bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hubungan Antara Paritas, Penyakit Infeksi Dan Status Gizi Dengan Status Anemia Pada Ibu Hamil Trimester III
Authors: Mahyuni Akhmad , Yunita Nirma , Putri Eka Maya
Published: June 2019

World Health Organization (WHO) data in 2010 noted 40% of maternal deaths in developing countries are associated with pregnancy anemia. Anemia anemia in pregnancy caused by iron deficiency and acute bleeding, even distance mutually interact with each other. Anemia in pregnancy is a major health problem in developing countries with high morbidity in pregnant women. The average pregnancy with anemia in Asia is estimated at 72.6%. The high prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is a problem that is being exposed to the government of Indonesia. Preliminary study results conducted by researchers through physical examination of pregnant women in third trimester, seen from signs of symptoms, as many as 10 people, there are 6 people (60%) who have anemia and 4 people (40%) were not anemic, of 6 people with anemia there were 3 (50%) unsafe parities, 1 person (16.7%) had infectious diseases, and 2 (33.3%) malnourished. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of parity, infectious diseases, and nutritional status with anemia status in third trimester pregnant women in the work area of ​​PuskesmasPasalingHulu Sungai Selatan in 2017. The method used was analytical with cross sectional approach. The result of this research are most of respondents who suffer from anemia that is as many as 33 people (67,3%), unsafe parity that is 29 people (59,2%), not enter as many as 34 people (69,4%), as many as 28 people (57.1%). there is a proven to have relationship of parity, nutritional status with anemia status in third trimester pregnant women in work area of ​​Puskesmas PasungkanHulu Sungai Selatan 2017, not proven to have relation of disease with anemia status in third trimester pregnant woman in working area of ​​Puskesmas PasungkanHuluSungai Selatan 2017

Keywords: Status of anemia, parity, infectious diseases, nutritional status
Gobierno de TI y utilización de los sistemas de información en las firmas argentinas
Authors: Tricoci Guillermo A.
Published: June 2019

En el marco de la revolución de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC), se plantea analizar su repercusión en las firmas argentinas, partiendo de tres objetivos: identificación del nivel de uso de aplicaciones básicas de las TIC, del nivel de la toma de decisiones usando los sistemas de información y del gobierno de tecnología de la información focalizado en la relevancia de la función de sistemas en las firmas. Se presentan tres dimensiones de análisis: el tamaño de las firmas, el sector de la economía en el que operan y la composición de su capital. El mapa empírico producto de este trabajo es un aporte para el ámbito académico, el segmento de la oferta de las TIC y el sector público.
IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS USING PHLEBOTONICS
Authors: Groshilin V. S. , Cherkasov M. F. , Mirzoev L. A. , Shvetsov V. K.
Published: June 2019

The article describes the experience of application of minimally invasive methods of treatment chronic hemorrhoids stages II-III. The analysis of the effectiveness of methods and stand-alone when combining methods on the basis of the treatment and dynamic follow-up of 493 patients. The analysis of the indications for use, clinical effectiveness and disadvantages of minimally invasive techniques. Substantiated the clinical efficacy of venotonics (micronized flavonoid fraction) in the pre - and postoperative treatment in the application of minimally invasive methods of treatment chronic hemorrhoids. Identified the need for a differentiated approach to the definition of indications and choice of a method of minimally invasive surgery depending on the clinical picture of the disease (type, stage, presence of inflammatory changes, bleeding).
METHODS OF RECONSTRUCTION OF THE INTESTINE CONTINUITY
Authors: Gibert B. K. , Matveev I. A. , Hasia D. T. , Matveev A. I. , Kalinichenko A. P.
Published: June 2019

One hundred seven patients had reconstructive surgery after previous Hartmann procedure performed at emergency presentation. Between 2000-2014 there were 46,19% operation performed from of midline laparotomy, 39,08% from local access, and 14,72% using laparoscopy assisted method. Between 2013-14 open approach was used in 16,66% of cases, in 14,63% form local access and 69,04% of the patients were operated using laparoscopy assisted method. LAS operations - at. The choice of restoring the intestinal continuity after Hartmann procedure is under development, as the trend towards mini-invasive surgery exists.
HIGH-FREQUENCY ELECTROTHERMAL MUCOSECTOMY OF THE RECTAL CUFF IN THE ULCERATIVE COLITIS SURGICAL TREATMENT: RESULTS
Authors: Borota A. V. , Vasylenko I. V. , Borota O. O. , Basiyan-Kuhto N. K.
Published: June 2019

AIM: To advance the rectal cuff mucosectomy method, reducing the risk of residual cuff it is. The aim of biopsy morphological study of rectal tissue were changes tracking dynamics, starting from the mucosectomy moment up to 1.5-2 years after the surgery. METODS: After colproctectomy and J-pouch forming the rectal cuff turnes inside out with mucous layer and high frequency electrothermal mucosectomy performes. Stapling IPAA and protective ileostomy are formed. This method of rectal cuff mucosectomy was performed in 13 patients. AH patients under went rectal cuff biopsy for dynamic pathological examination. RESULTS: During dynamic monitoring there were no clinical evidence of cuff it is in this patients. CONCLUSION: The new surgical treatment method of ulcerative colitis, including colproctectomy, stapled IPAA with protective ileostomy and high-frequency electro thermal mucosectomy of the rectal cuff, allows to completely remove the mucous the rectal cuff, thateliminatesriskofcuffi tisasresidualmanifestationsofulcerativecolitis, both in short- and long-term results. Functional results with out deteriorating.
THE TRANSANAL REINFORCEMENT OF LOW COLORECTAL ANASTOMOSIS: FIRST EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Alekseev M. V. , Shelygin Yu. A. , Rybakov E. G.
Published: June 2019

AIM. It was to evaluation the effect of using of transanal reinforcement of low colorectal anastomosis to the frequency of anastomotic leakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included six patients who underwent a low anterior resection for rectal cancer and the transanal reinforcement anastomosis. Preventive stomas not formed. RESULTS. The study contains an analysis of the immediate results of patients treatment. The leakage of the anastomosis was developed in 3 of 6 patents. This required break down of the anastomosis in one and the formation of diverting stoma in two patients. CONCLUSION. The first experience of the transanal reinforcement for low colorectal anastomosis is unsuccessful because of leakage appeared in every second patient. More careful selection of patients for this method is required.
SHEARWAVE ELASTOGRAPHY IN THE LIVER METASTASE DIAGNOSIS DURING MULTIPARAMETRIC ULTRASOUND
Authors: Borsukov A. V. , Morozova T. G.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY. Analysis of the possibility of a shearwave elastography (2D-SWE) approach in the diagnosis of metastatic liver damage within the framework of multiparametric ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A survey of 95 patients with liver metastases with a primary focus: 28 (29,4 %) - lung cancer, 31 (32,6 %) -malignant neoplasm of the stomach (SNO), 9 (9,5 %) - pancreatic cancer, 16 - colorectal cancer, 9 (17,8 %) - uterine cancer, 11 (20 %) - ovarian malignancy was conducted. Metachronous metastases were detected in all patients (n=95) (6-18 months after surgical treatment.) The use of multiparametric ultrasound (B-mode, shearwave elastography and ultrasound with contrast enhancement) was mandatory in the patient examination algorithm. RESULTS. The results of B-mode, color Doppler mapping and SWE are important for evaluating non-invasive or invasive nature of metastasis growth AUC=0,889 (95 % CI 0,879-0,957), indicating very good quality. The predictive value of SWE increased with dynamic observation of patients: AUC=0,991 (95 % CI 0,944-0.997), which indicated a very good quality. CONCLUSION. The criteria for noninvasive and invasive growth of the metastatic process in the liver parenchyma with SWE are developed, it is important for preoperative planning. Prognostic significance of SWE within the scope of mutiparametric ultrasound increases at dynamic observation of patients for more than 6 months.
EXPERT SYSTEM FORECAST OPERATIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS
Authors: Borota A. V. , Kuhto A. P. , Baziyan-Kuhto N. K. , Borota A. A. , Onischenko Ye. V.
Published: June 2019

ЦЕЛЬ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ. При помощи разработанной в клинике экспертной системы прогноза операционного риска (ЭСПОР) уточнить показания, ведение пред- и постоперационного периода и доказать эффективность выполнения СОВ у пациентов с различными заболеваниями толстой кишки (ЗТК) и хирургической патологией органов брюшной полости (ОБП). МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ. В клинике общей хирургииДонНМУ им. М. Горького на базе хирургического отделения № 2 ДОКТМО за период с 2012 по 2015 гг. проведено оперативное лечение 986 пациентов с патологией толстой кишки. Проанализированы результаты лечения 127 (12,8%) пациентов с ЗТК, имеющих сочетанную абдоминальную патологию ОБП, которым выполнены СОВ на основании разработанной ЭСПОР. Среди них женщин - 79 (62,2 %), мужчин - 48 (37,8 %). Возраст больных колебался в пределах от 32 до 87 лет. По поводу неопухолевой патологии толстой кишки был прооперирован 51 (40,1 %) пациент, опухолевой - 76 (59,9 %). Сочетание нескольких операций (2-х и более) произведено у 21 (16,5 %) пациента. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ. Течение послеоперационного периода у пациентов, перенесших СОВ, существенно не отличалось от такового после выполнения стандартных вмешательств на толстой кишке. Среди послеоперационных осложнений, которые составили 3,2 %, у пациентов, перенесших СОВ, следует отметить: серомы с нагноением раны - 3 случая, пневмонии - 2, инфильтрат брюшной полости - в 1. Летальных исходов не было. ВЫВОДЫ. ЭСПОР обеспечивает полноценную и эффективную коррекцию сопутствующей патологии в предоперационном периоде, профилактику интра- и послеоперационных осложнений, а также проведение эффективной целенаправленной интенсивной терапии у данной категории пациентов, что позволило во всех случаях добиться уменьшения осложнений при сохраненном одномоментном хирургическом радикализме и отказаться от сочетанного этапа ввиду очень высокого риска осложнений и возможного летального исхода 13 % больным.
STANDARDIZED ENHANCED RECOVERY PROTOCOL IMPROVES OUTCOMES AFTER COLORECTAL RESECTIONS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS
Authors: Lyadov V. K. , Kochatkov A. V. , Negardinov A. Z.
Published: June 2019

AIM. To evaluate the influence of standardized enhanced recovery protocol on the results of oncological colorectal resections in elderly (≥75) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively analyzed the results of 745 colorectal resections, performed from March 2009 till Oct. 2016. During 2009-2013 (220 procedures, 45 among the elderly) only sporadic components of enhanced recovery were used. In 2014-2015 (354 surgeries, 82 among the elderly) new surgical team developed and started to implement a standardized enhanced recovery protocol. In 2016 (186 procedures, 51 among the elderly) the protocol was systematically used in every patient. Short-term surgical results were analyzed. RESULTS. Generally, implementation of enhanced recovery protocol led to mild but not statistically significant improvement of short-term results. Only postoperative hospital stay decreased significantly. However, we observed a dramatic improvement of short-term results after the implementation of enhanced recovery protocol among the elderly patients. CONCLUSION. Standardized evidence-based enhanced recovery protocol leads to significant improvement of short-term surgical results in elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery for cancer.
EXPERIENCE OBTAINED IMPROVES RESULTS OF LAPAROSCOPIC END STOMA CLOSURE
Authors: Gibert B. K. , Hasia D. T. , Matveev I. A. , Matveev A. I. , Kalinichenko A. P.
Published: June 2019

Comparative analysis of laparoscopic reversal procedure after Hartamn's operations on the left half of the colon from 46 patients completed by the single surgeon for 3 year period. The study confirmed that growing number of procedures allowed to expand indications for laparoscopic approach for restoring the continuity of the large intestine. It also decrease the time of intervention, reduces dimensions of operating wounds, blood loss and rate of intra-abdominal complications.
STRAIN ELASTOGRAPHY AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR EVALUATION OF RECTAL NEOPLASMS
Authors: Shelygin Y. A. , Orlova L. P. , Samsonova T. V. , Majnovskaja O. A. , Chernyshov S. V. , Abashina E. M. , Evgrafov P. G. , Rybakov E. G.
Published: June 2019

AIM. To establish cut-off point of strain ratio for rectal adenocarciomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Forty-five patients (29 female) at mean age ± SD of 61 ± 9.5 (range, 38-80) years with histologically confirmed rectal neoplasia were included into study. Endorectal Ultrasonography accomplished by strain elastography was performed by Hitachi Hi Vision Preirus (Japan). All patients were treated by Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery. RESULTS. Pathologic examination of operative specimen revealed 31 adenomas (5 intraepithelial carcinomas) and 14 invasive carcinomas. Cut-off point of Strain Ratio was 5,7 with sensitivity of 0.94 (95 °%CI 0,68-0,99), specificity of 0.92 (95 %oCI 0,74-0,98), positive predictive value of 0,90 (95 % CI 0,84-0,96) and negative predictive value of 0,96 (95 %CI 0,85-0,99). CONCLUSION. Obtained results testified high diagnostic value of strain elastography and made one perspective method for detection of occult malignancy in large rectal adenomas.
HAND-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY FOR THE CANCER OF THE LEFT COLON AND RECTUM - AN IDEAL OPTION OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY? SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE WITH 459 CASES
Authors: Samalavicius Narimantas E. , Kuliesius Zygimantas , Dulskas Audrius , Kuliavas Justas , Rudinskaite Giedre , Smolskas Edgaras , Kilius Afredas , Petrulis Kestutis
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) has been introduced into clinical practice almost three decades ago, very soon after the introduction of conventional laparoscopic surgery. It combines the advantages of both laparoscopic (minimally invasive) and open surgery. Despite a good piece of data in the medical literature, the clear place of this kind of laparoscopic surgery today is not easy to delineate. Our study aimed to review single centre experience in treating patients with left colon and rectal cancers using HALS. METHODS. This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 459 patients undergoing hand assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery for left colon and rectal cancer, in a single tertiary care institution, National Cancer Institute, from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016. All consented patient with confirmed invasive cancer of left colon and rectum undergoing HALS were included in the analysis. RESULTS. The patients’ mean age was 64.14±9.75 years. Female and male ratio was similar: 232 (50,5 %) versus 227 (49,5 %). The mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 6.7 (from 2 to 34) days. There were 5 (1,1 %) conversions to open surgery. Histological examination revealed mean lymph node harvest to be 15 ± 12, ranging from 8 to 90. Stage I, II and III cancer was similar in distribution accounting for 133 (28,9%), 139 (30,3 %), 151 (32,9 %) patients respectively and 36 (7,8 %)patients with stage IV. 244 (53,2) of patients underwent surgery for the cancer of the left colon (sigmoid colectomy or left hemicolectomy), and 215 (46,8 %) patients underwent surgery for rectal cancer. Postoperative complications occurred in 28 (6.1 %) patients, eight of them (1,7 %) needed reintervention (laparotomy) because of anastomotic insufficiency and intraabdominal abscesses. Two (0,4 %) patients died during 30 day postoperative period. CONCLUSION. In our experience, HALS was very reliable andfeasible minimally invasive surgical technique for the cancers of left colon and rectum, related with short learning curve and excellent oncological clearance, short operating time and low number of postoperative complications. It may be used as a standard approachfor this type of pathology, or as a safe bridge from open to conventional laparoscopic surgery.
COMPLICATED DIVERTICULITIS: MANAGEMENT, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT
Authors: Karpukhin O. Yu. , Pankratova Yu. S. , Cherkashina M. I. , Shakurov A. F. , Ziganshin M. I.
Published: June 2019

AIM. To analyze the results of treatment of patients with diverticular disease in Coloproctology Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS. During the periodfrom 2001 to 2017, 223 patients with diverticular colon disease were treated in the hospital. RESULTS. 191 (85,7%) were treated conservatively, 32 (14,3%) patients were operated on. One-stage procedure was performed in 21 (67,7%) patients, in 10 (32,3%) bowel resection has been completed by stoma. Postoperative complications developed in 25% of cases. Postoperative mortality was 3,1%. Operations reconstructive the length of the intestinal tube were performed in 24 previously operated patients. Colostomy reversal was combined with secondary resection in 9 (37,5%) patients CONCLUSION. Diverticular disease of the colon is a widespread condition with a wide spectrum of severe complications requiring surgical correction. In work with this pathology it is necessary to strictly observe uniform standards of diagnostics and treatment.
THE USE OF ENTERAL NUTRITION IN BOWEL CLEANSING BEFORE COLONOSCOPY
Authors: Galyaev A. V. , Mtvralashvili D. A. , Arkhipova O. V. , Veselov V. V. , Belous S. S.
Published: June 2019

AIM: to evaluate the effectiveness of bowel cleansing before colonoscopy using enteral nutrition agent «Nutridrink» as the single nutrient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a prospective comparative study included 150 patients (83 females, aged 20-65 years), who underwent diagnostic colonoscopy. To assess the quality of bowel cleansing the Likert scale was used. Subjective assessment of patients' comfort was performed by patients on a 10-point visual scale (from 0 - «excellent» to 10 - «extremely negative»). RESULTS: the quality of colon cleansing before colonoscopy was significantly better in patients who got enteral nutrition, especially in comparison with patients with standard protein diet. Subjective assessment of comfort during cleansing was better in the group of patients who used Nutridrink as the only source of nutrition as well. CONCLUSION: use of enteral nutrition as a part of bowel cleansing before colonoscopy can replace the protein diet.
CONSERVATIVE LOCAL AND SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT OF ACUTE HEMORRHOIDS (RESULTS OF AN ANONYMOUS SURVEY OF SURGEONS IN RUSSIA)
Authors: Rodin A. V. , Privolnev V. V. , Danilenkov N. V.
Published: June 2019

AIM: to clarify surgeon's preferences for the acute hemorrhoids conservative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: an anonymous survey of 102 experienced colorectal surgeons was performed to reveal preferences in acute hemorrhoids treatment. Questionnaire in Russian included 8 items for assessment. RESULTS: the surgeons reported more than 30 different drugs for the local treatment of acute hemorrhoids. A majority of them consider necessity of systemic phlebotonics. The «Detralex» was most often prescribed. CONCLUSION: a majority of surgeons use effective drugs for acute hemorrhoids treatment. In some cases specialists has less knowledge on this problem.
Evidence for the Cytoplasmic Localization of the L-α-Glycerophosphate Oxidase in Members of the “Mycoplasma mycoides Cluster”
Authors: Schumacher Melanie , Nicholson Pamela , Stoffel Michael H. , Chandran Suchismita , D’Mello Adonis , Ma Li , Vashee Sanjay , Jores Joerg , Labroussaa Fabien
Published: June 2019

Members of the “Mycoplasma mycoides cluster” are important animal pathogens causing diseases including contagious bovine pleuropneumonia and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, which are of utmost importance in Africa or Asia. Even if all existing vaccines have shortcomings, vaccination of herds is still considered the best way to fight mycoplasma diseases, especially with the recent and dramatic increase of antimicrobial resistance observed in many mycoplasma species. A new generation of vaccines will benefit from a better understanding of the pathogenesis of mycoplasmas, which is very patchy up to now. In particular, surface-exposed virulence traits are likely to induce a protective immune response when formulated in a vaccine. The candidate virulence factor L-α-glycerophosphate oxidase (GlpO), shared by many mycoplasmas including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, was suggested to be a surface-exposed enzyme in Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides responsible for the production of hydrogen peroxide directly into the host cells. We produced a glpO isogenic mutant GM12::YCpMmyc1.1-ΔglpO using in-yeast synthetic genomics tools including the tandem-repeat endonuclease cleavage (TREC) technique followed by the back-transplantation of the engineered genome into a mycoplasma recipient cell. GlpO localization in the mutant and its parental strain was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We obtained conflicting results and this led us to re-evaluate the localization of GlpO using a combination of in silico and in vitro techniques, such as Triton X-114 fractionation or tryptic shaving followed by immunoblotting. Our in vitro results unambiguously support the finding that GlpO is a cytoplasmic protein throughout the “Mycoplasma mycoides cluster.” Thus, the use of GlpO as a candidate vaccine antigen is unlikely to induce a protective immune response.
On the Role of Clustering and Visualization Techniques in Gene Microarray Data
Authors: Ciaramella Angelo , Staiano Antonino
Published: June 2019

As of today, bioinformatics is one of the most exciting fields of scientific research. There is a wide-ranging list of challenging problems to face, i.e., pairwise and multiple alignments, motif detection/discrimination/classification, phylogenetic tree reconstruction, protein secondary and tertiary structure prediction, protein function prediction, DNA microarray analysis, gene regulation/regulatory networks, just to mention a few, and an army of researchers, coming from several scientific backgrounds, focus their efforts on developing models to properly address these problems. In this paper, we aim to briefly review some of the huge amount of machine learning methods, developed in the last two decades, suited for the analysis of gene microarray data that have a strong impact on molecular biology. In particular, we focus on the wide-ranging list of data clustering and visualization techniques able to find homogeneous data groupings, and also provide the possibility to discover its connections in terms of structure, function and evolution.
A Multistate Friction Model for the Compensation of the Asymmetric Hysteresis in the Mechanical Response of Pneumatic Artificial Muscles
Authors: Capace Alessia , Cosentino Carlo , Amato Francesco , Merola Alessio
Published: June 2019

These days, biomimetic and compliant actuators have been made available to the main applications of rehabilitation and assistive robotics. In this context, the interaction control of soft robots, mechatronic surgical instruments and robotic prostheses can be improved through the adoption of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs), a class of compliant actuators that exhibit some similarities with the structure and function of biological muscles. Together with the advantage of implementing adaptive compliance control laws, the nonlinear and hysteretic force/length characteristics of PAMs pose some challenges in the design and implementation of tracking control strategies. This paper presents a parsimonious and accurate model of the asymmetric hysteresis observed in the force response of PAMs. The model has been validated through the experimental identification of the mechanical response of a small-sized PAM where the asymmetric effects of hysteresis are more evident. Both the experimental results and a comparison with other dynamic friction models show that the proposed model could be useful to implement efficient compensation strategies for the tracking control of soft robots.
An Insight on the Crashworthiness Behavior of a Full-Scale Composite Fuselage Section at Different Impact Angles
Authors: Riccio Aniello , Saputo Salvatore , Sellitto Andrea , Russo Angela , Di Caprio Francesco , Di Palma Luigi
Published: June 2019

In the present paper, advanced numerical methodologies have been adopted to investigate the influence of impact angle on the crashworthiness behavior of a composite fuselage section. The analyzed fuselage section, made of unidirectional fiber-reinforced material, woven fabric material, and aluminum material, is representative of a regional aircraft fuselage. Two different angles of impact with rigid ground have been investigated and reported: Perpendicularly to the ground and with a pitch angle of 3 degrees with respect to the ground. The adopted numerical models have been preliminarily validated with experimental data from a drop test on a full-scale fuselage section, in terms of deformations and failure location and progression. The correlation between the numerical model and the experimental test has enabled evaluation of the effect of the impact angle on the deformation and damage in the sub-cargo floor area.
TED Project: Conjugating Technology Development and Educational Activities
Authors: Olivieri Lorenzo , Sansone Francesco , Duzzi Matteo , Francesconi Alessandro
Published: June 2019

TED (Tethered Electromagnetic Docking) is a system proposed by a group of researchers and students of the University of Padova for close rendezvous and docking between spacecraft. It consists in a small tethered probe ejected by the chaser, reaching the proximity of the target with a controlled deployment, and then magnetically guided by a receiving electromagnet mounted on it. Because of the generated magnetic field, alignment and mating are possible; then, as the tether is rewound, the chaser is able to dock with the target. To perform a preliminary verification of TED, three groups of students have been involved in the project and contributed to the evaluation of its critical technologies in reduced gravity: in the framework of ESA “Drop your Thesis!” 2014 and 2016 campaigns the experiments FELDs and STAR focused on the test of the tether deployment and control, while PACMAN, in the framework of ESA “Fly Your Thesis! 2017” parabolic flights campaign, tested proximity operations by means of electromagnetic interactions. In this paper, a description of TED concept and its development roadmap is presented, introducing the critical technologies tested by FELDs, STAR, and PACMAN experiments. The second part of the paper focuses on the educational outcomes of the three experiments, introducing statistics on (1) student participation, (2) scientific publication production, and (3) influence of the educational programs on the students’ career.
Cover Crop Effectiveness Varies in Cover Crop-Based Rotational Tillage Organic Soybean Systems Depending on Species and Environment
Authors: Vincent-Caboud Laura , Vereecke Léa , Silva Erin , Peigné Joséphine
Published: June 2019

Organic farming relies heavily on tillage for weed management, however, intensive soil disturbance can have detrimental impacts on soil quality. Cover crop-based rotational tillage (CCBRT), a practice that reduces the need for tillage and cultivation through the creation of cover crop mulches, has emerged as an alternative weed management practice in organic cropping systems. In this study, CCBRT systems using cereal rye and triticale grain species are evaluated with organic soybean directly seeded into a rolled cover crop. Cover crop biomass, weed biomass, and soybean yields were evaluated to assess the effects of cereal rye and winter triticale cover crops on weed suppression and yields. From 2016 to 2018, trials were conducted at six locations in Wisconsin, USA, and Southern France. While cover crop biomass did not differ among the cereal grain species tested, the use of cereal rye as the cover crop resulted in higher soybean yields (2.7 t ha−1 vs. 2.2 t ha−1) and greater weed suppression, both at soybean emergence (231 vs. 577 kg ha−1 of weed biomass) and just prior to soybean harvest (1178 vs. 1545 kg ha−1). On four out of six sites, cover crop biomass was lower than the reported optimal (<8000 kg ha−1) needed to suppress weeds throughout soybean season. Environmental conditions, in tandem with agronomic decisions (e.g., seeding dates, cultivar, planters, etc.), influenced the ability of the cover crop to suppress weeds regardless of the species used. In a changing climate, future research should focus on establishing flexible decision support tools based on multi-tactic cover crop management to ensure more consistent results with respect to cover crop growth, weed suppression, and crop yields.
AquaCrop Calibration and Validation for Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) under Different Agronomic Managements
Authors: Zeleke Ketema Tilahun
Published: June 2019

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important pulse crop known for its nitrogen-fixing characteristics and as a disease-break crop in crop rotations. Sowing time, scheduling of supplemental irrigation, and sowing rate are some of the agronomic managements which affect faba bean growth and yield. The effect of these on faba bean yield can be evaluated using calibrated models. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) AquaCrop model was calibrated and tested using two-year experimental data of different watering regimes, sowing dates, and sowing rates in a semiarid environment of South-Eastern Australia. AquaCrop adequately simulated the green canopy cover (CC), biomass development, grain yield, and soil water dynamics under different agronomic management conditions. AquaCrop simulated faba bean yield with 3% deviation, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.49 t ha−1, normalised root mean square error (NRMSE) of 12.4%, index of agreement (d) of 0.95, and R2 of 0.86. The CC was simulated with RMSE of 14.1%, R2 of 0.85, and d of 0.90. The above-ground dry matter was predicted with RMSE of 2.6 t ha−1, R2 of 0.95, and d of 0.93. Except for end-of-season values, the total soil water was also adequately simulated at RMSE of 21 mm, R2 of 0.89, and d of 0.87. The response of faba bean to supplemental irrigation, sowing time, and sowing rate was adequately simulated by the calibrated model. AquaCrop is a valuable decision support tool for predicting faba bean growth, yield, and soil water dynamics under different agronomic managements.
Response of Boll Development to Macronutrients Application in Different Cotton Genotypes
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Zhou Guisheng , Zhu Guanglong , Ahmad Zahoor , Song Xudong , Jamal Yousaf , Ibrahim Muhi Eldeen Hussien , Nimir Nimir Eltyb Ahmed
Published: June 2019

Combined application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is a valuable practice to improve the growth and physiological activities of cotton, especially during a boll setting. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the different combined ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and K (potassium) on morpho-physiological activities of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton genotypes Siza 1 and Sikang 1 during the cotton boll development stage. A two-year (2016–2017) field experiment was performed in which the total amount of combined N, P, and K were applied at different levels, B1 = 150 N, 0 P2O5, and 0 K2O kg ha−1 (control), B2 = 150 N, 45 P2O5, and 90 K2O kg ha−1, B3 = 150 N, 90 P2O5, and 135 K2O kg ha−1, and B4 = 150 N, 135 P2O5, and 180 K2O kg ha−1. Results revealed that combined application of N, P, and K significantly increased boll length by 5.8% and 2.3%, fresh boll weight by 12.2% and 16.4%, dry lint weight by 15.2% and 1.7%, number of seeds boll−1 by 15.2% and 2.5% as well as dry boll shell weight by 11.0% and 4.9% as compared with the treatment without P and K (1:0:0) across two growing seasons. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity was improved by 2.3% and 15.6% and soluble protein by 5.1% and 14.1% as compared with the control, respectively. Our study indicated that combined application of N, P, and K at appropriate ratios enhanced morpho-physiological activities (boll length, boll width, boll weight, protein content, sugar content, and superoxide dismutase) of cotton during boll development and generally the ratio of 150:135:180 considerably performed best amongst all treatments during two growing seasons in this study.
US Farm Animal Welfare: An Economic Perspective
Authors: Tonsor Glynn , Wolf Christopher
Published: June 2019

The topic of farm animal welfare (FAW) is both complex and controversial, and inherently involves expertise and views from multiple disciplines. This article provides a summary of economic perspectives on FAW issues in the United States. Practices related to FAW can occur through legal, market or voluntary programs. FAW is not a primary driver of US food demand but negative press has industry-wide effects. Aligning FAW supply and demand can be facilitated through labeling, education, and voluntary programs, but all have pros and cons.
The Order of Grass and Maize Silage Supplementation Modifies Milk Yield, Grazing Behavior and Nitrogen Partitioning of Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Beltrán Ignacio E. , Al-Marashdeh Omar , Burgos Ana R. , Gregorini Pablo , Balocchi Oscar A. , Wittwer Fernando , Pulido Rubén G.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the order of grass silage (GS) and maize silage (MS) supplementation on milk yield, grazing behavior and nitrogen (N) partitioning of lactating dairy cows during autumn. Thirty-six Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were randomly assigned to one of three treatments, and cows remained on these treatments for a 62 days period: (1) MIX; cows supplemented with 3 kg of dry matter (DM) of silage containing 1.5 kg DM of MS and 1.5 kg DM of GS in both the morning and afternoon; (2) GS-MS; cows supplemented with 3 kg DM of GS in the morning and 3 kg DM of MS in the afternoon; (3) MS-GS; cows supplemented with 3 kg DM of MS in the morning and 3 kg DM of GS in the afternoon. All cows received a pasture allowance of 17 kg DM/cow/d and 3 kg DM of concentrate. Grazing time and pasture intake were unaffected by treatment; however, milk production was greater for MS-GS, while milk protein was greater for GS-MS. Urinary N excretion was greater for MS-GS than MIX. In conclusion, MS-GS resulted in high milk yield but also high urinary N excretion, while MIX resulted in low urinary N excretion but also decreased milk yield.
A Novel SNP in EIF2AK4 Gene Is Associated with Thermal Tolerance Traits in Chinese Cattle
Authors: Wang Kaiyue , Cao Yanhong , Rong Yu , Ning Qingqing , Jia Peng , Huang Yongzhen , Lan Xianyong , Dang Ruihua , Chen Hong , Lei Chuzhao
Published: June 2019

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 4 (EIF2AK4, also known as GCN2), which pertains to the family of serine–threonine kinase, is involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage repair. A missense single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (NC_037337.1 g.35615224 T > G) in exon 6 of the EIF2AK4 gene which encodes a p.Ile205Ser substitution was observed in the Bovine Genome Variation Database and Selective Signatures (BGVD). The purpose of the current study is to determine the allelic frequency distribution of the locus and analyze its association with thermal tolerance in Chinese indigenous cattle. In our study, the allelic frequency distribution of the missense mutation (NC_037337.1 g.35615224 T > G) in Chinese cattle was analyzed by sequencing 1105 individuals of 37 breeds including 35 Chinese indigenous cattle breeds and two exotic breeds. In particular, association analysis was carried out between the genotypes and three environmental parameters including annual mean temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and temperature–humidity index (THI). The frequency of the mutant allele G (NC_037337.1 g.35615224 T > G) gradually decreased from the southern cattle groups to the northern cattle groups, whereas the frequency of the wild-type allele T showed an opposite pattern, consistent with the distribution of indicine and taurine cattle in China. In accordance with the association analysis, genotypes were significantly associated with T (P < 0.01), RH (P < 0.01), and THI (P < 0.01), suggesting that the cattle with genotype GG were found in regions with higher T, RH, and THI. Thus, our results suggest that the mutation (NC_037337.1 g.35615224 T > G) of the EIF2AK4 gene is associated with thermal tolerance traits in Chinese cattle.
A Topical Desiccant Agent in Association with Manual Debridement in the Initial Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucositis: A Clinical and Microbiological Pilot Study
Authors: Lombardo Giorgio , Signoriello Annarita , Corrocher Giovanni , Signoretto Caterina , Burlacchini Gloria , Pardo Alessia , Nocini Pier Francesco
Published: June 2019

In patients presenting mucositis, effective sub-gingival debridement is crucial to prevent peri-implantitis. The aim of this randomized study was to assess the three-month (T1) effects of a locally delivered liquid desiccant agent with molecular hygroscopic properties, in association with manual debridement, at sites with peri-implant mucositis. Twenty-three patients presenting at least one implant with no radiographically detectable bone loss, a pocket probing depth (PPD) ≥ 4 mm, and bleeding on probing (BOP), were included. At baseline (T0), patients were randomly assigned to receive the aforementioned desiccant agent before debridement (Test-Group), or a Chlorhexidine 1% disinfectant gel after debridement (Control-Group). Treatments were repeated after seven and 14 days. Peri-implant soft tissue assessment [PPD, BOP, Modified Bleeding Index (mBI), Visible Plaque Index (VPI), and Modified Plaque Index (mPLI)] and microbial sampling were performed at T0 and T1. At T1 the Test-Group presented significantly greater reductions for BOP, mBI, VPI, and mPLI. Concerning the deepest sites of the treated implants, both groups showed statistically significant reductions for BOP and mBI between T0 and T1. Furthermore, the Test-Group exhibited a significant decrease in anaerobic bacteria. Despite these valid outcomes, a complete resolution of the inflammatory conditions was not achieved by any of the groups.
Dissolution of the Disparate: Co-ordinate Regulation in Antibiotic Biosynthesis
Authors: McLean Thomas C. , Wilkinson Barrie , Hutchings Matthew I. , Devine Rebecca
Published: June 2019

Discovering new antibiotics is vital to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Most currently used antibiotics originate from the natural products of actinomycete bacteria, particularly Streptomyces species, that were discovered over 60 years ago. However, genome sequencing has revealed that most antibiotic-producing microorganisms encode many more natural products than previously thought. Biosynthesis of these natural products is tightly regulated by global and cluster situated regulators (CSRs), most of which respond to unknown environmental stimuli, and this likely explains why many biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are not expressed under laboratory conditions. One approach towards novel natural product discovery is to awaken these cryptic BGCs by re-wiring the regulatory control mechanism(s). Most CSRs bind intergenic regions of DNA in their own BGC to control compound biosynthesis, but some CSRs can control the biosynthesis of multiple natural products by binding to several different BGCs. These cross-cluster regulators present an opportunity for natural product discovery, as the expression of multiple BGCs can be affected through the manipulation of a single regulator. This review describes examples of these different mechanisms, including specific examples of cross-cluster regulation, and assesses the impact that this knowledge may have on the discovery of novel natural products.
Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of 30 Chinese Teas
Authors: Tang Guo-Yi , Zhao Cai-Ning , Xu Xiao-Yu , Gan Ren-You , Cao Shi-Yu , Liu Qing , Shang Ao , Mao Qian-Qian , Li Hua-Bin
Published: June 2019

Tea has been reported to prevent and manage many chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, and the antioxidant capacity of tea may be responsible for these health benefits. In this study, the antioxidant capacities of fat-soluble, water-soluble, and bound-insoluble fractions of 30 Chinese teas belonging to six categories, namely green, black, oolong, dark, white, and yellow teas, were systematically evaluated, applying ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays. In addition, total phenolic contents of teas were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the contents of 18 main phytochemical compounds in teas were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results found that several teas possessed very strong antioxidant capacity, and caffeine, theaflavine, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, as well as eight catechins, were the main antioxidant compounds in them. Thus, these teas could be good natural sources of dietary antioxidants, and their extracts might be developed as food additives, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Anthocyanins and Anthocyanin-Derived Products in Yeast-Fermented Beverages
Authors: Ruta Lavinia Liliana , Farcasanu Ileana Cornelia
Published: June 2019

The beverages obtained by yeast fermentation from anthocyanin-rich natural sources (grapes, berries, brown rice, etc.) retain part of the initial pigments in the maturated drink. During the fermentation and aging processes anthocyanins undergo various chemical transformations, which include reactions with glycolytic products (especially pyruvate and acetaldehyde) or with other compounds present in the complex fermentation milieu (such as vinylphenols obtained from cinnamic acids by means of a yeast decarboxylase) yielding pigments which can be more stable than the initial anthocyanins. Overall, these compounds contribute to the organoleptic traits of the mature product, but also to the overall chemical composition which make the yeast fermented beverages important sources of dietary antioxidants. In this review, we focused on the studies regarding the changes underwent by anthocyanins during yeast-mediated fermentation, on the approaches taken to enrich the fermented beverages in anthocyanins and their derived products, and on the interrelations between yeast and anthocyanin which were of relevance for obtaining a high-quality product containing optimum amounts of anthocyanin and anthocyanin-derived products.
Fucoxanthin, A Carotenoid Derived from Phaeodactylum tricornutum Exerts Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Activities In Vitro
Authors: Neumann Ulrike , Derwenskus Felix , Flaiz Flister Verena , Schmid-Staiger Ulrike , Hirth Thomas , Bischoff Stephan
Published: June 2019

Microalgae contain a multitude of nutrients and can be grown sustainably. Fucoxanthin, a carotenoid from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, could have beneficial health effects. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiproliferative effects of fucoxanthin derived from this diatom in vitro. The effects of purified fucoxanthin on metabolic activity were assessed in blood mononuclear cells and different cell lines. In cell lines, caspase 3/7 activity was also analyzed. Nitrogen monoxide release and mRNA-expression of proinflammatory cytokines were measured. For antioxidant assays, cell free assays were conducted. Additionally, the antioxidant effect in neutrophils was quantified and glutathione was determined in HeLa cells. The results show that neither did fucoxanthin have anti-inflammatory properties nor did it exert cytotoxic effects on mononuclear cells. However, the metabolic activity of cell lines was decreased up to 58% and fucoxanthin increased the caspase 3/7 activity up to 4.6-fold. Additionally, dose-dependent antioxidant effects were detected, resulting in a 63% decrease in chemiluminescence in blood neutrophils and a 3.3-fold increase in the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. Our studies show that fucoxanthin possesses antiproliferative and antioxidant activities in vitro. Hence, this carotenoid or the whole microalgae P. tricornutum could be considered as a food or nutraceutical in human nutrition, showcasing beneficial health effects.
Green Alternatives to Synthetic Antioxidants, Antimicrobials, Nitrates, and Nitrites in Clean Label Spanish Chorizo
Authors: Martínez Lorena , Bastida Pedro , Castillo Julian , Ros Gaspar , Nieto Gema
Published: June 2019

Natural extracts obtained from fruit and vegetable processing are important sources of phenolic compounds and nitrates, with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to characterize and determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity of several natural extracts (citric (Ct), acerola (Ac), rosemary (R), paprika, garlic, oregano, beet (B), lettuce (L), arugula (A), spinach (S), chard (Ch), celery (Ce), and watercress (W)), both in vitro and applied to a cured meat product (chorizo). For that, the volatile compounds by GC-MS and microbial growth were determined. The total phenolic and nitrate contents were measured and related with their antioxidant capacity (measured by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC methods) and antimicrobial capacity against Clostridium perfringens growth in vitro. In order to study the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts in food, their properties were also measured in Spanish chorizo enriched with these natural extracts. R and Ct showed the highest antioxidant capacity, however, natural nitrate sources (B, L, A, S, Ch, Ce, and W) also presented excellent antimicrobial activity against C. perfringens. The incorporation of these extracts as preservatives in Spanish chorizo also presented excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities and could be an excellent strategy in order to produce clean label dry-cured meat products.
Durability of Functionalized Carbon Structures with Optical Fiber Sensors in a Highly Alkaline Concrete Environment
Authors: Bremer Kort , Alwis Lourdes S. M. , Zheng Yulong , Weigand Frank , Kuhne Michael , Helbig Reinhard , Roth Bernhard
Published: June 2019

The paper presents an investigation into the durability of functionalized carbon structures (FCS) in a highly alkaline concrete environment. First, the suitability of optical fibers with different coatings—i.e., acrylate, polyimide, or carbon—for the FCS was investigated by subjecting fibers with different coatings to micro/macro bending and a 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (pH 14) solution. Then, the complete FCS was also subjected to a 5% NaOH solution. Finally, the effects of spatial variation of the fiber embedded in the FCS and the bonding strength between the fiber and FCS was evaluated using different configurations —i.e., fiber integrated into FCS in a straight line and/or with offsets. All three coatings passed the micro/macro bending tests and show degradation after alkaline exposure, with the carbon coating showing least degradation. The FCS showed relative stability after exposure to 5% NaOH. The optimum bonding length between the optical fiber and the carbon filament was found to be ≥150 mm for adequate sensitivity.