bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HDL Particle Size and Functionality Comparison between Patients with and without Confirmed Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: de Miranda Teixeira Raissa , Cruz de Sá Nicole , Caires dos Santos Ana Paula , Anjos e Silva Vanessa Rocha , de Magalhães Cabral Albuquerque Elaine Christine , Lemos Correia Luiz Claudio , Couto Ricardo David
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the most common cause of death worldwide, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is noteworthy due to its great magnitude. Objectives. This study was carried out to evaluate the structure (molecular and particle size) and functionality of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) shortly after AMI, in the presence of acute inflammatory response. Casuistic and Methods. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted between January 2015 and August 2016, with a total convenient sample of 85 patients. The patients’ data were segregated according to the Registry of Acute Myocardial Infarction (REAMI), with 45 confirmed AMI patients. The study groups consisted of patients from both sexes, older than 35 years, presented to the Hospital São Rafael (HSR) initially with AMI clinical symptoms. In addition, 40 nonischemic control patients (CPs), without AMI symptomatology, and according to previous inclusion criteria, were selected for convenience in an outpatient care unit. The HDL particle size was measured by laser light scattering (LLS), after separation of HDL from apoB-rich lipoproteins. The paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity was determined in a spectrophotometer by using paraoxon as a substrate. The other laboratory marker information, secondary data, was obtained in the laboratory system. Results. The HDL particle size, free cholesterol, and hs-CRP analysis showed significant differences when compared between REAMI and CP groups (p<0.0001, p=0.007, and p<0.0001; two-tailed unpaired t-test, respectively). Regarding paraoxonase, the data comparison between REAMI and CP groups was also significantly different (p<0.0067; two-tailed unpaired t-test). Conclusion. Despite an important current database on the HDL cholesterol role, our study provides relevant complementary information about the HDL particle susceptibility to the inflammation following AMI. The HDL particles’ quantitative and functional attributes should be measured as markers of HDL functionality.
Overview of Current and Future Perspectives of Saudi Arabian Natural Clinoptilolite Zeolite: A Case Review
Authors: Alsawalha Murad
Published: March 2019

After a thorough review of existing studies of clinoptilolite zeolites, three areas for potential investigation of the Saudi Arabian zeolites were found. They are the characterizations, the catalytic activity, active sites, and uses of natural clinoptilolite zeolites. First, no analysis is available worldwide to compare the percentage weight of local zeolites with those sourced from other countries, nor does one exist for the establishment on the zeolite conversion of MBOH with water on acidic catalysts at lower temperatures. Secondly, a review of current literature on the topic revealed that basic and active sites of Saudi Arabian zeolites have yet to be examined. Future investigation of zeolite catalytic activity can be achieved by methyl butynol test reaction (MBOH) and absorption-desorption of ammonia. In the characterization of a range of international materials, the methyl butynol test reaction was utilized, including on natural zeolites, natural clays, and synthesized hydrotalcites. However, the catalytic performance of natural Saudi Arabian clinoptilolite zeolites by test reaction of MBOH conversion has not been yet investigated. Therefore, this article also includes an outline of the general testing conditions and parameters required to execute the accurate characterization of local Saudi clinoptilolite under optimal test conditions. Likewise, knowledge of the important active acidic centers of local materials is prescribed. This can be ascertained by determining the conditions together with the test parameters for the application of the “temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia” method in order to obtain an accurate determination of local Saudi clinoptilolite acidic centers. Additionally, an outline of the catalytic activity of worldwide clinoptilolite is given in this article together with kinetic investigations of other sources for the clinoptilolite zeolite in order to form the basis for the testing of local Saudi clinoptilolite. The percentage average of chemical composition (Wt.%) of natural clinoptilolite from various countries is also included. Finally, a future research plan is proposed here. This will form the basis for a complete study or survey to be compiled detailing the modifications needed to increase the surface areas for Saudi natural clinoptilolite zeolites using different methods of modifications. This could enhance its application as acid catalysts for use in the retardation of coke formation and for membrane separation on cationic exchange.
Onychomadesis in a 20-Month-Old Child with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Leung Alexander K. C. , Leong Kin Fon , Lam Joseph M.
Published: March 2019

Kawasaki disease is characterized by fever for ≥ five days, bilateral bulbar conjunctival injection without exudate, polymorphous rash changes in the extremities, oral mucosal changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy. We report a 20-month-old boy with Kawasaki disease who had onychomadesis affecting the fingernails and toenails bilaterally. To our knowledge, there were three reported cases of onychomadesis associated with Kawasaki disease, to which we add another one. We suggest keeping in mind the possibility of onychomadesis as a nail sequela of Kawasaki disease.
Increased Risk of Coronary Artery Disease in People with a Previous Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Nationwide Retrospective Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Chang Yi-Chuan , Chiang Jen-Huai , Lay Ing-Shiow , Lee Yu-Chen
Published: March 2019

Background. Existing literature suggests that an association exists between coronary artery disease (CAD) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), but few researchers have explored whether CTS is a risk for CAD. Materials and Methods. This large case-control study explored the association between CTS and CAD, using health insurance claims data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) between January 2000 and December 2013. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic codes identified 70,622 patients with CAD (ICD-9-CM codes 410–414; cases); 70,622 patients without CAD were frequency-matched by age, sex, and index year of CAD and served as controls. Results. The likelihood of a previous diagnosis of CTS (ICD-9-CM codes 354.0, 354.1) was significantly higher in the CAD group than in the comparison control group (crude OR: 1.75, 95% CI 1.63-1.89; p<0.0001; adjusted OR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.34-1.58; p<0.0001). Conclusion. A significant positive correlation was observed between CAD and a previous diagnosis of CTS.
Securing Cooperative Spectrum Sensing against DC-SSDF Attack Using Trust Fluctuation Clustering Analysis in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Zhao Feng , Li Shaoping , Feng Jingyu
Published: March 2019

Cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) has been recognized as a forceful approach to promote the utilization of spectrum bands. Nevertheless, all secondary users (SU) are assumed as honest in CSS, thus giving opportunities for attackers to launch the spectrum sensing data falsification (SSDF) attack. To defend against such attack, many efforts have been made to trust mechanism. In this paper, we argue that securing CSS with only trust mechanism is not enough and report the description of dynamic-collusive SSDF attack (DC-SSDF attack). To escape the detection of trust mechanism, DC-SSDF attackers can maintain high trust by submitting true sensing data dynamically and then fake sensing data in the collaborative manner to increase their attack strength. Noting that the resonance phenomenon may appear in the trust value curve of DC-SSDF attackers, a defense scheme called TFCA is proposed from the design idea of trust fluctuation clustering analysis to suppress DC-SSDF attack. In the TFCA scheme, the decreasing property of trust value in the resonance phenomenon is adopted to measure the similarity distance between two attackers. Based on the similarity distance computation, the binary clustering algorithm is designed by electing initial binary samples to identify DC-SSDF attackers. Finally, trust mechanism can be perfected by TFCA to correct DC-SSDF attackers’ trust value. Simulation results show that our TFCA scheme can improve the accuracy of trust value calculation, thus reducing the strength of DC-SSDF attack successfully.
Surgical Management of Primary Bone Lymphoma of the Hip: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kennedy Grace , Weir Phil , Johnston Kevin , Elder Patrick
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Primary bone lymphoma (PBL) is a rare bone malignancy which may present with atraumatic pain, swelling, or pathological fracture. Whilst the femur is the most commonly affected site, any bone may be involved. PBL should be distinguished from other bone lesions to determine clinical management. Case Report. We report the case of an 89-year-old gentleman who presented to the local emergency department with atraumatic hip pain and inability to weight-bear. Multimodal imaging showed evidence of a tumor involving the proximal femur and adjacent acetabulum with an associated pathological intertrochanteric fracture. Biopsy specimens demonstrated this to be PBL of the diffuse large B-cell subtype. No other disease foci or nodal involvement was identified. The patient underwent proximal femoral replacement and acetabular reconstruction prior to commencing R-Mini-CHOP chemotherapy, during which time he has been permitted to fully weight-bear. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient having PBL with both femoral and acetabular involvements. Due to its infrequent occurrence, evidence remains limited to advise therapeutic guidelines. Our practice concurs with literature suggesting that surgery be reserved for cases of pathological fracture. However, the merits of undergoing surgical fixation prior to chemoradiation treatment have been considered.
A Comparative Test Study on the Seismic Damage Sustained by Frame‐Core Tube Structures
Authors: Li Zuohua , Chen Liang , Teng Jun
Published: March 2019

The overall damage sustained by a structure can be controlled in the current damage‐based seismic design, but the rationality of the relationship among the damage states of the components in the structure and the influences of those states on the overall seismic performance of the structure are currently ignored. In response to this problem, a comparative test was performed in this paper to study the seismic damage performances of two frame‐core tube structure models, namely, an optimization model designed through the optimization of the component damage states to achieve the relationship among those damage states proposed in this paper and a normative model designed through the seismic design method based on Chinese codes. By comparing the experimental data of these two models, the relationship among the component damage states was discussed comprehensively, and the influences of those states on the overall seismic performance of the frame‐core tube structure were analyzed. The proposed relationship among the component damage states in the optimization model can effectively limit the development of overall damage and improve the internal force response of the structure.
Traumatic Brain Injury by Weight-Drop Method Causes Transient Amyloid-β Deposition and Acute Cognitive Deficits in Mice
Authors: Shishido Hajime , Ueno Masaki , Sato Kana , Matsumura Masahisa , Toyota Yasunori , Kirino Yutaka , Tamiya Takashi , Kawai Nobuyuki , Kishimoto Yasushi
Published: March 2019

There has been growing awareness of the correlation between an episode of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) later in life. It has been reported that TBI accelerated amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology and cognitive decline in the several lines of AD model mice. However, the short-term and long-term effects of TBI by the weight-drop method on amyloid-β pathology and cognitive performance are unclear in wild-type (WT) mice. Hence, we examined AD-related histopathological changes and cognitive impairment after TBI in wild-type C57BL6J mice. Five- to seven-month-old WT mice were subjected to either TBI by the weight-drop method or a sham treatment. Seven days after TBI, the WT mice exhibited significantly lower spatial learning than the sham-treated WT mice. However, 28 days after TBI, the cognitive impairment in the TBI-treated WT mice recovered. Correspondingly, while significant amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and amyloid precursor protein (APP) accumulation were observed in the TBI-treated mouse hippocampus 7 days after TBI, the Aβ deposition was no longer apparent 28 days after TBI. Thus, TBI induced transient amyloid-β deposition and acute cognitive impairments in the WT mice. The present study suggests that the TBI could be a risk factor for acute cognitive impairment even when genetic and hereditary predispositions are not involved. The system might be useful for evaluating and developing a pharmacological treatment for the acute cognitive deficits.
Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidative Potentials of Onion (Allium cepaL.) Extract Fermented with a NovelLactobacillus caseiHD-010
Authors: Yang Woong-Suk , Kim Jin-Chul , Lee Jae Yong , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Hwang Cher-Won
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate antihyperlipidemic and antioxidative potentials of onion (Allium cepaL.) extract fermented with a novelLactobacillus caseiHD-010. In general, fermented onion extract is used for its antioxidative activity (ORAC), inhibitory effect on adipocytes differentiation, quercetin contents, and antihyperlipidemic activities. However, the effect of fermented onion extract on hyperlipidemia after oral administration using ApoE-deficient mice has not been reported yet. To understand the effect of fermented onion extract on hyperlipidemia, we used benzafibrate (10 mg/kg, bw/day) as a positive control in the present study. Serum was collected every week to analyze levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol, 3-hydroxy-3-methylgutaryi-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity, and cholesterol ester transport protein (CETP) activity. In the fermented onion-treated group, HDL level was significantly increased while levels of TG and LDL were significantly decreased compared to those in the control group. In addition, the inhibition activity of HMG-CoA reductase was increased 20% in the fermented onion-treated group at 100 mg/kg. CETP activity has been observed to be significantly inhibited in the fermented onion-treated groups compared to that in the control group. These results suggest that fermented onion has a preventive/therapeutic effect on hyperlipidemic disease. It might have potential to be developed as a functional food.
Factors Affecting Performance in Clinical Practice among Preservice Diploma Nursing Students in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Gemuhay Helena Marco , Kalolo Albino , Mirisho Robert , Chipwaza Beatrice , Nyangena Elijah
Published: March 2019

There is an increased call for improving the environment in which nursing students learn the clinical skills. Clinical practice in the clinical placement sites should allow students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real environment, develop nursing skills and clinical reasoning, and observe and adapt the professional role. This study aimed at identifying the factors influencing performance in clinical practice among preservice diploma nursing students in Northern Tanzania. This study relied on a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from nursing schools in Northern Tanzania in which 208 (123 nursing students and 85 nurse tutors) participants were recruited in the study. Data was gathered using a self-administered questionnaire which collected information on sociodemographic characteristics and factors influencing clinical practice categorized in students’ factors, hospital based factors, social-economic factors, and nurse tutors opinions assessed. Descriptive analyses and chi-square test were employed to understand the background information of the sample and association between variables. Majority of the nursing students (84.4%) agreed that clinical placement offers students adequate opportunity for clinical practical learning. Barriers to effective clinical learning was reported by 70.1% of the participants and the barriers include student factors such as lack of self-confidence and absenteeism, school factors such as improper supervision, and poor preparation of clinical instructors or clinical facility factors. We found a significant association between type of barrier and gender (chi-square 0.786, p=0.020). More male nursing students (62.1%) significantly reported unsupportive environment as a barrier and anxiety was more common in female nursing students (48.9%) (p=0.020). Reporting of barriers to effective clinical learning by students from different schools of nursing was not significant (P=0.696). In addition, age of participants did not have significant association with effective clinical practice (p=0.606). Student’s factors and placement based factors played an important role to influence clinical learning experiences. Offering preclinical orientation, distributing and clarifying clinical learning objectives to students, and frequent visits and supervision of students in clinical area may improve student learning experience in clinical placement. In addition, tailoring the interventions to gender may improve learning experiences.
Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Activity of Majoranolide from Mezilaurus crassiramea on HL-60 Leukemia Cells
Authors: Heemann Lanna M. , de Souza Kamylla F. S. , Tófoli Danilo , Filippin Kelly J. , Garcez Walmir S. , Matos Maria de Fatima C. , Garcez Fernanda R. , Perdomo Renata T.
Published: March 2019

Majoranolide, a butanolide isolated from the nonpolar fraction of an ethanol extract of Mezilaurus crassiramea (Lauraceae) fruits, is being reported for the first time in this genus and the third time in plants. Structurally identified from 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data, majoranolide proved cytotoxic against cancer cells—MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (breast), HT-29 (colon), PC-3 (prostate), 786-0 (renal), and HL-60 (leukemia)—inhibiting growth in HL-60 cells (GI50 = 0.21 μM) and exhibiting higher selectivity for this line than for nonneoplastic NIH/3T3 murine fibroblasts. Effects on the cell cycle, caspase-3 activation, and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated by flow cytometry. Expression of genes related to apoptotic pathways (BAX, BCL2, BIRC5, and CASP8) was investigated using RT-qPCR. At 50 μM, majoranolide induced cell cycle arrest at G1 in 24 h increased the sub-G1 population in 48 h and increased caspase-3 activation in a time-dependent manner. The compound upregulated BAX and CASP8 transcription (proapoptotic genes) and downregulated BIRC5 (antiapoptotic). Loss of plasma membrane integrity in 30% of cells occurred at 48 h, but not at 24 h, characterizing gradual, programmed death. The results suggest that majoranolide cytotoxicity involves apoptosis induction in HL-60 cells, although other mechanisms may contribute to this cell death.
Experimental Study on Diffusion Law of Post‐Grouting Slurry in Sandy Soil
Authors: Yang Jianyu , Cheng Yanhui , Chen Weichao
Published: March 2019

In order to study the diffusion law of grouting slurry in sand areas, the grouting of cement slurry in sand was analyzed by the indoor grouting test under different water‐cement ratios, grouting pressures, grouting amounts, and soil qualities, and the law of the post‐grouting slurry is obtained. The results show that the grouting method is affected by the grouting pressure, water‐cement ratio, grouting amount, and soil quality. Under the same grouting pressure, the diffusion modes of different water‐cement ratio grouts in sands with different permeability coefficients, which are mainly manifested as osmotic diffusion, are basically the same; under the same water‐cement ratio, when the grouting pressure is relatively small, the diffusion of modes of slurry is mainly osmotic in sand. The diffusion radius of cement slurry in sand has a good power function relationship with grouting pressure, water‐cement ratio, permeability coefficient, and grouting amount. And, the empirical function model of slurry diffusion radius is proposed by regression analysis. The research results provide a certain theoretical and experimental reference for post‐grouting in sandy areas.
Medical Image Fusion Based on Fast Finite Shearlet Transform and Sparse Representation
Authors: Tan Ling , Yu Xin
Published: March 2019

Clinical diagnosis has high requirements for the visual effect of medical images. To obtain rich detail features and clear edges for fusion medical images, an image fusion algorithm FFST-SR-PCNN based on fast finite shearlet transform (FFST) and sparse representation is proposed, aiming at the problem of poor clarity of edge details that is conducive to maintaining the details of source image in current algorithms. Firstly, the source image is decomposed into low-frequency coefficients and high-frequency coefficients by FFST. Secondly, the K-SVD method is used to train the low-frequency coefficients to obtain the overcomplete dictionary D, and then the OMP algorithm sparsely encodes the low-frequency coefficients to complete the fusion of the low-frequency coefficients. Then, a high-frequency coefficient is applied to excite a pulse-coupled neural network, and the fusion coefficient of the high-frequency coefficient is selected according to the number of ignitions. Finally, the fused low-frequency coefficient and high-frequency coefficient are reconstructed into the fused medical image by FFST inverse transform. The experimental results show that the image fusion result of the proposed algorithm is about 35% higher than the comparison algorithms for the edge information transfer factor QAB/F index and has achieved good results in both subjective visual effects and objective evaluation indicators.
Computational Studies of 4-Formylpyridinethiosemicarbazone and Structural and Biological Studies of Its Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Sripathi Mydhili P. , Berely Sireesha , Ramana Reddy Chittireddy Venkata
Published: March 2019

To understand the stability, chelation behaviour, and biological activity of 4-Formylpyridinethiosemicarbazone (H4FPT), it is important to recognize its interactive geometry. Hence, computational studies on geometrically optimized structures of thione and thiol forms of H4FPT were performed. Binary metal complexes of the ligand, H4FPT (L) with the Ni(II) and Cu(II) metal ions (M), were synthesized and characterized by various spectroanalytical techniques as elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, LC-MS, TGA, IR, UV-Visible, ESR, and powder XRD. Elemental analysis, LC-MS, and TGA studies indicate 1:2 (ML2) composition for mononuclear Ni(II) complex and 1:1 (ML) composition for dinuclear Cu(II) complex. Electronic absorption titrations, fluorescence quenching studies, and viscosity measurements suggest intercalative mode of binding of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). These complexes also promote hydrolytic cleavage of plasmid pBR322. The ligand (H4FPT) and its complexes showed moderate-to-good activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The DPPH radical scavenging studies showed antioxidant nature of both complexes.
Relationship of Sanitation Parameters with Microbial Diversity and Load in Raw Meat from the Outlets of the Metropolitan City Biratnagar, Nepal
Authors: Mahato Sanjay
Published: March 2019

The main aim of this study is to assess the microbial load of raw meat from outlets of Biratnagar and its relationship with several sanitation parameters. Samples were taken from meat outlets, and required microbiological procedures were followed as per guidelines. Approximately 63.6% of microbes were present in meat with poor sanitation while 36.4% were present in meat with good sanitation. Fungal contamination in poorly kept mutton was one and half times greater than chicken/mutton of good sanitation. Fungi such asPenicillium(21.3%),Mucor(16.3%),Aspergillus(15%), andTrichosporon(13.8%) were most predominant. 73.8% of meat samples containedStaphylococcusspp., 61.3% containedE. coli,48.8% ofPseudomonasspp., and 37.5% samples containedSalmonellaspp. Outlets selling both types of meat showed no significant difference in microbial types. Mean of TVC of meat is 8.2 log CFU/g. Mean TVC of mutton (7.6 log CFU/g) is lower than mean TVC of chicken/meat (8.5 log CFU/g) and differed significantly. Tiled outlets showed comparatively lower bacterial contamination than cemented outlets which was statistically significant (t = −3.16,p=0.002). With the difference among microbial type and few sanitation parameters being statistically significant, it can be suggested that outlets should be tiled (p=0.002), showcased (p=0.001), and the meat-handling employee must wear washed apron (p=0.013). Proper cleaning of water supply and use area (p≤0.001) and drainage (p=0.048) maintain a good meat sanitation (p≤0.001) which reduces microbial contamination significantly. To diminish microbiological load on meat sold in the Biratnagar city, standard operating methods should be practiced.
Properties of Gaussian Beam Propagating in Ring Resonator Sensor
Authors: Jin Long , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we deduce the paraxial analytical expression for the Gaussian beam propagating in the sandwich slab system which contained double negative material based on light transfer matrix and generalized Huygens-Fresnel integral equation; the evolution properties of emerging Gaussian beam contour graph intensity distribution on the receiver plane, the relation between beam spot size and negative refractive index coefficient, and beam side transmission view in slab system changed with three negative refractive index parameters are illustrated through numerical examples. What is more, we propose a ring resonator sensor to measure the concentration of NaCl solution on the basis of above theory, of which the operating principle is deliberatively analyzed, the influence of the concave mirror curvature radius on the emerging beam evolution is acquired, the functional relation between the normalized central intensity of the emerging beam, the beam spot size, and NaCl solution concentration is further developed by fit linear method, and the mathematical statistics results reach high precision and linearity. It is expected that the proposed ring resonator sensor and the corresponding conclusions can be useful for precise optical measurement, especially for food safety inspection and medical services of health care.
Magnitude of Low Birth Weight and Associated Factors among Newborns Delivered in Dangla Primary Hospital, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017
Authors: Talie Asmare , Taddele Mekuanint , Alemayehu Mulunesh
Published: March 2019

Background.Low birth weight is defined as a live born infant weighs less than 2 500 g regardless of gestational age. Globally, the prevalence of low birth weight ranges from 3% to 15%. Birth weight plays an important role in infant mortality, morbidity, development, and future health. The prevalence of low birth weight in Ethiopia was estimated to be 14% which is one of the highest percentages in the world. So, the aim of this study is to assess magnitude and associated factors of low birth weight among newborns delivered at Dangla Primary Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dangla Primary Hospital from September 27 to June 10, 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the 232 study participants. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Data quality was assured by pretesting, training, and frequent supervision. Descriptive statistics were performed for the descriptive part of the study. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of low birth weight. Those variables and p-value < 0.25 were included in the multivariable logistic regression for controlling the possible effect of confounders. Finally, variables which had significant association were identified on the basis of AOR, with 95%CI and with P-value <0.05.Results. Magnitude of low birth weight was 10.3 %. Previous history of low birth weight [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: (1.13-9.9)], additional food intake during the last pregnancy [AOR = 5.0, 95% CI: (1.2-16.2)], and preterm delivery [AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: (3.1-19.2)] were independent predictors of low birth weight.Conclusion. Magnitude of low birth weight in Dangla Primary Hospital was high. So, strengthening counseling systems for women through quality antenatal care on advantage of additional food intake and previous bad obstetric outcome is necessary to alleviate the delivery of low birth weight neonates in the study area.
Hedge-Algebra-Based Phase-Locked Loop for Distorted Utility Conditions
Authors: Vukadinović Dinko , Nguyen Tien Duy , Nguyen Cat Ho , Vu Nhu Lan , Bašić Mateo , Grgić Ivan
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the first application of the hedge-algebra theory in the field of grid synchronization. For this purpose, an optimized hedge-algebra controller (HAC) is developed and incorporated within the three-phase phase-locked loop (PLL) with moving average filters (MAFs) inside its feedback loop. Optimized fuzziness parameters and linguistic rule base of the HAC are obtained by a genetic algorithm using the integral of absolute error as the performance index during optimization. Calculated optimal parameter values of the HAC depend on the most frequently occurring disturbance in the electric grid. Two different PLL structures are proposed, depending on the types of disturbances occurring in the electric grid. The first structure is the conventional synchronous reference frame PLL with the nonadaptive MAF (i.e., MAF without order adjustment), but with the PI/PID controller in the phase loop replaced by the developed HAC. Such PLL structure is suitable for all analyzed disturbance types, expect for step-changes in the grid frequency. The second PLL structure introduces the adaptive MAF (i.e., MAF with order adjustment) and a new feedback signal in the output stage of the controller to achieve zero steady-state error in the case of step-changes in the grid frequency. The disturbance rejection capability of the two developed PLLs with the HAC (HAC-PLLs) is tested separately and compared experimentally with the PID- and fuzzy-controller-based PLLs.
Complete Urogenital and Anorectal Duplication in a Dog
Authors: Coffman Jonathan M. , McConkey Marina , Ellison Gary , Huynh Elizabeth , Dark Michael J.
Published: March 2019

A 10-week-old sexually intact female golden retriever was evaluated for two functional anal openings and a bipartite vulva. Examination revealed haired skin between two separate anatomically smaller anal openings. On rectal palpation, a soft tissue septum (5 cm) with a mucosal surface between the two anal openings was palpated. In addition, circumferential rectal musculature was not appreciated on the ventral aspect. Urogenital evaluation revealed duplication of the vestibule and vagina with a complete centrally located septum extending dorsoventrally. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis, vaginocystourethrogram, and colonogram were performed. Complete bifurcation of the urinary bladder with duplication of the urethra, cervix, and vaginal canal was noted. Approximately 2 cm from the rectum, there was a similar bifurcation that converged the colon into two rectal portions and separate anal openings. The owner was counseled on the severity of congenital malformations and a high likelihood of aging-related developmental complications in the future. The owner elected humane euthanasia and a necropsy was performed to confirm the malformations.
A Sensitive Fluorescence Biosensor for Silver Ions (Ag+) Detection Based on C-Ag+-C Structure and Exonuclease III-Assisted Dual-Recycling Amplification
Authors: Li Yubin , Yuan Jiaming , Xu Zexi
Published: March 2019

A C-Ag+-C structure-based fluorescence biosensor with novel combination design of exonuclease III (Exo III) dual-recycling amplification is proposed for the application of silver ions (Ag+) detection. Since oligo-1 involves C-C mismatches, the presence of Ag+ can be captured to form C-Ag+-C base pairs, which results in a double-helix structure with a blunt terminus. The double-helix structure can be cleaved by EXO III to release short mononucleotide fragments (trigger DNA) and Ag+. Released Ag+ can form new bindings with oligo-1, and other trigger DNA can be produced in the digestion cycles. Hybridization with the signal DNA (oligo-2) transforms a trigger DNA into double-stranded DNA with blunt terminus which can be cleaved by Exo III to reproduce the trigger DNA and form guanine- (G-) quadruplex DNA. The trigger DNA returns free to the solution and hybridizes with another signal DNA, which realizes the dual-recycling amplification. The G-quadruplex DNA can be reported by N-methylmesoporphyrin IX (NMM), a specific G-quadruplex DNA fluorochrome. This method allows Ag+ to be determined in the 5 to 1500 pmol/L concentration range, with a 2 pmol/L detection limit, and it has been successfully applied to the detection of Ag+ in real samples.
Primary Production in the Water Column as Major Structuring Element of the Biogeographical Distribution and Function of Archaea in Deep-Sea Sediments of the Central Pacific Ocean
Authors: Wemheuer Franziska , von Hoyningen-Huene Avril Jean Elisabeth , Pohlner Marion , Degenhardt Julius , Engelen Bert , Daniel Rolf , Wemheuer Bernd
Published: March 2019

Information on environmental conditions shaping archaeal communities thriving at the seafloor of the central Pacific Ocean is limited. The present study was conducted to investigate the diversity, composition, and function of both entire and potentially active archaeal communities within Pacific deep-sea sediments. For this purpose, sediment samples were taken along the 180° meridian of the central Pacific Ocean. Community composition and diversity were assessed by Illumina tag sequencing targeting archaeal 16S rRNA genes and transcripts. Archaeal communities were dominated by CandidatusNitrosopumilus(Thaumarchaeota) and other members of theNitrosopumilaceae(Thaumarchaeota), but higher relative abundances of the Marine Group II (Euryarchaeota) were observed in the active compared to the entire archaeal community. The composition of the entire and the active archaeal communities was strongly linked to primary production (chlorophyll content), explaining more than 40% of the variance. Furthermore, we found a strong correlation of the entire archaeal community composition to latitude and silicic acid content, while the active community was significantly correlated with primary production and ferric oxide content. We predicted functional profiles from 16S rRNA data to assess archaeal community functions. Latitude was significantly correlated with functional profiles of the entire community, whereas those of the active community were significantly correlated with nitrate and chlorophyll content. The results of the present study provide first insights into benthic archaeal communities in the Pacific Ocean and environmental conditions shaping their diversity, distribution, and function. Additionally, they might serve as a template for further studies investigating archaea colonizing deep-sea sediments.
Database Analysis of Eplerenone Use in Japanese Hypertensive Patients in Clinical Practice
Authors: Takahashi Shoko , Ii Yoichi , Yamamoto Yuji , Ikeda Aya , Fujimoto Yoko
Published: March 2019

Eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), is available in Japan, but details of its use in clinical settings have not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, this study was aimed at examining the characteristics of eplerenone-prescribed hypertensive patients in Japan, describing the combination patterns of antihypertensive medications, and comparing eplerenone’s mean doses with respect to concomitant diseases. Data of 160,992 hypertensive patients who used the same drugs for six months or more were collected from an insurance database from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2013. The number of MRA-receiving patients among the extracted population was 3,274 (2%). Compared to patients on eplerenone or spironolactone, patients on neither drug had fewer comorbidities. Eplerenone was administered in combination with calcium channel blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers in 23.1% and as monotherapy in 6.6% of cases. The most frequent initial daily dose of eplerenone was 50 mg/day followed by 25 mg/day irrespective of the presence of a comorbidity. MRA use was as low as 2%, but its use was more frequent in patients with comorbidities compared to that of other antihypertensives. Despite studies showing eplerenone’s efficacy and safety in high-risk hypertensive patients with albuminuria, the drug is not widely used.
The Toxicity and Metabolism Properties ofHerba EpimediiFlavonoids on Laval and Adult Zebrafish
Authors: Zhong Rongling , Chen Ying , Ling Jie , Xia Zhi , Zhan Yang , Sun E. , Shi Ziqi , Feng Liang , Jia Xiaobin , Song Jie , Wei Yingjie
Published: March 2019

Zebrafish is being increasingly used for metabolism and toxicity assessment. The drugs consumed in zebrafish metabolism studies are far less than those used in rat studies. In our study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to icariin, Baohuoside I (BI), Epimedin A (EA), Epimedin B (EB), Epimedin C (EC), Sagittatoside A (SA), Sagittatoside B (SB), and 2′′-O-rhamnosylicariside II (SC), respectively, to examine the toxicity and metabolic profiles of these flavonoids. The order of toxicity was SC, SB > EC, SA > BI, icariin, EA, EB. After 24 h exposure to SB and SC, the mortality of zebrafish larvae reached 100% and yolk sac swollen was obvious. Both SC and SB caused severe hepatocellular vacuolization and liver cells degeneration in adult zebrafish after 15 consecutive days’ treatment. The metabolic profiles of these flavonoids with trace amount were also monitored in larvae. BI was the common metabolite shared by icariin, EA, EB, SA, and SB, via deglycosylation. Both BI and SC remained as the prototype in the medium, suggesting that it is hard for BI and SC to cleave the rhamnose residue. EC was metabolized into SC and BI in zebrafish, inferring that SC might be responsible for the toxicity observed in EC group. The metabolites of icariin, EA, EB, EC, and BI in zebrafish larvae coincided with results from rats and intestinal flora. These data support the use of this system as a surrogate in predicting metabolites and hepatotoxicity risk, especially for TCM compound with trace amount.
Zirconium (IV) Acetylacetonate: Ring-Opening Initiator Mediating One-Step Synthesis of Biodegradable Polyacids
Authors: Dobrzyński Piotr , Pastusiak Małgorzata , Jaworska Joanna , Kaczmarczyk Bożena , Kwiecień Michał , Kawalec Michał
Published: March 2019

Biodegradable polyacid is obtained in one-step ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of carboxylic-acid-functionalized six-membered cyclic carbonate mediated with zirconium (IV) acetylacetonate. Exemplary copolymers with L,L-lactide are described as well. Moreover, zirconium (IV) acetylacetonate is found to be active catalyst of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) ROP in presence of carboxylic acid yielding PTMC end-capped with the acid derivative. Polymerization mechanism is hypothesized demonstrating possibilities of the method in work-saving polycation synthesis and one-step method of conjugate synthesis of well-known biocompatible polyesters and polycarbonates.
Impact of Allergic Contact Dermatitis on the Quality of Life and Work Productivity
Authors: Kalboussi H. , Kacem I. , Aroui H. , El Maalel O. , Maoua M. , Brahem A. , El Guedri S. , Chatti S. , Ghariani N. , Mrizak N.
Published: March 2019

Background. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common chronic skin disease that generates considerable public-health and socioeconomic costs. This disease affects the quality of life and the occupational activity of patients. Aims. To assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients with ACD and study the impact of this disease on their work productivity. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study carried out from January 2012 to December 2014. All patients diagnosed with ACD in the Dermato-Allergology Unit of the Occupational Medicine Department at Farhat Hached University Hospital, in Sousse, were included. The impact of skin disease on the QOL of affected persons was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The work productivity was measured using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Allergic Specific questionnaire (WPAI: AS). Results. The study population consisted of 150 patients. The average score of DLQI was 6.5. Over the previous 7 days, absenteeism rate was 25.9 ± 15.3%, presenteeism rate was 50.2 ± 32%, overall work productivity loss was 29.6 ± 19.4%, and daily activity impairment was 50.4 ± 32.3%. The DLQI score was significantly associated with atopy (p = 0.03), relapses strictly greater than 10 (p = 0.02), presenteeism (p <10−3), overall work productivity loss (p = 0.01), and daily activity impairment (p = 0.03). Conclusion. The impact of ACD on QOL and occupational activity seems important and requires specific attention from the occupational physician.
Integrating Scientific English into Biological Sciences PhD Programs in Developing Countries: Strategies from Trainees and Mentor
Authors: Coelho Camila H. , Canepa Gaspar E. , Arora Gunjan , Duffy Patrick E.
Published: March 2019

Successful researchers in the biological sciences communicate their work to a global audience and must do so in English to be widely recognized and cited. This applies equally to scientific talks, posters, and published articles; thus, scientific English must be prioritized in nonnative English-speaking (NNES) academic institutions to prepare their trainees for successful careers. Here, we propose strategies for integrating scientific English into PhD programs operating in NNES countries. Many graduate students from NNES countries strive for an international career and encounter English as an important barrier. Based on our own experiences as NNES postdoctoral fellows at a US institution, or as a US mentor of these trainees, we contend that conventional learning processes at home institutions do not sufficiently prioritize scientific English as the medium for regular discussions of laboratory-generated data. Principal investigators, mentors, and supervisors are key in promoting English language usage as a structured component of PhD training. If these stakeholders routinely integrate English training and education within the research laboratory program, graduates will be equipped to pursue international academic careers. The ideas presented here are intended for NNES PhD students (and their mentors) who seek an international scientific career in the biological sciences.
Designing Novel Interfaces via Surface Functionalization of Short-Chain-Length Polyhydroxyalkanoates
Authors: Vigneswari S. , Chai J. M. , Shantini K. , Bhubalan K. , Amirul A. A.
Published: March 2019

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a microbial plastic has emerged as promising biomaterial owing to the broad range of mechanical properties. However, some studies revealed that PHA is hydrophobic and has no recognition site for cell attachment and this is often a limitation in tissue engineering aspects. Owing to this, the polymer is tailored accordingly in order to enhance the biocompatibilityin vivoas well as to suit the intended application. Thus far, these surface modifications have led to PHA being widely used in various biomedical and pharmaceutical applications such as cardiac patches, wound management, nerve, bone, and cartilage repair. This review addresses the surface modification on biomedical applications focusing on short-chain-length PHA such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)].
Arterial Destiffening Starts Early after Renal Artery Denervation
Authors: Berukstis Andrius , Navickas Rokas , Neverauskaite-Piliponiene Gintarė , Ryliskyte Ligita , Misiura Jonas , Vajauskas Donatas , Misonis Nerijus , Laucevicius Aleksandras
Published: March 2019

Introduction. Renal artery denervation (RDN) is a new widely discussed method in treatment of hypertension. Most of the RDN studies assessed BP and arterial changes 3 and 6 months after the procedure, but there is a lack of trials that investigated early changes after RDN. Aim. To investigate aortic stiffness 24-48 hours after the procedure and thus to examine whether RDN might have an early additive value for a cardiovascular risk decline beyond the lowering of blood pressure. Methods. RDN was performed for 73 patients with resistant hypertension. Arterial stiffness and central haemodynamics were measured before the procedure, the next day after the procedure, and subsequently after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results. Within 48 hours, RDN significantly reduced aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV) from 11.3±2.7 to 10.3±2.6 m/s (p=0.001); reduction was sustained at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Early changes in the AoPWV value did not correlate with changes in office systolic or diastolic BP (p=0.45; p=0.33). Furthermore, the higher the initial AoPWV value, the greater the reduction of AoPWV observed after 6 months: Q1 8.4±1, Δ0.05±1.6 / Q2 10.1±0.4, Δ1.1±1.4 / Q3 12.2±0.8, Δ1.8±1.7 / Q4 15.3±1.7, Δ2.8±2.1 (p=0.002). Conclusions. Early and sustained effects on AoPWV observed in our study suggest that RDN may have additional effects on reducing arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk.
Gestational Weight Gain among Healthy Pregnant Women from Asia in Comparison with Institute of Medicine (IOM) Guidelines-2009: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arora Priyanka , Tamber Aeri Bani
Published: March 2019

In 1990, Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended gestational weight gain (GWG) ranges for women in the United States primarily to improve infant birth weight. Changes in key aspects of reproductive health of women of child bearing age, a rising prevalence of obesity, and noncommunicable diseases prompted the revision of IOM guidelines in 2009. However, there is no such recommendation available for Asian women. This systematic review assesses the utility of IOM-2009 guidelines among Indian and other Asian pregnant women in terms of maternal and fetal outcomes. 624 citations were identified using PubMed and Google Scholar, out of which 13 were included. Prospective/retrospective studies of healthy Asian women with a singleton pregnancy which specifically examined fetal-maternal outcomes relative to IOM-2009 guidelines were included. Results. Majority of pregnant Indian women achieved less GWG than the recommendations whereas a mixed trend was noticed among the other Asian pregnant women. The most common fetal-maternal complications among the excessive GWG women were found to be macrosomia, large for gestational age and caesarean section followed by gestational diabetes and hypertension, whereas low birth weight, small for gestational age and preterm birth, was found to be associated with low GWG women. The findings highlight the need for appropriate GWG limits across the different body mass index levels specifically for Indians and other Asian population. However, there are not enough publications regarding the utility of IOM-2009 guidelines among the Indian and other Asian women. Thus, higher-quality researches are warranted in future to further validate the findings of the present review.