bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β‐amyloid and tau pathology in the aging feline brain
Authors: Fiock Kimberly L. , Smith Jodi D. , Crary John F. , Hefti Marco M.
Published: July 2019

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are known to develop cognitive impairment, and several small series have demonstrated both β‐amyloid and tau aggregation, including neurofibrillary tangles, with age, making them a promising physiologic model of Alzheimer disease (AD). We therefore report the largest feline autopsy cohort to date of 32 cats ranging from 1.5 to 22.1 years of age, with systematic neuropathologic assessment according to NIA‐Alzheimer's Association Criteria. Formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue sections of brain were obtained retrospectively from cats autopsied at the Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine. We found β‐amyloid staining, predominantly in Cortical Layers IV and VI in 27 of the 32 cats used in the study, with four of these animals showing tau‐positive tangles and neuropil threads. In 75% of these cases (3/4), tau deposition was limited to entorhinal cortex, while one case showed diffuse positive staining throughout the hippocampal formation and neocortex. This last case showed positive staining for all phospho‐tau‐specific antibodies tested, similar to the pattern seen in human AD. Interestingly, we saw a higher ratio of pretangles to tangles than that in human AD, and none of the cases showed neuritic plaques on any of the stains used. Our findings indicate that aging domestic cats spontaneously develop both β‐amyloid and tau pathology similar, but not identical to that seen in human AD. This suggests that the domestic cat may serve as a potential model for mechanistic and therapeutic AD studies, but that additional research is needed to identify differences between the neuropathology of aging in humans and felines.
Exploring sustainable governance: Compliance with the Italian related party transactions regulation for the legal protection of minority shareholders
Authors: Maglio Roberto , Rey Andrea , Agliata Francesco , Lombardi Rosa
Published: July 2019

Regarding the development of sustainable governance systems, many regulators have issued and developed self‐regulatory codes defining the characteristics and ideal features of government models. The adoption of codes of good governance could serve as a mechanism to increase the level of legal protection for minority shareholders. Thus, this paper aims to measure the effective compliance by Italian listed companies with the Italian Code's recommendations on related party transactions and to assess the level of legal protection for minority shareholders in the Italian stock market. Using a quantitative method, our findings suggest that FTSE MIB companies are effectively compliant and that public utilities companies are as well. We also carried out an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and found that companies with a higher market value and a greater presence of independent and non‐executive directors assure a higher level of compliance. We observed that widely held firms have a positive effect on the level of legal protection for the minority shareholders. Our paper contributes to enriching the sustainable governance models, and it is directed to academic and practical communities.
Oxygen‐Functionalized and Ni+x (x=2, 3)‐Coordinated Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets with Long‐Life Deep‐Trap States and their Direct Solar‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution Activity
Authors: Lakhera Sandeep Kumar , Pangal Rugma Thekke , Hafeez Hafeez Yusuf , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw
Published: July 2019

Graphitic carbon nitride, a 2 D layered photocatalyst coupled with transition metal oxides often shows promising photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity. However, low surface area and poor charge separation greatly hinder its photocatalytic efficiency. A Ni+x(x=2, 3)/O−g‐C3N4 photocatalyst with a very high specific surface area (199 m2 g−1) has been prepared by thermal condensation and wet‐impregnation methods. The oxygen‐functionalized and Ni+x(x=2, 3)‐coordinated g‐C3N4 produced 1664 μmol g−1 of hydrogen evolution from water under direct solar light irradiation in 4 h, which is 23 times higher than that over O−g‐C3N4. This significant enhancement results from the combined effects of large surface area, the formation of long‐life deep‐trap states, effective charge carrier separation, and extended visible light absorption. The separation and transport behavior of the charge carriers are investigated by photoluminescence, time‐resolved photoluminescence, photocurrent and Mott–Schottky measurements. Additionally, the interaction between Ni+x(x=2, 3) and O−g‐C3N4 is studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and FTIR spectroscopy. The Ni+x(x=2, 3)/O−g‐C3N4 photocatalyst shows remarkable reusability over a period of two months (six cycles). This study may provide a pathway to simultaneously overcome the challenges of low surface area and poor charge separation in g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts.
Advances of In Vivo Flow Cytometry on Cancer Studies
Authors: Suo Yuanzhen , Gu Zhenqin , Wei Xunbin
Published: July 2019

Cancer is a big threat to human life. Asia has about 60% of the global population and accounts for half of global cancer incidence and mortality. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been a good biomarker for cancer diagnosis, staging, and prognosis. Conventional detection methods of CTCs require drawing blood. It may disturb the biological environment and limited real‐time monitoring. in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) is a burgeoning technique that allows noninvasive detection of CTCs in vivo. Here, we review the technical development of IVFC based on various contrast principles, including fluorescence IVFC, photoacoustic IVFC, imaging IVFC, and label‐free IVFC. This powerful tool has been applied widely in many areas of cancer‐related studies, especially the CTC studies. We review applications of IVFC in preclinical studies on prevalent cancers in Asia, including liver cancer, blood cancer, and so forth. Other cancer‐related studies in breast cancer, prostate cancer, cancer‐related stem cell research and drug studies are also reviewed. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Anorexia nervosa and depression in a 5‐year‐old girl: Treatment with focused family play therapy and medication
Authors: Chatoor Irene , Webb Lauren E. , Kerzner Benny
Published: July 2019

Objective

The current case presentation examines the treatment and recovery of a 5‐year‐old girl diagnosed with comorbid anorexia nervosa and major depressive disorder. Researchers have shown that children as young as 3‐years‐old may be dissatisfied with their bodies and have concerns about their weight. This case presentation of a 5‐year‐old child demonstrates that the age range defining early onset of eating disorders can span into early childhood, which requires treatment tailored to the developmental level of these young children.

Method

A new method “focused family play therapy” was applied. It goes beyond free play or structured play therapy, in that the therapist involves the parents in the play and not only models the situation which creates the child's fears, but also shows through dolls how to be brave and overcome the fears.

Results

The current case report demonstrates how the combination of refeeding the child during family meals, participating in focused family play therapy to help the child overcome her fears of eating, and prescribing sertraline to treat her depression was an effective treatment for both the anorexia nervosa and depression.

Discussion

This technique may be effective with children ranging in age from 3 to 6 years.
Are polar bear habitat resource selection functions developed from 1985–1995 data still useful?
Authors: Durner George M. , Douglas David C. , Atwood Todd C.
Published: July 2019

Greenhouse‐gas‐induced warming in the Arctic has caused declines in sea ice extent and changed its composition, raising concerns by all circumpolar nations for polar bear conservation.

Negative impacts have been observed in three well‐studied polar bear subpopulations. Most subpopulations, however, receive little or no direct monitoring, hence, resource selection functions (RSF) may provide a useful proxy of polar bear distributions. However, the efficacy of RSFs constructed from past data, that is, reference RSFs, may be degraded under contemporary conditions, especially in a rapidly changing environment.

We assessed published Arctic‐wide reference RSFs using tracking data from adult female polar bears captured in the Beaufort Sea. We compared telemetry‐derived seasonal distributions of polar bears to RSF‐defined optimal sea ice habitat during the period of RSF model development, 1985–1995, and two subsequent periods with diminished sea ice: 1996–2006 and 2007–2016. From these comparisons, we assessed the applicability of the reference RSFs for contemporary polar bear conservation.

In the two decades following the 1985–1995 reference period, use and availability of optimal habitat by polar bears declined during the ice melt, ice minimum, and ice growth seasons. During the ice maximum season (i.e., winter), polar bears used the best habitat available, which changed relatively little across the three decades of study. During the ice melt, ice minimum, and ice growth seasons, optimal habitat in areas used by polar bears decreased and was displaced north and east of the Alaska Beaufort Sea coast. As optimal habitat diminished in these seasons, polar bears expanded their range and occupied greater areas of suboptimal habitat.

Synthesis and applications: Sea ice declines due to climate change continue to challenge polar bears and their conservation. The distribution of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears remained similar during the ice maximum season, so the reference RSFs developed from data collected >20 years ago continue to accurately model their winter distribution. In contrast, reference RSFs for the ice transitional and minimum seasons showed diminished predictive efficacy but were useful in revealing that contemporary polar bears have been increasingly forced to use suboptimal habitats during those seasons.
Multiscale model of regional population decline in little brown bats due to white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Kramer Andrew M. , Teitelbaum Claire S. , Griffin Ashton , Drake John M.
Published: July 2019

The introduced fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans is causing decline of several species of bats in North America, with some even at risk of extinction or extirpation. The severity of the epidemic of white‐nose syndrome caused by P. destructans has prompted investigation of the transmission and virulence of infection at multiple scales, but linking these scales is necessary to quantify the mechanisms of transmission and assess population‐scale declines.

We built a model connecting within‐hibernaculum disease dynamics of little brown bats to regional‐scale dispersal, reproduction, and disease spread, including multiple plausible mechanisms of transmission.

We parameterized the model using the approach of plausible parameter sets, by comparing stochastic simulation results to statistical probes from empirical data on within‐hibernaculum prevalence and survival, as well as among‐hibernacula spread across a region.

Our results are consistent with frequency‐dependent transmission between bats, support an important role of environmental transmission, and show very little effect of dispersal among colonies on metapopulation survival.

The results help identify the influential parameters and largest sources of uncertainty. The model also offers a generalizable method to assess hypotheses about hibernaculum‐to‐hibernaculum transmission and to identify gaps in knowledge about key processes, and could be expanded to include additional mechanisms or bat species.
The rise and fall of major royal jelly proteins during a honeybee (Apis mellifera) workers' life
Authors: Dobritzsch Dirk , Aumer Denise , Fuszard Matthew , Erler Silvio , Buttstedt Anja
Published: July 2019

The genome of the western honeybee (Apis mellifera) harbors nine transcribed major royal jelly protein genes (mrjp1‐9) which originate from a single‐copy precursor via gene duplication. The first MRJP was identified in royal jelly, a secretion of the bees' hypopharyngeal glands that is used by young worker bees, called nurses, to feed developing larvae. Thus, MRJPs are frequently assumed to mainly have functions for developing bee larvae and to be expressed in the food glands of nurse bees. In‐depth knowledge on caste‐ and age‐specific role and abundance of MRJPs is missing. We here show, using combined quantitative real‐time PCR with quantitative mass spectrometry, that expression and protein amount of mrjp1‐5 and mrjp7 show an age‐dependent pattern in worker's hypopharyngeal glands as well as in brains, albeit lower relative abundance in brains than in glands. Expression increases after hatching until the nurse bee period and is followed by a decrease in older workers that forage for plant products. Mrjp6 expression deviates considerably from the expression profiles of the other mrjps, does not significantly vary in the brain, and shows its highest expression in the hypopharyngeal glands during the forager period. Furthermore, it is the only mrjp of which transcript abundance does not correlate with protein amount. Mrjp8 and mrjp9 show, compared to the other mrjps, a very low expression in both tissues. Albeit mrjp8 mRNA was detected via qPCR, the protein was not quantified in any of the tissues. Due to the occurrence of MRJP8 and MRJP9 in other body parts of the bees, for example, the venom gland, they might not have a hypopharyngeal gland‐ or brain‐specific function but rather functions in other tissues. Thus, mrjp1‐7 but not mrjp8 and mrjp9 might be involved in the regulation of phenotypic plasticity and age polyethism in worker honeybees.
Shaping the diversity of Th2 cell responses in epithelial tissues and its potential for allergy treatment
Authors: Matthias Julia , Zielinski Christina E.
Published: July 2019

Th2 cells have evolved to protect from large helminth infections and to exert tissue protective functions in response to nonmicrobial noxious stimuli. The initiation, maintenance, and execution of these functions depend on the integration of diverse polarizing cues by cellular sensors and molecular programs as well as the collaboration with cells that are coopted for signal exchange. The complexity of input signals and cellular collaboration generates tissue specific Th2 cell heterogeneity and specialization. In this review, we aim to discuss the advances and recent breakthroughs in our understanding of Th2 cell responses and highlight developmental and functional differences among T cells within the diversifying field of type 2 immunity. We will focus on factors provided by the tissue microenvironment and highlight factors with potential implications for the pathogenesis of allergic skin and lung diseases. Especially new insights into the role of immunometabolism, the microbiota and ionic signals enhance the complexity of Th2 cell regulation and warrant a critical evaluation. Finally, we will discuss how this ensemble of established knowledge and recent breakthroughs about Th2 immunobiology advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and how this could be exploited for future immunotherapies.
General Solution‐Phase Synthesis of Nanoscale Transition Metal Tellurides Using Metal Nanoparticle Reagents
Authors: Fenton Julie L. , Fagan Abigail M. , Schaak Raymond E.
Published: July 2019

Nanoscale transition metal tellurides are important materials for a variety of applications. However, solution‐phase methods to synthesize nanoscale transition metal tellurides are not as well‐developed as for related sulfide and selenide systems. Here, we show that pre‐formed colloidal metal nanoparticles react with bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride to form their corresponding tellurides. Nanoparticles of Pd, Pt, and Ni convert to nanoscale particles of the layered transition metal dichalcogenides PdTe2, PtTe2, and NiTe2 upon reaction with bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride. When Pd nanoparticles instead react with a TOP‐Te complex (TOP = trioctylphosphine), PdTe forms. This result demonstrates that the metal telluride phase that forms can be controlled by the reactivity of the tellurium reagent. Other nanoparticles, including Co, Ag, and Rh, also form crystalline metal tellurides upon reaction with bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride, which indicates that this approach to synthesizing nanoscale transition metal tellurides is general.
First Direct Evidence of an ortho‐Lithiated Aryloxetane: Solid and Solution Structure, and Dynamics
Authors: Perna Filippo M. , Falcicchio Aurelia , Salomone Antonio , Milet Anne , Rizzi Rosanna , Hamdoun Ghanem , Barozzino‐Consiglio Gabriella , Stalke Dietmar , Oulyadi Hassan , Capriati Vito
Published: July 2019

Oxetanes are key synthons for asymmetric synthesis and also effective in directing ortho‐lithiation. This work first reports the solution and the solid‐state structure of an ortho‐lithiated aryloxetane (1‐Li) in the presence/absence of a bidentate ligand such as N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of 1‐Li revealed a singular crystallographic structure in which the asymmetric unit comprises a core where the lithium atom is coordinated to the nitrogen atom of half a molecule of TMEDA and intramolecularly stabilised by the oxetane ring oxygen. This aggregation state is unprecedented in ortho‐lithiated arenes. Variable temperatures multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 7Li, 13C) mono‐ and two‐dimensional NMR studies and DFT computations supported the coexistence in solution of three chelated bridged dimeric aggregates, in slow equilibration at 180 K. The major isomer is an heterochiral aggregate on the basis of 1H,7Li‐HOESY and 1H,1H‐NOESY experiments. Conclusions were supported by the preparation of enantiomerically enriched (S)‐1‐Li. The privileged formation of homochiral aggregates from racemic mixtures may also have implications for the development of chiral resolution processes.
Implementing Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT) Catalysis for Rapid and Selective Reductive Photoredox Transformations in Continuous Flow
Authors: Steiner Alexander , Williams Jason D. , Rincón Juan A , de Frutos Oscar , Mateos Carlos , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: July 2019

The reductive transformation of aryl halides and carbonyl compounds is a key step in many photoredox transformations. By combining a highly reducing organic photocatalyst with a thiol hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) catalyst, we showcase rapid and highly selective reactions of these synthetically important starting materials in continuous flow. The fast reduction of aryl iodides, bromides and chlorides has been demonstrated with residence times in some cases below one minute. Selectivity between mono‐ and di‐dehalogenation could also be achieved in some cases. Aryl ketones, aldehydes and imines were shown to undergo facile pinacol couplings, and the coupling of an aryl chloride with a styrene was also successful.
Impact of OH Radical Generator Involvement in the Gas‐Phase Radical Reaction Network on the Oxidative Coupling of Methane—A Simulation Study
Authors: Li Duanxing , Baslyman Walaa S. , Sarathy S. Mani , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: July 2019

The impact of OH• generation during the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is simulated using state‐of‐the‐art gas‐phase chemistry and a comprehensive chemical kinetic model. The inclusion of the quasi‐equilibrated formation of OH• from a H2O–O2 mixture into the combustion chemistry network enhances the CH4 conversion rate and C2 selectivity, consistent with the previously proposed mechanism involving catalytically generated OH•. The OH‐pathway increases the concentration resulting in an enhanced transformation rate from to C2H6 (second order in ) more than CO (first order in ). Relative to other H‐abstracting radical species, the OH• weakens the sensitivity of the H abstraction rate constant to C—H bond energy, or lowers , which comparatively slows the C2H6 conversion rate relative to CH4, thus enhancing C2 selectivity. Concurrent dehydrogenation of C2H6 to C2H4 maximizes the C2H4 selectivity even after O2 depletion. With the involvement of the OH•‐mediated pathway, this study addresses the effects of temperature and CH4/O2 ratio on the achievable C2 selectivity and C2H4 yield. The maximum C2H4 yield reaches 32% at a CH4/O2 ratio of 3, temperature of 1100–1200 °C, and total pressure of 1 atm.
Histogram partitioning algorithms for adaptive and autonomous threshold estimation in cognitive radio–based industrial wireless sensor networks
Authors: Onumanyi A. J. , Abu‐Mahfouz A. M. , Hancke G. P.
Published: July 2019

Modern energy detectors typically use adaptive threshold estimation algorithms to improve signal detection in cognitive radio–based industrial wireless sensor networks (CR‐IWSNs). However, a number of adaptive threshold estimation algorithms often perform poorly under noise uncertainty conditions since they are typically unable to auto‐adapt their parameter values per changing spectra conditions. Consequently, in this paper, we have developed two new algorithms to accurately and autonomously estimate threshold values in CR‐IWSNs under dynamic spectra conditions. The first algorithm is a parametric‐based technique termed the histogram partitioning algorithm, whereas the second algorithm is a fully autonomous variant termed the mean‐based histogram partitioning algorithm. We have evaluated and compared both algorithms with some well‐known methods under different CR sensing conditions. Our findings indicate that both algorithms maintained over 90% probability of detection in both narrow and wideband sensing conditions and less than 10% probability of false alarm under noise‐only conditions. Both algorithms are quick and highly scalable with a time complexity ofO(V), whereVis the total number of input samples. The simplicity, effectiveness, and viability of both algorithms make them typically suited for use in CR‐IWSN applications.
Effect of Moringa Oleifera leaf powder supplementation on reducing anemia in children below two years in Kisarawe District, Tanzania
Authors: Shija Angela E. , Rumisha Susan F. , Oriyo Ndekya M. , Kilima Stella P. , Massaga Julius J.
Published: July 2019

Anemia is a nutritional disorder that affects mostly children below 2 years and is mainly contributed by iron deficiency. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in iron and other essential nutrients necessary for iron metabolism. We investigated the effect of M. oleifera leaf powder supplementation on reducing anemia among children below 2 years. A community‐based interventional study was conducted that enrolled 95 anemic children who were followed for 6 months. The intervention communities received M. oleifera leaf powder and nutrition education, while control communities only received nutrition education. Changes on mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and anemia prevalence were compared between the two groups using t test and proportional test where appropriate. At baseline, the mean Hb concentrations of control and intervention groups were 7.9 g/dl  (SD = 1.3) and 8.3 g/dl (SD = 1.6) g/L, respectively (p‐value = 0.0943). After 6 months, anemia prevalence significantly decreased in the intervention group by 53.6% (100%–46.4%; p < 0.001) compared to 13.6% (100%–86.4%; p = 0.005) in control community. The mean Hb was 10.9 g/dl (95% CI: 10.2–11.4) for intervention and 9.4 g/dl (95% 7.8–10.1) for control (p‐value = 0.002). The effect was also observed in the reduction of the prevalence of moderate and severe anemia in the intervention communities by 68.2% and 77.9%, respectively, and by 23.3% and 56.9%, respectively, in the control communities. Increasing amount and time of using M. oleifera supplementation resulted to significant reduction in anemia cases therefore can be used as complementary solution in addressing anemia among children especially when the use of infant formulas and fortified food product is very poor.
The role of beach ridges, spits, or barriers in understanding marine terraces processes on loose or semiconsolidated substrates: Insights from the givoni of the Gulf of Taranto (southern Italy)
Authors: De Santis Vincenzo , Caldara Massimo , Torres Trinidad , Ortiz José E. , Sánchez‐Palencia Yolanda
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a detailed geological and geomorphological analysis of the so‐called givoni (low‐relief, mainly gravelly landforms subparallel to the coastline) associated with the MIS 5 terrace in the northern Gulf of Taranto (southern Italy). These landforms can be interpreted as former beach ridges, swash/drift‐aligned spits, or swash/drift‐aligned barriers (BSBs); thus, givoni are palaeoshoreline indicators. In the study area, recognizing the classic landforms associated with marine terraces, that is, surfaces and scarps, is difficult, as the givoni are often associated and variably combined with surfaces and scarps. Thus, we reconstruct the formation and evolution processes of the MIS 5 marine terrace, including the formation of surfaces, scarps, and BSBs (and the resulting composite landforms), in an overall evolutionary framework based on eustatic oscillations. Then, we reconstruct a complete set of situations in which BSBs form on loose or semiconsolidated substrates in response to eustatic oscillations: (a) BSBs can form during a highstand of a warm stage on previously consolidated sediment; (b) BSBs may represent coastlines formed during sea‐level standstills in the context of a general regressive phase following the highstand peak that created a relict sea cliff; (c) BSBs may represent coastlines formed during a new relative highstand in a warm substage on previously unconsolidated deposits formed during the same stage; and (d) BSBs may be formed by a process similar to that of the previous case, except that the sea level stopped rising against a pre‐existing BSB.
Geochemical characteristics, depositional environment, and provenance attitude of the Middle Jurassic Yangye Formation lacustrine mudstones in Kashi Sag, south‐western Tarim Basin
Authors: Wang Jingbin , He Zhiliang , Zhu Dongya , Ding Qian
Published: July 2019

Middle Jurassic mudstones from the Yangye Formation are widely exposed in the Kashi Sag and regarded as significant potential source rocks. Geochemical characteristics of mudstones in the Keziletao Depression have been analysed to decipher their source‐area weathering, provenance, tectonic setting, and depositional environment that have received significantly little attention. Mudstones are characterized by high Ca, U, Th, and REE contents when compared to those of PAAS. Their total REE abundances range from 155.2 to 234.2 ppm, with the enrichment of LREEs and distinct negative Eu anomalies, implying a principal felsic provenance. Various indicators (e.g., CIA, Th/Sc, ICV, and Rb/Sr) and A‐CN‐K ternary diagram suggest parental rocks experienced a moderate to intense chemical weathering degree and simple recycling and sorting. Furthermore, paleoenvironmental indexes (e.g., B, “S,” Sr/Ba, “C,” Sr/Cu, and V/(V + Ni)) indicate that they were likely deposited in a suboxic to anoxic freshwater setting, with semi‐arid to semi‐humid paleoclimatic conditions during the deposition of Yangye Formation. The geochemical data also demonstrate that the provenances were derived predominantly from the unroofing of felsic rocks with a minor intermediate supply. These parental rocks were commonly formed in the continental island arc, active continental margin, and/or collision tectonic settings. The results of this study, combined with published data, suggest the West Kunlun Orogen and thrusting zone to the west and south‐west of the basin were probably arrested to provide substantial detritus for sediments, stimulating a better understanding for the formation mechanism of the Yangye Formation sediments (especially for potential source rocks) in the Kashi Sag.
Comparing selected countries using sin tax policy in sustainable health financing: Implications for developing countries
Authors: Javadinasab Hamideh , Masoudi Asl Iravan , Vosoogh‐Moghaddam Abbas , Najafi Behzad
Published: July 2019

Background

Sustainable health financing is one of the main challenges of policy makers and planners. This study aimed at comparing the experiences of countries in using the sin tax policies for sustainable health financing resources.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in two phases. First, a comparative study was carried out by searching databases from 1990 to 2017, and six countries (Thailand, England, Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, and Vietnam) were selected. Second, the existing Iranian high policy documents from 2005 to 2017 were reviewed deeply by using the content analysis method.

Results

The sin tax, such as taxes on tobacco and alcohol, was one of the main policies to provide sustainable health financing in all selected countries. The Iranian health system had no significant‐related legal and political gap, but there were limitations in enforcing and implementing them. Finally, it is necessary to evaluate the policy and follow its effects up.

Conclusions

The main financial resources in the selected countries included health promotion funds with different names and goals which took taxes on harmful goods, tobacco, and alcohol. Weaknesses in implementing laws and monitoring them were the main reasons for the lack of sustainable financing.
Modifying the thermal performance of electrical distribution transformers using phase change materials (paraffin wax)
Authors: Hasan Mushtaq I. , Abduladheem Alaa Abdullah
Published: July 2019

In this paper, an electrical distribution transformer has been studied experimentally and a novel technique has been proposed to enhance its cooling performance by addition of paraffin wax to transformer oil using closed containers made of aluminum. These containers were immersed in the transformer oil. A 100 kVA transformer was used as a model for study because these transformers are widely used in the electricity distribution network in Iraq. As temperature rises, the phase change material (paraffin wax) absorbs heat and melts inside the containers at a constant temperature. This feature can be utilized to store heat for a period until the temperature for weather drops; then this heat is rejected, and the wax begins to solidify. In this experiment, five containers were used, each containing 2 kg of wax. The results showed a clear decrease in the temperature of the oil, which led to the enhancment of its thermal insulation and kept the oil from failure and the preserved the transformer from breakdown. The results showed that the reduction in temperature is approximately 7°C and the reduction increased upon increasing the amount of wax added.
Dynamics of nonuniform viscosity of unsteady CuO–H2O nanofluid flow from a spinning body
Authors: Giri Shib Sankar , Das Kalidas , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: July 2019

This paper studies an unsteady rotating flow over a sphere. The substantial effect of nonuniform viscosity is accounted in the extant study. nanofluid is used in adopted nanofluid model. A comparative study among the upshot of nonuniform viscosity and uniform viscosity on present nanofluid model is established here. Primary equations of adopted model have been standardized through similarity methodology and the subsequent equations have been resolved numerically by expending an RK‐4 shooting exercise. The stimulus of encouraging flow parameters on the flow specific is made accurately through diagrams and charts. We witnessed that the heat transmission rate is intensified for unsteadiness factor of the present flow, which suggests that the rate of cooling improves. The unsteadiness factor supports the flow to upsurge in and the reverse consequence originates in the spinning direction. The heat transmission rate is higher in case of nonuniform viscosity than uniform viscosity.
Association of blood cell counts with the risk of olanzapine‐ or clozapine‐induced dyslipidemia in Chinese schizophrenia patients
Authors: Xiong Zongping , Cheng Ming , Zhu Peng , Huang Shiqiong , Guo Jun , Zhang Wei , Zhou Honghao , Shu Yan , Li Qing
Published: July 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate correlation of peripheral blood cell counts with the dyslipidemia induced by olanzapine or clozapine in Chinese schizophrenia patients.

Methods

A total of 703 eligible schizophrenia patients were enrolled . The counts of red blood cell (RBC), platelet, white blood cell (WBC) and its subtypes, and serum lipids were determined for all participants before and after 2–4 weeks of olanzapine or clozapine treatment.

Results

The two representative second‐generation antipsychotics (SGAs), olanzapine and clozapine, markedly caused dyslipidemia in Chinese schizophrenia patients. The tertiles of total RBC counts were positively associated with the odds of having abnormal triglyceride (p < .01) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels (.05). The tertiles of platelet counts were also positively associated with the odds of having abnormal total cholesterol (.03), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .01), HDL‐C (.01), and non‐HDL‐C (p < .01). However, the counts of WBC and its some subtypes were negatively correlated with the risk of dyslipidemia in these patients.

Conclusion

The profile of peripheral blood cells may be an early biomarker for predicting the risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases in schizophrenia patients treated with SGAs.
Remediation of Eutrophic Aquatic Ecosystems: Evaluation of Phosphorus Adsorption by Sawdust
Authors: Pantano Glaucia , Souza Thaís CR , Pereira-Filho Edenir R , Fadini Pedro S , Mozeto Antonio A
Published: July 2019

A wide range of anthropogenic activities have caused various problems to the aquatic environment, leading to economic, social, and environmental losses. The use of materials for the recovery of water quality is very important due to the water scarcity scenario present in different parts of the world. The use of sawdust as an organic adsorbent for P removal in eutrophic environments attempts to address both water quality preservation and possible application of the organic adsorbent as fertilizer for agricultural practices. This use will result in important contributions to the water and food security. In this work, we performed laboratory experiments to study P adsorption and to evaluate possible adsorption of metals and emerging contaminants by sawdust. The experiments were carried out in 36 microcosms (glass jars), using 50% of the flasks as treatments (containing bags with sawdust) and the rest of the flasks as control (water and sediment without sawdust). For future application of sawdust as a fertilizer it is important to be aware of the presence of possible pathogenic microorganisms, thus the presence of helminth eggs was determined in the sawdust. The results showed the tendency of P adsorption by the biosorbent; maximum adsorption occurred at 214 d (41 μg P g–1), after the P desorption occurred. No helminth eggs or emerging contaminants and toxic metal were detected in the sawdust after its use as biosorbent, providing an important subsidy regarding the use of the biosorbent as soil fertilizer. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–12. © 2019 SETAC
Long‐term status of predicted body fat percentage, body mass index and other anthropometric factors with risk of colorectal carcinoma: Two large prospective cohort studies in the US
Authors: Hanyuda Akiko , Lee Dong Hoon , Ogino Shuji , Wu Kana , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: July 2019

Anthropometric measurements, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage, have been used as indicators of obesity. Despite evidence that excess body fat is a risk factor for colorectal carcinoma (CRC), the magnitude of the association of BMI and other obesity indicators with the long‐term risk of CRC remains unclear. Utilizing a Cox proportional hazards regression model, we examined differential associations between predicted body fat percentage and BMI with the risk of CRC (n = 2,017). The associations between CRC incidence and different adiposity measurements were also assessed. Predicted body fat percentage had a similar increased risk of CRC risk as BMI. In multivariable‐adjusted analyses, the hazard ratio for CRC in the second to fifth quintiles (compared to the first quintile) of predicted body fat percentage were 1.32, 1.31, 1.53 and 2.09 for men (ptrend < 0.001) and 0.91, 0.90, 0.98 and 1.15 for women (ptrend = 0.03). Among various anthropometric measurements, predicted fat mass and waist circumference were slightly more strongly associated with CRC risk than BMI. In conclusion, the novel anthropometric prediction equations provided further evidence that a greater amount of body fat might contribute to CRC risk in both sexes. An innovative approach enabled us to estimate the susceptibilities of specific body composition with CRC risk, in an inexpensive and minimally invasive manner. Furthermore, the typically used measures of BMI and waist circumference are robust measures of adiposity to predict cancer risk in a relatively healthy population.
GPRC5A facilitates cell proliferation through cell cycle regulation and correlates with bone metastasis in prostate cancer
Authors: Sawada Yuichiro , Kikugawa Tadahiko , Iio Hiroyuki , Sakakibara Iori , Yoshida Shuhei , Ikedo Aoi , Yanagihara Yuta , Saeki Noritaka , Győrffy Balázs , Kishida Takeshi , Okubo Yoichiro , Nakamura Yoshiyasu , Miyagi Yohei , Saika Takashi , Imai Yuuki
Published: July 2019

The prognosis of patients with progressive prostate cancers that are hormone refractory and/or have bone metastasis is poor. Multiple therapeutic targets to improve prostate cancer patient survival have been investigated, including orphan GPCRs. In our study, we identified G Protein‐Coupled Receptor Class C Group 5 Member A (GPRC5A) as a candidate therapeutic molecule using integrative gene expression analyses of registered data sets for prostate cancer cell lines. Kaplan–Meier analysis of TCGA data sets revealed that patients who have high GPRC5A expression had significantly shorter overall survival. PC3 prostate cancer cells with CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated GPRC5A knockout exhibited significantly reduced cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. RNA‐seq revealed that GPRC5A KO PC3 cells had dysregulated expression of cell cycle‐related genes, leading to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Furthermore, the registered gene expression profile data set showed that the expression level of GPRC5A in original lesions of prostate cancer patients with bone metastasis was higher than that without bone metastasis. In fact, GPRC5A KO PC3 cells failed to establish bone metastasis in xenograft mice models. In addition, our clinical study revealed that GPRC5A expression levels in prostate cancer patient samples were significantly correlated with bone metastasis as well as the patient's Gleason score (GS). Combined assessment with the immunoreactivity of GPRC5A and GS displayed higher specificity for predicting the occurrence of bone metastasis. Together, our findings indicate that GPRC5A can be a possible therapeutic target and prognostic marker molecule for progressive prostate cancer.
Circulating markers of cellular immune activation in prediagnostic blood sample and lung cancer risk in the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3)
Authors: Huang Joyce Y. , Larose Tricia L. , Luu Hung N. , Wang Renwei , Fanidi Anouar , Alcala Karine , Stevens Victoria L. , Weinstein Stephanie J. , Albanes Demetrius , Caporaso Neil E. , Purdue Mark P. , Ziegler Regina G. , Freedman Neal D. , Lan Qing , Prentice Ross L. , Pettinger Mary , Thomson Cynthia A. , Cai Qiuyin , Wu Jie , Blot William J. , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Zheng Wei , Arslan Alan A. , Zeleniuch‐Jacquotte Anne , Le Marchand Loïc , Wilkens Lynn R. , Haiman Christopher A. , Zhang Xuehong , Stampfer Meir J. , Han Jiali , Giles Graham G. , Hodge Allison M. , Severi Gianluca , Johansson Mikael , Grankvist Kjell , Langhammer Arnulf , Hveem Kristian , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Li Hong‐Lan , Gao Yu‐Tang , Visvanathan Kala , Ueland Per M. , Midttun Øivind , Ulvi Arve , Buring Julie E. , Lee I‐Min , Sesso Howard D. , Gaziano J. Michael , Manjer Jonas , Relton Caroline , Koh Woon‐Puay , Brennan Paul , Johansson Mattias , Yuan Jian‐Min
Published: July 2019

Cell‐mediated immune suppression may play an important role in lung carcinogenesis. We investigated the associations for circulating levels of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenine:tryptophan ratio (KTR), quinolinic acid (QA) and neopterin as markers of immune regulation and inflammation with lung cancer risk in 5,364 smoking‐matched case–control pairs from 20 prospective cohorts included in the international Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium. All biomarkers were quantified by mass spectrometry‐based methods in serum/plasma samples collected on average 6 years before lung cancer diagnosis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lung cancer associated with individual biomarkers were calculated using conditional logistic regression with adjustment for circulating cotinine. Compared to the lowest quintile, the highest quintiles of kynurenine, KTR, QA and neopterin were associated with a 20–30% higher risk, and tryptophan with a 15% lower risk of lung cancer (all ptrend < 0.05). The strongest associations were seen for current smokers, where the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of lung cancer for the highest quintile of KTR, QA and neopterin were 1.42 (1.15–1.75), 1.42 (1.14–1.76) and 1.45 (1.13–1.86), respectively. A stronger association was also seen for KTR and QA with risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma, and for lung cancer diagnosed within the first 2 years after blood draw. This study demonstrated that components of the tryptophan–kynurenine pathway with immunomodulatory effects are associated with risk of lung cancer overall, especially for current smokers. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of these biomarkers in lung carcinogenesis and progression.
Reducing drug and alcohol use and improving well‐being for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians using the Community Reinforcement Approach: A feasibility and acceptability study
Authors: Calabria Bianca , Shakeshaft Anthony P. , Clifford Anton , Stone Chiara , Clare Philip J. , Allan Julaine , Bliss Donna
Published: July 2019

There is a lack of evidence of effective and appropriate drug and alcohol treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This paper contributes to addressing the evidence gap by examining the feasibility and acceptability and conducting a pre/post‐evaluation of the Aboriginal‐adapted Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) delivered in New South Wales, Australia. Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal clients (n = 55) received tailored CRA delivery between March and November 2013. Compared to the original US version, tailored CRA had reduced technical language, reduced number of treatment sessions, and the addition of group delivery option. An Australian training manual with local case studies was developed. Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Test (ASSIST), Kessler‐5 (K‐5) and the Growth Empowerment Measure were used. 58% of participants were followed‐up at 3 months. Tailored CRA was feasible to deliver in a rural, community‐based health setting, and rated by clients as highly effective and acceptable. CRA was associated with statistically significant reductions in the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, amphetamine and over the counter medication, and levels of psychological distress, and an increase in levels of empowerment for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal clients. This study provides evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of an Aboriginal‐adapted psychological intervention addressing drug, alcohol and mental health outcomes.
Applied business process management: An information systems approach to improve service delivery in public hospitals of low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Seymour Lisa F. , Mwalemba Gwamaka , Weimann Edda
Published: July 2019

South African public hospitals are faced with many challenges comprising inefficient processes, lack of digitalisation, severe austerity measures, and the rising burden of disease. Irrespective of the many existing initiatives in place, a critical challenge is the shortage of necessary resources required to fund, implement, and sustain new interventions. This deprives public hospitals from the efficiencies and quality of service experienced in private hospitals or other business entities. Through a case study strategy, this paper has abstracted two practice contributions. First, it describes and prescribes a low‐cost approach in which business process redesign was applied in a public hospital through a partnership between the hospital and a higher learning institution. The initiative involved third year students majoring in Information Systems performing, as part of their class project, process analysis at the hospital at no cost to the hospital other than their employees' time. The second contribution is a priority list of redesign and lean management principles that were abstracted from these initiatives. These include improving staff training, distributing and adhering to up‐to‐date standard operating procedures, performing tasks in parallel rather than in series, reducing handovers by avoiding certain tasks, incentivizing use of existing mobile software by doctors, developing low‐cost task automation solutions such as Microsoft Office applications, redesigning and standardizing forms, capturing data at source electronically rather than later, redesigning physical spaces, and improved key performance indicators and reporting. The study confirms the usefulness of this collaborative business process redesign approach for public hospitals as stakeholders got relevant information and practical, low‐cost, creative solutions with the potential to improve efficiencies and subsequently service delivery.
Health effects inflicted by chronic low‐level arsenic contamination in groundwater: A global public health challenge
Authors: Sinha Dona , Prasad Priyanka
Published: July 2019

Groundwater arsenic (As) contamination is a global public health concern. The high level of As exposure (100‐1000 μg/L or even higher) through groundwater has been frequently associated with serious public health hazards, e.g., skin disorders, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory problems, complications of gastrointestinal tract, liver and splenic ailments, kidney and bladder disorders, reproductive failure, neurotoxicity and cancer. However, reviews on low‐level As exposure and the imperative health effects are far less documented. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has set the permissible standard of As in drinking water at 10 μg/L. Considering the WHO and USEPA guidelines, most of the developed countries have established standards at or below this guideline. Worldwide many countries including India have millions of aquifers with low‐level As contamination (≤50 μg/L). The exposed population of these areas might not show any As‐related skin lesions (hallmark of As toxicity particularly in a population consuming As contaminated groundwater >300 μg/L) but might be subclinically affected. This review has attempted to encompass the wide range of health effects associated with chronic low‐level As exposure ≤50 μg/L and the probable mechanisms that might provide a better insight regarding the underlying cause of these clinical manifestations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to create mass awareness about the health effects of chronic low‐level As exposure and planning of proper mitigation strategies.