bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HIV Incidence and Predictors of HIV Acquisition From an Outside Partner in Serodiscordant Couples in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Joseph Davey Dvora L. , Wall Kristin M. , Kilembe William , Naw Htee Khu , Brill Ilene , Vwalika Bellington , Chomba Elwyn , Mulenga Joseph , Tichacek Amanda , Javanbakt Marjan , Gorbach Pamina M. , Allen Susan A.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Evaluate the incidence and predictors of HIV acquisition from outside partners in serodiscordant couples.

Methods:

Demographic, behavioral, and clinical exposures were measured quarterly in a cohort of serodiscordant cohabiting couples in Zambia from 1995 to 2012 (n = 3049). Genetic analysis classified incident infections as those acquired from the study partner (linked) or acquired from an outside partner (unlinked). Factors associated with time to unlinked HIV infection were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression stratified by sex.

Results:

There were 100 unlinked infections in couples followed for a median of 806 days. Forty-five infections occurred in women [1.85/100 couple-years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35 to 2.47]. Risk of female unlinked infection (vs. nonseroconverting females) was associated with reporting being drunk weekly/daily vs. moderate/nondrinkers at baseline [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 5.44; 95% CI: 1.03 to 28.73], genital ulcers (aHR = 6.09; 95% CI: 2.72 to 13.64), or genital inflammation (aHR = 11.92; 95% CI: 5.60 to 25.37) during follow-up adjusting for age, years cohabiting, income, contraceptive use, previous pregnancies, history of sexually transmitted infections, and condomless sex with study partner. Fifty-five infections occurred in men (1.82/100 couple-years; 95% CI: 1.37 to 2.37). Risk of male unlinked infection was associated with genital inflammation (aHR = 8.52; 95% CI: 3.82 to 19.03) or genital ulceration (aHR = 2.31; 95% CI: 2.05 to 8.89), reporting ≥1 outside sexual partner (aHR = 3.86; 95% CI: 0.98 to 15.17) during follow-up, and reporting being drunk weekly/daily vs. moderate/nondrinkers at baseline (aHR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.28 to 11.55), controlling for age, income, circumcision status, and history of sexually transmitted infection.

Conclusions:

Predictors of unlinked infection in serodiscordant relationships were alcohol use, genital inflammation, and ulceration. Causes of genital inflammation and ulceration should be screened for and treated in HIV-negative individuals. Counseling on risk of alcohol use and sex with outside partners should be discussed with couples where 1 or both are HIV-negative, including in counseling on use of pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV acquisition in the HIV-negative partner (when feasible and affordable).
Development and Assessment of Pictorial Guide for Improved Accuracy of Visual Blood Loss Estimation in Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Homcha Brittany E. , Mets Elbert J. , Goldenberg Michael D.F. , Kong Lan , Vaida Sonia J.
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Estimated blood loss for surgical procedures performed via visual estimation is known to be an inaccurate method. Blood loss estimation is further complicated during cesarean delivery (CD) by a large volume loss for a short period as well as the presence of amniotic fluid. We hypothesized that a pictorial guide depicting premeasured blood volumes and materials commonly used in a CD would improve clinician accuracy in estimated blood loss.

Methods

A simulated CD scene was used to assess the ability of clinicians to estimate the amount of blood lost by a CD patient. Accuracy of the estimates was assessed before and after they had access to the pictorial guide created for the study.

Results

Before the intervention, 52% of participants estimated more than 25% above or below actual blood loss volume. With use of the guide, clinicians became more accurate at blood loss estimation. After the intervention, the number of participants estimating within 5% of the actual volume increased from 7% before to 24% (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

An institution-specific pictorial guide is effective at improving the accuracy of visual blood loss estimation in a simulation and may help improve clinical care in CD.
REBOA for the IVC? Resuscitative balloon occlusion of the inferior vena cava (REBOVC) to abate massive hemorrhage in retrohepatic vena cava injuries
Authors: Reynolds Cassandra L. , Celio Adam C. , Bridges Lindsay C. , Mosquera Catalina , O'Connell Brian , Bard Michael R. , DeLa'o Connie M. , Toschlog Eric A.
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The use of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion as a maneuver for occlusion of the aorta is well described. This technique has life-saving potential in other cases of traumatic hemorrhage. Retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) injuries have a high rate of mortality, in part, due to the difficulty in achieving total vascular isolation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of resuscitative balloon occlusion of the IVC to control suprahepatic IVC hemorrhage in a swine model of trauma.

METHODS

Thirteen swine were randomly assigned to control (seven animals) versus intervention (six animals). In both groups, an injury was created to the IVC. Hepatic inflow control was obtained via clamping of the hepatoduodenal ligament and infrahepatic IVC. In the intervention group, suprahepatic IVC control was obtained via a resuscitative balloon occlusion of the IVC placed through the femoral vein. In the control group, no suprahepatic IVC control was established. Vital signs, arterial blood gases, and lactate were monitored until death. Primary end points were blood loss and time to death. Lactate, pH, and vital signs were secondary end points. Groups were compared using the χ2 and the Student t test with significance at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Intervention group's time to death was significantly prolonged: 59.3 ± 1.6 versus 33.4 ± 12.0 minutes (p = 0.001); and total blood loss was significantly reduced: 333 ± 122 vs 1,701 ± 358 mL (p = 0.001). In the intervention group, five of the six swine (83.3%) were alive at 1 hour compared to zero of seven (0%) in the control group (p = 0.002). There was a trend toward worsening acidosis, hypothermia, elevated lactate, and hemodynamic instability in the control group.

Conclusions

Resuscitative balloon occlusion of the IVC demonstrates superior hemorrhage control and prolonged time to death in a swine model of liver hemorrhage. This technique may be considered as an adjunct to total hepatic vascular isolation in severe liver hemorrhage and could provide additional time needed for definitive repair.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level II.
The Use of the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes Scores in Detecting and Staging Cognitive Impairment/Dementia in Brazilian Patients With Low Educational Attainment
Authors: Lima Andrea P.V. , Castilhos Raphael , Chaves Marcia L.F.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale sum of the boxes (CDR-SB) diagnostic validity in detecting and staging cognitive impairment/dementia in a sample of Brazilian patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), Alzheimer disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VD), of low educational attainment. Data were obtained from the Dementia Clinic of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre database and included 407 participants (115 healthy elderly, 41 aMCI, 165 AD, and 86 VD). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to detect best CDR-SB cutoffs. Average education was 4 years. A CDR-SB cutoff ≥0.5 was obtained to correctly identify MCI from normal controls (sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98.3%). The cutoff ≥4.5 correctly identified aMCI from dementia altogether or separately (AD and VD) (sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 100%) in 96.9% of the individuals. Similar AUC was found for ≤4 and >4 years of education. The CDR-SB showed good clinical validity to detect and classify severity of cognitive impairment Brazilian patients with low educational attainment. Findings were similar to the original study carried out with higher educated individuals.
The causal direction in the association between Parkinson’s disease and cigarette or nicotine use
Authors: Grzesiak Nikodem
Published: July 2017

The association between cigarette use and Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been well known in the literature since more than 50 years ago. Large population studies showed that smokers developed PD less often than non-smokers and that the duration of smoking was inversely proportional to PD risk. There are two primary hypotheses for this association in the literature. First, long-standing hypothesis, is that smoking cigarettes is neuroprotective. The second, recent hypothesis, is that there exists biological predisposition to PD, which also manifests in decreased stimulus seeking behavior, hence lesser likelihood to smoke or use nicotine (reverse causation). The objective of this article is to summarize the evidence available in the literature and evaluate the causality of the association between Parkinson’s disease and smoking cigarettes or nicotine ingestion. It is found that the first, directly causal hypothesis is a stronger contributor to the effect, although the reversely causal mechanism could play a role. It is found that smokeless tobacco use decreases the risk of PD stronger than smoking cigarettes does, suggesting that nicotine is more important in neuroprotection than other cigarette smoke constituents.
The Acquisition of Resistance to Carbapenem and Macrolide-mediated Quorum Sensing Inhibition byPseudomonas aeruginosavia a Novel Integrative and Conjugative Element ICETn43716385
Authors: Ding Yichen , Teo Jeanette , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Schuster Stephan Christoph , Givskov Michael , Yang Liang
Published: July 2017

Pseudomonas aeruginosacan cause persistant and life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. Carbapenems are the first-line agents to treatP. aeruginosainfections; therefore, the emergence of carbapenem-resistantP. aeruginosastrains has greatly challenged effective antibiotic therapy. In this study, we characterised the full-length genomes of two carbapenem resistantP. aeruginosaclinical isolates that produce the carbapebemase New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1). We found that theblaNDM-1gene is encoded by a novel intergrative and conjugative element (ICE) ICETn43716385, which also carries the macrolide resistance genemsr(E)and the florfenicol resistance genefloR. Themsr(E)gene has rarely been described inP. aeruginosagenomes. To investigate the functional roles ofmsr(E)inP. aeruginosa, we exogeneously expressed this gene inP. aeruginosalaboratory strains and found that the acquisition ofmsr(E)could abolish the azithromycin-mediated quorum sensing inhibitionin vitroand the anti-Pseudomonas effect of azithromycinin vivo. In addition, the expression ofmsr(E)almost completely restored the azithromycin-affectedP. aeruginosatranscriptome, as shown by our RNA sequencing analysis. We present the first evidence ofblaNDM-1to be carried by intergrative and conjugative elements, and the first evidence of co-transfer of carbapenem resistance and the resistance to macrolide-mediated quorum sensing inhibition intoP. aeruginosagenomes.

Importance

Carbapenem resistantP. aeruginosahas recently been listed as the top three most dangerous superbugs by World Health Organisation. The transmission ofblaNDM-1gene intoP. aeruginosacan cause extreme resistance to carbapenems and fourth generation cephalosporins, which greatly compromises the effectiveness of these antibiotics against Pseudomonas infections. However, the lack of complete genome sequence of NDM-1-producingP. aeruginosahas limited our understanding of the transmisibility ofblaNDM-1in this organism. Here we showed the co-transfer ofblaNDM-1andmsr(E)intoP. aeruginosagenome by a novel integrative and conjugative element (ICE). The acquisition of these two genes confersP. aeruginosawith resistance to carbapenem and macrolide-mediated quorum sensing inhibition, both of which are important treatment stretagies forP. aeruginosainfections. Our findings highlight the potential of ICEs in transmitting carbapenem resistance, and that the anti-virulence treatment ofP. aeruginosainfections by macrolides can be challenged by horizontal gene transfer.
Love, not food, could have paved the path for dog domestication: A lesson from free-ranging dogs
Authors: Bhattacharjee Debottam , Sau Shubhra , Das Jayjit , Bhadra Anindita
Published: July 2017

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are the first species to have been domesticated, and unlike other domesticated species, they have developed a special bonding with their owners. The ability to respond to human gestures and language is a key factor in the socio-cognitive abilities of dogs that have made them our best friend. Free-ranging dogs provide an excellent model system for understanding the dog domestication process. In India, free-ranging dogs occupy every possible human habitation, and interact with humans regularly. They scavenge among garbage, beg for food from humans, give birth in dens close to human habitations, and establish social bonds with people. However, there is ample dog-human conflict on the streets, leading to morbidity and mortality. Hence the ability to assess an unfamiliar human before establishing physical contact could be adaptive for dogs especially in the urban environment. We tested a total of 103 adult free-ranging dogs to investigate their response to immediate and long-term food and social rewards. The dogs were provided a choice of obtaining a food reward either from the hand or the ground. The dogs avoided making physical contact with the unfamiliar human. While immediate rewards were not effective in changing this response, the long-term test showed a strong effect of the social reward on the response of dogs. Our results revealed that dogs tend to build trust based on affection, and not food rewards. This study provides significant insights into nuances of the dynamics that could have paved the path to dog domestication.
shRNA mediated inhibition of Cdc42 gene expression in Calu-6, lung cancer cells
Authors: Ghambari Zohreh , Nabiuni Mohammad , Jalali Hanieh , Karimzadeh Latifeh
Published: July 2017

Background Information

RNAi technique as a new strategy in gene therapy is the effective gene silencing method. Cdc42 is a member of Rho GTPases involving in lung cancer cells migration and proliferation. In the present study, targeting and inhibiting the Cdc42 expression in Calu-6 cells was investigated. Recombinant lentiviral particles were produced by co-transfection of pMD2.G, psPAX2 and pGFP-C-shLenti plasmid in 293T packaging cells. Calu-6 cells were transduced by recombinant lentiviruses using polybrene. GFP-fluorescence microscopy and MTT assay were used to assess the Calu-6 target cell transduction and rate of lentiviral transduced cells proliferation, respectively. Real time PCR was performed to compare the expression of Cdc42 gene before and after shRNA delivery.

Results

GFP-fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that Calu-6 cells were successfully transduced with recombinant lentiviral expressing shRNA-Cdc42. The viability of transduced cells was reduced within 72, 96 and 120 hours of transduction process. Real time PCR analyze showed the significant reduction of Cdc42 gene expression.Conclusions:Lentiviral vectors may be reasonable tools for this gene delivery due to stable expression of silencing RNA. Inhibition of Cdc42 expression by lentiviral mediated shRNA delivery could be an effective method to inhibit proliferation of lung cancer cells.Significance:Over expression of Cdc42 gene have been seen in lung cancer. This make Cdc42 gene a key target in treatment of cancer. On the other hand, gene therapy is a proper method to modulate gene expression. It seems modulation of cdc42 gene expression by gene therapy accompany with proper vehicles creating hopes in treatment of lung cancer.
Beta-Band Oscillations without Segregated Pathways: the opposing Roles of D2 and D5 Receptors in the Basal Ganglia
Authors: Liénard Jean F. , Aubin Lise , Cos Ignasi , Girard Benoît
Published: July 2017

The timescales of the dynamics of a system depend on the combination of the timescales of its components and of its transmission delays. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the death of dopaminergic neurons and the emergence of strongβ-band (15-35Hz) oscillations throughout the basal ganglia nuclei. Here we combine experimental stimulation data from ten studies, that reveal the timing of excitatory and inhibitory events in the basal ganglia circuit, to estimate its set of transmission delays. In doing so, we reveal possible inconsistencies in the existing data, calling for replications, and we propose two possible sets of transmission delays.

We then integrate these delays in a model of the primate basal ganglia, that does not rely on direct and indirect pathways’ segregation, and show that, while much attention has been given to the role of the striatal dopaminergic receptors in Parkinson’s disease symptoms, extrastriatal dopaminergic depletion in the external part of the globus pallidus and in the subthalamic nucleus is sufficient to generateβ-band oscillations in the high part of the band. More specifically, we show that that D2 and D5 dopamine receptors in these nuclei play opposing roles in the emergence ofβ-band oscillations, thereby explaining how completely deactivating D5 receptors in the subthalamic nucleus can, paradoxically, cancel oscillations.
Copper(II) bromide, nitrate and perchlorate complexes with sterically demanding N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)acetamide ligands
Authors: Smolentsev Anton I.
Published: July 2017

Functionalized acid amides are widely used in biology, medicine, environmental chemistry and many other areas. Among them, pyridine-substituted amides, in particular N-(pyridin-2-yl)acetamide and its derivatives, play an important role due to their excellent chelating properties. The donor properties of these ligands can be effectively modified by introducing electron-donating substituents (e.g. alkyl groups) into the heterocycle. On the other hand, substituents in the α-position of the pyridine ring can create steric hindrance, which significantly influences the coordination number and geometry. To achieve a better understanding of these effects, copper(II) complexes with sterically demanding N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)acetamide ligands (L) and monoanions of different size, shape and coordination ability have been chosen as model compounds. The crystal structures of three new compounds, bromidobis[N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl-κN)acetamide-κO]copper(II) bromide, [CuBr(C8H10N2O)]Br, (I), aquabis[N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl-κN)acetamide-κO]copper(II) dinitrate, [Cu(C8H10N2O)(H2O)](NO3)2, (II), and aquabis[N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl-κN)acetamide-κO]copper(II) bis(perchlorate), [Cu(C8H10N2O)(H2O)](ClO4)2, (III), have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It has been shown that the presence of the 6-methyl group results in either a distorted square-pyramidal or a distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry around the CuII centres instead of the typical octahedral geometry observed when the methyl substituent is absent or occupies any other position on the pyridine ring. Moreover, due to the steric hindrance provided by the L ligands, only the bromide ligand, the smallest of the series, enters into the first coordination sphere of the CuII ion in (I). In (II) and (III), the vacant coordination site of the CuII ion is occupied by a water molecule, while the nitrate and perchlorate anions are not involved in coordination to the metal centre. The structures of (I)–(III) are characterized by the presence of one-dimensional infinite chains formed by hydrogen bonds of the types N—H...Br [in (I)], N—H...O and O—H...O [in (II) and (III)] between the amide groups of the L ligands, the coordinated water molecules and the uncoordinated anions. The hydrogen-bonded chains are further interconnected through π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings of the L ligands, with approximate interplanar separations of 3.5–3.6 Å.
Vibration prediction of pellet mills power transmission by artificial neural network
Authors: Milovancevic Milos , Nikolic Vlastimir , Pavlovic Nenad T. , Veg Aleksandar , Troha Sanjin
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a vibration prediction of pellet mills power transmission by artificial neural network. Vibration monitoring is an important task for any system to ensure safe operations. Improvement of control strategies is crucial for the vibration monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

As predictive control is one of the options for the vibration monitoring in this paper, the predictive model for vibration monitoring was created.

Findings

Although the achieved prediction results were acceptable, there is need for more work to apply and test these results in real environment.

Originality/value

Artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented as the predictive model while extreme learning machine (ELM) and back propagation (BP) learning schemes were used as training algorithms for the ANN. BP learning algorithm minimizes the error function by using the gradient descent method. ELM training algorithm is based on selecting of the input weights randomly of the ANN network and the output weight of the network are determined analytically.
A novel discrete particle swarm algorithm for assembly line balancing problems
Authors: Dou Jianping , Li Jun , Zhao Xia
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a feasible sequence-oriented new discrete particle swarm optimization (NDPSO) algorithm with novel particles’ updating mechanism for solving simple assembly line balancing problems (SALBPs).

Design/methodology/approach

In the NDPSO, a task-oriented representation is adopted to solve type I and type II SALBPs, and a particle directly represents a feasible task sequence (FTS) as a permutation. Then, the particle (permutation) is updated as a whole using the geometric crossover based on the edit distance with swaps for two permutations. Furthermore, the fragment mutation with adaptive mutation probability is incorporated into the NDPSO to improve exploration ability.

Findings

Case study illustrates the effectiveness of the NDPSO. Comparative results between the NDPSO and existing real-encoded PSO (CPSO) and direct discrete PSO (DDPSO) against benchmark instances of type I SALBP and type II SALBP show promising higher performance of the proposed NDPSO.

Originality/value

A novel particles’ updating mechanism for FTS-encoded particle is proposed to solve the SALBPs. The comparative results indicate that updating of FTS as a whole seems superior to existing updating of FTS by fragment with respect to exploration ability for solving SALBPs. The novel particles’ updating mechanism is also applicable to generalized assembly line balancing problems.
Implementation and evaluation of a model processing pipeline for assembly simulation
Authors: Iacob Robert , Popescu Diana , Noel Frederic , Masclet Cedric
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to present the processing pipeline of an assembly immersive simulation application which can manage the interaction between the virtual scene and user using stereoscopic display and haptic devices. A new set of elements are integrated in a Collaborative Virtual Environment (CVE) and validated using an approach based on subjective and objective users’ performance criteria. The developed application is intended for Assembly/Disassembly (A/D) analysis, planning and training.

Design/methodology/approach

A mobility module based on contact information is used to handle the assembly components’ movements through real-time management of collision detection and kinematically constraint guidance. Information on CVE architecture, modules and application configuration process are presented. Impact of device type (3 degrees of freedom (DoFs) vs 6 DoFs) over user’s experience is evaluated. Parameters (number of assembled components and components assembly time) are measured for each user and each haptic device, and results are compared and discussed.

Findings

Test results proved the efficiency of using a mobility module based on predefined kinematic constraints for reducing the complexity of collision detection algorithms in real-time assembly haptic simulations. Also, experiments showed that, generally, users performed better with 3 DoFs haptic device compared to 6 DoFs haptic equipment.

Originality/value

The proposed immersive application automates the kinematical joints inference from 3D computer-aided design (CAD) assembly models and integrates it within a haptic-based virtual environment, for increasing the efficiency of A/D process simulations.
Do nurses display innovative work behavior when their values match with hospitals’ values?
Authors: Afsar Bilal , Cheema Sadia , Bin Saeed Bilal
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw on organizational psychology, innovation and knowledge management literatures to investigate the impact of a nurse’s person-organization (P-O) fit on his/her innovative work behavior (IWB). Furthermore, in order to understand the psychological mechanisms surrounding this relationship, the authors examine the mediating role of psychological empowerment and the moderating role of knowledge sharing behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 441 nurses and 73 doctors through structured questionnaires from four public sector hospitals in Thailand.

Findings

Results of the study indicate that nurse’s P-O fit is positively related to both self (nurse) and doctor’s ratings of innovative behaviors and that psychological empowerment mediates this relationship. These results imply that a nurse’s perception of value congruence impacts his/her perception about feeling of empowerment, which in turn helps in engaging him/her into acts of innovativeness more often. The results also show that the relationship between P-O fit and IWB is stronger among nurses who frequently share their best practices and mistakes with co-workers.

Originality/value

Employee involvement in innovative work is of crucial importance for organization’s competitiveness, especially in the nursing profession. The compatibility between personal and organizational values is a vital ingredient of our personal, social and professional worlds. Although research has identified some antecedents of nurses’ IWB, it is unclear how P-O fit influence nurses’ IWB. Nurses with stronger value congruence when empowered psychologically may respond more effectively to display IWBs in current dynamic and challenging public health care work environments.
The impact of social media and collaboration on Gen Y employees’ engagement
Authors: Naim Mohammad Faraz , Lenka Usha
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between workplace use of social media, collaboration and Gen Y employees’ engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 209 Indian Gen Y employees from information technology industry participated in the survey. Structural equation modelling is used to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Findings reveal that social media has a significant positive effect on collaboration, which leads to Gen Y employees’ perceived learning, in turn impacting Gen Y employees’ engagement.

Research limitations/implications

Findings suggest a social media-enabled approach of collaboration to satisfy Gen Y employees’ perceived learning leading to their engagement. However, this study only examines the employees’ perspective; it will be prudent to examine management perspective as well in future studies.

Practical implications

Organisations must integrate social media into their talent management strategy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in human resources pertaining to social media as an asset to promote collaboration and develops a linkage between social media and Gen Y employees’ engagement via perceived learning.
Reducing inappropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription in primary care patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Keohane David M. , Dennehy Thomas , Keohane Kenneth P. , Shanahan Eamonn
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reduce inappropriate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescribing in primary care patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Once diagnosed, CKD management involves delaying progression to end stage renal failure and preventing complications. It is well established that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have a negative effect on kidney function and consequently, all nephrology consensus groups suggest avoiding this drug class in CKD.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling criteria included all practice patients with a known CKD risk factor. This group was refined to include those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 ml/min per 1.73m2 (stage 3 CKD or greater). Phase one analysed how many prescriptions had occurred in this group over the preceding three months. The intervention involved creating an automated alert on at risk patient records if non-steroidal anti-inflammatories were prescribed and discussing the rationale with practice staff. The re-audit phase occurred three months’ post intervention.

Findings

The study revealed 728/7,500 (9.7 per cent) patients at risk from CKD and 158 (2.1 per cent) who were subsequently found to have an eGFR<60 ml/min, indicating=stage 3 CKD. In phase one, 10.2 per cent of at risk patients had received a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription in the preceding three months. Additionally, 6.2 per cent had received non-steroidal anti-inflammatories on repeat prescription. Phase two post intervention revealed a significant 75 per cent reduction in the total non-steroidal anti-inflammatories prescribed and a 90 per cent reduction in repeat non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescriptions in those with CKD.

Originality/value

The study significantly reduced non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription in those with CKD in primary care settings. It also created a CKD register within the practice and an enduring medication alert system for individuals that risk nephrotoxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription. It established a safe, reliable and efficient process for reducing morbidity and mortality, improving quality of life and limiting the CKD associated health burden.
Preparation and characterisation of water soluble polyester coatings based on waste materials
Authors: Youssef Tawfik Soheir , Wadid Sabaa Magdy , Takawy Botros Ramzy
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare cheap and environmentally friendly water soluble polyester coatings through the glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary value-added polyester coatings were prepared from PET waste. The first step was the de-polymerisation of PET waste by 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol with different molar ratios in the presence of different concentrations of zinc acetate as trans-esterification catalyst. The de-polymerised product was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR), differential scanning calorimetry and hydroxyl values. The polyesters were successfully synthesised by esterification of the glycolysed product with adipic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol and trimellitic anhydride in different ratios. FTIR and 1HNMR were used qualitatively and quantitatively to elucidate the structure of the prepared polyesters. Hydroxyl value and the physical properties of the prepared polyesters were also investigated. Two different curing agents were used to prepare the coatings based on the prepared polyesters.

Findings

Useful coating products were obtained by chemical (glycolysis) of post consumed PET wastes. The 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol was found to be good glycol in the glycolysis of PET. It was noticed that the rate of glycolysis increases with increasing the amount of catalyst, time of glycolysis and amount of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol. N,N-Dimethylethanol amine was a good neutralising agent used for the preparation of water soluble coatings based on glycolysed product of PET.

Practical implications

The use of waste products like PET waste in water soluble coating systems will bring down the costs of the coatings and will also open a new market of recycled plastic materials and, hence, may provide a potential solution to the problems of solid waste management. It is an attractive option for environmentally friendly and efficient disposal of plastic waste.

Originality/value

The paper provides a potential way to use undesirable PET waste as industrial raw material. The coatings prepared are eco-friendly, soluble in water that can replace other expensive polyester coatings that are soluble in organic solvents and not environmentally coatings.
Liquefaction of soybean protein and its effects on the properties of soybean protein adhesive
Authors: Zhang Leipeng , Zhang Binghan , Fan Bo , Gao Zhenhua , Shi Junyou
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the liquefaction of soybean protein to obtain a homogeneous protein solution with a high solid/protein content but low viscosity, which may improve the bond properties and technological applicability of soybean protein adhesive.

Design/methodology/approach

The liquefactions of soybean protein in the presence of various amounts of sodium sulphite, urea and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) are investigated, and their effects on the main properties of liquefied soybean protein and soybean protein adhesives are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity tracing and plywood evaluation. Meanwhile, the applicability of soybean protein adhesive composed of liquefied protein for particleboard is also investigated.

Findings

Soybean protein can be effectively liquefied to form a homogeneous protein solution with a soybean protein content of 25 per cent and viscosity as low as 772 mPa.s; the addition of sodium sulphite, urea and SDS are beneficial for the liquefaction of soybean protein and have important effects on the technological applicability and water resistance of the obtained adhesive. The optimal liquefying technology of soybean protein is obtained in the presence of 1.5 Wt.% of sodium sulphite, 5 Wt.% of urea, 1.5 Wt.% of SDS and 3 Wt.% of sodium hydroxide. The optimal soybean protein adhesive has the desired water resistance in terms of the boiling-dry-boiling aged wet bond strength, which is up to 1.08 MPa higher than the required value (0.98 MPa) for structural use according to the commercial standard JIS K6806-2003. The optimal liquefied protein has the great potential to prepare particleboard.

Research limitations/implications

The protein content of liquefied soybean protein is expected to further increase from 25 to 40 Wt.% or even higher to further reduce the hot-pressing cycle or energy consumption of wood composites bonded by soybean protein adhesives.

Practical implications

The soybean protein adhesive composed of optimal liquefied protein has potential use in the manufacturing of structural-use plywood and has comparable applicability as a commercial urea-formaldehyde resin for the manufacturing of common particleboard.

Social implications

Soybean protein adhesive is an environmentally safe bio-adhesive that does not lead to the release of toxic formaldehyde, and the renewable and abundant soybean protein can be used with higher value added by the application as wood adhesive.

Originality/value

A novel liquefaction approach of soybean protein is proposed, and the soybean protein adhesive based on the liquefied protein is obtained with good technological applicability and desired bond properties that extend the applications of the soybean protein adhesive from interior plywood to particleboard and exterior or structural plywood.
Design-based implementation research
Authors: LeMahieu Paul G. , Nordstrum Lee E. , Potvin Ashley Seidel
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper is second of seven in this volume elaborating different approaches to quality improvement in education. It delineates a methodology called design-based implementation research (DBIR). The approach used in this paper is aimed at iteratively improving the quality of classroom teaching and learning practices in defined problem areas through collaborations among researchers, practitioners and other education stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the origins of the approach in US education, along with its foundations, core principles and a case application of DBIR in practice. The case focuses on the specific problem of teaching science and genetics in primary and secondary schools in a district.

Findings

The guiding principles of DBIR are: a focus on persistent problems of classroom educational practice; iterative and collaborative design and testing of innovations through partnerships between researchers and practitioners, involving multiple stakeholders’ perspectives; a concern with developing theory related to both implementation processes and classroom learning outcomes, using systematic inquiry; and development of the capacity of both researchers and practitioners to sustain changes in educational systems.

Originality/value

Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available in US education that examine common models of quality improvement, particularly DBIR. By engaging practitioners with researchers in designing, testing and implementing reforms meaningfully, DBIR shows promise in offering significant on-the-ground benefits. This paper adds value by allowing readers to compare the DBIR method with the other improvement approaches explicated in this volume.
Implementation Science
Authors: Nordstrum Lee E. , LeMahieu Paul G. , Berrena Elaine
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper is one of seven in this volume elaborating upon different approaches to quality improvement in education. This paper aims to delineate a methodology called Implementation Science, focusing on methods to enhance the reach, adoption, use and maintenance of innovations and discoveries in diverse education contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the origins, theoretical foundations, core principles and a case study showing an application of Implementation Science in education, namely, in promoting school–community–university partnerships to enhance resilience (PROSPER).

Findings

Implementation Science is concerned with understanding and finding solutions to the causes of variation in a program’s outcomes relating to its implementation. The core phases are: initial considerations about the host context; creating an implementation structure; sustaining the structure during implementation; and improving future applications.

Originality/value

Few theoretical treatments and demonstration cases are currently available on commonly used models of quality improvement in other fields that might have potential value in improving education systems internationally. This paper fills this gap by elucidating one promising approach. The paper also derives value, as it permits a comparison of the Implementation Science approach with other quality improvement approaches treated in this volume.
Three glycosylated serine‐rich repeat proteins play a pivotal role in adhesion and colonization of the pioneer commensal bacterium, Streptococcus salivarius
Authors: Couvigny Benoit , Lapaque Nicolas , Rigottier‐Gois Lionel , Guillot Alain , Chat Sophie , Meylheuc Thierry , Kulakauskas Saulius , Rohde Manfred , Mistou Michel‐Yves , Renault Pierre , Doré Joel , Briandet Romain , Serror Pascale , Guédon Eric
Published: July 2017

Bacterial adhesion is a critical step for colonization of the host. The pioneer colonizer and commensal bacterium of the human gastrointestinal tract, Streptococcus salivarius, has strong adhesive properties but the molecular determinants of this adhesion remain uncharacterized. Serine‐rich repeat (SRR) glycoproteins are a family of adhesins that fulfil an important role in adhesion. In general, Gram‐positive bacterial genomes have a unique SRR glycoprotein‐encoding gene. We demonstrate that S. salivarius expresses three large and glycosylated surface‐exposed proteins – SrpA, SrpB and SrpC – that show characteristics of SRR glycoproteins and are secreted through the accessory SecA2/Y2 system. Two glycosyltransferases – GtfE/F – encoded outside of the secA2/Y2 locus, unusually, perform the first step of the sequential glycosylation process, which is crucial for SRR activity. We show that SrpB and SrpC play complementary adhesive roles involved in several steps of the colonization process: auto‐aggregation, biofilm formation and adhesion to a variety of host epithelial cells and components. We also show that at least one of the S. salivarius SRR glycoproteins is important for colonization in mice. SrpA, SrpB and SrpC are the main factors underlying the multifaceted adhesion of S. salivarius and, therefore, play a major role in host colonization.
Direct Application of Rep‐PCR on Type I Sourdough Matrix to Monitor the Dominance and Persistence of a Lactobacillus plantarum Starter Throughout Back‐Slopping
Authors: Dolci Paola , Cocolin Luca
Published: July 2017

This study describes the optimization and application of repetitive element‐PCR (rep‐PCR) technique directly on microbial DNA extracted from type I sourdoughs for fast monitoring of a Lb. plantarum starter strain (P1FMC) throughout daily back‐slopping.

The challenge was to follow and study the performance of a starter culture directly in sourdoughs without cultivation on selective media. The extraction of good quality microbial DNA suitable for amplification from a complex matrix such as dough was the first target. In addition, the objective to obtain a clear rep‐PCR profile referable to a specific starter strain among a microbial community was pursued.

Co‐inoculum trials, in flour matrix, with Lb. plantarum P1FMC and L. lactis LC71 strains and, subsequently, type I sourdough back‐slopping trials were performed. The rep‐PCR amplification profiles obtained were clearly referable to that of Lb. plantarum P1FMC starter in both co‐inoculum trials (also when it was present with one order of magnitude less with respect to L. lactis LC71) and back‐slopping trials where it dominated the fermentation process with loads of 108 cfu g−1 and prevailed on the autochthonous microbiota. Thus, the approach proposed in this paper could be considered a methodological advancement, based on a culture‐independent one‐step rep‐PCR, suitable for fast monitoring of starter performance.
The contribution of microbial biotechnology to sustainable development goals: microbiome therapies
Authors: O'Toole Paul W. , Paoli Max
Published: July 2017

Complex communities of microbes live on and in plants, humans and other animals. These communities are collectively referred to as the microbiota or microbiome. Plants and animals evolved to co‐exist with these microbes. In mammals, particular kinds of alteration of the microbiome (dysbiosis) are associated with loss of health, most likely due to loss of microbial metabolites, signalling molecules, or regulators of host pathways. Modern life‐style diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome have been linked to dysbiosis. These multifactorial diseases involve multiple risk factors and triggers, depletion of certain gut microbiota species being one of them. Live Biotherapeutics operate by restoring microbial products or activities in affected subjects. They are being developed as adjuncts, alternatives or new treatment options for diseases that affect a growing proportion of global citizens.
Gas fermentation for commodity chemicals and fuels
Authors: Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Dürre Peter
Published: July 2017

Gas fermentation is a microbial process that contributes to at least four of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The process converts waste and greenhouse gases into commodity chemicals and fuels. Thus, world's climate is positively affected. Briefly, we describe the background of the process, some biocatalytic strains, and legal implications.
Systems metabolic engineering as an enabling technology in accomplishing sustainable development goals
Authors: Yang Dongsoo , Cho Jae Sung , Choi Kyeong Rok , Kim Hyun Uk , Lee Sang Yup
Published: July 2017

With pressing issues arising in recent years, the United Nations proposed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an agenda urging international cooperations for sustainable development. In this perspective, we examine the roles of systems metabolic engineering (SysME) and its contribution to improving the quality of life and protecting our environment, presenting how this field of study offers resolutions to the SDGs with relevant examples. We conclude with offering our opinion on the current state of SysME and the direction it should move forward in the generations to come, explicitly focusing on addressing the SDGs.
Analysis of large 16S rRNA Illumina data sets: Impact of singleton read filtering on microbial community description
Authors: Auer Lucas , Mariadassou Mahendra , O'Donohue Michael , Klopp Christophe , Hernandez‐Raquet Guillermina
Published: July 2017

Next‐generation sequencing technologies give access to large sets of data, which are extremely useful in the study of microbial diversity based on 16S rRNA gene. However, the production of such large data sets is not only marred by technical biases and sequencing noise but also increases computation time and disc space use. To improve the accuracy of OTU predictions and overcome both computations, storage and noise issues, recent studies and tools suggested removing all single reads and low abundant OTUs, considering them as noise. Although the effect of applying an OTU abundance threshold on α‐ and β‐diversity has been well documented, the consequences of removing single reads have been poorly studied. Here, we test the effect of singleton read filtering (SRF) on microbial community composition using in silico simulated data sets as well as sequencing data from synthetic and real communities displaying different levels of diversity and abundance profiles. Scalability to large data sets is also assessed using a complete MiSeq run. We show that SRF drastically reduces the chimera content and computational time, enabling the analysis of a complete MiSeq run in just a few minutes. Moreover, SRF accurately determines the actual community diversity: the differences in α‐ and β‐community diversity obtained with SRF and standard procedures are much smaller than the intrinsic variability of technical and biological replicates.
Cereal price shocks and volatility in sub‐Saharan Africa: what really matters for farmers’ welfare?
Authors: Magrini Emiliano , Balié Jean , Morales‐Opazo Cristian
Published: July 2017

The lack of information as well as some misperceptions about the distinction between the welfare consequences of higher versus more volatile cereal prices has limited the effectiveness of policy interventions during the recent food crises in many developing countries. This article proposes an integrated empirical strategy to investigate and compare the different effects of these two phenomena and tests it using nationally representative household survey data from four sub‐Saharan countries. Results show that the negative impacts of a cereal price increase substantially outweigh the effects of price volatility on household welfare across the entire income distribution. The amplitude and the distribution of those effects depend heavily on specific factors, such as: the weight of food consumption over total expenditure; the budget share devoted to cereals; the substitution effect among food groups; and the relative number of net sellers versus net buyers accessing the market. We also show that volatility mainly harms the poorest quintile of the population.