bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Liraglutide on Cardiometabolic Risk Profile in People with Coronary Artery Disease with or without Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Nowrouzi-Sohrabi Peyman , Soroush Negin , Tabrizi Reza , Shabani-Borujeni Mojtaba , Rezaei Shahla , Jafari Fatemeh , Hosseini-Bensenjan Mahnaz , Stricker Bruno H. , van Hoek Mandy , Ahmadizar Fariba
Published: March 2021

Background: Whether liraglutide use improves cardiometabolic risk factors in different subsets of subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we quantified the effects of liraglutide on cardiometabolic risk profile in subjects with CAD with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

Methods: Online database searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar from incept up to 15th January 2021. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of liraglutide compared to placebo on cardiometabolic risk profile. We used the random- or fixed-effect models to pool the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: Out of a total of 7,320 citations, six articles (seven RCTs) with 294 subjects with CAD (mean age, 61.21 years; 19% women) were included. Our findings presented as WMD and 95% CI showed a statistical significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) [−0.36%; −0.47; −0.26, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0% (with 6 RCTs)], body mass index (BMI) [−0.61 kg/m2; −1.21; −0.01, p = 0.047; I2 = 72.2% (with five RCTs)], and waist circumference [−2.41 cm; −3.47; −1.36, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0% (with three RCTs)]. Through a set of subgroup analyses, we found a significant reduction in BMI in CAD patients with T2D [WMD = −1.06; 95% CI, −1.42, −0.70, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0% (with three RCTs)] compared to CAD only patients [WMD = −0.08; 95% CI, −0.45, 0.29, p = 0.66; I2 = 0.0% (with two RCTs)] in the liraglutide group compared with the placebo group. No significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and lipid profiles were observed.

Conclusions: Among people with established CAD, liraglutide significantly improved HbA1c, BMI, and waist circumference values. The effect of liraglutide on BMI was more robust in individuals with T2D compared to those without.
Monte-Carlo Simulations of Soft Matter Using SIMONA: A Review of Recent Applications
Authors: Penaloza-Amion Montserrat , Sedghamiz Elaheh , Kozlowska Mariana , Degitz Carl , Possel Clemens , Wenzel Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Molecular simulations such as Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) have gained increasing importance in the explanation of various physicochemical and biochemical phenomena in soft matter and help elucidate processes that often cannot be understood by experimental techniques alone. While there is a large number of computational studies and developments in MD, MC simulations are less widely used, but they offer a powerful alternative approach to explore the potential energy surface of complex systems in a way that is not feasible for atomistic MD, which still remains fundamentally constrained by the femtosecond timestep, limiting investigations of many essential processes. This paper provides a review of the current developments of a MC based code, SIMONA, which is an efficient and versatile tool to perform large-scale conformational sampling of different kinds of (macro)molecules. We provide an overview of the approach, and an application to soft-matter problems, such as protocols for protein and polymer folding, physical vapor deposition of functional organic molecules and complex oligomer modeling. SIMONA offers solutions to different levels of programming expertise (basic, expert and developer level) through the usage of a designed Graphical Interface pre-processor, a convenient coding environment using XML and the development of new algorithms using Python/C++. We believe that the development of versatile codes which can be used in different fields, along with related protocols and data analysis, paves the way for wider use of MC methods. SIMONA is available for download under http://int.kit.edu/nanosim/simona.
Developing Consensus in the Assessment and Treatment Pathways for Autoimmune Encephalitis in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Authors: Mooneyham GenaLynne C. , Ferrafiat Vladimir , Stolte Erin , Fuchs D. Catherine , Cohen David
Published: March 2021

Children with a diagnosis of Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) frequently require multi-disciplinary care in order to mobilize the assessment and treatment necessary for recovery. Institutional and provider practice differences often influence the diagnostic workup and treatment pathways made available to patients. There are a variety of provider coalitions in pediatric rheumatology, internal medicine, and neurology that have been making meaningful progress toward the development of consensus in assessment and treatment approaches to patient care. However, child psychiatry is currently underrepresented in this work in spite of the high psychiatric symptom burden seen in some young patients. The need for consensus is often made visible only with inter-institutional dialogue regarding patient care trajectories. We aim to review key updates in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autoimmune encephalitis during the acute phase, with or without catatonia, and to outline provider perspectives by comparing current treatment models in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Association Between Preeclampsia Risk and Fine Air Pollutants and Acidic Gases: A Cohort Analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Shih-Yi , Yang Yu-Cih , Su Jun-Wei , Wang Jie-Sian , Jiang Chang-Cheng , Hsu Chung-Y. , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: March 2021

Background: Fine air pollutant particles have been reported to be associated with risk of preeclampsia. The association between air pollutant exposure and preeclampsia risk in heavily air polluted Taiwan warrants investigation.

Methods: We combined data from Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database (NHIRD) and Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Database. Women aged 16–55 years were followed from January 1, 2000, until appearance of ICD-9 coding of preeclampsia withdrawal from the NHI program, or December 31, 2013. Daily concentration of NOx, NO, NO2, and CO was calculated by Kriging method. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for risk assessment.

Results: For NOx, Relative to Quartile [Q] 1 concentrations, the Q2 (adjusted hazard ratio adjusted = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.50–3.22), Q3 (aHR = 7.28, 95% CI = 4.78–11.0), and Q4 (aHR = 23.7, 95% CI = 13.7–41.1) concentrations were associated with a significantly higher preeclampsia or eclampsia risk. Similarly, for NO, relative to Q1 concentrations, the Q2 (aHR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.26–2.63), Q3 (aHR = 7.53, 95% CI = 5.12–11.0), and Q4 (aHR = 11.1, 95% CI = 6.72–18.3) concentrations were correlated with significantly higher preeclampsia or eclampsia risk. Furthermore, for NO2, relative to Q1 concentration, the Q2 (aHR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.37–2.90), Q3 (aHR = 6.15, 95% CI = 3.95–9.57), and Q4 (aHR = 32.7, 95% CI = 19.7–54.3) concentrations also associated with a significantly higher preeclampsia or eclampsia risk.

Conclusion: Women exposed to higher NOX, NO, NO2, and CO concentrations demonstrated higher preeclampsia incidence.
Indigenous Resilience in Australia: A Scoping Review Using a Reflective Decolonizing Collective Dialogue
Authors: Usher Kim , Jackson Debra , Walker Roz , Durkin Joanne , Smallwood Reakeeta , Robinson Melanie , Sampson Uncle Neville , Adams Isabelle , Porter Cheryl , Marriott Rhonda
Published: March 2021

Contemporary definitions and understandings of resilience refer to an individual's positive adaptation to the experience of adversity. One of the challenges of this extant body of work is that the central concept of resilience is rarely questioned. Current understandings of these concepts, largely framed in Western understandings, are unquestioningly accepted, reframed for, yet not by, Indigenous peoples, and then are unchallenged when imposed on Indigenous peoples. A scoping review was conducted and reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review involved the participation of local Aboriginal Research Cultural Advisory Groups who participated and approved the analysis of the findings and collaborated on the design and writing of the paper. Eight publications drew on Aboriginal constructs of resilience in examining the effectiveness of programs, processes, and practices to promote individual and/or collective resilience and well-being. Most studies emphasized the need for strategies to strengthen individual or community connection to culture to foster resilience. Six studies used culturally validated strength-based tools to measure resilience, while two relied on Western constructs. This review reveals both the distinctive colonial characteristics of adversity experienced by Aboriginal people and the range of coping strategies and protective resources that support the development of resilience within different Aboriginal communities in diverse research sites across Australia. Importantly, many studies confirm adversity is linked to the enduring legacies of colonization, continuous and cumulative transgenerational grief and loss, structural inequities, racism, and discrimination. These external factors of adversity are unique to Aboriginal populations, as are the protective factors that entail strengthening connection to culture (including language reclamation), community, ancestry and land (including management and economic development) which contribute to individual and collective resilience. These findings suggest that Aboriginal community resilience is strengthened through the collective experience of adversity, such as transgenerational grief and loss, and the resulting support structures and shared resources that are developed and maintained through cultural practices to strengthen the bonds and mutual reciprocity to participate in transformative strategies to address adversity. This review highlights that strategies such as building on community strengths, capacities, and resources is critical when strengthening resilience within Indigenous communities across Australia.
Artificial Intelligence in Optical Communications: From Machine Learning to Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Danshi , Zhang Min
Published: March 2021

Techniques from artificial intelligence have been widely applied in optical communication and networks, evolving from early machine learning (ML) to the recent deep learning (DL). This paper focuses on state-of-the-art DL algorithms and aims to highlight the contributions of DL to optical communications. Considering the characteristics of different DL algorithms and data types, we review multiple DL-enabled solutions to optical communication. First, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is used for image recognition and a recurrent neural network (RNN) is applied for sequential data analysis. A variety of functions can be achieved by the corresponding DL algorithms through processing the different image data and sequential data collected from optical communication. A data-driven channel modeling method is also proposed to replace the conventional block-based modeling method and improve the end-to-end learning performance. Additionally, a generative adversarial network (GAN) is introduced for data augmentation to expand the training dataset from rare experimental data. Finally, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is applied to perform self-configuration and adaptive allocation for optical networks.
Screening of Natural Compounds as P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors against Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Marques Sérgio M. , Šupolíková Lucie , Molčanová Lenka , Šmejkal Karel , Bednar David , Slaninová Iva
Published: March 2021

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a common problem when fighting cancer with chemotherapy. P-glycoprotein (P-gp, or MDR1) is an active pump responsible for the efflux of xenobiotics out of the cell, including anti-cancer drugs. It is a validated target against MDR. No crystal structure of the human P-gp is available to date, and only recently several cryo-EM structures have been solved. In this paper, we present a comprehensive computational approach that includes constructing the full-length three-dimensional structure of the human P-gp and its refinement using molecular dynamics. We assessed its flexibility and conformational diversity, compiling a dynamical ensemble that was used to dock a set of lignan compounds, previously reported as active P-gp inhibitors, and disclose their binding modes. Based on the statistical analysis of the docking results, we selected a system for performing the structure-based virtual screening of new potential P-gp inhibitors. We tested the method on a library of 87 natural flavonoids described in the literature, and 10 of those were experimentally assayed. The results reproduced the theoretical predictions only partially due to various possible factors. However, at least two of the predicted natural flavonoids were demonstrated to be effective P-gp inhibitors. They were able to increase the accumulation of doxorubicin inside the human promyelocytic leukemia HL60/MDR cells overexpressing P-gp and potentiate the antiproliferative activity of this anti-cancer drug.
Importance of Serum Ferritin Level for Early Diagnosis and Differentiation in Patients with Kawasaki Disease with Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Roh Da Eun , Kwon Jung Eun , Choi Hee Joung , Kim Yeo Hyang
Published: March 2021

We aimed to evaluate the utility of the serum ferritin level as an early screening test of Kawasaki disease with macrophage activation syndrome (KD-MAS). We analyzed the serum ferritin levels on the first day of admission and the clinical progress of patients diagnosed with complete or incomplete KD. Of the 158 patients, 5 were diagnosed with KD-MAS. Conjunctival injection was significantly more frequent in KD group (p = 0.035), although there were no significant differences in other clinical features. On the first day of admission, the serum ferritin level in the KD-MAS group was >500 ng/mL, which was higher than that in the KD group (p = 0.001). In the KD-MAS group, total bilirubin, triglyceride, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly higher, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total protein, albumin, and fibrinogen were significantly lower than the KD group (p < 0.05). Four patients were diagnosed with MAS within 7 days after admission, and 4 (80%) patients with KD-MAS survived. In conclusion, carrying out an early ferritin screening test is important in patients with principal clinical features that may suspect KD. We propose to include ferritin level in the primary laboratory test to differentiate between KD with and without MAS early.
Exceedance and Return Period of High Temperature in the African Region
Authors: Turasie Alemtsehai A.
Published: March 2021

Several studies have indicated that the social, economic and other impacts of global warming can be linked with changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather/climate events. Developing countries, particularly in the African region, are highly affected by extreme events such as high temperature, usually followed/accompanied by drought. Therefore, studying the probability of occurrence and return period of extreme temperatures, and possible change in these parameters, is of high importance for climate-related policy making and preparedness works in the region. This study aims to address these issues by assessing probability of exceedance and return period of extremes in annual maximum and annual mean temperatures. The analyses of historical data in this study showed that extremes in both annual maximum and mean temperature are highly likely to be exceeded more often in the future compared to the past. For the extreme event marker (threshold) defined in this study, probability of 3 exceedances in the following 19 years (for instance), at any gridpoint, is estimated to be at least 10% for extremes in annual maxima and at least 15% for those in annual means. Most places in the region, however, have much higher (up to 20%) probability of exceedance. The estimated probability of exceedance has shown increasing tendency with time. Return period, based on the most recent data, of extremes in annual maximum temperature is found to be less than 6.5 years at about 48% of the gridpoints in the region. Similarly, return period of extremes in annual mean temperature is estimated to be less than 5.5 years at about 82% of places in the region. These estimates have also shown a strong tendency of getting shorter as time goes on. On average, extremes in annual mean temperature were found to have shorter return periods (4–7 years) compared to those in annual maximum temperature (6–10 years), at 95% confidence. The empirical results presented in this study are generally in agreement with IPCC’s projections of increased warming trend. This data-driven, robust method is used in the present study and the results can also be considered as an alternative approach for detecting changes in climate via estimating and assessing possible changes in frequency of extreme events with time.
Modelling of a Bluff-Body Stabilised Premixed Flames Close to Blow-Off
Authors: Amzin Shokri , Mohd Yasin Mohd Fairus
Published: March 2021

As emission legislation becomes more stringent, the modelling of turbulent lean premixed combustion is becoming an essential tool for designing efficient and environmentally friendly combustion systems. However, to predict emissions, reliable predictive models are required. Among the promising methods capable of predicting pollutant emissions with a long chemical time scale, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), is conditional moment closure (CMC). However, the practical application of this method to turbulent premixed flames depends on the precision of the conditional scalar dissipation rate,ζ ⟨Nc|ζ⟩, model. In this study, an alternative closure for this term is implemented in the RANS-CMC method. The method is validated against the velocity, temperature, and gas composition measurements of lean premixed flames close to blow-off, within the limit of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) capability. Acceptable agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured values near the burner, with an average error of 15%. The model reproduces the flame characteristics; some discrepancies are found within the recirculation region due to significant turbulence intensity.
Quality of Life and Mental Health Status of Japanese Older People Living in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Yoda Takeshi , Saengrut Bumnet , Suksatit Benjamas , Kanda Kanae , Suzuki Hiromi , Rattanasathien Rujee , Pudwan Rujirat , Katsuyama Hironobu
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to establish the quality of life and mental health status among older Japanese people living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We conducted a questionnaire survey among Japanese retired people aged 50 years or over who had been living in Thailand. The questionnaire covered socio-demographic variables including health status and ability to communicate in Thai. We measured mental health status using the Japanese version of the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) and quality of life using the Japanese version of EuroQOL-5D-3L. We explored the factors associated with poor mental health and quality of life using logistic regression analysis. In total, 96 (89.7%)participants provided complete responses. Overall, quality of life was generally good, although those with one or more chronic diseases reported significantly lower quality of life. Having one or more chronic diseases and being aged 70–79 were significantly associated with poorer mental health. In total, 21 (21.8%) respondents had a possible neurosis, which was defined as a total GHQ-28 score of more than 6. The logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between possible neurosis and the presence of chronic diseases (adjusted odds ratio: 11.7 1). Quality of life among older Japanese people living in Chiang Mai was generally good, but there was a high level of possible neurosis, especially among those with one or more chronic diseases.
Optimization of the Synthesis and Energy Transfer of Ca2MgWO6:Cr3+,Nd3+
Authors: Anselm Viktor , Jüstel Thomas
Published: March 2021

This work pertains to Cr3+ and Nd3+ co-activated Ca2MgWO6 phosphors synthesized by high temperature solid-state method using oxides and carbonates as raw materials. All luminescent samples according to Ca2MgWO6:Cr3+,Nd3+ include Cr3+ for the absorption of UV and visible radiation (230–800 nm) prior to energy transfer to Nd3+. As a result of the energy transfer between Cr3+ and Nd3+, we observe line emission originating from Nd3+ in the near infrared range additionally to the broad band near infrared emission from Cr3+ assigned to the spin-allowed 4T2 → 4A2 transition. The energy transfer from Cr3+ to Nd3+ is discussed via the variations of the lifetime data of Cr3+ and Nd3+. The strong absorption of Cr3+ in the ultraviolet range and the efficient energy transfer from Cr3+ to Nd3+ indicate that the herein presented material type can serve as a radiation converter for near infrared region light emitting diodes (NIR-LEDs) comprising an UV-A emitting (Al,Ga)N chip.
Stimulatory Effects of Oleci Acid and Fungal Elicitor on Betulinic Acid Production by Submerged Cultivation of Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus
Authors: Lou Hanghang , Li Hao , Wei Tianyu , Chen Qihe
Published: March 2021

To evaluate the novel strategy of oleic acid and fungal elicitor (made from Aspergillus niger) to elicit betulinic acid biosynthesis in medicinal mushroom Inonotus obliquus, we conduct the stimulatory effects investigation for synthesizing betulinic acid from betulin. HPLC results indicated oleic acid and fungal elicitor were effective stimulators. The supplementation of 1.0 g/L oleic acid led to the highest increase of betulinic acid either in dry mycelia or fermentation broth by 2-fold of the control. Fungal elicitor at 45 mg/L markedly increases mycelia growth by 146.0% and enhance intracellular betulinic acid accumulation by 429.5% as compared to the controls. Quantification of transcription levels determined that oleic acid, fungal elicitor and their combinations could induce the expressions of key genes involved in betulinic acid biosynthesis, such as HMG-CoA reductase and squalene synthase. These findings indicated that oleic acid and fungal elicitor could enhance betulinic acid metabolism by up-regulating key genes expression.
Regime Switching in High-Tech ETFs: Idiosyncratic Volatility and Return
Authors: Arenas Laura , Gil-Lafuente Ana Maria
Published: March 2021

The volatility of asset returns can be classified into market and firm-specific volatility, otherwise known as idiosyncratic volatility. Idiosyncratic volatility is increasing over time with some literature attributing this to the IT revolution. An understanding of the relationship between idiosyncratic risk and return is indeed relevant for idiosyncratic risk pricing and asset allocation, in a context of emerging technologies. The case of high-tech exchange traded funds (ETFs) is especially interesting, since ETFs introduce new noise to the market due to arbitrage activities and high frequency trading. This article examines the relevance of idiosyncratic risk in explaining the return of nine high-tech ETFs. The Markov regime-switching (MRS) methodology for heteroscedastic regimes has been applied. We found that high-tech ETF returns are negatively related to idiosyncratic risk during the high volatility regime and positively related to idiosyncratic risk during the low volatility regime. These results suggest that idiosyncratic volatility matters in high-tech ETF pricing, and that the effects are driven by volatility regimes, leading to changes across them.
Halpern-Subgradient Extragradient Method for Solving Equilibrium and Common Fixed Point Problems in Reflexive Banach Spaces
Authors: Bokodisa Annel Thembinkosi , Jolaoso Lateef Olakunle , Aphane Maggie
Published: March 2021

In this paper, using the concept of Bregman distance, we introduce a new Bregman subgradient extragradient method for solving equilibrium and common fixed point problems in a real reflexive Banach space. The algorithm is designed, such that the stepsize is chosen without prior knowledge of the Lipschitz constants. We also prove a strong convergence result for the sequence that is generated by our algorithm under mild conditions. We apply our result to solving variational inequality problems, and finally, we give some numerical examples to illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm.
A Continuous Review Production-Inventory System with a Variable Preparation Time in a Fuzzy Random Environment
Authors: Mahapatra Amalendu Singha , N Soni Hardik , Mahapatra Maheswar Singha , Sarkar Biswajit , Majumder Sanat
Published: March 2021

With the increase in the varieties products and the increasing uncertainty about product demand, the production preparation time is a significant factor in addressing these issues. The trade-off between the reduction of the production preparation time and the associated cost remains a critical decision. With this backdrop, this study presents a continuous review production-inventory model with a variable production preparation time and a time-dependent setup cost. The demand during the preparation time is captured through a min-max distribution-free approach. In a stochastic framework, the order quantity, reorder point, and setup time are optimized by minimizing the expected cost considering the time-value effect. Further, a fuzzy model is formulated to tackle the imprecise nature of the production setup time and demand. Two algorithms are developed using an analytical approach to obtain the optimal solution. A numerical illustration is given to present the key insights of the model for effective inventory management. It is observed that order quantity and total cost are more sensitive at the lower side of the optimal setup time rather than at the higher side. The discount rate is also found to be a sensitive factor while minimizing the total expected cost.
A Consolidated Decision Tree-Based Intrusion Detection System for Binary and Multiclass Imbalanced Datasets
Authors: Panigrahi Ranjit , Borah Samarjeet , Bhoi Akash Kumar , Ijaz Muhammad Fazal , Pramanik Moumita , Kumar Yogesh , Jhaveri Rutvij H.
Published: March 2021

The widespread acceptance and increase of the Internet and mobile technologies have revolutionized our existence. On the other hand, the world is witnessing and suffering due to technologically aided crime methods. These threats, including but not limited to hacking and intrusions and are the main concern for security experts. Nevertheless, the challenges facing effective intrusion detection methods continue closely associated with the researcher’s interests. This paper’s main contribution is to present a host-based intrusion detection system using a C4.5-based detector on top of the popular Consolidated Tree Construction (CTC) algorithm, which works efficiently in the presence of class-imbalanced data. An improved version of the random sampling mechanism called Supervised Relative Random Sampling (SRRS) has been proposed to generate a balanced sample from a high-class imbalanced dataset at the detector’s pre-processing stage. Moreover, an improved multi-class feature selection mechanism has been designed and developed as a filter component to generate the IDS datasets’ ideal outstanding features for efficient intrusion detection. The proposed IDS has been validated with state-of-the-art intrusion detection systems. The results show an accuracy of 99.96% and 99.95%, considering the NSL-KDD dataset and the CICIDS2017 dataset using 34 features.
Effects of Clinical Wastewater on the Bacterial Community Structure from Sewage to the Environment
Authors: Verburg Ilse , van Veelen H. Pieter J. , Waar Karola , Rossen John W. A. , Friedrich Alex W. , Hernández Leal Lucia , García-Cobos Silvia , Schmitt Heike
Published: March 2021

This study pertains to measure differences in bacterial communities along the wastewater pathway, from sewage sources through the environment. Our main focus was on taxa which include pathogenic genera, and genera harboring antibiotic resistance (henceforth referred to as “target taxa”). Our objective was to measure the relative abundance of these taxa in clinical wastewaters compared to non-clinical wastewaters, and to investigate what changes can be detected along the wastewater pathway. The study entailed a monthly sampling campaign along a wastewater pathway, and taxa identification through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that clinical and non-clinical wastewaters differed in their overall bacterial composition, but that target taxa were not enriched in clinical wastewater. This suggests that treatment of clinical wastewater before release into the wastewater system would only remove a minor part of the potential total pathogen load in wastewater treatment plants. Additional findings were that the relative abundance of most target taxa was decreased after wastewater treatment, yet all investigated taxa were detected in 68% of the treated effluent samples—meaning that these bacteria are continuously released into the receiving surface water. Temporal variation was only observed for specific taxa in surface water, but not in wastewater samples.
Detection of a New Resistance-Mediating Plasmid Chimera in a blaOXA-48-Positive Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain at a German University Hospital
Authors: Schwanbeck Julian , Bohne Wolfgang , Hasdemir Ufuk , Groß Uwe , Pfeifer Yvonne , Bunk Boyke , Riedel Thomas , Spröer Cathrin , Overmann Jörg , Frickmann Hagen , Zautner Andreas E.
Published: March 2021

Mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids, facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in Enterobacterales. In line with this, we investigated the plasmid-resistome of seven blaOXA-48 gene-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, which were isolated between 2013 and 2014 at the University Medical Center in Göttingen, Germany. All isolates were subjected to complete genome sequencing including the reconstruction of entire plasmid sequences. In addition, phenotypic resistance testing was conducted. The seven isolates comprised both disease-associated isolates and colonizers isolated from five patients. They fell into two clusters of three sequence type (ST)101 and two ST11 isolates, respectively; and ST15 and ST23 singletons. The seven isolates harbored various plasmids of the incompatibility (Inc) groups IncF, IncL/M, IncN, IncR, and a novel plasmid chimera. All blaOXA-48 genes were encoded on the IncL/M plasmids. Of note, distinct phenotypical resistance patterns associated with different sets of resistance genes encoded by IncL/M and IncR plasmids were observed among isolates of the ST101 cluster in spite of high phylogenetic relatedness of the bacterial chromosomes, suggesting nosocomial transmission. This highlights the importance of plasmid uptake and plasmid recombination events for the fast generation of resistance variability after clonal transmission. In conclusion, this study contributes a piece in the puzzle of molecular epidemiology of resistance gene-carrying plasmids in K. pneumoniae in Germany.
A Large Spatial Survey of Colistin-Resistant Gene mcr-1-Carrying E. coli in Rivers across Taiwan
Authors: Teng Ching-Hao , Wu Pin-Chieh , Tang Sen-Lin , Chen Yi-Chen , Cheng Ming-Fang , Huang Ping-Chih , Ko Wen-Chien , Wang Jiun-Ling
Published: March 2021

Background: Colistin is one of the last-line antimicrobial agents against life-threatening infections. The distribution of the colistin resistance gene mcr-1 has been reported worldwide. However, most studies have focused on the distribution of mcr-1-positive bacteria in humans, animals, food, and sewage; few have focused on their distribution in natural environments. Method: We conducted a large spatial survey of mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli at 119 sites in 48 rivers, covering the entire island of Taiwan. We investigated the relationship between the livestock or poultry density in the surveyed riverine area and the number of mcr-1-positive E. coli in the river water. We then sequenced and characterized the isolated mcr-1-positive plasmids. Results: Seven mcr-1 positive E. coli were isolated from 5.9% of the sampling sites. The mcr-1-positive sites correlated with high chicken and pig stocking densities but not human population density or other river parameters. Four of the mcr-1-positive E. coli strains harbored epidemic IncX4 plasmids, and three of them exhibited identical sequences with a size of 33,309 bp. One of the plasmids contained identical 33,309 bp sequences but carried an additional 5711-bp transposon (Tn3 family). To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that mcr-1-carrying IncX4 plasmids can contain an insertion of such transposons. All mcr-1-positive isolates belonged to phylogenetic group A and harbored few known virulence genes. Conclusion: This study showed a positive relationship between the number of mcr-1-positive sites and high livestock and poultry density. The sequencing analyses indicated that the epidemic plasmid in the mcr-1 isolates circulates not only in humans, animals, and food but also in the associated environments or natural habitats in Taiwan, suggesting that the surveillance of antibiotics-resistance genes for livestock or poultry farm quality control should include their associated environments.
Experimental Study on the Drag Reduction Performance of Clear Fracturing Fluid Using Wormlike Surfactant Micelles and Magnetic Nanoparticles under a Magnetic Field
Authors: Luo Ming-Liang , Si Xiao-Dong , Li Ming-Zhong , Jia Xiao-Han , Yang Yu-Ling , Zhan Yong-Ping
Published: March 2021

This paper examines a new study on the synergistic effect of magnetic nanoparticles and wormlike micelles (WLMs) on drag reduction. Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (FE-NPs) are utilized to improve the performance of viscoelastic surfactant (VES) solutions used as fracturing fluids. The chemical composition and micromorphology of the FE-NPs were analyzed with FT-IR and an electron microscope. The stability and interaction of the WLM-particle system were studied by zeta potential and cryo-TEM measurements. More importantly, the influences of the temperature, FE-NP concentration, magnetic field intensity, and direction on the drag reduction rate of WLMs were systematically investigated in a circuit pipe flow system with an electromagnetic unit. The experimental results show that a suitable content of magnetic nanoparticles can enhance the settlement stability and temperature resistance of WLMs. A magnetic field along the flow direction of the fracturing fluid can improve the drag reduction performance of the magnetic WLM system. However, under a magnetic field perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, an additional flow resistance is generated by the vertical chaining behavior of FE-NPs, which is unfavorable for the drag reduction performance of magnetic VES fracturing fluids. This study may shed light on the mechanism of the synergistic drag reduction effects of magnetic nanoparticles and wormlike micelles.
SERS Biosensor Based on Engineered 2D-Aperiodic Nanostructure for In-Situ Detection of Viable Brucella Bacterium in Complex Matrix
Authors: Rippa Massimo , Castagna Riccardo , Sagnelli Domenico , Vestri Ambra , Borriello Giorgia , Fusco Giovanna , Zhou Jun , Petti Lucia
Published: March 2021

Brucella is a foodborne pathogen globally affecting both the economy and healthcare. Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) nano-biosensing can be a promising strategy for its detection. We combined high-performance quasi-crystal patterned nanocavities for Raman enhancement with the use of covalently immobilized Tbilisi bacteriophages as high-performing bio-receptors. We coupled our efficient SERS nano-biosensor to a Raman system to develop an on-field phage-based bio-sensing platform capable of monitoring the target bacteria. The developed biosensor allowed us to identify Brucella abortus in milk by our portable SERS device. Upon bacterial capture from samples (104 cells), a signal related to the pathogen recognition was observed, proving the concrete applicability of our system for on-site and in-food detection.
Performance of Single and Two-Stage Cross-Flow Ultrafiltration Membrane in Fractionation of Peptide from Microalgae Protein Hydrolysate (Nannochloropsis gaditana)
Authors: Md Saleh Nur Izzati , Wan Ab Karim Ghani Wan Azlina , Mustapa Kamal Siti Mazlina , Harun Razif
Published: March 2021

Cross-flow ultrafiltration (UF) membrane with two different configurations; single (10 kDa and 5 kDa) and two-stage (10/5 kDa) in fractionating microalgae protein hydrolysate (MPH) were studied to obtain a low molecular weight of peptide. The effect of flow rate, trans-membrane pressure (TMP), and pH in fractionating MPH were evaluated based on permeate flux and peptide transmission. The results showed that, for single UF membrane, optimum operating parameters were at a flow rate of 23 mL/min, TMP of 1.5 bar, and pH of 9, with permeate flux of 43.65 L/m2 h (10 kDa) and 55.42 L/m2 h (5 kDa) and peptide transmission of 58.20% (10 kDa) and 67.34% (5 kDa). Meanwhile, for two-stage (10/5 kDa) UF membrane, the best parameters were observed at a flow rate of 23 mL/min, TMP of 1.5 bar, and pH of 2, with permeate flux of 69.85 L/m2 h and peptide transmission of 79.13%. Fractionation of MPH with two-stage UF membrane was observed to be better at producing a low molecular weight of peptide compared to single UF membrane. In conclusion, it was possible to produce permeate flux with a high amount of low molecular weight of peptide by controlling the operating parameters with the suitable configuration membrane.
Acromio-Humeral Distance Is Associated with Shoulder External Strength in National Elite Badminton Players—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Schmidt Simon Vadstrup , Engelhardt Jannik Andersen , Cools Ann , Magnusson Stig Peter , Couppé Christian
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To examine acromio-humeral distance (AHD) and shoulder isometric strength for external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) in national elite badminton players. Methods: Seven elite badminton players with asymptomatic shoulders aged 24 ± 4 (mean ± SD) from the Danish national badminton team were investigated. Shoulder AHD, isometric strength in ER and IR were bilaterally assessed with ultrasonography and a hand-held dynamometer (HHD). Results: AHD was greater on the dominant vs. the nondominant side (p = 0.018). Moreover, IR strength was greater on the dominant side vs. the nondominant side (p = 0.041). Furthermore, AHD and ER strength were highly correlated on the dominant side (p = 0.007, r = 0.900). A correlation was also shown between AHD and the ER/IR strength ratio on the dominant side (p = 0.033, r = 0.793). Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrates that shoulder ER strength is strongly associated with AHD size, largely reflecting supraspinatus tendon-muscle hypertrophy as a result of sport-specific adaptation in national elite badminton players with asymptomatic shoulders. These novel data also suggest that habitual loading of the shoulder improves the supraspinatus tendon size, which may lower the mechanical stress and potentially reduce the risk of injury. This warrants strengthening the shoulder external rotators as a potential strategy to reduce the risk of future shoulder injury.
Improving Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates among Rural Older Adults through Academic Detailing: Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy Partnership
Authors: McKeirnan Kimberly , Colorafi Karen , Sun Zuan , Daratha Kristopher , Potyk Darryl , McCarthy John
Published: March 2021

Academic detailing is an educational approach involving provision of evidence-based information by healthcare providers for healthcare providers with the goal of improving clinical decision-making. An interprofessional academic detailing initiative was developed to encourage rural providers to utilize guidelines when deciding which patients to vaccinate against pneumonia. This study utilized a quasi-experimental, single-group, pre-post observational design with physicians, nurses, and staff at two rural medical clinics. The 12-month academic detailing intervention included a needs assessment, workflow assessment of practice-based health information technology, vaccination training for providers and staff, and creation of exam-room posters encouraging patients to discuss vaccination with their provider. Six visits were made to deliver education, discuss needs, select priorities, and develop action plans from recommendations. Data were collected from each site for three years prior to the intervention year and for one year following the intervention. The annual rate of patients vaccinated increased during the five-year study. The cumulative proportion of the sample population that received vaccination also increased over time. Interprofessional academic detailing was well received and increased pneumococcal vaccination rates among rural-dwelling older adults. Given the alarming disparities in health outcomes for rural patients, educational outreach is needed to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Design features of engines of generation of A-41SI family
Authors: Maksimenko N. M. , Laptev A. A.
Published: March 2021

Design documentation on diesel engines of the A-41SI model is analysed. By results of the analysis it is revealed that on diesels of this type individual heads of cylinders, an electric starter with a pro-rate for start of engines are introduced, assembly units and details are improved: cranked shaft, sets of radical and shatunny inserts, cylinder sleeve, the piston, set of piston rings, casing with disks of the coupling of coupling, etc. Introduction of new constructive changes on A-41SI diesels allowed to raise their rabotosposbnost and durability.
Rapeseed Oil Plant
Authors: Ovchinnikov E. V. , Uyutov S. Yu. , Shevelev S. S. , Dubrovsky A. D.
Published: March 2021

This article off ers a method and technical solutions for using vegetable oil fuel as fuel for a diesel engine. The use of rapeseed as a fuel is hindered by its peculiarity, namely, the main problem is the high viscosity and high self-ignition temperature relative to diesel fuel. The authors propose technical solutions that ensure the use of vegetable oil fuel as a motor fuel in diesel engines. For research purposes, a two-fuel system was developed, manufactured and tested, which allows working part of the time on diesel fuel and part of the time on vegetable oil, in particular on rapeseed oil, depending on the engine operating modes. Experiments have shown high effi ciency of the two-fuel system, which excludes negative consequences for the diesel engine. As a result of the research, the team of authors obtained results and conclusions confirming that the dual fuel system allows the use of vegetable oils as motor fuel in diesel engines, while the engine operation is possible in all modes.
Les déplacés environnementaux : la fuite devant l’environnement
Authors: Doumbé-Billé Stéphane
Published: March 2021

Le mouvement du droit qu’inspire la fuite devant l’environnement permet d’appréhender les déplacés environnementaux comme des déplacés internes, circulant exclusivement à l’intérieur de leurs propres frontières nationales. Une telle qualification apparaît fort problématique pour deux raisons : d’une part, l’analogie courante avec les catégories qui illustrent les déplacements à l’extérieur des frontières nationales, celles de réfugiés ou de migrants devient particulièrement difficile ; d’autre part, le critère de distinction, construit autour du franchissement des frontières nationales, se révèle fort fragile. Dès lors, la détermination des statuts de déplacés environnementaux demeure une source de difficultés. Il en est de même du régime de protection dont le caractère délicat doit être également souligné. Il s’agit toujours d’un régime commun à tous les déplacés, quelle que soit la cause du déplacement et par ailleurs, d’un régime insatisfaisant, non adapté aux déplacés non environnementaux.
Réflexions, sans fétichisme ni désenchantement sur la police des ICPE 40 ans après la loi du 19 juillet 1976
Authors: Deharbe David
Published: March 2021

Le quarantenaire de la loi du 19 juillet 1976 relative aux installations classées pour la protection de l’environnement est ici le prétexte à un bilan sur les évolutions récentes de cette police spéciale. La vocation à parler avec autorité des risques industriels pour le voisinage et l’environnement, tout comme l’équilibre à trouver entre ces intérêts et les considérations économiques constituent toujours les enjeux de cette législation qui constitue une matrice pour le droit de l’environnement. Au moyen de cette police modernisée mais impliquant surtout un régime de droit public, l’État assume encore sur cette base le rôle de médiateur entre l’industriel et l’environnement ; même si l’Union européenne le concurrence et certaines forces centrifuges lui disputent son autorité à gérer les risques technologiques. Ainsi le droit des installations classées devient-il plus complexe ces dernières années sans pour autant perdre sa fonction initiale : permettre à l’État de gérer le risque industriel.
Quel régime de responsabilité civile pour les choses communes endommagées ?
Authors: Drapier Sandrine
Published: March 2021

Which civil liability regime for the damaged common goods ?

The recognition of a qualification universally recognized as « common heritage of the Humanity » or « global public resource » for resources or the properties of interest shared by all the human beings comes up against a conflict of values and of stan dards. While the preservation of these resources or properties proves to be a purpose for some States, among the western countries, it represents for other countries a vector of development to maximize. The development of the natural or cultural « common heritage » , differently viewed from a continent to another, these differences delay the international management system of “global public resources”, nevertheless desirable. It would not appear acceptable to rely on each liability regime countries and to notice the dispersal of the solutions. In so far as there is a risk of reservation for the benefit of some of these « global properties » , their management requires clear identification of perpetrator liability in cases of misuse of these properties. This management should be done in connection with legal qualification of “common to all” and with the creation of a French special liability system based on the compensation of ecological damage.
La notion juridique d’environnement à la lumière de la définition donnée par le législateur italien
Authors: Monteduro Massimo
Published: March 2021

The Legal Concept of the Environment in the Light of the Definition Given by the Italian Legislature. Italian legislature has provided an explicit definition of the legal concept of the «environment » by inserting it into the milestone in Italian environmental legislation, i. e. Legislative Decree 3 April 2006, no. 152 (the so-called Environmental Code). This is a valuable innovation considering the originality and complexity of the Italian legal definition. This article suggests that the social-ecological systems (SESs) model can be considered an implied conceptual framework for interpreting the legal definition of the «environment » in Italian law. According to this interpretative proposal, the environment in the legal sense cannot be reduced to ecological systems or social systems considered individually and separately, because it is a meta-system, including both social and ecological systems which interact and organize themselves into a whole that is more than the sum of its parts and has its own emergent properties. The consequences arising from this conceptual framework are significant for Environmental Law as an academic discipline. Environmental Law is a ‘federative’ law because it does neither deprive nor override other legal branches, but coordinates and integrates them into a higher and more complex level of regulation.