bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Assessment of Antibiotics Prescribing at Public Primary Healthcare Facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Fikru , Tewahido Dagmawit
Published: February 2018

Background. Antibiotic overprescribing is the major driving force for the emergence of antibiotics resistance. The aim of this study was to assess antibiotics prescribing at primary healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. The study was conducted in six public health centers found in Addis Ababa City. Data was collected retrospectively from a total of 900 prescriptions and selected medical charts of patients in the health centers in 2016. Data was entered and analyzed using EPI Info 7 and SPSS 20, respectively. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results. One or more antibiotics were prescribed in 56.0% of the prescriptions. Antibiotics accounted for 46.0% of the total cost of medicines prescribed. Amoxicillin was the most frequently (44.8%) prescribed antibiotic and upper respiratory tract infection was the most common (24.5%) diagnosis for prescribing antibiotics. Laboratory investigation was done for only about 27% of the cases for which antibiotics were prescribed. Conclusion. There was a high rate of antibiotics prescribing in the health centers often empirically which might exacerbate the antimicrobial resistance situation in the country. Large-scale study should be conducted to fully understand the prescribing pattern and identify the associated factors thereby design and implement appropriate interventions.
Inhibition of TRPA1 Attenuates Doxorubicin‐Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity by Suppressing Oxidative Stress, the Inflammatory Response, and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Menglong , Liu Jianfang , Ye Jing , Jiang Huimin , Xu Yao , Ye Di , Wan Jun
Published: February 2018

The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel is expressed in cardiomyocytes and involved in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the expression and function of TRPA1 in doxorubicin‐ (Dox‐) induced acute cardiotoxicity have not been elucidated. This study aimed at investigating whether blocking the TRPA1 channel with the specific inhibitor HC‐030031 (HC) attenuates Dox‐induced cardiac injury. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: control, HC, Dox, and Dox + HC. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function, and the heart was removed for molecular experiments. The results showed that the expression of TRPA1 was increased in the heart after Dox treatment. Cardiac dysfunction and increased serum CK‐MB and LDH levels were induced by Dox, but these effects were attenuated by HC treatment. In addition, HC mitigated Dox‐induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decreased MDA level and increased GSH level and SOD activity in the Dox + HC group. Meanwhile, HC treatment lowered the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, and TNF‐α induced by Dox. Furthermore, HC treatment mitigated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by Dox. These results indicated that inhibition of TRPA1 could prevent Dox‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and ER stress.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Authors: Shafique Sarmad , Tehsin Samabia
Published: February 2018

Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer which affects the white blood cells and damages the bone marrow. Usually complete blood count (CBC) and bone marrow aspiration are used to diagnose the acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It can be a fatal disease if not diagnosed at the earlier stage. In practice, manual microscopic evaluation of stained sample slide is used for diagnosis of leukaemia. But manual diagnostic methods are time-consuming, less accurate, and prone to errors due to various human factors like stress, fatigue, and so forth. Therefore, different automated systems have been proposed to wrestle the glitches in the manual diagnostic methods. In recent past, some computer-aided leukaemia diagnosis methods are presented. These automated systems are fast, reliable, and accurate as compared to manual diagnosis methods. This paper presents review of computer-aided diagnosis systems regarding their methodologies that include enhancement, segmentation, feature extraction, classification, and accuracy.
Temperature Effect on Lime Powder‐Added Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Hake Sandeep L. , Damgir R. M. , Patankar S. V.
Published: February 2018

The need for concrete increases with rapid development in the field of infrastructure because of the increased use of cementing material of concrete. The production of concrete is unsafe to the earth. Consequently, there is a need to discover new binding material with cementing properties. Fly ash debris is wastage of thermal power plants and acquires hectares of land for the dumping reason. This paper concentrates on development of alternative binding material in the field of construction. The fly ash‐based geopolymer concrete is a better option, but it needs heat curing for the polymerization. The use of lime powder in the geopolymer concrete gives better result without heat curing. The experiment depends on the characteristics of daylight curing and impact of temperature in controlled oven curing. The M30 grade geopolymer concrete plans with the addition of lime powder. The addition of lime powder is changed by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. The compressive strength increases with addition of lime powder, but in the cases of 20% and 25%, the workability gets hamper. The study also deals with temperature variations when oven cured for 35°C, 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C hence assessed.
Chaotic Phenomena and Nonlinear Responses in a Vibroacoustic System
Authors: Lee Yiu-Yin
Published: February 2018

This study addresses the chaotic phenomena and nonlinear responses in a vibroacoustic system. It is the first study about the chaotic phenomena in a vibroacoustic system, which is formed by a flexible panel coupled with a cavity. A multimode formulation is developed from the acoustic governing equation and nonlinear structural governing equation. The chaotic and various nonlinear responses are computed from the multimode formulation using a numerical integration method. The results obtained from the proposed method and classical harmonic balance method are generally consistent. A set of modal convergence studies is performed to check the proposed method. The effects of various parameters on triggering the nonchaotic responses to chaotic responses in a vibroacoustic system are studied in detail.
Correlation of High-Risk Soft Tissue Sarcoma Biomarker Expression Patterns with Outcome following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation
Authors: Kane John M. , Magliocco Anthony , Zhang Qiang , Wang Dian , Klimowicz Alex , Harris Jonathan , Simko Jeff , DeLaney Thomas , Kraybill William , Kirsch David G.
Published: February 2018

Background.Sarcoma mortality remains high despite adjuvant chemotherapy. Biomarker predictors of treatment response and outcome could improve treatment selection.Methods. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were created using pre- and posttreatment tumor from two prospective trials (MGH pilot and RTOG 9514) of neoadjuvant/adjuvant MAID chemotherapy and preoperative radiation. Biomarkers were measured using automated computerized imaging (AQUA or ACIS). Expression was correlated with disease-free survival (DFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS).Results. Specimens from 60 patients included 23 pretreatment (PRE), 40 posttreatment (POST), and 12 matched pairs (MPs). In the MP set, CAIX, GLUT1, and PARP1 expression significantly decreased following neoadjuvant therapy, but p53 nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio increased. In the PRE set, no biomarker expression was associated with DFS, DDFS, or OS. In the POST set, increased p53 N/C ratio was associated with a significantly decreased DFS and DDFS (HR 4.13,p=0.017; HR 4.16,p=0.016), while increased ERCC1 and XPF expression were associated with an improved DFS and DDFS. No POST biomarkers were associated with OS.Conclusions. PRE biomarker expression did not predict survival outcomes. Expression pattern changes after neoadjuvant chemoradiation supports the concepts of tumor reoxygenation, altered HIF-1αsignaling, and a p53 nuclear accumulation DNA damage response.Clinical Trial Registration. NRG Oncology RTOG 9514 is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier isNCT00002791.
Research of p‐i‐n Junctions Based on 4H‐SiC Fabricated by Low‐Temperature Diffusion of Boron
Authors: Atabaev I. G. , Juraev Kh. N.
Published: February 2018

Novel method of boron diffusion at low temperatures between 1150 and 1300°C is used for the formation of both p‐i SiC junction and i‐region in one technological process. As the junction formation conditions in this method are essentially different from those in the conventional diffusion (low temperatures and process of diffusion are accompanied by formation of structure defects), it is of special interest to identify advantages and disadvantages of a new method of diffusion. Developed SiC p‐i‐n junction diodes have fast switching time, and the duration of the reverse recovery current is less than 10 ns with a breakdown voltage of 120–140 V. Fabricated diodes possess capability to operate at temperatures up to 300°C. As the temperature of diffusion process is lower than the melting temperature of silicon, this new technology allows fabrication of diodes on the base of SiC/Si epitaxial structures.
Recent Research Trends in Genetic Algorithm Based Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problems
Authors: Amjad Muhammad Kamal , Butt Shahid Ikramullah , Kousar Rubeena , Ahmad Riaz , Agha Mujtaba Hassan , Faping Zhang , Anjum Naveed , Asgher Umer
Published: February 2018

Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSSP) is an extension of the classical Job Shop Scheduling Problem (JSSP). The FJSSP is known to be NP-hard problem with regard to optimization and it is very difficult to find reasonably accurate solutions of the problem instances in a rational time. Extensive research has been carried out in this area especially over the span of the last 20 years in which the hybrid approaches involving Genetic Algorithm (GA) have gained the most popularity. Keeping in view this aspect, this article presents a comprehensive literature review of the FJSSPs solved using the GA. The survey is further extended by the inclusion of the hybrid GA (hGA) techniques used in the solution of the problem. This review will give readers an insight into use of certain parameters in their future research along with future research directions.
Effects of Microwave Power on Extraction Kinetic of Anthocyanin from Blueberry Powder considering Absorption of Microwave Energy
Authors: Xue Hongkun , Xu Hao , Wang Xiaorui , Shen Liuyang , Liu Han , Liu Chai , Qin Qingyu , Zheng Xianzhe , Li Qingyan
Published: February 2018

Microwave power as directly controlled parameter determines the absorption of microwave energy inside extraction vial and the yield of objective component in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of microwave powers on the yield of anthocyanin from blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) powder based on the absorption of microwave energy in extracts under MAE. Rising microwave powers have little effect on the distribution of microwave energy in extraction vial, but increase its temperature. The simulation results indicated that strength of electrical field tends to decay trend along with microwave irradiation; however, temperatures have the highest level in center location in an extraction vial. High microwave power strongly breaks cell wall of blueberry to open diffusion route of interior anthocyanin toward extraction solvent. A critical extraction temperature of 50.75±0.88°C is obtained with the highest anthocyanin yield under MAE. Three monomers of anthocyanin including pelargonidin, cyanidin, and delphinidin are, respectively, of the highest content of 1.02 μg/mL, 0.66 μg/mL, and 0.31 μg/mL. The research results contribute to the improvement of efficiency of microwave energy and yield of anthocyanin.
Predictive Gene Signatures Determine Tumor Sensitivity to MDM2 Inhibition
Authors: Ishizawa Jo , Nakamaru Kenji , Seki Takahiko , Tazaki Koichi , Kojima Kensuke , Chachad Dhruv , Zhao Ran , Heese Lauren , Ma Wencai , Ma Man Chun John , DiNardo Courtney , Pierce Sherry , Patel Keyur P. , Tse Archie , Davis R. Eric , Rao Arvind , Andreeff Michael
Published: February 2018

Early clinical trials using murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors demonstrated proof-of-concept of p53-induced apoptosis by MDM2 inhibition in cancer cells; however, not all wild-type TP53 tumors are sensitive to MDM2 inhibition. Therefore, more potent inhibitors and biomarkers predictive of tumor sensitivity are needed. The novel MDM2 inhibitor DS-3032b is 10-fold more potent than the first-generation inhibitor nutlin-3a. TP53 mutations were predictive of resistance to DS-3032b, and allele frequencies of TP53 mutations were negatively correlated with sensitivity to DS-3032b. However, sensitivity to DS-3032b of TP53 wild-type tumors varied greatly. We thus used two methods to create predictive gene signatures. First, by comparing sensitivity to MDM2 inhibition with basal mRNA expression profiles in 240 cancer cell lines, a 175-gene signature was defined and validated in patient-derived tumor xenograft models and ex vivo human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Second, an AML-specific 1,532-gene signature was defined by performing random forest analysis with cross-validation using gene expression profiles of 41 primary AML samples. The combination of TP53 mutation status with the two gene signatures provided the best positive predictive values (81% and 82%, compared with 62% for TP53 mutation status alone). In addition, the top-ranked 50 genes selected from the AML-specific 1,532-gene signature conserved high predictive performance, suggesting that a more feasible size of gene signature can be generated through this method for clinical implementation. Our model is being tested in ongoing clinical trials of MDM2 inhibitors.

Significance: This study demonstrates that gene expression profiling combined with TP53 mutational status predicts antitumor effects of MDM2 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2721–31. ©2018 AACR.
Loss of Pax5 Exploits Sca1-BCR-ABLp190 Susceptibility to Confer the Metabolic Shift Essential for pB-ALL
Authors: Martín-Lorenzo Alberto , Auer Franziska , Chan Lai N. , García-Ramírez Idoia , González-Herrero Inés , Rodríguez-Hernández Guillermo , Bartenhagen Christoph , Dugas Martin , Gombert Michael , Ginzel Sebastian , Blanco Oscar , Orfao Alberto , Alonso-López Diego , Rivas Javier De Las , García-Cenador Maria B. , García-Criado Francisco J. , Müschen Markus , Sánchez-García Isidro , Borkhardt Arndt , Vicente-Dueñas Carolina , Hauer Julia
Published: February 2018

Preleukemic clones carrying BCR-ABLp190 oncogenic lesions are found in neonatal cord blood, where the majority of preleukemic carriers do not convert into precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pB-ALL). However, the critical question of how these preleukemic cells transform into pB-ALL remains undefined. Here, we model a BCR-ABLp190 preleukemic state and show that limiting BCR-ABLp190 expression to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HS/PC) in mice (Sca1-BCR-ABLp190) causes pB-ALL at low penetrance, which resembles the human disease. pB-ALL blast cells were BCR-ABL–negative and transcriptionally similar to pro-B/pre-B cells, suggesting disease onset upon reduced Pax5 functionality. Consistent with this, double Sca1-BCR-ABLp190+Pax5+/− mice developed pB-ALL with shorter latencies, 90% incidence, and accumulation of genomic alterations in the remaining wild-type Pax5 allele. Mechanistically, the Pax5-deficient leukemic pro-B cells exhibited a metabolic switch toward increased glucose utilization and energy metabolism. Transcriptome analysis revealed that metabolic genes (IDH1, G6PC3, GAPDH, PGK1, MYC, ENO1, ACO1) were upregulated in Pax5-deficient leukemic cells, and a similar metabolic signature could be observed in human leukemia. Our studies unveil the first in vivo evidence that the combination between Sca1-BCR-ABLp190 and metabolic reprogramming imposed by reduced Pax5 expression is sufficient for pB-ALL development. These findings might help to prevent conversion of BCR-ABLp190 preleukemic cells.

Significance: Loss of Pax5 drives metabolic reprogramming, which together with Sca1-restricted BCR-ABL expression enables leukemic transformation. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2669–79. ©2018 AACR.
Real-World Experience with Nintedanib in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Brunnemer Eva , Wälscher Julia , Tenenbaum Svenja , Hausmanns Julia , Schulze Karen , Seiter Marianne , Heussel Claus Peter , Warth Arne , Herth Felix J.F. , Kreuter Michael
Published: February 2018

Background: Nintedanib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been shown to slow down the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in two randomised placebo-controlled trials by reducing the annual decline in forced vital capacity (FVC). However, real-world experience is limited. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of nintedanib in a large cohort of patients treated at a tertiary referral site for interstitial lung diseases. Methods: The records of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of IPF were reviewed. Full medical history, pulmonary function, and adverse events (AEs) were recorded from each clinic visit. Disease progression was defined as a reduction in FVC ≥5% and/or in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥15% according to recent publications. Only patients with a treatment duration ≥3 months were included in the efficacy evaluation. Results: A total of 64 patients were treated. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) FVC was 71 ± 21% predicted, and the mean time from diagnosis to initiation of nintedanib treatment was 23.8 months. Nearly half of patients (n = 30, 47%) had received prior pirfenidone treatment. The mean duration of follow-up was 11 months. At 6 months following initiation of nintedanib, 67% of the patients were stable. The mean ± SD change in percent predicted FVC from baseline was 0.2 ± 7.8% at 3 months, –1.3 ± 7.9% at 6 months, and –2.1 ± 9% at 9 months. Diarrhoea was the most common AE experienced by 33% of patients and was generally manageable. Conclusion: The results from this real-world clinical setting support findings from previously conducted clinical trials and show that nintedanib is effective for the management of IPF and is associated with disease stabilisation. Nintedanib is generally well tolerated.
Prognostic Role of Pretreatment Plasma D-Dimer in Patients with Solid Tumors: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Wenhan , Tang Yao , Song Yongchun , Chen Szu Hao , Sisliyan Navard , Ni Ming , Zhang Hao , Zeng Qingnuo , Hou Bin , Xie Xin , Chang Dongmin
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: Elevated pretreatment plasma D-dimer level has been reported as an unfavorable prognostic indicator in several malignancies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic value of elevated D-dimer level in solid tumors. Methods: A comprehensive search of electronic databases up to June 10, 2017 was carried out by two independent reviewers. We included studies exploring the association between pretreatment plasma D-dimer level and patients’ survival outcomes in solid tumors. Overall survival (OS) was regarded as primary outcome and progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS) as well as cancer-specific survival (CSS) were chosen as secondary outcomes. Hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted directly or indirectly from included studies. Results: 49 studies with 13001 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Elevated D-dimer was markedly associated with poor OS (pooled HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.63 - 2.20, P < 0.001). The effect was observed in all different tumor sites, disease stages, cut-off values and ethnicities. Meanwhile, patients with a high plasma D-dimer had a shorter PFS (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.22–1.76; P < 0.001), DFS (HR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.56–2.62) and CSS (HR = 2.04, 95% CI= 1.58 – 2.64). Conclusions: Analysis of the pretreatment plasma D-dimer might provide useful information to predict prognosis in patients with solid tumors.
Resveratrol Alleviates Inflammatory Responses and Oxidative Stress in Rat Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and H2O2-Induced NRK-52E Cells via the Nrf2/TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Li Jiawei , Li Long , Wang Shuo , Zhang Chao , Zheng Long , Jia Yichen , Xu Ming , Zhu Tongyu , Zhang Yi , Rong Ruiming
Published: February 2018

Background: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the major causes of postoperative renal allograft dysfunction, which is mainly the result of proinflammatory reactions including inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. Resveratrol (RSV) plays an important role in protecting various organs in IRI because it reduces oxidative stress, lessens the inflammatory response, and exerts anti-apoptotic effects. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the renoprotective effect of RSV in inhibiting inflammatory responses, reducing oxidative stress, and decreasing cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Methods: RSV was administered before renal ischemia and H2O2 induction. Serum and kidneys were harvested 24 h after reperfusion and NRK-52E cells were collected 4 h after H2O2 stimulation. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were used to assess renal function. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess histological injury. Quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to assess proinflammatory cytokine expression. Oxidative stress–related proteins, such as Nrf2 and TLR4, were evaluated by western blot. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay was used to detect apoptotic cells in tissues, and western blot was used to evaluate the expression of caspase-3, -8, and -9 in this study. Results: RSV inhibited inflammatory responses and improved renal function after renal IRI. Additionally, RSV decreased oxidative stress and reduced cell apoptosis by upregulating Nrf2 expression, downregulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and by decreasing caspase-3 activity and caspase cascades. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the mechanisms underlying RSV renoprotection. We found that RSV exerts its greatest effects by blocking inflammatory responses, lowering oxidative stress, and reducing apoptosis via the Nrf2/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
TGF-β1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Invasion and Metastasis via ERK Pathway-Mediated FGFR4 Expression
Authors: Huang Jiawei , Qiu Mengyuan , Wan Li , Wang Gui , Huang Tongzhou , Chen Zhixin , Jiang Songmin , Li Xiaokun , Xie Lixiao , Cai Lin
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: TGF-β1 is beneficial during early liver disease but is tumor-progressive during late stages especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, exploring the underlying mechanisms may provide information about a potentially therapeutic role of TGF-β1 in HCC. Methods: Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR were used to quantify FGFR4 expression in HCC cell lines and a normal liver cell line. After constructing the best silencing FGFR4 expression vector, migration and invasiveness of TGF-β1 in HCC was studied in vitro and in vivo. Western blot was used to study the mechanism of TGF-β1 induction on FGFR4 expression with various inhibitors. Results: HepG2 cell lines had the most FGFR4 expression, and data show that silencing FGFR4 suppressed cell proliferation, invasion and migration in HCC induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, TGF-β1 induced FGFR4 expression through the ERK pathway. Conclusion: Promoting FGFR4 expression via the ERK pathway, TGF-β1 contributes to HCC invasion and metastasis.
Clinical and Radiographic Peri-Implant Parameters and Whole Salivary Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-6 Levels among Type-2 Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients with and without Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Al-Askar Mansour , Ajlan Sumaiah , Alomar Nuha , Al-Daghri Nasser M.
Published: February 2018

Objective: The aim was to assess the peri-implant clinical and radiographic parameters and whole salivary levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 among type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients with and without peri-implantitis. Material and Methods: Ninety-one implants were placed in patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus (39 patients with and 52 patients without peri-implantitis; group 1). Eighty implants were placed in patients with diabetes (35 patients with and 45 patients without peri-implantitis; group 2). Peri-implant plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and marginal bone loss were measured. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected and IL-1β and IL-6 levels were measured using standard techniques. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In group 1, plaque index (p < 0.001), bleeding on probing (p < 0.001), probing depth (p < 0.001), and whole salivary IL-1β (p < 0.001) and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in patients with peri-implantitis than in those without peri-implantitis. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and marginal bone loss were comparable among all of the patients in group 2. Among patients with peri-implantitis, plaque index (p < 0.001), bleeding on probing (p < 0.001), probing depth (p < 0.001), marginal bone loss (p < 0.001), and whole salivary IL-1β (p < 0.001) and IL-6 (p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in those with diabetes than in those without diabetes. Conclusion: Among individuals without diabetes, peri-implant plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, marginal bone loss, and whole salivary IL-1 β and IL-6 levels were higher among patients with peri-implantitis compared to patients without peri-implantitis. Among patients with diabetes, the severity of the measured parameters appears to be influenced by the glycemic status rather than by peri-implantitis.
Association between excess weight and beverage portion size consumed in Brazil
Authors: Bezerra Ilana Nogueira , Alencar Eudóxia Sousa de
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: To describe the beverage portion size consumed and to evaluate their association with excess weight in Brazil. METHODS: We used data from the National Dietary Survey, which included individuals with two days of food record aged over 20 years (n = 24,527 individuals). The beverages were categorized into six groups: soft drink, 100% fruit juice, fruit drink, alcoholic beverage, milk, and coffee or tea. We estimated the average portion consumed for each group and we evaluated, using linear regression, the association between portion size per group and the variables of age, sex, income, and nutritional status. We tested the association between portion size and excess weight using Poisson regression, adjusted for age, sex, income, and total energy intake. RESULTS: The most frequently consumed beverages in Brazil were coffee and tea, followed by 100% fruit juices, soft drinks, and milk. Alcoholic beverages presented the highest average in the portion size consumed, followed by soft drinks, 100% fruit juice, fruit drink, and milk. Portion size showed positive association with excess weight only in the soft drink (PR = 1.19, 95%CI 1.10–1.27) and alcoholic beverage groups (PR = 1.20, 95%CI, 1.11–1.29), regardless of age, sex, income, and total energy intake. CONCLUSIONS: Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks presented the highest averages in portion size and positive association with excess weight. Public health interventions should address the issue of portion sizes offered to consumers by discouraging the consumption of large portions, especially sweetened and low nutritional beverages.
Falls among older adults in the South of Brazil: prevalence and determinants
Authors: Vieira Luna S , Gomes Ana Paula , Bierhals Isabel O , Farías-Antúnez Simone , Ribeiro Camila G , Miranda Vanessa I A , Lutz Bárbara H , Barbosa-Silva Thiago G , Lima Natália P , Bertoldi Andréa D , Tomasi Elaine
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the prevalence and the factors associated with the occurrence of falls among older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 1,451 elderly residents in the urban area of Pelotas, RS, in 2014. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed and the prevalence of falls in the last year was presented. The analysis of demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral and health factors associated with the outcome was performed using Poisson regression with adjustment for robust variance according to the hierarchical model. The variables were adjusted to each other within each level and for the higher level. Those with p ≤ 0.20 were maintained in the model for confounding control and those with p < 0.05 were considered to be associated with the outcome. RESULTS: The prevalence of falls among older adults in the last year was 28.1% (95%CI 25.9–30.5), and most occurred in the person’s own residence. Among the older adults who fell, 51.5% (95%CI 46.6–56.4) had a single fall and 12.1% (95%CI 8.9–15.3) had a fracture as a consequence, usually in the lower limbs. The prevalence of falls was higher in women, adults of advanced age, with lower income and schooling level, with functional incapacity for instrumental activities, and patients with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of falls reached almost a third of the older adults, and the prevalence was higher in specific segments of the population in question. About 12% of the older adults who fell fractured some bone. The factors associated with the occurrence of falls identified in this study may guide measures aimed at prevention in the older adult population.
Analysis of the national school feeding program in the municipality of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais
Authors: Rocha Naruna Pereira , Filgueiras Mariana De Santis , Albuquerque Fernanda Martins de , Milagres Luana Cupertino , Castro Ana Paula Pereira , Silva Mariane Alves , Costa Glauce Dias da , Priore Silvia Eloiza , Novaes Juliana Farias de
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the implementation of the Brazilian National School Feeding Program as a food and nutritional security policy in public schools. METHODS: This a cross-sectional study, with a quantitative and qualitative approach, carried out with 268 schoolchildren aged eight to nine years from the public school system of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2015. Interviews were carried out using semi-structured questionnaires with the children, parents, cooks, nutritionists, trainer of the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company, and president of the School Feeding Council. In order to analyze the implementation of the National School Feeding Program in Viçosa, we evaluated the direct weighing of the food served in the schools using mechanical balances with a capacity of up to 10 kg and the perception of the social players involved in the implementation of the National School Feeding Program. The children were questioned about the acceptance of and adherence to the food offered, in addition to the habit of bringing food from home. Parents reported knowledge about the School Feeding Program and Council. The qualitative analysis consisted of content analysis and quantitative analysis using the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Mann-Whitney test. We adopted the statistical significance of 5% for quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Children reported low adherence to the school feeding program and most of them used to bring food from home. Irregularities were identified in the implementation of the National School Feeding Program, such as: inadequate number of nutritionists, suspension of Council meetings, inadequate infrastructure in the areas of preparation and distribution of meals, lack of training of cooks, lack of nutritional adequacy of the food offered, and lack of actions on food and nutritional education. The Program complied with the recommendations for purchasing food from family farms. CONCLUSIONS: The National School Feeding Program presented many irregularities in Viçosa. It is important to monitor the problems identified for better reformulation and planning of the Program, in order to guarantee the food and nutritional security of the children served.
Dopamine Receptors Influence Internally Generated Oscillations during Rule Processing in Primate Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Ott Torben , Westendorff Stephanie , Nieder Andreas
Published: February 2018

Neural oscillations in distinct frequency bands in the prefrontal cortex (pFC) are associated with specialized roles during cognitive control. How dopamine modulates oscillations to structure pFC functions remains unknown. We trained macaques to switch between two numerical rules and recorded local field potentials from pFC while applying dopamine receptor targeting drugs using microiontophoresis. We show that the D1 and D2 family receptors (D1Rs and D2Rs, respectively) specifically altered internally generated prefrontal oscillations, whereas sensory-evoked potentials remained unchanged. Blocking D1Rs or stimulating D2Rs increased low-frequency theta and alpha oscillations known to be involved in learning and memory. In contrast, only D1R inhibition enhanced high-frequency beta oscillations, whereas only D2R stimulation increased gamma oscillations linked to top–down and bottom–up attentional processing. These findings suggest that dopamine alters neural oscillations relevant for executive functioning through dissociable actions at the receptor level.
Pupillary Correlates of Fluctuations in Sustained Attention
Authors: Unsworth Nash , Robison Matthew K. , Miller Ashley L.
Published: February 2018

The current study examined pupillary correlates of fluctuations and lapses of sustained attention. Participants performed a sustained attention task with either a varied ISI or a fixed ISI (fixed at 2 or 8 sec) while pupil responses were continuously recorded. The results indicated that performance was worse when the ISI was varied or fixed at 8 sec compared with when the ISI was fixed at 2 sec, suggesting that varied or long ISI conditions require greater intrinsic alertness compared with constant short ISIs. In terms of pupillary responses, the results demonstrated that slow responses (indicative of lapses) were associated with greater variability in tonic pupil diameter, smaller dilation responses during the ISI, and subsequently smaller dilation responses to stimulus onset. These results suggest that lapses of attention are associated with lower intrinsic alertness, resulting in a lowered intensity of attention to task-relevant stimuli. Following a lapse of attention, performance, tonic pupil diameter, and phasic pupillary responses, all increased, suggesting that attention was reoriented to the task. These results are consistent with the notion that pupillary responses track fluctuations in sustained attention.
Divine Embodiment in Philo of Alexandria
Authors: Forger Deborah
Published: February 2018

Because later polemics established Jews and Christians as binary opposites, distinguished largely by their views on God’s body, scholars have not sufficiently explored how other Jews in the early Roman period, who stood outside the Jesus movement, conceived of how the divine could become embodied on earth. The first-century Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria often operates as the quintessential representative of a Jew who stressed God’s absolute incorporeality. Here I demonstrate how Philo also presents a means by which a part of Israel’s God could become united with human materiality, showing how the patriarchs and Moses function as his paradigms. This evidence suggests that scholarship on divine embodiment has been limited by knowledge of later developments in Christian theology. Incarnational formulas, like that found in John 1:14 were not the only way that Jews in the first and second centuryCEunderstood that God could become united with human form.
The spurious dragonfly: the intricate nomenclatural problems regarding the names Libelloides and libelluloides (Neuroptera Ascalaphidae et Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: PANTALEONI ROBERTO A. , LORU LAURA
Published: February 2018

Around 1970 Tjeder suggested two changes to the nomenclature of the Ascalaphidae regarding the names Libelloides and libelluloides. To avoid future confusion, we augment Tjeder’s work by analyzing the nomenclatural status of all taxa related to these names—specifically Libelloides Schäffer, 1763 and Libelloides coccajus ([Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775), Ascalaphidae, and Palpares libelluloides (Linnaeus, 1764), Myrmeleontidae. After a short historical preamble, we treat the three taxa in chronological order of description. Additional information is reported in four Addenda, followed by a list of synonymies. Our conclusions are as follows: 1. Schäffer’s Das Zwiefalter– oder Afterjüngferchen (1763) is consistent with the Principle of Binomial Nomenclature, thus the names Libelloides and Libellula spuria, therein created, are available [ICZN Code Article 11.4.1.]. 2. Libellula spuria Schäffer, 1763, is a senior synonym of Papilio coccajus [Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775; however, the older name Libellula spuria Schäffer, 1763, is a nomen oblitum with respect to the younger name Papilio coccajus [Denis et Schiffermüller], 1775, which therefore must be considered a nomen protectum [ICNZ Code Article 23.9.2: both Articles 23.9.2.1 and 23.9.2.2 apply]. 3. The name Hemerobius libelloides Linnaeus, 1764, is the correct original spelling [ICNZ Code Article 32.5.1 does not apply], but the subsequent spelling Myrmeleon libelluloides Linnaeus, 1767, even if an unjustified emendation [ICZN Code Article 33.2.1 and 33.2.3], is in prevailing usage and consequently: i) it is deemed to be a justified emendation, and ii) it is attributed to its original author and date [ICZN Code Article 33.2.3.1]. 4. Myrmeleon libelluloides Fuesslin, 1775, being a mere misidentification of the name Myrmeleon libelluloides (Linnaeus, 1764), is unavailable name [ICZN Code Article 49]. 5. Schäffer (1763) is not the author of the name Ascalaphus libelluloides: the authorship must be attributed to van der Weele with the date of description 5th January 1909. 6. Libellula turcica Petiver & Empson, 1767, in Ábrahám (2012), is an unavailable name. 7. The original spelling Myrmeleon kolywanense Laxmann, 1770, is the correct original spelling [ICNZ Code Article 32.5.1 does not apply], but the subsequent spelling Ascalaphus kolyvanensis Rambur, 1842, even if an unjustified emendation [ICZN Code Article 33.2.1 and 33.2.3], is in prevailing usage and consequently: i) it is deemed to be a justified emendation, and ii) it is attributed to its original author and date [ICZN Code Article 33.2.3.1]. 8. Fuesslin’s Verzeichniss der ihm bekannten schweizerischen Insekten (1775) was published between 24th February (date in the second part of the Preface [Vorrede]) and 12th May 1775 (Wyttenbach, 1775), so the date of publication is 12th May 1775 [ICZN Code Article 21.3].
Polymer Periodic Nanostructures on Curved Substrates by UV-Curable Hybrid Soft Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Zhang Man , Liu Xiu , Cao Axiu , Pang Hui , Shi Lifang , Deng Qiling
Published: February 2018

With rapidly developing nonplanar flexible electronics and photonics devices, high-throughput and low-cost fabrication of polymer periodic nanostructures on curved substrates has become a significant research area. Herein, we report fabrication of different polymer periodic nanostructures
directly on cylinder substrate by using hybrid soft nanoimprint lithography (NIL) at room environment. The composite stamp was made up of hybrid soft nanoimprint mold that includes a thin rigid features layer and thick elastomeric poly(dimethylsiloxanes) (PDMS) support layer. Ultraviolet (UV)-curable
thiol-ene material has good properties, such as low viscosity, high resolution, rapid reaction rate in benign ambient, and is particularly suitable as nanoimprint resist. Periodic nanopillar arrays, nanoscale hole arrays, and nanograting were fabricated on large-area curved substrate based
on this new method. The nanostructures had high resolution and were precisely distributed uniformly onto the curved surfaces.
Biomacromolecule-Directed Synthesis and Characterization of Selenium Nanoparticles and Their Compatibility with Bacterial and Eukaryotic Cells
Authors: Sun Yiling , Nie Yan , Wang Zhenjiong , Hua Chun , Wang Renlei , Gao Juan
Published: February 2018

This study proposes a novel synthesis method for pullulan polysaccharide-directed water-soluble and monodispersed selenium nanoparticles. The structure, morphology, size, and stability of the nanocomposites were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy
(AFM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. At the same time, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy (UV-vis) were used to evaluate the structure and composition of polysaccharide-selenium nanoparticles.
The results revealed that the spherical selenium nanoparticles (mean particle size of about 80 nm) were ligated with pullulan polysaccharide to form nanocomposites in aqueous solution. The method is environment-friendly and sustainable. Furthermore, these selenium nanoparticles could significantly
inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and induce the apoptosis of human 293 F cells and Hela cells at a high dose. These findings exhibit a wide variety of potential applications of selenium nanoparticles.
Preparation of Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 Composite and Its Application in Catalysis for Dye Decoloration
Authors: Chang Haibo , Liu Junbo , Yang Leifei , Zhang Hua , Li Wanying , Tang Shanshan
Published: February 2018

An efficient and stable visible-light-driven photocatalyst Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 composite was prepared and applied for decoloration of dye. The Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 composite was synthesized via depositing Ag@AgCl nanoparticles on the surface of NaNbO3. The decoloration
of MB was evaluated to reflect the catalytic activity of Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 composite. The results revealed that the Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 composite prepared in this study exhibited much higher visible-light photocatalytic activity for degradation of MB aqueous solution than that
of pure NaNbO3. The degradation efficiency of MB was 87.5% for Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 composite prepared from 1.5 M AgCl, after 2 h exposure to visible-light irradiation. The Ag@AgCl/NaNbO3 composite still maintained a high photocatalytic activity even after 5 repeated
runs. The possible transfer routes of the photoexcited electrons and holes were investigated to explain the photocatalytic activity based on conduction band and valence band potentials of NaNbO3. The photoexcited electrons on the surface of the Ag nanoparticles transferred into
the conduction band of NaNbO3 and Ag nanoparticles. The injected electrons also transferred to the ubiquitously present molecular oxygen to form active species O–2, ·HOO, H2O2 and ·OH, which enhanced the degradation
and mineralization of MB.
Optical Properties of Tin Monoxide Nanoshells Prepared via Self-Assembly
Authors: Wu Han , Zhou Liyan , Yan Shancheng , Song Haizeng , Shi Yi
Published: February 2018

Recently, layered IV–VI metal monochalcogenides have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique properties. Among them, tin monoxide (SnO) has been widely studied as thin films for the application in high-mobilityp-channel transistor and photoelectricity device fabrication. In this work, we successfully synthesized SnO nanoshells through a facile solution chemical method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed the morphology of these nanoshells. The surface chemical composition was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Raman and photoluminescence spectra were used to study the optical properties of nanoshells with different sizes, which were formed in different concentrations. We found that the special nanostructure may result in abundant Sn or O vacancies on the surface of nanoshells, and these defects resulted in a broad photoluminescent signal. This work provided a solution synthesis method to prepare SnO and other IV–VI metal monochalcogenides as well as their promising applications in optical device.
Fe7C3–Fe3N/FeNxCy Decorated Carbon Material as Highly Efficient Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Al-Air Batteries
Authors: Li Fuzhi , Fu Liang , Li Jingsha , Feng Qiuju , Xie Hualin , Wang Haiyan , Tang Yougen
Published: February 2018

Traditionally, oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) are catalyzed by Pt/C, which is expensive but essentially efficient catalyst. So doping of highly active moieties onto carbon supports could be investigated as a practical and inexpensive strategy for catalysis of ORR. The present study
reported noncrystalline FeNxCy species, crystalline Fe7C3 and Fe3N nanoparticles co-decorated ketjenblack (KB) carbon catalyst (denoted as Fe–N–KB–HCl) for ORR prepared using ferrous sulfate, melamine and
KB as raw materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) were observed in the catalyst, which caused to a high specific surface area (1125 m2g–1) of the catalyst. The Fe–N–KB–HCl catalyst fabricated in this study exhibited a catalytic performance similar to
that of commercial 20% Pt/C for ORR in alkaline solution. Moreover, it exhibited a higher voltage (1.51 V) at a discharge density of 50 mA cm–2 in an in-house made Al-air battery than that of the commercial 20% Pt/C catalyst (1.45 V). So the Fe–N–KB–HCl catalyst
prepared in this study could be used for developing inexpensive but highly efficient catalysts for catalysis of ORR and have potential to be used for commercial purposes.
An Improved Remote Sensing Evaporation Model and Its Application to Estimate the Surface Evaporation of Sichuan Province
Authors: Liu Jinbao , He Zhengwei , Yu Jing
Published: February 2018

Evaporation (ET) which consists of plant transpiration and soil evaporation is an important component of water vapor transmission and transfer. It is also an important descriptive parameter of surface drought information. In recent decades, with the rapid development of economic situation,
global warming and population growing, evaporation has greatly changed. Based on linear two-source model of evaporation fraction (EF) of Nishida and other scholars, we establish the correcting mixed type linear dual-source remote sensing model. The model is used to estimate the actual evaporation
of Sichuan Province, which use the meteorological data of stations of Sichuan Province and MODIS data products. The actual evaporation by estimating needs to be verified through the practical evaporation products of MODIS. The results show that this model can monitor the drought in Sichuan
Province, and it not only has a theoretical basis, also has a good application prospect to drought monitoring.