bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacto en la generación de óxido nitroso por el uso de agua residual tratada en el riego de parques y jardines
Authors: Navarro-Gómez Carmen Julia , Herrera-Peraza Eduardo Florencio , Navarro-Gómez Humberto Iván , Pérez Isidro Eber , González Sandoval María del Refugio
Published: December 2017

Las organizaciones mundiales estiman que el 50% de la población mundial vive bajo estrés hídrico. En la actualidad, el reúso del agua es ampliamente aceptado para sustituir de agua de primer uso o para actividades que no requieren calidad de agua para consumo humano. Sin embargo, son pocos los estudios realizados a la fecha sobre los impactos en la generación de gases de efecto invernadero por el uso del agua residual tratada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la existencia de estos impactos. Dada la complejidad y características de la calidad de agua residual tratada; el trabajo se centró en la transformación de los compuestos nitrogenados inorgánicos como son: nitrógeno amoniacal, nitritos, nitratos y óxido nitroso. Abordar a este último, el cual es un gas de efecto invernadero permite una visión holística de los procesos de los compuestos analizados. El muestreo, así como el análisis, fue realizado en la Ciudad de Chihuahua. La interpretación se realizó con modelos de estadísticos multivariados, ANOVAS y de Análisis de Componentes Principales. Los resultados muestran que existe un impacto que puede ser mitigado o controlado con medidas durante el manejo y operación del re-uso.
UN MODELO ESTOCÁSTICO PARA ARRECIFES DE CORAL
Authors: Guerrero González Claudia Lucía
Published: December 2017

La importancia de los arrecifes de coral y su desgaste en las últimas décadas nos lleva a estudiarlos cada

vez más. En este artículo se presenta un modelo de ecuaciones diferenciales estocásticas con retraso que

intenta representar el efecto de la presencia y la alimentación de algunos peces, como los escáridos, en

estos ecosistemas.
Estatus Económico, Social y de la Salud de Tetepango, Hidalgo
Authors: Hernández Ríos KJ , Parada Trejo S , Hernández Skewes KY , Rivero Córdoba VI , Sánchez Martínez DV , Ruvalcaba Ledezma JC
Published: December 2017

México es un país que ha padecido de pobreza a lo largo de su historia por distintas causas, y esto ha impactado en su capacidad económica y de salud, además que se ha desplazado la esperanza de vida al nacer, la transición epidemiológica y nutricional y con esto se incrementó el número de familias con estilo y calidad vida deficiente. Objetivo. Determinar el estatus económico social y de la salud de Tetepango, Hidalgo. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo aplicando 400 encuestas a la población del municipio de Tetepango. Resultados. El 32.7% de las personas cuenta con seguro popular, este ocupa el mayor porcentaje en cuanto a servicios de salud, el sueldo semanal es de 500-1500 pesos, organización de campañas sanitarias deficiente con un 37%, el 72.5%  confirma deficiente atención en el centro de salud, 89% señala no inversión en servicios de salud. Conclusión. Tetepango presenta deficiencias por instituciones de salud, mala calidad de los servicios, deficiente organización social, estilos y calidad de vida.
Prevención de hábitos no fisiológicos a través de la lactancia materna
Authors: Nieto Arana KG , Mendoza Rodríguez M , Pontigo Loyola AP
Published: December 2017

Se realiza un análisis sobre la importancia de la lactancia materna para la prevención  de las anomalías dentomaxilofaciales, además se exponen las ventajas del amamantamiento tanto para la salud bucal del niño como para su salud general, donde se explican algunas de las más importantes. Se relacionan también las ventajas  que tiene para la madre la lactancia materna. Como conclusión se plantea que la alimentación a través del seno materno favorece el crecimiento y desarrollo del aparato masticatorio, contribuye a la maduración de la respiración y deglución,  evita la adquisición de hábitos deformantes bucales, mejora la oclusión dental en etapas posteriores al desarrollo infantil, previene  las anomalías dentomaxilofaciales y contribuye a la prevención de caries dental.
Quantum secure communication models comparison
Authors: Bebrov Georgi Petrov , Dimova Rozalina Stefanova
Published: December 2017

The paper concerns the quantum cryptography, more specifically, the quantum secure communication type of schemes. The main focus here is on making a comparison between the distinct secure quantum communication models – quantum secure direct communication and deterministic secure quantum communication, in terms of three parameters: resource efficiency, eavesdropping check efficiency, and security (degree of preserving the confidentiality).
Proposed Network Intrusion Detection System ‎In Cloud Environment Based on Back ‎Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Mehibs Shawq Malik , Hashim Soukaena Hassan
Published: December 2017

Cloud computing is distributed architecture, providing computing facilities and storage resource as a service over the internet. This low-cost service fulfills the basic requirements of users. Because of the open nature and services introduced by cloud computing intruders impersonate legitimate users and misuse cloud resource and services. To detect intruders and suspicious activities in and around the cloud computing environment, intrusion detection system used to discover the illegitimate users and suspicious action by monitors different user activities on the network .this work proposed based back propagation artificial neural network to construct t network intrusion detection in the cloud environment. The proposed module evaluated with kdd99 dataset the experimental results shows promising approach to detect attack with high detection rate and low false alarm rate
Uji Daya Hasil Klon Harapan Kentang (Solanum tuberosum L.) IPB di Kabupaten Garut Jawa Barat
Authors: Hasian Zulkarnain Dicky , Maharijaya Awang , Syukur Muhamad
Published: December 2017

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) highly consumed in the form of vegetable and processed potato so that the needs of potatoes have not been fulfilled by domestic production. One effort to increase national potato production is to assemble high-yield varieties of potato. This study aimed to test the production of several IPB potato promising clones. This research was conducted in Garut, West Java in May to August 2016. This research used Completely Randomized Design with clone as the factor and repetition as many as three replications as the group. The planting material used was IPB Potato promising clones which consisted of PKHT 2, PKHT 4, PKHT 6, PKHT 9, and PKHT 10 and Granola and Atlantik as the comparison. The results showed that PKHT 4, PKHT 6, PKHT 9, and PKHT 10 are IPB potato promising clones that have high production equivalent to Granola and higher than Atlantik as commercial varieties. Based on physical criteria PKHT 4 and PKHT 6 suitable to be processed potato chips and PKHT 9 and PKHT 10 suitable to be vegetable potato.Keywords: atlantic, granola, potato as vegetable, processed potato
Sensitization to 10 mites in a tropic area. Der p and Der f are important risk factor for sensitization to other mites from Pyroglyphidae, Acaridae, Chortoglyphidae, and Glyciphagidae families
Authors: Sánchez Jorge , Calvo Víctor , Sánchez Andrés , Díez Susana , Cardona Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Background: Much is known about the frequency of sensitization to Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, although less is known about sensitization to other species and their possible interactions.Objective: In patients with allergic manifestations, to evaluate the frequency of sensitization to 10 species of mites in a tropical area and their possible interactions.Methods: Cross-sectional study. Sensitization was evaluated by skin tests. A generalized linear Poisson regression model with robust variance was used. Based on the sensitization probability reasons and social networking analysis, explorations of relationship for 10 mites were performed.Results: 147 patients were included. The highest sensitization was found to mites' family Pyroglyphidae (> 70 %) and less frequently was the Glycyphagidae family (< 50 %). Sensitization to any mites significantly increased the likelihood of sensitization to others. Sensitization to Der f or Der p increased, more than 20 times the likelihood of sensitization to other mites of the Pyroglyphidae family and more than 10 times to mites from other families. Sensitization to mites from Glycyphagidae, Chortoglyphidae or Acaridae family also increased the risk of sensitization to other mites but less than 5 times.Conclusion: Sensitization to mites is frequent in tropical area. Pyroglyphidae sensitization is the main risk factor for polysensitization with other mites from Glycyphagidae, Chortoglyphidae or Acaridae. These results must be considered at diagnosis and treatment of allergy diseases.
Prevalencia de urticaria en Cartagena, Colombia
Authors: Miranda-Machado Pablo Andrés , Hoyos-Sánchez Bautista de la Cruz
Published: December 2017

Antecedentes: En Colombia se han realizado estudios de prevalencia de enfermedades alérgicas como asma, rinitis alérgica y dermatitis atópica. Los estudios de prevalencia de urticaria en Colombia son escasos.Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de urticaria en Cartagena, Colombia, con el fin de contribuir a las estimaciones epidemiológicas nacionales de esta enfermedad.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal multicéntrico en la ciudad de Cartagena y se incluyeron 547 pacientes entre 1 y 58 años atendidos en la consulta especializada de alergología en los centros de atención seleccionados para esta investigación entre abril y julio de 2015, mediante un muestreo por conveniencia.Resultados: La prevalencia de urticaria en los centros de atención seleccionados de la ciudad de Cartagena fue de 7.1 % (niños 4.0 % y adultos 3.1 %). Se estimó una prevalencia de 3.4 % de urticaria aguda y de 3.6 % de urticaria crónica.Conclusiones: El 46.1 % de los pacientes manifestó tener una mala calidad de vida asociada con la urticaria.
Senescencia del sistema inmune y alteraciones relacionadas con el asma
Authors: Vega-Robledo Gloria Bertha , Rico-Rosillo María Guadalupe
Published: December 2017

La senescencia, proceso por el cual la célula entra en un estado de parálisis permanente del ciclo celular, implica cambios moleculares generalizados. Las células senescentes permanecen metabólicamente activas y la mayoría expresa el fenotipo secretor; mediante su secreción inciden en otras células y pueden inducir senescencia o cáncer. Por el contrario, en la llamada senescencia transitoria, las células secretoras pueden participar en la embriogénesis, la regeneración tisular y la respuesta inmune normal. Los cambios deletéreos asociados con la edad afectan a los integrantes del sistema inmune y la inmunosenescencia ocasiona pobre respuesta a vacunas y susceptibilidad a cáncer e infecciones. Estas últimas son causa frecuente de asma, sobre todo en ancianos, en quienes al parecer su incidencia va en aumento, lo que puede estar en relación con los cambios anatómicos, fisiológicos e inmunes ocasionados por la edad, la cronicidad del asma y los factores externos. La comorbilidad en los ancianos agrava el padecimiento y dificulta el diagnóstico, por lo que el conocimiento y manejo de estas entidades clínicas, deben ser del dominio de los médicos responsables de la atención primaria de los adultos mayores.
The Children of Military Service Members
Authors: De Pedro Kris M. Tunac , Astor Ron Avi , Benbenishty Rami , Estrada Jose , Smith Gabrielle R. Dejoie , Esqueda Monica Christina
Published: December 2017

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have led to concerning psychological, behavioral, and academic outcomes for children in military families. Of the 1.2 million school-aged children of military service members, only 86,000 actually attend schools administered by the Department of Defense on military installations throughout the world. The remaining military children attend schools administered by civilian public schools, private schools, and other civilian-run educational agencies. At present, there is a knowledge gap in educational research regarding military-connected schools and students. Given the lack of educational research on military children, the primary objective of this review is to outline findings from noneducational disciplinary empirical literatures that are of direct relevance to schooling for educational researchers who want to conduct studies on military-connected schools and students. The authors reviewed studies on military children and their families that examined links between special circumstances and stressors as well as outcomes that are known to impact students’ school experiences. A synthesis of literature generated six themes: mental health in military families, child maltreatment, the impact of deployment on military children and families, the reintegration experience, war-related trauma of the returning veteran parent, and the experience of Reservist and Guard families in civilian contexts. The article concludes with a heuristic model for future educational research, including linkages to school reform.
Comparison of Amniotic Fluid Index and Single Deepest Vertical Pool method for predicting fetal outcome
Authors: Shah Rajiv , Sharma Paban
Published: December 2017

Background & Objectives: The measurement of amniotic fluid volume (AFV) has been an important component of antenatal evaluation of fetal well being. The most commonly used methods are by amniotic fluid index technique (AFI) and single deepest pool method (SDVP). Both the methods employ ultrasound for AFV measurement. The objective of this study is to compare the usefulness of AFI and SDVP method in assessing amniotic fluid volume for predicting adverse perinatal outcome.Materials & Methods: This is a hospital based prospective comparative study. The patient whose amniotic fluid was measured by SDVP technique was study group and that by AFI was comparison group. Any case with high risk factor was excluded from the study. First case was decided by lottery and then alternately one case was kept in study group and the other in comparative group. If the women did not deliver within 1 week the measurements was retaken and the final values was used for analysis.AFI was estimated as described by Phelan and colleagues and SDVP as described by Manning. Data collection was started after the approval of Institution review board. This study was conducted at Patan Academy of Health Sciences. Duration of data collection was 3 months, Asadh –Bhadra, 2071.Results: A total of one hundred and fifty four cases which met the inclusion criteria were taken. Incidence of oligohydramnios by SDVP method was 10.4 % by SDVP technique and by AFI method it was 18.2 %. There was no statistical significant difference between the two groups in terms of rate of induction, mode of delivery, meconium staining of liquor, fetal heart rate tracings, APGAR score at 5 mins and admission to special care baby unit.Conclusion: In non-high risk pregnancy AFI technique detects slightly more number of oligohydramnios as compared to SDVP technique without apparently any difference in perinatal outcome.
CD4 count and oral health related quality of life of HIV-infected individuals at a tertiary healthcare center in Dharan – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shrestha Ashish , Rimal Jyotsna , Poudyal Nimesh
Published: December 2017

Background & Objective:  Patients with severe immuno-suppression are at risk of having poor oral hygiene and severe periodontal diseases, thus limiting their quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with HIV/AIDS and its association with the CD4 cell count.Materials & Methods:  A cross-sectional study was conducted using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) among 122 HIV/AIDS patients visiting the CD4 laboratory at a tertiary healthcare center at Dharan, from January-December 2009. Oral examination and recording of dental indices were done. CD4 cell count was correlated with OHIP-14 and dental indices using Spearman’s rho; p < 0.01 was considered as statistically significant.Results:  Sixty four males and 58 females with median age of 34 years had a mean CD4 cell count of 360.46 cells/mm3 (range=111-1076 cells/mm3). OHRQoL was affected in 25.4% of the individuals with mean OHIP-14 score of 2.5. Most of the individuals (85.7%) were on ART, never used tobacco (68%) or alcohol (74.5%). Mean OHI-S and DMFT were 1.65 and 1.57, respectively and periodontal pocket observed in only 3.3% individuals. The CD4 cell count had no significant positive correlation with OHIP-14 ((rs=0.071; p=0.61), OHI-S (rs=0.21; p=0.127) and DMFT (rs=0.015; p=0.912). There was no significant difference in parameters with regards to gender.Conclusion: Although CD4 cells are an important indicator for clinical aggravation of HIV infection, OHRQoL and oral health as measured by OHI-S, DMFT and CPI are not directly associated to the CD4 cell count.
Profile of Ectopic Pregnancy at Western Regional Hospital
Authors: Regmi Rabi Prasad , Parajuly Shyam Sundar , Shrestha Ananda Bahadur , Singh Dela Joshi , Gyawali Sarvesh
Published: December 2017

Background & Objective: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is one of the common life threatening obstetric emergencies which if not recognized and managed on time can be ruptured which could be a cause of death.  Unfortunately, the world wide incidence of EP is in an increasing trend. The main objective of this study is to assess the frequency, trends, blood loss and management aspects of EP at Western Regional Hospital (WRH), Pokhara.Materials & Methods: The study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecolgy, WRH. Data were collected and analyzed from patient’s records and discharge summary during the period of 2072-1-1 to 2072-9-30 B.S, retrospectively. Total number of hospital deliveries (7250) during this period was obtained from record section. Diagnosis of EP was made by urine beta- hcg (human chorionic gonado-tropin hormone) test and pelvic ultrasonography.Results:  The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was one in every 168 deliveries. Forty three such ectopic pregnancies were diagnosed and managed during the period, the mean age was 26.34 years, the median being the age of 25-29 years (16 patients). Twenty seven patients had ruptured ectopic pregnancy. Of all the cases, the number of patients with heterotopic pregnancy and intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD) in situ were one for each (2.3%). All cases were satisfactorily managed with no mortality, and a mean of 6.1 days of hospital stay.Conclusion: Ectopic pregnancies are common cause of hospital admission, irrespective of patient's age all of which were managed at WRH with no mortality.
Co-existence of ischemic stroke in Rheumatic and non-rheumatic atrial Fibrillation in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Western Nepal
Authors: Kafle Ram Chandra , Jha Girija Shankar , Paudel Navaraj , Alurkar Vijay Madhav
Published: December 2017

Background & Objectives: Stroke is a major public health burden worldwide leading to long-term morbidity and even mortality. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia and is an independent factor to increase risk of ischemic stroke. The risk of stroke further enhanced in rheumatic atrial fibrillation and affects younger population of developing countries.  The study has aimed to find out frequency of co-existence of stroke in AF and secondarily to look for age distribution of stroke and risk factors of AF.Materials & Methods: A retrospective analysis of trans-thoracic echocardiographic records of patients from 1st June 2009 to 31st June 2016 was done. Data were collected in a pre-structured proforma and analyzed.Results: Among 15767 echocardiographies, 577 (3.65%) cases were recorded to have atrial fibrillation. Mean age 65(±15) years ranging from 14 to 100 years. Rheumatic heart disease was the second most common cause of atrial fibrillation after hypertension. The co-existence of ischemic stroke was seen in 87(15.07%) cases with male to female ratio of 1:1.3. The proportion of stroke in rheumatic Atrial fibrillation was 21(18.75%) which was higher than in non-Rheumatic atrial fibrillation 66(14.2%).Conclusion: Rheumatic heart disease is contributing as second most common cause of atrial fibrillation after hypertension, nearly one fourth of total stroke and most common (93%) cause of stroke below the age of 45 years. Preventive strategies aimed at health awareness about rheumatic fever, screening programs at community level, early detection and treatment for hypertension and Rheumatic heart disease can contribute in reduction of stroke burden.
Synthesis of 4- or 6-(3-Benzyl-2,3-Dihydrobenzo[d]Thiazol-2-yl)Phenol Derivatives by a Novel Three-Component Reaction
Authors: Nassiri Mahmoud
Published: December 2017

A series of 4- or 6-(3-benzyl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[ d]thiazol-2-yl)phenol derivatives was synthesised by reaction of benzothiazole or 2,6-dimethylbenzothiazole with benzyl bromide in the presence of 2,6-dimethylphenol, 2,6-di- tert-butylphenol or 2- tert-butyl-4-methylphenol. The reactions proceeded in the presence of Et3N as a base and acetonitrile as solvent under reflux for 5 h in good yields.
Differential Effect of APOE Alleles on Brain Glucose Metabolism in Targeted Replacement Mice: An [18F]FDG-μPET Study
Authors: Venzi Marcello , Tóth Miklós , Häggkvist Jenny , Bogstedt Anna , Rachalski Adeline , Mattsson Anna , Frumento Paolo , Farde Lars
Published: December 2017

Background:

The Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) alleles ɛ2, ɛ3, and ɛ4 are known to differentially modulate cerebral glucose metabolism and the risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) via both amyloid-β (Aβ)-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Objective:

We investigated the influence of ApoE on cerebral glucose metabolism in humanized APOE Targeted Replacement (TR) mice at ages that precede the comparison of Aβ parenchymal deposits in APOE4-TR mice.

Methods:

Fludeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) measures were performed longitudinally in homozygous APOE-TR mice (APOE2, APOE3, APOE4; n = 10 for each group) at 3, 5, 11, and 15 months. Results were quantified using standard uptake values and analyzed statistically using a linear mixed effects model. Levels of the Aβ40 and Aβ42 peptides were quantified ex vivo using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 15 months in the same animals.

Results:

APOE2 mice (versus APOE3) showed a significant increase in glucose metabolism starting at 6 months, peaking at 9 months. No evidence of hypometabolism was apparent in any region or time point for APOE4 mice, which instead displayed a hypermetabolism at 15 months. Whole brain soluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels were not significantly different between genotypes at 15 months.

Conclusions:

Introduction of human APOE alleles ɛ2 and ɛ4 is sufficient to produce alterations in brain glucose metabolism in comparison to the control allele ɛ3, without a concomitant alteration in Aβ40 and Aβ42 levels. These results suggest novel Aβ-independent metabolic phenotypes conferred by ɛ2 and ɛ4 alleles and have important implications for preclinical studies using TR-mice.
Imaging Biomarkers in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Practical Guide for Clinicians
Authors: Sheikh-Bahaei Nasim , Sajjadi Seyed Ahmad , Manavaki Roido , Gillard Jonathan Harvey
Published: December 2017

Although recent developments in imaging biomarkers have revolutionized the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease at early stages, the utility of most of these techniques in clinical setting remains unclear. The aim of this review is to provide a clear stepwise algorithm on using multitier imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to be used by clinicians and radiologists for day-to-day practice. We summarized the role of most common imaging techniques and their appropriate clinical use based on current consensus guidelines and recommendations with brief sections on acquisition and analysis techniques for each imaging modality. Structural imaging, preferably MRI or alternatively high resolution CT, is the essential first tier of imaging. It improves the accuracy of clinical diagnosis and excludes other potential pathologies. When the results of clinical examination and structural imaging, assessed by dementia expert, are still inconclusive, functional imaging can be used as a more advanced option. PET with ligands such as amyloid tracers and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose can improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis particularly at the early stages of the disease. There are, however, limitations in using these techniques in wider community due to a combination of lack of facilities and expertise to interpret the findings. The role of some of the more recent imaging techniques including tau imaging, functional MRI, or diffusion tensor imaging in clinical practice, remains to be established in the ongoing and future studies.
Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Carter Chris J.
Published: December 2017

Diverse pathogens are detected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brains. A bioinformatics survey showed that AD genome-wide association study (GWAS) genes (localized in bone marrow, immune locations and microglia) relate to multiple host/pathogen interactomes ( Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Bornavirus, Borrelia burgdorferri, cytomegalovirus, Ebola virus, HSV-1, HERV-W, HIV-1, Epstein-Barr, hepatitis C, influenza, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Porphyrymonas gingivalis, Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi). These interactomes also relate to the AD hippocampal transcriptome and to plaque or tangle proteins. Upregulated AD hippocampal genes match those upregulated by multiple bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa in immunocompetent cells. AD genes are enriched in GWAS datasets reflecting pathogen diversity, suggesting selection for pathogen resistance, as supported by the old age of AD patients, implying resistance to earlier infections. APOE4 is concentrated in regions of high parasitic burden and protects against childhood tropical infections and hepatitis C. Immune/inflammatory gain of function applies to APOE4, CR1, and TREM2 variants. AD genes are also expressed in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is disrupted by AD risk factors (age, alcohol, aluminum, concussion, cerebral hypoperfusion, diabetes, homocysteine, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, pesticides, pollution, physical inactivity, sleep disruption, smoking) and by pathogens, directly or via olfactory routes to basal-forebrain BBB control centers. The BBB benefits from statins, NSAIDs, estrogen, melatonin, memantine, and the Mediterranean diet. Polymicrobial involvement is supported by upregulation of bacterial, viral, and fungal sensors/defenders in the AD brain, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid. AD serum amyloid- β autoantibodies may attenuate its antimicrobial effects favoring microbial survival and cerebral invasion leading to activation of neurodestructive immune/inflammatory processes, which may also be augmented by age-related immunosenescence. AD may thus respond to antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral therapy.
Decreased Expression of Sulfatase 2 in the Brains of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients: Implications for Regulation of Neuronal Cell Signaling
Authors: Roberts Rosebud O. , Kang Yoo Na , Hu Chunling , Moser Catherine D. , Wang Shaoqing , Moore Michael J. , Graham Rondell P. , Lai Jin-Ping , Petersen Ronald C. , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: December 2017

Background:

The human sulfatase 1 (SULF1) and sulfatase 2 (SULF2) genes modulate cell signaling and homeostasis in many tissues. Gene expression analyses have implicated SULF2 in disease pathogenesis, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but changes in brain SULF2 expression have not been directly established.

Objective:

To investigate the expression of SULF1 and SULF2 in brain tissues from AD cases and cognitively normal controls.

Methods:

Autopsy tissue from AD cases ( n = 20) and age-and gender-matched cognitively normal controls ( n = 20) were identified from the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Registry neuropathology database. Tissue slides were stained for SULF1 and SULF2 protein expression in the hippocampus and frontal lobe and an expression score computed from the proportion of cells stained and the intensity of staining (range 0 [no expression] to 9 [marked expression]).

Results:

SULF2 expression was reduced in AD cases. Compared to cognitively normal controls, SULF2 expression in AD cases was significantly decreased in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis (CA) (mean score of 6.5 in cases versus 8.3 in controls; p = 0.003), in the gray matter of the parahippocampal gyrus (5.6 in cases versus 7.6 in controls; p = 0.003), and in the frontal lobe gray matter (5.4 in cases versus 7.4 in controls; p = 0.002). There was no difference in SULF1 expression in the hippocampus or frontal lobe of AD cases and controls. As expected there were no differences in SULF1 or SULF2 expression in white matter in AD cases compared to cognitively normal controls.

Conclusion:

Decreased SULF2 in specific regions of the brain occurs in AD.
The Effects of Mindfulness on Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Wong Wee Ping , Coles Jan , Chambers Richard , Wu David Bin-Chia , Hassed Craig
Published: December 2017

Background:

The current lack of an effective cure for dementia would exacerbate its prevalence and incidence globally. Growing evidence has linked mindfulness to cognitive and psychological improvements that could be relevant for mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Objective:

To investigate whether mindfulness practice can improve health outcomes of MCI.

Methods:

The study is the first longitudinal mixed-methods observational study with a one-year follow-up period, that customized an eight-week group-based mindfulness training program for older adults with MCI ( n = 14). Measures included cognitive function, psychological health, trait mindfulness, adherence to mindfulness practice, and everyday activities functioning as assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and one-year follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVAs, Pearson’s correlation analyses, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed.

Results:

The MCI participants showed significant improvements in cognitive function ( p < 0.05) and trait mindfulness ( p < 0.05) after completing the intervention. Between program intervention and one-year follow-up (59 weeks), positive correlations were found between their cognitive function ( p < 0.05) and everyday activities functioning ( p < 0.05) with the duration of mindfulness meditation; and between trait mindfulness and the level of informal mindfulness practice ( p < 0.05). Those who meditated more during these 59 weeks, showed greater improvements in cognitive function ( p < 0.05) and everyday activities functioning ( p < 0.05), with large effect sizes at the one-year follow-up. Qualitative findings will be reported separately.

Conclusion:

Long-term mindfulness practice may be associated with cognitive and functional improvements for older adults with MCI. Mindfulness training could be a potential efficacious non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention for MCI.
Midlife Work-Related Stress is Associated with Late-Life Gray Matter Volume Atrophy
Authors: Sindi Shireen , Kåreholt Ingemar , Spulber Gabriela , Soininen Hilkka , Kivipelto Miia , Solomon Alina
Published: December 2017

Background:

Work-related stress has been associated with an increased dementia risk. However, less is known about the mechanisms that underlie these associations.

Objective:

The goal is to examine associations between midlife work-related stress and late-life structural brain alterations.

Methods:

The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) study participants were randomly selected from independent population-based surveys (mean age 50) in Finland. MRI measurements included gray matter (GM) volume, white matter lesions (WML) and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) (1st re-examination, n = 102); and GM volume, hippocampal volume, WML volume, cortical thickness, and MTA (2nd re-examination, n = 64). Work-related stress comprised a score from two questions administered in midlife.

Results:

Higher levels of midlife work-related stress were associated with lower GM volume (β= –0.077, p = 0.033) at the first re-examination, even after adjusting for several confounders. No significant associations were found with MTA, WML, or MRI measurements at the second re-examination.

Conclusion:

Previously shown associations of midlife work-related stress with dementia risk may be at least partly explained by associations with lower GM volume in late-life. The lack of associations at the second re-examination may indicate a critical time window for the effects of midlife work-related stress, and/or selective survival/participation.
Validation of the English Version of the Multimodal Assessment of Capacities in Severe Dementia (MAC-SD): A Cognitive and Functional Scale for Use in Severe Dementia
Authors: Heller Sloane , Steinberg Alan , Sedler Mark
Published: December 2017

Background:

Most existing screening instruments that assess cognition and functioning in dementia suffer from floor effects, limiting their utility in severely demented patients. In 2015, the first author devised a new instrument, The Multimodal Assessment of Capacities in Severe Dementia (MAC-SD), to address this need. The MAC-SD Spanish version proved reliable, valid, and useful for evaluating patients with severe dementia.

Objective:

This report presents the results of a field trial of the English version of the MAC-SD in a U.S. population.

Methods:

The MAC-SD was administered to 40 participants with severe dementia along with gold standard measures of cognition and functioning in dementia (the Severe Mini-Mental State Exam, the Severe Impairment Battery, the Global Deterioration Scale, and the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living). Data analysis was performed to determine floor effects, reliability, validity, sensitivity to change, and clinical usefulness.

Results:

The MAC-SD showed no significant floor effects, acceptable reliability, convergent validity with control measures, internal validity, and known groups validity. Of participants who scored the lowest possible on control measures, MAC-SD scores ranged widely. The MAC-SD was highly sensitive to change, and was able to detect changes not seen on control measures.

Conclusions:

The MAC-SD English version is reliable and valid for use in the cognitive and functional assessment of patients with severe dementia. It gives more detailed information than control instruments about the cognitive and functional abilities of patients with the most severe dementia, and is able to detect changes in these patients not shown by control measures.
Control of the parameters and composition of molecular and cluster beams by means of IR lasers
Authors: Makarov G N
Published: December 2017

The widespread use of molecular and cluster beams in research and practice makes it necessary and relevant to develop methods to control their parameters and composition. Among the methods already developed, those based on using lasers play a considerable role. In this paper, we present results of research on the use of infrared (IR) lasers to control the parameters and composition of molecular and molecular cluster beams.Wedescribe the methods and present research results on neutral molecular beam acceleration due to the vibrational excitation of molecules at the nozzle outlet. We review experimental results on high-energy molecule production and the generation of molecular radicals in secondary pulsed molecular beams obtained by forming a pressure shock in front of a solid surface interacting with an intense pulsed gasdynamically cooled molecular flow, with molecules excited by the laser directly at the secondary beam source. Molecular beam kinetic energies of one to several electron volts have been achieved by this method. The optimum conditions for obtaining high-energy molecules are found. Methods for determining the composition and content of pulsed molecular cluster beams are considered, as are results on the IR laser control of the composition and content of molecular cluster beams using the resonance vibrational excitation of molecules and clusters by laser radiation in the zone of gasdynamic nozzle outlet expansion. Other methods, including laser-based ones, for controlling the velocity of beam atoms and molecules are briefly discussed.
Day-Ahead Dispatch Model of Electro-Thermal Integrated Energy System with Power to Gas Function
Authors: Yang Deyou , Xi Yufei , Cai Guowei
Published: December 2017

The application of power to gas (P2G) provides a new way to absorb intermittent renewable energy generation, which improves the efficiency of renewable energy utilization and provides the necessary flexibility for operating the integrated energy system. The electro-thermal integrated energy system with P2G is a new form of using energy efficiently. In this paper, we first introduce the technology and application of P2G. On the basis of considering the characteristics of P2G facilities, power systems, natural gas systems and heating systems, an optimal dispatching model of electro-thermal multi-energy system with P2G facilities is proposed. Particle swarm optimization is used to solve the optimal scheduling model. The simulation results are discussed for the six-bus and six-node integration system and show that when the volume fraction of hydrogen does not exceed 20% in the gas network, for the same operating mode, an integrated energy grid with P2G function will save about 20 tons of standard coal per day and the abandoned wind rate can be regarded as 0.
A Bibliometric Study to Assess Bioprinting Evolution
Authors: Naveau Adrien , Smirani Rawen , Catros Sylvain , De Oliveira Hugo , Fricain Jean-Christophe , Devillard Raphael
Published: December 2017

Bioprinting as a tissue engineering tool is one of the most promising technologies for overcoming organ shortage. However, the spread of populist articles among on this technology could potentially lead public opinion to idealize its readiness. This bibliometric study aimed to trace the evolution of bioprinting literature over the past decade (i.e., 2000 to 2015) using the SCI-expanded database of Web of Science® (WoS, Thomson Reuters). The articles were analyzed by combining various bibliometric tools, such as science mapping and topic analysis, and a Technology Readiness Scale was adapted to assess the evolution of this emerging field. The number of analyzed publications was low (231), but the literature grew exceptionally fast. The “Engineering, Biomedical” was still the most represented WoS category. Some of the recent fronts were “hydrogels” and “stem cells”, while “in vitro” remained one of the most used keywords. The number of countries and journals involved in bioprinting literature grew substantially in one decade, also supporting the idea of an increasing community. Neither the United States’ leadership in bioprinting productivity nor the role of universities in publications were challenged. “Biofabrication” and “Biomaterials” journals were still the leaders of the bioprinting field. Bioprinting is a young but promising technology.
Bioinspired Catechol-Based Systems: Chemistry and Applications
Authors: D’Ischia Marco , Ruiz-Molina Daniel
Published: December 2017

Catechols are widely found in nature taking part in a variety of biological functions, ranging from the aqueous adhesion of marine organisms to the storage of transition metal ions [...]
Fluorescence-Free Biosensor Methods in Detection of Food Pathogens with a Special Focus on Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rajeswaran , Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: December 2017

Food pathogens contaminate food products that allow their growth on the shelf and also under refrigerated conditions. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to lower the limit of detection (LOD) of the method used and to obtain the results within hours to few days. Biosensor methods exploit the available technologies to individuate and provide an approximate quantification of the bacteria present in a sample. The main bottleneck of these methods depends on the aspecific binding to the surfaces and on a change in sensitivity when bacteria are in a complex food matrix with respect to bacteria in a liquid food sample. In this review, we introduce surface plasmon resonance (SPR), new advancements in SPR techniques, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), as fluorescence-free biosensing technologies for detection of L. monocytogenes in foods. The application of the two methods has facilitated L. monocytogenes detection with LOD of 1 log CFU/mL. Further advancements are envisaged through the combination of biosensor methods with immunoseparation of bacteria from larger volumes, application of lab-on-chip technologies, and EIS sensing methods for multiplex pathogen detection. Validation efforts are being conducted to demonstrate the robustness of detection, reproducibility and variability in multi-site installations.
EEG Dynamics of a Go/Nogo Task in Children with ADHD
Authors: Baijot Simon , Cevallos Carlos , Zarka David , Leroy Axelle , Slama Hichem , Colin Cecile , Deconinck Nicolas , Dan Bernard , Cheron Guy
Published: December 2017

Background: Studies investigating event-related potential (ERP) evoked in a Cue-Go/NoGo paradigm have shown lower frontal N1, N2 and central P3 in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to typically developing children (TDC). However, the electroencephalographic (EEG) dynamics underlying these ERPs remain largely unexplored in ADHD. Methods: We investigate the event-related spectral perturbation and inter-trial coherence linked to the ERP triggered by visual Cue-Go/NoGo stimuli, in 14 children (7 ADHD and 7 TDC) aged 8 to 12 years. Results: Compared to TDC, the EEG dynamics of children with ADHD showed a lower theta-alpha ITC concomitant to lower occipito-parietal P1-N2 and frontal N1-P2 potentials in response to Cue, Go and Nogo stimuli; an upper alpha power preceding lower central Go-P3; a lower theta-alpha power and ITC were coupled to a lower frontal Nogo-N3; a lower low-gamma power overall scalp at 300 ms after Go and Nogo stimuli. Conclusion: These findings suggest impaired ability in children with ADHD to conserve the brain oscillations phase associated with stimulus processing. This physiological trait might serve as a target for therapeutic intervention or be used as monitoring of their effects.
The Utilization of Waste Water from a Concrete Plant in the Production of Cement Composites
Authors: Klus Lukáš , Václavík Vojtěch , Dvorský Tomáš , Svoboda Jakub , Papesch Radek
Published: December 2017

This article presents the results of a study dealing with the utilization of sludge water from a concrete plant as a partial replacement for mixing water in the production of cement composites. The replacement of mixing water with sludge water from a concrete plant was carried out in the amounts of 20% and 50%. The following tests were carried out in order to determine the effect of the replacement of mixing water with sludge water from a concrete plant on the physical and mechanical properties of the cement composites: cement mortar consistency, beginning and end of setting, strength characteristics (compressive strength and flexural strength), and thermal properties. The measured values of the strength characteristics of the test specimens after 28 days of age confirm the possibility of replacing mixing water with sludge water from a concrete plant without significantly reducing the compressive and flexural strength.
A Rare Case of Pure Erythroid Sarcoma in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Manresa Pablo , Tarín Fabián , Niveiro María , Tasso María , Alda Olga , López Francisco , Sarmiento Héctor , Verdú José , De Paz Francisco , López Silvia , Del Cañizo María , Such Esperanza , Barragán Eva , Martirena Fernanda
Published: December 2017

We describe an exceptional case of erythroid sarcoma in a pediatric patient as a growing orbital mass with no evidence of morphologic bone marrow involvement, who was finally diagnosed of pure erythroid sarcoma based on histopathology and flow cytometry criteria. We discuss the contribution of standardized eight-color flow cytometry as a rapid and reliable diagnostic method. The use of normal bone marrow databases allowed us to identify small aberrant populations in bone marrow and later confirm the diagnosis in the neoplastic tissue.
Hypothesis Tests for Bernoulli Experiments: Ordering the Sample Space by Bayes Factors and Using Adaptive Significance Levels for Decisions
Authors: Pereira Carlos , Nakano Eduardo , Fossaluza Victor , Esteves Luís , Gannon Mark , Polpo Adriano
Published: December 2017

The main objective of this paper is to find the relation between the adaptive significance level presented here and the sample size. We statisticians know of the inconsistency, or paradox, in the current classical tests of significance that are based on p-value statistics that are compared to the canonical significance levels (10%, 5%, and 1%): “Raise the sample to reject the null hypothesis” is the recommendation of some ill-advised scientists! This paper will show that it is possible to eliminate this problem of significance tests. We present here the beginning of a larger research project. The intention is to extend its use to more complex applications such as survival analysis, reliability tests, and other areas. The main tools used here are the Bayes factor and the extended Neyman–Pearson Lemma.
A Geodesic-Based Riemannian Gradient Approach to Averaging on the Lorentz Group
Authors: Wang Jing , Sun Huafei , Li Didong
Published: December 2017

In this paper, we propose an efficient algorithm to solve the averaging problem on the Lorentz group O ( n , k ) . Firstly, we introduce the geometric structures of O ( n , k ) endowed with a Riemannian metric where geodesic could be written in closed form. Then, the algorithm is presented based on the Riemannian-steepest-descent approach. Finally, we compare the above algorithm with the Euclidean gradient algorithm and the extended Hamiltonian algorithm. Numerical experiments show that the geodesic-based Riemannian-steepest-descent algorithm performs the best in terms of the convergence rate.