between the different serovars with high variation between strains. These data are important as they demonstrate considerable variability in gene expression between serovars and strains of poultry isolates of Salmonella enterica.
Validity of Ultrasound Imaging Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Measuring Anterior Thigh Muscle, Subcutaneous Fat, and Fascia Thickness
Authors: Mechelli Filippo , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Stokes Maria , Agyapong-Badu Sandra
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to determine the validity of ultrasound (US) imaging versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for measuring anterior thigh muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and fascia thickness. Twenty healthy, moderately active participants (aged 49.1 ± 9.74 (36–64) years), underwent imaging of the anterior thigh, using ultrasound and MRI modalities on the same day. Images were analyzed offline to assess the level of agreement between US and MRI measurements. Pearson’s correlation coefficient showed an excellent relationship between US imaging and MRI for measuring muscle (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), SAT (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), and non-contractile tissue (SAT combined with perimuscular fascia) thickness (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). Perimuscular fascia thickness measurement showed a poor correlation between modalities (r = 0.39, p < 0.01). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC3,1) also showed excellent correlation of the measurements with ICC = 0.99 for muscle thickness, SAT, and non-contractile tissue, but not for perimuscular fascia, which showed poor agreement ICC = 0.36. Bland and Altman plots demonstrated excellent agreement between US imaging and MRI measurements. Criterion validity was demonstrated for US imaging against MRI, for measuring thickness of muscle and SAT, but not perimuscular fascia alone on the anterior thigh. The US imaging technique is therefore applicable for research and clinical purposes for muscle and SAT.
A Strategy to Deliver Precise Oral Doses of the Glucosinolates or Isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera Leaves for Use in Clinical Studies
Authors: Fahey Jed W. , Wade Kristina L. , Stephenson Katherine K. , Shi Yuzhu , Liu Hua , Panjwani Anita A. , Warrick Collin R. , Olson Mark E.
Published: July 2019

The tropical tree Moringa oleifera produces high yields of protein-rich leaf biomass, is widely used as a food source, contains an abundance of phytochemicals, and thus has great potential for chronic disease prevention and perhaps, treatment. We have developed and characterized standardized ways of preparing aqueous “teas” from moringa leaves to deliver precisely calibrated levels of phytochemicals for use in clinical trials. These phytochemicals, especially the glucosinolate glucomoringin and the isothiocyanate moringin, produced from it following hydrolysis by the enzyme myrosinase, provide potent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective indirect antioxidant activity. The taste of both hot and cold teas is palatable without the need for flavor masking. These teas can be easily and reproducibly prepared in underserved tropical regions of the world where moringa is cultivated. Isothiocyanate yield from a cold extraction was rapid and essentially complete after 30 min and its anti-inflammatory potential is comparable to that of equimolar purified moringin. A preparation similar to this may be safe to consume with respect to its bacterial titer even after 48 h without refrigeration. Thus, facile delivery of moringa tea to both adults and children for clinical evaluation of their effects on such conditions as autism, diabetes, and hypertension, is now possible.
Synthesis of Saponite Based Nanocomposites to Improve the Controlled Oral Drug Release of Model Drug Quinine Hydrochloride Dihydrate
Authors: S. Kumaresan , Rama Pawar Radheshyam , D. Kevadiya Bhavesh , C. Bajaj Hari
Published: July 2019

In the present research study, a 2:1 type of smectite clay minerals, namely natural saponite (NSAP) and synthetic saponite (SSAP), was demonstrated for the first time to be controlled drug release host materials for the model drug quinine hydrochloride dihydrate (QU). The popular sol–gel hydrothermal technique was followed for the synthesis of saponite. The QU was ion exchanged and intercalated into an interlayered gallery of synthetic as well as natural saponite matrices. The developed QU-loaded hybrid composite materials along with the pristine materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method (BET) for surface area (SA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization of material results using DSC, FTIR and PXRD confirmed the presence of saponite clay mineral phases in the original and the synthesized saponite samples. Similarly, the drug-loaded composites confirmed the successful intercalation of QU drug on the natural and synthesized saponite matrices. The oral drug release performance of both nanocomposites along with pure quinine drug was monitored in sequential buffer environments at 37 ± 0.5 °C. These composite hybrid materials showed the superior controlled release of QU in gastric fluid (pH = 1.2) and intestinal fluid (pH = 7.4). QU release was best fitted in the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model and demonstrated a diffusion-controlled release from nanocomposite layered materials. The observed controlled drug release results suggest that the applied natural/synthetic saponite matrices have the potential to provide critical design parameters for the development of bioengineered materials for controlled drug release.
Penetration Enhancers in Ocular Drug Delivery
Authors: Moiseev Roman V. , Morrison Peter W. J. , Steele Fraser , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V.
Published: July 2019

There are more than 100 recognized disorders of the eye. This makes the development of advanced ocular formulations an important topic in pharmaceutical science. One of the ways to improve drug delivery to the eye is the use of penetration enhancers. These are defined as compounds capable of enhancing drug permeability across ocular membranes. This review paper provides an overview of anatomical and physiological features of the eye and discusses some common ophthalmological conditions and permeability of ocular membranes. The review also presents the analysis of literature on the use of penetration-enhancing compounds (cyclodextrins, chelating agents, crown ethers, bile acids and bile salts, cell-penetrating peptides, and other amphiphilic compounds) in ocular drug delivery, describing their properties and modes of action.
Biofilms: Novel Strategies Based on Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Galdiero Emilia , Lombardi Lucia , Falanga Annarita , Libralato Giovanni , Guida Marco , Carotenuto Rosa
Published: July 2019

The problem of drug resistance is very worrying and ever increasing. Resistance is due not only to the reckless use of antibiotics but also to the fact that pathogens are able to adapt to different conditions and develop self-defense mechanisms such as living in biofilms; altogether these issues make the search for alternative drugs a real challenge. Antimicrobial peptides appear as promising alternatives but they have disadvantages that do not make them easily applicable in the medical field; thus many researches look for solutions to overcome the disadvantages and ensure that the advantages can be exploited. This review describes the biofilm characteristics and identifies the key features that antimicrobial peptides should have. Recalcitrant bacterial infections caused by the most obstinate bacterial species should be treated with a strategy to combine conventional peptides functionalized with nano-tools. This approach could effectively disrupt high density infections caused by biofilms. Moreover, the importance of using in vivo non mammalian models for biofilm studies is described. In particular, here we analyze the use of amphibians as a model to substitute the rodent model.
Nanoconjugation and Encapsulation Strategies for Improving Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Efficacy of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs
Authors: Tran Thao T. D. , Tran Phuong H. L.
Published: July 2019

Nanoconjugations have been demonstrated to be a dominant strategy for drug delivery and biomedical applications. In this review, we intend to describe several strategies for drug formulation, especially to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble molecules for future application in the therapy of numerous diseases. The context of current studies will give readers an overview of the conjugation strategies for fabricating nanoparticles, which have expanded from conjugated materials to the surface conjugation of nanovehicles. Moreover, nanoconjugates for theranostics are also discussed and highlighted. Overall, these state-of-the-art conjugation methods and these techniques and applications for nanoparticulate systems of poorly water-soluble drugs will inspire scientists to explore and discover more productive techniques and methodologies for drug development.
Environmentally-Friendly High-Density Polyethylene-Bonded Plywood Panels
Authors: Bekhta Pavlo , Sedliačik Ján
Published: July 2019

Thermoplastic films exhibit good potential to be used as adhesives for the production of veneer-based composites. This work presents the first effort to develop and evaluate composites based on alder veneers and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film. The effects of hot-pressing temperature (140, 160, and 180 °C), hot-pressing pressure (0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 MPa), hot-pressing time (1, 2, 3, and 5 min), and type of adhesives on the physical and mechanical properties of alder plywood panels were investigated. The effects of these variables on the core-layer temperature during the hot pressing of multiplywood panels using various adhesives were also studied. Three types of adhesives were used: urea–formaldehyde (UF), phenol–formaldehyde (PF), and HDPE film. UF and PF adhesives were used for the comparison. The findings of this work indicate that formaldehyde-free HDPE film adhesive gave values of mechanical properties of alder plywood panels that are comparable to those obtained with traditional UF and PF adhesives, even though the adhesive dosage and pressing pressure were lower than when UF and PF adhesives were used. The obtained bonding strength values of HDPE-bonded alder plywood panels ranged from 0.74 to 2.38 MPa and met the European Standard EN 314-2 for Class 1 plywood. The optimum conditions for the bonding of HDPE plywood were 160 °C, 0.8 MPa, and 3 min.
Optimization-Based Scheduling for the Process Industries: From Theory to Real-Life Industrial Applications
Authors: Georgiadis Georgios P. , Elekidis Apostolos P. , Georgiadis Michael C.
Published: July 2019

Scheduling is a major component for the efficient operation of the process industries. Especially in the current competitive globalized market, scheduling is of vital importance to most industries, since profit margins are miniscule. Prof. Sargent was one of the first to acknowledge this. His breakthrough contributions paved the way to other researchers to develop optimization-based methods that can address a plethora of process scheduling problems. Despite the plethora of works published by the scientific community, the practical implementation of optimization-based scheduling in industrial real-life applications is limited. In most industries, the optimization of production scheduling is seen as an extremely complex task and most schedulers prefer the use of a simulation-based software or manual decision, which result to suboptimal solutions. This work presents a comprehensive review of the theoretical concepts that emerged in the last 30 years. Moreover, an overview of the contributions that address real-life industrial case studies of process scheduling is illustrated. Finally, the major reasons that impede the application of optimization-based scheduling are critically analyzed and possible remedies are discussed.