bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adherence to oral pharmacological treatment in cancer patients: Systematic review
Authors: Perdomo Claros Melissa , Marín Messa Claudia Viviana , García-Perdomo Herney Andrés
Published: April 2019

The objective was to identify the best-validated scale for assessing oral pharmacological adherence in oncology patients. A bibliographic search was performed in MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, CENTRAL and LILACS. We included all studies in which a validation of adherence scales to oral pharmacological treatment was performed in oncology patients older than 18 years without gender distinction. We excluded studies that included newly diagnosed patients. No statistical analysis was performed due to the nature of the study. A total of 4609 studies were found. After screening, six studies were selected for qualitative analysis. In the analysis of the six included studies, a total of 855 patients older than 18 years with oncological diagnoses were found. Two of the studies, Bagcivan et al. and Amorim et al., used scales that show acceptable validity and reliability to adequately measure adherence to pharmacological treatment in each of the patients. In this way, the quality of patient care and success in pharmacological treatments can be guaranteed. According to the results obtained in the evaluation of biases and analysis of psychometric properties, the best-validated scales are as follows: Adherence Determinants Questionnaire (ADQ) (Brazilian version) and the Oral Chemotherapy Adherence Scale (OCAS). These are valid, reliable and useful scales that can be adapted to any cultural context.
A comprehensive overview of mitochondrial DNA 4977-bp deletion in cancer studies
Authors: Mohamed Yusoff Abdul Aziz , Wan Abdullah Wan Salihah , Mohd Khair Siti Zulaikha Nashwa , Abd Radzak Siti Muslihah
Published: April 2019

Mitochondria are cellular machines essential for energy production. The biogenesis of mitochondria is a highly complex and it depends on the coordination of the nuclear and mitochondrial genome. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and deletions are suspected to be associated with carcinogenesis. The most described mtDNA deletion in various human cancers is called the 4977-bp common deletion (mDNA4977) and it has been explored since two decades. In spite of that, its implication in carcinogenesis still unknown and its predictive and prognostic impact remains controversial. This review article provides an overview of some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying mDNA4977 formation and a detailed summary about mDNA4977 reported in various types of cancers. The current knowledges of mDNA4977 as a prognostic and predictive marker are also discussed.
Mental mapping in the admiration song in Song of Songs 7:2–7
Authors: Fischer Stefan
Published: April 2019

Mental mapping is a method of interpreting with conceptual metaphors. This method is applied to the admiration song in Song of Songs 7:2–7. The song is interpreted in the context of a dance. For the purpose of interpretation, ancient Egyptian dance paintings and love poems are taken into account. The interpretation presents a methodological study that unmasks arbitrary exegesis and implausible interpretations. It discovers its subtle conceptual metaphors and shows a strategy for a comprehensible exegesis. As a side effect, the male chauvinism present in this song is deconstructed.
Vulnerability of Southern Afar pastoralists to climate variability and change, Ethiopia
Authors: Fenta Muluken , Jordaan Andries , Melka Yoseph
Published: April 2019

The present study was carried out in the Southern Afar region in Ethiopia to assess the vulnerability of pastoral communities to climate change and variability. A household questionnaire survey was employed to collect data at a household level. A total of 250 pastoral households were sampled using stratified random sampling. The results revealed that 28.8% of the pastoral households were highly vulnerable. Most of the households (53.6%) were moderately vulnerable. Only 17.6% of the households were capable of coping even though there would be a high probability of moving from less vulnerable to a moderate or high vulnerability level in the future if no appropriate adaptive measures would be taken by decision-makers. Policies with emphasis on empowerment of women, such as improving their access to and control over resources through a better institutional set-up; improving irrigation facilities and skills; expanding the participation of pastoral households on irrigation farming; creating opportunities for non-farm income; and improving access to credits, markets, health and veterinary services, are expected to enhance pastoralists’ resilience.
Hyperbolic components of rational maps: Quantitative equidistribution and counting
Authors: Gauthier Thomas , Okuyama Yûsuke , Vigny Gabriel
Published: April 2019

Let

\Lambda

be a quasi-projective variety and assume that, either

\Lambda

is a subvariety of the moduli space

\mathcal M_d

of degree

d

rational maps, or

\Lambda

parametrizes an algebraic family

(f_\lambda)_{\lambda\in\Lambda}

of degree

d

rational maps on

\mathbb P^1

. We prove the equidistribution of parameters having

p

distinct neutral cycles towards the bifurcation current

T_{\mathrm {bif}}^p

letting the periods of the cycles go to

\infty

, with an exponential speed of convergence. Several consequences of this result are:

As a by-product, we also get the weak genericity of hyperbolic postcritically finiteness in the moduli space of rational maps. A key step of the proof is a locally uniform version of the quantitative approximation of the Lyapunov exponent of a rational map by the

\log^+

of the moduli of the multipliers of periodic points.
Prioritization of Diversity During the Residency Match: Trends for a New Workforce
Authors: Dinh Julie V. , Salas Eduardo
Published: April 2019

Background

The medical community has been paying increasing attention to diversity. Nascent research suggests that the physician workforce may be experiencing value shifts in this area.

Objective

This study aims to understand how residency applicant perspectives toward diversity may be evolving.

Methods

The National Resident Matching Program surveys all applicants regarding factors they consider important when ranking residency programs. Survey data from 2008–2017 were analyzed for changes in respondent perceptions of cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity of geographic location (geographic diversity) and cultural, racial, ethnic, and gender diversity at the destination institution (institutional diversity). We calculated weighted averages and visualized: percentage of respondents citing diversity as a factor when applying for interviews; and mean applicant ratings of diversity when ranking programs, using a 5-point scale (1, not important, to 5, extremely important).

Results

Respondents at 5 time points ranged from 13 156 to 16 575, with response rates from 42.4% to 58.5%. Between 2008 and 2017, the percentage of applicants citing diversity as a consideration when applying to interview increased from 27.8% to 33.2% for geographic diversity and from 22.3% to 33.8% for institutional diversity. Applicants' mean ratings of importance of diversity when ranking programs increased from 2.7 to 4.2 for geographic diversity and from 2.4 to 4.2 for institutional diversity.

Conclusions

Over the past 9 years and across specialties, a growing percentage of applicants are considering geographic and institutional diversity when applying to interview at residency programs. Applicants report that both forms of diversity are increasingly important when ranking programs.
A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study of Dermoscopy in various Nail Diseases at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Chatterjee Manas , Neema Shekhar , Rathod Dipali , Makhecha Meena Bhaskar , Singh Tishya
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Nail diseases may often possess a challenge for the treating dermatologist, as they may primarily be affected without any skin involvement and sometimes may present with subtle changes which can be easily missed by the naked eye. The macroscopic nail changes can be assessed very well with a naked eye, however, the important minutiae may be assessed with a dermoscope.

Aim

To study the characteristic dermoscopic findings in various nail diseases.

Materials and methods

A total of 250 patients (males-130, females-120) with clinically evident nail diseases were enrolled in this cross-sectional descriptive study. After a thorough clinical examination, patients were subjected to dermoscopic examination of all 20 nails. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test (in a very few patients of nail diseases) were used for statistical analysis, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.

Results

Nail psoriasis (n = 45) was the commonest nail disease found in which the most common dermoscopic feature was circular punctate depressions (64.5%). Onychomycosis (n = 40) was the next common disease in which yellowish discoloration (100%) was commonly seen in all patients and rough scaly surface (100%) in the total dystrophic type. In pitted keratolysis (n = 19) transverse brown bands (57.9%) were most commonly seen as was the case in eczemas. Lichen planus (n = 14) was associated with longitudinal fissuring (64.3%) most commonly. Trachyonychia (n = 5) was associated with longitudinal fissuring (100%) in all cases. The most common dermoscopic feature of alopecia areata (n = 4) was circular punctate depressions (75%). Systemic scleroderma (n = 4) typically showed giant capillaries (75%) as the most common feature.

Conclusion

A meticulous search with the dermoscope, furnishes minuscule details of the nail unit that can be diagnostic of several nail diseases at an early stage before dystrophy sets in. However, further studies are required to validate these findings.

Clinical significance

Dermoscopy is a noninvasive complementary tool which aids in diagnosis of nail diseases more quickly and can also be used for monitoring the evolution, therapeutic response, and prognosis of these diseases.

How to cite this article

Rathod D, Makhecha MB, Chatterjee M, Singh T, Neema S. A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study of Dermoscopy in various Nail Diseases at a Tertiary Care Center. Int J Dermoscop 2017;1(1):11-19.
Onychoscopy: An Overview
Authors: Singal Archana , Jakhar Deepak
Published: April 2019

Onychoscopy is the examination of nail and its components with the help of a dermatoscope. It is a noninvasive, painless, cost-effective, and reproducible office procedure. The enhanced andin vivomagnified visualization offered by onychoscopy helps us to identify various features not seen on naked eye examination. So onychoscopy serves as an interface between histological and clinical examination.

How to cite this article

Singal A, Jakhar D. Onychoscopy: An Overview. Int J Dermoscop 2017;1(2):41-49.
Checklist for Nailfold Capillaroscopy Findings in Systemic Sclerosis: ABCDEGH
Authors: Balakrishnan Nirmal
Published: April 2019

How to cite this article

Nirmal B. Checklist for Nailfold Capillaroscopy Findings in Systemic Sclerosis: ABCDEGH. Int J Dermoscop 2017;1(2):54-55.
Temporal variations of herbage production and nutritive value of three grasslands at different elevation zones regarding grazing needs and welfare of ruminants
Authors: Koidou Maria , Mountousis Ioannis , Dotas Vassilios , Zagorakis Konstantinos , Yiakoulaki Maria
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Interannual and monthly variations of herbage production and nutritive value regarding grazing ruminants' needs and welfare were evaluated in three grasslands (semi-mountainous, mountainous and sub-alpine) located at different altitudes (480–900, 901–1500 and 1501–2334 m, respectively) in northern Greece during 2015–2016. Herbage biomass was collected from 30 experimental cages (10 per grassland), weighed, dried at 65 ∘C, milled and analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The sub-alpine grassland was the most productive (1031 and 1231 kg DM ha−1) with the highest mean annual herbage CP content (93 and 87 g kg−1 dry matter; DM) for 2015 and 2016, respectively. CP content was sufficient to meet small ruminants' and beef cattle maintenance requirements until April and May in the semi-mountainous and mountainous grasslands, respectively, while it could cover the above requirements in the sub-alpine grassland until June and August, respectively. The herbage Ca concentration was higher than the grazing ruminants' needs, while the phosphorus concentration was insufficient. Protein and phosphorus supplementation should be provided to animals to cover their maintenance requirements during the whole period and to reach high levels of welfare. Even though grazing is considered as a welfare-friendly procedure, it is uncertain whether all the welfare principals are satisfied in extensive production systems due to variations of forage availability and nutritive value as well as the lack of infrastructure in grasslands.
Identification and quantification of particulate tracers of exhaust and non-exhaust vehicle emissions
Authors: Charron Aurélie , Polo-Rehn Lucie , Besombes Jean-Luc , Golly Benjamin , Buisson Christine , Chanut Hervé , Marchand Nicolas , Guillaud Géraldine , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc
Published: April 2019

Abstract. In order to identify and quantify key species associated with non-exhaust
emissions and exhaust vehicular emissions, a large comprehensive dataset of
particulate species has been obtained thanks to simultaneous near-road and
urban background measurements coupled with detailed traffic counts and
chassis dynamometer measurements of exhaust emissions of a few in-use
vehicles well-represented in the French fleet. Elemental carbon, brake-wear
metals (Cu, Fe, Sb, Sn, Mn), n-alkanes (C19-C26), light-molecular-weight
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs; pyrene, fluoranthene, anthracene) and two hopanes (17α21βnorhopane and
17α21βhopane) are strongly associated with the
road traffic. Traffic-fleet emission factors have been determined for all of
them and are consistent with most recent published equivalent data. When
possible, light-duty- and heavy-duty-traffic emission factors are also
determined. In the absence of significant non-combustion emissions, light-duty-traffic
emissions are in good agreement with emissions from chassis
dynamometer measurements. Since recent measurements in Europe including those
from this study are consistent, ratios involving copper (Cu∕Fe and Cu∕Sn)
could be used as brake-wear emissions tracers as long as brakes with Cu
remain in use. Near the Grenoble ring road, where the traffic was largely
dominated by diesel vehicles in 2011 (70 %), the OC∕EC ratio estimated for
traffic emissions was around 0.4. Although the use of quantitative data for
source apportionment studies is not straightforward for the identified
organic molecular markers, their presence seems to well-characterize fresh
traffic emissions.
Atomic oxygen number densities in the mesosphere–lower thermosphere region measured by solid electrolyte sensors on WADIS-2
Authors: Eberhart Martin , Löhle Stefan , Strelnikov Boris , Hedin Jonas , Khaplanov Mikhail , Fasoulas Stefanos , Gumbel Jörg , Lübken Franz-Josef , Rapp Markus
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Absolute profiles of atomic oxygen number densities with high vertical
resolution have been determined in the mesosphere–lower thermosphere (MLT) region from in situ
measurements by several rocket-borne solid electrolyte sensors. The
amperometric sensors were operated in both controlled and uncontrolled modes
and with various orientations on the foredeck and aft deck of the payload.
Calibration was based on mass spectrometry in a molecular beam containing
atomic oxygen produced in a microwave discharge. The sensor signal is
proportional to the number flux onto the electrodes, and the mass flow rate in
the molecular beam was additionally measured to derive this quantity from the
spectrometer reading. Numerical simulations provided aerodynamic correction
factors to derive the atmospheric number density of atomic oxygen from the
sensor data. The flight results indicate a preferable orientation of the
electrode surface perpendicular to the rocket axis. While unstable during the
upleg, the density profiles measured by these sensors show an excellent
agreement with the atmospheric models and photometer results during the
downleg of the trajectory. The high spatial resolution of the measurements
allows for the identification of small-scale variations in the atomic oxygen
concentration.
Reflection of the strahl within the foot of the Earth's bow shock
Authors: Gurgiolo Christopher A. , Goldstein Melvyn L. , Viñas Adolfo
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The reflection of a fraction of the solar wind at the bow shock to some
extent defines the physical properties of what is known as the foreshock, the
region where the interplanetary magnetic field has a direct connection to the
bow shock. Both ion and electron reflection have been observed and together
form a significant source of free energy that is responsible for many of the
instabilities observed in this region. In this paper we concentrate on the
reflection of electrons at the shock and report two significant findings: the
first is that the strahl, the field-aligned component of the electron solar
wind distribution, appears to be fully reflected at the bow shock; the second
finding is that the reflection is observed to occur in the foot of the shock
and not in the shock ramp. This latter observation implies that mirroring in
these examples is not the primary determinant of the electron reflection
process.
Calibration of torque measurement under constant rotation in a wind turbine test bench
Authors: Weidinger Paula , Foyer Gisa , Kock Stefan , Gnauert Jonas , Kumme Rolf
Published: April 2019

Abstract. To determine the efficiency of multi-MW wind turbines, the torque measurement in wind turbine test benches has to be performed with an accuracy better than 0.2 %. To this end, the torque measurement has to be traced to national standards in the MN m range. This can be done by using a novel torque transfer standard in combination with a newly developed torque calibration procedure under constant rotation, which are both presented and discussed in this paper. The calibration procedure was performed on a 4 MW wind turbine test bench and the evaluation of the calibration result, including a measurement uncertainty, is explained in detail.
Projected changes to extreme freezing precipitation and design ice loads over North America based on a large ensemble of Canadian regional climate model simulations
Authors: Jeong Dae Il , Cannon Alex J. , Zhang Xuebin
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Atmospheric ice accretion caused by freezing precipitation (FP) can lead to severe damage and the
failure of buildings and infrastructure. This study investigates projected
changes to extreme ice loads – those used to design infrastructure over
North America (NA) – for future periods of specified global mean temperature
change (GMTC), relative to the recent 1986–2016 period, using a large
50-member initial-condition ensemble of the CanRCM4 regional climate model,
driven by CanESM2 under the RCP8.5 scenario. The analysis is based on
3-hourly ice accretions on horizontal, vertical and radial surfaces
calculated based on FP diagnosed by the offline Bourgouin algorithm and wind
speed during FP. The CanRCM4 ensemble projects an increase in future design
ice loads for most of northern NA and decreases for most of southern NA and
some northeastern coastal regions. These changes are mainly caused by
regional increases in future upper-level and surface temperatures associated
with global warming. Projected changes in design ice thickness are also
affected by changes in future precipitation intensity and surface wind speed.
Changes in upper-level and surface temperature conditions for FP occurrence
in CanRCM4 are in broad agreement with those from nine global climate models
but display regional differences under the same level of global warming,
indicating that a larger multi-model, multi-scenario ensemble may be needed
to better account for additional sources of structural and scenario
uncertainty. Increases in ice accretion for latitudes higher than
40∘ N are substantial and would have clear implications for future
building and infrastructure design.
SURFACE MODIFICATION OF NANO TITANIUM DIOXIDE (TiO2) BY CATIONIC SURFACTANTS AND INVESTIGATION OF ITS EFFECT ON THE PROPERTIES OF NATURAL RUBBER (NR) NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Roy Kumarjyoti , Sikdar Debdas , Mandal Swapan Kumar , Debnath Subhas Chandra
Published: April 2019

We investigate the reinforcing effects of both unmodified and surface modified nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the cure, mechanical, and thermal properties of natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites. The surface of nano TiO2 is modified by cationic surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB). The surface modification of nano TiO2 is characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The result reveals that surface modified nano TiO2 is much more efficient in improving the resulting properties of NR nanocomposites in comparison with unmodified nano TiO2. The excellent improvement in the properties of surface modified nano TiO2/NR composites is due to the better hydrophobicity and uniform dispersion of modified nano TiO2 within the NR matrix, as confirmed from morphological analysis. CTAB is much more effective than TEAB with respect to the properties of nano TiO2 based NR composites.
Do Irritations of Ads in Line Really Matter?
Authors: Tsao Wen-Yu
Published: April 2019

The Advertisings (ads) in LINE are the marketing promotions for enterprises to increase consumers’ purchase intentions. People are likely to feel ads as unwelcome and irritating information and get unfavorable behavioral intentions. Information quality (IQ) and access convenience are the key factors of people satisfaction to decrease their unfavorable behavioral intentions including complaints, blockade, and negative WOM (NWOM). With data collected from a sample of 230 people in Taiwan, the results got the IQ and access convenience of ads impacted on unfavorable behavioral intentions through satisfaction and was particularly moderated by irritation with AMOS 21.0. The implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Basal cell carcinoma: variation in invasion depth by subtype, sex, and anatomic site in 4,565 cases
Authors: Pyne John H. , Myint Esther , Barr Elizabeth M. , Clark Simon P. , Hou Ruihang
Published: April 2019

Background: The depth of invasion by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtypes varies.

Objective: To investigate BCC invasion depth variation by subtype and anatomic site.

Method: A prospective consecutive case series of excised BCC from 2009 to 2014 in a single Australian clinic.

Results: Descending mean depths for a total of 4,565 BCC cases by subtype were as follows: nodulocystic, 1.9 mm (n = 84, 95% CI: 1.70–2.03, P = 0.66); nodular, 1.6 mm (n = 947, 95% CI: 1.53–1.63, P < 0.0001); aggressive, 1.5 mm (n = 925, 95% CI: 1.44–1.59, P < 0.0001); superficial combined with nodular, 0.9 mm (n = 1,081, 95% CI: 0.83-0.90, P < 0.0001); and superficial, 0.3 mm (n = 1,528, 95% CI: 0.32-0.36, P < 0.0001). Deeper invasion was associated with increased chronic sunlight exposed sites. The deepest aggressive BCCs occurred on the neck with a mean depth of 1.8 mm (n = 46, 95% CI:1.47–2.21).

Conclusion: We found significant differences in the depth of invasion for BCCs by sex, subtype, and anatomic site. For BCC with characteristics matching this study, overall adequate microscopic excision depths are proposed: superficial, 1.0 mm; superficial combined with nodular, 2.0 mm; nodular, 3.0 mm; and aggressive, 3.0 mm.
Degree of differentiation of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a comparison between a Swedish cohort of organ transplant recipients and immunocompetent patients
Authors: Stenman Caroline , Gonzalez Helena , Gillstedt Martin , Dellgren Göran , Hasséus Bengt , Holmberg Erik , Rexius Helena , Öhman Jenny , Paoli John
Published: April 2019

Background: Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have a very high risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Immunosuppressed OTRs may have a higher proportion of poorly differentiated cSCC than non-OTRs.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of differentiation of cSCCs in OTRs compared with immunocompetent individuals.

Patients/Methods: Data from the Swedish Cancer Registry were crosschecked with data from the Transplant registry of the Transplant Institute at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden. All OTRs with a diagnosis of cSCC, basosquamous carcinoma, and/or cSCC in situ established at the Department of Dermatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, during 2002-2015 were included. The control group consisted of non-OTRs with the same diagnoses during the same time period.

Results: During 2002-2015, 82 OTRs diagnosed with 515 tumors and 883 non-OTRs with 1,247 tumors were included. OTRs developed 0.47 tumors/year vs 0.10 tumors/year for non-OTRs, but no significant differences were observed in the degree of tumor differentiation of invasive cSCCs between OTRs and non-OTRs (P = 0.4). The distribution of poorly, moderately, and well-differentiated invasive cSCCs among OTRs and non-OTRs were 8.5% vs 12.5%, 22.1% vs 29.9%, and 69.4% vs 57.6%, respectively.

Conclusions: OTRs do not develop a higher proportion of poorly differentiated cSCCs than non-OTRs.
Los procesos matemáticos en la práctica docente: análisis de la fiabilidad de un cuestionario de evaluación
Authors: Maurandi López Antonio , Alsina Ángel , Coronata Segure Claudia
Published: April 2019

Este artículo presenta los resultados del análisis de la fiabilidad interna de un cuestionario que ha sido construido para evaluar la presencia de los procesos matemáticos en las prácticas de enseñanza-aprendizaje de las matemáticas. Una vez validado el instrumento mediante juicio de expertos en un estudio previo, 20 expertos evaluadores administran el instrumento a 95 maestros de colegios de Educación Infantil y Primaria de la Comunidad de Murcia (España). Los datos obtenidos han sido analizados con el paquete estadístico R versión 3.1.0 sobre una plataforma i686-pc-linux-gnu (32-bit). El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, basado en puntuaciones estandarizadas, muestra que la consistencia interna es buena (coeficiente alfa medio .789 en Infantil y .86 en Primaria), siendo el valor más bajo el correspondiente al proceso “representación” en Educación Infantil, con un valor de .74, que puede valorarse también como una consistencia interna aceptable.

This article presents the results of an internal reliability analysis of a questionnaire designed to evaluate the presence of mathematical processes in the practices used to teach and learn mathematics. After validating the instrument by means of expert judgement in a prior study, 20 expert evaluators administered the instrument to 95 teachers of preschool and primary education in the Community of Murcia (Spain). The data obtained was analysed with the R-3.1.0 statistical package on an i686-pc-linux-gnu (32-bit) platform. Based on standardised scores, the Cronbach alpha shows a good level of internal consistency (median alpha coefficient .789 for Preschool and .86 for Primary), with the lowest level corresponding to the process of “representation” in preschool, with a value of .74, which is still considered to be an acceptable level of internal consistency.
THE ELECTROCOAGULATION/ADVANCED OXIDATION TREATMENT OF THE WELL WATER FROM ŽUPANJA
Authors: Oreščanin Višnja , Kollar Robert , Vratarić Dražen , Nadj Karlo , Medunić Gordana , Lončar Goran , Halkijević Ivan , Kuspilić Marin
Published: April 2019

The work was development and application of the purification system suitable for the treatment of groundwater used for human consumption as well as watering of the plants in the system for the hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes. For that purpose the well water from the 60 m deep water layer situated near the city of Županja (Eastern Croatia) was processed. Most of the measured parameters exceeded upper permissible limit (UPL) for drinking water. The concentrations of the parameters color, turbidity, iron, manganese, arsenic, phosphates, chemical oxygen demand and ammonia were as follows 292±20 mg/PtCo, 21±5 NTU, 1.72±0.34 mg/L, 0.075±0.014 mg/L, 0.074±0.011 mg/L, 10.4±1.7 mg/L, 37±1 mg/L and 1.2±0.1 mg/L, respectively. Due to the complex composition of the treated water, the purification system required the combination of electrochemical treatment, using iron and aluminum electrode plates with simultaneous ozonation followed by post treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The electrocoagulation/ozonation approach was used for the removal of heavy metals, color, turbidity, phosphates and partially organic matter while the rest of the organic contaminants and ammonia were removed by the treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ozone. Following the combined electrochemical treatment and post treatment with hydrogen peroxide and ozone all measured parameters in the treated water were in agreement with regulated values. The combined treatment resulted in total removal of arsenic, color, turbidity, ammonia and organic contaminants while the removal of other parameters of interest was up to 97.98%.
UTICAJ PROCESNIH BOJA NA PARAMETRE KVALITETA DIGITALNO ŠTAMPANIH TEKSTILNIH PODLOGA
Authors: Stančić Mladen , Kašiković Nemanja , Novaković Dragoljub
Published: April 2019

Procesne boje, svojim karakteristikama, značajno utiču na kvalitet štampe. Kvalitet štampe, sam po sebi, predstavlja složen pojam, jer uključuje željenu reprodukciju boja kao i odgovarajuću reprodukciju elemenata slike. U radu su prikazana istraživanja uticajapojedinačnih procesnih boja na parametre kvaliteta digitalno štampanih tekstilnih materijala različitog sirovinskog sastava. Istraživanje je obuhvatilo analizu osnovnih atributa kvaliteta štampe: makro neuniformnosti, reprodukciju linija i tačaka. Uzimajući u obzir rezultateistraživanja, može se zaključiti dapojedine procesne boje svojimkarakteristikamaumnogomeutičunakvalitet štampe.Pri sagledavanju cjelokupnog kvaliteta otisaka ne može se vršiti analiza parametara kvaliteta tekstilnihpodlogaštampanih samo jednom bojom. Zaključeno je da na kvalitet štampe utiče i podloga svojim sirovinskim sastavom.
POREĐENJE KINETIKE PRENOSA MASE ISTO-STRUJNOG I PROTIV-STRUNOG PROCESA OSMOTSKE DEHIDRATACIJE SVINJSKOG MESA
Authors: Filipović Vladimir , Lončar Biljana , Nićetin Milica , Knežević Violeta , Ačansk Marijana , Šuput Danijela
Published: April 2019

Postupak osmotske dehidratacije se sastoji od potapanja biološkog materijala, sa određenim sadržajem vode, u koncentrovane vodene rastvore koji sadrže osmotske agense (osmotski rastvor), pri čemu dolazi do prenosa dela mase vode iz ćelijskog materijala u osmotski rastvor. Jedna od mogućnosti povećanja efikasnosti procesa osmotske dehidratacije je primena  protivstrujnog procesa. Praćenje kinetike prenosa mase može da se koristi za procenu efikasnosti procesa osmotske dehidratacije, a primena protivstrujog procesa u osmotskoj dehidrataciji značajno povećava kinetiku prenosa mase u procesu, što dovodi do povećanja sveukupne efikasnost procesa osmotske dehidratacije.Cilj istraživanja je uporedna analiza kinetike prenosa mase u isto-strujnom i protiv-strujnom procesu osmotske dehidratacije svinjskog mesa u tri različita osmotska rastvora.Vreme trajanja procesa i priroda primenjenog osmotskog rastvora su statistički značajno uticali na gubitak vode, prirast suve materije i smanjenje mase u oba tipa procesa.Vrednosti parametara brzine gubitka vode i brzine smanjenja mase u svakom satu procesa i u oba tipa procesa, bile su najviše za R3, zatim za R2, a najmanje vrednosti za R1, dok je za brzinu prirasta suve materije zavisnost obrnuta.Sa protokom vremena trajanja procesa dolazi do većeg razblaženja osmotskih rastvora u istrostrujnim procesima, bržeg pada vrednosti brzine gubitka vode i brzine smanjenja mase i manjeg pada istih vrednosti u protivstrujnim procesima za sva tri osmotska rastvora, tako da do kraja petog sata sve vrednosti brzine smanjenja mase u protivstrujnim procesima su veće od odgovarajućih vrednosti u istrostrujnim procesima
Promjene proteinskih profila u domaćim fermentisanim kobasicama sa dodatkom proteina surutke i soje tokom čuvanja
Authors: Velemir Ana , Mandić Snježana , Samelak Ivan , Kukrić Zoran
Published: April 2019

Proteoliza sarkoplazmatičnih i miofibrilarnih proteina je vrlo važna biohemijska pojavakoja se javlja u toku zrenja fermentisanih proizvoda od mesa. Kao rezultat aktivnostiproteinaza i peptidaza, povećava se sadržaj polipeptida, peptida i slobodnih aminokiselina,koji učestvuju u razvoju mirisa, ukusa i teksture. SDS-PAGE elektroforezom analiziranisu proteinski profili domaćih fermentisanih kobasica sa dodatkom 0,5% i 1,5% izolatasurutke i soje. Pripremom uzoraka razdvojene su sarkoplazmatične i miofibrilarne frakcije.Denzitometrijski su preračunate molekulske mase proteina. Praćene su kvalitativnepromjene proteina nadjeva, kobasica nakon zrenja i tokom šestomjesečnog čuvanjavakuum pakovanih uzoraka na temperaturi od +4°C.Biohemijske promene, u osnovi, se malo razlikuju. Dinamika promjene elektroforetskihprofila sarkoplazmatičnih i miofibrilarnih proteina, pokazuju veoma slične tendencije.Elektroforetska slika miofibrilarnih proteina nadjeva prije punjenja u crijeva nam pokazujeda su prisutni proteini od ≈12 kDa do ≈105 kDa, kod uzoraka sa dodacima proteinasurutke i soje je vidljiv manji broj proteinskih frakcija u istom opsegu. U nadjevu svihuzoraka prisutan je veoma veliki broj sarkoplazmatičnih proteinskih frakcija, koje se krećuod ≈9 kDa do ≈110 kDa. Tokom zrenja dolazi do progresivne degradacije miofibrilarnihproteina, ali i do degradacije sarkoplazmatičnih proteina visokih molekulskih masa. Nakonšest mjeseci domaća fermentisana kobasica i kobasice sa dodatkom proteina soje imajuočito smanjenje broja frakcija, i identičan profil, dok su kod uzoraka sa dodatkom proteinasurutke primjetne frakcije kojih nema u ostalim uzorcima.
The lateral habenula in depression: a mini-review
Authors: Street Sterling
Published: April 2019

Although much remains unknown about this once-obscure structure, the lateral habenula is receiving increasing attention as a component of the circuitry of many conditions including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, pain disorders, substance use disorders, psychosis spectrum disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. In depression research, there is growing interest in this structure as a component of the brain’s “anti-reward system”, since it can inhibit the release of monoamines into regions involved in the expectation, pursuit, and receival of rewards. This mini-review covers the basics of lateral habenula structure and function, and discusses recent advances made in understanding habenular dysfunction in depression.
Mutant huntingtin impairs PNKP and ATXN3, disrupting DNA repair and transcription
Authors: Gao Rui , Chakraborty Anirban , Geater Charlene , Pradhan Subrata , Gordon Kara L , Snowden Jeffrey , Yuan Subo , Dickey Audrey S , Choudhary Sanjeev , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Ellerby Lisa M , La Spada Albert R , Thompson Leslie M , Hazra Tapas K , Sarkar Partha S
Published: April 2019

How huntingtin (HTT) triggers neurotoxicity in Huntington’s disease (HD) remains unclear. We report that HTT forms a transcription-coupled DNA repair (TCR) complex with RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A), ataxin-3, the DNA repair enzyme polynucleotide-kinase-3'-phosphatase (PNKP), and cyclic AMP-response element-binding (CREB) protein (CBP). This complex senses and facilitates DNA damage repair during transcriptional elongation, but its functional integrity is impaired by mutant HTT. Abrogated PNKP activity results in persistent DNA break accumulation, preferentially in actively transcribed genes, and aberrant activation of DNA damage-response ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) signaling in HD transgenic mouse and cell models. A concomitant decrease in Ataxin-3 activity facilitates CBP ubiquitination and degradation, adversely impacting transcription and DNA repair. Increasing PNKP activity in mutant cells improves genome integrity and cell survival. These findings suggest a potential molecular mechanism of how mutant HTT activates DNA damage-response pro-degenerative pathways and impairs transcription, triggering neurotoxicity and functional decline in HD.
Health, ecology and the microbiome
Authors: Inkpen S Andrew
Published: April 2019

Advances in microbiomics have changed the way in which many researchers think about health and disease. These changes have also raised a number of philosophical questions around these topics, such as the types of living systems to which these concepts can be applied. Here, I discuss the human microbiome from two perspectives: the first treats the microbiome as part of a larger system that includes the human; the second treats the microbiome as an independent ecosystem that provides services to humans. Drawing on the philosophy of medicine and ecology, I explore two questions: i) how can we make sense of disease and dysfunction in these two perspectives? ii) are these two perspectives complimentary or do they compete with each other?
The coast of giants: an anthropometric survey of high schoolers on the Adriatic coast of Croatia
Authors: Grasgruber Pavel , Prce Stipan , Stračárová Nikola , Hrazdíra Eduard , Cacek Jan , Popović Stevo , Hřebíčková Sylva , Potpara Predrag , Davidovič Ivan , Kalina Tomáš
Published: April 2019

The aim of this anthropometric survey was to map regional differences in height and body proportions in eight counties adjacent to the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Body height was measured in 1,803 males and 782 females aged 17–20 years at 66 schools in 23 towns. When corrected for population size in regions, mean male height is 182.6 cm in all eight counties, 182.8 cm in seven counties of Adriatic Croatia, and 183.7 cm in four counties of Dalmatia proper. Regional variation is considerable: from 180.6 cm in the county of Karlovac to 184.1 cm in the county of Split-Dalmacija. The mean height of females is based on more limited data (168.0 cm in seven counties). These results show that young men from Dalmatia are currently the tallest in the world in the age category of 18 years, and the north-to-south gradient of increasing stature on the Adriatic coast largely mirrors that in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The extraordinary values of height in Croatia and BiH can most likely be explained by unique genetic predispositions that are shared by the local populations of the Dinaric Alps.
Validation ofPlasmodium falciparumdeoxyhypusine synthase as an antimalarial target
Authors: Aroonsri Aiyada , Posayapisit Navaporn , Kongsee Jindaporn , Siripan Onsiri , Vitsupakorn Danoo , Utaida Sugunya , Uthaipibull Chairat , Kamchonwongpaisan Sumalee , Shaw Philip J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Hypusination is an essential post-translational modification in eukaryotes. The two enzymes required for this modification, namely deoxyhypusine synthase (DHS) and deoxyhypusine hydrolase are also conserved.Plasmodium falciparumhuman malaria parasites possess genes for both hypusination enzymes, which are hypothesized to be targets of antimalarial drugs.

Methods

TransgenicP. falciparumparasites with modification of the PF3D7_1412600 gene encodingPfDHS enzyme were created by insertion of theglmSriboswitch or the M9 inactive variant. ThePfDHS protein was studied in transgenic parasites by confocal microscopy and Western immunoblotting. The biochemical function ofPfDHS enzyme in parasites was assessed by hypusination and nascent protein synthesis assays. Gene essentiality was assessed by competitive growth assays and chemogenomic profiling.

Results

Clonal transgenic parasites with integration ofglmSriboswitch downstream of thePfDHS gene were established.PfDHS protein was present in the cytoplasm of transgenic parasites in asexual stages. ThePfDHS protein could be attenuated fivefold in transgenic parasites with an active riboswitch, whereasPfDHS protein expression was unaffected in control transgenic parasites with insertion of the riboswitch-inactive sequence. Attenuation ofPfDHS expression for 72 h led to a significant reduction of hypusinated protein; however, global protein synthesis was unaffected. Parasites with attenuatedPfDHS expression showed a significant growth defect, although their decline was not as rapid as parasites with attenuated dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) expression.PfDHS-attenuated parasites showed increased sensitivity toN1-guanyl-1,7-diaminoheptane, a structural analog of spermidine, and a known inhibitor of DHS enzymes.

Discussion

Loss ofPfDHS function leads to reduced hypusination, which may be important for synthesis of some essential proteins. The growth defect in parasites with attenuatedPfDHS expression suggests that this gene is essential. However, the slower decline ofPfDHS mutants compared withPfDHFR-TS mutants in competitive growth assays suggests thatPfDHS is less vulnerable as an antimalarial target. Nevertheless, the data validatePfDHS as an antimalarial target which can be inhibited by spermidine-like compounds.
Phytochemical, Antibacterial and Toxicity Study of Leaf Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Delile on Salmonella Species
Authors: Farouq A. A. , Muomara G. D. , Magashi A. M. , Jodi S. M. , Nata’ala M. K. , Habibu K. B.
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the bioactive compounds, toxicity and anti-bacterial activities of leaf extract of Vernonia amygdalina.

Methodology: The phytochemical analysis of Vernonia amygdalina to detect the presence of bioactive compounds (oxalate, tannins, saponins, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids, steroid, balsams, essential oil and saponin glycoside) was performed using standard methods. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts was determined using agar well diffusion method against clinical isolates of Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi. The toxicity testing was carried out with albino rats using standard method.

Results: Different secondary metabolites were found to be present in the leaf extracts after the phytochemical screening. They include tannins, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, glycosides, steroid, saponin glycoside, volatile oil and Balsams. Highest zone of inhibition of 10.0 mm and 20.0 mm was recorded against S. typhi and S. paratyphi aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 100 mg/ml of the aqueous extract was recorded against S. typhi and S. paratyphi. A MIC of 25 mg/ml of the ethanolic extract was recorded against S. typhi and S. paratyphi. The acute toxicity tests reveal no occurrence of death after 2 weeks of administering 5000 mg/kg body weight of the extracts to the albino rats.

Conclusion: The results revealed promising potentials of the leaves of V. amygdalina in the treatment of infectious diseases, due to its low toxicity. However, further studies need to be conducted to isolate and characterize the active metabolites present in the leaves.
Planting Spacing of Cultivated Soybean Intercropped with Cover Plants
Authors: Santos Thatyele Sousa dos , Albuquerque José de Anchieta Alves de , Medeiros Roberto Dantas de , Rocha Paulo Roberto Ribeiro , Alves José Maria Arcanjo , Castro Thaís Santiago , Gonçalves Anderson Carlos de Melo , Melo Ana Karyne Pereira
Published: April 2019

Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of planting spacing in soybean intercropped with covering species in the Roraima savanna.

Study Design: The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replications.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted at Embrapa Roraima, in Campo Experimental Água Boa, municipality of Boa Vista - Roraima state, in 2015 and 2016.

Methodology: Plots consisted in the spacing (0.45, 0.55 and 0.65 m) and the subplots were constituted by the cover plant species Urocloa brizantha, Urocloa ruziziensis, Panicum maximum and the treatment without intercropping. The used soybean cultivar was BRS Tracajá in two crops. The following variables had evaluated: plant height, number of grains per pod, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weight, plant dry matter, insertion of the first pod, grain yield, and dry matter of the covering species and of spontaneous vegetation.

Results: Cover plants affected the plant height, number of pods per plant, insertion of the first pod, dry matter of cover species and yield of grains in soybean. The spacing did not influence the growth and production of the soybean crop, except positively in the number of pods per plant with the increased of spacing. The interaction of cover plants and spacing affected the weight of 100 grains, the insertion of the first pod and the dry mass of the cover species. Number of grains per pod and the dry mass of the soybean plants were not affected by the cover plants and by the spacing.

Conclusion: The U. brizantha species provids the highest production of dry matter intercropped with soybean, however, the yield of the crop decrease. The U. ruziziensis species is the most suitable for the cultivation intercropped with the crop. The used spacing do not influence the productivity.
Cr3+‐Doped Broadband NIR Garnet Phosphor with Enhanced Luminescence and its Application in NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Wang Dandan , Hao Zhendong , Zhang Xia , Pan Guo‐hui , Wu Huajun , Zhang Jiahua
Published: April 2019

Broadband near‐infrared (NIR) phosphor‐converted light emitting diode (pc‐LED) is demanded for wearable biosensing devices, but it suffers from low efficiency and low radiance. This study reports a broadband NIR Ca3‐xLuxHf2Al2+xSi1−xO12:Cr3+ garnet phosphor with emission intensity enhanced by 81.5 times. Chemical unit co‐substitution of [Lu3+−Al3+] for [Ca2+−Si4+] is responsible for the luminescence enhancement and further alters the crystal structure and electronic properties of the garnet. Using the optimized phosphor, a NIR pc‐LED with photoelectric efficiencies of 21.28%@10 mA, 15.75%@100 mA and NIR output powers of 46.09 mW@100 mA, 54.29 mW@130 mA is fabricated. The high power NIR light is observed to penetrate upper arms (≈8 cm). For application in NIR spectroscopy, the NIR pc‐LED is used as light source to measure transmission spectra of water, alcohol, and bovine hemoglobin solution. These results indicate the NIR garnet phosphor to be a promising candidate for NIR pc‐LED.
Chemoenzymatic Approach to (S)‐1,2,3,4‐Tetrahydroisoquinoline Carboxylic Acids Employing D‐Amino Acid Oxidase
Authors: Ju Shuyun , Qian Mingxin , Xu Gang , Yang Lirong , Wu Jianping
Published: April 2019

Optically pure 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline carboxylic acids constitute an important class of building blocks for the synthesis of natural products and synthetic pharmaceuticals. However, redox deracemization of racemic 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline carboxylic acids as an attractive method is still challenging for the lack of suitable oxidoreductases. Herein, a D‐amino acid oxidase from Fusarium solani M‐0718 (FsDAAO) with broad substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivity was exploited through genome mining, and applied for the kinetic resolution of a number of racemic 1‐ and 3‐carboxyl substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines to yield the corresponding (S)‐enantiomers with excellent enantiomeric excess (ee) values (up to >99%). By using FsDAAO in combination with ammonia‐borane in one pot, deracemization of these racemic carboxyl‐substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines was achieved with conversions up to >98% and >99% ee. Preparative‐scale deracemization of racemic 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐1‐carboxylic acid and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid was also demonstrated with good isolated yields (82% and 73%, respectively) and ee>99%. Our study provides an effective method for the synthesis of enantiomeric pure 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline carboxylic acids. This method is expected to provide access to chiral carboxyl‐substituted 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐ß‐carbolines.

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