bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do 66 European Institutional Review Boards approve one protocol for an International Prospective Observational study on traumatic brain injury? Experiences from the CENTER-TBI study.
Authors: Timmers Marjolein , Dijck Jeroen Van , Wijk Roel van , Legrand Valerie , Veen Ernest van , Maas Andrew , Menon David , Citerio Guiseppe , Stocchetti Nino , Kompanje Erwin
Published: December 2019

Background The European Union (EU) aims to optimize patient protection and efficiency of health-care research by harmonizing procedures across Member States. Nonetheless, further improvements are required to increase multicenter research efficiency. We investigated IRB procedures in a large prospective European multicenter study on traumatic brain injury (TBI), aiming to inform and stimulate initiatives to improve efficiency.Methods We reviewed relevant documents regarding IRB submission and IRB approval from European neurotrauma centers participating in the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury (CENTER-TBI). Documents included detailed information on IRB procedures and the duration from IRB submission until approval(s). They were translated and analyzed to determine the level of harmonization in the IRB procedures within Europe.Results From 18 countries, 66 centers provided the requested documents. The primary IRB review was conducted centrally (N=11, 61%) or locally (N=7, 39%) and primary IRB approval was obtained after one (N=8, 44%), two (N=6, 33%) or three (N=4, 23%) review rounds with a median duration of respectively 50 and 98 days until primary IRB approval. Additional central IRB approval was required in 55% of countries and increased duration to 535 days. Total duration from submission until required IRB approval was obtained was 114 days (IQR 75-224) and appeared to be shorter after submission to local IRBs compared to central IRBs (50 vs. 138 days, p=0.0074).Conclusion We found variation in IRB procedures between and within European countries. There were differences in submission and approval requirements, number of review rounds and total duration. Research collaborations could benefit from the implementation of more uniform legislation and regulation while acknowledging local cultural and ethical arrangements between countries.
Are healthcare professionals sufficiently aware of medical ethics? Fields research in southeast Turkey
Authors: BAKIR ELIF PINAR , BAKIR SEYHMUS , SONKAYA EZGI , UNAL SAMICAN
Published: December 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of healthcare personnel in the Dentistry Faculty of Dicle University about “the legal responsibilities of dental practitioners” and “patient rights”. Methods: The study included 150 volunteers who were healthcare workers in the Faculty of Dentistry , Dicle University between June and July 2019. The subjects were randomly selected from 5 different Professional groups and data were collecte dusing a single data collection form. All items on the form were grade dusing a 5-point Likert –type response. In the statistical analyses, Pearson’ s Chi-square, Yates Chi-square and the Fisher Exact tests were used. Results:The questionnaire responses showed that 61.3% of the study participants had received training on patient rights and 56.7% had information about the legal responsibilities of dentists. The rate of dentists who had received training was below average and 38.9% of the dentists reported not having any information about their own legal responsibilities. A positive response was given to the items on the questionnaire by 58% and a negative responseby 33%. The responses to some items were seen to have been affected by variables such as age, gender and professional group. Conclusion: Although some confusion was experienced by the healthcare personel about patient rights and the legal responsibilities of dentists, the levels of awareness were evaluated as satisfactory.
Promoting traditional foods for human and environmental health: lessons from agroecology and Indigenous communities in Ecuador
Authors: Deaconu Ana Laura , Mercille Geneviève , Batal Malek
Published: December 2019

Background: The displacement of traditional dietary practices is associated with negative nutritional consequences for rural Indigenous people, who already face the brunt of both nutritional inadequacies and excesses. Traditional food (TF) consumption and production practices can improve nutritional security by mitigating disruptive dietary transitions, providing nutrients and improving agricultural resilience. Meanwhile, traditional agricultural practices regenerate biodiversity to support healthy ecosystems. In Ecuador, Indigenous people have inserted TF agricultural and dietary practices as central elements of the country’s agroecological farming movement. This study assesses factors that may promote TF practices in rural populations and explores the role of agroecology in strengthening such factors. Methods: Mixed methods include a cross-sectional comparative survey of dietary, food acquisition, production and socioeconomic characteristics of agroecological farmers (n=61) and neighboring reference farmers (n=30) in Ecuador’s Imbabura province. Instruments include 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire of indicator traditional foods. We triangulate results using eight focus group discussions with farmers’ associations. Results: Compared to their neighbors, agroecological farmers produce and consume more TFs, and particularly underutilized TFs. Farm production diversity, reliance on non-market foods and agroecology participation act on a pathway in which TF production diversity predicts higher TF consumption diversity and ultimately TF consumption frequency. Age, income, market distance and education are not consistently associated with TF practices. Focus group discussions corroborate survey results and also identify affective (e.g. emotional) and commercial relationships in agroecological spaces as drivers of stronger TF practices. Conclusions: Traditional food practices in the Ecuadorian highlands are not relics of old, poor and isolated populations but rather an established part of life for diverse rural people. However, many TFs are underutilized. Sustainable agriculture initiatives may improve TF practices by integrating TFs into production diversity increases and into consumption of own production. Agroecology may be particularly effective because it is a self-expanding global movement that not only strengthens productive pathways toward TF promotion, but also intensifies affective sentiments toward TFs and inserts them in commercial spaces. Understanding how to promote TFs is necessary in order to scale up their potential to strengthen nutritional health.
Application of Freire’s Adult Education Model for Modifying the Psychological Constructs of Health Belief Model in Self-medication Behaviors of Elderly: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bakhtiar Katayon , Ardalan Arash , Araban Marzieh , Ebrahimzadeh Farzad , Almasian Mohammad , bastami Fatemeh
Published: December 2019

Background : As people age, they are more likely to engage in self-medication and suffer from its adverse effects. The present study aimed to modifying knowledge, psychological constructs of Health Belief Model (HBM), and self-medication behaviors using Freire’s Adult Education Model (FAEM) among elderlies in Khorramabad, Iran, from 2017 to 2018. Methods: This research was of a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted on 132 elderly individuals older than 60 who were referred from health care centers. The participants were selected using multistage sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire which was designed based on both HBM and the self-medication behaviors questionnaires. The phases of the adult education approach were used to modify the psychological constructs of HBM and self-medication behaviors. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 with a significance level of 0.05. Descriptive statistical tests, the chi-squared test, paired t-test, independent t-test, and univariate modeling were employed for this purpose. Results : The mean age of the elderly was 66.28 ± 7.18 years. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of self-medicating. Unawareness of the effects of medicines were the most important causes of self-medication (p=0.50). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of knowledge, HBM constructs, and self-medication behaviors (p>0.05). However, they came up to be considerably different for the above variables after the intervention was completed (p<0.05). When the findings were adjusted for the effects of confounding variables, there were significant differences between almost all constructs of HBM and their behaviors ( p < 0.05). However, the perceived barrier modality of HBM did not reach to a significant level of difference between two groups. Conclusion: The educational intervention, which was based on FAEM, had positive effects on the constructs of HBM and consequently on self-medication behaviors. The psychological constructs of HBM were affected at the phases of listening to the problem and reflecting on it. Self-medication was tempered at the action-reflection phase with shared creation and evaluation of the action plan geared towards the achievement of the behavioral objectives.
Weigh﻿t Development Between Age 5 And 10 Years And Its Associations With Dietary Patterns At Age 5 In The Abcd Cohort
Authors: Rashid Viyan , Streppel Martinette T , Engberink Marielle F. , Weijs Peter J.M. , Nicolaou Mary , Verhoeff Arnoud P.
Published: December 2019

Background Social inequalities in bodyweight start early in life and track into adulthood. Dietary patterns are an important determinant of weight development in children, towards both overweight and underweight. Therefore, we aimed to examine weight development between age 5 and 10 years by ethnicity, SES and thereafter by BMI category at age 5, to explore its association with dietary patterns at age 5.Methods Participants were 1 765 children from the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) cohort that had valid data on BMI at age 5 and 10 and diet at age 5. Linear mixed model analysis was used to examine weight development between age 5 and 10 years and to assess if four previously identified dietary patterns at age 5 (snacking, full-fat, meat and healthy) were associated with weight development. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders, stratified by ethnicity and SES and thereafter stratified per BMI category at age 5.Results Overall, weight development decreased in Dutch and high SES children and increased in non-Dutch and low/middle SES children. Across the range of BMI categories at age 5, we observed a conversion to normal weight; despite Dutch and high SES children were more often underweight or normal weight at both ages, and less often overweight/obese compared to non-Dutch and low/middle SES children. Overall, the observed associations between weight development and dietary patterns were mixed with some unexpected findings: a healthy dietary pattern was associated with increased weight development in most groups, regardless of ethnicity and SES (e.g. Dutch B 0.084, 95% CI 0.038;0.130 and high SES B 0.096, 95% CI 0.047;0.143) whereas the full-fat pattern was associated with decreased weight development (e.g. Dutch B -0.069, 95% CI -0.114;-0.024 and high SES B -0.072, 95% CI -0.119;-0.026).Conclusions We observed differential weight development per ethnic and SES group. Our results indicate that each ethnic and SES group follows its own path of weight development. Associations between dietary patterns and weight development showed some unexpected findings; we suggest to do follow-up research to the possible association between dietary patterns and weight development.
Understanding the early cold response mechanism in IR64 indica rice variety through comparative transcriptome analysis
Authors: Dasgupta Pratiti , Das Abhishek , Tripathy Sucheta , Chaudhuri Shubho
Published: December 2019

Background: Cellular reprogramming in response to environmental stress involves alteration of gene expression, changes in the protein and metabolite profile for ensuring better stress management in plants. Similar to other plant species originating in tropical and sub-tropical areas, indica rice is highly sensitive to low temperature that adversely affects its growth and grain productivity. Substantial work has been done to understand cold induced changes in gene expression in rice plants. However, adequate information is not available for early gene expression, especially in indica variety. Therefore, a transcriptome profile was generated for cold shock treated seedlings of IR64 variety to identify early responsive genes.Results: The functional annotation of early DEGs shows enrichment of genes involved in altered membrane rigidity and electrolytic leakage, the onset of calcium signaling, ROS generation and activation of stress responsive transcription factors in IR64. Gene regulatory network suggests that cold shock induces Ca2+ signaling to activate DREB/CBF pathway and other groups of transcription factors such as MYB, NAC and ZFP; for activating various cold-responsive genes. The analysis also indicates that cold induced signaling proteins like RLKs, RLCKs, CDPKs and MAPKK and ROS signaling proteins. Further, several LEA, dehydrins and Low temperature-induced were upregulated under early cold shock condition, indicating the onset of water-deficit conditions. Expression profiling in different high yielding cultivars shows high expression of cold-responsive genes in two indica varieties, Heera and GB1. The result suggests that these varieties may have improved adaptability to cold stress.Conclusions: The results of this study provide insights about early responsive events in Oryza sativa L.ssp. indica cv IR64 in response to cold stress. Our data shows the onset of cold response is associated with upregulation of stress responsive TFs, hydrophilic proteins and signaling molecules, whereas, the genes coding for cellular biosynthetic enzymes, cell cycle control and growth-related TFs are downregulated. This study reports that the generation of ROS is integral to the early response to trigger the ROS mediated signaling events during later stages.
A pilot study: lenticule quality of hyperopic small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in rabbits
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhao Feng , Han Tian , Zhao Jing , Zhou Xingtao
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To evaluate lenticule surface characteristics of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for hyperopia correction in rabbits.
Methods: The left and right eyes of 8 rabbits were divided into two groups. The right eyes were assigned to a hyperopia group, and the left eyes to a myopia group. The rabbits received SMILE procedures with +3.00 D and –3.00 D correction for the hyperopia and myopia groups, respectively. Extracted lenticules were examined via scanning electron microscopy. Lenticules from odd-numbered rabbits were accessed with the anterior surface, and lenticules from even-numbered rabbits were observed with the posterior surface. A previously established scoring system was used to evaluate lenticule surface characteristics. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the scores between the two groups.
Results: All procedures were performed successfully, and the lenticules were extracted smoothly. One myopia lenticule that was facing downward was handled failed in preparation for imaging, thus 15 lenticules were ultimately graded. Twelve lenticules exhibited smooth surfaces, and regularly arranged tissue bridges were observed in almost all regions. Three lenticules exhibited a partially rough surface and irregularities affecting more than 10% of the lenticules (2 in the hyperopia group and 1 in the myopia group). Rough lenticules occurred in twice as many Lenticules in the hyperopia group compared to the myopia group.
Conclusions: Scan quality of lenticules after SMILE for hyperopia correction is comparable to that of myopia lenticules. The shape of hyperopic lenticule may increase the difficulty of surgical manipulation and result in surface roughness.
A Case Report of two siblings with Alstrom syndrome without hearing loss associated with two new ALMS1 variants
Authors: Shurygina Maria Fedorovna , Parker Maria A. , Schlechter Catie , Chen Rui , Li Yumei , Weleber Richard G. , Yang Paul , Pennesi Mark E.
Published: December 2019

Alström syndrome (AS) is a rare monogenic disorder characterized by progressive multi-organ pathology including retinal degeneration, hearing impairment and type 2 diabetes. Here we present clinical features in two siblings diagnosed with Alström syndrome associated with two novel changes in ALMS1.
Mineral Nutrient Uptake of Encore Azalea ‘Chiffon’ Affected by Nitrogen, Container, and Irrigation Frequency
Authors: Li Tongyin , Bi Guihong , Harkess Richard L. , Blythe Eugene K.
Published: December 2019

Mineral nutrient uptake of Encore® azalea ‘Chiffon’ (Rhododendron sp.) affected by nitrogen (N) rate, container type, and irrigation frequency was investigated. One-year-old azalea plants were planted in two types of 1-gallon containers: a black plastic container or a biodegradable container (also referred to as a biocontainer) made from recycled paper. Azalea plants were fertilized with 250 mL of N-free fertilizer twice weekly plus N rates of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm from ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). All plants were irrigated daily with the same amount of water through one or two irrigations. Plants fertilized without N had the lowest concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) averaged in the entire plant, which were at deficient levels for azalea species. High N rates of 15 or 20 mm resulted in the highest plant average concentrations of P, K, Ca, and Mg. Concentrations of micronutrients including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) showed varied trends affected by different treatments. With high N rates of 15 and 20 mm, paper biocontainers increased uptake of both macro- and micronutrients in terms of total nutrient content (mg or μg per plant) compared with plastic containers. One irrigation per day increased root concentrations of Cu and Zn and root contents of Fe, Zn, Cu, and B, but decreased leaf K concentration compared with two irrigations per day. The beneficial effects of high N rates and biocontainers on mineral nutrient uptake of Encore® azalea ‘Chiffon’ likely indirectly occurred through increasing plant growth.
The Strawberry DNA Testing Handbook
Authors: Oh Youngjae , Zurn Jason D. , Bassil Nahla , Edger Patrick P. , Knapp Steven J. , Whitaker Vance M. , Lee Seonghee
Published: December 2019

The availability of strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) genomic resources has increased dramatically in recent years. Some of these resources are readily applicable to strawberry breeding programs for use in DNA-informed breeding. Information about these tests and how to interpret them is dispersed through numerous manuscripts or in the laboratories that use them routinely. To assist breeders in identifying tests available to their breeding program and in implementing them in their program, a compendium of strawberry DNA tests was created. This compendium is available for download from the Genome Database for Rosaceae (https://www.rosaceae.org/organism/Fragaria/x-ananassa?pane=resource-4). This resource will be updated continually as old tests are modified and new tests are created.
Copper Chlorophyllin Impacts on Growth and Drought Stress Tolerance of Tomato Plants
Authors: Zhang Xunzhong , Goatley Mike , Conner Jamie , Wilkins Megan , Teshler Inna , Liu Jun , Fefer Michael , Ckurshumova Wenzi
Published: December 2019

Plant-based pigments have been used as substances to improve crop yield and quality, but the mechanisms of their action on plant growth and stress tolerance are not well understood. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of two formulations of plant-based copper chlorophyllin (Cu-Chl) with and without synthetic paraffinic oil. These formulations, referred to as B18-0074 and B18-0075, were applied as a soil drench plus foliar or a foliar-only application. We investigated their impact on physiological responses of tomato plants under prolonged drought stress conditions. In addition, we examined photosynthetic impacts associated with the application of Cu-Chl formulations. B18-0074 increased leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn) by 8.8% with soil plus foliar application and 18.6% with foliar application relative to the control under drought stress at day 21. Similarly, B18-0075 increased Pn by 16.9% with soil plus foliar application and 24.6% with foliar application relative to the control under drought stress at day 21. The application of the two Cu-Chl–containing products increased leaf antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, as well as glutathione (GSH) content. The two products also increased leaf soluble sugars and proline content, indicating improvement of osmotic adjustment. Soil plus foliar and foliar application only of B18-0075 increased root biomass but did not consistently affect plant shoot growth. The results of this study suggest that application of Cu-Chl in combination with synthetic paraffinic oil may improve photosynthetic function, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense capacity, and root growth of tomato plant grown under drought stress conditions.
Economic Effect of Insect Pest Management Strategies on Small-scale Tomato Production in Mississippi
Authors: Stephenson Ronald C. , Coker Christine E.H. , Posadas Benedict C. , Bachman Gary R. , Harkess Richard L. , Adamczyk John J. , Knight Patricia R.
Published: December 2019

Due to difficulty in monitoring insect pests, applications of insecticides are frequently conducted on a calendar schedule. However, seasonal variability in pest populations leads to these calendar schedules sometimes being inaccurate. Threshold-based insect management strategies, including use of thresholds with conventional pesticides and with use of organic pesticides only, were compared with a conventional calendar approach for yield, management cost, and production value of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Effect of cultivar was considered by inclusion of the long season cultivar Celebrity and the short season cultivar Early Girl Bush. These factors were compared for spring and fall seasons during two production years. Greatest total and marketable yields were obtained from use of conventional pesticides according to action thresholds. Use of organic insecticides according to thresholds did not affect yields in comparison with a calendar-based approach. Proportion of fruit rated unmarketable was greater with use of organic insecticides due to reduced efficacy and residual of control. Production costs for the organic threshold-based approach were greater due to increased number of insecticide applications required. Gross margin for both conventional and organic threshold-based insect pest management was greater than for the conventional calendar method. Increased economic return for conventional threshold-based management was due to increased yields. Increase in return for organic threshold management was based on premiums received for organically grown tomatoes. Adoption of conventional threshold-based insect pest management by small-scale producers has the potential to increase production efficiency and value, as well as increase environmental sustainability of production. Economic feasibility of organic production requires access to markets willing to pay significant premiums for organic produce. Further research to evaluate economic and yield impacts of production practices for small-scale farms is needed.
Integrating corn nitrogen management strategies and cover crops following winter wheat
Authors: Rutan J. , Steinke K.
Published: December 2019

Following winter wheat, there can be approximately a 90‐day fallow period with no crop N uptake and autumn soil temperatures >50°F, leading to increased residual soil NO3–N availability. Opportunities exist for incorporation of cover crops to assimilate residual autumn soil N and reduce the potential for N loss. The objective of this study was to quantify daikon radish and forage oat cover crop biomass and N uptake, cover crop impact on soil NO3–N concentration, and corn growth, grain yield, and profitability responses to N placement and timing combinations following cover crops. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/699.
Volcanic SiO2-cristobalite: A natural product of chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Schipper C. Ian , Rickard William D.A. , Reddy Steven M. , Saxey David W. , Castro Jonathan M. , Fougerouse Denis , Quadir Zakaria , Conway Chris , Prior David J. , Lilly Kat
Published: December 2019

Cristobalite is a low-pressure, high-temperature SiO2 polymorph that occurs as a metastable phase in many geologic settings, including as crystals deposited from vapor within the pores of volcanic rocks. Such vapor-phase cristobalite (VPC) has been inferred to result from silica redistribution by acidic volcanic gases but a precise mechanism for its formation has not been established. We address this by investigating the composition and structure of VPC deposited on plagioclase substrates within a rhyolite lava flow, at the micrometer to nanometer scale. The VPC contains impurities of the form [AlO4/Na+]0—coupled substitution of Al3+ charge-balanced by interstitial Na+—which are typical of cristobalite. However, new electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) element maps show individual crystals to have impurity concentrations that systematically decline from crystal cores-to-rims, and atom probe tomography reveals localized segregation of impurities to dislocations. Impurity concentrations are inversely correlated with degrees of crystallinity [observed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), hyperspectral cathodoluminescence, laser Raman, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)], such that crystal cores are poorly crystalline and rims are highly ordered tetragonal α-cristobalite. The VPC-plagioclase interfaces show evidence that dissolution-reprecipitation reactions between acidic gases and plagioclase crystals yield precursory amorphous SiO2 coatings that are suitable substrates for initial deposition of impure cristobalite. Successive layers of cubic β-cristobalite are deposited with impurity concentrations that decline as Al-bearing gases rapidly become unstable in the vapor cooling within pores. Final cooling to ambient temperature causes a displacive transformation from β→α cristobalite, but with locally expanded unit cells where impurities are abundant. We interpret this mechanism of VPC deposition to be a natural proxy for dopant-modulated Chemical Vapor Deposition, where halogen-rich acidic gases uptake silica, react with plagioclase surfaces to form suitable substrates and then deposit SiO2 as impure cristobalite. Our results have implications for volcanic hazards, as it has been established that the toxicity of crystalline silica is positively correlated with its purity. Furthermore, we note that VPC commonly goes unreported, but has been observed in silicic lavas of virtually all compositions and eruptive settings. We therefore suggest that despite being metastable at Earth's surface, cristobalite may be the most widely occurring SiO2 polymorph in extrusive volcanic rocks and a useful indicator of gas-solid reaction having occurred in cooling magma bodies.
Agro-ecology in action: The environmental oasis projects
Authors: Reynaud Emmanuelle , Fulconis Francois , Paché Gilles
Published: December 2019

Agro-ecology is now considered as an alternative model to the industrial agricultural model. Faced with the limitations of conventional production models, agro-ecology is emerging today as a possible response to the challenges of the 21st century: food security, circularity, respect for the environment, and development of employment. More generally, the adoption of circular principles aims to decouple environmental pressure from agricultural productivism. Agro-ecology is a relevant research topic because it aims to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural production, to empower local farmers, to protect the environment and to fight against climate change. This article focuses on the French Oasis projects, as part of the “Hummingbird movement” initiated by Pierre Rabhi, and which represent a successful agro-ecological experience, in economic, social and environmental terms. Different data were collected by compiling information available on the website of 76 Oasis projects across France: people living in the community; lodging possibilities; availability of a school; and direct relationship with local farmers. Then, a social factorial correspondence analysis and an environmental factorial correspondence analysis were realized to evaluate the impacts of environmental Oasis projects. The results show that profitable organizations seem to conduct more social and environmental activities in an agro-ecology context, and they put in place more actions than those who have no profitable aims.
Specification of the relationship between the sales expenses and the sales in Jordanian companies
Authors: Fawzi Shubita Mohammad
Published: December 2019

Traditional accounting has divided costs into variable and fixed costs, with changes made according to production levels, consequently, the cost behavior changes according to changes in the volume of production activity. Therefore, it has become necessary for successful management to understand cost behavior to face market changes and to adopt strategies that increase sales volume. The study period covered 12 years between 2006 and 2017. The study population was from Jordanian industrial shareholding companies. Using the regression models, the main results indicated that sales expenses could not explain changes in sales revenue in Jordanian companies; there was a significant relationship between sales expense changes and sales revenues, with sales expense changes having incremental information content over sales expense levels in explaining sales revenues. There was also no significant relationship between sales expense levels, sales expense changes, and sales revenues. The study suggests that future researches should be made in order to obtain business-oriented and specific information on how the decisions affect sales behavior. Overall, the study findings enhance our understanding about companies’ cost behavior and provide useful insights into financial and management accounting literature.
Consumer protection policy in the Polish life insurance market in the aspect of current legal regulations
Authors: Ostrowska-Dankiewicz Anna
Published: December 2019

The paper presents the phenomenon occurring in recent years on the Polish life insurance market, which enforced corrective protective actions by investment consumers of insurance products. The essence and assumptions of the new financial market paradigm are discussed, presenting the process of changes in supervisory and regulatory standards, adopted and implemented strategies in the development of protective policy together with the review of the most important legal regulations, solutions in terms of increasing product transparency and creating a new life insurance policy model to highlight pro-consumer activities. The practical implications of the study are grounded on the analysis of main problems of life insurance market in Poland and indicate the possibilities of applying appropriate solutions in the field of insurance distribution based on the latest legal regulations, recommendations and consumer needs, setting new standards and practices that raise the level of consumer safety, and in the future can become a possibility for development of the investment products market.
Hydrophobic lithiated titania floating film for efficient solar-driven water evaporation
Authors: Ye Miaomiao , Wang Xun , Zhou Pei , Chen Rong , Gan Qimao , Zhang Tuqiao
Published: December 2019

Recently, the development of new photothermal materials for seawater desalination based on air–water interfacial solar heating has become a new research hotspot. In this paper, hydrophobic lithiated titania was synthesized by lithium reaction with amorphous titania followed by surface modification with a thin 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (PFOTS) monolayer. The hydrophobic lithiated titania was used as a photothermal material for seawater evaporation based on this new process. A thin lithiated titania floating film was assembled under simulated solar light irradiance due to the combined actions of water surface tension and the water molecules' thermal motion. The formation of the thin floating film significantly promoted water evaporation. The water evaporation rate by the lithiated titania floating film was 0.87 kg·m−2·h−1 under 2.0 sun solar irradiance, which was 2.4 times higher than that of pure water. Parameters affecting the solar evaporation process such as lithiated titania dose, solar light intensity, and storage time were investigated. Finally, the quality of the condensed fresh water was tested to evaluate the potential application of the lithiated titania floating film in practical settings of seawater desalinization.
Targeted Biomedical Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Pacheva Iliyana , Ivanov Ivan
Published: December 2019

Background:

A diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represents presentations with impairment in communication and behaviour that vary considerably in their clinical manifestations and etiology as well as in their likely pathophysiology. A growing body of data indicates that the deleterious effect of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, as well as their interconnections are important aspects of the pathophysiology of ASD. Glutathione deficiency decreases the mitochondrial protection against oxidants and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α; immune dysregulation and inflammation inhibit mitochondrial function through TNF-α; autoantibodies against the folate receptors underpin cerebral folate deficiency, resulting in disturbed methylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Such pathophysiological processes can arise from environmental and epigenetic factors as well as their combined interactions, such as environmental toxicant exposures in individuals with (epi)genetically impaired detoxification. The emerging evidence on biochemical alterations in ASD is forming the basis for treatments aimed to target its biological underpinnings, which is of some importance, given the uncertain and slow effects of the various educational interventions most commonly used.

Methods:

Literature-based review of the biomedical treatment options for ASD that are derived from established pathophysiological processes.

Results:

Most proposed biomedical treatments show significant clinical utility only in ASD subgroups, with specified pre-treatment biomarkers that are ameliorated by the specified treatment. For example, folinic acid supplementation has positive effects in ASD patients with identified folate receptor autoantibodies, whilst the clinical utility of methylcobalamine is apparent in ASD patients with impaired methylation capacity. Mitochondrial modulating cofactors should be considered when mitochondrial dysfunction is evident, although further research is required to identify the most appropriate single or combined treatment. Multivitamins/multiminerals formulas, as well as biotin, seem appropriate following the identification of metabolic abnormalities, with doses tapered to individual requirements. A promising area, requiring further investigations, is the utilization of antipurinergic therapies, such as low dose suramin.

Conclusion:

The assessment and identification of relevant physiological alterations and targeted intervention are more likely to produce positive treatment outcomes. As such, current evidence indicates the utility of an approach based on personalized and evidence-based medicine, rather than treatment targeted to all that may not always be beneficial (primum non nocere).
Macrolactin Antibiotics: Amazing Natural Products
Authors: Ortiz Aurelio , Sansinenea Estibaliz
Published: December 2019

The resistance among various microbial species (infectious agents) to different antimicrobial
drugs has emerged as a cause of serious public health problem all over the world. In this sense, natural
products have been a rich source of compounds for drug discovery with antibiotic activity. Macrolactins
are amazing structures which have antibiotic activity against some clinically relevant pathogens.
In addition, they have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities.
They are macrolides containing 24-membered lactone ring with some differences in their chemical
structures. The synthesis of these compounds is a difficult task which has attracted attention of researchers;
however few syntheses have been reported. In this review, the isolation of all reported macrolactins,
their syntheses and biological activities are revisited.
Natural Products with Analgesic Effect from Herbs and Nutraceuticals Used in Traditional Chinese Medicines
Authors: Wang Tian-Xing , Wu Guo-Jie , Jiang Jian-Guo
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

Pain is one of the most common clinical symptoms . This
review aims to describe research on herbs and their active ingredients in treating pain
and provide a valuable reference for the development and utilization of analgesic
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Materials and Methods:

The literature search was performed from 1995 to October
2016, covering the relevant studies that concern the treatment of pain with TCM. Active
ingredients extracted from TCM with analgesic activity are summarized and classified
into six categories, including polysaccharides, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids,
terpenoids, and other constituents.

Results:

There are two pathways constituting the analgesic mechanisms of TCM:
through the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The former
pathway includes increasing the content of endogenous analgesic substances like
opiate peptide, cutting down the second messenger of neurotransmitter like nitric oxide
(NO), reducing the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in brain tissues, blocking the
central calcium channel, reducing excitatory amino acids in brain tissues, inhibiting their
receptors and raising the content of the central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The latter
one usually involves the decrease in the secretion of peripheral algogenic substances,
the induction of pain-sensitive substances, the accumulation of a local algogenic
substance, the increase in the release of peripheral endogenous analgesia materials
and the regulation of c-Fos gene (immediate early gene).
Proteomics Analysis of Escherichia coli Treated with Nanosilver: An Approach to Analyze the Bactericidal Action
Authors: Khatoon Nafeesa , Alam Hammad , Sardar Meryam
Published: December 2019

Background :

Silver nanoparticles pose high antibacterial properties against multi drugresistant
and non-resistant bacteria. However, bacteria acquire resistance against chemically synthesized
silver nanoparticles after repeated exposure. Therefore, there is an inevitable need to understand the
mechanistic behavior of silver nanoparticles.

Objective:

In this study, we have performed a complete proteomic analysis of Escherichia coli after the
treatment with silver nanoparticles to find out the mechanism of bactericidal action of silver nanoparticles
(AgNPs).

Methods:

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Artemisia annua leaf extract and incubated with
Escherichia coli to elucidate the antibacterial assay by determining MIC and the effect on the growth
pattern. Further total genome proteins were isolated from control and silver nanoparticles treated bacteria,
which were identified by LC MS and Label free quantification analysis technique.

Results::

Total identified proteins were 293, out of which 11 proteins were exclusively present in treated
bacteria; these are the proteins mainly expressed in stress conditions. Fold change analysis shows
that 65 proteins were upregulated where stress proteins are overexpressed while membrane proteins
were downregulated.

Conclusions:

This study reveals that silver nanoparticles inhibit the expression of cellular proteins and
cause cell death. Such a study may be helpful in designing drugs against resistant microbes.
Development of MatLab Coding for Early Detection of Leukemia through Automated Analysis of RBCs
Authors: Majumder Durjoy
Published: December 2019

Background:

Bone marrow biopsy has become an integral part of leukemia diagnosis
and its treatment. Several advancements are being made towards the analysis of digital images of
biopsy samples. Recently, the FDA approved the procedures of digital health. In tune with that,
digital image analysis has become propelled. With the advent of high-throughput technologies,
the scientific community focuses on the red blood cells (RBCs) for early detection of cancer,
including leukemia. The reasons are due to their abundance in peripheral blood and hence, easily accessible
compared to the bone marrow biopsy procedure. High magnification and high-resolution
electron microscopy-based ultra-structural analysis of RBCs already proved the utility of the
hypothesis about a decade ago. However, in clinical set-up, electron microscopy-based procedures
are the major bottleneck in the implementation of early detection of leukemia. Algorithm-based
computer vision may be suitable to overcome this limitation.

Methods:

An intensive search with PubMed and Google for early diagnosis of leukemia through
RBC light microscopic images was made. For this search, the image processing algorithm for
RBC was also made in PubMed, IEEE Xplorer and Google; and the latest developments are
noted. To fill the existing gap, a user-friendly MatLab coding is developed for automated analysis
of RBC images.

Results:

RBC images from both normal and leukemia were analyzed with the developed code.
Each RBC cells were analyzed individually for each sample of normal and leukemia. Therefore,
in the output cellular characteristics namely, radius, perimeter, area, convexity and solidity were
represented in a quantitative manner. Comparison of mean values between normal and leukemia
groups for corresponding variables showed statistical significance. In the test run, data of 82 RBC
cells from single leukemia sample when compared with the data of pooled data of normal samples
also showed significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Thus, the developed code successfully distinguishes between RBC cells of leukemia
and normal. We hope that this RBC based developed code would be useful in identifying earlystage
of leukemia in an individual patient; however, for this, ~100 RBC cells are needed to be
analyzed. As the developed code is based on RBC based diagnosis therefore, may be applied to
other cancers and if needed, further modification is possible due to availability of code. Thus, it is
expected that the developed MatLab code may play a role in preventive oncology.
The Monte Carlo Method as a Tool to Build up Predictive QSPR/QSAR
Authors: Toropov Andrey A. , Toropova Alla P.
Published: December 2019

Background:

The Monte Carlo method has a wide application in various scientific researches.
For the development of predictive models in a form of the quantitative structure-property / activity relationships
(QSPRs/QSARs), the Monte Carlo approach also can be useful. The CORAL software provides the
Monte Carlo calculations aimed to build up QSPR/QSAR models for different endpoints.

Methods:

Molecular descriptors are a mathematical function of so-called correlation weights of various
molecular features. The numerical values of the correlation weights give the maximal value of a target
function. The target function leads to a correlation between endpoint and optimal descriptor for the visible
training set. The predictive potential of the model is estimated with the validation set, i.e. compounds that
are not involved in the process of building up the model.

Results:

The approach gave quite good models for a large number of various physicochemical, biochemical,
ecological, and medicinal endpoints. Bibliography and basic statistical characteristics of several CORAL
models are collected in the present review. In addition, the extended version of the approach for more
complex systems (nanomaterials and peptides), where behaviour of systems is defined by a group of conditions
besides the molecular structure is demonstrated.

Conclusion:

The Monte Carlo technique available via the CORAL software can be a useful and convenient
tool for the QSPR/QSAR analysis.
A Wide Bandgap Ag/MgO@Fe3O4 Nanocomposite as Magnetic Sorbent for Cd(II) in Water Samples
Authors: Hanif Muddasir , Yasmeen Kousar , Muhammad Haji , Shah Faheem , Hussain Saqib , Atta-ur-Rehman  , Masab Muhammad , Ali Syed Tahir , Tahiri Iftikhar Ahmad
Published: December 2019

Background:

The magnetic nanocomposites are very important as a reusable sorbents for
the extraction of Cd(II) and other toxic metals from water samples.

Methods:

The Ag/MgO@Fe3O4 nanocomposite was synthesized by the coprecipitation method and
characterized by the XRD, EDX, SEM, UV-vis spectroscopy and FTIR. This nanocomposite was
used to extract Cd(II) from water samples prior to its quantitative analysis with FAAS. Different variables,
i.e. pH, temperature, amount of nanosorbent, adsorption/desorption and dilution were optimized.

Results:

The method was successfully applied to determine Cd(II) in real water samples with
excellent recoveries (98%). The present method has lower detection (0.29) and quantification limit
(0.97 ng mL-1).

Conclusions:

The Ag/MgO@Fe3O4 nanocomposite based magnetic extraction is a simple, fast, reproducible,
less expansive and efficient technique for the Cd(II) extraction in water samples. The developed
sorbent can be recycled and reused (20 times).