bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical care after major surgery: a systematic review of risk factors for unplanned admission
Authors: Onwochei D. N. , Fabes J. , Walker D. , Kumar G. , Moonesinghe S. R.
Published: January 2020

Critical care admission may be necessary for surgical patients requiring organ support or invasive monitoring in the peri‐operative period. Unplanned critical care admission poses a potential risk to patients and pressure on services. Existing guidelines base admission criteria on predicted risk of 30‐day mortality; however, this may not provide the best predictor of which patients would benefit from this service, and how unplanned admission might be avoided. A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, the Cochrane database and the grey literature identified 44 studies assessing risk factors for unplanned critical care admission in adult populations undergoing non‐cardiac, non‐thoracic and non‐neurological surgery. Comparative, quantitative analysis of the admission criteria was not feasible due to heterogeneity in study design. Age, anaemia, ASA physical status, body mass index, comorbidity burden, emergency surgery, high‐risk surgery, male sex, obstructive sleep apnoea, increased blood loss and operative duration were all independent risk factors for unplanned critical care admission. Age, body mass index, comorbidity extent and emergency surgery were the most common independent risk factors identified in the USA, UK, Asia and Australia. These risk factors could be used in the development of a risk tool or decision tree for determining which patients might benefit from planned critical care admission. Future work should involve testing the sensitivity and specificity of these measures, either alone or in combination, to guide planned critical care admission, reduce patient deterioration and unplanned admissions.
Influence of propofol‐based total intravenous anaesthesia on peri‐operative outcome measures: a narrative review
Authors: Irwin M. G. , Chung C. K. E. , Ip K. Y. , Wiles M. D.
Published: January 2020

Propofol‐based total intravenous anaesthesia is well known for its smooth, clear‐headed recovery and anti‐emetic properties, but there are also many lesser known beneficial properties that can potentially influence surgical outcome. We will discuss the anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of propofol and their roles in pain, organ protection and immunity. We will also discuss the use of propofol in cancer surgery, neurosurgery and older patients.
Priorities for peri‐operative research in Africa
Authors: Biccard B.M. ,   The African Peri‐operative Research Group (APORG) working group
Published: January 2020

Deaths following surgery are the third largest contributor to deaths globally, and in Africa are twice the global average. There is a need for a peri‐operative research agenda to ensure co‐ordinated, collaborative research efforts across Africa in order to decrease peri‐operative mortality. The objective was to determine the top 10 research priorities for peri‐operative research in Africa. A Delphi technique was used to establish consensus on the top research priorities. The top 10 research priorities identified were (1) Develop training standards for peri‐operative healthcare providers (surgical, anaesthesia and nursing) in Africa; (2) Develop minimum provision of care standards for peri‐operative healthcare providers (surgical, anaesthesia and nursing) in Africa; (3) Early identification and management of mothers at risk from peripartum haemorrhage in the peri‐operative period; (4) The role of communication and teamwork between surgical, anaesthetic, nursing and other teams involved in peri‐operative care; (5) A facility audit/African World Health Organization situational analysis tool audit to assess emergency and essential surgical care, which includes anaesthetic equipment available and level of training and knowledge of peri‐operative healthcare providers (surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses); (6) Establishing evidence‐based practice guidelines for peri‐operative physicians in Africa; (7) Economic analysis of strategies to finance access to surgery in Africa; (8) Establishment of a minimum dataset surgical registry; (9) A quality improvement programme to improve implementation of the surgical safety checklist; and (10) Peri‐operative outcomes associated with emergency surgery. These peri‐operative research priorities provide the structure for an intermediate‐term research agenda to improve peri‐operative outcomes across Africa.
Exploring illness denial of LVAD patients in cardiac rehabilitation and their caregivers: A preliminary study
Authors: Rossi Ferrario Silvia , Panzeri Anna
Published: January 2020

Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used for patients with heart failure. Despite this evidence, the psychological processes affecting implanted patients and their caregivers are only marginally studied. While common emotional reactions, such as anxiety and depression already receive attention, very little is known about the course of caregiver strain, illness denial, and their reciprocal relation. This preliminary study aims at exploring these critical topics in a cardiac rehabilitation setting, besides offering indications for future research. A total of 44 LVAD patients and caregivers were administered specific questionnaires at admission and discharge from cardiac rehabilitation. Overall, questionnaires completed at discharge showed a positive improvement in the emotional measures used. However, they also showed a worsening in the illness denial measure. We suggest that the denial process may prepare patients and caregivers in returning home. Moreover, we conclude that studying only the common emotional reactions may limit the understanding of the psychological process adaptation to severe illness.
Four‐dimensional Variability of Composite Halokinetic Sequences
Authors: Pichel Leonardo M. , Jackson Christopher A.‐L.
Published: January 2020

The architecture of salt diapir‐flank strata (i.e. halokinetic sequences) is controlled by the interplay between volumetric diapiric flux and sediment accumulation. Halokinetic sequences consist of unconformity‐bounded packages of thinned and folded strata formed by drape folding around passive diapirs. They are described by two end‐members: (a) hooks, which are characterized by narrow zones of folding (<200 m) and high taper angles (>70°); and (b) wedges, typified by broad zones of folding (300–1000 m) and low taper angles (<30°). Hooks and wedges stack to form tabular and tapered composite halokinetic sequences (CHS) respectively. CHSs were most thoroughly described from outcrop‐based studies that, although able to capture their high‐resolution facies variations, are limited in describing their 4D variability. This study integrates 3D seismic data from the Precaspian Basin and restorations to examine variations in CHS architecture through time and space along diapirs with variable plan‐form and cross‐sectional geometries. The diapirs consist of curvilinear walls that vary from upright to inclined and locally display well‐developed salt shoulders and/or laterally transition into rollers. CHS are highly variable in both time and space, even along a single diapir or minibasin. A single CHS can transition along a salt wall from tabular to tapered geometries. They can be downturned and exhibit rollover‐synclinal geometries with thickening towards the diapir above salt shoulders. Inclined walls present a greater proportion of tapered CHSs implying an overall greater ratio between sediment accumulation and salt‐rise relatively to vertical walls. In terms of vertical stacking, CHS can present a typical zonation with lower tapered, intermediate tabular and upper tapered CHSs, but also unique patterns where the lower sequences are tabular and transition upward to tapered CHS. The study demonstrates that CHSs are more variable than previously documented, indicating a complex interplay between volumetric salt rise, diapir‐flank geometry, sediment accumulation and roof dimensions.
Congenital anomalies in children with cerebral palsy in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Manlongat Ellen , Mcintyre Sarah , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Trivedi Amit , Muhit Mohammad , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam
Published: January 2020

Aim

To determine the proportion of children with cerebral palsy (CP) who had major congenital anomalies, describe the types of disorders, and report on the children's functional outcomes.

Method

Data were extracted from the Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register (BCPR). Descriptive analyses were conducted on children with CP and major congenital anomalies. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to measure the association between major congenital anomalies, clinical severity, and presence of comorbidities.

Results

Between January 2015 and December 2016, 726 children with CP were newly registered with the BCPR (277 females, 449 males; mean age [SD] at registration 90mo [54mo], 4mo–18y). Seventy‐eight children (11%) had a major congenital anomaly. Neurological (86%) and musculoskeletal congenital anomalies (10%) were the most common. Microcephaly was the most common congenital anomaly (83%). The odds of severe functional motor limitations (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.9–2.9), epilepsy (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1–2.1), visual impairment (OR=2.6, 95% CI=2.0–3.2), presence of strabismus (OR=3.9, 95% CI=3.8–4.4), hearing (OR=1.2, 95% CI=0.6–1.9), speech (OR=5.4, 95% CI=4.6–6.2), and intellectual impairments (OR=2.3, 95% CI=1.8–2.8) were higher in children with congenital anomalies compared to children without.

Interpretation

The proportion of children with major congenital anomalies in the BCPR (11%) was lower than that identified in higher‐income countries. This may be because of differences in how congenital anomalies are diagnosed as well as the impact of survival bias. In Bangladesh, children with CP and major congenital anomalies are more likely to have severe functional motor limitations and associated comorbidities.

What this paper adds

Eleven per cent of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Bangladesh had major congenital anomalies.

Neurological and musculoskeletal congenital anomalies were the most common.

Severe functional motor limitations and associated comorbidities were more common in children presenting with CP and major congenital anomalies.
Association between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and subclinical coronary artery calcification
Authors: Mansour Mohamad Jihad , Chammas Elie , Hamoui Omar , Honeine Walid , AlJaroudi Wael
Published: January 2020

Background

Assessment of diastolic dysfunction (DD) by echocardiography is an integral part of the evaluation of patients with normal ejection fraction and symptoms suggestive of heart failure. However, many patients with DD are asymptomatic. Computed tomography calcium scoring (CTCS) is often used to assess patients at low‐intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of DD with subclinical coronary artery calcification.

Methods

Consecutive patients presenting for executive checkup who underwent resting transthoracic echocardiography followed by CTCS were retrospectively identified between January 2010 and December 2014. Two‐dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging parameters were analyzed for assessing and grading of DD. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was quantified.

Results

A total of 191 patients (mean age 52 ± 12 years, 17% age ≥65, 20% with diabetes) were included. Of them, 69 (36%) patients had DD. Patients with higher CAC score were older, had more comorbidities, lower e′, and were more likely to have DD. In the multivariate analysis, DD alone, age >65 years, or both were associated with almost threefold increase of subclinical atherosclerosis. After propensity analysis, DD was still associated with increased odds ratio (OR) for subclinical CAC (OR 3.66 [1.54‐8.72], P‐value .03) and similarly for e′ < 10 cm/s. Compared to patients age <65 years and normal diastolic function, those age >65 years or DD had OR 3.49 (1.45‐8.35) (P‐value .005) for subclinical coronary atherosclerosis (CAC > 0), whereas those age >65 and DD had OR 9.30 (2.00‐42) (P‐value .004).

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that DD was strongly associated with CAC > 0, particularly among those age <65 years. Assessment of CAC as part of the routine clinical evaluation of patients with normal EF and atypical symptoms without a history of coronary atherosclerotic disease is warranted for further risk stratification.
Dental trauma learning facilitators for medical doctors: A viewpoint
Authors: Yeng Thai , O'Sullivan Anthony J. , Shulruf Boaz
Published: January 2020

It is important for medical doctors to be equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to manage dental trauma cases when patients present to them in an emergency. The aim of this paper is to identify facilitators (factors that enhance learning) that may impact on the ability and competency of medical doctors, who are expected to treat traumatic dental injuries (TDI), to appropriately treat and manage such cases. A change in medical curricula that is more inclusive of dental education and TDI management is imperative to promote effective teaching and learning of the treatment and management of dental trauma cases.
Clinical efficacy and plausibility of a smartphone‐based integrated online real‐time diabetes care system via glucose and diet data management: a pilot study
Authors: Ku Eu Jeong , Park Ji‐In , Jeon Hyun Jeong , Oh Taekeun , Choi Hyung Jin
Published: January 2020

Background

Smartphones have become novel healthcare tools for patients with diabetes. However, it is uncertain whether the smartphone application support system helps in glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and plausibility of smartphone‐based integrated online real‐time diabetes care.

Methods

Forty patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to the smartphone‐based care (SC) (n = 20) and conventional care (CC) (n = 20) groups for 12 weeks. The SC group was instructed to use smartphone application (Noom Coach) and a glucose meter, and was provided medical supervision based on blood glucose level and food intake information sent to the central database server. The efficacy was evaluated by glycated haemoglobin (A1C ≤ 6.5%). The Summary of Diabetes Self‐Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire was collected at baseline and at week 12.

Results

Seventeen and 18 patients of the SC and CC groups completed the study respectively. In the SC group, more patients achieved target A1C compared with the CC group (47.1% vs 11.1%, P = 0.019). In both group, SDSCA scores excluding the exercise item showed overall improvement (general diet, 1.4 ± 2.0 → 2.6 ± 2.3 vs 0.4 ± 1.1 → 1.8 ± 2.2; specific diet, 4.2 ± 1.7 → 5.4 ± 1.2 vs 3.8 ± 1.6 → 5.1 ± 1.1; blood glucose test, 3.3 ± 2.8 → 4.9 ± 2.3 vs 1.0 ± 2.2 → 4.7 ± 2.3; foot care, 1.5 ± 1.6 → 3.6 ± 2.8 vs 1.4 ± 1.9 → 6.1 ± 1.4; all P < 0.05). There was no difference between both groups other than the aspect of foot care (P = 0.008).

Conclusions

The smartphone‐based integrated online real‐time diabetes care system through glucose and diet data management showed clinical plausibility in glucose control in real clinical practice.
How Common Are Bad Bosses?
Authors: Artz Benjamin , Goodall Amanda H. , Oswald Andrew J.
Published: January 2020

Bosses play a fundamental role in workplaces. Yet, almost nothing is known about an important and basic question in labor economics and industrial relations. Are the right people promoted to be supervisors, team leaders, and managers? The infamous Peter Principle claims that incompetent bosses are likely to be all around us, but is that true? This article provides the first statistically representative international estimates—taking comparable data on thirty‐five nations—of the extent to which employees have “bad bosses.” Using a natural measure, the article calculates that approximately 13 percent of Europe’s workers have a bad boss. Such bosses are most common in large organizations, in organizations without employee‐representation committees, in the transport sector, and where workers themselves have no supervisory responsibility. Last, the article offers a practical finding as a potential aid to human resource training and hiring. Contrary to media portrayals, bad bosses are rated least bad on “respect for workers” and worst on their ability to get the job done. Lack of competence, not lack of consideration, appears to be the key problem.
Bleaching efficacy of at home 16% carbamide peroxide. A long‐term clinical follow‐up study
Authors: Llena Carmen , Villanueva Alvaro , Mejias Elena , Forner Leopoldo
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the whitening efficacy of a 16% carbamide peroxidase (CP) gel after 42 months of clinical follow‐up.

Materials and methods

A retrospective clinical study was carried out involving 95 participants. CP 16% was applied for 90 minutes a day for 4 weeks using individualized trays. Tooth color was assessed using spectrophotometry at baseline, 1 week after the end of treatment, and every 6 months until completing 42 months of follow‐up. Color parameters were compared using analysis of variance for repeated measures. The analysis by teeth groups was performed using two‐way ANOVA.

Results

The mean baseline L* was 81.7 ± 5.2 versus 83.6 ± 8.8 after 42 months (P<.01). L* showed a decrease of 2.3 after 30 months. The values corresponding to a* before treatment were 0.4 ± 1.1 versus −1.0 ± 1.0 after 42 months (P<.01). The initial values corresponding to b* were 23.4 ± 3.3 versus 15.8 ± 1.3 after 42 months (P<.01). Values of ΔE00 and ΔE, at the end of the treatment were 4.6 ± 1.2 and 7.8 ± 1.8, respectively. Teeth groups remained stable after 42 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

The home application of 16% CP gel for 90 minutes a day for 4 weeks using individualized trays resulted in whitening that remained stable over the 42 months of follow‐up.

Clinical significance

Treatment with 16% CP is an effective and safe tooth whitening procedure, and the color obtained remains stable over the long term.
A Decade of Research on Intergenerational Ties: Technological, Economic, Political, and Demographic Changes
Authors: Fingerman Karen L. , Huo Meng , Birditt Kira S.
Published: January 2020

Due to extended transitions to adulthood and declining marital rates, bonds between adults and parents have grown increasingly salient in individuals' lives. This review organizes research around these topics to address ties between parents and grown children in the context of broader societal changes over the past decade. Literature searches included tables of contents of premier journals (e.g., Journal of Marriage and Family), Psychological Info, and Google Scholar. The literature review revealed patterns of social and intergenerational changes. Technological advances (e.g., introduction of the smart phone) co‐occurred with more frequent contact and interdependence between generations. The Great Recession and financial strains altered the nature of many parent/child ties, including increased rates of intergenerational coresidence. Individual life problems such as divorce, addiction, and physical health problems were reflected in complex changes in positive and negative relationship qualities, ambivalence, and intergenerational support. Government policies reflect societal values and in turn, affected the distribution of parents' and grown children's resources. Political disruptions instigated migration, separating generations across large geographic regions. Political disruptions instigated migration, separating generations across large geographic regions. Demographic changes (e.g., constellation of family members, delayed marriage, same sex marriage) were also manifest in ties between adults and parents. Findings were consistent with the Intergenerational Systems in Context Model, which posits that societal transformations co‐occur with changes in intergenerational relationships via reciprocal influences.
Degrees of Change: An Assessment of the Deinstitutionalization of Marriage Thesis
Authors: Cherlin Andrew J.
Published: January 2020

This article reexamines the thesis that marriage is becoming deinstitutionalized. It first reviews relevant theoretical literature on social institutions, including the “new institutionalism” and the work of Bourdieu on cultural capital. It addresses the great social class differences that have emerged in American family life over the past few decades and their implications for the deinstitutionalization thesis. It then evaluates the thesis, with these conclusions: What has happened in recent years to the place of marriage in the broader field of intimate partnerships is consistent with the deinstitutionalization thesis, although primarily among the non‐college‐educated. In contrast, marriage still plays a central role in the field of intimate partnerships among the college‐educated. Moreover, the behavior of partners within marriage has not change enough to conclude the deinstitutionalization has occurred. The article also examines related claims about marriage and individualism, the concept of capstone marriage, and same‐sex marriage.
Kinship Reconsidered: Research on a Neglected Topic
Authors: Furstenberg Frank F.
Published: January 2020

This article reviews the recent history of kinship research, noting the relative neglect of the topic in recent decades. The lack of scholarly and empirical work on kinship has been hampered by both the absence of survey and qualitative research on contemporary kinship practices. The author focuses on what is known and not known about how individual put into practice kinship in the standard, nuclear form of the family. There is surprising in attention to the ceremonial family and, little is know about how families draw boundaries and construct kinship on ritual occasions in the literature. The author concludes by suggesting research strategies for examining both how kinship is constructed and practiced in the United States and in other advanced economies.
High School Students' Perceptions of Traditional and Online Health and Physical Education Courses
Authors: Williams Leslie , Martinasek Mary , Carone Katie , Sanders Steve
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

High school students have few physical education (PE) and health requirements for graduation. Twenty‐first century students have choices to take their PE and health courses in the traditional face‐to‐face (F2F) setting or online through accredited virtual schools. The purpose of this inquiry was to examine differences in high school students' perceptions and experiences in traditional versus online PE and health‐related courses.

METHODS

This cross‐sectional study utilized mixed methods through survey distribution. Participants included 506 students from traditional F2F high school health and PE classes and 355 students finishing an online course from an accredited online academy.

RESULTS

The online education setting was found to be statistically significantly more favorable for students in terms of the feedback and responsiveness of the teacher, understanding and interest of the content and perceived positive health changes during the course. However, the qualitative findings on student perceptions were relatively consistent between both the online and F2F classes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that students' positive perceptions in an online high school class may equal or surpass those in a traditional F2F format. Increasingly, youth are exhibiting enhanced capacity for online‐based coursework. Physical education classes have traditionally been F2F, but warrant further consideration as an online platform.
Homeownership, Political Participation, and Social Capital in Post‐Communist Countries and Western Europe
Authors: Huber Peter , Montag Josef
Published: January 2020

We study whether the positive effects of homeownership on political participation and social capital, found in developed market economies, extend to post‐communist countries. We use the privatization of publicly‐owned housing in post‐communist countries as an exogenous source of variation of homeownership status to identify its impact on political participation and social capital formation. We find that homeownership is strongly related to higher participation in local‐level and national elections. In post‐communist countries, homeownership is also related to higher social trust. However, the positive association between homeownership and volunteering found in developed market economies does not extend to post‐communist countries. Together, our results corroborate that homeownership is associated with positive social benefits. However, these effects are highly heterogeneous and context‐dependent.
Categories
Authors: Cumpa Javier
Published: January 2020

Categories play a major role in contemporary metaphysics. They have not only been invoked in a number of philosophical theories but are themselves objects of epistemological and metaphysical scrutiny. In this article, we will discuss the following questions: How do we know when something belongs to a certain category? Is there a fundamental category of the world? Can we give a satisfactory account of the number of categories and the completeness of systems of categories? Are categories the genuine subjects of ontology?
The key long non‐coding RNA screening and validation between germinal vesicle and metaphase II of porcine oocyte in vitro maturation
Authors: Jiao Yafei , Gao Bangjun , Wang Guodong , Li Hui , Ahmed Jam Z. , Zhang Dandan , Ye Sheng , Liu Shulin , Li Mengmei , Shi Deshun , Huang Ben
Published: January 2020

Oocyte maturation plays a vitally important role in the reproduction of pigs. However, the roles of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the developmental process of porcine oocyte maturation are still largely unclear. In this study, a transcriptome analysis of germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) of oocytes from Chinese Duroc pigs was performed. A total of 1,753,030 and 2,486 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 22,811 and 9,868 DE lncRNAs were identified between GV and MII stages, respectively. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis showed that the common DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs during the process of maturation were mainly involved in biological process and cellular components. Our study provides new insights of the expression changes of mRNAs and lncRNAs during GV and MII stages, which might contribute to the maturation of oocytes. These results greatly improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the maturation of oocytes in pigs.
In vivo detection of changes in cutaneous carotenoids after chemotherapy using shifted excitation resonance Raman difference and fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Jung Sora , Darvin Maxim E. , Schleusener Johannes , Thiede Gisela , Lademann Juergen , Braune Marcel , Maiwald Martin , Sumpf Bernd , Tränkle Günther , Kutzer Dunja , Elban Felia , Fuss Harald
Published: January 2020

Background

Various cutaneous toxicities under chemotherapy indicate a local effect of chemotherapy by secretion after systemic application. Here, changes in the fluorescence and Raman spectral properties of the stratum corneum subsequent to intravenous chemotherapy were assessed.

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects and 20 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included. Measurement time points in cancer patients were before the first cycle of chemotherapy (Tbase) and immediately after intravenous application of the chemotherapy (T1). Healthy subjects were measured once without any further intervention. Measurements were conducted using an individually manufactured system consisting of a handheld probe and a wavelength‐tunable diode laser‐based 488 nm SHG light source. Hereby, changes in both skin fluorescence and shifted excitation resonance Raman difference spectroscopy (SERRDS) carotenoid signals were assessed.

Results

Healthy subjects showed significantly (P < .001) higher mean concentrations of carotenoids compared to cancer subjects at Tbase. An increase in fluorescence intensity was detected in almost all patients after chemotherapy, especially after doxorubicin infusion. Furthermore, a decrease in the carotenoid concentration in the skin after chemotherapy was found.

Conclusion

The SERRDS based noninvasive detection can be used as an indirect quantitative assessment of fluorescent chemotherapeutics. The lower carotenoid SERRDS intensities at Tbase might be due to cancerous diseases and co‐medication.
Turbine Vane Endwall Film Cooling Effectiveness of Different Purge Slot Configurations in a Linear Cascade
Authors: Müller Gunther , Landfester Christian , Böhle Martin , Krewinkel Robert
Published: January 2020

This study is concerned with the film cooling effectiveness of the flow issuing from the gap between the nozzle guide vane (NGV) and the transition duct on the NGV endwall, i.e., the purge slot. Different slot widths, positions, and injection angles were examined in order to represent changes due to thermal expansion as well as design modifications. Apart from these geometric variations, different blowing ratios (BRs) and density ratios (DRs) were realized to investigate the effects of the interaction between secondary flow and film cooling effectiveness. The experimental tests were performed in a linear scale-1 cascade equipped with four highly loaded turbine vanes at the Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Machinery of the University of Kaiserslautern. The mainstream flow parameters were, with a Reynolds number of 300,000 and a Mach number (outlet) of 0.6, set to meet real engine conditions. By using various flow conditioners, periodic flow was obtained in the region of interest (ROI). The adiabatic film cooling effectiveness was determined using the pressure sensitive paint (PSP) technique. In this context, nitrogen and carbon dioxide were used as tracer gases realizing two different density ratios DR = 1.0 and 1.6. The investigation was conducted for a broad range of blowing ratios with 0.25 ≤ BR ≤ 1.50. In combination with 10 geometry variations and the aforementioned blowing and density ratio variations, 100 single operating points were investigated. For a better understanding of the coolant distribution, the secondary flows on the endwall were visualized by oil dye. The measurement results will be discussed based on the areal distribution of film cooling effectiveness, its lateral spanwise, as well as its area average. The results will provide a better insight into various parametric effects of gap variations on turbine vane endwall film cooling performance—notably under realistic engine conditions.
Pharmacokinetics and
Ex Vivo
Antimalarial Activity of Artesunate-Amodiaquine plus Methylene Blue in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Anh Chu Xuan , Chavchich Marina , Birrell Geoffrey W. , Van Breda Karin , Travers Thomas , Rowcliffe Kerryn , Lord Anton R. , Shanks G. Dennis , Edstein Michael D.
Published: January 2020

High rates of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) failures in the treatment of
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria in Southeast Asia have led to triple-drug strategies to extend the useful life of ACTs. In this study, we determined whether methylene blue [MB; 3,7-bis(dimethylamino)phenothiazin-5-ium chloride hydrate] alters the pharmacokinetics of artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and enhances the
ex vivo
antimalarial activity of ASAQ.
Assessment of salinity-related mortality of freshwater bacteria in the saint lawrence estuary
Authors: Painchaud J , Therriault J , Legendre L
Published: January 2020

The growth response of freshwater bacteria from the St. Lawrence River, exposed to brackish waters (salinity of 0 to 20(permil)) from the upper estuary, was assessed by a methodology requiring the combined use of dilution cultures and diffusion chambers. The longitudinal distribution of bacterial abundance in waters within this salinity range was also examined. Growth of the freshwater bacteria was reduced by 15 and 50% after exposure to salinities of 10 and 20(permil), respectively. At lower salinities, no growth reduction was observed, and at a salinity of 2(permil), growth was even stimulated. Longitudinal distribution data showed that bacterial abundance also peaked at this salinity. In contrast with an earlier hypothesis, this study shows that the decline of bacterial abundance in the low-salinity waters of the estuary is not caused by salinity-related mortality of freshwater bacteria, because the mixing time between fresh and marine (>20(permil)) waters is relatively long (days). However, results suggest that mortality of freshwater bacteria can be an important process in estuaries with shorter mixing times (hours). The combined use of diffusion chambers and dilution cultures proved to be a valuable methodology for assessing growth (or mortality) of bacteria exposed to environmental gradients.
Identification of a PutP proline permease gene homolog from Staphylococcus aureus by expression cloning of the high-affinity proline transport system in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wengender P A , Miller K J
Published: January 2020

The important food-borne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus is distinguished by its ability to grow at low water activity values. Previous work in our laboratory and by others has revealed that proline accumulation via transport is an important osmoregulatory strategy employed by this bacterium. Furthermore, proline uptake by this bacterium has been shown to be mediated by two distinct transport systems: a high-affinity system and a low-affinity system (J.-H. Bae, and K. J. Miller, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 58:471-475, 1992; D. E. Townsend and B. J. Wilkinson, J. Bacteriol. 174:2702-2710, 1992). In the present study, we report the cloning of the high-affinity proline transport system of S. aureus by functional expression in an Escherichia coli host. The sequence of the staphylococcal proline permease gene was predicted to encode a protein of 497 amino acids which shares 49% identity with the PutP high-affinity proline permease of E. coli. Analysis of hydropathy also indicated a common overall structure for these proteins.
Degradation and mineralization of atrazine by a soil bacterial isolate
Authors: Radosevich M , Traina S J , Hao Y L , Tuovinen O H
Published: January 2020

An atrazine-degrading bacterial culture was isolated from an agricultural soil previously impacted by herbicide spills. The organism was capable of using atrazine under aerobic conditions as the sole source of C and N. Cyanuric acid could replace atrazine as the sole source of N, indicating that the organism was capable of ring cleavage. Ring cleavage was confirmed in 14CO2 evolution experiments with [U-14C-ring]atrazine. Between 40 and 50% of ring-14C was mineralized to 14CO2. [14C]biuret and [14C]urea were detected in spent culture media. Cellular assimilation of 14C was negligible, in keeping with the fully oxidized valence of the ring carbon. Chloride release was stoichiometric. The formation of ammonium during atrazine degradation was below the stoichiometric amount, suggesting a deficit due to cellular assimilation and metabolite-N accumulation. With excess glucose and with atrazine as the sole N source, free ammonium was not detected, suggesting assimilation into biomass. The organism degraded atrazine anaerobically in media which contained (i) atrazine only, (ii) atrazine and glucose, and (iii) atrazine, glucose, and nitrate. To date, this is the first report of a pure bacterial isolate with the ability to cleave the s-triazine ring structure of atrazine. It was also concluded that this bacterium was capable of dealkylation, dechlorination, and deamination in addition to ring cleavage.
Viral contribution to dissolved DNA in the marine environment as determined by differential centrifugation and kingdom probing
Authors: Jiang S C , Paul J H
Published: January 2020

Dissolved or filterable (<0.2-(mu)m-pore-size filter) DNA is a ubiquitous component of the dissolved organic matter in the surface waters of this planet. In an effort to understand the composition and possible sources, we subjected dissolved DNA concentrated by vortex flow filtration from offshore and coastal environments to differential centrifugation and probing with 16S rRNA-targeted kingdom oligonucleotide probes. Initial studies with calf thymus soluble DNA and T2 phage particles indicated that high-speed ultracentrifugation (201,000 x g for 90 min), a method to separate viral particles from soluble DNA used by other investigators, resulted in pelleting of nearly all the DNA and virus particles. Lower-speed centrifugation (11,200 to 25,800 x g for 90 min) resulted in >99% of the virus particles being collected in the pellet and (equiv)65% of the calf thymus DNA remaining in the supernatant. Employing this approach, we estimate that approximately 50% of the filterable DNA from marine environments is truly soluble or free DNA and that the other half is composed of bound forms (viral particles and, potentially, colloids). Of the bound form, 17 to 30% could be accounted for by viral particles, by calculating the amount of viral DNA on the basis of viral abundance, leaving a portion of the bound form uncharacterized. Kingdom probing with universal, eubacterial, and eucaryotic probes indicated that dissolved DNA hybridized with all of these probes, while purified standard viral DNAs did not, or hybridized only slightly with the universal probe (tailed oligonucleotide only). Collectively, these data indicate that DNA in viral particles is a small component of the dissolved DNA, the majority being of eubacterial and eucaryotic origin.
Purification and characterization of ferulate and p-coumarate decarboxylase from Bacillus pumilus
Authors: Degrassi G , Polverino De Laureto P , Bruschi C V
Published: January 2020

Bacillus pumilus PS213 isolated from bovine ruminal fluid was able to transform ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid to 4-vinylguaiacol and 4-vinylphenol, respectively, by nonoxidative decarboxylation. The enzyme responsible for this activity has been purified and characterized. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of crude extract from a culture induced by ferulic acid or p-coumaric acid shows three bands that are not present in the crude extract of an uninduced culture, while the purified enzyme shows a single band of 23 kDa; the molecular mass calculated by size exclusion chromatography is 45 kDa. Enzyme activity is optimal at 37 degrees C and pH 5.5 and is not enhanced by any cation. Kinetic studies indicated a Km of 1.03 mM and a Vmax of 0.19 mmol.min-1/mg.liter-1 for ferulic acid and a Km of 1.38 mM and a Vmax of 0.22 mmol.min-1/mg.liter-1 for p-coumaric acid.
Genotypic characterization of Mycobacterium avium strains recovered from animals and their comparison to human strains
Authors: Bono M , Jemmi T , Bernasconi C , Burki D , Telenti A , Bodmer T
Published: January 2020

Mycobacterium avium was recovered from 21 birds and 10 pigs. Bird isolates carried IS901 and a few copies of IS1245 and appeared highly related by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Pig isolates showed features previously described in human isolates: a lack of IS901, a high copy number of IS1245, and marked polymorphism by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Isolation of a Bacterial Culture That Degrades Methyl t-Butyl Ether
Authors: Salanitro J P , Diaz L A , Williams M P , Wisniewski H L
Published: January 2020

Volume 60, no. 7, p. 2593, abstract, line 11: "radiolabeled either" should read "radiolabeled ether." Page 2594, column 1, line 13 from bottom: "KH(inf2)PO(inf4) (350 pmg/liter)" should read "KH(inf2)PO(inf4) (350 mg/liter)." [This corrects the article on p. 2593 in vol. 60.].
Fatty Acid methyl ester profiles for characterization of glomalean fungi and their endomycorrhizae
Authors: Graham J H , Hodge N C , Morton J B
Published: January 2020

Arbuscule-forming fungi in the order Glomales form obligate endomycorrhizal associations with plants that make them difficult to quantify, and taxonomy of the group is only beginning to be objectively understood. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles were analyzed to assess the diversity and quantity of fatty acids in 53 isolates of 24 glomalean species. Spores and endomycorrhizal roots of sudan grass (Sorghum sudanense) and the citrus rootstock Carrizo citrange (Poncirus trifoliata x Citrus sinensis) were examined. Spores yielded reproducible FAME profiles from replicate spore collections extracted from soil pot cultures despite being grown in association with a host plant and with contaminating microorganisms present. Unweighted pair group analysis revealed relatively tight clusters of groups at the intraspecific, specific, and generic levels; however, lipid profiles at the family level were convergent. Thus, FAME profile comparisons provided a robust measure of similarity below the family level. FAME profiles in sudan grass roots containing vesicles and/or spores of Glomus intraradices were more similar to spore profiles than to profiles from nonmycorrhizal roots. The FAME profiles for Gigaspora species, which do not form vesicles or spores in roots, were less distinct from nonmycorrhizal roots. G. intraradices and G. rosea produced fatty acids in roots that were distinguishable from each other as well as from the host root. Production in citrus roots of the fatty acid 16:1(inf(omega)5) cis by two Glomus species was correlated with the development of mycorrhizal colonization as measured by clearing and staining procedures and by estimates of total incidence and vesicle intensity. FAME analysis of roots not only provided a measure of colonization development but also served as an index of carbon allocated to intraradical fungal growth and lipid storage.
Persistence of inoculated hepatitis A virus in mixed human and animal wastes
Authors: Deng M Y , Cliver D O
Published: January 2020

The persistence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) was determined both in mixtures of septic tank effluent (STE) with dairy cattle manure slurry (DCMS) and in mixtures of STE with swine manure slurry (SMS). HAV was consistently inactivated more rapidly in the two types of mixed wastes than in STE alone or in the control Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). At 5 degrees C, the D values (time, in days, for a 90% reduction of virus titer) were 34.6 for the mixed STE and DCMS, 48.5 for the mixed STE and SMS, 58.5 for STE, and 217.4 for the Dulbecco's PBS control. At 22 degrees C, the D values were 23.0, 17.1, 35.1, and 90.1 for the four suspension media, respectively. A comparison of HAV inactivation in mixed wastes subjected to different treatments at the same pH and temperatures showed that the virus inactivation in the mixed wastes was related, at least in part, to microbial activity. In mixed STE and DCMS, the D values at 25 degrees C were 8.3 for raw mixed wastes, 15.1 for autoclaved mixed wastes, and 9.6 for bacterium-free filtrate of raw mixed wastes; D values at 37 degrees C were 6.8, 10.1, and 7.0 for these three suspension media, respectively. In mixed STE and SMS, the D values at 25 degrees C were 8.1 for raw mixed wastes, 14.3 for autoclaved mixed wastes, and 9.1 for bacterium-free filtrate of raw mixed wastes; the D values at 37 degrees C were 6.8, 9.4, and 6.9 for the three suspensions, respectively.
Growth of the fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum with toluene as the sole carbon and energy source
Authors: Weber F J , Hage K C , de Bont J A
Published: January 2020

The fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum was isolated from a biofilter used for the removal of toluene from waste gases. This is the first report describing growth of a eukaryotic organism with toluene as the sole source of carbon and energy. The oxygen consumption rates, as well as the measured enzyme activities, of toluene-grown C. sphaerospermum indicate that toluene is degraded by an initial attack on the methyl group.
Unidirectional motility of Escherichia coli in restrictive capillaries
Authors: Liu Z , Papadopoulos K D
Published: January 2020

In a 6-microns capillary filled with buffer and in the absence of any chemotactic stimuli, Escherichia coli K-12 cells swim persistently in only one direction. This behavior of E. coli can be simply explained by means of the length and relative rigidity of their flagella. Single-cell motility parameters--swimming speed, turn angle, and run length time--were measured. Compared with the motility parameters measured in bulk phase, turn angle was influenced because of the effect of the geometrical restriction.
The relationship between viability and intracellular pH in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Imai T , Ohno T
Published: January 2020

The relationship between viability (cell proliferation activity) and intracellular pH in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated by using cells that had been deactivated by low-temperature storage, ethanol treatment, or heat treatment. The intracellular pH was measured with a microscopic image processor or a spectrofluorophotometer. At first, the intracellular pH measurements of individual cells were compared with slide culture results by microscopic image processing. A clear correlation existed between the proliferation activity and intracellular pH. Moreover, by spectrofluorophotometry analysis, it was found that there was a relationship between the viability and intracellular pH of brewing yeast under conditions of low external pH (n = 15, r = 0.960, P = 0.001). This relationship was also observed in baker's yeast (n = 13, r = 0.950, P = 0.001). On the other hand, when the fluorescein staining method was used in these experiments, the relationship between viability and staining percentage was not observed. From these results, intracellular pH was found to be a sensitive factor for estimating yeast physiology. The possible role of cell deterioration is also discussed.
A new method for direct detection of Listeria monocytogenes from foods by PCR
Authors: Makino S , Okada Y , Maruyama T
Published: January 2020

The preparation of DNA by alcohol precipitation in the presence of Na1 was used to enable the direct detection of Listeria monocytogenes in the amount of 10(3) CFU/0.5 g of sample. This procedure produces PCR-quality DNA directly from foods, such as soft cheese and minced meat.
Recombination of a 3-chlorobenzoate catabolic plasmid from Alcaligenes eutrophus NH9 mediated by direct repeat elements
Authors: Ogawa N , Miyashita K
Published: January 2020

Alcaligenes eutrophus NH9 was isolated from soil. This strain can utilize 3-chlorobenzoate (3-CB) as a sole source of carbon and energy. Most of the 3-CB-negative segregants had lost one of the plasmids present in the parent strain. The genes for catabolism of 3-CB were located within a 9.2-kb SacI fragment of this plasmid (pENH91). The genes were found to hybridize with genes for components of the modified ortho cleavage pathway from Pseudomonas putida. In one of the 3-CB-negative segregants, the plasmid had undergone the deletion of a segment with a size of about 12.5 kb that covered the catabolic genes. The deletion event seemed to be the result of reciprocal recombination between two highly homologous sequences with sizes of 2.5 kb that were present as a direct repeat at the two ends of the region that included the catabolic genes. Nucleotide sequence analysis of homologous fragments revealed a structure that resembled an insertion sequence and relatedness to IS21. During repeated subculturing of NH9 on liquid media with 3-CB, the culture was taken over by a derivative strain (designated NH9A) in which the degradative plasmid carried a duplicate copy of the 12.5-kb region that contained the catabolic genes. The duplication of these genes seemed again to have been mediated by recombination between the direct repeat sequences.