bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of forest change in Hoa Binh, Vietnam in the context of integration and globalization
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy Hanh
Published: July 2019

This study identified spatial patterns of forest change in Hoa Binh, Vietnam, from 2005 to 2017 by integrating Landsat data and Geographic Information System (GIS) data. A Multiple Logistic Regression (MLR) model was adapted to analyse drivers of three types of forest change, including (i) deforestation and forest degradation, (ii) forest regrowth and (iii) plantation expansion. The results reveal that accessibility and local economic development were determinants of forest cover dynamics during the integration and globalization period and that increased population pressure and poverty were no longer the main factors in forest cover transition. Several key policies in this time period positively affected forest cover change, triggering private sector participation in developing the forest economy by including households and small and medium enterprises in particular. The findings of this study can provide learning points for the implementation of sustainable forest management policies in other Vietnamese provinces or in neighbouring countries. This research has provided an effective tool for visualizing human‐forest ecosystem interaction, and this tool can be applied to subsequent studies to determine causes of forest cover change at the provincial level in Vietnam.
Awareness and attitude towards human papillomavirus and its vaccine among females with and without daughter(s) who participated in cervical cancer screening in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Lin Wei , Wang Yueyun , Liu Zhihua , Chen Bin , Yuan Shixin , Wu Bo , Gong Lin
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine, and willingness to be vaccinated against HPV, among women with and without daughter(s) in Shenzhen, China.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey in January and June 2015 by means of a self‐administered questionnaire to collect information. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with awareness of HPV and its vaccine and the willingness to be vaccinated.

Results

A total of 9855 women (mean age 37.09 years, SD 7.48) were included in the analysis. Although only 42.3% had heard of HPV and 21.0% of HPV vaccine, 63.3% were willing to be vaccinated. 73.9% of the 5799 women with daughter(s) were willing have their daughter(s) vaccinated. Women with daughter(s) did not have a higher awareness of HPV (43.2% vs. 41.5%, P = 0.109) and HPV vaccine (21.1% vs. 20.9%, P = 0.854) than women without daughter(s), but did tend to be more willing to be vaccinated themselves (66.3% vs. 59.9%, P < 0.001). Women's awareness of HPV and specific knowledge of HPV vaccine were predictors of the willingness to have both themselves and their daughters vaccinated. These associations may be modified by residency status, education and monthly income.

Conclusions

Although awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine among women in Shenzhen was low, willingness to have themselves and their daughter(s) vaccinated was relatively high, especially among mothers. High awareness of HPV and its vaccine will help improve the acceptability of HPV vaccination according to residency status, education and monthly income.
Sensing
Authors: Lapworth Andrew
Published: July 2019

This intervention addresses contemporary interest in the development of multi‐sensory methods and pushes against a lingering humanism in such work that continues to bind the event of “sensing” to discrete and already‐constituted subjects. It spotlights film as a generative site for a different thinking of sense outside the myopic perspective of human subjectivity. Through pedagogical encounters with the films of the Sensory Ethnography Lab, the piece explores how film might work differently in geographical research to express nonhuman forces and intensities that are a crucial part of our research ecologies, but which are so often obscured by our disciplinary habits of striving to uncover meanings and representations.
Audit of transfusion among the oldest old: treading the fine line between undertransfusion and optimum trigger
Authors: Pelavski Andrés D. , de Miguel Marcos , Villarino Laura , Alcaraz Gabriela , Buendía Paloma , Rochera María I. , Lacasta Albert , Señas Lucía , Colomina María J.
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Recent research has questioned restrictive transfusion policies in vulnerable elderly populations. Our audit assesses the prevalence and postoperative outcomes of extremely elderly patients undergoing the stress of surgery with perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) less than 9 g/dL.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data addressed patients aged 85+ undergoing elective surgery. Demographic data and baseline characteristics were recorded, as well as Hb and transfused red blood cell (RBC) units. The main endpoint was the prevalence of perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL, that is, patients with baseline Hb <9 g/dL without preoperative transfusions (defined as Group A). Patients with perioperative Hb of 9 g/dL or greater (with or without transfusion) were designated as Group B. Secondary outcomes included morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality 30 days and 6 months after surgery. A bivariate analysis was performed followed by logistic regression to determine whether undergoing the stress of surgery with perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was an independent risk factor for postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients were included. The prevalence of perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was 25%. It was associated with increased morbidity and mortality –both 30 days and 6 months after surgery– and a prolonged length of hospital stay. Anemia‐associated complications were higher among patients from Group A, whereas transfusion‐associated ones were evenly distributed. In all the regression models, perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was an independent risk factor for worse postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative Hb less than 9 g/dL was common among patients aged 85+, and it was associated with increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. The tolerance to anemia might decrease perioperatively when Hb is less than 9 g/dL. Thus, less restrictive thresholds deserve further evaluation.
Experimental Study to Investigate the Effect of Backfilling Materials
on Thermal Performance of Ground Air Heat Exchanger System
Authors: Agrawal Kamal Kumar , Misra Rohit , Agrawal Ghanshyam Das
Published: July 2019

In ground air heat exchanger (GAHE) system, the heat transfer between air and underground soil largely depends on soil thermal properties and therefore, any improvement in soil thermal properties will shorten the pipe length required and the land area needed for its installation. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of different backfilling materials (low cost and locally available) on the thermal performance of GAHE system using a small-scale laboratory experimental setup. Seven different backfilling materials have been considered for the study and it was observed that after 6 h of continuous operation, the drop in air temperature was 6.2 °C at outlet section of pipe (2.4 m away from inlet) for the native soil. However, for sand–bentonite with graphite as a backfilling material (BFM), the drop in air temperature of 6.2 °C was obtained at a pipe length of 1.15 m only. Therefore, the use of sand–bentonite with graphite as a BFM reduces the pipe length of GAHE system by more than 50%. The study establishes the fact that the length of pipe and land area requirement for GAHE system can be substantially reduced by using thermally enhanced backfilling materials at the close vicinity of GAHE pipes.
A Novel Subfamily of Endo-β-1,4-Glucanases in Glycoside Hydrolase Family 10
Authors: Zhao Fang , Cao Hai-Yan , Zhao Long-Sheng , Zhang Yi , Li Chun-Yang , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Li Ping-Yi , Wang Peng , Chen Xiu-Lan
Published: July 2019

Cellulase and xylanase have been widely used in the textile, pulp and paper, animal feed, and food-processing industries. Exploring novel cellulases and xylanases for biocatalysts continues to be a hot issue. Enzymes derived from the polar seas might have novel hydrolysis patterns, substrate specificities, or extremophilic properties that have great potential for both fundamental research and industrial applications. Here, we identified a novel cold-adapted and salt-tolerant endo-β-1,4-glucanase,
Al
CMCase, from an Arctic marine bacterium. It may be useful in certain industrial processes, such as under low temperature or high salinity. Moreover,
Al
CMCase is a bifunctional representative of glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 10 that preferentially hydrolyzes β-1,4-glucans. With its homologs, it represents a new subfamily in this family. Thus, this study sheds new light on the substrate specificity of GH10.
Antifungal Activity of the Enterococcus faecalis Peptide EntV Requires Protease Cleavage and Disulfide Bond Formation
Authors: Brown Armand O. , Graham Carrie E. , Cruz Melissa R. , Singh Kavindra V. , Murray Barbara E. , Lorenz Michael C. , Garsin Danielle A.
Published: July 2019

Enterococcus faecalis
and
Candida albicans
are among the most important and problematic pathobionts, organisms that normally are harmless commensals but can cause dangerous infections in immunocompromised hosts. In fact, both organisms are listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as serious global public health threats stemming from the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The rise in antifungal resistance is of particular concern considering the small arsenal of currently available therapeutics. EntV is a peptide with antifungal properties, and it, or a similar compound, could be developed into a therapeutic alternative, either alone or in combination with existing agents. However, to do so requires understanding what properties of EntV are necessary for its antifungal activity. In this work, we studied the posttranslational processing of EntV and what modifications are necessary for inhibition of
C. albicans
in order to fill this gap in knowledge.
Resistance to the Tat Inhibitor Didehydro-Cortistatin A Is Mediated by Heightened Basal HIV-1 Transcription
Authors: Mousseau Guillaume , Aneja Rachna , Clementz Mark A. , Mediouni Sonia , Lima Noemia S. , Haregot Alexander , Kessing Cari F. , Jablonski Joseph A. , Thenin-Houssier Suzie , Nagarsheth Nisha , Trautmann Lydie , Valente Susana T.
Published: July 2019

HIV-1 Tat enhances viral RNA transcription by binding to TAR and recruiting activating factors. Tat enhances its own transcription via a positive-feedback loop. Didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA) is a potent Tat inhibitor, reducing HIV-1 transcription and preventing viral rebound. dCA activity demonstrates the potential of the “block-and-lock” functional cure approaches. We investigated the viral genetic barrier to dCA resistance
in vitro
. While mutations in Tat and TAR were not identified, mutations in the promoter and in the Nef and Vpr proteins promoted high Tat-independent activity. Promoter mutations increased the basal transcription, while Nef and Vpr mutations increased NF-κB nuclear translocation. This heightened transcriptional activity renders CD4
+
T cells infected with these viruses more susceptible to cytotoxic T cell-mediated killing and to cell death by cytopathic effects. Results provide insights on drug resistance to a novel class of antiretrovirals and reveal novel aspects of viral transcriptional regulation.
Complete Genome Sequence of GD487, a High-Virulence Strain of Human-Associated ST398 Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: McClure Jo-Ann , Shideler Steven M. , Zhang Kunyan
Published: July 2019

Multilocus sequence type 398 (ST398) methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) has been shown to have augmented pathogenicity in humans. However, it has not been determined whether all ST398 strains are equally virulent. We present here the genome sequence of a high-virulence ST398 MSSA strain, GD487, to explore potential insights into ST398 virulence.
Enhanced Molecular Surveillance of Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Fischer Carlo , de Lamballerie Xavier , Drexler Jan Felix
Published: July 2019

The life cycle of arboviruses relies on efficient infection of and transmission by arthropod vectors. Adaptation to new vectors can thus dramatically increase the geographic range of an arbovirus. Several adaptive mutations enhance chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmissibility by different mosquito species. The appearance of those adaptive mutations has led to large-scale CHIKV outbreaks in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Molecular surveillance of circulating CHIKV strains for adaptive mutations contributes to precise risk assessments and efficient vector control and provides new insight into the evolution of vector adaptation. Existing assays for molecular CHIKV surveillance are limited by poor coverage of known adaptive mutations, low sensitivity, and cost-intensive deep sequencing approaches, preventing universal application. We developed two highly sensitive nested RT-PCR assays that cover hot spots of vector adaptation in CHIKV envelope domains. The new assays allow unprecedented molecular surveillance across all CHIKV genotypes and diagnostic use in resource-limited settings globally.
Fumaratehydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological and molecular study of 13 cases
Authors: Pan Xiuyi , Zhang Mengni , Yao Jin , Zeng Hao , Nie Ling , Gong Jing , Chen Xueqin , Xu Miao , Zhou Qiao , Chen Ni
Published: July 2019

Aims

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is a newly recognised entity in the WHO 2016 classification defined as the germline mutation ofFHgene. Fumaratehydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-deficient RCC) is recommended for tumours with FH deficiency but lacking of genetic evidences ofFHgermline mutation. In this study, we described the clinicopathological and molecular changes of 13 FH-deficient RCCs.

Methods and results

Histology features, clinicopathological data, radiology performance and outcomes were collected for each patient. Next-generation sequencing and DNA sequencing ofFHgene were performed to examine FH mutations. The patient group included five females and eight males. Different morphological patterns of papillary, nested, adenoid, foam adenoid, cribriform, tubular, tubulocystic, cystic and loose oedema stroma were observed. Except typical big nuclei with or without eosinophilic nucleoli and perinucleolar halos, raisin-like, hobnail-like and even low-grade nuclei were also observed in these tumours. Eleven cases with high-grade nuclei showed disease progression or death, but no disease progression was detected in two cases with low-grade nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm. FH expression was absent in tumour cells except for case 11. Next-generation sequencing and DNA sequencing verified seven FH germline mutations and four somatic mutations out of 13 cases.

Conclusions

FH-deficient RCC is a rare renal tumour and has a wide morphological spectrum. Most of the tumours had high-grade nuclei and were aggressive. However, we observed a morphological subtype of FH-deficient RCC with low-grade nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm, which might mainly occur in young women and show a relatively good prognosis.
The sources of metamorphic heat during collisional orogeny: the Barrovian enigma
Authors: Ryan Paul D. , Dewey John F.
Published: July 2019

The problem of the observed very rapid advection of heat into metamorphic thrust stacks is reviewed. Conductive models relying on the thermal relaxation of a thickened crust will not produce the observed Barrovian (medium temperature, medium pressure) assemblages within some short-lived orogens (e.g., western Ireland and Timor). Studies of the rate and timing of metamorphic mineral growth suggest that this is commonly faster than predicted by thermal relaxation. Barrovian assemblages are localised in some orogens (e.g., the Alps) but extensive in others (e.g., the Himalayas). Metamorphic mineral growth brackets deformation; consequently, slow growth is inconsistent with the rapid uplift of many orogens. Thus, no single mechanism can account for the development of Barrovian assemblages during collisional orogeny. The only mechanisms that can supply large amounts of heat for regional metamorphism quickly (<10 Myr) are: rapidly thinning the lithosphere without stretching it (e.g., by plume thermal erosion, slab drop-off, or delamination); by emplacing magma into the crust (modest deep mafic underplate and (or) very large amounts of mafic and silicic magma emplaced into the middle and upper crust); or obducting hot nappes of arc with a thin ophiolite forearc (“hot iron” mechanism). Frictional and viscous heating produces local rapid heating but not fast regional heating. Back-arc or any kind of lithospheric extension increases the geothermal gradient and heat flow but does not heat rocks up. We suggest that magmatic advection of heat-associated lithospheric thinning or “hot iron” overthrusting of an arc/ophiolite are the primary sources of heat in short-lived orogens.
Asymptotics and inequalities for partitions into squares
Authors: Ciolan Alexandru
Published: July 2019

In this paper we prove that the number of partitions into squares with an even number of parts is asymptotically equal to that of partitions into squares with an odd number of parts. We further show that, for [Formula: see text] large enough, the two quantities are different and which of the two is bigger depends on the parity of [Formula: see text] This solves a recent conjecture formulated by Bringmann and Mahlburg (2012).
Measurement of Young’s Modulus in Noodles and Bucatini
Authors: Vargas-Calderón Vladimir , Guerrero-González A. F. , Fajardo F.
Published: July 2019

The mechanical behavior of two types of pasta (noodles and bucatini) was studied in a cantilever-loaded-at-the-end experimental setup. One end of each pasta was fixed while the other end was submitted to forces perpendicular to the line determined by the pasta when undeflected. Elastic curves were studied, resulting in values of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa for the Young’s modulus of bucatini and noodles respectively. The relation coming from small slopes approximation between the free end’s displacement and the load was analyzed, resulting in values of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GPa for the Young’s modulus of bucatini and noodles respectively. Mechanical hysteresis was found in the pasta, resulting in a small deformation. The experiment that we propose illustrates elastic properties of materials, and shows students how to perform measurements of Young’s modulus in cantilevers of different geometries. Furthermore, the experiment can be done with low cost materials, so that it is reproducible in basic mechanics laboratories and it is a good first introduction to some basic concepts of elasticity like mechanical hysteresis.
Application of ultrafine fraction soil extraction and analysis for mineral exploration
Authors: Noble R. R. P. , Morris P. A. , Anand R. R. , Lau I. C. , Pinchand G. T.
Published: July 2019

The need to innovate to advance exploration success is ongoing and, while regional geochemical surveys are common, increasing the data we collect and improving survey results has stagnated. A new adaption of existing methods known as UltraFine+™ extracts the <2 µm fraction of soils and sediments, which is then analysed and combined with spectral mineralogy proxies and physicochemical properties to improve targeting for Au and base-metal exploration. We applied the UltraFine+™ workflow to three small orientation site studies in Western Australia, and reprocessed archived regional soil samples from the Geological Survey of Western Australia to test the method. The orientation programme (
c
. 200 samples) involved samples from the Leonora and Sir Samuel 1:250 000 map sheets, an area that hosts known major Au and base-metal deposits. We then applied this approach to the Kingston 1:250 000 map sheet area, analysing a further 300 samples in a region on the Yilgarn Craton margins that is essentially greenfields, as there has been little exploration and the original geochemical survey data were heavily censored due to the abundance of transported regolith dominated by quartz-rich sand. The archived samples were specifically selected soils (sheetwash or sandplain) with a component of Quaternary–Tertiary transported cover. Results at the orientation test sites (Telfer West, Tooting Bec and DeGrussa) were promising. Importantly, the study revealed a marked decrease in censored results for Au (from 63% to 10% below detection limit). Geochemistry and some example indices for mineral exploration and lithology mapping, as well as example maps using the additional spectral mineralogy proxies or particle-size variation, are presented. The application of the <2 µm particle-size separation and the UltraFine+™ workflow importantly demonstrate the additional value from (re-)assaying regional soil and sediment samples to generate new targets and improve regional geochemical maps. This is an exercise that can be applied to new greenfields surveys and, when exploration budgets are lean, to archived samples.
STAT3 Activation in Combination with NF-KappaB Inhibition Induces Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells with High Therapeutic Potential to Attenuate Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Prado Carolina , Ugalde Valentina , González Hugo , Figueroa Alicia , López Ernesto , Lladser Alvaro , Pacheco Rodrigo
Published: July 2019

Dendritic cells (DCs) have the ability to induce tolerance or inflammation in response to self-antigens, which makes them fundamental players in autoimmunity. In this regard, immunogenic DCs produce IL-12 and IL-23 favouring the acquisition of Th1 and Th17 inflammatory phenotypes, respectively, by autoreactive CD4+ T-cells, thus promoting autoimmunity. Conversely, tolerogenic DCs produce IL-10 and TGF-β, inducing the generation of CD4+ T-cells with suppressive activity (Treg), which promote tolerance to self-constituents. Previous studies have shown that STAT3 signalling in DCs attenuates the production of proinflammatory cytokines, whilst NF-κB activation promotes it. In this study, we aimed to generate DCs displaying strong and constitutive tolerogenic profile to be used as immunotherapy in autoimmunity. To this end, we transduced bone marrow-derived DCs with lentiviral particles codifying for a constitutively active version of STAT3 (constitutively active STAT3 (STAT3ca)) or with a constitutive repressor of NF-κB (IκBα superrepressor (IκBαSR)), and their therapeutic potential was evaluated in a mouse model of arthritis induced by collagen (CIA). Our results show that STAT3ca transduction favoured the production of the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10, whereas IκBαSR transduction attenuated the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-23 in DCs. Moreover, both STAT3ca-transduced and IκBαSR-transduced DCs separately exerted a mild but significant therapeutic effect reducing the severity of CIA development. Furthermore, when DCs were transduced with both STAT3ca and IκBαSR together, they reduced CIA manifestation significantly stronger than when transduced with only STAT3ca or IκBαSR separately. These results show STAT3 and NF-κB as two important and complementary regulators of the tolerogenic behaviour of DCs, which should be considered as molecular targets in the design of DC-based suppressive immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Prevalence and Severity of Menopausal Symptoms and the Quality of Life in Middle-aged Women: A Study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Lenora Janaka , Alwis Gayani , Lekamwasam Sarath
Published: July 2019

Menopausal symptoms and quality of life (QOL) of pre- and postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka have not been studied adequately. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and the QOL of pre- and postmenopausal women in Galle District, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a randomly selected sample of premenopausal (n=184) and postmenopausal (n=166) community-dwelling healthy women aged 30-60 years. The mean (SD) ages of pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively, were 46.1(3.7) and 55.8(3.8) years. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using the menopause rating scale under three subscales: psychological symptoms, somatovegetative symptoms, and urogenital symptoms. The QOL was evaluated using the short form 36 survey under eight domains. Further, sociodemographic status, gynaecologic factors, physical activity pattern (walking, moderate, and vigorous), body mass index, and waist to hip ratio were also evaluated. The prevalence and severity of all the menopausal symptoms were higher among postmenopausal women. In premenopausal women, the most frequently reported menopausal symptoms were mental exhaustion (49.5%), joint and muscular discomforts (48.5%), and irritability (41.3%). Physical and mental exhaustion (53%), irritability (48.2%), depressive mood (43.4%), and hot flushes (42.2%) were the most frequently reported menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. The QOL was significantly impaired among postmenopausal women [mean (SD); 57.47(18.83)] compared to premenopausal women [mean (SD); 66.82(17.93)] (p<0.001). Psychological symptoms score and somatovegetative symptoms score were associated with the QOL of premenopausal women (adjusted R2; 0.35). Somatovegetative symptoms score, psychological symptoms score, moderate and vigorous physical activity scores, and monthly income were associated with the QOL in postmenopausal women (adjusted R2; 0.38). The current study showed that the prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms and impaired QOL were significantly higher among postmenopausal women, compared to premenopausal women. Menopausal symptoms mostly contributed to the poorer QOL in both pre- and postmenopausal women.
Fluoride in Drinking Water and Nanotechnological Approaches for Eliminating Excess Fluoride
Authors: Premathilaka Ruwanthi W. , Liyanagedera Nalinda D.
Published: July 2019

Arising awareness of health hazards due to long-term exposure of fluoride has led researchers to seek for more innovative strategies to eliminate excess fluoride in drinking water. Fluoride-bearing chemicals in both natural and anthropogenic sources contaminate drinking water, which mainly cause for human fluoride ingestion. Hence, developing sustainable approaches toward alleviation is essential. Among many emerging techniques of defluoridation, nanotechnological approaches stand out owing to its high efficiency, and hence, as in many areas, nanotechnology for excess fluoride removal in water is gaining ground compared to other conventional adsorbents and process. The present review focuses on some of the advanced and recent nanoadsorbents including their strengths and shortcomings (e.g., CNT, LDH, graphene-based nanomaterials, and magnetic nanomaterials) and other processes involving nanotechnology while discussing basic aspects of hydrochemistry of fluoride and geological conditions leading for water fluoride contamination. Considering all the findings in survey, it is evident that developing more sustainable techniques is essential rather than conducting batch-type experiments solely.
Schwann Cell-Like Cells Derived from Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration through a MicroRNA-214/c-Jun Pathway
Authors: Chen Wei , Xiao Shune , Wei Zairong , Deng Chengliang , Nie Kaiyu , Wang Dali
Published: July 2019

Background. The use of Schwann cell-like cells (SCLCs) derived from stem cells has been introduced as an effective strategy for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR). However, molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic transplantation of SCLCs for PNR are often ignored. Objectives. To explore the potential of SCLCs for the treatment of sciatic never injury and investigate the underlying molecule mechanisms. Method. SCLCs differentiated from human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) and specific markers of Schwann cells were detected. SCLCs were transplanted into the injured sites of a rat model of sciatic nerve injury, and sciatic nerve functional index (SFI) was determined. Results. SCLCs expressed specific markers of Schwann cells as well as secreted neurotrophic factors. The transplantation of SCLCs into injured sites of a rat model of sciatic nerve injury promoted the functional recovery. With regard to the underlying molecular mechanisms, we identified c-Jun as a negative regulator of the myelination of SCLCs. Moreover, we discovered a novel signaling transduction pathway in SCLCs; that is, miR-214 directly targets c-Jun to promote the myelination of SCLCs. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-214 upon overexpression in SCLCs enhanced the therapeutic effects of SCLCs on sciatic nerve injury. Conclusions. We demonstrate that SCLCs have beneficial effect for myelination. Moreover, our results provide a previously unknown molecular basis underlying the treatment of peripheral nerve injury with SCLCs and also offer a practical strategy for future therapeutic promotion of PNR.
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Callistemon citrinus Phenolics Exhibited Anticancer Properties against Three Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Ahmed Rashid , Tariq Muhammad , Ahmad Irfan S. , Fouly Hanafy , Fakhar-i-Abbas  , Hasan Anwarul , Kushad Mosbah
Published: July 2019

Fruit and vegetable diets rich in phenolic compounds reduce the risk of various cancers and offer multiple other health benefits due to their bioactivity and powerful antioxidant properties. However, the human health benefits of most phenolic compounds are restricted due to their limited aqueous solubility, low absorption, restricted passive cellular efflux, and poor gastrointestinal stability. Nanotechnology has been used to deliver various therapeutic drugs to specific targets overcoming many of the limitations of direct treatments. This study was designed to develop poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoencapsulated phenolic-rich extracts from Callistemon citrinus and berberine and to evaluate their effectiveness against extremely invasive MDA-MB 231, moderately invasive MCF-10A, and minimally invasive MCF-7 breast cancers. We have achieved about 80% encapsulation of phenolics from C. citrinus. Most encapsulated nanoparticles were polygonal with particles sizes of 200 to 250 nm. Release of phenolics from encapsulation during storage was biphasic during the first week and then levelled off thereafter. Nanoencapsulated phenolics from C. citrinus extract, berberine, and combination of both enhanced their bioactivity against the three breast cancer cell lines by nearly 2-fold. Growth inhibition of cells was a linear curve relative to phenolic concentration, with a maximum inhibition of nearly 100% at 0.1 mg/ml compared to control.
Survival Analysis of Birth Defect Infants and Children with Pneumonia Mortality in Ghana
Authors: Iddrisu Abdul-Karim , Alhassan Abukari , Amidu Nafiu
Published: July 2019

Despite the global decline in infant and child mortality rate, Ghana has failed to record any substantial improvement. In this study, we investigated the effects of some selected risk factors on infant and child survival in Ghana. This study used data from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. 295 infants and children were followed up and time to first occurrence of death was recorded for each infant and child. The life table and Kaplan-Meier methods and the Cox proportional model were used for statistical analyses. The log-rank test statistic was used to test for difference in the survival curves. The results showed that the risk of death among those with birth defects or pneumonia was relatively higher and there is statistically significant difference in the risk of dying between infants with birth defects and those with no birth defects. Also, there is statistically significant difference in the risk of death between children with pneumonia and those with no pneumonia. Our analyses showed that birth defects, preterm birth, accidents, and pregnancy complications are significant risk factors of infant survival. Also, pneumonia, preterm birth, accidents, and diarrhoea are significant risk factors of child survival. Maternal care services should be made available and accessible and mothers should be educated on the importance of maternal care services utilization in order to reduce or mitigate the risk of infant and child mortality. Also, initiating the immunization activities with PCV-13 and Rota-Virus Vaccines, which will reduce Pneumonia and diarrhoea and will improve survival of infants and children under five, should be encouraged or implemented.
Fast and Effective Route for Removing Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution by Using Red Mud-Activated Graphite Composites
Authors: Linh Ha Xuan , Thu Ngo Thi , Toan Tran Quoc , Huong Do Tra , Giang Bui Thanh , Ha Huynh Ky Phuong , Nguyen Hong-Tham T. , Chung N. T. K. , Nguyen Tri Khoa , Hai Nguyen Thanh
Published: July 2019

In this work, the mixture of red mud slurry and inorganic salt ((NH4)2SO4) has been used as an electrolyte for electrochemical activation of graphite. The red mud-activated graphite composite was then used as an adsorbent for removing methylene blue from aqueous solution by the batch method. The effect of pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and the initial concentration of methylene blue was investigated. The optimal condition was found at pH 6, contact time 120 min, and amount of adsorbent 1 mg/L. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 89.28 mg/g based on the Langmuir isotherm equation, suggesting that the red mud-activated graphite composite is a very potential adsorbent for removing methylene blue and is also used in other coloured wastewater treatments.
Evaluation of Zirconia Surfaces after Strong-Acid Etching and Its Effects on the Shear Bond Strength of Dental Resin Cement
Authors: Lee Yongsang , Oh Kyung Chul , Kim Na-Hong , Moon Hong-Seok
Published: July 2019

The present study was intended to investigate changes in the microstructure and phase transformation of zirconia surfaces using etching and airborne-particle abrasion (AB) and the effects of these processes on the shear bond strength of dental resin cements to zirconia. Four groups were classified according to the surface treatment as follows: etching for 15 min (ET15), etching for 30 min (ET30), AB, and etching for 15 min following AB (ABET). These groups were then classified into two subgroups (a total of 8 groups with 11 specimens/group) according to the resin cement used for bonding, namely, Rely-X U200 (3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) or Panavia F 2.0 (Kuraray, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan). Shear bond strength testing was performed using a universal testing device. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were also performed. When using Rely-X U200, ET15 exhibited the highest mean shear bond strength; the strengths of ET15, ABET, and ET30 were significantly higher than that of AB. When using Panavia F 2.0, ABET demonstrated the highest mean shear bond strength; the strengths of ABET and ET15 were significantly higher than those of ET30 and AB. The etched surface of zirconia could be observed using SEM, and the phase transformations resulting from each surface treatment were detected by XRD. Strong-acid etching of zirconia induced significant surface changes that increased the shear bond strength of resin cement, and the resin adhesive strength was higher when zirconia was etched with strong acid vs. AB alone.
Quantitative Proteomic Analyses of a Pathogenic Strain and Its Highly Passaged Attenuated Strain ofMycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Li Sha , Fang Liurong , Liu Wei , Song Tao , Zhao Fuwei , Zhang Ruoxi , Wang Dang , Xiao Shaobo
Published: July 2019

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniaeis the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia, a chronic respiratory disease in swine resulting in enormous economic losses. To identify the components that contribute to virulence and unveil those biological processes potentially related to attenuation, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification technology (iTRAQ) to compare the protein profiles of the virulentM. hyopneumoniaestrain 168 and its attenuated highly passaged strain 168L. We identified 489 proteins in total, 70 of which showing significant differences in level of expression between the two strains. Remarkably, proteins participating in inositol phosphate metabolism were significantly downregulated in the virulent strain, while some proteins involved in nucleoside metabolism were upregulated. We also mined a series of novel promising virulence-associated factors in our study compared with those in previous reports, such as some moonlighting adhesins, transporters, lipoate-protein ligase, and ribonuclease and several hypothetical proteins with conserved functional domains, deserving further research. Our survey constitutes an iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic analysis of a virulentM. hyopneumoniaestrain and its attenuated strain originating from a single parent with a well-characterized genetic background and lays the groundwork for future work to mine for potential virulence factors and identify candidate vaccine proteins.
Development of Electrohysterogram Recording System for Monitoring Uterine Contraction
Authors: Hao Dongmei , An Yang , Qiao Xiangyun , Qiu Qian , Zhou Xiya , Peng Jin
Published: July 2019

Uterine contraction (UC) is an important clinical indictor for monitoring uterine activity. The purpose of this study is to develop a portable electrohysterogram (EHG) recording system (called PregCare) for monitoring UCs with EHG signals. The PregCare consisted of sensors, a signal acquisition device, and a computer with application software. Eight-channel EHG signals, the tocodynamometry (TOCO) signal, and maternal perception were recorded simultaneously by the signal acquisition device controlled by the computer via Bluetooth. PregCare was firstly evaluated by a signal simulator. Its relative error (RE) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated, and its agreement with the commercial instrument PowerLab was assessed by Bland–Altman plots. After that, PregCare was applied to 20 pregnant women in a hospital to record their EHG signals. These EHG signals were preprocessed and segmented into UCs and non-UCs. Then, the EHG features corresponding to UCs and non-UCs were extracted, respectively, including power spectral density (PSD), root mean square (RMS), peak frequency (PF), median frequency (MDF), and sample entropy (SamEn). One-way ANOVA was employed to assess the difference between UCs and non-UCs. The results show that RE and CV were less than 8% and 0.03%, respectively, which indicated the high accuracy and repeatability of PregCare. The small differences of mean and standard deviation indicated the high agreement between PregCare and PowerLab. Besides, the PSD of UCs was much larger than non-UCs between 0 and 0.7 Hz. RMS of UCs was significantly larger than non-UCs (p<0.05). PF and SamEn of UCs were significantly smaller than non-UCs (p<0.05). In conclusion, the developed EHG recording system was able to record EHG signals reliably. It has the advantages of portability, low power consumption, and wireless transmission, which can be used for long-term monitoring of UCs and prediction of the preterm delivery.
Optimization Analysis of the Position of Thermometers Buried in Concrete Pouring Block Embedded with Cooling Pipes
Authors: Huang Yaoying , Xie Tong , Li Chunguang , Yin Xiaohui
Published: July 2019

The measured temperature of a concrete pouring block depends strongly on the position of the buried thermometer. Only when the temperature measured by the thermometer accurately reflects the actual temperature of the concrete pouring block do reasonable temperature‐control measures become possible. However, little research has been done on how to determine the proper position of thermometers buried in a concrete pouring block embedded with cooling pipes. To address this situation, we develop herein a method to determine the position of thermometers buried in a concrete pouring block. First, we assume that the design temperature‐control process line characterizes the average‐temperature history of the concrete pouring block. Under this assumption, we calculate the average‐temperature history of the concrete pouring block by using the water‐pipe‐cooling FEM, following which the temperature history of an arbitrary point in the concrete pouring block is obtained by interpolating the shape function. Based on the average‐temperature history of the concrete pouring block and the temperature history of the arbitrary point, we build a mathematical model to optimize the buried position of the thermometer and use the optimization algorithm to determine this position. By using this method, we establish finite‐element models of concrete prisms with four typical water‐pipe spacing cases for concrete‐dam engineering and obtain the geometric position of the thermometers by using the optimization algorithm. By burying thermometers at these positions, the measured temperature should better characterize the average‐temperature history of the concrete pouring block, which can provide useful information for regulating the temperature of concrete pouring blocks.
Factors Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness in a Swiss Working Population
Authors: Kind Sara , Brighenti-Zogg Stefanie , Mundwiler Jonas , Schüpbach Ulla , Leuppi Jörg D. , Miedinger David , Dieterle Thomas
Published: July 2019

Background. Good cardiorespiratory fitness (high VO2max) has beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a tool to estimate VO2max in daily clinical practice is of great value for preventing chronic diseases in healthy adults. This study aimed at exploring the cardiometabolic profile in a representative Swiss working population. Based on these insights, a regression model was derived revealing factors associated with VO2max. Methods. Cross-sectional data of 337 healthy and full-time employed adults recruited in the Basel region, Switzerland, were collected. Anthropometric measurements to compute body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were performed. A 20-meter shuttle run test was conducted to determine individual VO2max. Heart rate (HR) was measured at rest, during maximal exertion, and two minutes after exercise. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed at rest and after exercise. A multiple linear regression model was built to identify a set of nonexercise predictor variables of VO2max. Results. Complete data of 303 individuals (63% male) aged 18 to 61 years (mean 33 ± 12 years) were considered for analysis. The regression model (adjusted R2 = 0.647, SE = 5.3) identified sex (β = -0.699, p < 0.001), WC (β = -0.403, p < 0.001), difference of maximal to resting HR (β = 0.234, p < 0.001), smoking (β = -0.171, p < 0.001), and age (β = -0.131, p < 0.01) as the most important factors associated with VO2max, while BMI, SBP, and DBP did not contribute to the regression model. Conclusions. This study introduced a simple model to evaluate VO2max based on nonexercise parameters as part of daily clinical routine without needing a time-consuming, cost-intense, and physically demanding direct assessment of VO2max. Knowledge about VO2max may help identifying individuals at increased cardiovascular risk and may provide the basis for health counselling and tailoring preventive measures.
Urine 5MedC, a Marker of DNA Methylation, in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Onishi Akifumi , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Kitagawa Masashi , Yamanari Toshio , Tanaka Keiko , Ogawa-Akiyama Ayu , Kano Yuzuki , Mise Koki , Tanabe Katsuyuki , Morinaga Hiroshi , Kinomura Masaru , Uchida Haruhito A. , Wada Jun
Published: July 2019

Background. Alterations in DNA methylation may be involved in disease progression in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent studies have suggested that 5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (5MedC) may be a marker of hypermethylation of DNA. Currently, there is no information available regarding the urine levels of 5MedC and its association with the progression of CKD. Method. We examined the urine levels of 5MedC in spot urine samples from 308 patients with CKD (median age: 56 years, male: 53.2%, and glomerulonephritis: 51.0%) using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and investigated the relationships among urine 5MedC, urine albumin, urine α1-microglobulin (α1MG), and the laboratory parameters associated with CKD. The patients were followed for three years to evaluate renal endpoints in a prospective manner. Results. The urine 5MedC level was significantly increased in the later stages of CKD compared to the early to middle stages of CKD. In multiple logistic regression models, urine 5MedC was significantly associated with the prediction of later CKD stages. Urine 5MedC (median value, 65.9 μmol/gCr) was significantly able to predict a 30% decline in the estimated GFR or a development of end-stage renal disease when combined with macroalbuminuria or an increased level of urine α1MG (median value, 5.7 mg/gCr). Conclusion. The present data demonstrate that the urine 5MedC level is associated with a reduced renal function and can serve as a novel and potent biomarker for predicting the renal outcome in CKD patients. Further studies will be necessary to elucidate the role of urine DNA methylation in the progression of CKD.
Novel PITX2 Mutations including a Mutation Causing an Unusual Ophthalmic Phenotype of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome
Authors: Huang Liqin , Meng Yong , Guo Xiangming
Published: July 2019

Purpose. The aims of this study were to examine novel mutations in PITX2 and FOXC1 in Chinese patients with anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) and to compare the clinical presentations of these mutations with previously reported associated phenotypes. Methods. Twenty-six unrelated patients with different forms of ASD were enrolled from our paediatric and genetic eye clinic. The ocular manifestations of both eyes of each patient were recorded. Genomic DNA was prepared from venous leukocytes. All coding exons of PITX2 and FOXC1 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from genomic DNA and subjected to direct DNA sequencing. Analysis of mutations in control subjects was performed by heteroduplex single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Results. Sequence analysis of the PITX2 gene revealed four mutations, including c.475_476delCT (P.L159VfsX39), c.64C > T (P.Q22X), c.296delG (P.R99PfsX56), and c.206G > A (P.R69H). The first three mutations were found to be novel. The c.475_476delCT (P.L159VfsX39) mutation, located at the 3′ end of the PITX2-coding region, was identified in a Chinese Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS) patient who presented with an unusual severe phenotype of bilateral aniridia. The clinical characteristics, including the severity and manifestations of the patient’s phenotype, were compared with reported PITX2-associated aniridia phenotypes of ARS in the literature. Conclusions. These results expand the mutation spectrum of the PITX2 gene in patients with ARS. The PITX2 gene may be responsible for a significant portion of ARS with additional systemic defects in the Chinese population. This is the first reported case of a mutation at the 3′ end of the PITX2-coding region extending the phenotypic consequences to bilateral aniridia. The traits of ARS could display tremendous variability in severity and manifestations due to the dominant-negative effect of PITX2. Our results further emphasize the importance of careful clinical and genetic analysis in determining mutation-disease associations and may lead to a better understanding of the role of PITX2 in ocular development.