bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Operational Environment Factors of Nature Conservation Policy Implementation: Cases of Selected EU and Non-EU Countries
Authors: Pezdevšek Malovrh Špela , Paletto Alessandro , Posavec Stjepan , Dobšinská  Zuzana , Đorđević Ilija , Marić Bruno , Avdibegović Mersudin , Kitchoukov Emil , Stijović Aleksandar , Trajkov Pande , Laktić Tomislav
Published: December 2019

The complex policy decision-making situation around nature conservation requires examination of the operational environment. This study develops and tests a three-phase analytical framework for the evaluation of operational environment factors influencing nature conservation policy implementation. The four important operational environment factors (legal, policy, economic, and social) have been identified, to build up a framework. The framework was tested in selected countries and includes experts’ opinions. Experts (n = 44) from five EU countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia) and four non-EU countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia) defined and evaluated the factors and sub-factors that affect the operational environment related to nature conservation policy implementation. The results show policy changes arising from the new governance requirements introduced by changed political regime and Europeanization are key driving factors for changes in the nature conservation operational environment. For nature conservation, these wide-reaching changes have led to new political and legal frameworks, new institutional set-ups and multilevel governance frameworks, new establishment of protected areas and Natura 2000 network, and the re-allocation of financial resources and inclusion of non-state actors in policy decision-making. However, there are also some challenges and unsolved problems that need further attention from policy decision-makers and institutions, especially related to the institutional gap, sustainable financing of nature conservation, transposition of the EU Directives into legal systems, designation of sites or improving their implementation, implementation of innovative funding schemes, and a transparent participatory process. This analytical framework can be applied to various problems related to any environmental issues or other policy implementation or management, and other sectors where public decision-making is combined with stakeholders’ engagement.
Microsatellite and Morphological Analyses Reveal Unexpected Diversity in Lymantria dispar in China
Authors: Zuo Yifan , Kurenshchikov D. K. , Yu Jinyong , Zou Yuanping , Wang Yiming , Wang Yanjun , Shi Juan
Published: December 2019

The gyspy moth Lymantria dispar Linnaeus, a widely distributed leaf-eating pest, is considered geographically isolated in the world, with two Asian gypsy moth subspecies, Lymantria dispar asiatica and Lymantria dispar japonica. In China, only one subspecies, L. d. asiatica, has been observed. In this study, we characterized gypsy moth diversity and divergence using 427 samples covering a wide range of the species distribution, with a focus on sampling along a latitudinal gradient in China. We combine the quantitative analysis of male genitalia and the genetic diversity analysis of nine microsatellite loci of nuclear genes nuclear genes to study the structure of gypsy moth individuals in 23 locations in the world and the male genitalia of gypsy moths in some areas. In mixed ancestry model-based clustering analyses based on nuclear simple sequence repeats, gypsy moths were divided into three well-known subspecies, a unique North American cluster, and a southern Chinese cluster with differentiation between the Asian gypsy moth and European gypsy moth. We also found individuals identified as European gypsy moths in two distant regions in China. The results of a quantitative analysis of male genitalia characteristics were consistent with an analysis of genetic structure and revealed the differentiation of gypsy moths in southern China and of hybrids suspected to be associated with L. d. japonica in the Russian Far East. Admixture in gypsy moths can be explained by many factors such as human transport. In China, we detected European gypsy moths, and found unexpectedly high genetic diversity within populations across a wide range of latitudes.
Evaluation of Filamentous Fungal Biomass Cultivated on Vinasse as an Alternative Nutrient Source of Fish Feed: Protein, Lipid, and Mineral Composition
Authors: Karimi Sajjad , Mahboobi Soofiani Nasrollah , Lundh Torbjörn , Mahboubi Amir , Kiessling Anders , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: December 2019

The rapid growth of aquaculture and scarcity of conventional fish feed supplements has prompted the introduction of new sustainable supplementation sources. In this study, the potential of five strains of fungal biomass of Ascomycetes and Zygomycetes edible filamentous fungi, Aspergillus oryzae, Neurospora intermedia, Rizhopus oryzae, Monascus purpureus, and Fusarium venenatum, cultivated on vinasse, a by-product of the bioethanol industry, as alternative protein sources for fishmeal in the fish diet was evaluated. It was observed that 5% vinasse with an initial pH of 5–6.5 can support fungal biomass yields of 34.3 ± 2.4–118.5 ± 3.9 g DM/L for A. Oryzae, N. intermedia, and R. oryzae. High protein contents of about 44.7%, 57.6%, and 50.9% (w/w), and fat contents of 7.0%, 3.5%, and 5.5% (w/w) were obtained for A. oryzae, N. intermedia, and R. oryzae, respectively. The latter three fungi species contained noticeable amino acid contents, including promising profiles of amino acids that are highly compatible with those of fishmeal. These findings provide evidence that fungal biomasses, with their relatively high protein content, good amino acid profiles, and other essential nutrients, are a promising supplementation alternative that can be produced from low-value by-products and organic-rich waste streams like vinasse to meet the dietary protein requirements in fish feed.
Effects of Infrared Radiation on Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Greenhouse Cultivation and Fruits’ Phenolic Profile
Authors: Sinanoglou Vassilia J. , Kavga Angeliki , Strati Irini F. , Sotiroudis Georgios , Lantzouraki Dimitra , Zoumpoulakis Panagiotis
Published: December 2019

The implementation of Infrared (IR) radiation in heated greenhouses possesses the advantage of high directional control and focused compensation of energy losses, appropriate for creating local microclimate conditions in highly energy-consuming systems, such as greenhouses. Moreover, it can efficiently maintain favorable environmental conditions at the plant canopy. The present study studies the application of Infrared (IR) heating in an experimental greenhouse with eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cultivation. The experimental results are presented from a full cultivation period inside two identical, small scale experimental greenhouses, with IR and forced air heating system, respectively. The effects of IR heating over plant growth parameters, including the yield of the fruits as well as the total phenolic content and the antioxidant profile of eggplants fruits’ extracts are measured and discussed. The results indicate a greater uniformity production in the IR heating greenhouse in terms of antioxidant and radical scavenging activities, as well as the total phenolic content. Moreover, the phenolic profile of eggplant fruits from both greenhouses revealed the existence of numerous bioactive compounds, some of which were only characteristic of the eggplant fruits from IR heated greenhouses.
D-loop Mutations in Renal Cell Carcinoma Improve Predictive Accuracy for Cancer-Related Death by Integrating with Mutations in the NADH Dehydrogenase Subunit 1 Gene
Authors: Kim Hakushi , Komiyama Tomoyoshi , Nitta Masahiro , Kawamura Yoshiaki , Hasegawa Masanori , Shoji Sunao , Orihashi Yasushi , Inomoto Chie , Kajiwara Hiroshi , Nakamura Naoya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Miyajima Akira
Published: December 2019

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with various genetic alterations. Although whole-genome/exome sequencing analysis has revealed that nuclear genome alterations are associated with clinical outcomes, the association between nucleotide alterations in the mitochondrial genome and RCC clinical outcomes remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed somatic mutations in the mitochondrial D-loop region, using RCC samples from 61 consecutive patients with localized RCC. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between D-loop mutations and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (MT-ND1) mutations, which we previously found to be associated with clinical outcomes in localized RCC. Among the 61 localized RCCs, 34 patients (55.7%) had at least one mitochondrial D-loop mutation. The number of D-loop mutations was associated with larger tumor diameter (>32 mm) and higher nuclear grade (≥ISUP grade 3). Moreover, patients with D-loop mutations showed no differences in cancer-specific survival when compared with patients without D-loop mutations. However, the co-occurrence of D-loop and MT-ND1 mutations improved the predictive accuracy of cancer-related deaths among our cohort, increasing the concordance index (C-index) from 0.757 to 0.810. Thus, we found that D-loop mutations are associated with adverse pathological features in localized RCC and may improve predictive accuracy for cancer-specific deaths when combined with MT-ND1 mutations.
Maternal Health and Green Spaces in China: A Longitudinal Analysis of MMR Based on Spatial Panel Model
Authors: Jin Ping , Gao Yushu , Liu Lingbo , Peng Zhenghong , Wu Hao
Published: December 2019

The positive impact of green spaces on public health has attracted increasing attention, and maternal health has also been shown to be related to green spaces. However, there are different kinds of green space indicators that represent different mechanisms for mitigating maternal health, and few studies have investigated the different relevance amongst them with longitudinal data. This study explores the correlation between various green space indicators and maternal health using spatial panel models with provincial data from China from 2007 to 2016. The results indicate that all kinds of green spaces could decrease maternal mortality, wherein public green spaces may play a key role. In terms of spatial correlation, an increase in green space coverage in adjacent provinces may also result in a slight decline in maternal mortality. This paper provides valuable insight into the correlation between maternal health and green spaces.
What Motivates Chinese Young Adults to Use mHealth?
Authors: To Wai-Ming , Lee Peter K. C. , Lu Jinxuan , Wang Junhao , Yang Yihan , Yu Qingxin
Published: December 2019

mHealth is one of China’s national strategies that brings affordable, accessible, and convenient health care to its entire population, may they be in cities or rural areas. Although Chinese young adults are among the first to adopt mHealth, the factors influencing Chinese young adults to use mHealth are yet to be studied both empirically and in depth. This study explores the mechanism that determines Chinese young adults’ intention to use mHealth, based on an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The extended TAM was tested using responses from 486 Chinese young adults. The results showed that perceived usefulness strongly and significantly influenced people’s intention to use mHealth. Additionally, communication effectiveness, health consciousness, and perceived ease of use were found as significant factors influencing people’s intention to use mHealth through perceived usefulness. Distrust was not found to significantly influence people’s intention to use mHealth.
Cold Chain Logistics Management of Medicine with an Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method
Authors: Wen Zhi , Liao Huchang , Ren Ruxue , Bai Chunguang , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Antucheviciene Jurgita , Al-Barakati Abdullah
Published: December 2019

Medicine is the main means to reduce cancer mortality. However, some medicines face various risks during transportation and storage due to the particularity of medicines, which must be kept at a low temperature to ensure their quality. In this regard, it is of great significance to evaluate and select drug cold chain logistics suppliers from different perspectives to ensure the quality of medicines and reduce the risks of transportation and storage. To solve such a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, this paper proposes an integrated model based on the combination of the SWARA (stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis) and CoCoSo (combined compromise solution) methods under the probabilistic linguistic environment. An adjustment coefficient is introduced to the SWARA method to derive criteria weights, and an improved CoCoSo method is proposed to determine the ranking of alternatives. The two methods are extended to the probabilistic linguistic environment to enhance the applicability of the two methods. A case study on the selection of drug cold chain logistics suppliers is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed integrated MCDM model. The advantages of the proposed methods are highlighted through comparative analyses.
The Sustainability Challenge of Food and Environmental Nanotechnology: Current Status and Imminent Perceptions
Authors: Das Gitishree , Patra Jayanta Kumar , Paramithiotis Spiros , Shin Han-Seung
Published: December 2019

Nanotechnology is a connection among various branches of science with potential applications that extend over a variety of scientific disciplines, particularly in the food science and technology fields. For nanomaterial applications in food processing, such as antimicrobials on food contact surfaces along with the improvement of biosensors, electrospun nanofibers are the most intensively studied ones. As in the case of every developing skill, an assessment from a sustainability point of view is necessary to address the balance between its benefits to civilization and the unwanted effects on human health and the environment. The current review aimed to provide an update regarding the sustainability of current nanotechnology applications in food science technology, environment, and public health together with a risk assessment and toxicity evaluation.
Inter-Individual Variability in Metabolic Syndrome Severity Score and VO2max Changes Following Personalized, Community-Based Exercise Programming
Authors: Seward Sophie , Ramos Joyce , Drummond Claire , Dalleck Angela , Byrd Bryant , Kehmeier Mackenzie , Dalleck Lance
Published: December 2019

This study sought to examine the effectiveness of a personalized, community-based exercise program at reducing MetS severity and consequently Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. One-hundred and fifty physically inactive participants (aged 18–83 years) were randomized to a non-exercise control group (n = 75; instructed to continue their usual lifestyle habits) or treatment group (n = 75). Participants randomized to the treatment group completed a 12 week personalized exercise training program based on the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model guidelines. Z-scores were derived from levels of metabolic syndrome risk factors to determine the severity of MetS (MetS z-score). After 12 weeks, the treatment group showed a significant favorable change in MetS z-score, whereas the control group demonstrated increased severity of the syndrome (between-group difference, p < 0.05). The proportion of MetS z-score responders (Δ > −0.48) was greater following the exercise intervention (71%, 50/70) compared to control (10%, 7/72) (between group difference, p < 0.001). The inter-individual variability in VO2max change also showed a similar trend. These findings provide critical translational evidence demonstrating that personalized exercise programming based upon the ACE IFT model guidelines can be successfully implemented within the community setting to reduce T2DM and CVD risk.
Changing Incidence and Stage Distribution of Prostate Cancer in a Lithuanian Population—Evidence from National PSA-Based Screening Program
Authors: Patasius Ausvydas , Smailyte Giedre
Published: December 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of screening introduction on prostate cancer incidence changes, and changes in stage distribution in Lithuania between 1998–2016. Methods: Age-standardized incidence as well as stage-specific incidence rates were calculated. Joinpoint regression was used to estimate the annual percentage change in the incidence changes by determined stage: Localized, advanced, distant and unknown. Results: Over the study period, a total number of 48,815 new prostate cancer cases was identified. Age-standardized incidence rose from 51.9 per 100,000 in 1998 to 279.3 per 100,000 in 2007 (by 20.3% per year) and then decreased thereafter by 3.8% annually. Highest incidence rates after introduction of prostate specific antigene (PSA)-based screening was found for localized disease, followed by advanced. Incidence of localized disease rose by 38.2% per year until 2007 reaching the highest rate of 284.6 per 100,000, with a subsequent decrease of 5.5% every year thereafter. Advanced stage of disease experienced rise till 2007, and continuous decrease by 11.1% every year thereafter. Incidence of disease with distant metastasis was lowest, and rose till 2003, thereafter incidence significantly decreased by 8.1% every year. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first report of stage migration effect in Lithuania, following the introduction of nationwide PSA-based screening. Prostate cancer screening substantially increased the overall incidence and incidence of localized cancer.
Lack of Association between Cytokine Genetic Polymorphisms in Takayasu’s Arteritis in Mexican Patients
Authors: Soto María Elena , Huesca-Gómez Claudia , Torres-Paz Yazmín , Fuentevilla-Álvarez Giovanny , Gamboa Ricardo
Published: December 2019

Aim: To investigate the relation between polymorphisms in the interleukin 10 (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interferon (IFN)-γ genes and Takayasu’s arteritis in the Mexican population. Methods: A case-control study was performed to investigate the associations of IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ polymorphisms in a sample of 52 Takayasu’s arteritis patients, diagnosed according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and EULAR PRINTO criteria when the patients were under 18 years of age; 60 clinically healthy unrelated Mexican individuals by the 5′ exonuclease TaqMan polymerase chain reaction. Polymorphic haplotypes were constructed after linkage disequilibrium analysis. Results: Significant differences were not found in the distribution for genotype and allele frequencies of the polymorphisms studied between healthy controls and Takayasu´s arteritis patients. Likewise, significant associations were not detected in the haplotype analysis with the different genes studied. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the polymorphisms in IL-10, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ might not contribute to the susceptibility of Takayasu´s arteritis in the Mexican population.
Study of NSSDA Variability by Means of Automatic Positional Accuracy Assessment Methods
Authors: Ruiz-Lendínez Juan José , Ariza-López Francisco Javier , Ureña-Cámara Manuel Antonio
Published: December 2019

Point-based standard methodologies (PBSM) suggest using ‘at least 20’ check points in order to assess the positional accuracy of a certain spatial dataset. However, the reason for decreasing the number of checkpoints to 20 is not elaborated upon in the original documents provided by the mapping agencies which develop these methodologies. By means of theoretical analysis and experimental tests, several authors and studies have demonstrated that this limited number of points is clearly insufficient. Using the point-based methodology for the automatic positional accuracy assessment of spatial data developed in our previous study Ruiz-Lendínez, et al (2017) and specifically, a subset of check points obtained from the application of this methodology to two urban spatial datasets, the variability of National Standard for Spatial Data Accuracy (NSSDA) estimations has been analyzed according to sample size. The results show that the variability of NSSDA estimations decreases when the number of check points increases, and also that these estimations have a tendency to underestimate accuracy. Finally, the graphical representation of the results can be employed in order to give some guidance on the recommended sample size when PBSMs are used.
The Role of C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 4 (CXCR4) in Cell Adherence and Spheroid Formation of Human Ewing’s Sarcoma Cells under Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Romswinkel Alexander , Infanger Manfred , Dietz Carlo , Strube Florian , Kraus Armin
Published: December 2019

We studied the behavior of Ewing’s Sarcoma cells of the line A673 under simulated microgravity (s-µg). These cells express two prominent markers—the oncogene EWS/FLI1 and the chemokine receptor CXCR4, which is used as a target of treatment in several types of cancer. The cells were exposed to s-µg in a random-positioning machine (RPM) for 24 h in the absence and presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100. Then, their morphology and cytoskeleton were examined. The expression of selected mutually interacting genes was measured by qRT-PCR and protein accumulation was determined by western blotting. After 24 h incubation on the RPM, a splitting of the A673 cell population in adherent and spheroid cells was observed. Compared to 1 g control cells, EWS/FLI1 was significantly upregulated in the adherent cells and in the spheroids, while CXCR4 and CD44 expression were significantly enhanced in spheroids only. Transcription of CAV-1 was upregulated and DKK2 and VEGF-A were down-regulated in both, adherent in spheroid cells, respectively. Regarding, protein accumulation EWS/FLI1 was enhanced in adherent cells only, but CD44 decreased in spheroids and adherent cells. Inhibition of CXCR4 did not change spheroid count, or structure. Under s-µg, the tumor marker EWS/FLI1 is intensified, while targeting CXCR4, which influences adhesion proteins, did not affect spheroid formation.
Multifocal Signal Modulation Therapy by Celecoxib: A Strategy for Managing Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Benelli Roberto , Barboro Paola , Costa Delfina , Astigiano Simonetta , Barbieri Ottavia , Capaia Matteo , Poggi Alessandro , Ferrari Nicoletta
Published: December 2019

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern throughout the world. Standard therapy for advanced disease consists of anti-androgens, however, almost all prostate tumors become castration resistant (CRPC). Progression from androgen-sensitive PCa to CRPC is promoted by inflammatory signaling through cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and ErbB family receptors/AKT activation, compensating androgen receptor inactivity. Methods: Making use of CRPC cell lines, we investigated the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib. Biochemical data obtained using immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), invasion, and xenografts were further integrated by bioinformatic analyses. Results: Celecoxib reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis through AKT blockade, cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), and proteasomal degradation of the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB2, and ErbB3 degradation, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) downregulation, further amplified the inhibition of androgen signaling. Celecoxib reduced the invasive phenotype of CRPC cells by modulating NF-κB activity and reduced tumor growth in mice xenografts when administered in association with the anti-EGFR receptor antibody cetuximab. Bioinformatic analyses on human prostate cancer datasets support the relevance of these pathways in PCa progression. Conclusions: Signaling nodes at the intersection of pathways implicated in PCa progression are simultaneously modulated by celecoxib treatment. In combination therapies with cetuximab, celecoxib could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to curb signal transduction during CRPC progression.
Type 1 or Type 2 Myocardial Infarction in Patients with a History of Coronary Artery Disease: Data from the Emergency Department
Authors: Putot Alain , Jeanmichel Mélanie , Chagué Frédéric , Avondo Aurélie , Ray Patrick , Manckoundia Patrick , Zeller Marianne , Cottin Yves
Published: December 2019

A type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) is the result of an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand, without acute atherothrombosis. T2MI is frequent in emergency departments (ED), but has not been extensively evaluated in patients with previously known coronary artery disease (CAD). Our study assessed the incidence and characteristics of T2MI compared to type 1 (T1MI) in CAD patients admitted to an ED. Among 33,669 consecutive patients admitted to the ED, 2830 patients with T1MI or T2MI were systematically included after prospective adjudication by the attending clinician according to the universal definition. Among them, 619 (22%) patients had a history of CAD. Using multivariable analysis, CAD history was found to be an independent predictive factor of T2MI versus T1MI (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.38 (1.08–1.77), p = 0.01). Among CAD patients, those with T2MI (n = 254) were older (median age: 82 vs. 72 years, p < 0.001), and had more frequent comorbidities and more frequent three-vessel disease at the coronary angiography (56% vs. 43%, p = 0.015). Percutaneous coronary intervention was by far less frequent after T2MI than after T1MI (28% vs. 67%, p < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality was twice as high in T2MI (15% vs. 7% for T1MI, p < 0.001). Among biomarkers, the C reactive protein (CRP)/troponin Ic ratio predicted T2MI remarkably well (C-statistic (95% confidence interval) = 0.84 (0.81–0.87, p < 0.001). In a large unselected cohort of MI patients in the ED, a quarter of patients had previous CAD, which was associated with a 40% higher risk of T2MI. CRP/troponin ratios could be used to help distinguish T2MI from T1MI.
Urinary Oxalate Excretion and Long-Term Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tubben Alwin , Sotomayor Camilo G. , Post Adrian , Minovic Isidor , Frelink Timoer , de Borst Martin H. , Said M. Yusof , Douwes Rianne M. , van den Berg Else , Rodrigo Ramón , Berger Stefan P. , Navis Gerjan J. , Bakker Stephan J. L.
Published: December 2019

Epidemiologic studies have linked urinary oxalate excretion to risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and end-stage renal disease. We aimed to investigate whether urinary oxalate, in stable kidney transplant recipients (KTR), is prospectively associated with risk of graft failure. In secondary analyses we evaluated the association with post-transplantation diabetes mellitus, all-cause mortality and specific causes of death. Oxalate excretion was measured in 24-h urine collection samples in a cohort of 683 KTR with a functioning allograft ≥1 year. Mean eGFR was 52 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2. Median (interquartile range) urinary oxalate excretion was 505 (347–732) µmol/24-h in women and 519 (396–736) µmol/24-h in men (p = 0.08), with 302 patients (44% of the study population) above normal limits (hyperoxaluria). A consistent and independent inverse association was found with all-cause mortality (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63–0.94, p = 0.01). Cause-specific survival analyses showed that this association was mainly driven by an inverse association with mortality due to infection (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.83, p = 0.004), which remained materially unchanged after performing sensitivity analyses. Twenty-four-hour urinary oxalate excretion did not associate with risk of graft failure, post-transplant diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular mortality, mortality due to malignancies or mortality due to miscellaneous causes. In conclusion, in KTR, 24-h urinary oxalate excretion is elevated in 44% of KTR and inversely associated with mortality due to infectious causes.
Trends in Psychiatric Hospitalization of Children and Adolescents in Spain between 2005 and 2015
Authors: Llanes-Álvarez Carlos , Andrés-de Llano Jesús , Álvarez-Navares Ana , Pastor-Hidalgo M. , Roncero Carlos , Franco-Martín Manuel
Published: December 2019

Eating disorders are on top of chronic conditions in children and adolescents, and the most severe cases may require hospitalization. Inpatient psychiatric treatment is one of the most expensive ones and therefore the efforts when treating eating disorders should focus on avoiding and shortening admissions, as well as preventing readmissions. Advances in of eating disorders treatment lie in an accurate knowledge of those patients requiring admission. This study examined the Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos—the largest public hospitalization database in Spain—to estimate the prevalence of eating and other psychiatric disorders during childhood and adolescence. It is a cross-sectional study of the hospital discharges in Castilla y León (Spain) from 2005 to 2015, in which patients under 18 years old with a psychiatric diagnosis at discharge were selected. Trends in the rates of hospitalization/1000 hospitalizations per year were studied by joinpoint regression analysis. Conclusions: eating disorders were the only group that presented an upward and continuous trend throughout the study period. This statistically significant increase showed an annual change of 7.8%.
The Right Time to Safely Re-Evaluate Empirical Antimicrobial Treatment of Hip or Knee Prosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Deroche Luc , Bémer Pascale , Valentin Anne-Sophie , Jolivet-Gougeon Anne , Tandé Didier , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève , Lemarié Carole , Kempf Marie , Bret Laurent , Burucoa Christophe , Corvec Stéphane , Plouzeau Chloé
Published: December 2019

Currently, no guideline provides recommendations on the duration of empirical antimicrobial treatment (EAT) in prosthetic joint infection (PJI). The aim of our study was to describe the time to growth of bacteria involved in PJI, rendering possible decreased duration of EAT. Based on a French multicentre prospective cohort study, culture data from patients with confirmed hip or knee PJI were analysed. For each patient, five samples were processed. Time to positivity was defined as the first positive medium in at least one sample for virulent pathogens and as the first positive medium in at least two samples for commensals. Definitive diagnosis of polymicrobial infections was considered the day the last bacteria were identified. Among the 183 PJIs, including 28 polymicrobial infections, microbiological diagnosis was carried out between Day 1 (D1) and D5 for 96.7% of cases. There was no difference in the average time to positivity between acute and chronic PJI (p = 0.8871). Microbiological diagnosis was given earlier for monomicrobial than for polymicrobial infections (p = 0.0034). When an optimized culture of peroperative samples was carried out, almost all cases of PJI were diagnosed within five days, including polymicrobial infections. EAT can be re-evaluated at D5 according to microbiological documentation.
Modern Surgery-First Approach Concept in Cleft-Orthognathic Surgery: A Comparative Cohort Study with 3D Quantitative Analysis of Surgical-Occlusion Setup
Authors: Seo Hyung Joon , Denadai Rafael , Pai Betty Chien-Jung , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: December 2019

Despite the evident benefits of the modern surgery-first orthognathic surgery approach (reduced treatment time, efficient tooth decompensation, and early improvement in facial esthetics), the challenge of the surgical-occlusion setup acts as a hindering factor for the widespread and global adoption of this therapeutic modality, especially for the management of cleft-skeletofacial deformity. This is the first study to assess three-dimensional (3D) quantitative data of the surgical-occlusion setup in surgery-first cleft-orthognathic surgery. This comparative retrospective study was performed on 3D image datasets from consecutive patients with skeletal Class III deformity who had a unilateral cleft lip/palate (cleft cohort, n = 44) or a noncleft dentofacial deformity (noncleft cohort, n = 22) and underwent 3D computer-assisted single-splint two-jaw surgery by a single multidisciplinary team between 2014 and 2018. They received conventional orthodontics-first or surgery-first approaches. 3D quantitative characterization (linear, angular, and positional measurements) of the final surgical-occlusion setup was performed and adopted for comparative analyses. In the cleft cohort, the occlusion setup in the surgery-first approach had a significantly (all p < 0.05) smaller number of anterior teeth contacts and larger incisor overjet compared to the conventional approach. Considering the surgery-first approach, the cleft cohort presented significantly (all p < 0.05) larger (canine lateral overjet parameter) and smaller (incisor overjet, maxillary intercanine distance, maxillary intermolar distance, ratio of intercanine distance, and ratio of intermolar distance parameters) values than the noncleft cohort. This study contributes to the literature by providing 3D quantitative data of the surgical-occlusion setup in surgery-first cleft-orthognathic surgery, and delivers information that may assist multidisciplinary teams to adopt the surgery-first concept to optimize cleft care.
Phylogeny, Resistome, and Virulome of Escherichia coli Causing Biliary Tract Infections
Authors: Rodríguez-Villodres Ángel , Bonnin Rémy A. , Ortiz de la Rosa José Manuel , Álvarez-Marín Rocío , Naas Thierry , Aznar Javier , Pachón Jerónimo , Lepe José Antonio , Smani Younes
Published: December 2019

Escherichia coli is the most frequent Gram-negative bacilli involved in intra-abdominal infections. However, despite high mortality rates associated with biliary tract infections due to E. coli, there is no study focusing on this pathogen. In this study, we have characterized a group of 15 E. coli isolates obtained from 12 patients with biliary tract infections. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were recovered. Phylogeny, resistome, and virulome analysis through whole genome sequencing and biofilm formation were investigated. Among the 15 E. coli isolates, no predominant sequence type (ST) was identified, although 3 of them belonged to unknown STs (20%). Resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cotrimoxazole, and quinolones was more present in these isolates; whereas, third and fourth generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, amikacin, tigecycline, and colistin were highly active. Moreover, high diversity of virulence factors has been found, with sfa, fimH, and gad the most frequently detected genes. Interestingly, 26.6% of the E. coli isolates were high biofilm-producers. Altogether, our data characterized for the first time E. coli isolates associated with biliary tract infections in terms of genomic relationship, resistome, and virulome.
Biologization of Collagen-Based Biomaterials Using Liquid-Platelet-Rich Fibrin: New Insights into Clinically Applicable Tissue Engineering
Authors: Al-Maawi Sarah , Herrera-Vizcaíno Carlos , Orlowska Anna , Willershausen Ines , Sader Robert , Miron Richard  J , Choukroun Joseph , Ghanaati Shahram
Published: December 2019

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a blood concentrate derived from venous blood that is processed without anticoagulants by a one-step centrifugation process. This three-dimensional scaffold contains inflammatory cells and plasma proteins entrapped in a fibrin matrix. Liquid-PRF was developed based on the previously described low-speed centrifuge concept (LSCC), which allowed the introduction of a liquid-PRF formulation of fibrinogen and thrombin prior to its conversion to fibrin. Liquid-PRF was introduced to meet the clinical demand for combination with biomaterials in a clinically applicable and easy-to-use way. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, ex vivo, the interaction of the liquid-PRF constituents with five different collagen biomaterials by histological analyses. The results first demonstrated that large variability existed between the biomaterials investigated. Liquid-PRF was able to completely invade Mucograft® (MG; Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and to partly invade Bio-Gide® (BG; Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and Mucoderm® (MD; Botiss Biomaterials, Berlin, Germany), and Collprotect® (CP; Botiss Biomaterials, Berlin, Germany) showed only a superficial interaction. The BEGO® collagen membrane (BCM; BEGO Implant Systems) appeared to be completely free of liquid-PRF. These results were confirmed by the different cellular penetration and liquid-PRF absorption coefficient (PAC) values of the evaluated membranes. The present study demonstrates a system for loading biomaterials with a complex autologous cell system (liquid-PRF) in a relatively short period of time and in a clinically relevant manner. The combination of biomaterials with liquid-PRF may be clinically utilized to enhance the bioactivity of collagen-based biomaterials and may act as a biomaterial-based growth factor delivery system.
Detection of Delamination with Various Width-to-depth Ratios in Concrete Bridge Deck Using Passive IRT: Limits and Applicability
Authors: Mac Van Ha , Tran Quang Huy , Huh Jungwon , Doan Nhu Son , Kang Choonghyun , Han Dongyeob
Published: December 2019

In bridge structures, concrete decks have a higher risk of damage than other components owing to the direct impact of traffic. This study aims to develop a comprehensive system for bridge inspection using passive infrared thermography (IRT). Experiments were conducted on a concrete specimen (assumed as the surface of the bridge deck) embedded artificial delaminations with different width-to-depth ratios (WTDRs). Both professional handheld IR camera (H-IRC) and a UAV mounted with an IR camera (UAV-IRC) were employed simultaneously to capture the surface temperature of the structure. The present work indicates that the passive IRT technique with an H-IRC can be used to detect delaminations located at depths of 4 cm or less from the structure surface if the WTDRs are not lesser than 1.9 for daytime and 2.5 for nighttime when testing on a sunny day. In addition, the larger the WTDR, the higher the temperature difference can be produced, thus delaminations could be observed more clearly. Furthermore, our study suggests that the concrete bridge deck inspection using passive IRT can produce appropriate results if the inspection is performed from 10:00 to 15:00 or from 19:30 to approximately 2:00 on a sunny day. Good agreement between the results obtained from tests using H-IRC and UAV-IRC was observed, which validates the application of UAV-IRC in real structure inspection.
Fabrication and Histological Evaluation of Porous Carbonate Apatite Block from Gypsum Block Containing Spherical Phenol Resin as a Porogen
Authors: Sakemi Yuta , Hayashi Koichiro , Tsuchiya Akira , Nakashima Yasuharu , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: December 2019

The utility of carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) as a bone substitute has been demonstrated. The feasibility of fabricating macroporous CO3Ap was evaluated through a two-step dissolution–precipitation reaction using gypsum as the precursor and spherical phenol resin as the porogen. Porogen-containing gypsum was heated to burn out the porogen and to fabricate macroporous structures. Gypsum transformed into CaCO3 upon immersion in a sodium carbonate solution, while maintaining its macroporous structure. Next, CaCO3 transformed into CO3Ap upon immersion in a Na2HPO4 solution while maintaining its macroporous structure. The utility of the macroporous CO3Ap for histologically reconstructing bone defects was evaluated in rabbit femurs. After 4 weeks, a much larger bone was formed inside the macroporous CO3Ap than that inside non-macroporous CO3Ap and macroporous hydroxyapatite (HAp). A larger amount of bone was observed inside non-macroporous CO3Ap than inside macroporous HAp. The bone defects were completely reconstructed within 12 weeks using macroporous CO3Ap. In conclusion, macroporous CO3Ap has good potential as an ideal bone substitute.
Experimental Investigation on the Impact Resistance of Carbon Fibers Reinforced Coral Concrete
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhou Jingkai , Wen Xiaoyan , Guo Jianhua , Zhang Xuanyu , Deng Zhiheng , Wang Huailiang
Published: December 2019

In this study, the impact resistance of coral concrete with different carbon fiber (CF) dosages subjected to drop-weight impact test was investigated. For this purpose, three concrete strength grades (C20, C30, C40) and six CF dosages (0.0%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% by weight of the binder) were considered, and a total of 18 groups of carbon fibers reinforced coral concrete (CFRCC) were cast. For each group, eight specimens were tested following the drop-weight impact test suggested by CECS 13. Then, the two-parameter Weibull distribution theory was adopted to statistically analyze the variations in experimental results. The results indicated that the addition of CFs could transform the failure pattern from obvious brittleness to relatively good ductility and improve the impact resistance of coral concrete. Moreover, the impact resistance of CFRCC increases with the CF dosage increasing. The statistical analysis showed that the probability distribution of the blow numbers at the initial crack and final failure of CFRCC approximately follows the two-parameter Weibull distribution.
Influence of Dental Composite Viscosity in Attachment Reproduction: An Experimental in Vitro Study
Authors: D’Antò Vincenzo , Muraglie Simone , Castellano Beatrice , Candida Ettore , Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Scribante Andrea , Grippaudo Cristina
Published: December 2019

Background: Attachments are composite auxiliaries that are used during a clear aligner orthodontic therapy to achieve difficult tooth movements. Two important factors are the planned configuration and the actual position of these auxiliary elements to obtain the desired force system. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of different composite materials in the correct reproduction of attachment shape and position. Methods: The materials that were considered in the study were a flowable resin, a dental restorative material, and an orthodontic composite. The attachments were created on three models of extracted teeth. Once the impressions were performed, 25 attachments of different shapes were added onto each virtual model to obtain the necessary templates to make the attachments. Each tested material was used to create a set of 25 attachments that were then scanned with an accuracy of 10μm. The resultant STL (stereolithography) files were superimposed onto the ones from the initial virtual plan, through Geomagic software, and the aligned scans were then compared while using a color map. The parameters that were calculated to make a comparison between the created attachments and the ideal ones were the maximum deviation in defect and in excess, the overflow, and the volume’s difference. In addition to these measurements comparing the three above-mentioned groups, the difference in volume between all the ideal and realized samples were analyzed. To test for differences among the three groups, a one-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used with a Bonferroni post-hoc test. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant results were found between the three groups regarding the maximum value in defect, the maximum value in excess, and the minimum value as control, while a statistically significant difference was found between the overflow of orthodontic resin when compared to the flowable composite. Conclusions: The three materials that were used in this study were appropriate for attachment fabrication. The fidelity of attachment reproduction was similar when using the three different composites. The orthodontic composite showed more overflow when compared with the flowable one.
Sensor-Assisted Assessment of the Tribological Behavioral Patterns of Al–SiCp Composites under Various Environmental Temperature Conditions
Authors: S Manivannan , S Senthil Kumaran , Narayanan Srinivasan , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Joseph Raj Alex Noel
Published: December 2019

Currently, the use of sensors and supporting technologies has become indispensable in the assessment of tribological behavioral patterns of composites. Furthermore, the current investigation focused on the assessment of the tribological behavior of the Al–SiCp composite for high-temperature applications. Moreover, the Al–SiCp composite was fabricated by adapting the liquid metallurgy route with varying weight percentages of SiCp (x = 3, 6, and 9). Density, hardness, and high-temperature wear tests were performed to evaluate the hardness and tribological characteristics and properties of modern-day advanced composites. Moreover, the inclusion of SiCp enhanced the advanced composite materials hardness from 60 HV to 110 HV due to a high degree of refinement of the α-phase. Subsequently, the fabricated samples’ wear behavior was assessed by varying the wear parameter viz. the applied load (20 N and 30 N) and sliding distance (250 m, 500 m, 750 m, and 1000 m) with the constant sliding velocity (0.45 m/s) for various temperatures (40 °C, 150 °C, and 250 °C). Moreover, the results revealed that the enhancement in the reinforcement percentage improves the wear resistance. Consequently, the wear rate decreased at 250 °C, possibly owing to the development of the oxide layers. Therefore, the occurrence of delamination and plastic deformation were evidenced in the wear-out surface, thereby depicting the prevalence of delamination and the abrasive wear-mechanism.
Mode Conversion of the Edge Modes in the Graphene Double-Ribbon Bend
Authors: Zhang Lanlan , Xue Binghan , Wang Yueke
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a new kind of graphene double-ribbon bend structure, which can support two edge graphene surface plasmons (EGSPs) modes, is proposed. In this double-ribbon bend, one edge mode can be partly converted into another one. We attribute the mode conversion mechanism to the interference between the two edge plasmonic modes. Based on the finite element method (FEM), we calculate the transmission and loss of EGSPs propagating along this graphene double-ribbon bend in the mid-infrared range under different parameters.
A Double-Switch Temperature-Sensitive Controlled Release Antioxidant Film Embedded with Lyophilized Nanoliposomes Encapsulating Rosemary Essential Oils for Solid Food
Authors: Chen Xi , Long Qing , Zhu Lei , Lu Li-Xin , Sun Li-Nan , Pan Liao , Lu Li-Jing , Yao Wei-Rong
Published: December 2019

In order to match the solid food oxidation during logistics and storage process under severe high temperature, a double-switch temperature-sensitive controlled release antioxidant film embedded with lyophilized nanoliposomes encapsulating rosemary essential oils (REOs) was prepared. The double switch temperature at 35.26 and 56.98 °C was achieved by development of a temperature sensitive polyurethane (TSPU) film. With biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPET) as a barrier layer, the intelligent complex film was prepared via coating the TSPU embedded with lyophilized nanoliposomes encapsulating REOs on BOPET. The results indicate that the REO is well encapsulated in nanoliposomes with encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 67.3%, high stability and lasting antioxidant effect during 60 days. The incorporation of lyophilized nanoliposomes containing REOs into TSPU remains the double-switch temperature-sensitive characteristic of the prepared TSPU. In agreement with porosity and WVTR results, the diffusion coefficient (D) of the antioxidant complex film sharply increases respectively at two switching temperatures, indicating that the intelligent double-switch temperature-sensitive controlled release property is functioning. Furthermore, compared with films directly added with REO, the lower Ds of films added with lyophilized nanoliposomes encapsulating REOs provides a longer-lasting antioxidant activity. Thus, the acquired controlled release antioxidant film sensitive to temperature at 39.56 and 56.00 °C can be potentially applied for protection of solid food during distribution and storage process under severe high temperatures.