bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution and feeding substrate of butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) on an Okinawan coral reef
Authors: Nanami Atsushi
Published: August 2020

Coral reefs support diverse communities, and relationships among organisms within these communities are quite complex. Among the relationships, clarifying the habitat association and foraging substrate selection relative to habitat characteristics is of central importance to ecology since these two aspects are the fundamentals for survival and growth of organisms. The aims of the present study were to investigate the spatial distribution and feeding substrate selection of 14 species of butterflyfishes on an Okinawan coral reef in Japan. Species-specific spatial distributions varied with habitat characteristics (e.g., encrusting corals, massive corals, branching Acropora and rock). For feeding substrates, seven species of obligate coral polyp feeders exhibited significant positive selectivity for tabular Acropora, corymbose Acropora, encrusting corals and massive corals but significant negative selectivity for dead corals, coral rubble and rock. Among six species of facultative coral polyp feeders, two species exhibited significant positive selectivity for encrusting corals and massive corals, and one species showed significant positive selectivity for dead corals as feeding substrates. In contrast, three species exhibited no significant positive selectivity for any feeding substrates. A similar result was observed for one non-coralline invertebrate feeder. Among the 14 species, 12 species showed a relatively close relationship between spatial distribution and feeding substrates but the remaining two species did not. The present study is the first study to elucidate species-specific spatial distributions and feeding substrate selection of butterflyfishes on an Okinawan coral reef. The results of the present study suggest that diverse substrates, including various types of living corals (especially encrusting corals, massive corals, tabular Acropora, corymbose Acropora and branching Acropora) and non-coralline substrates (rock) are the primary determinants of spatial distributions and feeding sites. Thus, diverse substrates are important for maintaining high species diversity of butterflyfishes and changes of the substrates would likely change the spatial patterns and foraging behavior, although species-specific responses may be found, depending on their species-specific dependence on vulnerable substrates.
Convolutional neural networks to automate the screening of malaria in low-resource countries
Authors: Zhao Oliver S. , Kolluri Nikhil , Anand Anagata , Chu Nicholas , Bhavaraju Ravali , Ojha Aditya , Tiku Sandhya , Nguyen Dat , Chen Ryan , Morales Adriane , Valliappan Deepti , Patel Juhi P. , Nguyen Kevin
Published: August 2020

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures and coma. The World Health Organization reports that there were 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths in 2018, with Africa representing 93% of total cases and 94% of total deaths. Rapid diagnosis and subsequent treatment are the most effective means to mitigate the progression into serious symptoms. However, many fatal cases have been attributed to poor access to healthcare resources for malaria screenings. In these low-resource settings, the use of light microscopy on a thin blood smear with Giemsa stain is used to examine the severity of infection, requiring tedious and manual counting by a trained technician. To address the malaria endemic in Africa and its coexisting socioeconomic constraints, we propose an automated, mobile phone-based screening process that takes advantage of already existing resources. Through the use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs), we utilize a SSD multibox object detection architecture that rapidly processes thin blood smears acquired via light microscopy to isolate images of individual red blood cells with 90.4% average precision. Then we implement a FSRCNN model that upscales 32 × 32 low-resolution images to 128 × 128 high-resolution images with a PSNR of 30.2, compared to a baseline PSNR of 24.2 through traditional bicubic interpolation. Lastly, we utilize a modified VGG16 CNN that classifies red blood cells as either infected or uninfected with an accuracy of 96.5% in a balanced class dataset. These sequential models create a streamlined screening platform, giving the healthcare provider the number of malaria-infected red blood cells in a given sample. Our deep learning platform is efficient enough to operate exclusively on low-tier smartphone hardware, eliminating the need for high-speed internet connection.
Review of Opportunities and Challenges of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services among Rural Farm Households in Nigeria during Pandemics
Authors: Izuogu Chibuzo Uzoma , Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu , Njoku Loveday Chukwudi , Azuamairo Gillian Chidozie , Atasie Mary C. , Onuabuchi Munonye, Jane
Published: August 2020

There is urgent need for increased institutional investment in ameliorating the adverse effects of pandemics among rural households. These effects are multi-faceted with governmental and other concerned agencies ignoring the socio-economic outcomes among rural households. The number of confirmed cases of Covid 19 patients in Nigeria rose from an index case on 27th February to 30,476 by 10th July 2020. About 82 Million Nigerians live in poverty. With a score of 27.9, Nigeria is ranked 93rd out of 117 countries on the 2019 Global Hunger Index. The objective of this review is to access the opportunities and challenges of agricultural extension and advisory services among rural farm households in Nigeria during pandemics. Data for the study were sourced from the World Health Organization, Food and Agricultural Organization, National Centre for Disease Control and other scientific documents. The identified impact of pandemics among rural households included increase in vulnerability, shortage of farm labor and worsening healthcare system etc. Dissemination of information in real time, encouraging healthy agricultural production system, providing market linkage for rural farmers, and effective interface with government were the major opportunities for rural advisory services. Extension must overcome the challenges of low utilization of modern technology by rural households, increasing housing deficit and poor infrastructural development in rural communities. The review recommends that more efforts should be targeted at ensuring that while the extension system is provided with all they need for optimal provision of services; policymakers are to develop more interest for rural development.
Awareness and Level of Adoption of Aquaculture Management Techniques in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Ijah A. A. , Oladele O. N. , Ishola B. F. , Ayodele J. T. , Yahaya U. F. , Omodona S. , Olukotun O.
Published: August 2020

The study investigated the awareness and level of adoption of aquaculture management techniques in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Purposive and random sampling techniques were adopted to select 60 fish farmers from the study area and data were collected from the fish farmers with the aid of well structured questionnaire administered to them face to face by the researchers and some trained enumerators. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means score, percentage, tables, Likert scale and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicated that majority (60.00%) of the respondents were male, while 95.00% of the farmers were between the age of 21-60 years with 91.67% of the fish farmers educated and 61.67% of fish farmer are highly experienced with 6 years and above. The findings also revealed that majority of the farmers are aware of aquaculture management techniques in the study area with 70.00% getting information on these techniques from extension agents followed by 55.00% who relied on other fish farmers for relevant information about fish farming. The Likert scale result revealed that thirteen out of twenty – one aquaculture management techniques postulated were adopted while eight were not adopted implying that 61.90% of the postulated techniques were adopted by the fish farmers in the study area. The result of the regression analysis showed that level of awareness of techniques; access to credit facility and number of contact with extension agent were the three factors influencing adoption of aquaculture management techniques by the fish farmers in the study area. Lack of credits/ fund to adopt improved practice (75.00%), expensiveness of techniques (55.00%), complexity of techniques (55.00%), and lack of support from the government (51.67%), lack of adequate and proper information on these techniques (50.00%), lack of training (45.00%) and lack of awareness (33.33%) were identified as constraints affecting adoption of aquaculture management techniques in the study area. In conclusion, the study revealed that the farmers were aware and adopted good numbers of the aquaculture management techniques introduced to them The study recommends that farmers should establish cooperative society so that they can pool their resources and knowledge together in solving most of the problems identified.
Seropositivity of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Intending Blood Donors in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Abeni B. A. , Peterside N. Frank- , Agbagwa O. E. , Adewuyi S. A. , Cookey T. I. , Okonko I. O.
Published: August 2020

Aims: Provision of constant and safe blood has been a public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa with a high prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among prospective blood donors at two Hospitals (government and private-owned) in Rivers State, and also to relate some demographic studies to the screening results.

Study Design:  Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Two Hospitals (a government-owned and private-owned) in Rivers State, Nigeria, between January 2018 and April 2019.

Methodology: Two hundred and eighty-two (185 males and 97 females) blood donors were recruited for this study. Sera samples were screened for antibodies to HIV-1 and -2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based kits following the manufacturer’s description.

Results: Of the 282 screened prospective donors (males and females) in this study, the overall prevalence of HIV from both hospitals was 6.0% with a seronegativity of 94.0%. There was a significant relationship (p <0.05) between the overall seroprevalence of HIV concerning gender (p-0.006) all other demographics had no significant association with HIV. Age group 21-30 had the highest prevalence of HIV (53.80%). Donors with tertiary education had the highest prevalence rate (52.90%) of HIV. About marital status, the unmarried donors had higher HIV prevalence (64.70%) when compared with the married donors (35.30%). However, family donors had the highest prevalence of HIV (52.90%). Finally, concerning occupation, students had a higher HIV prevalence (47.10%).

Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HIV in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria was high. This shows that HIV remains a threat to safe blood transfusion and public health in Nigeria. Strict adherence to selection criteria and algorithm of donor screening is hereby advocated.
Phytochemical Screening, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Root Barks from Acacia macrostachya Reichenb. Ex DC. (Fabaceae)
Authors: Coulibaly Adjaratou C. , Kabre W. L. M. Esther B. , Traore Tata K. , Achatde Constantin , Boly Gilchrist L. , Nebie Mariam T. , Ouedraogo Noufou , Kiendrebeogo Martin , Sawadogo Richard W.
Published: August 2020

Aims: Acacia macrostachya Reichenb. ex DC. (Fabaceae) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many pathologies including diarrhea, malaria with convulsion and fevers, snake bites, vomiting, nausea, dysenteric syndrome and choleriformis, inflammatory diseases and old wounds. The purpose of this study was to carry out the phytochemical screening, to assess the general acute toxicity, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the dichloromethane extract of A. macrostachya root barks in order to develop new lower-toxic anti-inflammatory drugs.

Place and Duration of Study: The work was carried out in the Department of Traditional Pharmacopoeia and Pharmacy (MEPHATRA / PH) of the Institute for Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) and LABIOCA from Université Joseph KI-ZERBO in Ouagadougou between March and June 2020.

Methodology: Phytochemical screening was carried out through thin layer chromatography with specific reagents. Acute toxicity assay was carried out according to the "dose adjustment" method from the OECD guideline 423 2001. Analgesic effect was evaluated on the number of abdominal contortions induced by the intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid while the anti-inflammatory activity using the Carrageenan anti-edematous test was determined according to Winter.

Results: Phytochemical profile demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponosides, triterpenes and sterols. At the dose of 200 mg/kg (bw), the extract inhibited acetic acid-induced pain by 67.08% and carragenaan-induced edema by 74.03%. A. macrostachya dichloromethane extract is slightly toxic with LD50 higher than 5000 mg/kg (bw).

Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrated the interest of A. macrostachya in the treatment of inflammatory pathologies and constitute a scientific basis of its traditional uses.
Impact Assessment of Block Level Agro Advisories for Saving Input Cost of Farmers under Old Gangetic Plains of West Bengal - A Case Study in Malda
Authors: Majumder Debjyoti , Roy Rakesh , Rahman F. H. , Rudra B. C.
Published: August 2020

Biweekly block level Agromet bulletins were disseminated based on medium range weather forecast with an objective to assess the effectiveness and usefulness of Block level Agro Advisory Services (AAS) and quantify the economic benefits through adopting the micro scale agromet advisory in their day to day agricultural operations at Malda, West Bengal. Two farmers groups were considered for the study on the basis of adoption and non-adoption of the agro-met advisories. Crop situation of these farmers were compared with nearby fields having the same crops where forecast were not adopted among non AAS farmers. The entire cost incurred along with yield and net returns were calculated from sowing to marketing of goods. Similarly, the weather forecast and actual weather data received from India Meteorological Department, New Delhi were compared to verify the accuracy of rainfall forecast for the year 2019-20 at GKMS centre, Malda KVK, West Bengal. It was apparent that the value of ratio score was higher during winter (84%) than pre-monsoon (80%), post-monsoon (79%) and monsoon (74%). However, the value of threat score was also found maximum during pre-monsoon season (79%). Statistical analysis like correlation coefficient, RMSE values of wind direction were found too high in all the four seasons to accept any homogeneity in the predicted and observed values. Blockwise verification of rainfall over the year showed the range of accuracy forecast for rainfall in between 67–76%. This forecast directly had a significant role in profit generation among the AAS adaptive farmers whose additional profit enhancement for maize cultivation was between 12% and 19% only towards cost of irrigation as compared to non-adaptive farmers. The study also showcased that the AAS adaptive farmers had a better livelihood as compared to non-AAS adaptive farmers.
Protective Effects of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Secamone afzelii (Asclepiadaceae) Leaves on Liver Transaminases, Serum Vitamin D and Zinc Levels against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)- Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Serge Koné Djoudori , Goueh Gnahoue , Nazaire Djyh Bernard , Abou Bamba , Félix Yapi Houphouet
Published: August 2020

Purpose: This study was carried out to evaluate effect of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Secamone afzelii leaves on Liver transaminases, serum vitamin D and Zinc levels in hepatotocixity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats.

Methods: The experiment was performed on 7 groups of 6 rats by the method of Mekky and collaborators. Rats were pre-treated with aqueous, hydroethanolic extracts Secamone afzelii (100 and 200 mg/kg) and Silymarin (SIL) an hepatoprotective reference prior to CCl4. Hepatotoxicity was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Hepatotoxicity implied a significant rise of Liver transaminases (ALT and AST) by hepatocyte alteration rate. The parameters evaluated in the study were alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), vitamin D and Zinc in serum. Vitamin D and Zinc levels in serum were respectively determined by HPLC analysis and Atomic absorption method.

Results: Carbon tetrachloride injection to rats every 2 days showed a significant rise of Liver transaminases (ALT and AST) and a significant lowering of vitamin D and zinc levels in serum compared to normal. However, pre-treatments with aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of Secamone afzelii caused a significant decrease of Liver transaminases (ALT and AST) and restored vitamin D and zinc levels in serum of animals (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01) compared to rats treated with CCl4 only (Negative control). Moreover, hydroethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) and Silymarin both reduced very well carbon tetrachloride effects by protecting Liver.

Conclusion: This study reveals that Secamone afzelii leaves extracts (aqueous and hydroethanolic) possess protective properties of the Liver. It also shows a significant association between low serum vitamin D and zinc levels and hepatotoxicity. The most active extract is Hydroethanolic extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg which can be used for preventives purposes.
Clinicopathological Correlate of Papulosquamous Skin Disorder in a Tertiary Health Care
Authors: Ukonu B. A. , Ibekwe P. U. , Abimiku B. A.
Published: August 2020

Papulosquamous skin disorder is one of the frequently seen skin dermatoses; but due to clinical and morphological overlap, it is sometimes difficult to make a straight forward clinical diagnosis without histological confirmation. This study seeks to examine the level of correlation between clinical diagnosis and histological confirmation. Medical records of subjects diagnosed at the Dermatology clinic with papulosquamous skin disorder between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrieved. Their bio data, clinical description of their lesions, clinical diagnosis and histopathological report were noted and analyzed with SPSS version 23 of the 88 patients with clinical diagnosis of a papulosquamous skin disease, 62 had record of skin biopsy result; these were included in the data analysis. The mean age was 39.1± 13.8 years (age ranged from 3-64 years). Ratio of male to female was 1.7:1 Thirty-four 34 (54.8%) were clinically diagnosed as lichen planus, 25 (40.3%) as psoriasis, 1(1.6%) each as parapsoriasis, lichen nitidus and lichen simplex chronicus. Histopathological diagnosis was the same in 26 cases of lichen planus, 19 of psoriasis and for the above mentioned disorders. Common histological findings for lichen planus were acanthosis 88.5%, hyperkeratosis (30.8%), parakeratosis (3.8%), papillomatosis (61.5%), hypergranulosis (3.8%) and band-like lymphocytic infiltrate (57.7%). While acanthosis (68.4%), Elongated rete ridges (84.2%); band-like lymphocytic infiltrate (78.9%) and dermal dilated blood vessels (5.3%) were seen in psoriasis. In conclusion: We observed 77.4% accuracy in diagnosis of papulosquamous skin disorder.
Photocatalytic Nanowires‐Based Air Filter: Towards Reusable Protective Masks
Authors: Horváth Endre , Rossi Lídia , Mercier Cyprien , Lehmann Caroline , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Forró László
Published: August 2020

In the last couple decades, several viral outbreaks resulting in epidemics and pandemics with thousands of human causalities have been witnessed. The current Covid‐19 outbreak represents an unprecedented crisis. In stopping the virus’ spread, it is fundamental to have personal protective equipment and disinfected surfaces. Here, the development of a TiO2 nanowires (TiO2NWs) based filter is reported, which it is believed will work extremely well for personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as for a new generation of air conditioners and air purifiers. Its efficiency relies on the photocatalytic generation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon UV illumination, and on a particularly high dielectric constant of TiO2, which is of paramount importance for enhanced wettability by the water droplets carrying the germs. The filter pore sizes can be tuned by processing TiO2NWs into filter paper. The kilogram‐scale production capability of TiO2NWs gives credibility to its massive application potentials.
Knock in of a hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene induces ALS in rats
Authors: Dong Wei , Zhang Li , Sun Caixian , Gao Xiang , Guan Feifei , Li Jing , Chen Wei , Ma Yuanwu , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: August 2020

Background

The GGGGCC (G4C2) repeat expansion in the human open reading frame 72 on chromosome 9, C9orf72, is the most common cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies in transgenic mouse models have linked the pathogenic mechanism of G4C2 repeat expansion to RNA foci or the accumulation of unnatural dipeptide repeats in neurons. However, only one of the existing transgenic mouse lines developed typical ALS.

Methods

C9orf72 knockin rats were generated by knockin of 80 G4C2 repeats with human flanking fragments within exon1a and exon1b at the rat C9orf72 locus. Protein expression was detected by western blot. Motor coordination and grip force were measured using a Rotarod test and a grip strength test. Neurodegeneration was assessed by Nissl staining with cresyl violet.

Results

C9orf72 haploinsufficiency reduced C9orf72 protein expression 40% in the cerebrum, cerebellum and spinal cords from knockin rats (P < .05). The knockin (KI) rats developed motor deficits from 4 months of age. Their falling latencies and grip force were decreased by 67% (P < .01) and 44% (P < .01), respectively, at 12 months of age compared to wild‐type (WT) mice. The knockin of the hexanucleotide repeat expansion (HRE) caused a 47% loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord (P < .001) and 25% (5/20) of female KI rats developed hind limb paralysis at 13 to 24 months.

Conclusion

Motor defects in KI rats may result from neurotoxicity caused by HRE and the resulting reduction in C9orf72 protein due to haploinsufficiency. These KI rats could be a useful model for investigating the contributions of loss‐of‐function to neurotoxicity in C9orf72‐related ALS.
Synthesis of ammonium persulfate microcapsule with a polyaniline shell and its controlled burst release
Authors: Zhang Qifan , Zuo Mingming , Li Guihao , Sha Jianpeng , Zuo Xiaobing
Published: August 2020

Polymer hydraulic fracturing is important for increasing production during petroleum exploitation. After fracturing, the high‐viscosity polymer should be completely decomposed by gel breakers (ammonium persulfate [APS]) to realize high conductivity in the proppant pack. A new series of polyaniline microcapsules loaded with APS for the preparation of delayed‐release gel breakers were synthesized via in situ polymerization. The silica nanoparticles were doped in polyaniline to control the release of the encapsulated APS. The morphology, shell wall thickness, and elemental composition of the microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and two‐dimensional scanned energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The results revealed that the microcapsules were irregularly spherical with average diameters of about 5–6 μm and had shell thicknesses of 150–300 nm, and the silica nanoparticles had been successfully doped in the polyaniline shell. The microcapsules had a burst release pattern, and their initial release time was precisely controlled by adjusting the concentration and temperature of the sodium hydroxide solution. With increased demands for high performance delayed‐release microcapsules, the prepared polyaniline microcapsules loaded with APS show great potential for practical applications in petroleum exploitation, self‐healing coating, fiber printing, and grease.
A multi‐block NMF model for non‐Gaussian process monitoring based on the adaptive partition non‐negative matrix factorization and Bayesian inference
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Shang , Ling Dan , Yuan Shi‐meng , Gu Xiao‐guang
Published: August 2020

Non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a novel technique for dimension‐reduction, which can be used to process data of non‐Gaussian and Gaussian efficiently. A global NMF model is inappropriate for the whole process, since it neglects the local information and monitoring results are often hard to be interpreted. On the basis of adaptive partition non‐negative matrix factorization (APNMF) and Bayesian inference, a multi‐block NMF model for non‐Gaussian process monitoring is put forward to detect and isolate the faults effectively. Using APNMF method, the original variables in different fault states can be adaptively divided into multiple sub‐blocks, and on this basis, the NMF monitoring model of each sub‐block is formed. Then, two new statistics are constructed by Bayesian inference to supply an intuitive display. Finally, a weighted reconstruction‐based contribution (RBC) plot method is presented to reduce the smearing effect and find out the main causes of these faults. This method makes full use of the local and global information of process data and improves the effectiveness of process monitoring. The validity and feasibility of the proposed method will be proved by an example of a numerical process, a Tennessee Eastman (TE) benchmark process and a continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR) process.
Prediction of BP neural network and preliminary application for suppression of low‐temperature oxidation of coal stockpiles by pulverized coal covering
Authors: Wan Yongzhou , Wu Jiaxin , Chu Ruizhi , Miao Zhenyong , Fan Lulu , Bai Lei , Meng Xianliang
Published: August 2020

We have developed a new method to suppress spontaneous combustion of coal piles by covering the surface of coal piles with pulverized coal. Experimental studies of three type of coal samples from China (YJL, CYW, and SW) with particle size ratio of 10:1 were performed to investigate the low‐temperature oxidation of coal pillars. In this work, we have also demonstrated that the distributions of oxygen concentration, the temperature field, as well as the spontaneous combustion of three typical Chinese coal samples can be predicted accurately using back‐propagation neural network (BPNN) by MATLAB. Pearson correlation analysis showed that temperature and oxygen concentration highly depend on the ratio of pulverized coal thickness to coal piles thickness, activation energy, void ratio, wind speed, and low‐temperature oxidation time. Three‐layer BPNN models with five input factors were developed to predict the low‐temperature oxidation process under pulverized coal. The prediction data of BPNN are fitting better with our experimental data, which confirms that BPNN modelling can accurately predict the low temperature oxidation process of coal.
Palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia associated with high‐dose methotrexate: Case report
Authors: Chauhan Priyanka , Gupta Anshul , Kumar Sujeet , Bishnu Arijit , Nityanand Soniya
Published: August 2020

Background

Palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) is a common adverse event seen with many chemotherapeutic agents as well as targeted therapies which is very debilitating for the patient. To the best of our knowledge there are only a few cases of PPE reported with methotrexate infusion to date.

Case and Conclusion

We report a case of Burkitt Lymphoma, who developed severe PPE with methotrexate infusion and responded very well with conservative management and dose reduction in subsequent cycles.
Microbiomes of colored dental biofilms in children with or without severe caries experience
Authors: Nagai Nobuko , Homma Hiromi , Sakurai Atsuo , Takahashi Naoko , Shintani Seikou
Published: August 2020

Background

Biofilm coloration can compromise maturation and increase the risk of oral disease in adulthood, though children with colored biofilm do not always demonstrate a poor oral health status.

Aim

The microbial compositions of colored and white biofilms in children were compared.

Design

Thirty‐two dental biofilm samples from 16 children (age < 13 years) were analyzed using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing, then the subjects were divided into severe caries and healthy (caries‐free) groups. Correlations between microbiomes and oral health status were also examined.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis revealed no distinctly different patterns between colored and white biofilms. In the severe caries group, genus Actinomyces, Cardiobacterium, Kingella, Lautropia, and Veillonella, and family Neisseriaceae were detected, though abundance was significantly different between colored and white biofilm specimens, in contrast to the healthy group. In addition, five colored biofilm samples from the severe caries group contained greater than 15% Actinomyces, which led us to consider that genus to be possibly associated with formation of colored biofilm in children.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that differences in bacterial composition between colored and white biofilms are higher in individuals with severe caries. Additional research may reveal the significance of colored dental biofilm in children.
Quantifying the statistical power of monitoring programs for marine protected areas
Authors: Perkins Nicholas R. , Prall Michael , Chakraborty Avishek , White J. Wilson , Baskett Marissa L. , Morgan Steven G.
Published: August 2020

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly established globally as a spatial management tool to aid in conservation and fisheries management objectives. Assessing whether MPAs are having the desired effects on populations requires effective monitoring programs. A cornerstone of an effective monitoring program is an assessment of the statistical power of sampling designs to detect changes when they occur. We present a novel approach to power assessment that combines spatial point process models, integral projection models (IPMs) and sampling simulations to assess the power of different sample designs across a network of MPAs. We focus on the use of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video cameras as the sampling method, though the results could be extended to other sampling methods. We use empirical data from baseline surveys of an example indicator fish species across three MPAs in California, USA as a case study. Spatial models simulated time series of spatial distributions across sites that accounted for the effects of environmental covariates, while IPMs simulated expected trends over time in abundances and sizes of fish. We tested the power of different levels of sampling effort (i.e., the number of 500‐m ROV transects) and temporal replication (every 1–3 yr) to detect expected post‐MPA changes in fish abundance and biomass. We found that changes in biomass are detectable earlier than changes in abundance. We also found that detectability of MPA effects was higher in sites with higher initial densities. Increasing the sampling effort had a greater effect than increasing sampling frequency on the time taken to achieve high power. High power was best achieved by combining data from multiple sites. Our approach provides a powerful tool to explore the interaction between sampling effort, spatial distributions, population dynamics, and metrics for detecting change in previously fished populations.
The effects of soda taxes on adolescent sugar intake and blood sugar
Authors: Restrepo Brandon J. , Cantor Jonathan H.
Published: August 2020

Intake of added sugars is high in the US adolescent population, with sugar‐sweetened beverages being the primary source. We contribute to the literature by providing the first estimates of the impacts of soda sales taxes, which are commonly levied in the US states, on the total daily sugar intake and blood sugar of adolescents aged 12–19 years. Using a restricted‐use version of the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and exploiting within‐state variation in soda sales tax rates over time, our results indicate that adolescent soft drink demand is tax‐sensitive. Consistent with prior research using NHANES data, we find that adolescents reduce calories consumed from soft drinks when faced with a rise in soda sales taxes, but they offset this reduction with an increase in calorie intake from milk drinks. In accordance with this substitution behavior, we find that soda sales taxes cause small and insignificant changes in the total daily calorie intake, total daily sugar intake, or blood sugar levels of adolescents.
Business cycles and macroeconomic asymmetries: New evidence from Eurozone and European countries
Authors: Chionis Dionysios , Mitropoulos Fotios , Sarantidis Antonios
Published: August 2020

This paper focuses on the synchronization of business cycles among European Union countries. The co‐movements of economic growth and foreign direct investments are examined for the EU Three different periods of business cycles are compared and three sub‐groups for the sample and the whole period are constructed, a core and a periphery group as in Campos and Macchiarell, Economics Letters, 2016, 147, 127–130, and a new entry group. To assess the robustness of the results, the business cycles were estimated by using the Hodrick–Prescott, Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking, 1997, 29, 1–16 filter, the Corbae–Ouliaris, Econometric Theory and Practice: Frontiers of Analysis and Applied Research, 2006 filter and the Hamilton, The Review of Economics and Statistics, 2017, 100, 831–843 filter. Moreover, the Wald test of asymmetries is used to measure the strength of business cycles. By using the asymmetry results, we construct three new groups of countries. This research contributes to the literature by providing to policymakers a deeper understanding of business cycle synchronizations and the possible asymmetries they have among the EU.
Foxtail millet: a potential crop to meet future demand scenario for alternative sustainable protein
Authors: Sachdev Niharika , Goomer Sangeeta , Singh Laishram R
Published: August 2020

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), an annual grass plant, produces seeds that possess health‐promoting properties owing to its unique protein composition containing a high content of essential amino acids. The mature foxtail seeds mainly consist of proline‐rich, alcohol‐soluble proteins (prolamin) called setarins, comprising about 60% of the total protein, with less content of disulfide cross‐linked proteins than with other cereal and millets. Protein fractionation schemes are an important tool and provide preliminary information on the nature of foxtail proteins for their applications in the field of agriculture, food pharma, and bio‐based materials. Variation in the methods of preparation can influence the composition, structure, and nutritional quality of the protein concentrate. Moreover, foxtail protein or its hydrolysate has shown several bioactive effects that can be explored further for the management of chronic diseases in humans. Additionally, owing to its low cost and excellent functional properties of flour and protein concentrate, foxtail millet can be considered as good candidate for replacing animal protein foods. Furthermore, there is huge potential for successfully developing low‐cost, protein‐rich functional food products helpful in the prevention and management of lifestyle‐related chronic diseases. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A Conductive Microfiltration Membrane for In Situ Fouling Detection: Proof‐of‐Concept Using Model Wine Solutions
Authors: Li Sheung‐Yin , Schon Benjamin S. , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka
Published: August 2020

Cross‐flow microfiltration, using a microporous membrane, is a well‐established technique for wine clarification in oenology because of its cost‐effectiveness and high‐throughput. However, membrane fouling remains a significant issue for wine filtration in high‐throughput systems. Herein, an approach for in situ real‐time monitoring of fouling in filtration systems using a conductive filtration membrane and a model fluid for filtration is reported. The membrane is fabricated by embedding poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) into an electrospun sulfonated polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene microporous membrane, producing a conductive microfiltration membrane. Measurement of the resistance of the conductive membrane during filtration with the fouling solutions containing pectin, as one of the major foulants in unfiltered wine and pre‐fermentation grape juice, shows a time‐ and concentration‐dependent response. This work opens a door to new methodology for in situ monitoring of fouling processes in wine and juice filtration systems.
Progress in the molecular pathogenesis and nucleic acid therapeutics for Parkinson's disease in the precision medicine era
Authors: Li Dunhui , Mastaglia Frank L. , Fletcher Sue , Wilton Steve D.
Published: August 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders that manifest various motor and nonmotor symptoms. Although currently available therapies can alleviate some of the symptoms, the disease continues to progress, leading eventually to severe motor and cognitive decline and reduced life expectancy. The past two decades have witnessed rapid progress in our understanding of the molecular and genetic pathogenesis of the disease, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches to arrest or delay the neurodegenerative process. As a result of these advances, biomarker‐driven subtyping is making it possible to stratify PD patients into more homogeneous subgroups that may better respond to potential genetic‐molecular pathway targeted disease‐modifying therapies. Therapeutic nucleic acid oligomers can bind to target gene sequences with very high specificity in a base‐pairing manner and precisely modulate downstream molecular events. Recently, nucleic acid therapeutics have proven effective in the treatment of a number of severe neurological and neuromuscular disorders, drawing increasing attention to the possibility of developing novel molecular therapies for PD. In this review, we update the molecular pathogenesis of PD and discuss progress in the use of antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNAs, short hairpin RNAs, aptamers, and microRNA‐based therapeutics to target critical elements in the pathogenesis of PD that could have the potential to modify disease progression. In addition, recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid compounds across the blood–brain barrier and challenges facing PD clinical trials are also reviewed.
Community‐based recruitment and exome sequencing indicates high diagnostic yield in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Sabo Aniko , Murdock David , Dugan Shannon , Meng Qingchang , Gingras Marie‐Claude , Hu Jianhong , Muzny Donna , Gibbs Richard
Published: August 2020

Background

Establishing a genetic diagnosis for individuals with intellectual disability (ID) benefits patients and their families as it may inform the prognosis, lead to appropriate therapy, and facilitate access to medical and supportive services. Exome sequencing has been successfully applied in a diagnostic setting, but most clinical exome referrals are pediatric patients, with many adults with ID lacking a comprehensive genetic evaluation.

Methods

Our unique recruitment strategy involved partnering with service and education providers for individuals with ID. We performed exome sequencing and analysis, and clinical variant interpretation for each recruited family.

Results

All five families enrolled in the study opted‐in for the return of genetic results. In three out of five families exome sequencing analysis identified pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in KANSL1, TUSC3, and MED13L genes. Families discussed the results and any potential medical follow‐up in an appointment with a board certified clinical geneticist.

Conclusion

Our study suggests high yield of exome sequencing as a diagnostic tool in adult patients with ID who have not undergone comprehensive sequencing‐based genetic testing. Research studies including an option of return of results through a genetic clinic could help minimize the disparity in exome diagnostic testing between pediatric and adult patients with ID.
Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP) in the Electronic Health Record: A Validation Study
Authors: Reed Michelle , Mullaney Kathleen , Ruhmann Christy , March Peter , Conte Virginia H. , Noyes Lore , Bleazard Mark
Published: August 2020

Background

The impact of malnutrition on pediatric patients in the acute care setting is significant. Hospitalized patients with malnutrition have been shown to have poor clinical outcomes. Nutrition screening is the first critical step in identifying and treating malnutrition. Although several pediatric nutrition screening tools exist, none incorporate both electronic health record (EHR) compatibility and the recommended indicators of pediatric malnutrition, a gap recently identified in a systematic review by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The aim of this study was to prove the validity of a new version of Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatrics (STAMP), EHR‐STAMP, modified for incorporation into the EHR and inclusion of updated pediatric malnutrition indicators.

Methods

An interprofessional team modified the existing STAMP for integration into the EHR. Audits were performed by the research dietitian to assess accuracy and provide feedback for continuous improvement of the tool design.

Results

A total of 3553 pediatric inpatients were studied from August 2017 to May 2019. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity improved with each modification to the EHR‐STAMP. The final version of the EHR‐STAMP found 85% accuracy, 89% sensitivity, and 97% specificity, with a positive predictive value of 60% and a negative predictive value of 94%.

Conclusion

The EHR‐STAMP is a highly reliable tool in the screening of nutrition risk for pediatric hospitalized patients. The tool is easy to use, EHR compatible, and incorporates the current indicators recommended for assessing pediatric malnutrition.
Mining the moderating role of organizational tenure in the association between PsyCap and educational qualifications among tourism and hospitality workers
Authors: Atsa'am Donald Douglas , Bodur Ersin Kuset
Published: August 2020

This research mined the moderating role of organizational tenure (OrgTenure) in the association between psychological capital (PsyCap) and educational qualifications among tourism and hospitality employees. Previous research reported a crude odds ratio (OR) of 2.6 to represent the association between PsyCap and educational qualifications among a sample of 329 hospitality workers. Using the same experimental dataset, this study obtained stratum‐specific OR representing the association as 2.2 and 7.5 for shorter and longer tenure, respectively; establishing OrgTenure as an effect modifier. This implies that longer OrgTenure strengthens the association between PsyCap and educational qualifications more than shorter OrgTenure. This finding means that the tourism and hospitality industry should develop strategies aimed at retaining well‐educated and long‐tenured workers in the service of the industry.
Ultrafast printing of continuous fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites with ultrahigh mechanical performance by ultrasonic‐assisted laminated object manufacturing
Authors: Chang Baoning , Parandoush Pedram , Li Xuemu , Ruan Shilun , Shen Changyu , Behnagh Reza Abdi , Liu Yuan , Lin Dong
Published: August 2020

Additive manufacturing (AM) of continuous fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPCs) has drawn increasing interest and great attention in academic and industrial communities due to its capability of manufacturing complex lightweight structures with high strength at a low cost. In this study, we proposed a novel AM technique to fabricate CFRTPCs using carbon fiber prepreg sheets based on a novel method: ultrasonic‐assisted laminated object manufacturing (UA‐LOM). The prepreg sheets were first cut into 2D shapes, then every eight layers of the sheets were successively consolidated by an ultrasonic‐vibration roller to fabricate one 3D composite part at a faster speed than conventional AM processes where materials are deposited layer by layer. Samples with controlled fiber alignments were prepared for mechanical tests. The post‐processing hot press was carried out to further improve mechanical properties of the additively manufactured components. Results showed that the unidirectional composite samples displayed an ultra‐high tensile strength of 1760.2 (±71.7) MPa and a tensile modulus of 105.7 (±7.2) GPa. The proposed method exhibited superior mechanical performance compared to state‐of‐the‐art AM techniques. The hot‐press‐treated AM composite parts in this work approached the benchmark mechanical properties provided by the prepreg manufacturing company using traditional fabrication methods. Overall, the proposed AM methods of CFRTPCs show great potential applications in aerospace and transportation industries.
Cancer‐induced cardiac atrophy adversely affects myocardial redox state and mitochondrial oxidative characteristics
Authors: Lee David E. , Brown Jacob L. , Rosa‐Caldwell Megan E. , Perry Richard A. , Brown Lemuel A. , Haynie Wesley S. , Washington Tyrone A. , Wiggs Michael P. , Rajaram Narasimhan , Greene Nicholas P.
Published: August 2020

Background

Cachexia presents in 80% of advanced cancer patients; however, cardiac atrophy in cachectic patients receives little attention. This cardiomyopathy contributes to increased occurrence of adverse cardiac events compared with age‐matched population norms. Research on cardiac atrophy has focused on remodelling; however, alterations in metabolic properties may be a primary contributor. The purpose of the study is to determine how cancer‐induced cardiac atrophy alters mitochondrial turnover, mitochondrial mRNA translation machinery, and in vitro oxidative characteristics.

Methods

Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumours were implanted in C57BL6/J mice and grown for 28 days to induce cardiac atrophy. Endogenous metabolic species and markers of mitochondrial function were assessed. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in LLC‐conditioned media with (out) the antioxidant MitoTempo. Cells were analysed for reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative capacity, and hypoxic resistance.

Results

LLC heart weights were ~10% lower than controls. LLC hearts demonstrated ~15% lower optical redox ratio [flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)/FAD + nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH)] compared with phosphate‐buffered saline controls. When compared with phosphate‐buffered saline, LLC hearts showed ~50% greater Cytochrome‐C oxidase subunit 4 (COX‐IV) and Voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC), attributed to ~50% lower mitophagy markers. mt‐mRNA translation machinery was elevated similarly to markers of mitochondrial content. Mitochondrial DNA‐encoded Cytb was ~30% lower in LLC hearts. ROS scavengers GPx‐3 and GPx‐7 were ~50% lower in LLC hearts. Treatment of cardiomyocytes with LLC‐conditioned media resulted in higher ROS (25%), lower oxygen consumption rates (10% at basal and 75% at maximal), and greater susceptibility to hypoxia (~25%), which was reversed by MitoTempo.

Conclusions

These results substantiate metabolic cardiotoxic effects attributable to tumour‐associated factors and provide insight into interactions between mitochondrial mRNA translation, ROS mitigation, oxidative capacity, and hypoxia resistance.