bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinan Kepatuhan Perawat Mengidentifikasi Pasien Selama Pemberian Obat di Rumah Sakit
Authors: Febriani Nelly , Siregar Tatiana
Published: April 2020

Pendahuluan: Identifikasi pasien digunakan untuk ketepatan pemberian pelayanan, pengobatan dan tindakan atau prosedur kepada pasien, serta bagian dari keselamatan pasien sebagai tolok ukur mutu pelayanan kesehatan. Ketidak patuhan mengidentifikasi pasien berisiko menciderai fisik dan psikis, bahkan berakibat kematian.
Tujuan: Penelitian untuk mengetahui faktor penentu kepatuhan perawat mengidentifikasi pasien dalam proses  pemberian obat.
Metode: Desain penelitian descriptive Colrelation dengan teknis analisis Regresi Linier ganda. Teknik pengambilan sampel mengunakan  Total sampling sebanyak 48 perawat.
Hasil: Kelima dimensi dari kepatuhan betidak berkorelasi dengan kepatuhan perawat dalam mengidentifikasi pasien (p value > 0,005), dan hanya 18,9% faktor identifikasi pasien dilakukan oleh perawat  dimana nilai R Square (R2) sebesar 0,189, sisanya 81,9% disebabkan karena hal lain yang perlu digali lebih jauh.
Kesimpulan:. tidak dapat ditentukannya faktor penentu yang utama kepatuhan perawat pelaksana karena faktor tersebut, bukanlah faktor penentu utama kepatuhan perawat mengidentifikasi pasien dalam pemberian obat
Jenis Kelamin Perempuan Memiliki Keterampilan Cuci Tangan yang Baik pada Anak Usia Sekolah
Authors: Ikasari Filia Sofiani , Setiawan Agus , Sukihananto Sukihananto
Published: April 2020

Latar Belakang: Anak usia sekolah merupakan anak dengan rentang usia 6 hingga 12 tahun dan pada rentang usia ini anak berisiko terjangkit berbagai penyakit dikarenakan anak banyak menghabiskan waktu di sekolah. Berbagai penyakit tersebut dapat dicegah dengan mempraktikkan cuci tangan yang benar. Salah satu faktor predisposisi dari perilaku mencuci tangan adalah jenis kelamin, namun belum ada hasil penelitian yang sepakat mengenai hubungan jenis kelamin dengan praktik cuci tangan yang benar pada anak usia sekolah.
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara jenis kelamin dengan praktik cuci tangan yang benar pada anak usia sekolah
Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain penelitian cross sectional yang dilakukan di Sekolah Dasar Negeri Jawa 5 Martapura. Responden merupakan siswa sekolah dasar di kelas II, III, IV dan V sebanyak 393 orang yang diperoleh menggunakan teknik simple random sampling. Analisa data menggunakan uji Pearson Product Moment. Intrumen penelitian ini adalah dengan menggunakan kuesioner
Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ada hubungan yang signifikan antara jenis kelamin dengan praktik cuci tangan yang benar (p value < 0,05).
Kesimpulan: Anak usia sekolah dengan jenis kelamin perempuan memiliki skor praktik cuci tangan yang lebih serta terdapat hubungan antara jenis kelamin dengan praktik cuci tangan yang benar pada anak usia sekolah.
Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Program (Co-HELP) Modification Meningkatkan Kualitas Hidup Pasien DM
Authors: Tubalawony Syulce Luselya , Prabawati Fransiska Dewi
Published: April 2020

Pendahuluan: Era modern yang terjadi menyebabkan perubahan gaya hidup seperti tingginya pola konsumsi fast food dan kurangnya aktivitas fisik menyebabkan peningkatan penyakit kronis salah satunya Diabetes Melitus (DM). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis efektivitas Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Program (Co-HELP) Modification terhadap kualitas hidup, kadar gula darah puasa dan tekanan darah pasien DM.
Metode: Rancangan quasy experiment digunakan dengan melibatkan 76 responden yang terbagi atas 51 responden kelompok intervensi dan 25 responden kelompok kontrol yang dipilih dengan teknik purposive sampling. Kualitas Hidup responden diukur menggunakan kuesioner diabetes quality of life. Analisa hasil penelitian dengan uji Wilcoxon dan uji Mann-Whitney
Hasil: Mayoritas responden kategori dewasa madya, perempuan (77,6%), lama menderita DM >5 tahun (67,1%), pekerjaan ringan (82,9%). Setelah 6 minggu diberikan intervensi Co-HELP Modification didapatkan hasil menujukan ada perbedaan yang signifikan pada kualitas hidup (p=0,000), kadar gula darah puasa (p=0,000), namun hasil uji untuk tekanan sistole dan tekanan diastole tidak ada perbedaan. Hasil uji regresi logistik ordinal menunjukkan bahwa intervensi Co-HELP Modification, umur, jenis kelamin, lama menderita/sakit DM dan pekerjaan secara simultan berpengaruh terhadap kualitas hidup (p= 1,000), kadar gula darah puasa (p=0,975), tekanan sistole (p=1,000) dan tekanan diastole (p=0,315).
Kesimpulan :Penelitian ini merekomendasikan perlunya menerapkan Co-HELP Modification sebagai langkah mencegah komplikasi sehingga kualitas hidup pasien meningkat.
Genome editing of donor-derived T-cells to generate allogenic chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells: Optimizing αβ T cell-depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Volker Wiebking  , Ciaran M. Lee  , Nathalie Mostrel  , Premanjali Lahiri  , Rasmus Bak  , Gang Bao  , Maria Grazia Roncarolo  , Alice Bertaina  , Matthew H. Porteus
Published: April 2020

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective therapy for high-risk leukemias. In children, graft manipulation based on the selective removal of αβ T cells and B cells has been shown to reduce the risk of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, thus allowing the use of haploidentical donors which expands the population that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can be used in. Leukemic relapse, however, remains a problem. T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors can potently eliminate leukemia, including in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that by modifying donor αβ T cells to simultaneously express a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors and inactivating the T cell receptor by genome editing, we could create a therapy that enhances the anti-leukemic efficacy of the stem cell transplant without increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease. Using genome editing with Cas9 ribonucleoprotein and adeno-associated virus serotype 6, we integrate a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor in-frame into the TRAC locus. Greater than 90% of cells lost TCR expression, while >75% expressed the CAR. The product was further purified to ultimately have less than 0.05% residual TCR+ cells. In vitro, the CAR T cells efficiently eliminated target cells and produced high cytokine levels when challenged with CD19+ leukemia cells. In vivo, the gene modified T cells eliminated leukemia without causing xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease in a xenograft model. Gene editing was highly specific with no evidence of off-target effects. These data support the concept that the addition of αβ T cell-derived, genome edited T cells expressing CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors could enhance the anti-leukemic efficacy of αβ T cell-depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Immunophenotypic characterization of reactive and neoplastic plasmacytoid dendritic cells permits establishment of a 10-color flow cytometric panel for initial workup and residual disease evaluation of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Wei Wang  , Joseph D. Khoury  , Roberto N. Miranda  , Jeffrey L. Jorgensen  , Jie Xu  , Sanam Loghavi  , Shaoying Li  , Naveen Pemmaraju  , Than Nguyen  , L. Jeffrey Medeiros  , Sa A. Wang
Published: April 2020

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematopoietic neoplasm whose immunophenotype remains incompletely characterized, particularly in terms of distinction from reactive plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs). This limitation complicates detection of low-level involvement by BPDCN as well as minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment following therapy. We conducted the current study to characterize the immunophenotype of BPDCN in a cohort of 39 patients, and compared it to reactive PDCs. We found that, in addition to CD56 expression (97%), BPDCN showed a number of aberrancies, including decreased/negative CD38 (82%), positive CD7 (64%), negative CD2 (81%), negative CD303 (56%), increased HLA-DR (69%) and decreased CD123 (78%). Although BPDCN cells were characterized by CD56 expression, reactive PDCs consistently included a CD56-positive subset, ranging 1.3%-20% (median 4.5%) of total PDCs, challenging MRD detection. These CD56+ reactive PDCs, however, were consistently positive for CD2 and CD303, brightly positive for CD38, and negative for CD7, distinctively different from BPDCN. Based on these findings, we set up a 10-color flow cytometry assay for BPDCN and validated it to a sensitivity of 0.01%. This panel was prospectively tested in 19 bone marrow samples from 7 BPDCN patients, and it effectively distinguished BPDCN cells from background reactive PDCs in all cases. In summary, by understanding the immunophenotype of reactive and neoplastic PDCs, BPDCN can be effectively detected by flow cytometry to a very low level using a panel of markers in addition to CD56, and such assay can be used for initial bone marrow workup as well as MRD detection after therapy.
Assessment of Variability for Floral Characteristics and Out-Crossing Rate in CMS Lines of Hybrid Rice
Authors: Hasan MJ , Kulsum MU , Paul AK , Biswas PL , Rahman MH , Ansari A , Akter A , Lipi LF , Mohiuddin SJ , Rafiq M Zahid Al
Published: April 2020

The present investigation was aimed to clarify the interrelationship among various floral traits and out crossing rates. High mean value, range of variability and genotypic variance were observed for all the traits except anther length and breadth, stigma length and breadth. Close differences between genotypic and phenotypic variances and genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variations were observed for all the traits. Considering all genetic parameters, selection based on panicle exertion rate, angle of florate opening, duration of florate opening, anther length, stigma exertion rate and out crossing rate seemed to be effective for the improvement of CMS lines. Out crossing rate had significant positive correlation with panicle exertion rate, angle of florate opening, duration of florate opening, filament length, stigma length, breadth and exertion rate exhibited interesting results, indicating selection with these traits might be possible without compromising seed yield loss. On the basis of direct selection through panicle exertion rate, angle and duration of florate opening, filament length and stigma exertion rate would significantly improve seed yield of CMS lines. Based on mean, range, genetic parameters, correlation coefficient and path coefficient values, direct selection of eight CMS lines IR79156A, BRRI7A, IR75608A, BRRI13A, BRRI35A, BRRI48A, BRRI50A and BRRI53A might be fruitful as good floral characteristics with high out crossing rate of CMS lines.

Bangladesh Rice j. 2018, 22(2): 31-39
Loss and gain of land of Manpura island of Bhola district: An integrated approach using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Ali Md Shahjahan , Haque Md Fazlul , Rahman Shah Md Mizanur , Iqubal Kazi Farhed , Nazma Ms , Ahmed Ashfaque
Published: April 2020

The erosion-accretion pattern in Manpura island has been depicted over a 37 years period from 1973 - 2010. Data of different years revealed that the island is under the threat of erosion and the total area has gradually decreased from 148 to 114 Km2. Although Manpura island is under the threat of erosion, some lower mid parts get in irregular erosion - accretion processes, where area of water bodies has decreased up to a significant level (15 Km2) and the area of mangrove forests have also decreased to 6 Km2. According to this study, total land loss of Manpura island is 34 Km2 in the last 37 years and major erosion took place along the northern shore line.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 22(1): 29-37, 2013 (January)
Mycoflora associated with two species of Liliaceae in Bangladesh
Authors: Shamsi Shamim , Naher Najmun
Published: April 2020

A total of nine fungi were isolated from two ornamental angiosperms, namely Hemerocallis fulva L. and Pancratium verecundum Ant. belong to Liliaceae. Three species of fungi were found to be associated with the leaf of Hemerocallis fulva. The fungi were Colletotrichum capsici, (Syd.) Bull. & Bisby, Colletotrichum dematium (Pers. Ex Fr.) and Glomerella montana (Sacc.)v Arx & E. Muller. Six species of fungi, namely Alternaria alternata (Fries) Keissler, Colletotrichum orbiculare (Berk & Mont.) Arex., Curvularia clavata Jain, Fusarium solani (Mort.) Sacc., Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon and Maubol and Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid were found to be associated with P. verecundum. Among the fungal species Glomerella montana is new record for Bangladesh.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 22(1): 39-46, 2013 (January)
A comparative study of water quality in the peripheral rivers of Dhaka city
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Kamrul , Hasan Md Khalid , Hossain Anwar
Published: April 2020

This study examined the present status of surface water pollution and a comparison of the quality of water in different seasons at different locations of the major river, around the Dhaka City. Field investigation was started from January, 2011 and sample collection was conducted six times at an interval of two months up to December, 2011. The observed value of different water quality parameters such as pH, DO, BOD, COD and TDS were compared with the standards recommended by Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). A simple ANOVA and Box-Cox study was also conducted to detect the variation of water quality in the major rivers. The study revealed that during the dry season especially in the months of December to February (winter), the higher values of parameters with respect to the acceptable limits of DoE and USEPA standard indicate the pollution of the river water samples and make the water unsuitable for various uses. Comparisons of abundance values demonstrated high significant difference (p < 0.05) between the mean concentrations of respective parameters except pH at different locations in water source types. Water quality in Hagaribagh of Buriganga river and the Tongi railway bridge stations of Tongi khal was significantly more common polluted area than any other sites of selected water sources as the largest amounts of toxic chemicals are released here by the tannery and dyeing industries without any treatment.

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 22(2): 145-154, 2013 (July)
Influence of leguminous trees on soil nitrogen and phosphorus status of the sal forests
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Zabed , Sultana Tania , Ahmed Ashfaque , Hoque Sirajul
Published: April 2020

Abstract not available

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 22(2): 179-182, 2013 (July)
Detection of malaria parasites in laboratory infected Anopheles mosquitoes
Authors: Akter Tangin
Published: April 2020

Abstract not available

Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 22(2): 187-190, 2013 (July)
Embid Irujo, Antonio: «Derechos económicos y sociales» (Recensión)
Authors: Cortés Bureta Pilar
Published: April 2020

Recensión sobre la obra de Antonio Embid Irujo «Derechos económicos y sociales»
Ferraro, Luigi: La cooperazione «anomala» nello stato composto spagnolo. Analisi comparata dei rapporti tra autonomie territoriali e Unione Europea
Authors: De la Peña Rodríguez Luis
Published: April 2020

Recencsión sobre la obra: FERRARO, Luigi: La cooperazione «anomala» nello stato composto spagnolo. Analisi comparata dei rapporti tra autonomie territoriali e Unione Europea Editoriale Scientifica. Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli. Collana di Studi Italo-Spagnoli. Universidad de Granada, Nápoles, 2010 (302 pp.).
Beobide Ezpeleta, Ignacio M., y Gordillo Pérez, Luis I.: La naturaleza del Estado: Origen, tipología y lógica de actuación política y social
Authors: Novo Foncubierta Manuel
Published: April 2020

Recensión de la obra: BEOBIDE EZPELETA, Ignacio M. y GORDILLO PÉREZ, Luis I.: La naturaleza del Estado: Origen, tipología y lógica de actuación política y social. Madrid, Tecnos, 2012, 216 pp.
Arturo Rivera León y Constantino Martínez Fabián: «Cuando la forma es fondo» (Recensión)
Authors: Mora Sifuentes Francisco M.
Published: April 2020

Recensión sobre la obra: RIVERA LEÓN, Mauro Arturo y MARTÍNEZ FABIÁN, Constantino: Cuando la forma es fondo. Estudios de técnica legislativa y legilingüística. México, UNAM-IIJ-Flores Editor y Distribuidor, 2015, 197 pp.
Epidemiology, virology, and clinical features of severe acute respiratory syndrome -coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus Disease-19)
Authors: Park Su Eun
Published: April 2020

A cluster of severe pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan City, Hubei province in China emerged in December 2019. A novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was isolated from lower respiratory tract sample as the causative agent. The current outbreak of infections with SARS-CoV-2 is termed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 rapidly spread into at least 114 countries and killed more than 4,000 people by March 11 2020. WHO officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. There have been 2 novel coronavirus outbreaks in the past 2 decades. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002–2003 caused by SARS-CoV had a case fatality rate of around 10% (8,098 confirmed cases and 774 deaths), while Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) caused by MERSCoV killed 861 people out of a total 2,502 confirmed cases between 2012 and 2019. The purpose of this review is to summarize known-to-date information about SARS-CoV-2, transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and clinical features.
Molecular Markers and a Quality Trait Evaluation for Assessing the Genetic Diversity of Avocado Landraces from China
Authors: Liu Yuanzheng , Ge Yu , Zhan Rulin , Lin Xinge , Zang Xiaoping , Li Yanxia , Yang Ying , Ma Weihong
Published: April 2020

Avocado is an economically important crop that is widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of China. However, there is a lack of sufficient information regarding the racial origins and genetic diversification of native avocado germplasm. On the basis of a race-specific kompetitive allele-specific PCR genotyping analysis, the 56 avocado accessions examined in this study were classified as complex hybrids, namely Guatemalan × Mexican × West Indian hybrids. The genetic relationships among the avocado accessions were assessed based on a quality trait evaluation and molecular characterization. The total flavonoid content was relatively useful for differentiating between native avocado accessions. A cluster analysis as well as principal component and coordinate analyses of quality traits and molecular characteristics differentiated the avocado accessions, but not according to geographical origins. Thus, the artificial flow of avocado germplasm or seed exchanges among farmers within specific regions may have contributed to the similar genetic backgrounds of avocado germplasm from different collections.
Physicochemical, Nutraceutical and Sensory Traits of Six Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cultivars Grown in Greenhouse Conditions in the Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Farina Vittorio , Tinebra Ilenia , Perrone Anna , Sortino Giuseppe , Palazzolo Eristanna , Mannino Giuseppe , Gentile Carla
Published: April 2020

Six papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars, grown in a Mediterranean climate under greenhouse conditions, were screened for physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, nutritional and sensory characteristics. The fruits, harvested with more than 50% of yellow surface (between 60% and 77%) were tested for carotenoids content, phenolic content, reducing activity (ABTS) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA50). The physicochemical traits were measured in terms of the titratable acidity and soluble content whereas proximal composition along with moisture, fats, total sugar, ash, vitamin A, C and E content. Moreover, the sensory profile was analyzed by a semi-trained panel. Although the six analyzed cultivars reached qualitative characteristics to satisfy market needs, significant differences among them were found in a genotype-dependent manner. In particular, Cartagena and Maradol cultivars evidenced the highest values of minerals and vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols, ABTS and CAA50 and reached the best commercial requisites (size, total soluble solids content/titratable acidity ratio). As for sensory analysis, we observed significate differences only for sweetness, juiciness, odor and flavor of peach and exotic fruits whereas descriptors related to unpleasant defects or sensations always have very low scores in all the observed cultivars. These results highlight the possibility of obtaining quality papaya fruits in a Mediterranean climate using greenhouse growing.
Salivary Cortisol Interactions in Search and Rescue Dogs and Their Handlers
Authors: Wojtaś Justyna , Karpiński Mirosław , Czyżowski Piotr
Published: April 2020

Search and rescue dogs are an important link in the search for missing persons. The aim of the study was to assess exam stress in search and rescue dogs and their handlers. The study included 41 rescue teams taking exams of field and rubble specialties. The level of cortisol, which is the main glucocorticosteroid modulating stress reactions in humans and dogs, was analyzed. The biological material used to assess the hormone concentration was saliva collected in a non-invasive way. In total, 164 test samples were collected: two from the dog and two from the handler before and immediately after the exam. Rescue exams were shown to significantly increase salivary cortisol in both dogs and their handlers. Strong interactions between cortisol levels in human–dog teams were also found with a more pronounced effect in female dog–female handler dyads.
Horse Transport to Three South American Horse Slaughterhouses: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Nivelle Béke , Vermeulen Liesbeth , Van Beirendonck Sanne , Van Thielen Jos , Driessen Bert
Published: April 2020

Between November 2016 and October 2017, 23 horse transports from 18 collection points to two slaughterhouses in Argentina and one in Uruguay were monitored. The goal of this study was to characterize the current practices in commercial horse transports and to detect potential threats to horse welfare. A total of 596 horses were transported over an average distance of 295 ± 250 km. Average transport duration was 294 ± 153 min. The infrastructure did not always promote smooth loading, but the amount of horses that refused to enter the trailers was limited. In each loading space, a camera was mounted to observe horse behaviour during the journey. Ambient temperature and relative humidity (RH) were recorded every five minutes in each loading space. In 14 of the 23 transports, the maximum temperature rose above 25 °C and the average temperature was over 25 °C during six transports. The average temperature humidity index (THI) exceeded 72 during six transports. The average stocking density was 1.40 ± 0.33 m2 per horse, or 308 ± 53 kg/m2. The degree of aggression differed between the front and rear loading space. Stocking density, environmental parameters, trailer characteristics, and transport duration and distance did not influence aggressiveness.
Aeromonas veronii Infection in Commercial Freshwater Fish: A Potential Threat to Public Health
Authors: Li Tong , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Yang Bintong , Sun Yufeng , Wang Guiqin , Sun Wuwen , Qian Aidong , Wang Chunfeng , Kang Yuanhuan , Shan Xiaofeng
Published: April 2020

Aeromonas veronii is an important pathogen causing freshwater fish sepsis and ulcer syndrome. An increasing number of cases have demonstrated its significance as an aquatic zoonotic agent. The purpose of this study was to ensure the safety of freshwater products by evaluating the infection status of edible freshwater fish. In this experiment, we isolated A. veronii from several species of apparently healthy freshwater fish, including Carassius auratus, Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and Silurus asotus. A. veronii was identified through bacterial staining, culture characteristics, and 16S rDNA gene sequence. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the distribution of seven major virulence genes, including aerolysin (aer: 88.51%), cytotoxic enterotoxin (act: 71.26%), serine proteinase (ser: 54.02%), adhesin (Aha: 40.23%), phospholipase (lip: 45.98%), nuclease (exu: 51.72%), and quorum sensing-controlled virulence factor (LuxS: 59.77%). In total, 496 strains of Aeromonas were isolated, including 87 strains of A. veronii. The isolates of A. veronii were Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria, and the colonies are yellow on Rimler-Shotts (RS) medium and showed greater than 99% homology with A. veronii ATCC35624 according to analyses of the 16S rDNA sequence. Nearly 50% of the A. veronii isolates carried at least four or more virulence genes, 25% of the isolates carried at least five types of virulence genes, and 59.77% isolates carried the LuxS gene, and the isolates carrying more virulence genes were found to be more virulent. These results are of great significance for further improving the food safety assessment of freshwater aquatic products.
Lambs Weaned Early onto a Herb-Clover Mix Have the Potential to Grow at a Similar Rate to Unweaned Lambs on a Grass-Predominant Pasture
Authors: Ekanayake Lukshman Jay. , Corner-Thomas Rene Anne , Cranston Lydia Margaret , Kenyon Paul Richard , Morris Stephen Todd
Published: April 2020

Liveweight gain of lambs weaned early at a minimum live weight of 14 kg, at ~50 days of age, onto a herb-clover mix was compared with lambs that remained unweaned on a grass-predominant pasture or a herb-clover mix until conventional weaning (at ~99 days of age). Over two years, twin sets of lambs that had a minimum live weight of 14 kg were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: (1) Early weaning of lambs onto a herb-clover mix (HerbEW); (2) ewes and lambs grazing a herb-clover mix until conventional weaning (HerbCW); and (3) ewes and lambs grazing a grass-predominant pasture until conventional weaning (GrassCW). HerbEW lambs had slower (p < 0.05) growth rates than GrassCW lambs between early weaning and conventional weaning in 2016 and were 800 g lighter (p < 0.05) at conventional weaning. In 2017, however, both HerbEW and GrassCW had similar (p > 0.05) growth rates and did not differ (p > 0.05) in live weight at conventional weaning. HerbCW lambs had a greater (p < 0.05) growth rates than both HerbEW and GrassCW lambs in both years. Lambs weaned early onto a herb-clover mix have the potential to achieve live weights similar to lambs unweaned on grass-predominant pasture. Further research, however, is required to understand conditions under which early-weaned lambs can achieve similar live weights.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Evaluation of Biofilm Production and Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Milk, North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Bissong Marie Ebob Agbortabot , Ateba Collins Njie
Published: April 2020

Background: Biofilm formation in S. aureus may reduce the rate of penetration of antibiotics, thereby complicating treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. The aim of this study was to correlate biofilm-forming potentials, antimicrobial resistance, and genes in S. aureus isolates. Methods: A total of 64 milk samples were analysed, and 77 S. aureus were isolated. Results: Seventy (90.9%) isolates were biofilm producers. The ica biofilm-forming genes were detected among 75.3% of the isolates, with icaA being the most prevalent (49, 63.6%). The icaB gene was significantly (P = 0.027) higher in isolates with strong biofilm formation potentials. High resistance (60%–90%) of the isolates was observed against ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and penicillin, and 25 (32.5%) of S. aureus showed multidrug resistance (MDR) to at least three antibiotics. Five resistance genes, namely blaZ (29, 37.7%), vanC (29, 37.7%), tetK (24, 31.2%), tetL (21, 27.3%), and msrA/B (16, 20.8%) were detected. Most MDR phenotypes possessed at least one resistance gene alongside the biofilm genes. However, no distinct pattern was identified among the resistance and biofilm phenotypes. Conclusions: The high frequency of potentially pathogenic MDR S. aureus in milk samples intended for human consumption, demonstrates the public health relevance of this pathogen in the region.
Management of Traumatic Brain Injury: From Present to Future
Authors: Crupi Rosalia , Cordaro Marika , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Impellizzeri Daniela
Published: April 2020

TBI (traumatic brain injury) is a major cause of death among youth in industrialized societies. Brain damage following traumatic injury is a result of direct and indirect mechanisms; indirect or secondary injury involves the initiation of an acute inflammatory response, including the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), brain edema, infiltration of peripheral blood cells, and activation of resident immunocompetent cells, as well as the release of numerous immune mediators such as interleukins and chemotactic factors. TBI can cause changes in molecular signaling and cellular functions and structures, in addition to tissue damage, such as hemorrhage, diffuse axonal damages, and contusions. TBI typically disturbs brain functions such as executive actions, cognitive grade, attention, memory data processing, and language abilities. Animal models have been developed to reproduce the different features of human TBI, better understand its pathophysiology, and discover potential new treatments. For many years, the first approach to manage TBI has been treatment of the injured tissue with interventions designed to reduce the complex secondary-injury cascade. Several studies in the literature have stressed the importance of more closely examining injuries, including endothelial, microglia, astroglia, oligodendroglia, and precursor cells. Significant effort has been invested in developing neuroprotective agents. The aim of this work is to review TBI pathophysiology and existing and potential new therapeutic strategies in the management of inflammatory events and behavioral deficits associated with TBI.
Augmented Reality to Facilitate Learning of the Acoustic Guitar
Authors: Martin-Gutierrez Jorge , Del Rio Guerra Marta Sylvia , Lopez-Chao Vicente , Soto Gastelum René Hale , Valenzuela Bojórquez Jose Fernando
Published: April 2020

Many people wishing to learn a musical instrument opt to learn using alternative or informal methods instead of the traditional Master–Apprentice model that requires a greater cognitive load. This paper presents an augmented reality (AR)-based application designed to teach and train guitar chords, with the novelty that it is also used to teach short melodies consisting of four chord transitions so that users have to change hand and finger positions. The app uses high-quality 3D models of an acoustic guitar and animated hand to indicate correct finger positions and the movements required when changing from one chord to another. To follow the animated instructions, the learner overlaps the 3D model onto the neck of the physical guitar and his or her own hand. A system usability scale (SUS) questionnaire was used to measure the usability of the application. A score of 82.0 was obtained, which is higher than the average of 68 points that indicates the application is good from a user experience perspective, thus satisfying the purpose for which it was created. Having analysed the data for both groups—individuals with no prior experience of playing a musical instrument versus individuals with prior experience—it was concluded that the application provided a useful learning approach for all participants involved in the study, regardless of experience. That said, those possessing prior experience of playing an instrument learnt faster. It should be noted that the research revealed significant difference in learning by gender, with male participants learning faster than female participants. Similar results have been detected in other research performed in the field of music, as well as in other fields. As this study required spatial reasoning when viewing the 3D model, the differences identified this case may well have arisen as a consequence of differences in men and women’s spatial awareness, thereby leaving open an alternative line of research.
HBIM as Support of Preventive Conservation Actions in Heritage Architecture. Experience of the Renaissance Quadrant Façade of the Cathedral of Seville
Authors: Angulo-Fornos Roque , Castellano-Román Manuel
Published: April 2020

This paper discusses the generation of Historic Building Information Models (HBIM) for the management of heritage information aimed at the preventive conservation of assets of cultural interest, through its experimentation in a specific case study: the façade of the Renaissance quadrant of the Cathedral of Seville. Two methodological aspects are presented: On the one hand, the process of modeling the solid entities that compose the digital model of the object of study, based on the semi-automatic estimation of the generating surfaces of the main faces; on the other hand, a methodological proposal for the modeling of information on the surface of the model. A series of images and data tables are shown as a result of the application of these methods. These represent the process of introducing information related to the current conservation status documentation and recording the treatments included in the preventive conservation works recently developed by a specialized company. The implementation of the digital model in the exposed work validates it as a solvency option, provided from the infographic medium, when facing the need to contain, manage and visualize all the information generated in preventive conservation actions on heritage architecture, facilitating, in turn, cross-cutting relationships between the different analysis that result in a deeper knowledge of this type of building.
A Phase Fluctuation Based Practical Quantum Random Number Generator Scheme with Delay-Free Structure
Authors: Huang Min , Chen Ziyang , Zhang Yichen , Guo Hong
Published: April 2020

Quantum random number generators are widely used in many applications, ranging from sampling and simulation, fundamental science to cryptography, such as a quantum key distribution system. Among all the previous works, quantum noise from phase fluctuation of laser diodes is one of the most commonly used random source in the quantum random number generation, and many practical schemes based on phase noise with compact systems have been proposed so far. Here, we proposed a new structure of phase noise scheme, utilizing the phase fluctuation from two laser diodes with a slight difference of center wavelength. By analyzing the frequency components and adopting an appropriate band-pass filter, we prove that our scheme extracts quantum noise and filtered other classical noises substantially. Results of a randomness test shows that the extracted random sequences are of good performance. Due to lack of delay-line and the low requirement on other devices in this system, our scheme is promising in future scenarios for miniaturized quantum random number generation systems.
Improving the Performance of EDM through Relief-Angled Tool Designs
Authors: Ahmad Mufti Nadeem , Rafaqat Madiha , Ahmed Naveed , Qaiser Saleem Muhammad , Hussain Amjad , Al-Ahamri Abdulrahman M.
Published: April 2020

Among the family of carbides, tungsten carbide (WC) and its variants have extensive use in numerous applications including cutting tools, dies, and many wear resistant parts. Such applications need machining of WC, which is famously considered as challenging due to high tool wear mainly in traditional machining. Sinking electric discharge machining (EDM) can be considered as a suitable alternate but the low machining rate of EDM, with conventional tool design, poses limitations. In this research, the conventional tool design is modified by providing relief angles to the tool electrodes. The relief-angled tool electrodes are first time introduced in this research to machine through holes. The role of the relief angle during EDM has been investigated in terms of six response characteristics, i.e., machining time, hole taper angle, radial overcut at the hole entrance, radial undercut at the hole exit, longitudinal tool wear, and roughness of inside hole surfaces. The performance of the relief-angled electrodes is found to be significantly better than the performance of conventional cylindrical tool. In addition to improvements in other responses, a 49% reduction in the machining time has been realized by the use of relief-angled electrode indicating a worthwhile contribution in the field of electric discharge machining.
Improving a Manufacturing Process Using the 8Ds Method. A Case Study in a Manufacturing Company
Authors: Realyvásquez-Vargas Arturo , Arredondo-Soto Karina Cecilia , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Macías Emilio Jiménez
Published: April 2020

Customer satisfaction is a key element for survival and competitiveness in industrial companies. This paper describes a case study in a manufacturing company that deals with several customer complaints due to defective custom cable assemblies that are integrated in an engine. The goal of this research is to find a solution to this problem, as well as prevent its recurrence by implementing the eight disciplines (8Ds) method in order to: (1) develop a team, (2) describe the problem, (3) develop an interim containment action, (4) determine and verify root causes, (5) develop permanent corrective actions, (6) define and implement corrective actions, (7) prevent recurrences, and (8) recognize and congratulate teamwork as well as individual contributions. Therefore, a software tool is proposed to conduct a functional test on assembly lines. After the test, the problem was successfully reduced and detected, because from 67 engines that were identified with problems, 51 were redesigned before being sent to customers, consequently decreasing the number of defective products by 75%, whereas the remaining 16 engines were replaced by new engines. In conclusion, the research goal was accomplished, and the 8Ds method proved to be a helpful model with which to increase employees’ motivation and involvement during the problem-solving process.
Effect Range of the Material Constraint in Different Strength Mismatched Laboratory Specimens
Authors: Dai Yue , Yang Jie , Chen Haofeng
Published: April 2020

Different strength mismatched laboratory specimens that contain the compact tension (CT), single edge-notched tensile (SENT), and central-cracked tension (CCT) specimens with various specimen geometries, loading configurations, and initial cracks were selected to investigate the effect range of the material constraint systematically. The results showed that the effect range of material constraint exists in all the strength mismatched specimens and structures. The numerical value of the effect range is influenced by the geometry constraint. The high geometry constraint reduces the effect range of material constraint. When a material is located outside the effect range of material constraint, the fracture resistance curves and crack propagation paths of the specimens and structures are no longer influenced by the mechanical properties of the material. In addition, an interaction exists between the geometry constraint and material constraint. The high geometry constraint strengthens the effect of material constraint, whereas the fracture resistance curve and crack propagation path are insensitive to the material constraint under the low geometry constraint. The results in this study may provide scientific support for the structure integrity assessment and the design of strength mismatched structures.
Structural Dynamics of the Lipid Antigen-Binding Site of CD1d Protein
Authors: Cuevas-Zuviría Bruno , Mínguez-Toral Marina , Díaz-Perales Araceli , Garrido-Arandia María , Pacios Luis F.
Published: April 2020

CD1 molecules present lipid antigens to T-cells in early stages of immune responses. Whereas CD1‒lipid‒T-cell receptors interactions are reasonably understood, molecular details on initial trafficking and loading of lipids onto CD1 proteins are less complete. We present a molecular dynamics (MD) study of human CD1d, the isotype that activates iNKT cells. MD simulations and calculations of properties and Poisson-Boltzmann electrostatic potentials were used to explore the dynamics of the antigen-binding domain of the apo-form, CD1d complexes with three lipid–antigens that activate iNKT cells and CD1d complex with GM2AP, a protein that assists lipid loading onto CD1 molecules in endosomes/lysosomes. The study was done at pH 7 and 4.5, values representative of strongly acidic environments in endosomal compartments. Our findings revealed dynamic features of the entrance to the hydrophobic channels of CD1d modulated by two α helices with sensitivity to the type of lipid. We also found lipid- and pH-dependent dynamic changes in three exposed tryptophans unique to CD1d among the five human CD1 isotypes. On the basis of modelled structures, our data also revealed external effects produced by the helper protein GM2AP only when it interacts in its open form, thus suggesting that the own assistant protein also adapts conformation to association with CD1d.
Biotechnological Interventions for Ginsenosides Production
Authors: Gantait Saikat , Mitra Monisha , Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: April 2020

Ginsenosides are secondary metabolites that belong to the triterpenoid or saponin group. These occupy a unique place in the pharmaceutical sector, associated with the manufacturing of medicines and dietary supplements. These valuable secondary metabolites are predominantly used for the treatment of nervous and cardiac ailments. The conventional approaches for ginsenoside extraction are time-consuming and not feasible, and thus it has paved the way for the development of various biotechnological approaches, which would ameliorate the production and extraction process. This review delineates the biotechnological tools, such as conventional tissue culture, cell suspension culture, protoplast culture, polyploidy, in vitro mutagenesis, hairy root culture, that have been largely implemented for the enhanced production of ginsenosides. The use of bioreactors to scale up ginsenoside yield is also presented. The main aim of this review is to address the unexplored aspects and limitations of these biotechnological tools, so that a platform for the utilization of novel approaches can be established to further increase the production of ginsenosides in the near future.
Highly Modular Protein Micropatterning Sheds Light on the Role of Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis for the Quantitative Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions in Live Cells
Authors: Lanzerstorfer Peter , Müller Ulrike , Gordiyenko Klavdiya , Weghuber Julian , Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: April 2020

Protein micropatterning is a powerful tool for spatial arrangement of transmembrane and intracellular proteins in living cells. The restriction of one interaction partner (the bait, e.g., the receptor) in regular micropatterns within the plasma membrane and the monitoring of the lateral distribution of the bait’s interaction partner (the prey, e.g., the cytosolic downstream molecule) enables the in-depth examination of protein-protein interactions in a live cell context. This study reports on potential pitfalls and difficulties in data interpretation based on the enrichment of clathrin, which is a protein essential for clathrin-mediated receptor endocytosis. Using a highly modular micropatterning approach based on large-area micro-contact printing and streptavidin-biotin-mediated surface functionalization, clathrin was found to form internalization hotspots within the patterned areas, which, potentially, leads to unspecific bait/prey protein co-recruitment. We discuss the consequences of clathrin-coated pit formation on the quantitative analysis of relevant protein-protein interactions, describe controls and strategies to prevent the misinterpretation of data, and show that the use of DNA-based linker systems can lead to the improvement of the technical platform.
CD147 is a Novel Interaction Partner of Integrin αMβ2 Mediating Leukocyte and Platelet Adhesion
Authors: Heinzmann David , Noethel Moritz , von Ungern-Sternberg Saskia , Mitroulis Ioannis , Gawaz Meinrad , Chavakis Triantafyllos , May Andreas E. , Seizer Peter
Published: April 2020

Surface receptor-mediated adhesion is a fundamental step in the recruitment of leukocytes and platelets, as well as platelet–leukocyte interactions. The surface receptor CD147 is crucially involved in host defense against self-derived and invading targets, as well as in thrombosis. In the current study, we describe the previously unknown interaction of CD147 with integrin αMβ2 (Mac-1) in this context. Using binding assays, we were able to show a stable interaction of CD147 with Mac-1 in vitro. Leukocytes from Mac-1−/− and CD147+/− mice showed a markedly reduced static adhesion to CD147- and Mac-1-coated surfaces, respectively, compared to wild-type mice. Similarly, we observed reduced rolling and adhesion of monocytes under flow conditions when cells were pre-treated with antibodies against Mac-1 or CD147. Additionally, as assessed by antibody inhibition experiments, CD147 mediated the dynamic adhesion of platelets to Mac-1-coated surfaces. The interaction of CD147 with Mac-1 is a previously undescribed mechanism facilitating the adhesion of leukocytes and platelets.
Observational Multicenter Study on the Prognostic Relevance of Coagulation Activation in Risk Assessment and Stratification in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer. Outline of the ARIAS Trial
Authors: Pizzuti Laura , Krasniqi Eriseld , Mandoj Chiara , Marinelli Daniele , Sergi Domenico , Capomolla Elisabetta , Paoletti Giancarlo , Botti Claudio , Kayal Ramy , Ferranti Francesca Romana , Sperduti Isabella , Perracchio Letizia , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Marchetti Paolo , Ciliberto Gennaro , Barchiesi Giacomo , Mazzotta Marco , Barba Maddalena , Conti Laura , Vici Patrizia
Published: April 2020

A hypercoagulable state may either underlie or frankly accompany cancer disease at its onset or emerge in course of cancer development. Whichever the case, hypercoagulation may severely limit administration of cancer therapies, impose integrative supporting treatments and finally have an impact on prognosis. Within a flourishing research pipeline, a recent study of stage I-IIA breast cancer patients has allowed the development of a prognostic model including biomarkers of coagulation activation, which efficiently stratified prognosis of patients in the study cohort. We are now validating our risk assessment tool in an independent cohort of 108 patients with locally advanced breast cancer with indication to neo-adjuvant therapy followed by breast surgery. Within this study population, we will use our tool for risk assessment and stratification in reference to 1. pathologic complete response rate at definitive surgery, intended as our primary endpoint, and 2. rate of thromboembolic events, intended as our secondary endpoint. Patients’ screening and enrollment procedures are currently in place. The trial will be shortly enriched by experimental tasks centered on next-generation sequencing techniques for identifying additional molecular targets of treatments which may integrate current standards of therapy in high-risk patients.