bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Band Gap Modulation of Tantalum(V) Perovskite Semiconductors by Anion Control
Authors: Kim Young-Il , Woodward Patrick M.
Published: February 2019

Band gap magnitudes and valence band energies of Ta5+ containing simple perovskites (BaTaO2N, SrTaO2N, CaTaO2N, KTaO3, NaTaO3, and TaO2F) were studied by diffuse reflection absorbance measurements, density-functional theoretical calculations, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As a universal trend, the oxynitrides have wider valence bands and narrower band gaps than isostructural oxides, owing to the N 2p contribution to the electronic structure. Visible light-driven water splitting was achieved by using Pt-loaded CaTaO2N, together with a sacrificial agent CH3OH.
Pure, Size Tunable ZnO Nanocrystals Assembled into Large Area PMMA Layer as Efficient Catalyst
Authors: Shahine Issraa , Beydoun Nour , Gaumet Jean Jacques , Bendeif El-Eulmi , Rinnert Hervé , Magri Pierre , En Naciri Aotmane , Miska Patrice , Jradi Safi , Akil Suzanna
Published: February 2019

Here, we demonstrate for the first time a strategy to self-assemble ZnO nanoparticles (NP) on a large area by a facile one-step process. First, rough and random ZnO nanocrystals (NC), were produced by free-stabilizing aqueous synthesis. Therefore, a post thermal treatment at various temperatures ranging from 80 to 800 °C was necessary to obtain size-tunable and photoluminescent crystalline NP. The fabricated NP had both efficient UV photoluminescence and photocatalytic activity by photo-degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The annealed NP showed an absorption blue shift in the UV region with decreasing size. This shift was attributed to high quantum confinement effect since ZnO NP diameter reached values lower than the Bohr radius of ZnO (~2.7 nm). The photocatalytic activity displayed dependency on the particle’s size, number, and crystallinity. Subsequently, the NP were self-assembled inside poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoholes. Subsequently, large area substrate of homogenous properties ZnO NP was obtained. Moreover, the synthesis facility, photoemission and photocatalytic properties of ZnO NP could be a new insight into the realization of high performance and low cost UV laser devices.
Gene Expression Profiling of NFATc1-Knockdown in RAW 264.7 Cells: An Alternative Pathway for Macrophage Differentiation
Authors: Russo Roberta , Mallia Selene , Zito Francesca , Lampiasi Nadia
Published: February 2019

NFATc1, which is ubiquitous in many cell types, is the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which NFATc1 drives its transcriptional program to produce osteoclasts from macrophages (M) remains poorly understood. We performed quantitative PCR (QPCR) arrays and bioinformatic analyses to discover new direct and indirect NFATc1 targets. The results revealed that NFATc1 significantly modified the expression of 55 genes in untransfected cells and 31 genes after NFATc1-knockdown (≥2). Among them, we focused on 19 common genes that showed changes in the PCR arrays between the two groups of cells. Gene Ontology (GO) demonstrated that genes related to cell differentiation and the development process were significantly (p > 0.05) affected by NFATc1-knockdown. Among all the genes analyzed, we focused on GATA2, which was up-regulated in NFATc1-knockdown cells, while its expression was reduced after NFATc1 rescue. Thus, we suggest GATA2 as a new target of NFATc1. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified up-regulated GATA2 and the STAT family members as principal nodes involved in cell differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that STAT6 was activated in parallel with GATA2 in NFATc1-knockdown cells. We suggest an alternative pathway for macrophage differentiation in the absence of NFATc1 due to the GATA2 transcription factor.
Self-Saturable Absorption and Reverse-Saturable Absorption Effects in Diamond-Like Carbon Films with Embedded Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Meškinis Šarūnas , Vasiliauskas Andrius , Andrulevičius Mindaugas , Jurkevičiūtė Aušrinė , Peckus Domantas , Kopustinskas Vitoldas , Viskontas Karolis , Tamulevičius Sigitas
Published: February 2019

Nonlinear optical properties (self-saturable absorption and reverse-saturable absorption) of diamond-like carbon films with variable amounts of embedded copper nanoparticle (DLC:Cu) films deposited by high power pulse magnetron sputtering were studied in dependence on deposition conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to study elemental composition and He ion microscopy to study changes of the size, shape, and concentration of the Cu nanoparticles deposited using different pulse currents as well as argon and acetylene gas ratios. Raman scattering spectra of DLC:Cu films studied were typical of diamond-like carbon (including the films with a high Cu atomic concentration where it was up to 60 atom % and carbon atomic concentration was less than 20 atom %). In all cases, in the absorption spectra of DLC:Cu films, the surface plasmon resonance-related peak was recorded. The position of the plasmonic peak for all the deposited nanocomposite films was in a 590–620 nm range. For the samples containing lower amounts of copper, reverse-saturable absorption was found. Transient optical absorption measurements have shown that the reverse-saturable absorption is typical for the samples with a lower relaxation time. The longer relaxation times recorded during transient optical absorption measurements correlated with the presence of the saturable absorption effect. For DLC:Cu samples containing 58–62 atom % Cu, some optical inhomogeneities were observed. The samples in different places demonstrated either saturable absorption or reverse-saturable absorption. The presence of both saturable and reverse-saturable absorption effects in the same sample is explained by the lateral inhomogeneities of the DLC:Cu films.
Location Intelligence Systems and Data Integration for Airport Capacities Planning
Authors: Ponjavic Mirza , Karabegovic Almir
Published: February 2019

This paper describes an approach introducing location intelligence using open-source software components as the solution for planning and construction of the airport infrastructure. As a case study, the spatial information system of the International Airport in Sarajevo is selected. Due to the frequent construction work on new terminals and the increase of existing airport capacities, as one of the measures for more efficient management of airport infrastructures, the development team has suggested to airport management to introduce location intelligence, meaning to upgrade the existing information system with a functional WebGIS solution. This solution is based on OpenGeo architecture that includes a set of spatial data management technologies used to create an online internet map and build a location intelligence infrastructure.
Quantitative Risk Assessment Model of Human Salmonellosis Resulting from Consumption of Broiler Chicken
Authors: Akil Luma , Ahmad H. Anwar
Published: February 2019

(1) Background: Salmonella infections are a major cause of illnesses in the United States. Each year around 450 people die from the disease and more than 23,000 people are hospitalized. Salmonella outbreaks are commonly associated with eggs, meat and poultry. In this study, a quantitative risk assessment model (QRAM) was developed to determine Salmonella infections in broiler chicken. (2) Methods: Data of positive Salmonella infections were obtained from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System, in addition to published literature. The Decision Tools @RISK add-in software was used for various analyses and to develop the QRAM. The farm-to-fork pathway was modeled as a series of unit operations and associated pathogen events that included initial contamination at the broiler house (node 1), contamination at the slaughter house (node 2), contamination at retail (node 3), cross-contamination during serving and cooking (node 4), and finally the dose–response model after consumption. (3) Results: QRAM of Salmonella infections from broiler meat showed highest contribution of infection from the retail node (33.5%). (4) Conclusions: This QRAM that predicts the risk of Salmonella infections could be used as a guiding tool to manage the Salmonella control programs
Oral White Lesions: An Updated Clinical Diagnostic Decision Tree
Authors: Mortazavi Hamed , Safi Yaser , Baharvand Maryam , Jafari Soudeh , Anbari Fahimeh , Rahmani Somayeh
Published: February 2019

Diagnosis of oral white lesions might be quite challenging. This review article aimed to introduce a decision tree for oral white lesions according to their clinical features. General search engines and specialized databases including PubMed, PubMed Central, EBSCO, Science Direct, Scopus, Embase, and authenticated textbooks were used to find relevant topics by means of MeSH keywords such as “mouth disease”, “oral keratosis”, “oral leukokeratosis”, and “oral leukoplakia”. Related English-language articles published since 2000 to 2017, including reviews, meta-analyses, and original papers (randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials; prospective or retrospective cohort studies), case reports, and case series about oral diseases were appraised. Upon compilation of data, oral white lesions were categorized into two major groups according to their nature of development: Congenital or acquired lesions and four subgroups: Lesions which can be scraped off or not and lesions with the special pattern or not. In total, more than 20 entities were organized in the form of a decision tree in order to help clinicians establish a logical diagnosis by a stepwise progression method.
Early Childhood Caries in 3 to 5 Year Old Children in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Percival Tricia , Edwards Julien , Barclay Salvacion , Sa Bidyadhar , Majumder Md Anwarul Azim
Published: February 2019

Background: This study was done to evaluate the prevalence and contributory factors of early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (S-ECC) among preschool children of Kindergartens and Early Childhood Centres in Trinidad and Tobago. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 342 preschool children aged 3 to 5 years. The school staff distributed a structured questionnaire to the children to be completed by the mother. Clinical examinations were conducted by calibrated examiners. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 in all analyses. Results: The prevalence of ECC and S-ECC was 50.3% and 52.3%, respectively. Dietary and oral hygiene factors particularly with bottle feeding and high plaque levels were major contributors to dental caries in this population. Conclusion: ECC and S-ECC are significant issues that occur in preschool children in Trinidad and Tobago. The development of ECC and S-ECC can be attributed to certain environmental factors like dietary habits and oral hygiene practices. Early dental assessment, broad-based oral health education programmes, increased parental/guardian engagement during oral hygiene practices and greater access to facilities for early childhood caries prevention and management can help alleviate the problems of ECC and S-ECC in this population.
Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) in High Schools: Subtle but Potentially Important Student Gains Detected from Human-Centered Curriculum Design
Authors: Ruth Alissa , Hackman Joseph , Brewis Alexandra , Spence Tameka , Luchmun Rachel , Velez Jennifer , Ganesh Tirupalavanam G.
Published: February 2019

A major goal in Engineering training in the U.S. is to continue to both grow and diversify the field. Project- and service-based forms of experiential, problem-based learning are often implemented with this as a goal, and Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) High is one of the more well-regarded and widely implemented. Yet, the evidence based on if and how participation in such programs shapes student intentions and commitment to STEM pathways is currently limited, most especially for pre-college programming. This study asks: How do high school students’ engineering mindsets and their views of engineering/engineers change as they participate in project–service learning (as implemented through an EPICS High curriculum)? This study employed a mixed method design, combining pre- and post-test survey data that were collected from 259 matched students (63% minority, 43% women) enrolling in EPICS High (total of 536 completed pre-tests, 375 completed post-tests) alongside systematic ethnographic analysis of participant observation data conducted in the same 13 socioeconomically diverse schools over a two-year period. Statistical analyses showed that participants score highly on engineering-related concepts and attitudes at both pre- and post-test. These did not change significantly as a result of participation. However, we detected nuanced but potentially important changes in student perspectives and meaning, such as shifting perceptions of engineering and gaining key transversal skills. The value of participation to participants was connected to changes in the meaning of commitments to pursue engineering/STEM.
Full-Band Oversized Turnstile-Based Waveguide Four-Way Power Divider/Combiner for High-Power Applications
Authors: Cano Juan Luis , Di Paolo Franco , Mediavilla Angel , Colantonio Paolo
Published: February 2019

Very high-power and high-efficiency microwave applications require waveguide structures to combine/divide the power from/to a variable number of high-power solid-state devices. In the literature, among the different waveguide configurations, those capable of providing the maximum output power show a limited relative bandwidth. To overcome this limitation, in this paper a full-band (40%) waveguide power divider/combiner specifically designed for high-power applications (up to several kW) is presented. The proposed structure uses an evolved turnstile junction with a standard rectangular waveguide common port, rotated 45°, with respect to its central axis, to divide/combine the signal to/from the four output/input rectangular ports. The inclusion of an oversized central cavity together with circular and rectangular waveguide impedance transformers at the common port allows the achievement of a full-band operation with excellent electrical performance, while maintaining a very simple and compact configuration. Only two layers of metal are required for the physical implementation of this structure in platelet configuration. A prototype has been designed covering the full Ka-band (26.5–40 GHz), showing an excellent measured performance with around 30 dB of return loss, 0.18 dB of insertion loss, and less than 1.5° of phase imbalance.
Fault Simulation and Online Diagnosis of Blade Damage of Large-Scale Wind Turbines
Authors: Gao Feng , Wu Xiaojiang , Liu Qiang , Liu Juncheng , Yang Xiyun
Published: February 2019

Damaged wind turbine (WT) blades have an imbalanced load and abnormal vibration, which affects their safe and stable operation or even results in blade rupture. To solve this problem, this study proposes a new method to detect damage in WT blades using wavelet packet energy spectrum analysis and operational modal analysis. First, a wavelet packet transform is used to analyze the tip displacement of the blades to obtain the energy spectrum. The damage is detected preliminarily based on the energy change in different frequency bands. Subsequently, an operational modal analysis method is used to obtain the modal parameters of the blade sections and the damage is located based on the modal strain energy change ratio (MSECR). Finally, the professional WT simulation software GH (Garrad Hassan) Bladed is used to simulate the blade damage and the results are verified by developing an online fault diagnosis platform integrated with MATLAB. The results show that the proposed method is able to diagnose and locate the damage accurately and provide a basis for further research of online damage diagnosis for WT blades.
The Influence of Residence Time during Hydrothermal Carbonisation of Miscanthus on Bio-Coal Combustion Chemistry
Authors: Smith Aidan M. , Ross Andrew B.
Published: February 2019

Miscanthus was treated by hydrothermal carbonisation in a 2-L batch reactor at 200 °C and 250 °C with residence times ranging between 0 and 24 h to understand the impact of residence time has on the resulting bio-coal combustion chemistry. Increasing the residence time results in dehydration of the bio-coal and increased repolymerisation; however, temperature has the greatest influence on bio-coal properties. After 24 h at 200 °C, bio-coal has similar properties to that of the 250 °C + 0 h bio-coal. After 1 h at 250 °C, the cellulose present in the raw biomass appears to be largely removed. The removal of cellulose and the associated dehydration and repolymerisation results in bio-coal having a ‘coal like’ combustion profile, which exhibits a decreasing reactivity with increasing residence time. At 200 °C + 0 h, 75% of the alkali metal is removed, increasing to 86% with increasing residence time. Further extraction is seen at 250 °C. Phosphorus and sulphur appear to undergo substantial extraction at 200 °C + 0 h but then are reincorporated with increasing residence time. The calcium content increases in the bio-coal with increasing residence time at 200 °C but then reduces after 1 h at 250 °C. Increasing temperature and residence time has been shown to decrease the fuels’ fouling and slagging propensity.
Energy Efficiency Solutions for Buildings: Automated Fault Diagnosis of Air Handling Units Using Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Zhong Chaowen , Yan Ke , Dai Yuting , Jin Ning , Lou Bing
Published: February 2019

Automated fault diagnosis (AFD) for various energy consumption components is one of the main topics for energy efficiency solutions. However, the lack of faulty samples in the training process remains as a difficulty for data-driven AFD of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystems, such as air handling units (AHU). Existing works show that semi-supervised learning theories can effectively alleviate the issue by iteratively inserting newly tested faulty data samples into the training pool when the same fault happens again. However, a research gap exists between theoretical AFD algorithms and real-world applications. First, for real-world AFD applications, it is hard to predict the time when the same fault happens again. Second, the training set is required to be pre-defined and fixed before being packed into the building management system (BMS) for automatic HVAC fault diagnosis. The semi-supervised learning process of iteratively absorbing testing data into the training pool can be irrelevant for industrial usage of the AFD methods. Generative adversarial network (GAN) is well-known as an unsupervised learning technique to enrich the training pool with fake samples that are close to real faulty samples. In this study, a hybrid generative adversarial network (GAN) is proposed combining Wasserstein GAN with traditional classifiers to perform fault diagnosis mimicking the real-world scenarios with limited faulty training samples in the training process. Experimental results on real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for fault diagnosis problems of AHU subsystem.
Drivers for Annual Cork Growth under Two Understory Management Alternatives on a Podzolic Cork Oak Stand
Authors: P. Faias Sónia , A. Paulo Joana , N. Firmino Paulo , Tomé Margarida
Published: February 2019

Understory management practices and stand density characteristics allow one to distinguish a cork oak traditional silvopastoral system (known as a montado) from a cork oak forest system. Although understanding the manner in which different management practices affect cork growth is imperative, there are still only a few outputs from experimental research that contribute to this knowledge. The effect of potential drivers on annual cork growth was analyzed using a linear mixed model approach. Two dimensions of drivers were considered: intraspecific competition, assessed by tree level distance-dependent indices; and interspecific competition, assessed by variables characterizing understory management. The present dataset was collected from an experimental trial established on a cork oak stand in Podzolic soil on the Tagus river basin, covering two different cork growth cycles over the period from 2003 to 2015. The adjusted models considered two understory management alternatives: spontaneous shrubs maintenance and forage application. In both models, annual precipitation displayed a positive effect on annual cork growth, as expected. However, no significant effect of intraspecific competition was found. Additionally, there was a positive effect on annual cork growth associated with the spontaneous shrubs growth and a negative effect associated with lupine presence; both effects linked to different cork ring ages’ thresholds. The study main contributions are the following: (i) the introduction of the interaction between cork growth cycle stage and understory management practices, only possible with cork sample collections from different cork rotation cycles; (ii) the finding that there was no significant effect of intraspecific competition on cork growth.
Impact Assessment of Skidding Extraction: Effects on Physical and Chemical Properties of Forest Soils and on Maple Seedling Growing along the Skid Trail
Authors: Solgi Ahmad , Naghdi Ramin , Marchi Enrico , Laschi Andrea , Keivan Behjou Farshad , Hemmati Vahid , Masumian Ali
Published: February 2019

Several studies investigated soil disturbances caused on skid trails by forest logging. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about the severity and the distance of disturbances along both sides from the trails. The aims of this study were: i) to investigate the changes in physical and chemical properties of soil along the sides of skidding trails; ii) to measure the effects of soil compaction on of maple seedlings growth. Two levels of trail gradient (<20% and >20%), four levels of traffic frequency (3, 8, 15, and 30 passes) and four distance buffer strip zones (0.5 m intervals from 0 to 2 m in distance) on both sides of skid trail edges were analyzed. Each treatment included three replicate plots. In order to investigate the effect of compaction on seedlings emergence and growth, maple seeds were sown after logging. The results highlighted significant changes in physical and chemical properties of soil for each traffic frequency in the closest buffer strip (from 0 to 0.5 m from the skid trail edges). The largest changes in soil properties were identified at 0.5 m distance zones for a slope gradient >20% after 3, 8, 15, and 30 skidding cycles. The highest changes were recorded on slope category >20%. The higher the soil compaction the lower the germination rate, root length, and stem height of seedlings.
Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis of Tree Peony (Paeonia section Moutan DC.) in Response to Drought Stress
Authors: Zhao Daqiu , Zhang Xiayan , Fang Ziwen , Wu Yanqing , Tao Jun
Published: February 2019

Tree peony (Paeonia section Moutan DC.) is a famous ornamental plant, and P. ostii has been used for seed oil production in China because it is rich in α-linolenic acid. P. ostii has some resistance to drought, but lack of water can severely hinder its growth and development in arid areas. In order to clarify drought stress induced physiological and molecular changes of P. ostia, its physiological and transcriptomic analyses were performed under drought stress, and we found that P. ostii leaves drooped significantly 12 days after treatment and observed a significant increase in all detected physiological indices in response to drought treatment except leaf water content, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. Meanwhile, the activity of three antioxidant enzymes basically increased under drought treatment. Moreover, drought treatment significantly reduced photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters except non-photochemical quenching (qN), and maintained more intact mesophyll cell structures. Additionally, many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found by transcriptome sequencing, which play an important role in P. ostia drought tolerance by controlling a variety of biological processes, including the reactive oxygen species (ROS) system, chlorophyll degradation and photosynthetic competency, fatty acid metabolism, proline metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolism, and plant hormone metabolism. These results provide a better understanding of P. ostii responses to drought stress.
Women’s Experience of Facility-Based Childbirth Care and Receipt of an Early Postnatal Check for Herself and Her Newborn in Northwestern Tanzania
Authors: Bishanga Dunstan R. , Massenga Joseph , Mwanamsangu Amasha H. , Kim Young-Mi , George John , Kapologwe Ntuli A. , Zoungrana Jeremie , Rwegasira Mary , Kols Adrienne , Hill Kathleen , Rijken Marcus J. , Stekelenburg Jelle
Published: February 2019

Negative experiences of care may act as a deterrent to current and/or future utilization of facility-based health services. To examine the situation in Tanzania, we conducted a sub-analysis of a cross-sectional household survey conducted in April 2016 in the Mara and Kagera regions of Tanzania. The sample included 732 women aged 15–49 years who had given birth in a health facility during the previous two years. Log binomial regression models were used to investigate the association between women’s experiences of care during childbirth and the receipt of early postnatal checks before discharge. Overall, 73.1% of women reported disrespect and abuse, 60.1% were offered a birth companion, 29.1% had a choice of birth position, and 85.5% rated facility cleanliness as good. About half of mothers (46.3%) and newborns (51.4%) received early postnatal checks before discharge. Early postnatal checks for both mothers and newborns were associated with no disrespect and abuse (RR: 1.23 and 1.14, respectively) and facility cleanliness (RR: 1.29 and 1.54, respectively). Early postnatal checks for mothers were also associated with choice of birth position (RR: 1.18). The results suggest that a missed opportunity in providing an early postnatal check is an indication of poor quality of the continuum of care for mothers and newborns. Improved quality of care at one stage can predict better care in subsequent stages.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of A Polyphenolic Extract from Arabidopsis thaliana in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Mattioli Roberto , Francioso Antonio , d’Erme Maria , Trovato Maurizio , Mancini Patrizia , Piacentini Lucia , Casale Assunta Maria , Wessjohann Ludger , Gazzino Roberta , Costantino Paolo , Mosca Luciana
Published: February 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and the primary form of dementia in the elderly. One of the main features of AD is the increase in amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide production and aggregation, leading to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Polyphenols are well known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and have been proposed as possible therapeutic agents against AD. Here, we investigated the effects of a polyphenolic extract of Arabidopsis thaliana (a plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family) on inflammatory response induced by Aβ. BV2 murine microglia cells treated with both Aβ25–35 peptide and extract showed a lower pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and a higher anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13) cytokine production compared to cells treated with Aβ only. The activation of the Nrf2-antioxidant response element signaling pathway in treated cells resulted in the upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 mRNA and in an increase of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 activity. To establish whether the extract is also effective against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in vivo, we evaluated its effect on the impaired climbing ability of AD Drosophila flies expressing human Aβ1–42. Arabidopsis extract significantly restored the locomotor activity of these flies, thus confirming its neuroprotective effects also in vivo. These results point to a protective effect of the Arabidopsis extract in AD, and prompt its use as a model in studying the impact of complex mixtures derived from plant-based food on neurodegenerative diseases.
In Vitro Activity of the Bacteriophage Endolysin HY-133 against Staphylococcus aureus Small-Colony Variants and Their Corresponding Wild Types
Authors: Schleimer Nina , Kaspar Ursula , Knaack Dennis , von Eiff Christof , Molinaro Sonja , Grallert Holger , Idelevich Evgeny , Becker Karsten
Published: February 2019

Nasal carriage of methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents both a source and a risk factor for subsequent infections. However, existing MRSA decolonization strategies and antibiotic treatment options are hampered by the duration of administration and particularly by the emergence of resistance. Moreover, beyond classical resistance mechanisms, functional resistance as the formation of the small-colony variant (SCV) phenotype may also impair the course and treatment of S. aureus infections. For the recombinant bacteriophage endolysin HY-133, rapid bactericidal and highly selective in vitro activities against MSSA and MRSA has been shown. In order to assess the in vitro efficacy of HY-133 against the SCV phenotype, minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were evaluated on clinical SCVs, their isogenic wild types, as well as on genetically derived and gentamicin-selected SCVs. For all strains and growth phases, HY-133 MIC and MBC ranged between 0.12 and 1 mg/L. Time-kill studies revealed a fast-acting bactericidal activity of HY-133 resulting in a ≥3 − log10 decrease in CFU/mL within 1 h compared to oxacillin, which required 4–24 h. Since the mode of action of HY-133 was independent of growth phase, resistance pattern, and phenotype, it is a promising candidate for future S. aureus decolonization strategies comprising rapid activity against phenotypic variants exhibiting functional resistance.
Interactions between Host Immunity and Skin-Colonizing Staphylococci: No Two Siblings Are Alike
Authors: Park Young Joon , Kim Chae Won , Lee Heung Kyu
Published: February 2019

As the outermost layer of the body, the skin harbors innumerable and varied microorganisms. These microorganisms interact with the host, and these interactions contribute to host immunity. One of the most abundant genera of skin commensals is Staphylococcus. Bacteria belonging to this genus are some of the most influential commensals that reside on the skin. For example, colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, a well-known pathogen, increases inflammatory responses within the skin. Conversely, colonization by Staphylococcus epidermis, a coagulase-negative staphylococcal species that are prevalent throughout the skin, can be innocuous or beneficial. Thus, manipulating the abundance of these two bacterial species likely alters the skin microbiome and modulates the cutaneous immune response, with potential implications for various inflammation-associated skin diseases. Importantly, before researchers can begin manipulating the skin microbiome to prevent and treat disease, they must first fully understand how these two species can modulate the cutaneous immune response. In this review, we discuss the nature of the interactions between these two bacterial species and immune cells within the skin, discussing their immunogenicity within the context of skin disorders.
Differential Efficacy of Neurofeedback in Children with ADHD Presentations
Authors: Cueli Marisol , Rodríguez Celestino , Cabaleiro Paloma , García Trinidad , González-Castro Paloma
Published: February 2019

Training in neurofeedback (NF) reduces the symptomatology associated with attention deficit with hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, ADHD differs in terms of the type of presentation, i.e., inattentive (ADHD-I), impulsive/hyperactive (ADHD-HI), or combined (ADHD-C). This study examines the efficacy of NF in ADHD presentations. Participants were 64 students (8–12 years old). Cortical activation, executive control, and observed symptomatology by parents were assessed. Results indicated that ADHD-C and ADHD-HI demonstrated greater improvements than ADHD-I. It was concluded that this kind of training produces an improvement and that it is necessary to explore it further in terms of the protocol used.
Evaluation of the Association between the Risk of Central Retinal Artery Occlusion and the Concentration of Environmental Air Pollutants
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej E. , Mimier Małgorzata K.
Published: February 2019

The purpose of the retrospective, population-based study was to assess the relationship between the risk of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and the level of air pollutants. This study identified 2.272 cases of newly diagnosed CRAO registered in the Polish National Health Service database. The study authors gathered hourly ambient concentrations of particulate matter—PM 2.5, PM 10, benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide from pollution monitoring stations. Data on average daily temperature and atmospheric pressure were also obtained. In the statistical analyses, single- and multi-factor Poisson negative binomial regression models were carried out, controlling also for ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure with seasonality set at a level of 4. This study has shown a positive association between CRAO onset and short-term, daily changes in PM 10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO concentrations, as well as with air temperature, in the days preceding the diagnosis.
Oral Bicarbonate Therapy in Non-Haemodialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Hu May Khei , Witham Miles D. , Soiza Roy L.
Published: February 2019

Metabolic acidosis is a common complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and is associated with an accelerated decline in renal function. Oral bicarbonate therapy has been used to counteract metabolic acidosis in CKD for decades. However, until recently, there have been very few intervention studies testing the effectiveness of bicarbonate therapy at improving metabolic acidosis or its consequences in patients with CKD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to examine the outcomes of all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of oral bicarbonate therapy in adults with CKD. Ovid MEDLINE®, EMBASE® and Cochrane Library were searched in mid-October 2018 for English literature, with no restrictions applied to the publication status or date. Seven RCTs that recruited 815 participants met our inclusion criteria after full text review. Oral bicarbonate supplementation resulted in a slightly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (mean difference 3.1 mL/min per 1.73 m2; 95% CI 1.3–4.9) and serum bicarbonate levels (mean difference 3.4 mmol/L; 95% CI 1.9–4.9) at the end of follow-up (three months to five years) compared to those given placebo or conventional CKD treatment. When limited to studies reporting outcomes at one year, the positive effect of oral bicarbonate therapy on eGFR was attenuated. There were no significant treatment effects in other parameters such as systolic blood pressure (BP) and weight. These findings should be interpreted with caution and further trial evidence is needed to establish the net overall benefit or harm of oral bicarbonate therapy in CKD.
The Optimal Indication for Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Late Onset Hypogonadism
Authors: Shin Yu Seob , Park Jong Kwan
Published: February 2019

The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is increasing every year; however, the literature shows that many men are using testosterone (T) without a clear indication. Previous studies have estimated that up to 25% of men who receive TRT do not have their T tested prior to initiation of the therapy. Given the growing concern and need for proper TRT, clinicians need evidence-based information that informs them on the optimal indication for TRT in LOH patients. The diagnosis of LOH requires the presence of characteristic signs and symptoms, in combination with decreased serum total testosterone (TT). Based on the recent guidelines by the International Society for the Study of Aging Male (ISSAM), the European Association of Urology (EAU), the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), the European Academy of Andrology (EAA), and the American Association of Urology (AUA), a TT of 250–350 ng/dL is the proper threshold value to define low T. The optimal indication for TRT in LOH is the presence of signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, and low T without contraindications for TRT.
Rehabilitative Exercise Reduced the Impact of Peripheral Artery Disease on Vascular Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Claudication: A Three-Year Single Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Lamberti Nicola , Guerzoni Franco , Napoli Nicola , Gasbarro Vincenzo , Zamboni Paolo , Mascoli Francesco , Manfredini Roberto , Basaglia Nino , Rodríguez-Borrego María Aurora , López-Soto Pablo Jesús
Published: February 2019

The study retrospectively evaluated the association between rehabilitative outcomes and risk of peripheral revascularizations in elderly peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients with claudication. Eight-hundred thirty-five patients were enrolled. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) and maximal walking speed (Smax) were measured at baseline and at discharge from a structured home-based rehabilitation program. For the analysis, patients were divided according to a baseline ABI value (severe: ≤0.5; moderate: ≥0.5) and according to hemodynamic or functional rehabilitative response (responder: ABI ≥ 0.10 and/or Smax > 0.5 km/h). Three-year outcomes were collected from the regional registry. According to the inclusion criteria (age 60–80, ABI < 0.80; program completion) 457 patients, 146 severe and 311 moderate, were studied. The whole population showed significant functional and hemodynamic improvements at discharge, with 56 revascularizations and 69 deaths at follow-up. Compared to the moderate group, the severe group showed a higher rate of revascularizations (17% vs. 10%, p < 0.001) and deaths (29% and 8%, respectively; p < 0.001). However, patients with severe PAD who were ABI responders after rehabilitation showed less revascularizations than non-responders (13% vs. 21%; hazard ratio (HR): 0.52) and were not different from patients with moderate disease (9%). Superimposable rates were observed for Smax responders (13% vs. 21%; HR: 0.55; moderate 10%). In conclusion, elderly patients with severe PAD empowered by better rehabilitation outcomes showed lower rates of peripheral revascularizations and deaths that were comparable to patients with moderate PAD.
Analysis of a Sardinian Multiplex Family with Autism Spectrum Disorder Points to Post-Synaptic Density Gene Variants and Identifies CAPG as a Functionally Relevant Candidate Gene
Authors: Bacchelli Elena , Loi Eleonora , Cameli Cinzia , Moi Loredana , Vega Benedetti Ana , Blois Sylvain , Fadda Antonio , Bonora Elena , Mattu Sandra , Fadda Roberta , Chessa Rita , Maestrini Elena , Doneddu Giuseppe , Zavattari Patrizia
Published: February 2019

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with high heritability, although their underlying genetic factors are still largely unknown. Here we present a comprehensive genetic characterization of two ASD siblings from Sardinia by genome-wide copy number variation analysis and whole exome sequencing (WES), to identify novel genetic alterations associated with this disorder. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data revealed a rare microdeletion involving CAPG, ELMOD3, and SH2D6 genes, in both siblings. CAPG encodes for a postsynaptic density (PSD) protein known to regulate spine morphogenesis and synaptic formation. The reduced CAPG mRNA and protein expression levels in ASD patients, in the presence of hemizygosity or a particular genetic and/or epigenetic background, highlighted the functional relevance of CAPG as a candidate gene for ASD. WES analysis led to the identification in both affected siblings of a rare frameshift mutation in VDAC3, a gene intolerant to loss of function mutation, encoding for a voltage-dependent anion channel localized on PSD. Moreover, four missense damaging variants were identified in genes intolerant to loss of function variation encoding for PSD proteins: PLXNA2, KCTD16, ARHGAP21, and SLC4A1. This study identifies CAPG and VDAC3 as candidate genes and provides additional support for genes encoding PSD proteins in ASD susceptibility.
How the Results of a Randomized Trial of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis versus Anticoagulation Alone for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism Would Affect Patient and Physician Decision Making: Report of an Online Survey
Authors: Taslakian Bedros , Li Clayton , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Mikkelsen Kathryn Z. , Horowitz James M. , Kabrhel Christopher , Barnes Geoffrey D. , Sista Akhilesh K.
Published: February 2019

The purpose is to investigate how the outcomes of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) versus anticoagulation alone for acute submassive PE would affect clinical decision-making. An online survey was sent to the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium members and the North American Thrombosis Forum members. Participants rated their preference for CDT on a 5-point scale in 5 RCT outcome scenarios. In all scenarios, subjects in the CDT group walked farther at 1-year than those in the anticoagulation group. A total of 83.3% of patients and 67.1% of physicians preferred CDT (score > 3) if it improved exercise capacity and did not increase bleeding. In every scenario, patients scored CDT higher than physicians (p < 0.05 for each). Bleeding and clinical deterioration were independently associated with the mean score. Patients’ age, gender, and history of PE did not influence CDT scores (p = 0.083, p = 0.071, p = 0.257 respectively). For patients, 60% > 60 years, 65.5% < 60 years, 57.1% of men, and 66.3% of women preferred CDT across scenarios. In conclusion, the majority of respondents would choose CDT if it improves long-term exercise capacity and does not increase bleeding. Patients appear to accept a higher bleeding risk than physicians if CDT improves long-term exercise capacity.
The Developing Story of Predictive Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Boussios Stergios , Ozturk Mehmet , Moschetta Michele , Karathanasi Afroditi , Zakynthinakis-Kyriakou Nikolaos , Katsanos Konstantinos , Christodoulou Dimitrios , Pavlidis Nicholas
Published: February 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. Surgery remains the most important treatment for non-metastatic CRC, and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy depends mainly on the disease stage, which is still the strongest prognostic factor. A refined understanding of the genomics of CRC has recently been achieved thanks to the widespread use of next generation sequencing with potential future therapeutic implications. Microsatellite instability (MSI) has been suggested as a predictive marker for response to anti-programmed-cell-death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy in solid tumors, including CRC. It should be noted that not all cancers with MSI phenotype respond to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, highlighting the urgent need for even better predictive biomarkers. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway genes KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF represent important molecular targets and could serve as independent prognostic biomarkers in CRC, and identify those who potentially benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment. Emerging evidence has attributed a significant role to inflammatory markers including blood cell ratios in the prognosis and survival of CRC patients; these biomarkers can be easily assessed in routine blood exams and be used to identify high-risk patients or those more likely to benefit from chemotherapy, targeted therapies and potentially immunotherapy. Analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTC) and/or micro RNAs (miRNAs) could provide useful information for the early diagnosis of CRC, the identification of minimal residual disease and, the evaluation of the risk of recurrence in early CRC patients. Even the selection of patients suitable for the new targeted therapy is becoming possible with the use of predictive miRNA biomarkers. Finally, the development of treatment resistance with the emergence of chemo-resistance clones after treatment remains the most important challenge in the clinical practice. In this context it is crucial to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets which could lead to development of new and more effective treatments.
Process Induced Morphology Development of Isotactic Polypropylene on the Basis of Molecular Stretch and Mechanical Work Evolutions
Authors: Liparoti Sara , Speranza Vito , Pantani Roberto , Titomanlio Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

It is well known that under high shear rates polymers tend to solidify with formation of morphological elements oriented and aligned along the flow direction. On the other hand, stretched polymer chains may not have sufficient time to undergo the structuring steps, which give rise to fibrillar morphology. In the last decades, several authors have proposed a combined criterion based on both a critical shear rate and a critical mechanical work, which guaranties adequate time for molecular structuring. In this paper, the criterion, reformulated on the basis of critical values of both molecular stretch and mechanical work and adjusted to account for the unsteady character of the polymer processing operations, is applied to the analysis of a set of isotactic polypropylene injection molded samples obtained under very different thermal boundary conditions. The evolutions of molecular stretch and mechanical work are evaluated using process simulation. The results of the model reproduce the main characteristics of the morphology distribution detected on the cross sections of moldings, obtained under very different thermal boundary conditions, assuming that the critical work is a function of temperature.
Spiritual Care in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review of the Recent European Literature
Authors: Gijsberts Marie-José H. E. , Liefbroer Anke I. , Otten René , Olsman Erik
Published: February 2019

Many studies on spiritual care in palliative care are performed in the US, leaving other continents unexplored. The objective of this systematic review is to map the recent studies on spiritual care in palliative care in Europe. PubMed, CINAHL, ATLA, PsycINFO, ERIC, IBSS, Web of Science, EMBASE, and other databases were searched. Included were European studies published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2015, 2016, or 2017. The characteristics of the included studies were analyzed and a narrative synthesis of the extracted data was performed. 53 articles were included. Spiritual care was seen as attention for spirituality, presence, empowerment, and bringing peace. It implied creative, narrative, and ritual work. Though several studies reported positive effects of spiritual care, like the easing of discomfort, the evidence for spiritual care is low. Requirements for implementation of spiritual care in (palliative) care were: Developing spiritual competency, including self-reflection, and visibility of spirituality and spiritual care, which are required from spiritual counselors that they participated in existing organizational structures. This study has provided insight into spiritual care in palliative care in Europe. Future studies are necessary to develop appropriate patient outcomes and to investigate the effects of spiritual care more fully.