bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To investigate the clinical effect of modified closed negative pressure suction technique combined with flap transplantation on the treatment of deep chronic refractory wounds
Authors: Hou Zhihui , Gu Mingjuan
Published: April 2019

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of modified closed negative pressure suction technique combined with flap transplantation on the treatment of deep chronic refractory wounds.Methods: During March of 2015 to April of 2018, 52 cases of patients with deep chronic refractory wounds were selected as research objects. They were divided into the control group and the treatment group by use of the random number table method, with 26 cases in each group. Among them, the control group was given conventional debridement combined with flap reconstruction, and the treatment group was treated with modified closed negative pressure suction technique combined with flap transplantation to observe the clinical effect.Results: (1) According to the analysis on the effect of flap transplantation, the excellent and good rate of the treatment group was 92.3%, and in the control group, it was 76.9% (p < .05). (2) According to the statistics, the incidence of complications in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (p < .05).Conclusions: Modified closed negative pressure suction technique combined with flap transplantation has a good effect on the treatment of deep chronic refractory wounds with fewer complications.
Effect observation of exfoliative cytology combined with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 examinations in the diagnosis of malignant serous effusion
Authors: Yan Lizhi
Published: April 2019

Objective: To study the effect of exfoliative cytology combined with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 examinations on the diagnosis of malignant serous effusion.Methods: 236 cases of patients who were diagnosed as serous effusion during inpatient in our hospital from January of 2015 to January of 2017 were selected as research objects. According to biopsy and pathological examinations, the diagnostic results were cleared that there were 136 cases of patients with benign serous effusion (benign group) and 100 cases of patients with malignant serous effusion (malignant group). Two groups of patients were both given exfoliative cytology combined with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 examinations for tumor markers to analyze the effect of exfoliative cytology combined with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 examinations on the diagnosis of malignant serous effusion.Results: The levels of tumor markers CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 in the benign group were all lower than those in the malignant group, and the difference was of statistical significance (p < .05). In addition, exfoliative cytology combined with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 examinations showed a higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy than any of the above examinations alone, and the difference was of statistical significance (p < .05).Conclusions: Exfoliative cytology combined with CEA, CA125, CA15-3 and CA19-9 examinations can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy of malignant serous effusion and is worthy of being spread clinically.
Survey data analysis of the related risk factors of echinococcosis in Inner Mongolia of China and Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Shengbin , Yun Zhelin , E Erdengsuhe , Liu Baoqin
Published: April 2019

Objective: The aim of the study is to analyze the risk factors of hepatic echinococcosis in mass epidemiological studies in Inner Mongolia of China and Mongolia and provide a basis for related authorities to make appropriate preventive measures.Methods: Eight areas in Inner Mongolia and Zamyn-Üüd region of Mongolia were selected as epidemiological fields. By distributing epidemiological questionnaires to local residents and performing serological examinations and abdominal ultrasound examinations, the data results were collected and analyzed to obtain the risk factors.Results: In this research, there were 7,373 cases of valid data in the area of Inner Mongolia and 1,500 cases in the area of Mongolia. The mean age of the whole survey samples was 52.86 ± 13.90, and the ratio of the female (58.35%) was much higher than that of the male (41.65%). Both univariate analysis and multivariate analysis in this study showed that the female (14.7%) had a higher risk of hepatic echinococcosis than the male (10.9%). From the perspective of profession, children, educators and medical personnel had a lower incidence, herdsmen had the highest positive rate of the disease (15.8%). Living in pastoral areas, having been to pastoral areas, eating uncooked food and drinking unboiled water, raising dogs and surrounding activities of foxes and voles can also increase the risk of positivity.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that the most important risk factor of hepatic echinoccosis is unhealthy lifestyles and customs in farmers and herdsmen. It is possible to provide a basis for related authorities to make effective protective measures aiming at hepatic echinococcosis.
Research on the changes and significance of serum RBP4 level in patients with senior coronary heart disease accompanying diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Qinxue , Ge Biao , Yan Ruijing , Bai Yinlong , Liu Yan
Published: April 2019

Objective: To explore the significance of serum Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and its relationship with coronary artery lesion in patients with senior coronary heart disease accompanying T2DM by determining the level of serum RBP4 and Gensini score.Methods: 30 cases of patients who were 60 years old above with coronary heart disease accompanying T2DM were selected and included in the experimental group, and 30 cases of patients of 60 years old above with coronary heart disease alone were included in the control group. Both groups of patients were given CAG examinations. In addition, Gensini score was calculated according to different degrees and parts of coronary artery lesion. It was required to record each patient’s age, gender, fasting blood glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and other laboratory examination indexes. ELISA was used to detect the level of serum RBP4 in each group, and statistical analysis was performed to the data in each group.Results: (1) RBP4 level, GS score, FPG and LDL-C in the experimental group were all higher than those in the control group, and the difference was of statistical significance (p < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, TC, TG and HDL-C between two groups. (2) RBP4 was positively correlated to FPG and HbA1c. (3) In patients with senior coronary heart disease accompanying diabetes mellitus, HbA1c was positively correlated to GS score, RBP4 and FPG. (4) RBP4 was a risk factor for coronary artery stenosis in patients with senior coronary heart disease accompanying diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: The level of serum RBP4 in patients with senior coronary heart disease accompanying diabetes mellitus is higher than that in patients with coronary heart disease alone, with a deeper degree of coronary artery lesion. The level of serum RBP4 is increased with the degree of lesion deepened in patients with senior coronary heart disease, suggesting that the level of serum RBP4 is expected to be an early predictor of coronary artery lesion for patients with senior coronary heart disease.
Diagnostic value of VCG combined with CDE for acute inferior MI culprit vessel
Authors: Zhao Zhihui , Jiang Li
Published: April 2019

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of vectorcardiography (VCG) combined with color Doppler echocardiography (CDE) for acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) culprit vessel.Methods: A total of 82 patients who had been clinically diagnosed as acute inferior MI and had received coronary arteriography (CAG) were selected as research objects. They received bedside VCG and CDE examinations after admission. Their culprit vessels were analyzed and compared with CAG results to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency.Results: The detection rate of acute inferior MI culprit vessel by VCG combined with CDE was 76.83%, including 18 left circumflex (LCX) branches and 45 right coronary arteries (RCA). The lower left constituent ratio of LCX was 61.11%, which was significantly higher than 20.00% in RCA (p < .05); the lower right constituent ratio of RCA was 71.11%, which was much higher than 11.11% in LCX (p < .05); the sensitivity and the accuracy of RCA culprit vessel judged with frontal plane ST-vector pointing to the lower right quadrant were 71.11% and 53.33% respectively; the diagnostic efficiency of LCX culprit vessel judged with frontal plane ST-vector pointing to the lower left quadrant was 61.11% and 50.00% respectively. The maximum amplitude of the frontal plane in LCX culprit vessel was significantly lower than that in RCA culprit vessel; and the frontal plane vector angle in LCX was significantly greater than that in RCA culprit vessel (p < 0.05).Conclusions: VCG combined with CDE can effectively diagnose acute inferior MI. It has a good diagnostic efficiency by judging culprit vessels according to the frontal plane ST-vector direction.
Less Classroom Hours of EFL Instruction to Non-English Majors in Chinese Universities Is It a Reason-Based Policy that Provokes No Response?
Authors: Tao Wei
Published: April 2019

This paper analyzes the phenomenon that reducing hours of EFL instruction to non-English majors in Chinese universities gets no response. It first depicts the phenomenon, pointing out that this phenomenon differs greatly from people’s response to similar events that happened in the past. It then analyzes the complicated underlying factors from perspectives of main stakeholders including university authorities, school deans and teachers, and those from the perspective of students, revealing their diversified thoughts and feelings towards the reduction of EFL instruction hours. Based on the analysis, this paper thinks that it’s not a thoroughly rational policy. In hope of minimizing the possible negative impact of the widely implemented policy, this paper proposes three suggestions for EFL instruction practice: Stratified instruction based on university-designed proficiency tests, communication oriented small-class instruction and teacher-guided autonomous learning.
Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs) Employed by Learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
Authors: Goundar Prashneel Ravisan
Published: April 2019

Learning a new language entails various challenges, one of these is grasping the vocabulary of the language. A significant way to tackle the problem is to motivate students to become independent learners during the progression of second language (L2) vocabulary learning. Thus, this study intended to explore the use of different vocabulary learning strategies among adult English as foreign language learners and investigated the various vocabulary learning strategies and found the benefits and drawbacks associated with each strategy. It was able to select the most frequently and least frequently used VLSs by learners who have completed the language program and those who are continuing the course. Further, it found effective strategies that could be used in teaching vocabulary to students. The research used a quantitative method approach with 53 participants who were EFL learners took part in the questionnaire survey. The results of the present study reveal the common strategies that foreign language learners use in vocabulary learning. The VLSs from this study will not only benefit students of the English language but can easily to be used by learners of other second languages globally. Finally, the paper discusses different strategies at length, gives valuable recommendations in the discussion section and concludes with implications for future research.
Brand Loyalty of Farmer to Plant Protection Products in Vietnam
Authors: Quoc Dung Nguyen , Duy Nam Tran
Published: April 2019

Agriculture had been a primary source of livelihood for majority of the people in Vietnam. The growth of agriculture products gives the greatest hope for improving the living standard of people. The development of agriculture plays a major role in Vietnam economy. The growth of this sector totally depends on the quality of inputs and the subsidy offered by the government. Since the land available is limited, the only way out to improve, is by quality inputs. Pesticide is the major input of the agriculture related outputs. The green revolution has boosted the increased use of pesticide many times more than what it was. This has brought a considerable increase in the growth of fertilizer industries and also competition in the market. Thus, marketing of fertilizer needed research studies for the promotion of their product. In this, the fertilizer and allied industries have several agencies in conducting research on the marketing of their brands. Since, marketing depends on the behaviour of the consumers; this study was initiated to know the causes which make the respondents to always prefer a particular brand for their use. The respondents of Red River Delta show loyalty through experience in the usage of a particular brand, it is the reverse in Mekong Delta and that they take the advertisement also as a cause for their loyalty towards a particular brand. This is due to the fact that people in the south in general, are more advertisement based even for small items. As in the case of both regions, the peer group has no impact on brand loyalty.
Limberg flap reconstruction for sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease with and without acute abscess: Our experience and a review of the literature
Authors: Sinnott Catherine J. , Glickman Laurence T.
Published: April 2019

Background The efficacy of Limberg flap reconstruction for pilonidal sinus with acute abscess remains unclear. This study aimed to compare outcomes after Limberg flap reconstruction for pilonidal sinus disease with and without acute abscess. A secondary objective was to perform a review of the literature on the topic.

Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients who underwent excision and Limberg flap reconstruction for pilonidal sinus from 2009 to 2018. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, and complication rates were reviewed and analyzed.

Results Group 1 comprised 19 patients who underwent Limberg flap reconstruction for pilonidal sinus disease without acute abscess and group 2 comprised four patients who underwent reconstruction for pilonidal sinus disease with acute abscess. The average defect size after excision was larger in group 2 than group 1 (107.7±60.3 cm2 vs. 61.4±33.8 cm2, respectively). There were no recurrences, seromas or cases of flap necrosis postoperatively. There was only one revision surgery needed for evacuation of a postoperative hematoma in group 1. There were comparable rates of partial wound dehiscence treated by local wound care, hematoma, need for revision surgery and minor infection between group 1 and group 2.

Conclusions Limberg flap reconstruction for pilonidal sinus in the setting of acute abscess is a viable option with outcomes comparable to that for disease without acute abscess. This practice will avoid the pain and cost associated with a prolonged local wound care regimen involved in drainage of the abscess prior to flap reconstruction.
Cost Minimization Analysis of Radiofrequency Compared to Laser Thermal Ablation in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guarino Maria , D'Angiolella Lucia Sara , Falco Luigia , Morando Federica , Di Costanzo Giovan Giuseppe , Morisco Filomena , Improta Giovanni , Mantovani Lorenzo Giovanni , Caporaso Nicola
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND: Over the last decade of years, minimally invasive techniques have been developed for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases. We sought to investigate the health costs associated with the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radiofrequency vs laser thermal ablation and their clinical outcomes.METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the ablations performed in two referral centers in southern Italy, from 2009 to 2013. Resource use was valued by year 2017 official prices, in €. Direct healthcare costs (drugs, visits, tests and hospitalizations) of different ablation techniques were compared. Total costs were analyzed from Italian NHS perspective.RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were identified. Baseline demographics and clinical outcomes of interest did not differ between the two groups. Patients treated with laser thermal ablation resulted in an expected annually cost savings of 258.9 € per patient, in one-year follow-up healthcare costs compared with radiofrequency. The largest components of annual medical expenditures were attributable to drugs, regardless of the type of ablative technique.CONCLUSIONS: The ablation using either laser thermal ablation or radiofrequency is equally effective. Laser thermal ablation would carry disposable cost savings as compared to radiofrequency. The costs associated with management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, treated with laser thermal ablation were lower than those treated with radiofrequency ablation.
ViSiElse: An innovative visualization R package to ensure behavioral raw data reliability and transparency
Authors: Garnier Elodie Marie , Fouret Nastasia , Descoins Médéric
Published: April 2019

Background. In recent years, the scientific community encouraged the use of raw data graphs to improve the reliability and transparency of the results presented in papers. However, methods to visualize raw data are limited to one variable per graph and/or only small sample representation. In behavioral science as in many other fields, multiple variables need to be plotted together to allow insights of a behavior and/or process observations. In this paper, we present ViSiElse, a R-package that offers a new approach in raw data visualization.

Methods. This visualization tool was developed as a package of the open-source software R to provide a solution to both the lack of tools allowing visual insights of a whole dataset and the lack of innovative tools for raw data transparency.

Results. ViSiElse grants a global overview of a process by combining the visualization of multiple actions timestamps and all participants in a single graph. Individuals and/or group behavior can easily be assessed and supplementary features allow users to further inspect their data by adding statistical indicators and/or time constraints. ViSiElse allows a global visualization of actions, acquired from timestamps in any quantifiable observations.
Identification of key gene modules and genes in colorectal cancer by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Zhang Zheying , Li Na , Gao Qingzu , Qian Xinlai
Published: April 2019

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor particularly common in developing countries. In this study, we used Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) of chip data and screened hub genes in CRC to find the gene modules specifically correlated with clinical traits. Methods: WGCNA was used to identify the gene modules specifically associated with metastasis in colorectal cancer. Cytoscape software was used to construct a co-expression network. The expression of CYTH1 was determined by qRT-PCR. Results: Based on the predicted co-expression network, we identified that the turquoise module was associated with CRC clinical metastasis traits. Turquoise module genes were analyzed, and we identified the hub gene CYTH1 using Cytoscape software. Additionally, we found CYTH1’s expression was lower in CRC tissue and cells when compared with normal counterparts.
In silico analyses of CD14 molecule reveals significant evolutionary diversity potentially associated with speciation and variable immune response in mammals
Authors: Morenikeji Olanrewaju B , Thomas Bolaji N
Published: April 2019

Cluster differentiation gene (CD14) is a family of monocyte differentiating genes that works in conjunction with lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), forming a complex with TLR4 or LY96 to mediate innate immune response to pathogens. In this report, we used different computational methods to elucidate the evolution of CD14 gene coding region in 14 mammalian species. Our analyses identified leucine rich repeats (LRRs) as the only significant domain across the CD14 protein of the 14 species with varying frequencies. Importantly, we found signal peptides located at mutational hotspots demonstrating this gene has ancient conservation across these species. Out of the 10 selected variants analyzed in this study, only 6 were predicted to possess significant deleterious effect. Our predicted protein interactome showed a significant varying protein-protein interaction with CD14 protein across the species. This is important for drug target and therapeutic manipulation for the treatment of many diseases. We conclude that these results contribute to our understanding of the CD14 molecular evolution, which underlays varying species response to complex disease traits.
Modulation of biochemical and physiological parameters in Hordeum vulgare L. seedlings under the influence of benzyl-butyl phthalate
Authors: Kumari Arpna , Kaur Rajinder
Published: April 2019

Background

Phthalates are man-made chemical compounds with numerous applications especially known for their use as plasticizers. They have weak bonding to the polymeric matrix or products in which they are used. Owing to this reason, they are readily released into the environment which makes them ubiquitous. The agricultural soils are also reported to be polluted with phthalates up to a considerable extent which causes adverse effects on flora and fauna. A few studies have been conducted on phthalate-induced phytotoxicity, which has revealed that phthalates affect the quality and yield of edible plants. In the last decades, some crops were analyzed for phthalate-induced adversities; among them, barley was the least explored.

Methods

The present study has investigated the impact of benzyl-butyl phthalate (BBP) on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings to address the biochemical, physiological consequences, and toxicological implications. After the exogenous exposure of BBP (viz. 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600 mg/L) for 7 days, barley seedlings were analyzed for different indices.

Results

The exposure of BBP mediated a significant (p ≤ 0.05, 0.01) overall elevation in the contents of pigment, proline, soluble protein, carbohydrate, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in shoots and roots of barley seedlings. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were also stimulated significantly in shoots and roots of seedlings against BBP stress except for SOD activity which declined in the roots. The polyphenols (non-enzymatic antioxidants) content was also altered in all the treated concentrations as compared to the control. Furthermore, BBP caused stomatal abnormalities, induced cytotoxicity, and loss of plasma membrane integrity.

Conclusions

BBP disturbed the normal physiology of barley which could also affect the yield of the crop under field conditions.
An affordable and automated imaging approach to acquire highly resolved individual data—an example of copepod growth in response to multiple stressors
Authors: Heuschele Jan , Lode Torben , Andersen Tom , Borgå Katrine , Titelman Josefin
Published: April 2019

Individual trait variation is essential for populations to cope with multiple stressors and continuously changing environments. The immense number of possible stressor combinations and the influence of phenotypic variation makes experimental testing for effects on organisms challenging. The acquisition of such data requires many replicates and is notoriously laborious. It is further complicated when responses occur over short time periods. To overcome such challenges, we developed an automated imaging platform to acquire temporally highly resolved individual data. We tested this platform by exposing copepods to a combination of a biotic stressor (predator cues) and a toxicant (copper) and measured the growth response of individual copepods. We tested the automatically acquired data against published manually acquired data with much lower temporal resolution. We find the same general potentiating effects of predator cues on the adverse effects of copper, and the influence of an individual’s clutch identity on its ability to resist stress, between the data obtained from low and high temporal resolution. However, when using the high temporal resolution, we also uncovered effects of clutch ID on the timing and duration of stage transitions, which highlights the importance of considering phenotypic variation in ecotoxicological testing. Phenotypic variation is usually not acknowledged in ecotoxicological testing. Our approach is scalable, affordable, and adjustable to accommodate both aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and a wide range of visually detectable endpoints. We discuss future extensions that would further widen its applicability.
Farmers’ Perception on Irrigation Farming and the Factors Influencing Access to and Size of Irrigable lands in Northern Region, Ghana
Authors: Kudadze Solace , Imoru Adams Jongare , Adzawla William
Published: April 2019

Aim: The impacts of climate change and variability requires proactive and reactive adaptation. The high reliance of farmers on rainfed agriculture leads to their high vulnerability to climate change. As an agrarian economy, irrigation farming system is an essential proactive and/or reactive strategy for the increasing erratic rainfalls in Northern Ghana. This study analyzed the perceptions of smallholder farmers on irrigation farming and the factors that influence access to and size of irrigable lands among communities in the catchment of two irrigation dams.

Study Design: The study adopted a multi-stage sampling procedure.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Northern Region of Ghana. The data for the study was collected in 2014.

Methodology: Through a multi-stage sampling, a cross-sectional data was collected from 240 smallholder farmers. These included both irrigation farmers and non-irrigation farmers. The data was analyzed through switching regression and descriptive statistics.

Results: The result revealed that water unavailability is not a major challenge to most irrigation farmers. The farmers engaged in irrigation vegetable farming mostly for cash purpose and also perceived a high demand for vegetables, especially in the dry season. From the farmers perception, group membership, distance to irrigable land, cost of irrigable land, leadership characteristics and nativity significantly influenced access to irrigable lands. From the econometric result, experience, farmer group, credit, extension, labour availability and age had significant influence on irrigation farming while education, experience, extension, sex and labour availability significantly influenced the acreage cultivated by the vegetable farmers.

Conclusion: The study concluded that, while there is high market potential for irrigated produce, access to and the size of irrigable lands are significantly determined by a mixed of factors. Therefore, while farmers are encouraged to go into irrigation vegetable production, government’s policies such as ‘one village one dam’ should be effectively implemented to realize the needed results.
Quality Evaluation of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L) Oils Produced by Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Ndife Joel , Obot Deborah , Abasiekong Kuyik
Published: April 2019

Background: Despite the health benefits of coconut oil and its potential for economic development, the availability remain scarce and the cost very high. This is mainly due to poor extraction methods that in turn affect the yield and quality.

Aims: To produce coconut oil using different extraction protocols and to compare the quality of the different oil samples.

Study Design: The experimental set-up was of a completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, between August and October 2018.

Methodology: Coconut oils produced by natural fermentation, centrifugation, freeze-thaw and solvent extraction protocols were analyzed for physical, chemical, sensory, microbial sensory properties.

Results: The solvent extracted oil had the highest oil yield (23.12%) whereas fermentation oil, the lowest (14.19%). The smoke and fire points had 173.75 -176.60°C and 262.45 - 266.65°C respectively. Solvent oil had the highest saponification (261.33 mgKOH/g) and acid values (0.77 mgKOH/g). The oils generally contained more lauric (46.22-48.16%) and myristic (18.03-19.83%) acids. They were also richer in vitamins A (6.22-18.65 ug/g) and E (2.92-4.28 mg/100 g) than D and K. Fermentation oil had the highest microbial count (12.93×02 cfu/ml) whereas solvent oil had the lowest (5.05×02 cfu/ml).

Conclusion: The methods used for the coconut oil extraction had significant impact on the quality of the oils. The highest oil yield was the centrifugation oil obtained from Centrifugation Method. The physico-chemical properties and fatty acid compositions of the coconut oils were comparable to international standards. Coconut oil extracted by freezing and thawing was the most preferred in sensory attributes.
The Turnitin Plagiarism Check-up System – Problem for Professors Instead Students
Authors: Hrvoje Lalić
Published: April 2019

The “Type of Article” of this paper is “Letter to the Editor”. This paper discuses about: “Relationship between the Characteristics of Staplers and Malformation of Staples”. No formal abstract is available. Readers are requested to read the full article.
The Effects of Combined Ethanolic Leaf Extracts of Annona muricata and Artocarpus heterophyllus on Reproductive Parameters of Type 2 Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Anacletus F. C. , Onuah C. L. , Nwauche K. T.
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of this research is to study the combined effects of the ethanolic leaf extracts of Annona muricata and Artocarpus heterophyllus on the reproductive parameters of type II diabetic wistar albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-six (56) male wistar albino rats were induced with Type II diabetes mellitus using high fat diet and 35 mg/kg body weight streptozotocin (HFD-STZ).

Results: The result obtained showed a decreased testosterone level 0.78±.06 ng/ml on the diabetic group while the non-diabetic group had testosterone level of 1.90±.09 ng/ml. Treatment with combined ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata and A. heterophyllus led to a significant (p≤0.05) increase in the testosterone level of the treated groups. The motility, viability and the sperm density were also normalised in the treated groups.The result obtained from the present research showed that combined ethanolic leaf extracts of A. muricata and A. heterophyllus has ameliorative effect of the reproductive parameters of type II diabetic male wistar albino rats.
Influence of Fishing Activity on Total Species Richness and Abundance Unevenness in Reef Fish Communities: A Case Study in a Brazilian Tropical Coral Complex
Authors: Béguinot Jean
Published: April 2019

The internal organization of reef-fish communities, particularly the species richness and the hierarchical structuring of species abundances, depends on many environmental factors, including fishing intensity and proportion of macroalgal cover which are expected to have determinant influences. However, reported studies on this topic are generally based on incomplete samplings (almost unavoidable in practice when dealing with highly uneven and species-rich communities), so that the derived results can be appreciably skewed. To overcome this difficulty, the incomplete samplings involved in this study were completed numerically through a reliable extrapolation procedure. This precaution provided a safe confirmation that reduced fishing activity and increased macroalgae cover both contribute to enhance the total species richness and to reduce the abundance unevenness in these reef fish communities.  Yet, it is shown that this reduction of abundance unevenness is almost entirely attributable to the increase in species richness.
Environmental Justice and Women Empowerment in Nyungwe National Park (Rwanda): Case Study of Kitabi Women Handcrafts Cooperative
Authors: Umuziranenge Gloriose
Published: April 2019

In the framework of the community participation in conservation in Rwanda, a women handcraft cooperative was established in 2011 in the surrounding of Nyungwe National Park in Kitabi sector and Nyamagabe District. It aimed to empower economically and socially wives of former hunters who were themselves relying on natural resources and involved in harvesting different resources in park for making handcraft products. The empowerment was intended to reduce the reliance to natural resources and to contribute to the protection of the park. The objective of the study was to investigate and examine women’s experiences about their empowerment through environmental justice, in terms of distributive and procedural justice and challenges faced by women. In doing so, participants were purposively selected in women handicraft cooperative and in administration bodies. With regards to data collection and analysis, semi-structured interviews and content analysis were used. The findings showed that women are socially and economically empowered. In terms of economic empowerment, access to financial loans, savings, employment and income generating projects are the major indicators of the empowerment. Improved capacity building and family relations are major concerns of social handcraft cooperative members. Regarding the participation of women in decision-making process, the findings are controversial. However, it is still limited because of the dominance of top-down approach that does not consider enough women’s voices and suggestions in decision making.  Cooperative women members perceive and consider the process of communication and decision-making as passive because they are almost absent in the monitoring and evaluation processes. The participation of the community members including women only appears through meetings with or without elected representatives. The process of women empowerment is still limited by some challenges such as crop raiding, complicated and slow compensation process, high interest rate and slow process of loan and inadequate communication. The partnership approach is then recommended so as to consider women’s needs and voices in the implementation of natural resources conservation policies.
Components of Tree Biomass in an Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System
Authors: Ramos Tatiana Vieira , Ferreira Jorge Luís Sousa , Neto Carlos de Melo Silva , Calil Francine Neves , Silva Isabela Carolina , Carrijo Ualace Marciano
Published: April 2019

Aims: This study performed the adjustment of volumetric models, and determined the biomass of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla hybrid cultivated in a crop-livestock-forest integration system (CLF).

Study Design: The experimental area consists of a crop-livestock-forest integration system where trees are hybrids clones of seven year old Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla.

Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out at Fazenda Santa Brígida, Ipameri, Goiás (Brazil).

Methodology: A forest inventory of the area was carried out in October 2015 when the tree component was fully developed. Diameter at breast height (DBH) (at 1.30 m) and total height (H) of trees were measured in the field and categorized according to 4 classes. Afterwards, 12 trees were felled, which were cubed and compartmentalized to determine the volume and biomass of their components. The volumetric models developed by Schumacher & Hall and Ogaya were applied to obtain determination coefficients.

Results: The average DBH was 18.28 cm and the average H was 23.47 m. The highest volumes of wood were observed in the diametric classes that presented the largest number of individuals, however in the class of higher DBH an average individual volume of 0.36 m3 of wood was observed. The total biomass of Eucalyptus was 56.64 Mg ha-1, being 83.70% wood, 6.52% in branches, 6.37% in bark and 3.40% in leaves.

Conclusion: The volumetric models developed by Schumacher and Hall as well as Ogaya were found to be applicable for estimating the volume of wood in CLF systems, where both showed a determination coefficient of 0.866.
The Study of Terrestrial Solar Radiation in Awka Using Measured Meteorological Data
Authors: Ikeh Chinelo U. , Okeke Chukwunwike C.
Published: April 2019

This work investigated the terrestrial solar radiation over Awka, South Eastern Nigeria using meteorological parameters of terrestrial temperature and relative humidity collected during 2013- 2014 respectively, using Davis weather station vantage pros2 (with Integrated Sensor Suite, ISS) positioned close to the ground surface. The data were logged at 30 minutes interval continuously for each day during the period. Hourly, daily and monthly averages of terrestrial radiation during dry and wet seasons were calculated from the data obtained. The result indicated that the terrestrial radiation during dry season is generally higher than during the wet season. The month of March has the highest value of terrestrial solar radiation of 410 Wm-2 , while the least terrestrial radiation of about 381 Wm-2 occurred in August. The result also showed that terrestrial solar radiation correlates positively with water vapour and more positively with temperature at 0.57 and 0.81 coefficients respectively. The results obtained from this work provide useful knowledge that is necessary to enhance the deployment of solar energy conversion systems.
3D Seismic and Structural Analysis of Middle Agbada Reservoir Sand, Offshore Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Obasuyi F. O. , Abiola O. , Egbokhare O. J. , Ifanegan A. S. , Ekere J. I.
Published: April 2019

The interpretation of 3D seismic and well logs data from ‘SUYI’ Field reveal that the reservoir sand is in the parallic sequence of the Agbada Formation and also typical structural features of the Niger Delta, namely: The roll over anticline and growth fault with a promising good hydrocarbon accumulation. In this paper, 3D seismic data and well logs data were interpreted and analyse to delineate potential reservoirs and map structures favourable to hydrocarbon accumulation, this will aid further exploration activities within the field of study. Two reservoir sands were delineated from the well logs using gamma ray logs for the lithology identification and resistivity logs for the fluid content identification. Seven faults (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, and F7) were delineated while three horizons (Horizon 1, 2 and 3) were picked across the seismic section. Most of the major faults delineated in the area trends east-west, cutting across the low structure area. The generated time and depth structure maps shows the area is characterized by low structural features but some high anticlinal structures were observed at different flanks on the maps generated, these areas are likely to be good prospect for the accumulation of hydrocarbon.
Epigenetic regulation of regulatory T cells in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Xia Qian , Zhang Jian , Han Yanshuo , Zhang Xiaoyu , Jiang Han , Lun Yu , Wu Xiaoyu , Gang Qingwei , Liu Zhimin , Böckler Dittmar , Duan Zhiquan , Xin Shijie
Published: April 2019

Abdominal arterial aneurysm (AAA) shares many features with autoimmune diseases and appears to be a T‐cell‐mediated process. In addition, certain epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, are associated with AAA. In this study, we investigated epigenetic modifications in regulatory T cells (Tregs) from AAA patients. We used flow cytometry to sort FOXP3+ CD4+ CD25+ Tregs from the peripheral blood of AAA patients and from healthy controls (HC), and then detected DNA methylation and histone modifications by ELISA. The DNA methylation rate of Tregs was significantly higher in AAA patients than in the HC group (0.159 ± 0.08% vs 0.098 ± 0.03%, P < 0.05), while the acetylation rates of H3 and H3K9 histones were lower in the AAA than in the HC group. We also examined the expression of mRNA encoding enzymes that catalyze making and removing epigenetic modifications by real‐time PCR: we found that mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1 and DNMT3A were higher in the AAA than in the HC group, mRNA levels of methyl‐CpG‐binding domain protein (MBD) 2 and MBD4 were higher in the AAA than in the HC group (MBD2: 6.21 ± 2.57 vs 3.04 ± 1.45; MBD4: 7.76 ± 3.48 vs 4.97 ± 3.10; both P < 0.05), and mRNA levels of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 and HDAC5 were significantly up‐regulated in the AAA compared with the HC group (HDAC1: 2.17 ± 1.18 vs 1.51 ± 0.99; HDAC5: 1.35 ± 0.49 vs 0.94 ± 0.76; both P < 0.05). Together, our results reveal that rates of DNA methylation and histone modifications of Tregs are significantly altered in AAA patients.
INAWASHIRO GALLERY: Reconstruction of dozo (warehouse made of soil) destroyed by the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Shibasaki Yasuhide
Published: April 2019

This warehouse was originally completed in Inawashiro‐cho as a workshop of a brewery in 1889. It was damaged by volcanic rocks of the Bandai volcano eruption in 1888 at the time of the completion of the framework. In the following year, this warehouse was completed as a symbol of regional reconstruction. After 123 years, on March 11, 2011, the warehouse was visited again by the Great East Japan Earthquake and was destroyed completely. This warehouse which became only a frame was moved by human power only on the foundation of the reinforced concrete structure made in the adjacent place. This traditional technology to move the building only with manpower is called hikiya. This project has rebuilt the dozo that was damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake into a gallery as a symbol of the reconstruction of this area.
An experimental and numerical study of the suppression of jets, counterflow, and backflow in vortex units
Authors: Kulkarni Shekhar R. , Gonzalez‐Quiroga Arturo , Nuñez Manuel , Schuerewegen Cedric , Perreault Patrice , Goel Chitrakshi , Heynderickx Geraldine J. , Van Geem Kevin M. , Marin Guy B.
Published: April 2019

Vortex units are commonly considered for various single and multiphase applications due to their process intensification capabilities. The transition from gas‐only flow to gas–solid flow remains largely unexplored nonetheless. During this transition, primary flow phenomenon, jets, and secondary flow phenomena, counterflow and backflow, are substantially reduced, before a rotating solids bed is established. This transitional flow regime is referred to as the vortex suppression regime. In the present work, this flow transition is identified and validated through experimental and computational studies in two vortex units with a scale differing by a factor of 2, using spherical aluminum and alumina particles. This experimental data supports the proposed theoretical particle monolayer solids loading that allows estimation of vortex suppression regime solids capacity for any vortex unit. It is shown that the vortex suppression regime is established at a solids loading theoretically corresponding to a monolayer being formed in the unit for 1g‐Geldart D‐ and 1g‐Geldart B‐type particles. The model closely agrees with experimental vortex suppression range for both aluminum and alumina particles. The model, as well as the experimental data, shows that the flow suppression regime depends on unit dimensions, particle diameter, and particle density but is independent of gas flow rate. This combined study, based on experimental and computational data and on a theoretical model, reveals the vortex suppression to be one of the basic operational parameters to study flow in a vortex unit and that a simple monolayer model allows to estimate the needed solids loading for any vortex device to induce this flow transition.
Moisture stability of ethane‐selective Ni(II), Fe(III), Zr(IV)‐based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Lv Daofei , Chen Jiayu , Chen Yongwei , Liu Zewei , Xu Yuzhi , Duan Chongxiong , Wu Houxiao , Wu Ying , Xiao Jing , Xi Hongxia , Li Zhong , Xia Qibin
Published: April 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with selective adsorption capacity of ethane over ethylene and good moisture stability are highly urged by adsorption industrial community. Here, the moisture stability mechanism of Zr‐bptc, UiO‐66, PCN‐245, and Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 were investigated by moisture stability experiments, and computational simulation of metal node‐linker breaking energy caused by water. Results show that the moisture stability follows the order of Zr‐bptc > UiO‐66 > PCN‐245 > Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5. The different moisture stability for these MOFs is likely attributed to the bond strength between metal center and ligands, the coordination number of metal center, the hydrophobicity of framework, as well as the degree of interpenetrated framework. Additionally, comparing with ethylene‐selective MOFs, ethane‐selective MOFs have fewer coordinatively unsaturated metal sites. Breakthrough experiments indicated that Zr‐bptc is the promising material for ethane/ethylene separation.
Subcellular Duplex DNA and G‐Quadruplex Interaction Profiling of a Hexagonal PtII Metallacycle
Authors: Domarco Olaya , Kieler Claudia , Pirker Christine , Dinhof Carina , Englinger Bernhard , Reisecker Johannes M. , Timelthaler Gerald , García Marcos D. , Peinador Carlos , Keppler Bernhard K. , Berger Walter , Terenzi Alessio
Published: April 2019

Metal‐driven self‐assembly afforded a multitude of fascinating supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) with applications as catalysts, host–guest, and stimuli‐responsive systems. However, the interest in the biological applications of SCCs is only starting to emerge and thorough characterization of their behavior in biological milieus is still lacking. Herein, we report on the synthesis and detailed in‐cell tracking of a Pt2L2 metallacycle. We show that our hexagonal supramolecule accumulates in cancer cell nuclei, exerting a distinctive blue fluorescence staining of chromatin resistant to UV photobleaching selectively in nucleolar G4‐rich regions. SCC co‐localizes with epitopes of the quadruplex‐specific antibody BG4 and replaces other well‐known G4 stabilizers. Moreover, the photophysical changes accompanying the metallacycle binding to G4s in solution (fluorescence quenching, absorption enhancement) also take place intracellularly, allowing its subcellular interaction tracking.
Oxotitanium(IV) complexes of some bis‐unsymmetric Schiff bases: Synthesis, structural elucidation and biomedical applications
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nasir , Siddique Zainul Abedin , Mase Nobuyuki , Uzzaman Monir , Shumi Wahhida
Published: April 2019

A number of oxotitanium(IV) complexes of the type TiOL with bis‐unsymmetric dibasic tetradentate Schiff base (LH2) containing ONNO donor atoms have been synthesized. Mono‐Schiff base (OPD‐HNP) was prepared by the condensation of 1:3 molar ratio of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde (HNP) with o‐phenylenediamine (OPD). Dibasic unsymmetric tetradentate diamine Schiff bases were prepared by the reaction of OPD‐HNP with 2‐hydroxyacetophenone, 2‐hydroxypropeophenone, benzoylacetone, acetylacetone and ethylacetoacetate. Further, titanylacetylacetonate was reacted with these ligands to obtain their metal complexes. On the basis of analytical and physiochemical data, the formation of complexes as TiOL was suggested having square pyramidal geometry. Quantum mechanical approach also confirmed this geometry. The assessment of the synthesized ligands and their complexes showed that some behave as good inhibitors of mycelial growth against selected phytopathogic fungi but weak inhibitors against some selected bacteria. A few of them also showed antioxidant properties.