bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early warning score in predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Poudyal S , Singh YP
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Acute Pancreatitisis leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A third of patientsdevelop severe pancreatitis with progressive organ dysfunction caused by systemic inflammatory response syndrome.Early identification of severe pancreatitis is essential for proper care and preventing complications. Various scoring systems have been developed to determine the severity.An ideal prognostic marker would be that is easily measurable, reproducible and cost effective. Early Warning Score is a simple physiological scoring system that can be reliably measured at the patient’s bedside. This study was aimed to determine the relationship between early warning score and severity of pancreatitis.Methods: Patients admitted with diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were included. Early warning score was calculated four hourly for 72 hours. Modified Marshall Score was determined at admission and at 48 hours. Severity of acute pancreatitis as defined by revised Atlanta Classification. EWS was correlated with severity of AP. EWS≥3 for more than 48 hours were regarded as severe pancreatitis and EWS≥3 at any time was regarded as a predictor of severe pancreatitis.Results: Eighty-six patients were included with 24 (27.9%) with severe pancreatitis. The sensitivity, specificity,positive andnegative predictive valueof EWS≥3 persistent for 48 hours or more in predicting severity were 87.5%, 98.38%, 95.45% and 95.31% respectively. Correlation between EWS and severity of pancreatitis was statistically significant.Conclusion: EWS is useful as an easy and reliable prognostic marker of the evolution and complications of acute pancreatitis.Journal of Society of Surgeons of Nepal Vol.17(1) 2014: 16-20
Management of cysto-biliary communication in hydatid cyst of liver
Authors: Bhattarai A
Published: July 2016

Introduction: Biliary communication of hepatic hydatosis is one of the important complications. It may be minor or major communication. Minor communication is usually diagnosed during operation by the presence of bile stained hydatid fluid on aspiration or bile leak during surgery. However, in major communication, patients present with obstructive jaundice, abdominal pain and cholangitis. Surgical management of major communication is difficult and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Methods: This is a retrospective study at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal over a period of two year (April 15th 2012 to April 15th 2014) and analyzed the medical records of 30 patients admitted and treated for hydatid cyst of liver in surgical ward during that period. Demography, clinical features, management and outcome were analyzed.Results: Of 30 patients with hepatic hydatid cyst operated over a period of two years, thirteen patients had cystobiliary communication. Amongst them, five minor communications were diagnosed during operation and managed with suture plication and omentopexy. Out of the eight major communications, seven were diagnosed preoperatively and all had cholangitis, and one had hydatid cyst of gallbladder and was diagnosed intraoperatively. Among six cases of major communication, five cases required CBD exploration and bile duct reconstruction while partial cholecystectomy was done for hydatid cyst of gall bladder and one case was managed by ERCP sphincterotomy, evacuation of cyst content and stenting. one case was managed with pigtail drain as the patient had infected hydatid cyst and not fit for surgery.Conclusion: Cystobiliary communication is a common complication of hydatid cyst of liver. Therapeutic options are related to size and location of the cyst and size of communication.Journal of Society of Surgeons of Nepal Vol.17(1) 2014: 31-34
Schwannoma in lower lip - A case report
Authors: Joshi S , Acharya S , Chaulagain R
Published: July 2016

Journal of Society of Surgeons of Nepal Vol.17(1) 2014: 44-46
Assessing online literature
Authors: Bohara Tanka Prasad
Published: July 2016

Journal of Society of Surgeons of Nepal Vol.17(1) 2014: 47
Fishes of Gobiidae Family, Recorded from the Rivers and Estuaries of Bangladesh: Morphometric and Meristic Studies
Authors: Latifa Gulshan Ara , Ahmed Abu Tweb Abu , Ahmed Md Sagir , Rahman Md Mizanur , Asaduzzaman Md , Obaida Md Abu , Hossain Md Muzammel , Biswas Aparna Riti
Published: July 2016

The study was carried out to determine morphometric and meristic characteristics of fish species belonging to Family: Gobiidae, and examined 42 specimens were collected from rivers and estuaries ecosystem in Bangladesh during January and February, 2015. Samples were found in fresh to brackish water and muddy habitats of estuary areas at Nijhum Island, (Hamilton 1822) and Boleophthalmus boddarti (Pallas 1770) have been studied and comparatively described. This paper discusses the diagnostic characteristics of these fishes. Hatiya; junction of Meghna River and Bay of Bengal, and also recorded from Pasur River is near the Sundarbans in Bagerhat. Morphometric and meristic characteristics of Taenioides buchanani (Day 1873); Odontamblyopus rubicundus (Hamilton 1822); Trypauchen vagina (Bloch and Schneider 1801); Pseudapocryptes elongates (Cuvier 1816); Scartelaos histophorus (Valenciennes 1837); Apocryptes batoBangladesh J. Zool. 43(2): 157-171, 2015
Preliminary Success on Hormone Induced Breeding of Striped Mullet (Mugil cephalus L.) in Bangladesh
Authors: Karim Ehsanul , Hasan Jakia , Hoq M Enamul
Published: July 2016

Induced breeding trial of two years old striped mullet (Mugil cephalus L.) was conducted during winter season in a commercial fish hatchery at Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. Adult or sub-adults of M. cephalus were collected from the wild and reared in the saline ponds from August to December 2014. The broods were injected using carp PG, HCG and LRH-A2 after 48 hrs of acclimatization in the hatchery tanks. The effective doses of carp PG 30mg/kg body weight, LRH-A2150?g with a combination of 0.3ml Domperidone and 0.5 ml Calcium injection, and HCG dose of 30,000 IU in case of female and 5,000 IU in case of male were found to spawning success. The GSI value ranged between 7.92-12.38 and egg diameter of matured fish ranged between 563-594?m and that of fertilized egg between 650-680?m with fecundity calculated as 780 to 900 nos/g. The fish started spawning between 44-48 hrs and cell division was observed after the first hour of spawning, however, mass mortality occurred after 6 hrs of spawning.Bangladesh J. Zool. 43(2): 279-289, 2015
Record of Thaumantis diores and Gerosis sinica Butterflies from Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Monwar , Habib Mirza Shamim Ahasan , Islam Md Shahtabul , Akter Farjana , Khan Sabbir Hussain , Sultana Selina , Rima Nourin
Published: July 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 43(2): 321-326, 2015
Occurrence of Pediculus humanus capitis in Relation to their Personal Hygiene and Social Behaviour Among the Children in Dhaka City
Authors: Karim Tahmina , Musa Sharmin , Khanum Hamida , Mondal Dinesh
Published: July 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J. Zool. 43(2): 327-332, 2015
Different Approaches to Design Management - comparative study among Swedish and Polish furniture companies
Authors: Starostka Justyna
Published: July 2016

There are many roles that design can play in organisations. It can be source of good marketing strategy, and designer by himself can be a promotional tool for a company. Thanks to those actions companies can gain publicity, media attention and good PR.On the second level, design can be perceived as ‘process of making things better’. In this case companies can achieve more effective product development process, new tools and technologies.On the third level we have the situation when designer work alongside with company managers with the whole business concept. At this level, designers’ work looks more like a brand consultant, a strategist. In this approach design should be reflecting certain brand name and brand values.As our study presented, Swedish companies operate on those two, higher levels, while Polish still limit the scope of design. We strongly believe, that Polish companies, as they gain more experience with design activities, will be more likely to perceive design in this more mature approach. In the meantime, presenting best practices from companies from other, more mature countries could be a good way of promoting design as a strategic asset rather than promotional tool. We believe that in order to fasten this process, Polish companies should as follows:1. Work more often with external and foreign designers;2. Expand the area of designer responsibilities in companies;3. Place the responsibility for design in hands of professional design managers.
Embedding design capacity in public organistions: Evaluation by design for public service
Authors: Maffei Stefano , Villari Beatrice , Foglieni Francesca
Published: July 2016

The paper reflects about the need to introduce and develop approaches and tools for public services evaluation. Starting from the acknowledgment that investments in public services has dramatically increased over the last decade, we could state that they must also respond to new varieties of societal challenges and rising demands coming from service users. This pressure makes a strong push upon innovation considering that, if services must be designed to meet the complex needs of users, they also must reach a high rate of delivering cost efficiency.This article proposes an approach based on qualitative and quantitative measurements throughout the whole service design process in which service evaluation may represent a tool for value creation and a driver for innovation in public sector.Considering the emerging interest on evaluating design and innovation (OECD, 2010; European Commission, 2012) the authors try to explore existing evaluation methods for services in public sector, in order to define an evaluation framework that could support new innovation patterns.
Knowledge integration of and by design
Authors: Åman Per , Andersson Hans
Published: July 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible uses, benefits, limitations and future directions of a formal knowledge integration perspective on design management. The paper develops the concepts of management thinking and design(erly) thinking, and questions the implied contention. With a knowledge perspective, design management may be seen as including the capability to integrate specialized, distributed and heterogeneous knowledge bases. Consequences regarding the characteristics of scope, flexibility and efficiency of knowledge integration indicate both greater difficulties and greater possibilities. Regarding the architecture of knowledge, integration of design indicates a functional orientation and a limited role for design, while integration by design may indicate a strategic role.
Non-Response to Antibiotic Treatment in Adolescents for Four Common Infections in UK Primary Care 1991–2012: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Study
Authors: Berni Ellen , Scott Laura , Jenkins-Jones Sara , De Voogd Hanka , Rocha Monica , Butler Chris , Morgan Christopher , Currie Craig
Published: July 2016

We studied non-response rates to antibiotics in the under-reported subgroup of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old, using standardised criteria representing antibiotic treatment failure. Routine, primary care data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) were used. Annual, non-response rates by antibiotics and by indication were determined. We identified 824,651 monotherapies in 415,468 adolescents: 368,900 (45%) episodes for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), 89,558 (11%) for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), 286,969 (35%) for skin/soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and 79,224 (10%) for acute otitis media (AOM). The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were amoxicillin (27%), penicillin-V (24%), erythromycin (11%), flucloxacillin (11%) and oxytetracycline (6%). In 1991, the overall non-response rate was 9.3%: 11.9% for LRTIs, 9.5% for URTIs, 7.1% for SSTIs, 9.7% for AOM. In 2012, the overall non-response rate was 9.2%. Highest non-response rates were for AOM in 1991–1999 and for LRTIs in 2000–2012. Physicians generally prescribed antibiotics to adolescents according to recommendations. Evidence of antibiotic non-response was less common among adolescents during this 22-year study period compared with an all-age population, where the overall non-response rate was 12%.
Antioxidant Effect of Extracts from the Coffee Residue in Raw and Cooked Meat
Authors: Kim Ji-Hee , Ahn Dong , Eun Jong , Moon Sun
Published: July 2016

The residue of ground coffee obtained after the brewing process (spent coffee) still contains various functional components with high antioxidant capacity and health benefits, but no attempts have been made to use it as a resource to produce value-added food ingredients. This study evaluates the antioxidant activity of ethanol or hot water extracts from the residues of coffee after brewing. An extraction experiment was carried out using the conventional solid–liquid methods, including ethanol and water as the extraction media at different temperatures and liquid/solid ratios. The antioxidant activity of extracts was tested for total phenolic compound (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) using oil emulsion and raw/cooked meat systems. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of the ethanol extracts with heating (HEE) and without heating (CEE) were higher than that of the hot water extracts (WE). The highest DPPH value of HEE and CEE at 1000 ppm was 91.22% and 90.21%, respectively. In oil emulsion and raw/cooked systems, both the water and ethanol extracts had similar antioxidant effects to the positive control (BHA), but HEE and CEE extracts showed stronger antioxidant activities than WE extract. These results indicated that the ethanol extracts of coffee residue have a strong antioxidant activity and have the potential to be used as a natural antioxidant in meat.
Zinc as Allosteric Ion Channel Modulator: Ionotropic Receptors as Metalloproteins
Authors: Peralta Francisco , Huidobro-Toro Juan
Published: July 2016

Zinc is an essential metal to life. This transition metal is a structural component of many proteins and is actively involved in the catalytic activity of cell enzymes. In either case, these zinc-containing proteins are metalloproteins. However, the amino acid residues that serve as ligands for metal coordination are not necessarily the same in structural proteins compared to enzymes. While crystals of structural proteins that bind zinc reveal a higher preference for cysteine sulfhydryls rather than histidine imidazole rings, catalytic enzymes reveal the opposite, i.e., a greater preference for the histidines over cysteines for catalysis, plus the influence of carboxylic acids. Based on this paradigm, we reviewed the putative ligands of zinc in ionotropic receptors, where zinc has been described as an allosteric modulator of channel receptors. Although these receptors do not strictly qualify as metalloproteins since they do not normally bind zinc in structural domains, they do transitorily bind zinc at allosteric sites, modifying transiently the receptor channel’s ion permeability. The present contribution summarizes current information showing that zinc allosteric modulation of receptor channels occurs by the preferential metal coordination to imidazole rings as well as to the sulfhydryl groups of cysteine in addition to the carboxyl group of acid residues, as with enzymes and catalysis. It is remarkable that most channels, either voltage-sensitive or transmitter-gated receptor channels, are susceptible to zinc modulation either as positive or negative regulators.
Less Is More: Substrate Reduction Therapy for Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Authors: Coutinho Maria , Santos Juliana , Alves Sandra
Published: July 2016

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare, life-threatening genetic disorders, usually caused by a dysfunction in one of the many enzymes responsible for intralysosomal digestion. Even though no cure is available for any LSD, a few treatment strategies do exist. Traditionally, efforts have been mainly targeting the functional loss of the enzyme, by injection of a recombinant formulation, in a process called enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), with no impact on neuropathology. This ineffectiveness, together with its high cost and lifelong dependence is amongst the main reasons why additional therapeutic approaches are being (and have to be) investigated: chaperone therapy; gene enhancement; gene therapy; and, alternatively, substrate reduction therapy (SRT), whose aim is to prevent storage not by correcting the original enzymatic defect but, instead, by decreasing the levels of biosynthesis of the accumulating substrate(s). Here we review the concept of substrate reduction, highlighting the major breakthroughs in the field and discussing the future of SRT, not only as a monotherapy but also, especially, as complementary approach for LSDs.
Formability Analysis of Bamboo Fabric Reinforced Poly (Lactic) Acid Composites
Authors: M. R. Nurul , Jayaraman Krishnan , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: July 2016

Poly (lactic) acid (PLA) composites have made their way into various applications that may require thermoforming to produce 3D shapes. Wrinkles are common in many forming processes and identification of the forming parameters to prevent them in the useful part of the mechanical component is a key consideration. Better prediction of such defects helps to significantly reduce the time required for a tooling design process. The purpose of the experiment discussed here is to investigate the effects of different test parameters on the occurrence of deformations during sheet forming of double curvature shapes with bamboo fabric reinforced-PLA composites. The results demonstrated that the domes formed using hot tooling conditions were better in quality than those formed using cold tooling conditions. Wrinkles were more profound in the warp direction of the composite domes compared to the weft direction. Grid Strain Analysis (GSA) identifies the regions of severe deformation and provides useful information regarding the optimisation of processing parameters.
The Potential of Acousto-Ultrasonic Techniques for Inspection of Baked Carbon Anodes
Authors: Ben Boubaker Moez , Picard Donald , Duchesne Carl , Tessier Jayson , Alamdari Houshang , Fafard Mario
Published: July 2016

High quality baked carbon anodes contribute to the optimal performance of aluminum reduction cells. However, the currently decreasing quality and increasing variability of anode raw materials (coke and pitch) make it challenging to manufacture the anodes with consistent overall quality. Intercepting faulty anodes (e.g., presence of cracks and pores) before they are set in reduction cells and deteriorate their performance is therefore important. This is a difficult task, even in modern and well-instrumented anode plants, because lab testing using core samples can only characterize a small proportion of the anode production due to the costly, time-consuming, and destructive nature of the analytical methods. In addition, these results are not necessarily representative of the whole anode block. The objective of this work is to develop a rapid and non-destructive method for quality control of baked anodes using acousto-ultrasonic (AU) techniques. The acoustic responses of anode samples (sliced sections) were analyzed using a combination of temporal features computed from AU signals and principal component analysis (PCA). The AU signals were found sensitive to pores and cracks and were able to discriminate the two types of defects. The results were validated qualitatively by submitting the samples to X-ray Computed Tomography (CT scan).
Multivariate Chemical Image Fusion of Vibrational Spectroscopic Imaging Modalities
Authors: Gowen Aoife , Dorrepaal Ronan
Published: July 2016

Chemical image fusion refers to the combination of chemical images from different modalities for improved characterisation of a sample. Challenges associated with existing approaches include: difficulties with imaging the same sample area or having identical pixels across microscopic modalities, lack of prior knowledge of sample composition and lack of knowledge regarding correlation between modalities for a given sample. In addition, the multivariate structure of chemical images is often overlooked when fusion is carried out. We address these challenges by proposing a framework for multivariate chemical image fusion of vibrational spectroscopic imaging modalities, demonstrating the approach for image registration, fusion and resolution enhancement of chemical images obtained with IR and Raman microscopy.
Characteristic Evaluation of Graphene Oxide for Bisphenol A Adsorption in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Phatthanakittiphong Thatchaphong , Seo Gyu
Published: July 2016

This paper investigates the characteristics of graphene oxide (GO) for Bisphenol A (BPA) adsorption in water. Batch experiments on the influence of significant parameters were performed. While an improvement of the adsorption capacity of BPA was obtained by the increment of contact time and the initial BPA concentration, the increment of pH above 8, GO dosage, and temperature showed the reverse results. The thermodynamic study suggested that BPA adsorption on GO was an exothermic and spontaneous process. The kinetics was explained by the pseudo-second-order model which covers all steps of adsorption. The fit of the results with the Langmuir isotherm indicated the monolayer adsorption. At 298 K, the adsorption reached equilibrium within 30 min with the maximum adsorption capacity of 49.26 mg/g. The low BPA adsorption capacity of GO can be interpreted by the occurrence of oxygen-containing functional groups (OCFGs) that are able to form hydrogen bonds with the surrounding OCFGs and water molecules. This effect inhibited the role of π–π interactions that are mainly responsible for the adsorption of BPA.
Electrospinning of Nanofibers for Energy Applications
Authors: Sun Guiru , Sun Liqun , Xie Haiming , Liu Jia
Published: July 2016

With global concerns about the shortage of fossil fuels and environmental issues, the development of efficient and clean energy storage devices has been drastically accelerated. Nanofibers are used widely for energy storage devices due to their high surface areas and porosities. Electrospinning is a versatile and efficient fabrication method for nanofibers. In this review, we mainly focus on the application of electrospun nanofibers on energy storage, such as lithium batteries, fuel cells, dye-sensitized solar cells and supercapacitors. The structure and properties of nanofibers are also summarized systematically. The special morphology of nanofibers prepared by electrospinning is significant to the functional materials for energy storage.
Excessive Consumption of Green Tea as a Risk Factor for Periodontal Disease among Korean Adults
Authors: Han Kyungdo , Hwang Eunkyung , Park Jun-Beom
Published: July 2016

This study was performed to assess the relationship between the amount of green tea that is consumed and periodontitis. It is based on data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted between 2008 and 2010. A community periodontal index equal to code 3 was defined as moderate periodontitis, and code 4 was defined as severe periodontitis (n = 16,726). Consumption of green tea less than one cup per day was associated with a decreased prevalence of periodontal disease among Korean adults. The association between the consumption of green tea and periodontal disease was independent of various potential confounding factors, such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking, drinking, exercise, metabolic syndrome, frequency of tooth brushing per day, use of secondary oral products, the number of dental examination per year, diabetes, hypertension, and white blood cell count. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of no consumption was 1.360 (1.156, 1.601) when participants with consumption of two times per week ≤ x < 7 times per week was considered as a reference. However, consumption of one or more cups per day increased the prevalence of moderate and severe periodontitis. In conclusion, excessive consumption of green tea may be considered as a risk factor for periodontal disease among Korean adults.
The Effect of Post-Resistance Exercise Amino Acids on Plasma MCP-1 and CCR2 Expression
Authors: Wells Adam , Hoffman Jay , Jajtner Adam , Varanoske Alyssa , Church David , Gonzalez Adam , Townsend Jeremy , Boone Carleigh , Baker Kayla , Beyer Kyle , Mangine Gerald , Oliveira Leonardo , Fukuda David , Stout Jeffrey
Published: July 2016

The recruitment and infiltration of classical monocytes into damaged muscle is critical for optimal tissue remodeling. This study examined the effects of an amino acid supplement on classical monocyte recruitment following an acute bout of lower body resistance exercise. Ten resistance-trained men (24.7 ± 3.4 years; 90.1 ± 11.3 kg; 176.0 ± 4.9 cm) ingested supplement (SUPP) or placebo (PL) immediately post-exercise in a randomized, cross-over design. Blood samples were obtained at baseline (BL), immediately (IP), 30-min (30P), 1-h (1H), 2-h (2H), and 5-h (5H) post-exercise to assess plasma concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), myoglobin, cortisol and insulin concentrations; and expressions of C-C chemokine receptor-2 (CCR2), and macrophage-1 antigen (CD11b) on classical monocytes. Magnitude-based inferences were used to provide inferences on the true effects of SUPP compared to PL. Changes in myoglobin, cortisol, and insulin concentrations were similar between treatments. Compared to PL, plasma MCP-1 was “very likely greater” (98.1% likelihood effect) in SUPP at 2H. CCR2 expression was “likely greater” at IP (84.9% likelihood effect), “likely greater” at 1H (87.7% likelihood effect), “very likely greater” at 2H (97.0% likelihood effect), and “likely greater” at 5H (90.1% likelihood effect) in SUPP, compared to PL. Ingestion of SUPP did not influence CD11b expression. Ingestion of an amino acid supplement immediately post-exercise appears to help maintain plasma MCP-1 concentrations and augment CCR2 expression in resistance trained men.
Relationship between the Balance of Hypertrophic/Hyperplastic Adipose Tissue Expansion and the Metabolic Profile in a High Glucocorticoids Model
Authors: Zubiría María , Alzamendi Ana , Moreno Griselda , Portales Andrea , Castrogiovanni Daniel , Spinedi Eduardo , Giovambattista Andrés
Published: July 2016

Adipose tissue (AT) expansion is the result of two processes: hyperplasia and hypertrophy; and both, directly or indirectly, depend on the adipogenic potential of adipocyte precursor cells (APCs). Glucocorticoids (GCs) have a potent stimulatory effect on terminal adipogenesis; while their effects on early stages of adipogenesis are largely unknown. In the present work, we study, in a model of high GC levels, the adipogenic potential of APCs from retroperitoneal AT (RPAT) and its relationship with RPAT mass expansion. We employed a model of hyper-adiposity (30- and 60-day-old rats) due to high endogenous GC levels induced by neonatal treatment with l-monosodium glutamate (MSG). We found that the RPAT APCs from 30-day-old MSG rats showed an increased adipogenic capacity, depending on the APCs’ competency, but not in their number. Analyses of RPAT adipocyte diameter revealed an increase in cell size, regardless of the rat age, indicating the prevalence of a hypertrophic process. Moreover, functional RPAT alterations worsened in 60-day-old rats, suggesting that the hyperplastic AT expansion found in 30-day-old animals might have a protective role. We conclude that GCs chronic excess affects APCs’ adipogenic capacity, modifying their competency. This change would modulate the hyperplastic/hypertrophic balance determining healthy or unhealthy RPAT expansion and, therefore, its functionality.
Inhibition of Low-Grade Inflammation by Anthocyanins after Microbial Fermentation in Vitro
Authors: Kuntz Sabine , Kunz Clemens , Domann Eugen , Würdemann Nora , Unger Franziska , Römpp Andreas , Rudloff Silvia
Published: July 2016

The anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins (ACNs) on vascular functions are discussed controversially because of their low bioavailability. This study was performed to determine whether microorganism (MO)-fermented ACNs influence vascular inflammation in vitro. Therefore, MO growth media were supplemented with an ACN-rich grape/berry extract and growth responses of Escherichia coli, E. faecalis and H. alvei, as well as ACN fermentation were observed. MO supernatants were used for measuring the anti-inflammatory effect of MO-fermented ACNs in an epithelial-endothelial co-culture transwell system. After basolateral enrichment (240 min), endothelial cells were stimulated immediately or after 20 h with TNF-α. Afterwards, leukocyte adhesion, expression of adhesion molecules and cytokine release were measured. Results indicate that E. coli, E. faecalis and H. alvei utilized ACNs differentially concomitant with different anti-inflammatory effects. Whereas E. coli utilized ACNs completely, no anti-inflammatory effects of fermented ACNs were observed on activated endothelial cells. In contrast, ACN metabolites generated by E. faecalis and H. alvei significantly attenuated low-grade stimulated leukocyte adhesion, the expression of adhesion molecules E-selectin, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 and cytokine secretion (IL-8 and IL-6), as well as NF-κB mRNA expression with a more pronounced effect of E. faecalis than H. alvei. Thus, MO-fermented ACNs have the potential to reduce inflammation.
Innovations in Calculating Precise Nutrient Intake of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Sullivan Sheila , Bopp Melinda , Weaver Dennis , Sullivan Dennis
Published: July 2016

Obtaining a detailed assessment of a hospitalized patient’s nutrient intake is often critically important to ensuring the patient’s successful recovery. However, this process is often laborious and prone to error. Inaccurate nutrient intake assessments result in the inability of the healthcare team to recognize patients with developing nutritional deficits that contribute to delayed recovery and prolonged lengths of stay. This paper describes an innovative, easy to use system designed to increase the precision of calorie count reports by using a combination of photography, direct observation, and a specially developed computer program. Although the system was designed specifically for use in a Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, it has the potential to be adapted for use in other hospital environments.
Odanacatib, a Cathepsin K Cysteine Protease Inhibitor, Kills Hookworm In Vivo
Authors: Vermeire Jon , Suzuki Brian , Caffrey Conor
Published: July 2016

Hookworm infection is chief among soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) for the chronic morbidly inflicted. Deworming via mass drug administration (MDA) programs most often employs single doses of benzimidazole drugs to which resistance is a constant threat. To discover new drugs, we employ a hamster model of hookworm infection with Ancylostoma ceylanicum and use albendazole (ABZ; 10 mg/kg orally) as the gold standard therapy. We previously showed that a single oral 100 mg/kg dose of the cathepsin cysteine protease (CP) inhibitor, K11777, offers near cure of infection that is associated with a 95% reduction in the parasite’s resident CP activity. We confirm these findings here and demonstrate that odanacatib (ODN), Merck’s cathepsin K inhibitor and post-clinical Phase III drug candidate for treatment of osteoporosis, decreases worm burden by 73% at the same dose with a 51% reduction in the parasite’s CP activity. Unlike K11777, ODN is a modest inhibitor of both mammalian cathepsin B and the predominant cathepsin B-like activity measureable in hookworm extracts. ODN’s somewhat unexpected efficacy, therefore, may be due to its excellent pharmacokinetic (PK) profile which allows for sustained plasma exposure and, possibly, sufficient perturbation of hookworm cathepsin B activity to be detrimental to survival. Accordingly, identifying a CP inhibitor(s) that combines the inhibition potency of K11777 and the PK attributes of ODN could lead to a drug that is effective at a lower dose. Achieving this would potentially provide an alternative or back-up to the current anti-hookworm drug, albendazole.
Functions of Cationic Host Defense Peptides in Immunity
Authors: Hemshekhar Mahadevappa , Anaparti Vidyanand , Mookherjee Neeloffer
Published: July 2016

Cationic host defense peptides are a widely distributed family of immunomodulatory molecules with antimicrobial properties. The biological functions of these peptides include the ability to influence innate and adaptive immunity for efficient resolution of infections and simultaneous modulation of inflammatory responses. This unique dual bioactivity of controlling infections and inflammation has gained substantial attention in the last three decades and consequent interest in the development of these peptide mimics as immunomodulatory therapeutic candidates. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the wide range of functions of cationic host defense peptides in the context of the mammalian immune system.
Environmental Siting Framework for Wind Farms: A Case Study in the Dodecanese Islands
Authors: Panagiotidou Maria , Xydis George , Koroneos Christopher
Published: July 2016

The increasing rate of energy consumption, the depletion of conventional energy sources and the environmental degradation caused has led to thorough research on Renewable Energy Sources (RES), which have been seen as a sustainable solution to climatic change. However, RES installation has a considerable environmental impact, which should be taken into consideration. The present study deals with the development of an integrated framework so as to evaluate land environmental suitability for RES installation, especially for Wind Farm (WF) siting. The proposed methodology consists of the Analytical Hierarchy Process, the Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing tools. In the first part, a set of constraints, which are based on Greek legislation and international research, identifies the potential sites for wind park installation. In the second part, a variety of criteria are employed to evaluate the area under consideration. To exemplify the utility of the methodology, an application of the proposed framework to the Dodecanese Islands is further illustrated. One of the first findings is that, despite the implemented restrictions, 1/4 of the land remains suitable for WF siting. The necessity of the method used is confirmed through the comparison of results with the already installed wind parks.
The Myth of Methuselah and the Uncertainty of Death: The Mortality Fan Charts
Authors: Dowd Kevin , Blake David , Cairns Andrew
Published: July 2016

This paper uses mortality fan charts to illustrate prospective future male mortality. These fan charts show both the most likely path of male mortality and the bands of uncertainty surrounding that path. The fan charts are based on a model of male mortality that is known to provide a good fit to UK mortality data. The fan charts suggest that there are clear limits to longevity—that future mortality rates are very uncertain and tend to become more uncertain the further ahead the forecast—and that forecasts of future mortality uncertainty must also take account of uncertainty in the parameters of the underlying mortality model.
Analyses of Impact of Needle Surface Properties on Estimation of Needle Absorption Spectrum: Case Study with Coniferous Needle and Shoot Samples
Authors: Yang Bin , Knyazikhin Yuri , Lin Yi , Yan Kai , Chen Chi , Park Taejin , Choi Sungho , Mõttus Matti , Rautiainen Miina , Myneni Ranga , Yan Lei
Published: July 2016

Leaf scattering spectrum is the key optical variable that conveys information about leaf absorbing constituents from remote sensing. It cannot be directly measured from space because the radiation scattered from leaves is affected by the 3D canopy structure. In addition, some radiation is specularly reflected at the surface of leaves. This portion of reflected radiation is partly polarized, does not interact with pigments inside the leaf and therefore contains no information about its interior. Very little empirical data are available on the spectral and angular scattering properties of leaf surfaces. Whereas canopy-structure effects are well understood, the impact of the leaf surface reflectance on estimation of leaf absorption spectra remains uncertain. This paper presents empirical and theoretical analyses of angular, spectral, and polarimetric measurements of light reflected by needles and shoots of Pinus koraiensis and Picea koraiensis species. Our results suggest that ignoring the leaf surface reflected radiation can result in an inaccurate estimation of the leaf absorption spectrum. Polarization measurements may be useful to account for leaf surface effects because radiation reflected from the leaf surface is partly polarized, whereas that from the leaf interior is not.
A Channelization-Based DOA Estimation Method for Wideband Signals
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhang Yue , Lin Qianqiang , Chen Zengping
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose a novel direction of arrival (DOA) estimation method for wideband signals with sensor arrays. The proposed method splits the wideband array output into multiple frequency sub-channels and estimates the signal parameters using a digital channelization receiver. Based on the output sub-channels, a channelization-based incoherent signal subspace method (Channelization-ISM) and a channelization-based test of orthogonality of projected subspaces method (Channelization-TOPS) are proposed. Channelization-ISM applies narrowband signal subspace methods on each sub-channel independently. Then the arithmetic mean or geometric mean of the estimated DOAs from each sub-channel gives the final result. Channelization-TOPS measures the orthogonality between the signal and the noise subspaces of the output sub-channels to estimate DOAs. The proposed channelization-based method isolates signals in different bandwidths reasonably and improves the output SNR. It outperforms the conventional ISM and TOPS methods on estimation accuracy and dynamic range, especially in real environments. Besides, the parallel processing architecture makes it easy to implement on hardware. A wideband digital array radar (DAR) using direct wideband radio frequency (RF) digitization is presented. Experiments carried out in a microwave anechoic chamber with the wideband DAR are presented to demonstrate the performance. The results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Multi-Sensor Integration to Map Odor Distribution for the Detection of Chemical Sources
Authors: Gao Xiang , Acar Levent
Published: July 2016

This paper addresses the problem of mapping odor distribution derived from a chemical source using multi-sensor integration and reasoning system design. Odor localization is the problem of finding the source of an odor or other volatile chemical. Most localization methods require a mobile vehicle to follow an odor plume along its entire path, which is time consuming and may be especially difficult in a cluttered environment. To solve both of the above challenges, this paper proposes a novel algorithm that combines data from odor and anemometer sensors, and combine sensors’ data at different positions. Initially, a multi-sensor integration method, together with the path of airflow was used to map the pattern of odor particle movement. Then, more sensors are introduced at specific regions to determine the probable location of the odor source. Finally, the results of odor source location simulation and a real experiment are presented.
Impacts on the Social Cohesion of Mainland Spain’s Future Motorway and High-Speed Rail Networks
Authors: Naranjo Gómez José
Published: July 2016

A great expansion of the road and rail network is contemplated in the Infrastructure, Transport and Housing Plan (PITVI in Spanish), in order to achieve greater social cohesion in 2024 in Spain. For this reason, the aim of this study is to classify and to identify those municipalities that are going to improve or worsen their social cohesion. To achieve this goal, the municipalities were classified according to the degree of socioeconomic development, and their accessibility levels were determined before and after the construction of these infrastructures. Firstly, the socioeconomic classification demonstrates that there is predominance in the northern half of the peninsula in the most developed municipalities. Secondly, the accessibility levels show that the same center-peripheral models are going to be kept in the future. Finally, poorly-defined territorial patterns are obtained with respect to the positive or negative effects of new infrastructures on social cohesion. Therefore, it is possible to state that the construction plan is going to partially fulfill its aim, since a quarter of the population is going to be affected by a negative impact on socioeconomic development. As a consequence, people who live here are going to have major problems in achieving social cohesion.
Accommodation Consumers and Providers’ Attitudes, Behaviours and Practices for Sustainability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hall Colin , Dayal Natasha , Majstorović Dea , Mills Hamish , Paul-Andrews Leroy , Wallace Chloe , Truong Van
Published: July 2016

Accommodation and lodging are an integral component of the tourism and hospitality industry. Given the sectors’ growing contribution to resource consumption and waste, there is a growing body of literature on the attitudes, behaviours and practices of consumers, managers, staff and owners of lodging with respect to sustainability. This paper presents the results of a systematic analysis of articles on attitudes, behaviours and practices of consumers and the provision of accommodation with respect to sustainability. The results indicate that there is a dearth of longitudinal studies on the sustainability of practices and behaviours. There are limitations in geographical coverage as well as methods, with research dominated by convenience sampling approaches. It is concluded that while there appear to be improvements in the potential sustainability of lodging with respect to technological approaches, the lack of systematic long-term studies on behavioural interventions represents a significant challenge to reducing the absolute emissions of the sector as well as reductions in energy and water use and waste production. Given the lack of longitudinal studies, it is not known whether observed behavioural changes are sustained over time.
The Ethical Judgment and Moral Reaction to the Product-Harm Crisis: Theoretical Model and Empirical Research
Authors: Lu Dong , Liu Yide , Zhang Hongfeng , Lai Ivan
Published: July 2016

Based on the dual-process theory of ethical judgment, a research model is proposed for examining consumers’ moral reactions to a product-harm crisis. A national-wide survey was conducted with 801 respondents in China. The results of this study indicate that consumers will react to a product-harm crisis through controlled cognitive processing and emotional intuition. The results of the study also show that consumers view a product-harm crisis as an ethical issue, and they will make an ethical judgment according to the perceived severity and perceived relevance of the crisis. The ethical judgment in the perceived crisis severity and perceived crisis relevance will affect consumers’ condemning emotions in terms of contempt and anger. Through controlled cognitive processing, a personal consumption-related reaction (purchasing intention) is influenced by the perceived crisis severity. Furthermore, a social and interpersonal reaction (negative word of mouth) is influenced by the perceived crisis relevance through the controlled cognitive processing. This social and interpersonal reaction is also influenced by the perceived crisis severity and perceived crisis relevance through the intuition of other-condemning emotion. Moreover, this study finds that the product knowledge negatively moderates the impact of the perceived crisis severity on the condemning emotions. Therefore, when a consumer has a high level of product knowledge, the effect of perceived crisis severity on the condemning emotions will be attenuated, and vice versa. This study provides scholars and managers with means of understanding and handling of consumers’ reactions to a product-harm crisis.
Ochratoxin A: 50 Years of Research
Authors: Malir Frantisek , Ostry Vladimir , Pfohl-Leszkowicz Annie , Malir Jan , Toman Jakub
Published: July 2016

Since ochratoxin A (OTA) was discovered, it has been ubiquitous as a natural contaminant of moldy food and feed. The multiple toxic effects of OTA are a real threat for human beings and animal health. For example, OTA can cause porcine nephropathy but can also damage poultries. Humans exposed to OTA can develop (notably by inhalation in the development of acute renal failure within 24 h) a range of chronic disorders such as upper urothelial carcinoma. OTA plays the main role in the pathogenesis of some renal diseases including Balkan endemic nephropathy, kidney tumors occurring in certain endemic regions of the Balkan Peninsula, and chronic interstitial nephropathy occurring in Northern African countries and likely in other parts of the world. OTA leads to DNA adduct formation, which is known for its genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. The present article discusses how renal carcinogenicity and nephrotoxicity cause both oxidative stress and direct genotoxicity. Careful analyses of the data show that OTA carcinogenic effects are due to combined direct and indirect mechanisms (e.g., genotoxicity, oxidative stress, epigenetic factors). Altogether this provides strong evidence that OTA carcinogenicity can also occur in humans.
Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci Isolated from Food Producing Animals: A Public Health Implication
Authors: Igbinosa Etinosa , Beshiru Abeni , Akporehe Lucy , Ogofure Abraham
Published: July 2016

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food animals is a potential public health concern. Staphylococci are a significant opportunistic pathogen both in humans and dairy cattle. In the present study, the genotypic characterization of methicillin-resistant staphylococcal strains recovered from dairy cattle in a rural community (Okada, Edo State, Nigeria) was investigated. A total of 283 samples from cattle (137 milk samples and 146 nasal swabs) were assessed between February and April 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed for the detection of 16S rRNA, mecA and Panton-Valentine Leucocidinis (PVL) genes. The staphylococcal strains were identified through partial 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acids (rRNA) nucleotide sequencing, and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis of the gene sequence showed that the staphylococcal strains have 96%–100% similarity to Staphylococcus aureus (30), S. epidermidis (17), S. haemolyticus (15), S. saprophyticus (13), S. chromogenes (8), S. simulans (7), S. pseudintermedius (6) and S. xylosus (4). Resistance of 100% was observed in all Staphylococcus spp. against MET, PEN, CLN, CHL and SXT. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria from nasal cavities and raw milk reveals 13 isolates were MDR against METR, PENR, AMXR, CLNR, CHLR, SXTR CLXR, KANR, ERYR, and VANR. Of all isolates, 100% harboured the mecA gene, while 30% of the isolates possess the PVL gene. All S. aureus harboured the PVL gene while other Staphylococcus spp. were negative for the PVL gene. The presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. isolates in dairy cattle is a potential public health risk and thus findings in this study can be used as a baseline for further surveillance.