bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Older People Living in Nursing Homes: An Oral Health Screening Survey in Florence, Italy
Authors: Chiesi Fabrizio , Grazzini Maddalena , Innocenti Maddalena , Giammarco Barbara , Simoncini Enrico , Garamella Giuseppe , Zanobini Patrizio , Perra Caterina , Baggiani Lorenzo , Lorini Chiara , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo
Published: September 2019

The oral health state plays an important role in the concept of ‘elderly frailty’, since institutionalized older people are prone to suffering from bad oral conditions. The aim of this study is to assess the state of oral health in the older residents of nursing homes and to measure its potential association with the cognitive state, the degree of functional autonomy, and the malnutrition risk. Methods: We enrolled 176 subjects from 292 residents in five nursing homes in Florence. For each subject, we performed the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, the Pfeiffer test, the Minimum Data Set—Long Form, a dental examination, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index questionnaire. The results show that the oral condition was poor in 43.8% of cases, medium in 38.1%, and good in 18.2%. A worse oral health state was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with a worse cognitive state and with a higher dependency in daily living activities. The malnutrition score among the older people was unrelated to the oral health condition (p = 0.128). It can be concluded that the oral health condition in older institutionalized subjects is an open challenge for the public healthcare system, since the maintenance of adequate good oral health is an essential element of good physical as well as cognitive and psychological health.
The Role of Rural Infrastructure in Reducing Production Costs and Promoting Resource-Conserving Agriculture
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Guan Xiaoliang , Zhang Jun , Xu Yang
Published: September 2019

The development of rural infrastructure plays an essential role in improving rural livelihoods and enhancing sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural production. However, little is known about whether rural infrastructure enables the promotion of resource-conserving agriculture and reduces production costs. Understanding the relationship between rural infrastructure and production costs can provide significant information for policy-makers in their efforts to promote resource-saving agriculture that is beneficial to environmental performance. This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the heterogeneous effects of irrigation infrastructure and standard and substandard roads on agricultural production costs, using an unconditional quantile regression model and provincial data from China for the period 1995–2017. The empirical results show that the effects of rural infrastructure on production costs are mixed. In particular, irrigation infrastructure affects production costs positively in the lower quantiles, but it negatively affects production costs in the higher quantiles. In the higher 80th and 90th quantiles, standard and substandard roads affect production costs both negatively and significantly. Our findings suggest that improving rural infrastructure enables the promotion of resource-conserving agriculture and enhances environmental performance, especially for those paying high production costs.
Using Geostatistical Gaussian Simulation for Designing and Interpreting Soil Surface Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements
Authors: Fabijańczyk Piotr , Zawadzki Jarosław
Published: September 2019

This paper presents a new approach to the assessment of the uncertainty of using geostatistical Gaussian simulation in soil magnetometry. In the study area, numerous measurements of soil magnetic susceptibility were made, and spatial distributions of soil magnetic susceptibility were simulated. The parameters of variograms of soil magnetic susceptibility measured in the study area were determined and compared with those of simulated soil magnetic susceptibility. Regardless of the measurement scheme used, reproducibility of the original semivariograms of soil magnetic susceptibility was satisfactorily achieved when applying simulated values. A nugget effect, a sill, and a range of correlations of variograms of simulated values of soil magnetic susceptibility were similar to those of measured values. When the input data for the geostatistical simulation were averaged, the measured values of soil magnetic susceptibility and simulated spatial distributions were characterized by slightly lower standard deviations in comparison with the result of simulations based on the non-averaged, measured ones. At the same time, however, local variability of soil magnetic susceptibility was reproduced less. The accuracy of the calculations of point parameters and spatial distributions—based on the averaged values of soil magnetic susceptibility—were satisfactory, but when using geostatistical methods, it is recommended to use non-averaged magnetic susceptibility measurements.
Levels of Physical Activity in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Relation to the Healthy Comparators and to the Method of Insulin Therapy Used
Authors: Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Leszczak Justyna , Baran Joanna , Weres Aneta , Wyszyńska Justyna , Lewandowski Bogumił , Dąbrowski Mariusz , Mazur Artur
Published: September 2019

Given the fact that physical exertion leads to blood glucose fluctuations, type one diabetes mellitus (T1D) may potentially constitute a barrier for obtaining a sufficient amount of exercise. The main purpose of the study was to compare the level of physical activity between children with T1D (n = 215) and healthy controls (n = 115) and to assess the physical activity of the study group in relation to the applied method of insulin therapy, i.e., the use of insulin pen vs. insulin pump. The level of physical activity was assessed with a hip-worn tri-axial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) used by the subjects for an uninterrupted period of seven days. Children with T1D had significantly lower median values of total time of moderate (213.3 vs. 272.1 min), vigorous (135.3 vs. 19.6 min) and moderate-to-vigorous (347.4 vs. 467.4 min) physical activity compared to healthy peers respectively, (p < 0.001) in all cases. In addition, the total median number of steps was significantly lower (53,631 vs. 67,542 steps), (p < 0.001). The method of insulin therapy was not associated with significant differences in physical activity level (p > 0.001). The level of physical activity in children and adolescents with T1D is lower than in their healthy peers and does not depend on the insulin therapy method.
Air Pollution in a Nationally Representative Sample: Findings from the National Adult Tobacco Survey of Lao PDR
Authors: Hurd-Kundeti Glorietta , Petersen Anne Berit , Somsamouth Khamphithoun , Singh Pramil N.
Published: September 2019

In Southeast Asia, household air pollution (HAP) from solid fuel use is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a risk which is compounded by exposure to other sources of indoor and outdoor air pollution including secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS). The purpose of this study was to measure the individual and combined prevalence of exposure to household and community sources of air pollution in a national sample of adults in Lao PDR. We analyzed data from the 2012 National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATSL) of Lao PDR—a multi-stage stratified cluster sample of 9706 subjects from 2822 households located in all 17 provinces. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of exposure to household air pollution from cooking fires (78%) and SHS exposure in the home (74.5%). More than a third (32.8%) reported exposure to both inside the home. Exposure to outdoor sources of smoke from cooking, trash, and crop fires was substantial (30.1% to 56.0%). The aggregation of exposures from multiple sources of household air pollution raises the need for initiatives that establish programmatic linkages in the health, environmental, and agricultural sectors to provide a comprehensive strategy to reduce risk factors for respiratory disease in Lao PDR and the region.
Nature-Based Interventions for Mental Health Care: Social Network Analysis as a Tool to Map Social Farms and their Response to Social Inclusion and Community Engagement
Authors: Borgi Marta , Marcolin Mario , Tomasin Paolo , Correale Cinzia , Venerosi Aldina , Grizzo Alberto , Orlich Roberto , Cirulli Francesca
Published: September 2019

Social farming represents a hybrid governance model in which public bodies, local communities, and economic actors act together to promote health and social inclusion in rural areas. Although relational variables are crucial to foster social farm performance, the relational system in which farms are embedded has still not been fully described. Using social network analysis, here we map the nature of the links of a selected sample of social farms operating in Northern Italy. We also explore possible network variations following specific actions taken to potentiate local social farming initiatives. The results show a certain degree of variability in terms of the extension and features of the examined networks. Overall, the actions taken appear to be significant to enlarge and diversify farms’ networks. Social farming has the potential to provide important benefits to society and the environment and to contrast vulnerability in rural areas. Being able to create social and economic networks of local communities, social farming may also represent an innovative way to respond to the cultural shift from institutional psychiatry to community-based mental health care. This study emphasizes the critical role played by network facilitation in diversifying actors, promoting heterogeneous relationships, and, in turn, system complexity.
Early Autism Screening: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Thabtah Fadi , Peebles David
Published: September 2019

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a neurodevelopmental condition associated with verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and behavioural complications that is becoming increasingly common in many parts of the globe. Identifying individuals on the spectrum has remained a lengthy process for the past few decades due to the fact that some individuals diagnosed with ASD exhibit exceptional skills in areas such as mathematics, arts, and music among others. To improve the accuracy and reliability of autism diagnoses, many scholars have developed pre-diagnosis screening methods to help identify autistic behaviours at an early stage, speed up the clinical diagnosis referral process, and improve the understanding of ASD for the different stakeholders involved, such as parents, caregivers, teachers, and family members. However, the functionality and reliability of those screening tools vary according to different research studies and some have remained questionable. This study evaluates and critically analyses 37 different ASD screening tools in order to identify possible areas that need to be addressed through further development and innovation. More importantly, different criteria associated with existing screening tools, such as accessibility, the fulfilment of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) specifications, comprehensibility among the target audience, performance (specifically sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy), web and mobile availability, and popularity have been investigated.
Transparent Collision Visualization of Point Clouds Acquired by Laser Scanning
Authors: Li Weite , Shigeta Kenya , Hasegawa Kyoko , Li Liang , Yano Keiji , Adachi Motoaki , Tanaka Satoshi
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we propose a method to visualize large-scale colliding point clouds by highlighting their collision areas, and apply the method to visualization of collision simulation. Our method uses our recent work that achieved precise three-dimensional see-through imaging, i.e., transparent visualization, of large-scale point clouds that were acquired via laser scanning of three-dimensional objects. We apply the proposed collision visualization method to two applications: (1) The revival of the festival float procession of the Gion Festival, Kyoto city, Japan. The city government plans to revive the original procession route, which is narrow and not used at present. For the revival, it is important to know whether the festival floats would collide with houses, billboards, electric wires, or other objects along the original route. (2) Plant simulations based on laser-scanned datasets of existing and new facilities. The advantageous features of our method are the following: (1) A transparent visualization with a correct depth feel that is helpful to robustly determine the collision areas; (2) the ability to visualize high collision risk areas and real collision areas; and (3) the ability to highlight target visualized areas by increasing the corresponding point densities.
Company–University Collaboration in Applying Gamification to Learning about Insurance
Authors: Rojo Teresa , González-Limón Myriam , Rodríguez-Ramos Asunción
Published: September 2019

Incorporating gamification into training–learning at universities is hampered by a shortage of quality, adapted educational video games. Large companies are leading in the creation of educational video games for their internal training or to enhance their public image and universities can benefit from collaborating. The aim of this research is to evaluate, both objectively and subjectively, the potential of the simulation game BugaMAP (developed by the MAPFRE Foundation) for university teaching about insurance. To this end, we have assessed both the game itself and the experience of using the game as perceived by 142 economics students from various degree plans and courses at the University of Seville during the 2017–2018 academic year. As a methodology, a checklist of gamification components is used for the objective evaluation, and an opinion questionnaire on the game experience is used for the subjective evaluation. Among the results several findings stand out. One is the high satisfaction of the students with the knowledge acquired using fun and social interaction. Another is that the role of the university professors and the company monitors turns out to be very active and necessary during the game-learning sessions. Finally, in addition to the benefits to the university of occasionally available quality games to accelerate student skills training, the company–university collaboration serves as a trial and refinement of innovative tools for game-based learning.
A New Management Technique for Symptomatic Haematomas Following Therapeutic Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy
Authors: Guzmán-Aroca Florentina , Berná-Serna Juan de Dios , García-Ortega Ana Azahara , Hernández-Gómez Dolores , Berná-Mestre Juan de Dios
Published: September 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) system in evacuating symptomatic haematomas after VAB excision of benign breast lesions. We retrospectively analysed the data of eight patients with symptomatic and large haematomas who were treated with VAB evacuation between 10 and 14 days after VAB excision. Only one case underwent the procedure 24 h after VAB excision, due to the patient reporting intense pain, which was relieved after application of the technique, even though it had to be done twice. This new clinical application of the VAB system for evacuating symptomatic breast haematomas was successful in all the cases in the present study. No technique-related complications were observed. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to reveal that VAB evacuation of symptomatic haematomas is safe, effective, quick and well-tolerated by patients.
Positron Emission Tomography Can Support the Diagnosis of Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis
Authors: Santagati Giulia , Cataldo Emanuela , Columbano Valeria , Chatrenet Antoine , Penna Daniele , Pelosi Ettore , Hachemi Mammar , Gendrot Lurlinys , Nielsen Louise , Cinquantini Francesco , Saulnier Patrick , Arena Vincenzo , Boursot Charles , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara
Published: September 2019

Background: The improvements in dialysis have not eliminated long-term problems, including dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA), caused by Beta-2 microglobulin deposition. Several types of scintigraphy have been tested to detect DRA, none entered the clinical practice. Aim of the study was to assess the potential of PET-FDG scan in the diagnosis of DRA. Methods: Forty-six dialysis patients with at least one PET scan (72 scans) were selected out 162 patients treated in 2016–2018. Subjective global assessment (SGA), malnutrition inflammation score (A), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), were assessed at time of scan; 218 age-matched cases with normal kidney function were selected as controls. PET scans were read in duplicate. Carpal tunnel syndrome was considered a proxy for DRA. A composite “amyloid score” score considered each dialysis year = 1 point; carpal tunnel-DRA = 5 points per site. Logistic regression, ROC curves and a prediction model were built. Results: The prevalence of positive PET was 43.5% in dialysis, 5% in controls (p < 0.0001). PET was positive in 14/15 (93.3%) scans in patients with carpal tunnel. PET sensitivity for detecting DRA was 95% (specificity 64%). Carpal tunnel was related to dialysis vintage and MIS. A positive PET scan was significantly associated with dialysis vintage, MIS and amyloid score. A prediction model to explain PET positivity combined clinical score and MIS, allowing for an AUC of 0.906 (CI: 0.813–0.962; p < 0.001). Conclusions: PET-FDG may identify DRA, and may be useful in detecting cases in which inflammation favours B2M deposition. This finding, needing large-scale confirmation, could open new perspectives in the study of DRA.
Follow-Up and Management of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Adults with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia: Review and Experience of Our Reference Centers
Authors: Bequignon Emilie , Dupuy Laurence , Escabasse Virginie , Zerah-Lancner Francoise , Bassinet Laurence , Honoré Isabelle , Legendre Marie , Devars du Mayne Marie , Crestani Bruno , Escudier Estelle , Coste André , Papon Jean-François , Maître Bernard
Published: September 2019

Chronic rhinosinusitis is the foremost manifestation in adult patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). We present a retrospective series of 41 adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PCD followed in our reference centers. As part of the diagnostic work up in our centers, sinus computed tomography scans (CTs) are systematically performed. All patients also undergo a sampling of purulent secretions sampled from the middle meatus under endoscopic view for bacteriological analysis. In our series, CT opacities were consistent in all the patients, as well as mainly partial and located in ethmoid cells (100% of patients) and in maxillary sinuses (85.4% of patients), and stayed stable over time. In the 31 patients who had purulent secretions, bacteriological culture showed at least one bacterium in 83.9% (n = 26). There was no significant difference in positive cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients >40 years old versus those <40 (p = 0.17; Fisher). Surgical management was performed in only 19% of patients in order to improve sinonasal mechanical drainage. Our data support the hypothesis that the sinuses can be considered as a bacterial reservoir. From this retrospective study, we have introduced several changes into our routine clinical practice in our reference centers. Based on our analyses, medical and surgical treatments benefit from incorporating bacteriological information and sinonasal symptoms much more than CT scan evaluation alone. All patients now undergo systematically an annual simultaneous bacteriological sampling of the middle meatus and sputum to follow the relationship between ENT and lung disease and to help to antibiotic therapy strategy.
Trajectories of Biological Values and Vital Parameters: An Observational Cohort Study of Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Hospitalized for a Non-Complicated Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
Authors: Veil Raphael , Bussy Simon , Looten Vincent , Arlet Jean-Benoît , Pouchot Jacques , Jannot Anne-Sophie , Ranque Brigitte
Published: September 2019

Hospital admission of patients with sickle-cell disease (SCD) presenting with a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) can be justified by pain refractory to usual outpatient care and/or the occurrence of a complication. Yet, the trajectories of vital parameters and standard biomarkers throughout a non-complicated VOC has not been established. In this observational cohort study, we describe the course of routine parameters throughout 329 hospital stays for non-complicated VOC. We used a new spline-based approach to study and visualize non-specific time-dependent variables extracted from the hospital clinical data warehouse. We identified distinct trends during the VOC for hemoglobin level, leukocytes count, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) level and temperature. Hemoglobin decreased after admission and rarely returned to steady state levels before discharge. White blood cell counts were elevated at admission before immediately decreasing, whereas eosinophils increased slowly throughout the first five days of the stay. In over 95% of non-complicated VOC-related stays, the CRP value was below 100 mg/L within the first day following admission and above normal after 48 hours, and the temperature was below 38 °C throughout the entire stay. Knowing the typical trajectories of these routine parameters during non-complicated VOC may urge the clinicians to be more vigilant in case of deviation from these patterns.
Combining Numerical Simulations and Normalized Scalar Product Strategy: A New Tool for Predicting Beach Inundation
Authors: Postacchini Matteo , Ludeno Giovanni
Published: September 2019

The skills of the Normalized Scalar Product (NSP) strategy, commonly used to estimate the wave field, as well as bathymetry and sea-surface current, from X-band radar images, are investigated with the aim to better understand coastal inundation during extreme events. Numerical simulations performed using a Nonlinear Shallow-Water Equations (NSWE) solver are run over a real-world barred beach (baseline tests). Both bathymetry and wave fields, induced by reproducing specific storm conditions, are estimated in the offshore portion of the domain exploiting the capabilities of the NSP approach. Such estimates are then used as input conditions for additional NSWE simulations aimed at propagating waves up to the coast (flood simulations). Two different wave spectra, which mimic the actual storm conditions occurring along the coast of Senigallia (Adriatic Sea, central Italy), have been simulated. The beach inundations obtained from baseline and flood tests related to both storm conditions are compared. The results confirm that good predictions can be obtained using the combined NSP–NSWE approach. Such findings demonstrate that for practical purposes, the combined use of an X-band radar and NSWE simulations provides suitable beach-inundation predictions and may represent a useful tool for public authorities dealing with the coastal environment, e.g., for hazard mapping or warning purposes.
Inter-Annual Variability of the Seawater Light Absorption in Surface Layer of the Northeastern Black Sea in Connection with Hydrometeorological Factors
Authors: Yushmanova Anna , Kopelevich Oleg , Vazyulya Svetlana , Sahling Inna
Published: September 2019

Data on the light absorption by seawater and its components are needed in many theoretical and practical aspects of marine science and engineering. However, up to now, there is a lack of such data for the northeastern part of the Black Sea. This article presents the data on light absorption measured by a portable integrated cavity absorption meter (ICAM) spectrophotometer in the Gelendzhik region of the Black Sea during field studies in June 2017 and 2018, together with other bio-optical and oceanographic data from in situ measurements and satellite observations. In 2018, the elevated values of the colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption in the surface layer were observed concurrently with high values of salinity, contradicting the idea of river runoff being the main CDOM source. The vertical profiles of salinity differed in 2017 and 2018, especially in shallow waters; in the upper layer, the salinity increased from 17.1 psu in 2017 to 17.8 psu in 2018, while the values of CDOM absorption increased from 0.10 to 0.16 m−1. The analysis of available hydrometeorological data pointed to intensive vertical mixing due to the strong wind forcing as a main factor in increasing values of both salinity and the CDOM absorption in the surface layer in 2018.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Financial Econometrics
Authors: Tse Yiu-Kuen
Published: September 2019

Financial econometrics has developed into a very fruitful and vibrant research area in the last two decades [...]
(E)-4-(3-Phenylisoxazol-5-yl)but-3-en-2-one
Authors: Sawengngen Nattawut , Kolodina Alexandra A. , Serdyuk Olga V.
Published: September 2019

(E)-4-(3-Phenylisoxazol-5-yl)but-3-en-2-one was synthesized via the oxidative ring opening reaction of 2-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-1-phenylethanone oxime, followed by the iodine mediated isomerization.
Fourier Truncation Regularization Method for a Time-Fractional Backward Diffusion Problem with a Nonlinear Source
Authors: Yang Fan , Fan Ping , Li Xiao-Xiao , Ma Xin-Yi
Published: September 2019

In present paper, we deal with a backward diffusion problem for a time-fractional diffusion problem with a nonlinear source in a strip domain. We all know this nonlinear problem is severely ill-posed, i.e., the solution does not depend continuously on the measurable data. Therefore, we use the Fourier truncation regularization method to solve this problem. Under an a priori hypothesis and an a priori regularization parameter selection rule, we obtain the convergence error estimates between the regular solution and the exact solution at 0 ≤ x < 1 .
Classification of the State of Manufacturing Process under Indeterminacy
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Arif Osama Hasan
Published: September 2019

In this paper, the diagnosis of the manufacturing process under the indeterminate environment is presented. The similarity measure index was used to find the probability of the in-control and the out-of-control of the process. The average run length (ARL) was also computed for various values of specified parameters. An example from the Juice Company is considered under the indeterminate environment. From this study, it is concluded that the proposed diagnosis scheme under the neutrosophic statistics is quite simple and effective for the current state of the manufacturing process under uncertainty. The use of the proposed method under the uncertainty environment in the Juice Company may eliminate the non-conforming items and alternatively increase the profit of the company.
Fabrication and Characterization of Modified Graphene Oxide/PAN Hybrid Nanofiber Membrane
Authors: Hou Jian , Yun Jaehan , Byun Hongsik
Published: September 2019

In this study, a series of novel modified graphene oxide (MGO)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hybrid nanofiber membranes were fabricated by electrospinning a PAN solution containing up to 1.0 wt.% MGO. The GO was initially prepared by a time-saving improved Hummer’s method. Subsequently, the formation of GO was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), AFM, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and Raman spectroscopy. This study also prepared the modified GO with polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (GP) by using a simple surface post-treatment method to improve its dispersion. Varying amounts of GP were incorporated into PAN nanofibers for the better properties of GP/PAN nanofibers, such as hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, and so on. The resulting GP/PAN hybrid nanofiber membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR, contact angle, and thermal and mechanical properties. These results showed that the hydrophilic and mechanical properties of GP/PAN hybrid nanofiber membranes were dramatically improved, i.e., 50% improvement for hydrophilicity and 3–4 times higher strength for mechanical property, which indicated the possibility for water treatment application. In addition, the notably improved thermal stability results showed that the hybrid nanofiber membranes could also be a potential candidate for the secondary battery separator.
Characterization of CRISPR-Cas Systems in Serratia marcescens Isolated from Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Scrascia Maria , D’Addabbo Pietro , Roberto Roberta , Porcelli Francesco , Oliva Marta , Calia Carla , Dionisi Anna Maria , Pazzani Carlo
Published: September 2019

The CRISPR-Cas adaptive immune system has been attracting increasing scientific interest for biological functions and biotechnological applications. Data on the Serratia marcescens system are scarce. Here, we report a comprehensive characterisation of CRISPR-Cas systems identified in S. marcescens strains isolated as secondary symbionts of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, also known as Red Palm Weevil (RPW), one of the most invasive pests of major cultivated palms. Whole genome sequencing was performed on four strains (S1, S5, S8, and S13), which were isolated from the reproductive apparatus of RPWs. Subtypes I-F and I-E were harboured by S5 and S8, respectively. No CRISPR-Cas system was detected in S1 or S13. Two CRISPR arrays (4 and 51 spacers) were detected in S5 and three arrays (11, 31, and 30 spacers) were detected in S8. The CRISPR-Cas systems were located in the genomic region spanning from ybhR to phnP, as if this were the only region where CRISPR-Cas loci were acquired. This was confirmed by analyzing the S. marcescens complete genomes available in the NCBI database. This region defines a genomic hotspot for horizontally acquired genes and/or CRISPR-Cas systems. This study also supplies the first identification of subtype I-E in S. marcescens.
Emergence of a Novel Ehrlichia minasensis Strain, Harboring the Major Immunogenic Glycoprotein trp36 with Unique Tandem Repeat and C-Terminal Region Sequences, in Haemaphysalis hystricis Ticks Removed from Free-Ranging Sheep in Hainan Province, China
Authors: Li Junjiao , Liu Xinxin , Mu Jiaqi , Yu Xibing , Fei Yidong , Chang Jin , Bi Yuhai , Zhou Yulong , Ding Zhuang , Yin Renfu
Published: September 2019

Ehrlichia minasensis, a recently described Ehrlichia species that is the most closely related to, but clearly distinct from, Ehrlichia canis, has been circulating in not only bovines, cervids, and dogs but also several tick species from Canada, Brazil, France, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Israel. However, there are no reports of E. minasensis in China. The purpose of this study was to explore whether E. minasensis is present naturally in ticks in China. Through PCR targeting of the genus-conserved dsb gene, E. minasensis DNA was detected in Haemaphysalis hystricis ticks removed from free-ranging sheep in Hainan Province, South China in 2017. The partial sequence of the dsb, 16S rRNA, and groEL genes demonstrated that the Hainan strain shared 99% identity with the dsb gene of E. minasensis strain UFMG-EV (GenBank: JX629808), with the 16S rRNA of E. minasensis isolate E-2650 (MH500005) and with the groEL gene of E. minasensis strain UFMG-EV (JX629806), respectively. Moreover, sequence analysis of the major immunogenic tandem repeat protein (trp36) revealed that the Hainan strain harbored a unique tandem repeat sequence (APEAAPVSAPEAAPVSAPVS) and a C-terminal region that differed from those of other known E. minasensis strains. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on the entire amino acid sequence of trp36 revealed that the Hainan strain was closely related to a recently described E. minasensis strain from Brazil, of which the sister clade contained different strains of E. canis. The discovery of this novel Hainan strain in H. hystricis ticks represents the first known natural presence of E. minasensis in South China, highlighting the need for its constant surveillance.
Dynamic Changes in the Bacterial Community During the Fermentation of Traditional Chinese Fish Sauce (TCFS) and Their Correlation with TCFS Quality
Authors: Du Fangmin , Zhang Xiaoyong , Gu Huarong , Song Jiajia , Gao Xiangyang
Published: September 2019

This study revealed for the first time the dynamic changes of the bacterial community during the fermentation of traditional Chinese fish sauce (TCFS) using high-throughput sequencing. In the early phase of TCFS fermentation, Shewanella (approximately 90%) within Proteobacteria was the dominant bacteria. Then, Halanaerobium (3%–86%) within Firmicutes rapidly replaced Shewanella as the dominant genus until the 12th month. Lactococcus (3.31%) and Bacillus (45.56%) belonging to Firmicutes were detected abundantly in the 3rd and 9th months after fermentation, respectively. In the late phase (12–15 months), Tetragenococcus within Firmicutes replaced Halanaerobium as the most dominant bacteria (29.54%). Many other genera including Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Tissierella, Carnobacterium and Gallicola were abundantly present in the 15th month after fermentation. Furthermore, the relationships between the bacterial community and major functional substances of TCFS, including amino nitrogen (AAN), free amino acids (FAAs), total soluble nitrogen (TSN), and trimethylamine (TMA), were investigated by partial least squares regression (PLSR). Tetragenococcus was positively correlated with the formation of TMA, while Halanaerobium showed the opposite result, suggesting that Tetragenococcus might be a good starter for TCFS fermentation. These results contribute to our knowledge about bacterial participation in the process of TCFS fermentation and will help improve the quality of fermented seafood.
Emeralds from the Most Important Occurrences: Chemical and Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Karampelas Stefanos , Al-Shaybani Bader , Mohamed Fatima , Sangsawong Supharart , Al-Alawi Abeer
Published: September 2019

The present study applied LA–ICP-MS on gem-quality emeralds from the most important sources (Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Russia, Zambia and Zimbabwe). It revealed that emeralds from Afghanistan, Brazil, Colombia and Madagascar have a relatively lower lithium content (7Li < 200 ppmw) compared to emeralds from other places (7Li > 250 ppmw). Alkali element contents as well as scandium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc and gallium can further help us in obtaining accurate origin information for these emeralds. UV-Vis spectroscopy can aid in the separation of emeralds from Colombia and Afghanistan from these obtained from the other sources as the latter present pronounced iron-related bands. Intense Type-II water vibrations are observed in the infrared spectra of emeralds from Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as in some samples from Afghanistan and Ethiopia, which contain higher alkali contents. A band at 2818 cm−1, supposedly attributed to chlorine, was observed only in emeralds from Colombia and Afghanistan. Samples with medium to high alkalis from Ethiopia, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe can also be separated from the others by Raman spectroscopy based on the lower or equal relative intensity of the Type I water band at around 3608 cm−1 compared to the Type II water band at around 3598 cm−1 band (with some samples from Afghanistan, Brazil and Russia presenting equal relative intensities).
Synthesis, Characterization and Solubility Determination of 6-Phenyl-pyridazin-3(2H)-one in Different Pharmaceutical Solvents
Authors: Shakeel Faiyaz , Imran Mohd , Haq Nazrul , Alshehri Sultan , Anwer Md. Khalid
Published: September 2019

The current research work proposed the solubility data and solution thermodynamic properties of the cardiovascular agent 6-phenylpyridazin-3(2H)-one [PPD] in twelve pharmaceutical solvents at “T = 298.2 K to 318.2 K” and “p = 0.1 MPa”. The measured solubilities of PPD were regressed well with “van’t Hoff and Apelblat models”. The solid phases of pure and equilibrated PPD were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray differactometry, and the results suggested no transformation of PPD into solvates/hydrates/polymorphs after equilibrium. The solubilities of PPD in a mole fraction at “T = 318.2 K” were noted at a maximum in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 4.73 × 10−1), followed by polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG-400, 4.12 × 10−1), Transcutol® (3.46 × 10−1), ethyl acetate (EA, 81 × 10−2), 2-butanol (2.18 × 10−2), 1-butanol (2.11 × 10−2), propylene glycol (PG, 1.50 × 10−2), isopropyl alcohol (IPA, 1.44 × 10−2), ethylene glycol (EG, 1.27 × 10−2), ethanol (8.22 × 10−3), methanol (5.18 × 10−3) and water (1.26 × 10−5). Similar tendencies were also noted at other studied temperatures. The results of the “apparent thermodynamic analysis” showed an endothermic and entropy-driven dissolution of PPD in all pharmaceutical solvents. The results of the activity coefficients suggested a maximum interaction at the molecular level in PPD-DMSO, PPD-PEG-400 and PPD-Transcutol, compared with other combination of the solute and solvents.
Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor Based on Sliver Nanoparticle-Decorated Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Xu Dongqing , Hou Bingbing , Qian Lisheng , Zhang Xueji , Liu Guodong
Published: September 2019

The authors report a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on a sliver nanoparticle-decorated carbon nanotube (AgNPs-MWCNT). Highly-dispersed AgNPs were loaded on the MWCNT surface though a simple and facile two-step method. The morphology, components, and the size of the AgNPs-MWCNT nanocomposite were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ICP analysis. Benefitting from the synergistic effect between the AgNPs and MWCNT, the AgNPs-MWCNT nanocomposite exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for H2O2; the AgNPs-MWCNT electrochemical sensor was prepared by coating the AgNPs-MWCNT nanocomposite on a glassy carbon electrode, and it showed a fast and sensitive response to H2O2 with a linear range of 1 to 1000 μM. The detection limit was 0.38 μM (S/N = 3). The sensor was applied to detect H2O2 in spiked human blood serum samples with satisfactory results.
Palladium (III) Fluoride Bulk and PdF3/Ga2O3/PdF3 Magnetic Tunnel Junction: Multiple Spin-Gapless Semiconducting, Perfect Spin Filtering, and High Tunnel Magnetoresistance
Authors: Chen Zongbin , Li Tingzhou , Yang Tie , Xu Heju , Khenata Rabah , Gao Yongchun , Wang Xiaotian
Published: September 2019

Spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) with Dirac-like band crossings may exhibit massless fermions and dissipationless transport properties. In this study, by applying the density functional theory, novel multiple linear-type spin-gapless semiconducting band structures were found in a synthesized R 3 − c -type bulk PdF3 compound, which has potential applications in ultra-fast and ultra-low power spintronic devices. The effects of spin-orbit coupling and on-site Coulomb interaction were determined for the bulk material in this study. To explore the potential applications in spintronic devices, we also performed first-principles combined with the non-equilibrium Green’s function for the PdF3/Ga2O3/PdF3 magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ). The results suggested that this MTJ exhibits perfect spin filtering and high tunnel magnetoresistance (~5.04 × 107).
Long Non-Coding RNAs as Molecular Signatures for Canine B-Cell Lymphoma Characterization
Authors: Cascione Luciano , Giudice Luca , Ferraresso Serena , Marconato Laura , Giannuzzi Diana , Napoli Sara , Bertoni Francesco , Giugno Rosalba , Aresu Luca
Published: September 2019

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) are the most common B-cell lymphomas (BCL) in dogs. Recent investigations have demonstrated overlaps of these histotypes with the human counterparts, including clinical presentation, biologic behavior, tumor genetics, and treatment response. The molecular mechanisms that underlie canine BCL are still unknown and new studies to improve diagnosis, therapy, and the utilization of canine species as spontaneous animal tumor models are undeniably needed. Recent work using human DLBCL transcriptomes has suggested that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in lymphoma pathogenesis and pinpointed a restricted number of lncRNAs as potential targets for further studies. Results: To expand the knowledge of non-coding molecules involved in canine BCL, we used transcriptomes obtained from a cohort of 62 dogs with newly-diagnosed multicentric DLBCL, MZL and FL that had undergone complete staging work-up and were treated with chemotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy. We developed a customized R pipeline performing a transcriptome assembly by multiple algorithms to uncover novel lncRNAs, and delineate genome-wide expression of unannotated and annotated lncRNAs. Our pipeline also included a new package for high performance system biology analysis, which detects high-scoring network biological neighborhoods to identify functional modules. Moreover, our customized pipeline quantified the expression of novel and annotated lncRNAs, allowing us to subtype DLBCLs into two main groups. The DLBCL subtypes showed statistically different survivals, indicating the potential use of lncRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in future studies. Conclusions: In this manuscript, we describe the methodology used to identify lncRNAs that differentiate B-cell lymphoma subtypes and we interpreted the biological and clinical values of the results. We inferred the potential functions of lncRNAs to obtain a comprehensive and integrative insight that highlights their impact in this neoplasm.
Egg White Ovotransferrin Attenuates RANKL-Induced Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption
Authors: Shang Nan , Wu Jianping
Published: September 2019

Ovotransferrin, a member of the transferrin family, is the second main protein found in egg white. Ovotransferrin was reported to have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulating activities. The aim of this work was to characterize the cellular and molecular functions of egg white ovotransferrin on osteoclasts differentiation and function. Osteoclasts were prepared from mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). Ovotransferrin inhibited osteoclasts differentiation and the calcium–phosphate resorptive ability via the suppression of RANKL-induced nuclear factor κ-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Ovotransferrin induced apoptosis of matured osteoclasts, accompanied by increased expression of Bcl-2-like protein 11 (Bim) and Bcl-2-assoicated death promoter (Bad), but decreased expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xl). We established a novel role of egg white ovotransferrin as an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, which may be used for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Examining the Pharmacist Labor Supply in the United States: Increasing Medication Use, Aging Society, and Evolution of Pharmacy Practice
Authors: Watanabe Jonathan H.
Published: September 2019

The increasing number of pharmacists in the US has generated concern regarding potential oversupply. A 2018 analysis from the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) in the US projected a best case scenario of an oversupply of more than 18,000 pharmacists in the year 2030. In this commentary, the limitations of this general health labor force analysis by the NCHWA are described. The goal of this work was to provide a more nuanced examination of the pharmacist labor demand in the US. Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were utilized to examine, annually over a ten year period ending in 2017, the number of pharmacists, the ratio of pharmacists to persons living in the US, the ratio of pharmacists to older adults living in the US, and the ratio of medications to pharmacists. The number of pharmacists grew from 266,410 in 2008 to 309,330 in 2017. As anticipated, despite a growing US population, the ratio of people living in the US per pharmacist dropped unabated from 1141 to 1053 from 2008 to 2017, respectively. However, the reverse trend was observed for the ratio of persons 65 years or older per pharmacist. This ratio increased from 146.1 older adults to each pharmacist in 2008 to 164.3 in 2017. The accelerating demographic shift to an older population is also reversing an overall trend in the number of medications to pharmacist that will continue for the foreseeable future. While the ratio of medications to pharmacist dropped overall from 2008 to 2016, it has begun to rise again from 2016 to 2017. Beyond the increasing number of medications attributable to a rapidly aging population, there is a growing demand for clinical care from pharmacists due to the maturing environment of complex, costly medications for chronic disease treatment. As the portion of total health expenditure is increasingly devoted to medications and the US health delivery system continues its movement to community-based care, the demand for pharmacist care will require a larger number of pharmacists trained for advanced-practice care.
Strigolactone Signaling Genes Showing Differential Expression Patterns in Arabidopsis max Mutants
Authors: Kumar Manu , Kim Inyoung , Kim Yeon-Ki , Heo Jae Bok , Suh Mi Chung , Kim Hyun Uk
Published: September 2019

Strigolactone (SL) is a recently discovered class of phytohormone that inhibits shoot branching. The molecular mechanism underlying SL biosynthesis, perception, and signal transduction is vital to the plant branching phenotype. Some aspects of their biosynthesis, perception, and signaling include the role of four MORE AXILLARY GROWTH genes, MAX3, MAX4, MAX1, and MAX2. It is important to identify downstream genes that are involved in SL signaling. To achieve this, we studied the genomic aspects of the strigolactone biosynthesis pathway using microarray analysis of four max mutants. We identified SL signaling candidate genes that showed differential expression patterns in max mutants. More specifically, 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHASE 4 (ACC4) and PROTEIN KINASE 3 (PKS3) displayed contrasting expression patterns, indicating a regulatory mechanism in SL signaling pathway to control different phenotypes apart from branching phenotype.
Electrochemical Polymerization of PEDOT–Graphene Oxide–Heparin Composite Coating for Anti-Fouling and Anti-Clotting of Cardiovascular Stents
Authors: Yang Ming-Chien , Tsou Hui-Ming , Hsiao Yu-Sheng , Cheng Yu-Wei , Liu Che-Chun , Huang Li-Ying , Peng Xin-Yao , Liu Ting-Yu , Yung Ming-Chi , Hsu Chuan-Chih
Published: September 2019

In this study, a novel hemocompatible coating on stainless steel substrates was prepared by electrochemically copolymerizing 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) with graphene oxide (GO), polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), or heparin (HEP) on SUS316L stainless steel, producing an anti-fouling (anti-protein adsorption and anti-platelet adhesion) surface to avoid the restenosis of blood vessels. The negative charges of GO, PSS, and HEP repel negatively charged proteins and platelets to achieve anti-fouling and anti-clotting. The results show that the anti-fouling capability of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/PSS coating is similar to that of the PEDOT/HEP coating. The anti-fouling capability of PEDOT/GO is higher than those of PEDOT/HEP and PEDOT/PSS. The reason for this is that GO exhibits negatively charged functional groups (COO−). The highest anti-fouling capability was found with the PEDOT/GO/HEP coating, indicating that electrochemical copolymerization of PEDOT with GO and HEP enhances the anti-fouling capability. Furthermore, the biocompatibility of the PEDOT coatings was tested with 3T3 cells for 1–5 days. The results show that all PEDOT composite coatings exhibited biocompatibility. The blood clotting time (APTT) of PEDOT/GO/HEP was prolonged to 225 s, much longer than the 40 s of pristine SUS316L stainless steel (the control), thus greatly improving the anti-blood-clotting capability of cardiovascular stents.