bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROCK2 Confers Acquired Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer Cells by Upregulating Transcription Factor ZEB1
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhou Yunjiang , Wang Keke , Li Tao , Zhang Minda , Yang Yunjia , Wang Rui , Hu Rong
Published: November 2019

Resistance to chemotherapy is a major clinical challenge in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we provide evidence that Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) maintains gemcitabine resistance in gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer cells (GR cells). Pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing of ROCK2 markedly sensitized GR cells to gemcitabine by suppressing the expression of zinc-finger-enhancer binding protein 1 (ZEB1). Mechanically, ROCK2-induced sp1 phosphorylation at Thr-453 enhanced the ability of sp1 binding to ZEB1 promoter regions in a p38-dependent manner. Moreover, transcriptional activation of ZEB1 facilitated GR cells to repair gemcitabine-mediated DNA damage via ATM/p-CHK1 signaling pathway. Our findings demonstrate the essential role of ROCK2 in EMT-induced gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer cells and provide strong evidence for the clinical application of fasudil, a ROCK2 inhibitor, in gemcitabine-refractory PDAC.
Imaging of Preclinical Endometrial Cancer Models for Monitoring Tumor Progression and Response to Targeted Therapy
Authors: Espedal Heidi , Fonnes Tina , Fasmer Kristine E. , Krakstad Camilla , Haldorsen Ingfrid S.
Published: November 2019

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in industrialized countries. Most patients are cured by surgery; however, about 15% of the patients develop recurrence with limited treatment options. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) mouse models represent useful tools for preclinical evaluation of new therapies and biomarker identification. Preclinical imaging by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and optical imaging during disease progression enables visualization and quantification of functional tumor characteristics, which may serve as imaging biomarkers guiding targeted therapies. A critical question, however, is whether the in vivo model systems mimic the disease setting in patients to such an extent that the imaging biomarkers may be translatable to the clinic. The primary objective of this review is to give an overview of current and novel preclinical imaging methods relevant for endometrial cancer animal models. Furthermore, we highlight how these advanced imaging methods depict pathogenic mechanisms important for tumor progression that represent potential targets for treatment in endometrial cancer.
Influence of Base-Catalyzed Organosolv Fractionation of Larch Wood Sawdust on Fraction Yields and Lignin Properties
Authors: Hochegger Markus , Trimmel Gregor , Cottyn-Boitte Betty , Cézard Laurent , Majira Amel , Schober Sigurd , Mittelbach Martin
Published: November 2019

Lignocellulose-based biorefineries are considered to play a crucial role in reducing fossil-fuel dependency. As of now, the fractionation is still the most difficult step of the whole process. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of a base-catalyzed organosolv process as a fractionation technique for European larch sawdust. A solvent system comprising methanol, water, sodium hydroxide as catalyst, and anthraquinone as co-catalyst is tested. The influence of three independent process variables, temperature (443–446 K), catalyst loading (20–30% w/w), and alcohol-to-water ratio (30–70% v/v), is studied. The process conditions were determined using a fractional factorial experiment. One star point (443 K, 30% v/v MeOH, 30% w/w NaOH) resulted in the most promising results, with a cellulose recovery of 89%, delignification efficiency of 91%, pure lignin yield of 82%, residual carbohydrate content of 2.98% w/w, and an ash content of 1.24% w/w. The isolated lignin fractions show promising glass transition temperatures (≥424 K) with high thermal stabilities and preferential O/C and H/C ratios. This, together with high contents of phenolic hydroxyl (≥1.83 mmol/g) and carboxyl groups (≥0.52 mmol/g), indicates a high valorization potential. Additionally, Bjorkman lignin was isolated, and two reference Kraft cooks and a comparison to three acid-catalyzed organosolv fractionations were conducted.
Human Deoxycytidine Kinase Is a Valuable Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Nucleotide Analogues
Authors: Hellendahl Katja F. , Kamel Sarah , Wetterwald Albane , Neubauer Peter , Wagner Anke
Published: November 2019

Natural ribonucleoside-5’-monophosphates are building blocks for nucleic acids which are used for a number of purposes, including food additives. Their analogues, additionally, are used in pharmaceutical applications. Fludarabine-5´-monophosphate, for example, is effective in treating hematological malignancies. To date, ribonucleoside-5’-monophosphates are mainly produced by chemical synthesis, but the inherent drawbacks of this approach have led to the development of enzymatic synthesis routes. In this study, we evaluated the potential of human deoxycytidine kinase (HsdCK) as suitable biocatalyst for the synthesis of natural and modified ribonucleoside-5’-monophosphates from their corresponding nucleosides. Human dCK was heterologously expressed in E. coli and immobilized onto Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) superflow. A screening of the substrate spectrum of soluble and immobilized biocatalyst revealed that HsdCK accepts a wide range of natural and modified nucleosides, except for thymidine and uridine derivatives. Upon optimization of the reaction conditions, HsdCK was used for the synthesis of fludarabine-5´-monophosphate using increasing substrate concentrations. While the soluble biocatalyst revealed highest product formation with the lowest substrate concentration of 0.3 mM, the product yield increased with increasing substrate concentrations in the presence of the immobilized HsdCK. Hence, the application of immobilized HsdCK is advantageous upon using high substrate concentration which is relevant in industrial applications.
Expression of miRNAs from the Imprinted DLK1/DIO3 Locus Signals the Osteogenic Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Barrault Laetitia , Gide Jacqueline , Qing Tingting , Lesueur Lea , Tost Jorg , Denis Jerome Alexandre , Cailleret Michel , Aubry Laetitia , Peschanski Marc , Martinat Cécile , Baghdoyan Sandrine
Published: November 2019

Substantial variations in differentiation properties have been reported among human pluripotent cell lines (hPSC), which could affect their utility and clinical safety. We characterized the variable osteogenic capacity observed between different human pluripotent stem cell lines. By focusing on the miRNA expression profile, we demonstrated that the osteogenic differentiation propensity of human pluripotent stem cell lines could be associated with the methylation status and the expression of miRNAs from the imprinted DLK1/DIO3 locus. More specifically, quantitative analysis of the expression of six different miRNAs of that locus prospectively identified human embryonic stem cells and human-induced pluripotent stem cells with differential osteogenic differentiation capacities. At the molecular and functional levels, we showed that these miRNAs modulated the expression of the activin receptor type 2B and the downstream signal transduction, which impacted osteogenesis. In conclusion, miRNAs of the imprinted DLK1/DIO3 locus appear to have both a predictive value and a functional impact in determining the osteogenic fate of human pluripotent stem cells.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Hematologic Malignancies: New Insights and Targeted Therapies
Authors: Petty Amy J. , Yang Yiping
Published: November 2019

The growth of hematologic malignant cells can be facilitated by other non-tumor cells within the same microenvironment, including stromal, vascular, immune and mesenchymal stem cells. Macrophages are an integral part of the human innate immune system and the tumor microenvironment. Complex interplays between the malignant hematologic cells and the infiltrating macrophages promote the formation of leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma-associated macrophages. These pro-tumorigenic macrophages in turn play an important part in facilitating tumor growth, metastasis and chemotherapeutic resistance. Previous reports have highlighted the association between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and disease progression in hematologic malignancies. This review summarizes the role of TAMs in different subtypes of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, focusing on new insights and targeted therapies.
CD38, a Receptor with Multifunctional Activities: From Modulatory Functions on Regulatory Cell Subsets and Extracellular Vesicles, to a Target for Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Morandi Fabio , Airoldi Irma , Marimpietri Danilo , Bracci Cristiano , Faini Angelo Corso , Gramignoli Roberto
Published: November 2019

CD38 is a multifunctional cell surface protein endowed with receptor/enzymatic functions. The protein is generally expressed at low/intermediate levels on hematological tissues and some solid tumors, scoring the highest levels on plasma cells (PC) and PC-derived neoplasia. CD38 was originally described as a receptor expressed by activated cells, mainly T lymphocytes, wherein it also regulates cell adhesion and cooperates in signal transduction mediated by major receptor complexes. Furthermore, CD38 metabolizes extracellular NAD+, generating ADPR and cyclic ADPR. This ecto-enzyme controls extra-cellular nucleotide homeostasis and intra-cellular calcium fluxes, stressing its relevance in multiple physiopathological conditions (infection, tumorigenesis and aging). In clinics, CD38 was adopted as a cell activation marker and in the diagnostic/staging of leukemias. Quantitative surface CD38 expression by multiple myeloma (MM) cells was the basic criterion used for therapeutic application of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Anti-CD38 mAbs-mediated PC depletion in autoimmunity and organ transplants is currently under investigation. This review analyzes different aspects of CD38’s role in regulatory cell populations and how these effects are obtained. Characterizing CD38 functional properties may widen the extension of therapeutic applications for anti-CD38 mAbs. The availability of therapeutic mAbs with different effects on CD38 enzymatic functions may be rapidly translated to immunotherapeutic strategies of cell immune defense.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Pathogenesis of Equine Recurrent Uveitis (ERU)
Authors: Fingerhut Leonie , Ohnesorge Bernhard , von Borstel Myriam , Schumski Ariane , Strutzberg-Minder Katrin , Mörgelin Matthias , Deeg Cornelia A. , Haagsman Henk P. , Beineke Andreas , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , de Buhr Nicole
Published: November 2019

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is considered one of the most important eye diseases in horses and typically appears with relapsing inflammatory episodes without systemic effects. Various disorders have been described as an initial trigger, including infections. Independent of the initiating cause, there are numerous indications that ERU is an immune-mediated disease. We investigated whether neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are part of the ERU pathogenesis. Therefore, vitreous body fluids (VBF), sera, and histological sections of the eye from ERU-diseased horses were analyzed for the presence of NET markers and compared with horses with healthy eyes. In addition, NET formation by blood derived neutrophils was investigated in the presence of VBF derived from horses with healthy eyes versus ERU-diseased horses using immunofluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, NET markers like free DNA, histone-complexes, and myeloperoxidase were detected in higher amounts in samples from ERU-diseased horses. Furthermore, in vitro NET formation was higher in neutrophils incubated with VBF from diseased horses compared with those animals with healthy eyes. Finally, we characterized the ability of equine cathelicidins to induce NETs, as potential NET inducing factors in ERU-diseased horses. In summary, our findings lead to the hypothesis that ERU-diseased horses develop more NETs and that these may contribute to the pathogenesis of ERU.
Infectious Diseases among Refugee Children
Authors: Shetty Avinash K.
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in refugee and asylum-seeking adults, adolescents and children to high-income countries. Infectious diseases remain the most frequently identified medical diagnosis among U.S.-bound refugee children. Medical screening and immunization are key strategies to reduce the risk of infectious diseases in refugee, internationally adopted, and immigrant children. Notable infectious diseases affecting refugee and other newly arriving migrants include latent or active tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, vaccine-preventable diseases, malaria, and other parasitic infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published guidelines for health assessment of newly arriving immigrant, refugee, and internationally adopted children. Although, data on the health risks and needs of refugee exists in some high-income countries, there is an urgent need to develop robust evidence-informed guidance on screening for infectious diseases and vaccination strategies on a broader scale to inform national policies. Innovative approaches to reach migrant communities in the host nations, address health and other complex barriers to improve access to high-quality integrated health services, and strong advocacy to mobilize resources to improve health, safety, and wellbeing for refugee children and their families are urgent priorities.
Coatings in Photovoltaic Solar Energy Worldwide Research
Authors: Novas Nuria , Alcayde Alfredo , El Khaled Dalia , Manzano-Agugliaro Francisco
Published: November 2019

This paper describes the characteristics of contributions that were made by researchers worldwide in the field of Solar Coating in the period 1957–2019. Scopus is used as a database and the results are processed while using bibliometric and analytical techniques. All of the documents registered in Scopus, a total of 6440 documents, have been analyzed and distributed according to thematic subcategories. Publications are analyzed from the type of publication, field of use, language, subcategory, type of newspaper, and the frequency of the keyword perspectives. English (96.8%) is the language that is most used for publications, followed by Chinese (2.6%), and the rest of the languages have a less than < 1% representation. Publications are studied by authors, affiliations, countries of origin of the authors, and H-index, which it stands out that the authors of China contribute with 3345 researchers, closely followed by the United States with 2634 and Germany with 1156. The Asian continent contributes the most, with 65% of the top 20 affiliations, and Taiwan having the most authors publishing in this subject, closely followed by Switzerland. It can be stated that research in this area is still evolving with a great international scientific contribution in improving the efficiency of solar cells.
Survey of Quadruped Robots Coping Strategies in Complex Situations
Authors: He JingYe , Shao JunPeng , Sun GuiTao , Shao Xuan
Published: November 2019

As an important branch of mobile robots, quadruped robots have high flexibility, high adaptability, and high dynamics, which provide excellent maneuverability and environmental adaptability. In the past ten years, researchers have done a lot of research on the ability of the quadruped robot to cope with the complex environment and published many results in order to make the working environment of the quadruped robot closer to reality. This paper collected these research results and divided these literatures into three categories according to different situations: crossing challenging terrain, walking on slope, and coping with interference, respectively, introducing representative methods. The purpose of this review is to summarize and analyze the previous research results and provide guidance for future research on quadruped robots in complex situations.
Influences of the Flow Cut and Axial Lift of the Impeller on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Transonic Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Park Kun , Jung In , You Sung , Lee Seung , Zamiri Ali , Chung Jin
Published: November 2019

In this study, the influences of the flow cut and axial lift of the impeller on the aerodynamic performance of a transonic centrifugal compressor were analyzed. The flow cut is a method to reduce the flow rate by decreasing the impeller passage height. The axial lift is a method of increasing the impeller passage height in the axial direction, which increases the impeller exit width (B2) and increases the total pressure. A NASA CC3 transonic centrifugal compressor with a backswept angle was used as a base compressor. After applying the flow cut, the total pressure at the target flow rate was lower than the total pressure at the design point due to the increase in the relative velocity at the impeller exit. After applying the axial lift, the total pressure at the design flow rate was increased, which was caused by the reduction in the relative velocity as the passage area at the impeller exit was increased. By applying the flow cut and axial lift methods, it was shown that the variation in relative velocity at the impeller exit has a significant effect on the variation in total pressure. In addition, it was found that the relative velocity at the impeller exit of the target flow rate is maintained similar to the base impeller when the flow cut and the axial lift are combined. Therefore, by combining the flow cut and the axial lift, three transonic centrifugal impellers with flow fractions of 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9 compared to the design flow rate were newly designed.
Management and Distribution Strategies for Dynamic Power in a Ship’s Micro-Grid System Based on Photovoltaic Cell, Diesel Generator, and Lithium Battery
Authors: Yu Wanneng , Li Suwen , Zhu Yonghuai , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: November 2019

Combining new energy technology with electric propulsion technology is an effective way to decrease the pollution of water resources caused by cruise ships. This study examines the stable parallel operation of a ship’s micro-grid system through a dynamic power management strategy involving a step change in load. With cruise ships in mind, we construct a micro-grid system consisting of photovoltaics (PV), a diesel generator (DG), and a lithium battery and establish a corresponding simulation model. We then analyze the system’s operating characteristics under different working conditions and present the mechanisms that influence the power quality of the ship’s micro-grid system. Based on an analysis of the power distribution requirements under different working conditions, we design a power allocation strategy for the micro-grid system. We then propose an optimization allocation strategy for dynamic power based on fuzzy control and a load current feed-forward method, and finally, we simulate the whole system. Through this study we prove that the proposed power management strategy not only verifies the feasibility and correctness of the ship’s micro-grid structure and control strategy, but also greatly improves the reliability and stability of the ship’s operation.
Modeling Ground Firefighting Resource Activities to Manage Risk Given Uncertain Weather
Authors: Belval Erin J. , Wei Yu , Bevers Michael
Published: November 2019

Wildland firefighting requires managers to make decisions in complex decision environments that hold many uncertainties; these decisions need to be adapted dynamically over time as fire behavior evolves. Models used in firefighting decisions should also have the capability to adapt to changing conditions. In this paper, detailed line construction constraints are presented for use with a stochastic mixed integer fire growth and behavior program. These constraints allow suppression actions to interact dynamically with stochastic predicted fire behavior and account for many of the detailed line construction considerations. Such considerations include spatial restrictions for fire crew travel and operations. Crew safety is also addressed; crews must keep a variable safety buffer between themselves and the fire. Fireline quality issues are accounted for by comparing control line capacity with fireline intensity to determine when a fireline will hold. The model assumes crews may work at varying production rates throughout their shifts, providing flexibility to fit work assignments with the predicted fire behavior. Nonanticipativity is enforced to ensure solutions are feasible for all modeled weather scenarios. Test cases demonstrate the model’s utility and capability on a raster landscape.
Visible-Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometric Methods for Wood Density Prediction and Origin/Species Identification
Authors: Li Ying , Via Brian K. , Young Tim , Li Yaoxiang
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to rapidly and accurately identify geographical origin, tree species, and model wood density using visible and near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric methods. A total of 280 samples with two origins (Jilin and Heilongjiang province, China), and three species, Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Rupr.), Japanese elm (Ulmus davidiana Planch. var. japonica Nakai), and Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa carriere), were collected for classification and prediction analysis. The spectral data were de-noised using lifting wavelet transform (LWT) and linear and nonlinear models were built from the de-noised spectra using partial least squares (PLS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)-support vector machine (SVM) methods, respectively. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to analyze the best combined parameters of PSO-SVM. The PSO-SVM model was employed for discrimination of origin and species. The identification accuracy for tree species using wavelet coefficients were better than models developed using raw spectra, and the accuracy of geographical origin and species was greater than 98% for the prediction dataset. The prediction accuracy of density using wavelet coefficients was better than that of constructed spectra. The PSO-SVM models optimized by RSM obtained the best results with coefficients of determination of the calibration set of 0.953, 0.974, 0.959, and 0.837 for Dahurian larch, Japanese elm, Chinese white poplar (Jilin), and Chinese white poplar (Heilongjiang), respectively. The results showed the feasibility of Vis-NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric methods for determining wood property and geographical origin with simple, rapid, and non-destructive advantages.
Consumption Performance of Five Detritivore Species Feeding on Alnus glutinosa L. Leaf Litter in a Microcosm Experiment
Authors: M. Ardestani Masoud , Šustr Vladimír , Frouz Jan
Published: November 2019

The present study was performed to assess the feeding performance of five detritivore species in a microcosm design. The test animals were four millipede species, Telodeinopus aoutii (Demange), Epibolus pulchripes (Gerstäcker), Cylindroiulus caeruleocinctus (Wood), Glomeris hexasticha (Brandt), and one isopod species, Porcellio scaber (Latreille), all feeding on Alnus glutinosa L. leaf litter for five consecutive weeks. At the end of each one-week interval, litter consumption, animal fresh weight, and excrement production were measured. Then, the feeding activity parameters for each species were calculated. Between big-size animal species, higher leaf consumption rates of 12.3–30.9 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1 were calculated for T. aoutii compared to those of 3.72–8.25 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1 for E. pulchripes. However, there was no difference in the consumption rates among small-size animals ranging from 0.46 to 1.65 mg dry weight day−1 individual−1. Excrement production rates followed a similar trend, as the consumption rates and the animals’ body weight remained constant during the experiment. Time was an important factor influencing the feeding activity of the animals, especially for the big-size group. Overall, the average assimilation efficiency of these species varied from 13.7% to 53.3%. The results of the present work will be the first step for understanding the ecological needs of these decomposer species in soil ecosystems.
Impact of Urbanization on Ecosystem Health: A Case Study in Zhuhai, China
Authors: Cui Nan , Feng Chen-Chieh , Han Rui , Guo Luo
Published: November 2019

The past decades have witnessed rapid urbanization around the world. This is particularly evident in Zhuhai City, given its status as one of the earliest special economic zones in China. After experiencing rapid urbanization for decades, the level of ecosystem health (ESH) in Zhuhai City has become a focus of attention. Assessments of urban ESH and spatial correlations between urbanization and ESH not only reveal the states of urban ecosystems and the extent to which urbanization affected these ecosystems, but also provide new insights into sustainable eco-environmental planning and resource management. In this study, we assessed the ESH of Zhuhai City using a selected set of natural, social and economic indicators. The data used include Landsat Thematic Mapper images and socio-economic data of 1999, 2005, 2009 and 2013. The results showed that the overall ESH value and ecosystem service function have been on the decline while Zhuhai City has continued to become more urbanized. The total ESH health level trended downward and the area ratio of weak and relatively weak health level increased significantly, while the areas of well and relatively well healthy state decreased since 1999. The spatial correlation analysis shows a distinct negative correlation between urbanization and ESH. The degree of negative correlation shows an upward trend with the processes of urban sprawl. The analysis results reveal the impact of urbanization on urban ESH and provide useful information for planners and environment managers to take measures to improve the health conditions of urban ecosystems.
Prevalence and Predictors of Smoking among Gambian Men: A Cross-Sectional National WHO STEP Survey
Authors: Cham Bai , Scholes Shaun , Groce Nora E. , Mindell Jennifer S.
Published: November 2019

Background: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, with a higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence and predictors of smoking among Gambian men using nationally representative data. Methods: Data was collected in 2010 from a random, nationally representative sample of 4111 adults aged 25–64 years (78% response rate) using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise cross-sectional survey methods. Our analyses focused on men with valid information on smoking status (n = 1766) because of the low prevalence of smoking among women (1%). Results: The prevalence of current smoking among men was 31.4% (95% CI: 27.2–35.9). The median age of starting smoking was 19 years; 25% started before the age of 18 years and 10% started aged 8–10 years. Rural residence, underweight, and hypertension were significantly associated with smoking. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of smoking among Gambian men. It is evident that cigarettes are obtained by minors in The Gambia, as a high proportion of current smokers started at a young age. Advice and support to quit smoking should be extended to all smokers regardless of their age and whether or not they have any underlying health conditions.
Presence of Roe Deer Affects the Occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ecotypes in Questing Ixodes ricinus in Different Habitat Types of Central Europe
Authors: Hamšíková Zuzana , Silaghi Cornelia , Takumi Katsuhisa , Rudolf Ivo , Gunár Kristyna , Sprong Hein , Kazimírová Mária
Published: November 2019

The way in which European genetic variants of Anaplasma phagocytophilum circulate in their natural foci and which variants cause disease in humans or livestock remains thus far unclear. Red deer and roe deer are suggested to be reservoirs for some European A. phagocytophilum strains, and Ixodes ricinus is their principal vector. Based on groEL gene sequences, five A. phagocytophilum ecotypes have been identified. Ecotype I is associated with the broadest host range, including strains that cause disease in domestic animals and humans. Ecotype II is associated with roe deer and does not include zoonotic strains. In the present study, questing I. ricinus were collected in urban, pasture, and natural habitats in the Czech Republic, Germany, and Slovakia. A fragment of the msp2 gene of A. phagocytophilum was amplified by real-time PCR in DNA isolated from ticks. Positive samples were further analyzed by nested PCRs targeting fragments of the 16S rRNA and groEL genes, followed by sequencing. Samples were stratified according to the presence/absence of roe deer at the sampling sites. Geographic origin, habitat, and tick stage were also considered. The probability that A. phagocytophilum is a particular ecotype was estimated by a generalized linear model. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was identified by genetic typing in 274 I. ricinus ticks. The majority belonged to ecotype I (63.9%), 28.5% were ecotype II, and both ecotypes were identified in 7.7% of ticks. Ecotype II was more frequently identified in ticks originating from a site with presence of roe deer, whereas ecotype I was more frequent in adult ticks than in nymphs. Models taking into account the country-specific, site-specific, and habitat-specific aspects did not improve the goodness of the fit. Thus, roe deer presence in a certain site and the tick developmental stage are suggested to be the two factors consistently influencing the occurrence of a particular A. phagocytophilum ecotype in a positive I. ricinus tick.
Reading Performance and Compensatory Head Posture in Infantile Nystagmus after Null Zone Training
Authors: Mohamad Fadzil Norliza , Mohammed Zainora , Mohamad Shahimin Mizhanim , Saliman Noor Haziq
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to assess the visual function, reading performance, and compensatory head posture (CHP) in schoolchildren with infantile nystagmus. A total of 18 participants aged between 13 to 18 years old were divided into spectacle (n = 9) and null zone group (n = 9) based on their visual acuity. Visual acuity (LogMAR), contrast sensitivity (Pelli–Robson), reading time and rate (Tobii TX300), and CHP were measured pre and post null zone reading training. Participants in the null zone group received 10 sessions of training (5 weeks). Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity of participants in the spectacle and null zone groups were not significantly different pre and post training. Reading performance, i.e., reading time (z = −1.36; p = 0.173) and reading rate (z = −0.06; p = 0.953), of participants in the spectacle group was not significantly different after 5 weeks. Reading time (z = −2.55; p = 0.011) and reading rate (z = −2.07; p = 0.038 of participants in the null zone group showed significant improvement post training. After 5 weeks, CHP improved in six out of the nine participants (66.7%) of the null zone group and was unchanged in all participants in the spectacle group. Null zone reading training could benefit children with infantile nystagmus in improving reading performance and compensatory head posture.
Distribution of Refractive Errors among Healthy Infants and Young Children between the Age of 6 to 36 Months in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—A Pilot Study
Authors: Yahya Arifah Nur , Sharanjeet-Kaur Sharanjeet , Akhir Saadah Mohamed
Published: November 2019

Uncorrected refractive error, especially myopia, in young children can cause permanent visual impairment in later life. However, data on the normative development of refractive error in this age group is limited, especially in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of refractive error in a sample of infants and young children between the ages of 6 to 36 months in a prospective, cross-sectional study. Cycloplegic retinoscopy was conducted on both eyes of 151 children of mean age 18.09 ± 7.95 months. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error for the right and left eyes was +0.85 ± 0.97D and +0.86 ± 0.98D, respectively. The highest prevalence of refractive error was astigmatism (26%), followed by hyperopia (12.7%), myopia (1.3%) and anisometropia (0.7%). There was a reduction of hyperopic refractive error with increasing age. Myopia was seen to emerge at age 24 months. In conclusion, the prevalence of astigmatism and hyperopia in infants and young children was high, but that of myopia and anisometropia was low. There was a significant reduction in hyperopic refractive error towards emmetropia with increasing age. It is recommended that vision screening be conducted early to correct significant refractive error that may cause disruption to clear vision.
Toxicity of Thallium at Low Doses: A Review
Authors: Campanella Beatrice , Colombaioni Laura , Benedetti Edoardo , Di Ciaula Agostino , Ghezzi Lisa , Onor Massimo , D’Orazio Massimo , Giannecchini Roberto , Petrini Riccardo , Bramanti Emilia
Published: November 2019

A mini review of the toxicity of Thallium (Tl) at low doses is herein presented. Thallium has severe toxicity. Although its acute biological effects have been widely investigated and are well known, its biological effects on human health and in cell cultures at low doses (<100 μg/L) due, for example, to Tl chronic exposure via consumption of contaminated water or foods, have often been overlooked or underestimated. Relatively few papers have been published on this topic and are herein reviewed to provide a focused scientific opinion in the light of current worldwide regulatory issues.
Disparities in Temporal and Geographic Patterns of Myocardial Infarction Hospitalization Risks in Florida
Authors: Odoi Evah W. , Nagle Nicholas , DuClos Chris , Kintziger Kristina W.
Published: November 2019

Knowledge of geographical disparities in myocardial infarction (MI) is critical for guiding health planning and resource allocation. The objectives of this study were to identify geographic disparities in MI hospitalization risks in Florida and assess temporal changes in these disparities between 2005 and 2014. This study used retrospective data on MI hospitalizations that occurred among Florida residents between 2005 and 2014. We identified spatial clusters of hospitalization risks using Kulldorff’s circular and Tango’s flexible spatial scan statistics. Counties with persistently high or low MI hospitalization risks were identified. There was a 20% decline in hospitalization risks during the study period. However, we found persistent clustering of high risks in the Big Bend region, South Central and southeast Florida, and persistent clustering of low risks primarily in the South. Risks decreased by 7%–21% in high-risk clusters and by 9%–28% in low-risk clusters. The risk decreased in the high-risk cluster in the southeast but increased in the Big Bend area during the last four years of the study. Overall, risks in low-risk clusters were ahead those for high-risk clusters by at least 10 years. Despite MI risk declining over the study period, disparities in MI risks persist. Eliminating/reducing those disparities will require prioritizing high-risk clusters for interventions.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Related to Vitamin D and Its Relationship with Vitamin D Status among Malay Female Office Workers
Authors: Jamil Nor Aini , Shahudin Nurul Nadiah , Abdul Aziz Nur Surfina , Jia Qi Chew , Wan Aminuddin Wan Az Aleesa , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Chin Kok-Yong , Abd Manaf Zahara , Mat Daud Norlida
Published: November 2019

This study assessed knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to vitamin D and its relationship with vitamin D status among Malay female office workers. A total of 147 women aged between 20 and 55 years were recruited from a university in Kuala Lumpur. They answered questionnaires related to KAP on vitamin D, sun exposure, dietary vitamin D intake and physical activity. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was analysed using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Nearly half (45%) of the subjects had good knowledge but moderate attitude (76%) and practice (84%) towards sunlight exposure and dietary vitamin D intake. Median serum 25OHD was 34.1 nmol/L with the majority (91%) had vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD < 50 nmol/L). Knowledge was weakly associated with attitude (r = 0.29, p < 0.001) but no association was found between knowledge and practice (r = 0.08, p = 0.355) nor attitude and practice (r = −0.001, p = 0.994). Serum 25OHD was positively associated with sunlight exposure (r = 0.22, p = 0.008) and dietary vitamin D intake (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). It can be implied that this group is at increased risk of low bone health status, which highlights the needs of public health campaigns to improve their vitamin D status.
Improving Patient behavioral Consent through Different Service Quality Dimensions: Assessing the Mediating Role of Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Jameel Arif , Asif Muhammad , Hussain Abid , Hwang Jinsoo , Bukhari Mussawar Hussain , Mubeen Sidra , Kim Insin
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to examine the impact of the five-dimensional health care service quality (SQ) on patient behavioral consent (PBC). This study further explored the mediating role of patient satisfaction (PS) on the SQ–PBC relationship. A survey questionnaire was used to collect the data from public sector hospitals situated in Bahawalpur division, Punjab, Pakistan. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses. This study found positive and significant relationships between SQ and PBC, SQ and PS, and PS and PBC. Our results further revealed that PS partially mediates the relationship between SQ and PBC. Our study offers a comprehensive theoretical framework of several service quality attributes (SQs) affecting patient behavioral consent (PBC) and patient satisfaction (PS) in health care institutions. Testing these above relationships via a mediation approach is novel and contributed to the current study on service quality.
Association between Hospital Nurses’ Perception of Patient Safety Management and Standard Precaution Adherence: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lim Ji-Hye , Ahn Jung-Won , Son Youn-Jung
Published: November 2019

Standard precautions should be applied to prevent health care-associated infections during every nursing activity. However, adherence to standard precautions was reported to be inadequate. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the rates of standard precaution adherence and the association between perception of patient safety management and standard precaution adherence. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a convenience sample of nurses was recruited from a university-affiliated teaching hospital in Seoul, Korea. Data were collected using a structured self-report questionnaire. Among the 332 questionnaires returned (response rate: 94.9%), a total of 329 nurses were analyzed. In the present study, the overall standard precaution adherence rate was approximately 53.5%. The multiple linear regression results revealed that participants’ perceptions of patient safety management were only significantly associated with standard precaution adherence after adjusting other covariates (β = 0.412, p < 0.001). Nurse supervisors should focus more on raising awareness about nurses’ perception of patient safety management based on the specific work environment, such as the total number of nurses working together and the nurse-to-patient ratio. Nurse educators should develop integrated curricula to help graduate nurses transition smoothly into professional practice and enhance adherence to standard precautions in diverse health care settings.
Multimorbidity Development in Working People
Authors: Seo Sukyong
Published: November 2019

Multimorbidity is defined as the coexistence of multiple chronic conditions in one person. It affects the way people lead their lives and might be a heavy burden, especially for those with limited material resources. This study explores the prevalence of multimorbidity in the working population and discusses the distribution of multimorbidity in specific sub-groups. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of nationally representative data in South Korea (Korea Health Panel, 2010–2015). Generalized estimation models were applied to examine the individual effect of socioeconomic status (SES) and job-related variables. We found that about five percent of workers who initially had no or one chronic condition developed multimorbidity during within five years. About 20% of working women had multimorbidity at age 55, about 10 years earlier than working men. A higher prevalence appeared in working women with school-age children, non-standard employment, no autonomy at work, or unskilled occupation. SES was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of multimorbidity in both gender after controlling for the effect of age and other covariates. Multimorbidity is a major health concern in the working population and prevention and control should be promoted in the workplace.
Self-Reported Sleep Quality Using the Malay Version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-M) In Malaysian Adults
Authors: Farah Nor MF , Saw Yee Teh , Mohd Rasdi Hanif Farhan
Published: November 2019

(1) Background: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a useful tool for the assessment of subjective sleep quality in non-clinical and clinical settings. This study aimed to determine sleep quality in a general Malaysian adult population using a validated Malay version of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI-M); (2) Methods: The original PSQI was translated into Malay following forward and backward translation guidelines. The final Malay version was administered to a sample of healthy working adults (n = 106; mean age: 35.3 ± 7.6 years) without history of sleep disorders. Reliability and agreement were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, intra-class correlations coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and Bland–Altman plot. Convergent validity of PSQI-M was examined with the Malay version of Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS-M) using Pearson’s correlation coefficient; (3) Results: Overall mean PSQI global score was 5.25 ± 1.85. About 45% of the sample had PSQI global score >5, indicating poor sleep quality. Total sleep duration per night was 5.95 ± 1.05 h, below the recommended amount. Sleep quality seems to be affected by age but not gender. Internal consistency as measured by Cronbach’s alpha in the whole sample was 0.74, with test–retest reliability (ICC) of 0.58 and SEM of 1.34. The PSQI test–retest scores indicated that most of the respondents (90%) lay within the 95% limits of agreement. The PSQI-M also showed significant correlation with ESS-M scores (r = 0.37, p < 0.01); (4) Conclusion: The PSQI-M showed acceptable reliability and is valid to be used in a general Malaysian adult population. Findings also indicate that a majority of the adults in our sample were experiencing inadequate sleep, thus further research is needed to identify the factors associated with poor sleep quality.
Impact of Vaping Regimens on Electronic Cigarette Efficiency
Authors: Soulet Sébastien , Duquesne Marie , Toutain Jean , Pairaud Charly , Mercury Maud
Published: November 2019

Most recent studies on electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) have been carried out using vaping regimens consistent with mouth-to-lung inhalation (MTL) and not with direct-to-lung (DTL) inhalation. This paper aimed to characterizing the influence of inhalation properties (puff duration, puff volume, airflow rate) on the mass of vaporized e-liquid (MVE). Because the literature on DTL is non-existent, an intense vaping regimen consistent with DTL inhalation (i.e., puff volume = 500 mL) was defined. The use of a low or standard (ISO/DIS 20768) regimen and the proposed intense vaping regimen were first compared using the Cubis 1 Ω atomizer on a large power range, and then by using two atomizers below 1 Ω and two others above 1 Ω on their respective power ranges. An analysis of the e-cig efficiency on the e-liquid vaporization was proposed and calculated for each MVE. The intense vaping regimen allowed a broader power range in optimal heating conditions. MVE linearly increased with the supplied power, up to over-heating conditions at higher powers. Moreover, the e-cigs’ efficiencies were higher when low-resistance atomizers were tested at high powers. All these results highlighted that the generated vapor might be better evacuated when an intense vaping regimen is used, and illustrate the obvious need to define a suitable standardized vaping regimen consistent with DTL inhalation.
Comparisons of Landscape Preferences through Three Different Perceptual Approaches
Authors: Gao Tian , Liang Huiyi , Chen Yuxuan , Qiu Ling
Published: November 2019

In order to identify the effects and divergences of the different landscape perception approaches on landscape preference, this study investigated people’s preferences for urban green spaces with different vegetation structures in the early spring through using three approaches, which were on-site survey, photo elicitation and VR technology. The results showed that: (a) There were significant differences among the three approaches for landscape preference, among which there was a significant difference between VR technology and the other two approaches, while no differences between on-site survey and photo elicitation were found. (b) The respondents showed significant differences in their preferences for the urban green spaces with the different vegetation structures through VR technology, and the semi-open green space received the highest preference score. (c) Whatever the approach employed, there were no significant differences in gender and professional background groups for landscape preference. (d) In the comparisons of the three different approaches, the respondents were more willing to choose physical recreational activities to be conducted in the early spring. Based on the above results, the three approaches of landscape perception were divergent and irreplaceable. It is, thus, suggested that the approach of landscape perception should be carefully selected for a specific landscape in a certain season, so as to provide a scientific basis for the evaluation of landscape perception and preference in the future.
Impact of Japanese Post-Disaster Temporary Housing Areas’ (THAs) Design on Mental and Social Health
Authors: Bris Pablo , Bendito Félix
Published: November 2019

The phenomenon named kodokushi, meaning death alone without the care or company of anyone inside temporary housing, appeared after the Kobe earthquake in Japan in 1995 with some 250 cases. This paper analyzes the evolution of Japanese temporary houses—to attempt to prevent the problem of kodokushi—from the point of view of management, how services and activities are organized, and design. We will use case studies as our methodological tool, analyzing the responses in 1995 Kobe (50,000 THs), 2004 Chūetsu (3000 THs), 2011 Tōhoku (50,000 THs), and 2016 Kumamoto (4000 THs). This article shows how the Japanese THAs follow a single design that has undergone very little variation in the last 25 years, a design which promotes the social isolation of their residents, making recovery—from the psychological perspective—and helping the most vulnerable members of society, more difficult. In small scale disasters (Chūetsu) applying organization and management measures was able to correct the problems caused by design and there were no cases of kodokushi: in large-scale disasters (Tōhoku), however, the difficulties to implement the same measures resulted in the reappearance of new cases at rates similar to Kobe’s. Our main conclusion is that the design of Japanese THAs must be reconsidered and changed to respond to the real needs of the most vulnerable groups.