bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recruitment of HIV-Positive Women in Research: Discussing Barriers, Facilitators, and Research Personnel’s Knowledge
Authors: Loutfy Mona R , V Logan Kennedy , Mohammed Saira , Wu Wei , Muchenje Marvelous , Masinde Khatundi , Salam Khaled , Soje Lena , Gregorovich Sandra , Tharao Wangari
Published: December 2014

Background :

Women have historically been under-represented in HIV research, partly due to ineffective recruitment strategies.

Objective :

To improve the existing understanding of recruitment for HIV-positive women based on a province-wide cross-sectional study.

Methods :

A survey was emailed to all site coordinators who recruited participants in a study involving 490 HIV-positive women living in Ontario, Canada. The survey consisted of questions regarding the important recruitment barriers and successes. Quantitative data were then contextualized within extensive knowledge from research personnel and team members.

Results :

Completed surveys were received from (89%) site coordinators (34/38) and 98% (31/34) were women. The highest ranked recruitment barriers identified were: sensitivity of the research topic (59%), time/availability constraints (59%), language barriers (53%), HIV disclosure/stigma issues (47%), lack of trust of research personnel (41%), fear of research (41%) and inaccessibility to child care and transportation (41%). The respondents felt that the most important personal attributes for recruitment were research personnel who were respectful (97%), skilled (91%), flexible (88%) and empathetic (88%) and had good communication skills (88%). The most successful recruitment strategies identified were: developing a strong rapport (88%) that was facilitated by an empathetic relationship (100%), acknowledging the sensitive nature of the research topic (94%), providing cash financial compensation (88%), and developing recruitment strategies unique to women (88%).

Conclusion :

There are differences in the approaches needed for the recruitment of HIV-positive women in research. For successful recruitment of HIV-positive women, a strong rapport between the research personnel and study participants is important. This rapport is facilitated by having study personnel who are respectful, trustworthy, empathetic, and flexible. Population-specific recruitment strategies are important to ensure adequate recruitment of minority groups in research with greater gender consideration for women requiring specific attention.
Estimating Building Construction Costs by Production Processes
Authors: V. Montes M. , M. Falcón R. , Ramírez-de-Arellano A.
Published: December 2014

Building actors need accurate estimates in order to efficiently undertake the construction of buildings. The
knowledge of real expected costs of construction works is a necessary condition for contractors to submit competitive tenders
and for developers to be aware of the magnitude of their investment. In this paper, an innovative process-based model
is presented, the POP model. This model aims at providing building actors with a systematized methodology to calculate
building construction costs based on the planning, organization and scheduling of the expected works. Unlike the model
of construction work units, the most widespread estimate model in Spain, the POP model comprises all construction costs
in a direct way by identifying the production processes involved and the resources consumed, giving a new approach to
the principles of the activity-based costing methodology in tune with the process-based cost models that are emerging in
the international scene. Nowadays, the model is being applied in real construction works with satisfactory results of transparency,
detail and adaptability. Not only reliable estimates are obtained, but also the performance of works is devised, allowing
its optimization and control.
Study on Thermal Stress of Concrete Beams with Carbon-Fiber- Reinforced Polymers at Low Temperature
Authors: Shuai Tian , Tong Zhang
Published: December 2014

Concrete beams reinforced with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are subjected to considerable thermal
stress at low temperatures. To mitigate this problem, this study conducts a series of tests on three concrete specimens
at various temperatures, analyzes the change rule of thermal stress in CFRP-reinforced concrete beams, and discusses the
influence of CFRPs on thermal stress in terms of the elastic modulus, thickness, thermal expansion coefficient, beam
height, and concrete grade. The results show that when the temperature decreases, CFRP has an obvious restraining effect
on the thermal curve of concrete beams. The thermal stress on the interface of CFRP-reinforced concrete beams is sufficiently
large and should not be ignored. In particular, in cold areas, thermal stress should be taken into account when reinforcing
structures such as concrete bridges. The CFRP sheet’s elasticity modulus and thickness are the main factors affecting
the thermal stress; in comparison, the expansion coefficient and beam height have lesser effect on the thermal stress;
finally, the concrete grade has little effect on the thermal stress. Thermal stress can be prevented feasibly by using prestressed
CFRP sheets to reinforce concrete beams. This study can serve as a reference for concrete reinforcement design.
Should we Fear Insulin Therapy in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes?
Authors: Haslam David
Published: December 2014

Obesity is the primary risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and, as the prevalence of
obesity continues to increase, so does the incidence of type 2 diabetes. For most patients with T2DM, the disease will
progress beyond the control of lifestyle measures, diet and oral glucose-lowering drugs. In these patients, insulin therapy
is ultimately required to lower blood glucose concentrations to acceptable levels. ‘Psychological insulin resistance’ is a
major barrier to the initiation of insulin therapy for patients with T2DM and for clinicians treating them. This may have a
negative impact on patients’ health and weight, and also the healthcare system due to increased incidence of diabetesrelated
complications if HbA1c remains poorly controlled. Ensuring timely and appropriate initiation of insulin therapy
requires physicians to recognize patients’ fears and to reassure them. This review explores the concerns behind
psychological insulin resistance and how they can potentially be addressed in light of recent developments in the
treatment of diabetes.
Concoradance of clinical and neurophysiologic diagnoses of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Martic Vesna
Published: December 2014

Introduction/Aim. Clinical presentation and neurophysiological examination
are crucial in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The aim of this study
was to determine sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination for
diagnosing of CTS in relation to neurophysiological evaluation. Methods. The
sample included 181 patients referred to the neurologist for further
diagnosis of pain and parestesias in the arm (81 women and 100 men mean age
42 ? 14 years and 52 ? 16 years, respectively). All the patients were
neurophysiologicly tested. Results. Out of 181 patients, clinical findings
were considered positive for CTS in 37 patients. The neurophysiological
findings for CTS were positive in 60 patients. Both clinical and
neurophysiological findings were positive in 31 patients and both findings
were negative in 115 patients (sensitivity 0,51; specificity 0,95).
Conclusion. Low sensitivity and high specificity suggest that it is easier to
exclude rather than to accurately diagnose CTS based on clinical examination
alone. Thus, there is the need for neurophysiological evaluation of patients
with complains in the arm.
Comparative analysis of current payment system for hospital services in Serbia and projected payments under diagnostic related groups system in urology
Authors: Babic Uros , Soldatovic Ivan , Vukovic Dejana , Santric-Milicevic Milena , Stjepanovic Mihailo , Kojic Dejan , Argirovic Aleksandar , Vukotic Vinka
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim. Global budget per calendar year is a traditional method of
funding hospitals in Serbia. Diagnose related groups (DGR) is a method of
hospital payment based on classification of patients into groups with
clinically similar problems and similar utilization of hospital resources.
The aim of this study was to compare current methods of hospital services
payment with the projected costs by DRG payment method in urology. Methods.
The data were obtained from the information system used in the Clinical
Hospital Center ?Dr. Dragisa Misovic? - Dedinje in Belgrade, Serbia. The
implemented hospital information system was the main criterion for selection
of healthcare institutions. The study included 994 randomly selected patients
treated surgically and conservatively in 2012. Results. Average costs under
the current payment method were slightly higher than those projected by DRG,
however, the variability was twice as high (54,111 ? 69,789 compared to
53,434 ? 32,509, p < 0,001) respectively. The univariate analysis showed that
the highest correlation with the current payment method as well as with the
projected one by DRG was observed in relation to the number of days of
hospitalization (? = 0.842, p < 0.001, and ? = 0.637, p < 0.001,
respectively). Multivariate regression models confirmed the influence of the
number of hospitalization days to costs under the current payment system (? =
0.843, p < 0.001) as well as under the projected DRG payment system (? =
0.737, p < 0.001). The same predictor was crucial for the difference in the
current payment method and the projected DRG payment methods (? = 0.501, p
<0.001). Conclusion. Payment under the DRG system is administratively more
complex because it requires detailed and standardized coding of diagnoses and
procedures, as well as the information on the average consumption of
resources (costs) per DRG. Given that aggregate costs of treatment under two
hospital payment methods compared in the study are not significantly
different, the focus on minor surgeries both under the current hospital
payment method and under the introduced DRG system would be far more
cost-effective for a hospital as great variations in treatment performance
(reduction of days of hospitalization and complications), and consequently
invoiced amounts would be reduced.
Outdoor and indoor ozone level: A potential impact on human health
Authors: Valuntaitė Vaida , Girgzdienė Raselė
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim. Air pollution outside and inside is still one of the most
sensitive issues. The aim of this study was to assess the ozone level in
ambient air and working premises in terms of its possible influence on human
health. Methods. The study was based on the results obtained in Lithuanian
conditions. Continuous ozone measurement data from the rural monitoring
station in Preila over the period 1995-2011 were analyzed. More than 180,000
hourly values were examined according to the requirements in the Directive
2008/50/EC. The World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union indicators
the Sum of Ozone Means Over 35 ppb (SOMO 35), the maximum daily 8-hour mean
concentration of ozone higher than 100 and 120 ?g/m3 were estimated. Indoor
ozone concentrations in copying and welding rooms were evaluated. The ozone
concentration was measured with the ozone analyzer O341M. Results. The
frequency distribution of ozone hourly concentrations at the Preila station
showed that less than 1% of the data were higher than 120 ?g/m3 and 6% of
them higher than 100 ?g/m3, that could have the adverse effect on human
health, during 1995-2011. The investigations made in working premises showed
that near a copying machine the ozone concentration can reach 330 ?g/m3,
however in the room, i.e. 0.5 m from the machine, the average ozone
concentration during automatic copying was 165 ?g/m? and during manual
copying it was 50 ?g/m?. Measurements in a welding room showed that the ozone
concentration was in the range of 380-1,850 ?g/m3 at the distance of 25 cm
from the electrode and at the distance of 1 m from the source the ozone
concentration decreased 2.5 times. Conclusion. The danger of the ambient
ozone level to human health practically was not observed in Lithuanian
conditions. However, almost 6% of the data exceed the new WHO guideline of
100 ?g/m3 during the measurement time. Indoor ozone during welding reached a
higher level than during copying that can cause human health problems.
In vitro study of human osteoblast proliferation and morphology on orthodontic mini-implants
Authors: Bueno Ricardo Carvalho , Basting Roberta Tarkany
Published: December 2014

Objective: 

To evaluate the proliferation and morphology of human osteoblasts cultured on two brands of mini-implants after 24, 48, and 72 hours, in addition to the chemical composition found on their surface.

Materials and Methods: 

Two brands of mini-implant (Morelli and Neodent) were evaluated; polystyrene was used as a control group (n  =  3). Osteoblasts were cultured on the surface of sterilized mini-implants in a CO2 incubator at different time periods (24, 48, and 72 hours). Osteoblast proliferation was quantified by scanning electron microscopy using up to 5000× magnification, and cell morphology was analyzed by a single observer. For the chemical analysis, spectroscopy X-ray fluorescence was used to identify and quantify chemical components on the surface of the mini-implants.

Results: 

Two-way ANOVA showed no significant interaction between the factors studied (P  =  0.686). A Tukey test revealed no significant difference in osteoblast proliferation between the mini-implants at all studied periods; however, a difference in cell proliferation was detected between the Neodent and the control group (P  =  .025). For all groups, time had a direct and positive effect on osteoblast proliferation (P < .001). The significant elements present in both brands of mini-implants were titanium, aluminum, vanadium, and iron.

Conclusions: 

Osteoblast proliferation was present on the mini-implants studied, which increased over time; however, no significant difference between brands was observed. No difference was seen between the mini-implants evaluated in terms of chemical composition. Cell adhesion after 72 hours suggests that areas of bone remodeling can be achieved, thus initiating the process of mini-implant anchorage.
A Numerical and Graphical Review of Energy Storage Technologies
Authors: Sabihuddin Siraj , Kiprakis Aristides , Mueller Markus
Published: December 2014

More effective energy production requires a greater penetration of storage technologies. This paper takes a looks at and compares the landscape of energy storage devices. Solutions across four categories of storage, namely: mechanical, chemical, electromagnetic and thermal storage are compared on the basis of energy/power density, specific energy/power, efficiency, lifespan, cycle life, self-discharge rates, capital energy/power costs, scale, application, technical maturity as well as environmental impact. It’s noted that virtually every storage technology is seeing improvements. This paper provides an overview of some of the problems with existing storage systems and identifies some key technologies that hold promise.
A Dynamic Economic Dispatch Model Incorporating Wind Power Based on Chance Constrained Programming
Authors: Cheng Wushan , Zhang Haifeng
Published: December 2014

In order to maintain the stability and security of the power system, the uncertainty and intermittency of wind power must be taken into account in economic dispatch (ED) problems. In this paper, a dynamic economic dispatch (DED) model based on chance constrained programming is presented and an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach is proposed to solve the problem. Wind power is regarded as a random variable and is included in the chance constraint. New formulation of up and down spinning reserve constraints are presented under expectation meaning. The improved PSO algorithm combines a feasible region adjustment strategy with a hill climbing search operation based on the basic PSO. Simulations are performed under three distinct test systems with different generators. Results show that both the proposed DED model and the improved PSO approach are effective.
Economic Forest Sustainability: Comparison between Lithuania and Sweden
Authors: Brukas Vilis , Mizaras Stasys , Mizaraitė Diana
Published: December 2014

The study conceptualizes economic forest sustainability as “the forest-related income and economic well-being sustained over time” and then compares Lithuania and Sweden at different scales. Sweden adopts a holistic perspective of the forest sector, where forestry and forest industries are perceived as a well-integrated economic branch. Forestry is expected to deliver raw material to forest industries, at the same time creating good preconditions for profitable forest management. Forest owners are given large freedom to act according to market signals and their own household needs, while the resulting intensive forest management cumulatively leads to a significant contribution to the country’s welfare. Lithuania, in contrast, lacks an integrated sector perspective, forestry and forest industries being regarded as two separate realms. Private forest property rights are severely constrained by numerous legislative stipulations, leading to a significant reduction of economic value in production forests. On top of that, thirty percent of private owners face additional restrictions through forestland zoning, leading to further substantial loss of economic value. We suggest several measures for improving the economic forest sustainability in Lithuania, where a genuine national forest program could serve as a suitable bearing medium.
Identifying Environmental Risk Factors of Cholera in a Coastal Area with Geospatial Technologies
Authors: Xu Min , Cao Chunxiang , Wang Duochun , Kan Biao
Published: December 2014

Satellites contribute significantly to environmental quality and public health. Environmental factors are important indicators for the prediction of disease outbreaks. This study reveals the environmental factors associated with cholera in Zhejiang, a coastal province of China, using both Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic information System (GIS). The analysis validated the correlation between the indirect satellite measurements of sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH) and ocean chlorophyll concentration (OCC) and the local cholera magnitude based on a ten-year monthly data from the year 1999 to 2008. Cholera magnitude has been strongly affected by the concurrent variables of SST and SSH, while OCC has a one-month time lag effect. A cholera prediction model has been established based on the sea environmental factors. The results of hot spot analysis showed the local cholera magnitude in counties significantly associated with the estuaries and rivers.
Alternative RNA Structure-Coupled Gene Regulations in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Chen Feng-Chi
Published: December 2014

Alternative RNA structures (ARSs), or alternative transcript isoforms, are critical for regulating cellular phenotypes in humans. In addition to generating functionally diverse protein isoforms from a single gene, ARS can alter the sequence contents of 5'/3' untranslated regions (UTRs) and intronic regions, thus also affecting the regulatory effects of these regions. ARS may introduce premature stop codon(s) into a transcript, and render the transcript susceptible to nonsense-mediated decay, which in turn can influence the overall gene expression level. Meanwhile, ARS can regulate the presence/absence of upstream open reading frames and microRNA targeting sites in 5'UTRs and 3'UTRs, respectively, thus affecting translational efficiencies and protein expression levels. Furthermore, since ARS may alter exon-intron structures, it can influence the biogenesis of intronic microRNAs and indirectly affect the expression of the target genes of these microRNAs. The connections between ARS and multiple regulatory mechanisms underline the importance of ARS in determining cell fate. Accumulating evidence indicates that ARS-coupled regulations play important roles in tumorigenesis. Here I will review our current knowledge in this field, and discuss potential future directions.
Transcriptional Responses of a Bicarbonate-Tolerant Monocot, Puccinellia tenuiflora, and a Related Bicarbonate-Sensitive Species, Poa annua, to NaHCO3 Stress
Authors: Kobayashi Shio , Satone Hina , Tan Engkong , Kurokochi Hiroyuki , Asakawa Shuichi , Liu Shenkui , Takano Tetsuo
Published: December 2014

Puccinellia tenuiflora is an alkaline salt-tolerant monocot found in saline-alkali soil in China. To identify the genes which are determining the higher tolerance of P. tenuiflora compared to bicarbonate sensitive species, we examined the responses of P. tenuiflora and a related bicarbonate-sensitive Poeae plant, Poa annua, to two days of 20 mM NaHCO3 stress by RNA-seq analysis. We obtained 28 and 38 million reads for P. tenuiflora and P. annua, respectively. For each species, the reads of both unstressed and stressed samples were combined for de novo assembly of contigs. We obtained 77,329 contigs for P. tenuiflora and 115,335 contigs for P. annua. NaHCO3 stress resulted in greater than two-fold absolute expression value changes in 157 of the P. tenuiflora contigs and 1090 of P. annua contigs. Homologs of the genes involved in Fe acquisition, which are important for the survival of plants under alkaline stress, were up-regulated in P. tenuiflora and down-regulated in P. annua. The smaller number of the genes differentially regulated in P. tenuiflora suggests that the genes regulating bicarbonate tolerance are constitutively expressed in P. tenuiflora.
Elucidating Pharmacological Mechanisms of Natural Medicines by Biclustering Analysis of the Gene Expression Profile: A Case Study on Curcumin and Si-Wu-Tang
Authors: Quan Yuan , Li Bin , Sun You-Min , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: December 2014

Natural medicines have attracted wide attention in recent years. It is of great significance to clarify the pharmacological mechanisms of natural medicines. In prior studies, we established a method for elucidating pharmacological mechanisms of natural products contained in connectivity map (cMap), in terms of module profiles of gene expression in chemical treatments. In this study, we explore whether this methodology is applicable to dissecting the pharmacological mechanisms of natural medicines beyond the agents contained in cMap. First, the gene expression profiles of curcumin (a typical isolated natural medicine) and Si-Wu-Tang (a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula) treatments were merged with those of cMap-derived 1309 agents, respectively. Then, a biclustering analysis was performed using FABIA method to identify gene modules. The biological functions of gene modules provide preliminary insights into pharmacological mechanisms of both natural medicines. The module profile can be characterized by a binary vector, which allowed us to compare the expression profiles of natural medicines with those of cMap-derived agents. Accordingly, we predicted a series of pharmacological effects for curcumin and Si-Wu-Tang by the indications of cMap-covered drugs. Most predictions were supported by experimental observations, suggesting the potential use of this method in natural medicine dissection.
Diagnostic Potential of Differentially Expressed Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Jing Xuan , Chen Shan-Shan , Jing Wei , Tan Qian , Yu Ming-Xia , Tu Jian-Cheng
Published: December 2014

Increasing evidences suggest that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Numerous inflammatory cytokines and related genes mediate adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CAD, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Homer in the present study. The study was carried out on 163 CAD patients at different stages and 68 controls. The gene expression of Homer1, Homer2, Homer3, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the peripheral blood leukocytes were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA levels of Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α in CAD patients were significantly higher than those in the control group, but not Homer2 and Homer3. However, there was no considerable difference in the mRNA levels of Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α among AMI, UAP, and SAP three subgroups of CAD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that Homer1 had a better diagnostic value for UAP patients compared with IL-1β and TNF-α. Like IL-1β and TNF-α, Homer1 may also be an important participant of atherosclerotic plaque development and eventually rupture. The results of the present study may provide an important basis for diagnosing CAD patients, and provide new therapeutic targets for CAD.
Asymmetric Synthesis and Evaluation of Danshensu-Cysteine Conjugates as Novel Potential Anti-Apoptotic Drug Candidates
Authors: Pan Li-Long , Wang Jie , Jia Yao-Ling , Zheng Hong-Ming , Wang Yang , Zhu Yi-Zhun
Published: December 2014

We have previously reported that the danshensu-cysteine conjugate N-((R)-3-benzylthio-1-methoxy-1-oxo-2-propanyl)-2-acetoxy-3-(3,4-diacetoxyphenyl) propanamide (DSC) is a potent anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic agent. Herein, we further design and asymmetrically synthesize two diastereoisomers of DSC and explore their potential bioactivities. Our results show that DSC and its two diastereoisomers exert similar protective effects in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cellular injury in SH-SY5Y cells, as evidenced by the increase of cell viability, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) activity, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) expression, and the decrease of cellular morphological changes and nuclear condensation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and malondialdehyde (MDA) production. In H2O2-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), DSC concentration-dependently attenuates H2O2-induced cell death, LDH release, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and modulates the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9). Our results provide strong evidence that DSC and its two diastereoisomers have similar anti-oxidative activity and that DSC exerts significant vascular-protective effects, at least in part, through inhibition of apoptosis and modulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes.
Hypotheses, Limits, Models and Life
Authors: Bains William
Published: December 2014

Life is launching a new section, called Hypotheses in the Life Sciences. The new Section will complement the other sections of Life, providing a feedstock of ideas whose tests can be published in the wider Life family, and elsewhere. We will consider hypotheses that are supported by real world, rigorous evidence, by clear arguments, and which provide a potential solution to a genuine gap in our understanding of any aspect of the life sciences.
Salt Acclimation of Cyanobacteria and Their Application in Biotechnology
Authors: Pade Nadin , Hagemann Martin
Published: December 2014

The long evolutionary history and photo-autotrophic lifestyle of cyanobacteria has allowed them to colonize almost all photic habitats on Earth, including environments with high or fluctuating salinity. Their basal salt acclimation strategy includes two principal reactions, the active export of ions and the accumulation of compatible solutes. Cyanobacterial salt acclimation has been characterized in much detail using selected model cyanobacteria, but their salt sensing and regulatory mechanisms are less well understood. Here, we briefly review recent advances in the identification of salt acclimation processes and the essential genes/proteins involved in acclimation to high salt. This knowledge is of increasing importance because the necessary mass cultivation of cyanobacteria for future use in biotechnology will be performed in sea water. In addition, cyanobacterial salt resistance genes also can be applied to improve the salt tolerance of salt sensitive organisms, such as crop plants.
Adsorption of C.I. Natural Red 4 onto Spongin Skeleton of Marine Demosponge
Authors: Norman Małgorzata , Bartczak Przemysław , Zdarta Jakub , Tylus Włodzimierz , Szatkowski Tomasz , Stelling Allison , Ehrlich Hermann , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: December 2014

C.I. Natural Red 4 dye, also known as carmine or cochineal, was adsorbed onto the surface of spongin-based fibrous skeleton of Hippospongia communis marine demosponge for the first time. The influence of the initial concentration of dye, the contact time, and the pH of the solution on the adsorption process was investigated. The results presented here confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method for developing a novel dye/biopolymer hybrid material. The kinetics of the adsorption of carmine onto a marine sponge were also determined. The experimental data correspond directly to a pseudo-second-order model for adsorption kinetics (r2 = 0.979–0.999). The hybrid product was subjected to various types of analysis (FT-IR, Raman, 13C CP/MAS NMR, XPS) to investigate the nature of the interactions between the spongin (adsorbent) and the dye (the adsorbate). The dominant interactions between the dye and spongin were found to be hydrogen bonds and electrostatic effects. Combining the dye with a spongin support resulted with a novel hybrid material that is potentially attractive for bioactive applications and drug delivery systems.
Characterization of Ambrette Seed Oil and Its Mode of Action in Bacteria
Authors: Arokiyaraj Selvaraj , Choi Seong , Lee Yoonseok , Bharanidharan Rajaraman , Hairul-Islam Villianur , Vijayakumar Badathala , Oh Young , Dinesh-Kumar Vannam , Vincent Savariar , Kim Kyoung
Published: December 2014

In the present study, chemical composition and the antibacterial mechanism of ambrette seed oil are investigated. Chemical composition of the oil was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-five compounds were identified and the major compounds were found to be farnesol acetate (51.45%) and ambrettolide (12.96%). The antibacterial activity was performed by well diffusion assay and the mechanisms were studied by measuring the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and protein leakage assays. The antibacterial effect of the ambrette seed oil showed inhibitory effect against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The LDH activity was high in all tested bacteria compared with control, whereas the ALP and protein concentrations were also increased in E. faecalis. Molecular docking revealed the ligands farnesol acetate and ambrettolide had satisfactory binding energy towards the beta lactamase TEM-72 and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) protein. Due to its better antibacterial properties, the ambrette seed oil could be used as a source of antibacterial agents.
Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Boyi , Fan Shujun , Zhi Xueyuan , Wang Yinuo , Wang Yanxun , Zheng Quanmei , Sun Guifan
Published: December 2014

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy, total homocysteine concentrations > 15 μmol/L) has been associated with increased risk of many diseases. A systematic review was performed to summarize the prevalence of HHcy in China. We searched multiple international and Chinese scientific databases for relevant literature, and further manually screened reference lists and corresponded with original authors. Pooled prevalence of HHcy was calculated using random effects model. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were also performed. A total of 36 studies consisting 60,754 subjects (57.3% male; age range, 3–97 years) were finally included. The overall pooled prevalence of HHcy was 27.5%. Geographically, the prevalence was high in north areas, intermediate in central areas, and low in south areas, and was higher in inland versus coastal areas. The prevalence increased with age and was significantly higher in men than in women. Rural residents had a slightly higher HHcy prevalence than urban residents, and the studies conducted during 2006 to 2012 presented a higher HHcy prevalence than those during 1990 to 2005. In summary, the prevalence of HHcy in China is high, particularly in northern populations, the inlanders, males, and the elderly. Homocysteine-lowering strategies are necessary to reduce this highly preventable disorder.
The Relationship between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Insulin Resistance in Japanese Men
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Cao Zhen-Bo , Tanisawa Kumpei , Ito Tomoko , Oshima Satomi , Higuchi Mitsuru
Published: December 2014

Here, we aim to investigate the independent and combined associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with glucose metabolism. Fasting blood samples of 107 men aged 40–79 years were analyzed for 25(OH)D, glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated from the fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin. Visceral fat area (VFA) was determined by magnetic resonance imaging and CRF by measuring maximal oxygen uptake. Median 25(OH)D concentration was 36.3 nmol/L, while the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency was 74.8%. Participants with high CRF had significantly lower HOMA-IR, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin values than participants with low CRF (p < 0.05). Higher 25(OH)D concentration was strongly correlated with lower HOMA-IR and insulin values independent of VFA (p < 0.01) but significantly affected by CRF. In the high CRF group, participants with higher 25(OH)D concentration had lower HOMA-IR values than participants with low 25(OH)D concentration (p < 0.05). Higher 25(OH)D and CRF are crucial for reducing insulin resistance regardless of abdominal fat. In addition, higher 25(OH)D concentration may strengthen the effect of CRF on reducing insulin resistance in middle-aged and elderly Japanese men with high CRF.
Developmental Programming of Cardiovascular Disease Following Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Findings Utilising A Rat Model of Maternal Protein Restriction
Authors: Zohdi Vladislava , Lim Kyungjoon , Pearson James , Black M.
Published: December 2014

Over recent years, studies have demonstrated links between risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood and adverse events that occurred very early in life during fetal development. The concept that there are embryonic and fetal adaptive responses to a sub-optimal intrauterine environment often brought about by poor maternal diet that result in permanent adverse consequences to life-long health is consistent with the definition of “programming”. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the effects of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on long-term cardiac structure and function, with particular emphasis on the effects of maternal protein restriction. Much of our recent knowledge has been derived from animal models. We review the current literature of one of the most commonly used models of IUGR (maternal protein restriction in rats), in relation to birth weight and postnatal growth, blood pressure and cardiac structure and function. In doing so, we highlight the complexity of developmental programming, with regards to timing, degree of severity of the insult, genotype and the subsequent postnatal phenotype.
A Review of the Impact of Dietary Intakes in Human Pregnancy on Infant Birthweight
Authors: Grieger Jessica , Clifton Vicki
Published: December 2014

Studies assessing maternal dietary intakes and the relationship with birthweight are inconsistent, thus attempting to draw inferences on the role of maternal nutrition in determining the fetal growth trajectory is difficult. The aim of this review is to provide updated evidence from epidemiological and randomized controlled trials on the impact of dietary and supplemental intakes of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, as well as dietary patterns, on infant birthweight. A comprehensive review of the literature was undertaken via the electronic databases Pubmed, Cochrane Library, and Medline. Included articles were those published in English, in scholarly journals, and which provided information about diet and nutrition during pregnancy and infant birthweight. There is insufficient evidence for omega-3 fatty acid supplements’ ability to reduce risk of low birthweight (LBW), and more robust evidence from studies supplementing with zinc, calcium, and/or vitamin D needs to be established. Iron supplementation appears to increase birthweight, particularly when there are increases in maternal hemoglobin concentrations in the third trimester. There is limited evidence supporting the use of folic acid supplements to reduce the risk for LBW; however, supplementation may increase birthweight by ~130 g. Consumption of whole foods such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meats throughout pregnancy appears beneficial for appropriate birthweight. Intervention studies with an understanding of optimal dietary patterns may provide promising results for both maternal and perinatal health. Outcomes from these studies will help determine what sort of dietary advice could be promoted to women during pregnancy in order to promote the best health for themselves and their baby.
Alternatives to Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture: An Ecoimmunological View
Authors: Sang Yongming , Blecha Frank
Published: December 2014

Ecological immunology (or ecoimmunology) is a new discipline in animal health and immunology that extends immunologists’ views into a natural context where animals and humans have co-evolved. Antibiotic resistance and tolerance (ART) in bacteria are manifested in antibiosis-surviving subsets of resisters and persisters. ART has emerged though natural evolutionary consequences enriched by human nosocomial and agricultural practices, in particular, wide use of antibiotics that overwhelms other ecological and immunological interactions. Most previous reviews of antibiotic resistance focus on resisters but overlook persisters, although both are fundamental to bacteria survival through antibiosis. Here, we discuss resisters and persisters together to contrast the distinct ecological responses of persisters during antibiotic stress and propose different regimens to eradicate persisters. Our intention is not only to provide an ecoimmunological interpretation, but also to use an ecoimmunological system to categorize available alternatives and promote the discovery of prospective approaches to relieve ART problems within the general scope of improving animal health. Thus, we will categorize available alternatives to antibiotics and envision applications of ecoimmunological tenets to promote related studies in animal production.
Does the Spiritual Well-Being of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients Differ from that of Pre-dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients?
Authors: Cheawchanwattana Areewan , Chunlertrith Darunee , Saisunantararom Warapond , Johns Nutjaree
Published: December 2014

Spiritual well-being is viewed as an essential component of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the modernized biopsychosocial-spiritual model of health. Understanding spiritual well-being should lead to better treatment plans from the patients’ point of view, and improved patient adherence. There are numerous studies of traditional HRQOL, physical, mental, and social well-being; however, studies of spiritual well-being in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited. Thus, this study compared spiritual well-being of chronic hemodialysis patients and pre-dialysis CKD patients. A total of 31 chronic hemodialysis and 63 pre-dialysis CKD patients were asked for consent and then interviewed for spiritual well-being using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp). Analysis of covariance was applied to compare FACIT-Sp scores between pre-dialysis CKD and chronic hemodialysis groups that were adjusted by patient characteristics. The FACIT-Sp scores of pre-dialysis CKD patients were non-significantly greater than those of chronic hemodialysis patients after adjustment for gender, age, and marital status. However, all FACIT-Sp scores of males were significantly lower than those of females [FACIT Meaning −1.59 (p = 0.024), FACIT Peace −2.37 (p = 0.004), FACIT Faith −2.87 (p = 0.001), FACIT Total Score −6.83 (p = 0.001)]. The spiritual well-being did not significantly differ by stages of chronic kidney disease; however, patient gender was associated with spiritual well-being instead. To improve spiritual well-being, researchers should consider patient gender as a significant factor.
Contagion in the Euro Area Sovereign Bond Market
Authors: Muratori Umberto
Published: December 2014

In the last half-decade the European Monetary Union (EMU) has experienced a growing financial instability culminating with an extended sovereign debt crisis that has hit mostly the peripheral countries. Besides weak macroeconomic fundamentals, contagion phenomena in the government bond market damaged the countries more exposed to the financial stress. In this paper, the author investigates the issue of contagion applying to the financial field an innovative econometric technique, i.e., panel spatial regression. The paper documents: (i) the presence of contagion, in particular among peripheral countries; (ii) the changes in the magnitude of contagion in the different phases of the debt crisis; and (iii) the relevance of policy interventions in reducing the contagion effect in the EMU.
The Spanish Food Industry on Global Supply Chains and Its Impact on Water Resources
Authors: Duarte Rosa , Pinilla Vicente , Serrano Ana
Published: December 2014

The study of the impact of economic activities on natural resources through global supply chains is increasingly demanded in the context of the growing globalization of economies and product fragmentation. Taking Spain as a case study and a sector with significant economic and environmental impacts, the agri-food industry, the objective of this work is two-fold. First, we estimate the associated water impact, both from the production and consumption perspectives, paying special attention to the water embodied in production exchanges among countries and sectors. To that aim, we use an environmentally-extended multiregional input-output model (MRIO). Second, we assess the main driving factors behind changes in direct and embodied water consumption between the years 1995 and 2009 by means of a structural decomposition analysis. The MRIO model provides a comprehensive estimate of the economic linkages among regions and economic sectors and, therefore, allows calculating the environmental impacts over international value chains. The results indicate that the food industry exerts large impacts on global water resources, particularly given the remarkable interactions with the domestic and foreign agricultural sectors, These growing linkages show how consumption patterns, and, therefore, lifestyles, involve large environmental impacts through the whole and global supply chains.
An Overview of Hybrid Water Supply Systems in the Context of Urban Water Management: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Sapkota Mukta , Arora Meenakshi , Malano Hector , Moglia Magnus , Sharma Ashok , George Biju , Pamminger Francis
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a critical review of the physical impacts of decentralized water supply systems on existing centralized water infrastructures. This paper highlights the combination of centralized and decentralized systems, which is referred to as hybrid water supply systems. The system is hypothesized to generate more sustainable and resilient urban water systems. The basic concept is to use decentralized water supply options such as rainwater tanks, storm water harvesting and localized wastewater treatment and reuse in combination with centralized systems. Currently the impact of hybrid water supply technologies on the operational performance of the downstream infrastructure and existing treatment processes is yet to be known. The paper identifies a number of significant research gaps related to interactions between centralized and decentralized urban water services. It indicates that an improved understanding of the interaction between these systems is expected to provide a better integration of hybrid systems by improved sewerage and drainage design, as well as facilitate operation and maintenance planning. The paper also highlights the need for a framework to better understand the interaction between different components of hybrid water supply systems.
SERS and DFT study of copper surfaces coated with corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Muniz-Miranda Maurizio , Muniz-Miranda Francesco , Caporali Stefano
Published: December 2014

Azole derivatives are common inhibitors of copper corrosion due to the chemical adsorption occurring on the metal surface that gives rise to a protective film. In particular, 1,2,4-triazole performs comparable to benzotriazole, which is much more widely used, but is by no means an environmentally friendly agent. In this study, we have analyzed the adsorption of 1,2,4-triazole on copper by taking advantage of the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect, which highlights the vibrational features of organic ligand monolayers adhering to rough surfaces of some metals such as gold, silver and copper. To ensure the necessary SERS activation, a roughening procedure was implemented on the copper substrates, resulting in nanoscale surface structures, as evidenced by microscopic investigation. To obtain sufficient information on the molecule–metal interaction and the formation of an anticorrosive thin film, the SERS spectra were interpreted with the aid of theoretical calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) approach.
Inclusion of trans-resveratrol in methylated cyclodextrins: synthesis and solid-state structures
Authors: Trollope Lee , Cruickshank Dyanne L , Noonan Terence , Bourne Susan A , Sorrenti Milena , Catenacci Laura , Caira Mino R
Published: December 2014

The phytoalexin trans-resveratrol, 5-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethenyl]-1,3-benzenediol, is a well-known, potent antioxidant having a variety of possible biomedical applications. However, its adverse physicochemical properties (low stability, poor aqueous solubility) limit such applications and its inclusion in cyclodextrins (CDs) has potential for addressing these shortcomings. Here, various methods of the attempted synthesis of inclusion complexes between trans-resveratrol and three methylated cyclodextrins (permethylated α-CD, permethylated β-CD and 2,6-dimethylated β-CD) are described. Isolation of the corresponding crystalline 1:1 inclusion compounds enabled their full structure determination by X-ray analysis for the first time, revealing a variety of guest inclusion modes and unique supramolecular crystal packing motifs. The three crystalline inclusion complexes were also fully characterized by thermal analysis (hot stage microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry). To complement the solid-state data, phase-solubility studies were conducted using a series of CDs (native and variously derivatised) to establish their effect on the aqueous solubility of trans-resveratrol and to estimate association constants for complex formation.