bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Our Experience With Transumbilical Breast Augmentation: Largest Published Series to Date With 2263 Patients
Authors: Akkary Ehab , Contic Shaina , Benning Ethan , Shumway Robert
Published: October 2019

Transumbilical Breast Augmentation (TUBA) represents a unique approach for breast augmentation (BA). The endoscopic-guided procedure allows for placement of saline breast implants above or below the pectoralis major muscle without placing any incisions on or near the breast. The procedure has not been widely adopted likely due to the high learning curve and the need for advanced endoscopic skills. In addition, silicone implants have increasingly become more popular than saline implants for multiple reasons over the years, which has naturally decreased the number of TUBA cases. Here, we present the largest series of TUBA cases performed at a single institution and present our standardized reproducible technique to promote wider application of TUBA in Cosmetic Surgery. This is a single-institution retrospective study that included 2263 patients (4526 implants) between 1994 and 2017. All cases were performed under tumescence anesthesia with monitored intravenous sedation. Operating time, conversion to another approach, early and late complications, and patient satisfaction were studied. Our data were compared with the available studies via an extensive literature review. In total, 2263 patients (4526 implants) were included in the study. There was 1 case that required unilateral intraoperative conversion to periareolar approach in the initial experience for technical difficulty. Five small postoperative hematomas occurred that were successfully treated with conservative management and did not require evacuation, and 4 out of 5 postoperative hematomas occurred in subpectoral BA and 1 occurred in subglandular BA. Average operating time was 45 minutes. Remote Grade III and IV capsular contracture occurred in 113 patients requiring capsulectomy through periareolar approach. There were 3 cases of superficial umbilical wound infection that occurred, 1 in subglandular BA and 2 in subpectoral BA. These cases were treated with oral antibiotics and local wound care. No implant infection occurred. There were 32 cases of mild asymmetry that were acceptable by patients and did not require a revision, 19 cases occurred in the subpectoral BA group, and 13 cases occurred in the subglandular BA group. The procedure yielded a very high satisfaction rate. TUBA is a safe and reproducible procedure for BA with short operative time, high patient satisfaction, and comparable outcomes with other approaches.
Teen Dating Violence in a High-Risk Sample: The Protective Role of Maternal Acceptance
Authors: Livingston Jennifer A. , Lessard Jared , Casey Meghan L. , Leonard Kenneth E. , Eiden Rina D.
Published: October 2019

Exposure to marital conflict has been identified as a risk factor for teen dating violence (TDV). Given the high rates of marital conflict observed in families affected by paternal alcoholism, children of alcoholic fathers may be at increased risk for TDV. Positive parenting behaviors are protective against TDV in general, but whether they can attenuate the effects of exposure to marital conflict is uncertain. According to social learning theory, adolescents exposed to both positive and conflictual parenting may perceive aggression to be part of a normal and loving relationship and hence be at risk for TDV. In contrast, attachment theory would posit that positive parenting would better enable youth to regulate negative emotions and would be protective against TDV. The current study used prospective data to examine whether maternal acceptance buffered the relationship between exposure to marital conflict in early adolescence and TDV in late adolescence among a sample of adolescents at risk for TDV due to parental alcoholism. Adolescents ( N = 227, 50% female, 89% European American), half of whom had an alcoholic parent, completed surveys in early (eighth grade) and late adolescence (11th and 12th grades). They reported on exposure to marital conflict, perceptions of maternal acceptance, and involvement in TDV. Regression analyses revealed that exposure to marital conflict in early adolescence was predictive of TDV in late adolescence. However, an examination of the interaction between exposure to marital conflict and maternal acceptance indicated that at high levels of marital conflict and maternal acceptance, exposure to marital conflict no longer predicted TDV. Findings suggest that social modeling alone is not sufficient for understanding the intergenerational transmission of violence. A multipronged approach to violence prevention among high-risk families targeting both parental and parent–child relationships is recommended.
Literature in the Standards Paradigm: An Evolution of Gains and Losses
Authors: McConn Matthew L. , Blaine Andrew M.
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this article is to present the findings of a qualitative content analysis of historical documents related to the teaching of literature. Through a social semiotics framework, we analyzed 10 national standards documents in the field of secondary English. Our analysis details the evolution of the standards paradigm for teaching literature in a secondary English classroom, revealing a steady increase in language that attempts to show more measurable outcomes while slowly losing the language that emphasizes the aesthetic value and pleasure to be found in reading great works. These findings have important implications for how language about teaching literature has evolved and where policy makers and professional leaders have placed emphasis with regard to the purpose of teaching literature in secondary classrooms. More specifically, these findings are intended to reframe the perspective of the standards writers within the reform movement and their treatment of literature in secondary classrooms.
An efficient analysis and optimization method for powertrain mounting systems involving interval uncertainty
Authors: Cai Bohao , Shangguan Wen-Bin , Lü Hui
Published: October 2019

Uncertainty widely exists in the powertrain mounting system of a vehicle. The traditional analysis and optimization methods for powertrain mounting system design are often based on deterministic or random models. In this study, an efficient analysis and optimization method is developed for powertrain mounting system design involving interval uncertainty. In the proposed method, the uncertain parameters of powertrain mounting system are treated as interval variables, and an efficient method called as Chebyshev-Vertex method is developed to fast calculate the lower and upper bounds of the natural frequencies and decoupling ratios of powertrain mounting system. Monte-Carlo method is taken as a reference method to verify the calculation. Then, an optimization model is established based on Chebyshev-Vertex method, in which the interval responses of decoupling ratios are used to build up optimization objective while the interval responses of natural frequencies and decoupling ratios are taken to create optimization constraints. The optimization model of the powertrain mounting system with interval parameters is generally a double-loop nested problem, and it is rather time-consuming on calculation. However, based on Chebyshev-Vertex method, the optimization model can be approximately simplified into a single-loop one and the calculation efficiency is greatly improved. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on the analysis and optimization design of the powertrain mounting system involving interval uncertainty.
A microstructure-based constitutive model accounting for rate dependence of superelastic NiTi alloy under cyclic deformation
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zeng Pan , Lei Liping
Published: October 2019

In this work, a micromechanical constitutive model based on single crystal is proposed to account for the rate dependence and functional degradation of superelastic NiTi. Correspondence variant pair is treated as ellipsoid inclusion embedded in austenite matrix, and the stress distribution is obtained through Mori–Tanaka homogenization. Two inelastic mechanisms, that is, martensitic transformation and transformation-induced plasticity, are taken into consideration. Slipping is modeled to originate from austenite–martensite interface and is transferred between austenite and martensite. The heat equilibrium equation and thermodynamic driving force are deduced from the first law of thermodynamics and Clausius–Duhem inequality, respectively. Via the introduction of dominant <111> texture and Taylor approximation, the single crystal model is extended to polycrystalline version. The calibration and numerical implementation procedures for the model are systemized. The effects of key prescribed material parameters are discussed. Simulation results are validated against the experimental data. It is found that simulated thermomechanical responses agree with experimental observations reasonably.
Down the Rabbit Hole: An Ethnodrama to Explore a Fantastical First Year of Teaching
Authors: Dell’Angelo Tabitha
Published: October 2019

Down the Rabbit Hole is an ethnodrama based on interviews with novice teachers teaching in historically underperforming and underresourced school districts. Each of the teachers interviewed completed a specialized program in urban teacher preparation. The main character in the play represents all of the teachers in the study and her dialogue is taken from the body of interview data. The dialogue from the other characters is also taken from the interviews and adapted to show the interactions described by the teachers. The script highlights the challenges of navigating the myriad of realities facing new teachers in high-needs contexts. This work begins with the full script and then includes a discussion of what the author learned and how this knowledge is being used to reshape her practice.
Decreasing Duration of Mechanical Restraint Episodes by Increasing Registered Nurse Assessment and Surveillance in an Acute Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Allen Diane E. , Fetzer Susan J. , Cummings Kathleen S.
Published: October 2019

INTRODUCTION: The application of mechanical restraints is a high-risk emergency measure that requires psychiatric intensive care to assure patient safety and expedite release at the earliest opportunity. While current Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services regulations require trained staff to continuously observe restrained individuals, assessment by a registered nurse is required only once an hour. The experience of an acute psychiatric hospital demonstrates that more frequent registered nurse assessments can decrease duration of mechanical restraint episodes. AIMS: The aim of this three-part quality improvement project was to decrease duration of mechanical restraint episodes by increasing the frequency of registered nurse assessment and surveillance. METHODS: First, the requirement for frequency of face-to-face registered nurse assessment during episodes of mechanical restraint was increased from once every hour to once every 30 minutes. Second, the frequency of assessment was increased on half the hospital’s units, from every 30 minutes to continuous registered nurse presence during restraint. Finally, the remaining units adopted 1:1 registered nurses during restraint. Mean hours of restraint per episode were measured and compared before and after each practice change. RESULTS: Mean duration of restraint episodes decreased 23% in the first change cycle, 12% in the second, and 44% in the third. Overall, there was a statistically significant 30% decrease in mean duration of restraint episodes. CONCLUSIONS: Increased frequency of registered nurse assessment and surveillance can significantly decrease duration of mechanical restraint episodes. Nurses are encouraged to adopt mechanical restraint practice standards that provide continuous psychiatric intensive care by a registered nurse.
Comparison of carpet and toothbrush techniques for the detection of Microsporum canis in cats
Authors: Santana Aline E , Taborda Carlos P , Filgueira Kilder D , Sellera Fábio P , Larsson Carlos E , Reche-Junior Archivaldo
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic concordance between the toothbrush and carpet techniques for the detection of Microsporum canis in cats in a field study.

Methods

Thirty-nine Persian cats from a cattery were used. Fungal culture samples from the haircoat of each cat were collected by stroking the coat with a sterile toothbrush and a 5 × 5 cm-sized sterile carpet square (n = 78 total samples). Specimens were inoculated onto Mycosel Agar and incubated at 25°C for 21 days. Both techniques were compared using the following parameters: number of plates without fungal growth, number of plates with contaminant growth and number of plates positive for dermatophytes.

Results

The feline population in the study cattery was 39. Thirty (77%) were symptomatic and nine (23%) asymptomatic. The diagnosis was made via carpet and toothbrush methods and 78 cultures were performed. On day 21, M canis was detected in all culture plates. No contaminant molds were observed.

Conclusions and relevance

The concordance rate between the carpet and toothbrush techniques among the 78 evaluable culture plates was 100%. Both methods are equally effective for collecting material for M canis culture. Additionally, both techniques are inexpensive and easy to perform in feline clinical practice.
Standard operating procedure for loading/unloading operations and navigational safety of bulk carriers as per charter party requirements
Authors: Pie-Ya Lu , Chien-Chang Chou
Published: October 2019

According to the Review of Maritime Transport published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2018, 53.57% of total global seaborne trade volume was transported by bulk carriers in 2017. Bulk cargo shipment is one of the major modes of transportation in the international trade. Many bulk carrier marine accidents each year are caused by inappropriate cargo loading/unloading operation procedures. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to establish a standard operating procedure for cargo handling and navigational safety management guidelines for bulk carriers. The standard operating procedure proposed in this article is developed based on loading/unloading theories, international rules and regulations, case studies, a literature review, expert opinions, and practical experience from some captains, as well as the author who has worked as a bulk carrier captain for more than 20 years. The developed standard operating procedure can be offered to bulk carrier captains, ship owners and charterers, and ship safety management companies for improving navigational safety and avoiding cargo damage.
Spontaneous attribution of false beliefs in adults examined using a signal detection approach
Authors: Ye Tian , Fleming Stephen M , Hamilton Antonia FDC
Published: October 2019

Understanding other people have beliefs different from ours or different from reality is critical to social interaction. Previous studies suggest that healthy adults possess an implicit mentalising system, but alternative explanations for data from reaction time false belief tasks have also been given. In this study, we combined signal detection theory (SDT) with a false belief task. As application of SDT allows us to separate perceptual sensitivity from criteria, we are able to investigate how another person’s beliefs change the participant’s perception of near-threshold stimuli. Participants ( n = 55) watched four different videos in which an actor saw (or did not see) a Gabor cube hidden (or not hidden) behind an occluder. At the end of each video, the occluder vanished revealing a cube either with or without Gabor pattern, and participants needed to report whether they saw the Gabor pattern or not. A pre-registered analysis with classical statistics weakly suggests an effect of the actor’s belief on participant’s perceptions. An exploratory Bayesian analysis supports the idea that when the actor believed the cube was present, participants made slower and more liberal judgements. Although these data are not definitive, these current results indicate the value of new measures for understanding implicit false belief processing.
Association of serum albumin level with incidence and mortality of overt hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhosis during hospitalization
Authors: Bai Zhaohui , Guo Xiaozhong , Tacke Frank , Li Yingying , Li Hongyu , Qi Xingshun
Published: October 2019

Background:

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious complication of cirrhosis. Decreased serum albumin (ALB) level may facilitate the development of HE and accelerate the death of cirrhotic patients with HE. Recent evidence also suggests that human albumin infusion may reduce the incidence of HE and improve the outcomes of cirrhotic patients. This study aimed to explore the association of serum ALB level with the development of overt HE and HE-associated mortality during hospitalization.

Methods:

Cirrhotic patients admitted to our hospital between January 2010 and February 2019 were screened. Independent predictors for HE were identified by logistic regression analyses. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated. Area under curve (AUC) was calculated by receiver operator characteristic curve analyses.

Results:

Of the 2376 included patients with cirrhosis but without HE at admission, 113 (4.8%) developed overt HE during hospitalizations. ALB level (OR = 0.878, 95% CI = 0.834–0.924) was an independent risk factor for development of overt HE. AUC of ALB level for predicting the development of overt HE was 0.770 (95% CI = 0.752–0.787, p < 0.0001), and the best cut-off value was ⩽31.6 g/l. Of the 183 included patients with cirrhosis and overt HE at admission, 20 (10.9%) died during hospitalizations. ALB level (OR = 0.864, 95% CI = 0.771–0.967) was an independent risk factor for death from overt HE. The AUC of ALB level for predicting death from overt HE was 0.737 (95% CI = 0.667–0.799, p = 0.0001), and the best cut-off value was ⩽22.8 g/l.

Conclusions:

Decreased serum ALB level may be associated with higher risk of overt HE and HE-associated mortality during hospitalizations in cirrhosis.
Indicator opportunistic infections after biological treatment in rheumatoid arthritis, 10 years follow-up in a real-world setting
Authors: Leon Leticia , Peñuelas Marina , Candel Francisco Javier , Freites Dalifer , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Luis , Fernandez-Gutierrez Benjamin , Jover Juan Angel , Abasolo Lydia
Published: October 2019

Background:

This research describes the incidence and factors associated with opportunistic infections in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

Methods:

A retrospective longitudinal study was carried out from 2007 to 2018. We included RA patients treated with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted bDMARD or non-TNF-targeted bDMARD from the start of bDMARDs. An independent variable was the development of an indicator of opportunistic infection after biological (IOIb) treatment. Secondary variables included sociodemographic, clinical, and treatments. We used survival techniques to estimate the incidence of IOIb, per 1000 patient-years (95% CI). We performed a Cox multivariate regression analysis model to compare the risk of IOIb. Results were expressed as a hazard ratio (HR).

Results:

A total of 441 RA patients were included, that started 761 different courses of bDMARDs. A total of 81% were women with a mean age at first bDMARD of 57.3 ± 14 years. A total of 71.3% of the courses were TNF-targeted bDMARDs and 28.7% were non-TNF-targeted bDMARDs. There were 37 IOIb (25 viral, 6 fungal, 5 bacterial, 1 parasitic). Nine of these required hospitalization and one died. The global incidence of IOIb was 23.2 (16.8–32). TNF-targeted bDMARDs had 25 IOIb, incidence 20.5 (13.9–30.4), and non-TNF-targeted bDMARDs had 12 IOIb, incidence 31.7 (18–55.9). In the multivariate analysis, glucocorticosteroids (HR 2.17, p = 0.004) and lower lymphocyte count increased the risk for IOIb (HR 0.99, p = 0.005).

Conclusions:

The incidence of IOIb due to bDMARDs was 23 cases per 1000 patient-years. Close monitoring should be taken in the RA patients treated with bDMARDs and glucocorticosteroids, mainly in elderly patients and those with a low total lymphocyte count at the beginning of bDMARD treatment.
The Power of the Present: Effects of Three Mindfulness Tasks on Women’s Sexual Response
Authors: Velten Julia , Brotto Lori A. , Chivers Meredith L. , Hirschfeld Gerrit , Margraf Jürgen
Published: October 2019

Mindfulness-based interventions are effective at improving sexual dysfunctions in women, yet the mechanisms of action are less clear. Our objective was to investigate the impact of three mindfulness exercises on women’s sexual response. Forty-nine women participated in a laboratory session involving a series of 5-min exercises and erotic films. They completed three mindfulness-based exercises and a mental-imagery task. Genital and subjective arousal were measured continuously during erotic films, and genital arousal was measured during the exercises. A focus on the genitals led to greater genital arousal during the exercise. A focus on sensations in the body and on the genitals was associated with greater subjective sexual arousal during erotic films. Effects were small in size. Taken together, the focus of attention during a mindfulness practice may differentially affect genital and subjective sexual arousal and has implications for women experiencing difficulties in different aspects of sexual response.
Analysis of an Interprofessional Experiential Learning Program Utilizing the Case of Henrietta Lacks
Authors: Hunt Lydia , Tkach Nicholas , Kaushansky Lauren , Benz Scott Lisa
Published: October 2019

An experiential interprofessional learning opportunity for university students was developed to demonstrate core competencies (CC) based on the Interprofessional Education Collaborative and to foster a deeper understanding of the interaction between literature, health care, and social justice. Faculty members in the Schools of Professional Development, Public Health, Medicine, and Social Welfare at Stony Brook University contributed to the program including use of the book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (2010). The book was a springboard to combine John Dewey’s educational ideas of constructivist learning with select CC. Invitations for participation were extended to faculty and students enrolled in graduate programs in Teaching, Public Health, Medicine, Social Work, and Physician Assistant Education as well as undergraduate health science majors. The ultimate learning event was a 4-hour evening program that facilitated teamwork and collaboration among the 250 participants. The event presented information and context in multiple ways: The book inspired an innovative presentation, followed by pointed questions, discussion, problem solving and reflection. Topics explored included communication across cultures and diverse populations, privacy and patient rights, professional roles and responsibilities, and advocacy for self and others. Following the event course, instructors collected post-event reflective essays submitted by the master of public health student participants, which were analyzed using qualitative methods. This article describes the experiential learning program and the evaluation of its impact on students, with the purpose of enhancing the potential for other institutions to replicate this novel educational structure and achieve Interprofessional Education Collaborative CC.
The impact of response kinetics for multiple myeloma in the era of novel agents
Authors: Yan Yuting , Mao Xuehan , Liu Jiahui , Fan Huishou , Du Chenxing , Li Zengjun , Yi Shuhua , Xu Yan , Lv Rui , Liu Wei , Deng Shuhui , Sui Weiwei , Wang Qi , Zou Dehui , Wang Jianxiang , Cheng Tao , Zhan Fenghuang , Tai Yu-Tzu , Yuan Chenglu , Du Xin , Qiu Lugui , Anderson Kenneth C. , An Gang
Published: October 2019

Key Points

Early responders with MM (TBR ≤3 months) are more likely to have higher lactate dehydrogenase levels and experience inferior outcomes. The kinetic pattern of response is a simple and powerful predictor for survival of patients with MM even in the era of novel agents.
Theory and Design of the Community for successful ageing (ComSA) program in Singapore: connecting BioPsychoSocial health and quality of life experiences of older adults
Authors: Aw Su , Koh Gerald C. H. , Tan Chuen Seng , Wong Mee Lian , Vrijhoef Hubertus J. M. , Harding Susana Concordo , Geronimo Mary Ann B. , Hildon Zoe J. L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Despite the emphasis on holistic health promotion in community programs for older people, few studies explicitly consider how BioPsychoSocial (BPS) health elements are interconnected and function to improve Quality of Life (QoL). The Community for Successful Ageing (ComSA) program in Singapore focuses on Community Development (CD) initiatives for older people, accounting for BPS theory in its design and content. Biological (B) health is conceived as physiological and cognitive functioning and related biological self-care; Psychological (P) health as feelings of life satisfaction, and Social health (S) as perceived social support and civic engagement.

Furthermore, three overlapping sub-constructs are theorized to connect these elements. Namely Bio-Psychological (BP) health in terms of self-perceptions of ageing; the Psycho-Social (PS) aspects of interpersonal communication; and the Socio-Communal (SC) health in terms of civic engagement. BPS health is conceived as distinct from QoL, defined as composed of control, autonomy, self-realisation and pleasure (measured by CASP-19) of the older person.

We examined 1) interconnections of BPS constructs and related sub-constructs and 2) their associations with QoL to inform a practical, applied program theory.

Methods

A baseline survey (n = 321) of program participants (Mean = 70 years, SD = 8.73). All continuous variables were binarized as ‘high’ if the scores were above the median. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess 1) the adjusted effect of each BPS construct on CASP-19, and 2) the odds of scoring high on one BPS construct with the odds of scoring high on a related sub-construct (e.g. B and BP health).

Results

The strongest relationship with QoL was markedly with BP self-perceptions of ageing (OR = 4.07, 95%CI = 2.21–7.49), followed by P life satisfaction (OR = 3.66, 95%CI = 2.04–6.57), PS interpersonal communication (OR = 2.42, 95%CI = 1.23–4.77), SC civic engagement (OR = 1.94, 95%CI = 1.05–3.57), and S social support (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.06–3.38). Core B, P and S health were closely associated with their sub-constructs.

Conclusion

ComSA CD is tightly coupled to its proposed program theory. It offers classes to improve B self-care and BP self-perceptions of ageing, group-based guided autobiography to improve P life-satisfaction and PS interpersonal communication, and community initiatives that encourage seniors to solve community issues. This holistic approach is likely to enhance ageing experiences and QoL.
Overexpression of lncRNA PIK3CD-AS1 promotes expression of LATS1 by competitive binding with microRNA-566 to inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Song Wei , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Jianbo , Sun Miaomiao , Xia Qingxin
Published: October 2019

Background

This study is conducted to investigate the effect of lncRNA PIK3CD-AS1 on the growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its potential mechanism.

Methods

Hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and adjacent normal tissues together with HCC cells and normal liver cells were obtained for detecting expression of PIK3CD-AS1, microRNA-566 (miR-566) and LATS1. Additionally, a series of experiments were performed to determine cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis of HCC cells. The xenograft tumor model of HCC was established and the growth rate and weight of xenograft tumor in nude mice were compared. Furthermore, the binding site between PIK3CD-AS1 and miR-566 as well as between miR-566 and LATS1 were verified.

Results

LncRNA PIK3CD-AS1 was downregulated in HCC tissues and cells, and mainly located in cytoplasm. Overexpression of PIK3CD-AS1 inhibited proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell cycle progression and promoted apoptosis of HCC cells. Overexpression of PIK3CD-AS1 decreased the growth rate and weight of xenograft tumor in nude mice PIK3CD-AS1 competitively combined with miR-566 to regulate expression of LAST1.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study suggests that the expression of PIK3CD-AS1 was down-regulated in HCC, and overexpression of PIK3CD-AS1 promoted the expression of LATS1 by competitive binding of miR-566 to inhibit the growth, invasion and metastasis of HCC cells.
A review on commercial-scale high-value products that can be produced alongside cellulosic ethanol
Authors: Rosales-Calderon Oscar , Arantes Valdeir
Published: October 2019

The demand for fossil derivate fuels and chemicals has increased, augmenting concerns on climate change, global economic stability, and sustainability on fossil resources. Therefore, the production of fuels and chemicals from alternative and renewable resources has attracted considerable and growing attention. Ethanol is a promising biofuel that can reduce the consumption of gasoline in the transportation sector and related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Lignocellulosic biomass is a promising feedstock to produce bioethanol (cellulosic ethanol) because of its abundance and low cost. Since the conversion of lignocellulose to ethanol is complex and expensive, the cellulosic ethanol price cannot compete with those of the fossil derivate fuels. A promising strategy to lower the production cost of cellulosic ethanol is developing a biorefinery which produces ethanol and other high-value chemicals from lignocellulose. The selection of such chemicals is difficult because there are hundreds of products that can be produced from lignocellulose. Multiple reviews and reports have described a small group of lignocellulose derivate compounds that have the potential to be commercialized. Some of these products are in the bench scale and require extensive research and time before they can be industrially produced. This review examines chemicals and materials with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 8, which have reached a commercial scale and could be shortly or immediately integrated into a cellulosic ethanol process.
Simultaneous lipid biosynthesis and recovery for oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Pawar Pratik Prashant , Odaneth Annamma Anil , Vadgama Rajeshkumar Natwarlal , Lali Arvind Mallinath
Published: October 2019

Background

Recent trends in bioprocessing have underlined the significance of lignocellulosic biomass conversions for biofuel production. These conversions demand at least 90% energy upgradation of cellulosic sugars to generate renewable drop-in biofuel precursors (Heff/C ~ 2). Chemical methods fail to achieve this without substantial loss of carbon; whereas, oleaginous biological systems propose a greener upgradation route by producing oil from sugars with 30% theoretical yields. However, these oleaginous systems cannot compete with the commercial volumes of vegetable oils in terms of overall oil yields and productivities. One of the significant challenges in the commercial exploitation of these microbial oils lies in the inefficient recovery of the produced oil. This issue has been addressed using highly selective oil capturing agents (OCA), which allow a concomitant microbial oil production and in situ oil recovery process.

Results

Adsorbent-based oil capturing agents were employed for simultaneous in situ oil recovery in the fermentative production broths.Yarrowia lipolytica, a model oleaginous yeast, was milked incessantly for oil production over 380 h in a media comprising of glucose as a sole carbon and nutrient source. This was achieved by continuous online capture of extracellular oil from the aqueous media and also the cell surface, by fluidizing the fermentation broth over an adsorbent bed of oil capturing agents (OCA). A consistent oil yield of 0.33 g per g of glucose consumed, corresponding to theoretical oil yield over glucose, was achieved using this approach. While the incorporation of the OCA increased the oil content up to 89% with complete substrate consumptions, it also caused an overall process integration.

Conclusion

The nondisruptive oil capture mediated by an OCA helped in accomplishing a trade-off between microbial oil production and its recovery. This strategy helped in realizing theoretically efficient sugar-to-oil bioconversions in a continuous production process. The process, therefore, endorses a sustainable production of molecular drop-in equivalents through oleaginous yeasts, representing as an absolute microbial oil factory.
The liquid fraction from hydrothermal pretreatment of wheat straw provides lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases with both electrons and H2O2 co-substrate
Authors: Kont Riin , Pihlajaniemi Ville , Borisova Anna S. , Aro Nina , Marjamaa Kaisa , Loogen Judith , Büchs Jochen , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Kruus Kristiina , Väljamäe Priit
Published: October 2019

Background

Enzyme-aided valorization of lignocellulose represents a green and sustainable alternative to the traditional chemical industry. The recently discovered lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are important components of the state-of-the art enzyme cocktails for cellulose conversion. Yet, these monocopper enzymes are poorly characterized in terms of their kinetics, as exemplified by the growing evidence for that H2O2may be a more efficient co-substrate for LPMOs than O2. LPMOs need external electron donors and one key question of relevance for bioprocess development is whether the required reducing power may be provided by the lignocellulosic substrate.

Results

Here, we show that the liquid fraction (LF) resulting from hydrothermal pretreatment of wheat straw supports LPMO activity on both chitin and cellulose. The initial, transient activity burst of the LPMO reaction was caused by the H2O2present in the LF before addition of LPMO, while the steady-state rate of LPMO reaction was limited by the LPMO-independent production of H2O2in the LF. H2O2is an intermediate of LF oxidation as evidenced by a slow H2O2accumulation in LF, despite high H2O2production rates. This H2O2scavenging ability of LF is important since high concentrations of H2O2may lead to irreversible inactivation of LPMOs.

Conclusions

Our results support the growing understanding that fine-tuned control over the rates of H2O2production and consumption in different, enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactions is essential for harnessing the full catalytic potential of LPMOs in lignocellulose valorization.
Optimal integration of microalgae production with photovoltaic panels: environmental impacts and energy balance
Authors: Morales Marjorie , Hélias Arnaud , Bernard Olivier
Published: October 2019

Background

Microalgae are 10 to 20 times more productive than the current agricultural biodiesel producing oleaginous crops. However, they require larger energy supplies, so that their environmental impacts remain uncertain, as illustrated by the contradictory results in the literature. Besides, solar radiation is often too high relative to the photosynthetic capacity of microalgae. This leads to photosaturation, photoinhibition, overheating and eventually induces mortality. Shadowing microalgae with solar panels would, therefore, be a promising solution for both increasing productivity during hotter periods and producing local electricity for the process. The main objective of this study is to measure, via LCA framework, the energy performance and environmental impact of microalgae biodiesel produced in a solar greenhouse, alternating optimal microalgae species and photovoltaic panel (PV) coverage. A mathematical model is simulated to investigate the microalgae productivity in raceways under meteorological conditions in Sophia Antipolis (south of France) at variable coverture percentages (0% to 90%) of CIGS solar panels on greenhouses constructed with low-emissivity (low-E) glass.

Results

A trade-off must be met between electricity and biomass production, as a larger photovoltaic coverture would limit microalgae production. From an energetic point of view, the optimal configuration lies between 10 and 20% of PV coverage. Nevertheless, from an environmental point of view, the best option is 50% PV coverage. However, the difference between impact assessments obtained for 20% and 50% PV is negligible, while the NER is 48% higher for 20% PV than for 50% PV coverage. Hence, a 20% coverture of photovoltaic panels is the best scenario from an energetic and environmental point of view.

Conclusions

In comparison with the cultivation of microalgae without PV, the use of photovoltaic panels triggers a synergetic effect, sourcing local electricity and reducing climate change impacts. Considering an economic approach, low photovoltaic panel coverage would probably be more attractive. However, even with a 10% area of photovoltaic panels, the environmental footprint would already significantly decrease. It is expected that significant improvements in microalgae productivity or more advanced production processes should rapidly enhance these performances.
DNA methylation modifier LSH inhibits p53 ubiquitination and transactivates p53 to promote lipid metabolism
Authors: Chen Ling , Shi Ying , Liu Na , Wang Zuli , Yang Rui , Yan Bin , Liu Xiaoli , Lai Weiwei , Liu Yating , Xiao Desheng , Zhou Hu , Cheng Yan , Cao Ya , Liu Shuang , Xia Zanxian , Tao Yongguang
Published: October 2019

Background

The stability of p53 is mainly controlled by ubiquitin-dependent degradation, which is triggered by the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2. The chromatin modifier lymphoid-specific helicase (LSH) is essential for DNA methylation and cancer progression as a transcriptional repressor. The potential interplay between chromatin modifiers and transcription factors remains largely unknown.

Results

Here, we present data suggesting that LSH regulates p53in cisthrough two pathways: prevention proteasomal degradation through its deubiquitination, which is achieved by reducing the lysine 11-linked, lysine 48-linked polyubiquitin chains (K11 and K48) on p53; and revival of the transcriptional activity of p53 by forming a complex with PKM2 (pyruvate kinase 2). Furthermore, we confirmed that the LSH–PKM2 interaction occurred at the intersubunit interface region of the PKM2 C-terminal region and the coiled-coil domains (CC) and ATP-binding domains of LSH, and this interaction regulated p53-mediated transactivationin cisin lipid metabolism, especially lipid catabolism.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that LSH is a novel regulator of p53 through the proteasomal pathway, thereby providing an alternative mechanism of p53 involvement in lipid metabolism in cancer.
Genome-wide allele-specific methylation is enriched at gene regulatory regions in a multi-generation pedigree from the Norfolk Island isolate
Authors: Benton Miles C. , Lea Rodney A. , Macartney-Coxson Donia , Sutherland Heidi G. , White Nicole , Kennedy Daniel , Mengersen Kerry , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Allele-specific methylation (ASM) occurs when DNA methylation patterns exhibit asymmetry among alleles. ASM occurs at imprinted loci, but its presence elsewhere across the human genome is indicative of wider importance in terms of gene regulation and disease risk. Here, we studied ASM by focusing on blood-based DNA collected from 24 subjects comprising a 3-generation pedigree from the Norfolk Island genetic isolate. We applied a genome-wide bisulphite sequencing approach with a genotype-independent ASM calling method to map ASM across the genome. Regions of ASM were then tested for enrichment at gene regulatory regions using Genomic Association Test (GAT) tool.

Results

In total, we identified 1.12 M CpGs of which 147,170 (13%) exhibited ASM (P ≤ 0.05). When including contiguous ASM signal spanning ≥ 2 CpGs, this condensed to 12,761 ASM regions (AMRs). These AMRs tagged 79% of known imprinting regions and most (98.1%) co-localised with known single nucleotide variants. Notably, miRNA and lncRNA showed a 3.3- and 1.8-fold enrichment of AMRs, respectively (P < 0.005). Also, the 5′ UTR and start codons each showed a 3.5-fold enrichment of AMRs (P < 0.005). There was also enrichment of AMRs observed at subtelomeric regions of many chromosomes. Five out of 11 large AMRs localised to the protocadherin cluster on chromosome 5.

Conclusions

This study shows ASM extends far beyond genomic imprinting in humans and that gene regulatory regions are hotspots for ASM. Future studies of ASM in pedigrees should help to clarify transgenerational inheritance patterns in relation to genotype and disease phenotypes.
Strategic spatial analysis of urban greenbelt plans in Mashhad city, Iran
Authors: Kardani-Yazd Neda , Kardani-Yazd Nadia , Mansouri Daneshvar Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2019

Background

Greenbelt, known as the most restrictive form of urban containment policy, is a geographical boundary around a city or urban region to prevent urban sprawl. In the present study, the urban greenbelt plans were investigated with spatial, temporal, and statistical attitudes in Mashhad city, Iran. Spatial and temporal data analyses were carried out in ENVI, and GIS programs based on satellite imageries in addition to the expert analyzes of SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and QSPM (quantitative strategic planning matrix) matrixes to achieve the key strategies concerning the revitalization of a new greenbelt plan.

Results

Four temporal sequences of Landsat imageries were extracted for 1988, 1998, 2008, and 2018 to classify the expansion of real estates and urban sprawl. The results showed that the legal greenbelt plan failed after 10 years because the status of greenbelt in 2018 revealed nearly of occupation by sprawl expansion over than 20%. Then a new greenbelt plan was proposed around the city. Based on the lowest value of the environmental change index (ΔYi), with an average of 0.14, the proposed greenbelt plan will demonstrate an optimum efficiency in the future time intervals (2030–2050).

Conclusions

Therefore, expert analyzes of SWOT and QSPM matrixes were shown that the essential weakness of greenbelt planning in the Mashhad city depends on the lack of a legal mechanism to conserve the greenbelt boundaries. Therefore, the total sum score of external factor’s matrix with the value of 2.65 demonstrated that the opportunities for greenbelt planning in the study area are more effective than threats in the study area. Ultimately, six key strategies in greenbelt planning were presented to achieve a general equilibrium through future urban development.
Optimization of selective laser-induced etching (SLE) for fabrication of 3D glass microfluidic device with multi-layer micro channels
Authors: Kim Sungil , Kim Jeongtae , Joung Yeun-Ho , Ahn Sanghoon , Choi Jiyeon , Koo Chiwan
Published: October 2019

We present the selective laser-induced etching (SLE) process and design guidelines for the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic channels in a glass. The SLE process consisting of laser direct patterning and wet chemical etching uses different etch rates between the laser modified area and the unmodified area. The etch selectivity is an important factor for the processing speed and the fabrication resolution of the 3D structures. In order to obtain the maximum etching selectivity, we investigated the process window of the SLE process: the laser pulse energy, pulse repetition rate, and scan speed. When using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a wet etchant, the maximum etch rate of the laser-modified glass was obtained to be 166 μm/h, exhibiting the highest selectivity about 333 respect to the pristine glass. Based on the optimized process window, a 3D microfluidic channel branching to three multilayered channels was successfully fabricated in a 4 mm-thick glass. In addition, appropriate design guidelines for preventing cracks in a glass and calibrating the position of the dimension of the hollow channels were studied.
Frequency and antibiogram of multi-drug resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Lubna , Memon Zahida , Ismail Muhammad Owais , Sadiq Sara
Published: October 2019

Objective: To determine pathogen burden and susceptibility pattern of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from clinical specimens in Karachi.

Methods: It was In-vitro Clinical study, conducted in department of Pharmacology, Ziauddin University, and isolates were collected from various specimens such as pus, tracheal aspiration, wound swab, blood and urine in Microbiology department of Ziauddin Hospital, Nazimabad campus, Karachi. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method. Samples were processed as per procedures defined by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines 2018.

Results: About 55% were found to be multi drug resistant P. aeruginosa. Majority of the isolates (35.4%) were recovered from the age range 60-80 years. Maximum number of MDR P. aeruginosa was isolated from pus (33.1%) followed by tracheal aspiration (20.6%). Highest sensitivity was seen by colistin (100%) followed by ceftolozane/tazobactam (60%). Least sensitivity was observed with imipenem (19%). However, increase trend of resistance was seen among all antipesudomonal drugs.

Conclusion: Increasing frequency of infections due to MDR P. aeruginosa is an emerging threat in our set up which can be prevented by prescribing antibiotics judiciously. Consistent lab detection and surveillance regarding this resistant pathogen is compulsory for providing effective health care to community.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.6.930

How to cite this:Farooq L, Memon Z, Ismail MO, Sadiq S. Frequency and antibiogram of multi-drug resistant pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(6):1622-1626. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.6.930

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