bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in health care workers: Preliminary report of a single center study
Authors: Brant-Zawadzki Michael , Fridman Deborah , Robinson Philip A. , Zahn Matthew , Chau Clayton , German Randy , Breit Marcus , Bock Jason R. , Hara Junko
Published: November 2020

Serological surveys have been conducted to establish prevalence for COVID-19 antibodies in various cohorts and communities, reporting a wide range of outcomes. The prevalence of such antibodies among healthcare workers, presumed at higher risk for infection, has been increasingly investigated, more studies are needed to better understand the risks and infection transmission in different healthcare settings. The present study reports on initial sero-surveillance conducted on healthcare workers at a regional hospital system in Orange County, California, during May and June, 2020. Study subjects were recruited from the entire hospital employee workforce and the independent medical staff. Data were collected for job duties and locations, COVID-19 symptoms, a PCR test history, travel record since January 2020, and existence of household contacts with COVID-19. A blood sample was collected from each subject for serum analysis for IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Of 2,992 tested individuals, a total 2,924 with complete data were included in the analysis. Observed prevalence of 1.06% (31 antibody positive cases), adjusted prevalence of 1.13% for test sensitivity and specificity were identified. Significant group differences between positive vs. negative were observed for age (z = 2.65, p = .008), race (p = .037), presence of fever (p < .001), and loss of smell (p < .001), but not for occupations (p = .710). Possible explanation for this low prevalence includes a relatively low local geographic community prevalence (~4.4%) at the time of testing, the hospital’s timely procurement of personal protective equipment, rigorous employee education, patient triage, and treatment protocol development and implementation. In addition, cross-reactive adaptive T cell mediated immunity, as recently described, may possibly play a greater role in healthcare workers than in the general population.
The psychological states of people after Wuhan eased the lockdown
Authors: Lu Peixin , Li Xin , Lu Long , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2020

It has been two months since Wuhan eased the lockdown and the people of Wuhan have been under great pressure during COVID-19. The psychological status among healthcare workers and residents were barely know due to the lack of research after Wuhan eased of the lockdown. The purpose of this study was to assess people’s mental health and the changes after Wuhan eased the lockdown. A cross-sectional online study among citizens in Wuhan was conducted. Among 1417 participants, 387(27.0%) were frontline healthcare workers and 1035(73.0%) were residents from the general public. Their COVID-19 psychological status was evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). Results show that 16.1%,22.3% and 17.2% healthcare workers and 21.2%, 16.7% and 17.2% general public had symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD ranging from moderate to severe. Anxiety levels were not significantly different between healthcare workers and the general public. The decreased income and the frequent social media exposure are the risk factors for general public. Compared to the early COVID-19 epidemic period, the proportion of anxiety and depression among both the general public and health workers decreased after Wuhan eased the lockdown. Our finding can be used to help the government of Wuhan to develop psychological interventions to improve the mental health of the population and work as a reference of public health guidelines for other cities with severe COVID-19 outbreak.
Src family kinases-mediated negative regulation of sperm acrosome reaction in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Priyadarshana Chathura , Setiawan Rangga , Tajima Atsushi , Asano Atsushi
Published: November 2020

The acrosome reaction (AR) is a strictly-regulated, synchronous exocytosis that is required for sperm to penetrate ova. This all-or-nothing process occurs only once in the sperm lifecycle through a sequence of signaling pathways. Spontaneous, premature AR therefore compromises fertilization potential. Although protein kinase A (PKA) pathways play a central role in AR across species, the signaling network used for AR induction is poorly understood in birds. Mechanistic studies of mammalian sperm AR demonstrate that PKA activity is downstreamly regulated by Src family kinases (SFKs). Using SFK inhibitors, our study shows that in chicken sperm, SFKs play a role in the regulation of PKA activity and spontaneous AR without affecting motility. Furthermore, we examined the nature of SFK phosphorylation using PKA and protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, which demonstrated that unlike in mammals, SFK phosphorylation in birds does not occur downstream of PKA and is primarily regulated by calcium-dependent tyrosine phosphatase activity. Functional characterization of SFKs in chicken sperm showed that SFK activation modulates the membrane potential and plays a role in inhibiting spontaneous AR. Employing biochemical isolation, we also found that membrane rafts are involved in the regulation of SFK phosphorylation. This study demonstrates a unique mechanism for regulating AR induction inherent to avian sperm that ensure fertilization potential despite prolonged storage.
Botulinum toxin injection without electromyographic guidance in consecutive esotropia
Authors: Yang Hee Kyung , Kim Dong Hyun , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin injection without electromyographic guidance for the treatment of consecutive esotropia.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 49 subjects with consecutive esotropia who received botulinum toxin injection in the medial rectus muscles without the use of electromyographic guidance. Treatment was considered successful if the final ocular alignment was orthotropic or esodeviation was ≤10 prism diopters (PD) during distant fixation.

Results

The mean age was 15.2 ± 8.3 years. The mean esodeviation before injection was 21.8 ± 9.1 PD at distance and 21.3 ± 8.3 PD at near. The mean number of injections per patient was 1.3 ± 0.7, and 46 patients (93.9%) received two or fewer injections. At 6 months after the final injection, the mean angle of esodeviation was 7.3 ± 6.0 PD at distance and 7.5 ± 6.6 PD at near (all p<0.001), and 69.4% showed successful alignment. By multivariate analysis, an initial postoperative esodeviation of ≤18 PD at one month after exotropia surgery was considered to be a predictive factor for successful botulinum toxin injection (P= 0.007). Vertical deviation and/or ptosis occurred in 4 patients (8.2%) at two weeks after injection, which all resolved within three months. There was no recurrence of exotropia up to the final follow-up examination.

Conclusion

Botulinum toxin injection without electromyographic guidance is safe and effective in the treatment of consecutive esotropia without causing recurrent exotropia. Successful botulinum toxin injection is likely in patients with an initial postoperative esodeviation of 18PD or less at one month after exotropia surgery.
Rate of reclassification of HER2-equivocal breast cancer cases to HER2-negative per the 2018 ASCO/CAP guidelines and response of HER2-equivocal cases to anti-HER2 therapy
Authors: Crespo James , Sun Hongxia , Wu Jimin , Ding Qing-Qing , Tang Guilin , Robinson Melissa K. , Chen Hui , Sahin Aysegul A. , Lim Bora
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) guideline on HER2 testing in breast cancer permits reclassification of cases with HER2-equivocal results by FISH. The impact of such reclassification is unclear. We sought to determine the proportion of HER2-equivocal cases that are reclassified as HER2-negative and the impact of anti-HER2 therapy on survival in HER2-equivocal cases.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of breast cancer patients who had HER2 testing by fluorescence in stitu hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed or verified at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center during April 2014 through March 2018 and had equivocal results according to the 2013 ASCO/CAP guideline. The population was divided into 2 cohorts according to whether the biopsy specimen analyzed came from primary or from recurrent or metastatic disease. HER2 status was reclassified according to the 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline. Overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the relationship between anti-HER2 therapy and clinical outcomes was assessed.

Results

We identified 139 cases with HER2-equivocal results according to the 2013 ASCO/CAP guideline: 90 cases of primary disease and 49 cases of recurrent/metastatic disease. Per the 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline, these cases were classified as follows: overall, HER2-negative 112 cases (80%), HER2-positive 1 (1%), and unknown 26 (19%); primary cohort, HER2-negative 85 (94%), HER2-positive 1 (1%), unknown 4 (4%); and recurrent/metastatic, HER2-negative 27 (55%) and unknown 22 (45%). Five patients in the primary-disease cohort and 1 patient in the recurrent/metastatic-disease cohort received anti-HER2 therapy. There was no significant association between anti-HER2 therapy and OS or EFS in either cohort (primary disease: OS, p = 0.67; EFS, p = 0.49; recurrent/metastatic-disease, OS, p = 0.61; EFS, p = 0.78.

Conclusions

The majority of HER2-equivocal breast cancer cases were reclassified as HER2-negative per the 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline. No association between anti-HER2 therapy and OS or EFS was observed. HER2-equivocal cases seem to have clinical behavior similar to that of HER2-negative breast cancers.
Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase and AmpC beta-lactamases producing gram negative bacilli isolated from clinical specimens at International Clinical Laboratories, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tekele Saba Gebremichael , Teklu Dejenie Shiferaw , Tullu Kassu Desta , Birru Samuel Kinde , Legese Melese Hailu
Published: November 2020

Background

Extended spectrum Beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases (AmpC) are the common enzymes produced by gram negative bacilli, which are their main mechanisms of resistance to all generations of cephalosporins. Hence, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of ESBLs and AmpC producing gram negative bacilli (GNB) isolated from clinical specimens at International clinical Laboratories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted from January to May 2018. From different clinical specimens, 338 GNB were isolated and characterized. Bacterial species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screening for ESBLs and AmpC production were performed using Phoenix automated system (BD phoenix100). ESBLs production was confirmed using a combination disc method. All Cefoxitin resistant and confirmed ESBLs producing GNB were confirmed for AmpC beta-lactamases production by AmpC confirmatory Neo-Sensitabs discs (ROSCO tablet). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.

Results

E. coli 66.0% (224/338) followed by K. pneumoniae 12.1% (41/338) were GNB most frequently isolated. The overall magnitude of ESBLs producing GNB was 38.8% (131/338) and the extent of AmpC beta-lactamase producing GNB was 2.4% (8/338). Majority of ESBLs and AmpC beta-lactamases producing GNB were isolated from urine specimens 47.5% (116/338). Ampicillin (75.4%), amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (64.0%) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (55.6%) were most the antibiotics to which resistance was most commonly found. The multidrug resistance (MDR) level of GNB was 74.0% (250/338). Of ESBLs and AmpC beta-lactamases producing GNB, 99.3% were MDR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The high magnitude of ESBLs and AmpC beta-lactamases producing GNB calls the needs of strong intervention to minimize further occurrence and spread of such GNB. More importantly, the MDR level was high which suggests continuous monitoring & reviewing of antimicrobial policy in hospitals and the country at large.
Identification of intra-abdominal lymphatics in canine carcasses by laparoscopic fluorescence lymphography with intradermal and intrapopliteal ICG administration
Authors: Sánchez-Margallo Francisco M. , Veloso Brun Maurício , Sánchez-Margallo Juan A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic fluorescence lymphography (LFL) using indocyanine green (ICG) via intradermal (ID) or intrapopliteal (IPP) administration in an ex vivo canine model.

Methods

Six thawed adult male dog carcasses were placed in the Trendelenburg position after placing three surgical ports in triangulation. ICG (0.5 mg/ml; 0.05 mg/kg) was administered to five of the carcasses (one carcass was a pilot) via ID in the left torso and IPP (right position, by surgical access) to stain the lymphatic pathway and medial iliac lymph node (MILN). Fluorescence quality, staining time, structures stained, and lymph node histopathology were assessed. Thoracic duct staining was also evaluated.

Results

ID administration showed staining of parts of the lymphatic pathway of the iliosacral lymph center in all cases using a single dose of ICG, with left MILN visualization in four carcasses. IPP administration showed staining of the right MILN in all cases, using a single dose in four carcasses. ICG reached the thoracic duct in one case. The two administration routes showed similar results in terms of required ICG volume, staining time, and visualization quality, although IPP was more effective in staining the MILN.

Conclusions

This study confirms the feasibility of staining the iliosacral lymph center (mainly the MILNs) by LFL in thawed dog carcasses via ID or IPP administration of ICG. However, the IPP route showed greater effectiveness in staining the MILN.
The role of sex and femininity in preferences for unfamiliar infants among Chinese adults
Authors: Ding Fangyuan , Cheng Gang , Jia Yuncheng , Zhang Wen , Lin Nan , Zhang Dajun , Mo Wenjing
Published: November 2020

Guided by parental investment theory and social role theory, this study aimed to understand current contradictory results regarding sex differences in response to infant faces by considering the effect of gender role orientation. We recruited 300 adults in China and asked them to complete an Interest in Infants questionnaire and a Bem Sex Role Inventory and then administered a behavioral assessment that used unfamiliar infant faces with varying expressions (laughing, neutral, and crying) as stimuli to gauge three components of motivation towards infants (i.e., liking, representational responding, and evoked responding). The results demonstrated that sex differences emerged only in self-reported interest in infants, but no difference was found between the sexes in terms of their hedonic reactions to infant faces. Furthermore, femininity was found to correlate with preferences for infants in both verbal and visual tests, but significant interactive effects of feminine traits and sex were found only in the behavioral test. The findings indicated that men’s responses to infants were influenced more by their feminine traits than were women’s responses, potentially explaining the greater extent to which paternal (vs. maternal) investment is facultative.
Decision-making on maternal pertussis vaccination among women in a vaccine-hesitant religious group: Stages and needs
Authors: de Munter Anne C. , Ruijs Wilhelmina L. M. , Ruiter Robert A. C. , van Nimwegen Dagmar J. J. , Oerlemans Anke J. M. , Ginkel Rijk van , Hulscher Marlies E. J. L. , Hautvast Jeannine L. A.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

As of December 2019, pregnant women in the Netherlands are offered pertussis vaccination to protect their newborn infant against pertussis infection. However, the manner in which pregnant women decide about this maternal pertussis vaccination is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the decision-making process regarding maternal pertussis vaccination, and to explore the related needs among the vaccine-hesitant subgroup of orthodox Protestant women.

Methods

Charmaz’s grounded theory approach was used to develop a decision-making framework. To construct this framework we used an explorative multimethod approach in which in-depth interviews and online focus groups were supplemented by a literature search and research group meetings. This study was carried out in a hypothetical situation since the maternal pertussis vaccination had yet to be implemented in the Dutch immunisation programme at the time of the study.

Results

Twenty-five orthodox Protestant women participated in an interview, an online focus group, or in both. The findings of this study resulted in a decision-making framework that included three stages of decision-making; an Orientation stage, a value-based Deliberation stage, and Final decision stage. The Orientation stage included the needs for decision-making categorised into Information needs and Conversation needs. Women indicated that -if they were to receive sufficient time for Orientation and Deliberation- they would be able to reach the stage of Final decision.

Conclusion

The decision-making framework resulting from our findings can be used by health care professionals to provide women with information and consultation in the decision-making process. Future studies should investigate whether the stages of and needs for decision-making can be found across other vaccine-hesitant subgroups and vaccinations.
Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Italy: The role of local and interventional factors in the control of the epidemic
Authors: Lilleri Daniele , Zavaglio Federica , Gabanti Elisa , Gerna Giuseppe , Arbustini Eloisa
Published: November 2020

Containment measures have been applied in several countries in order to limit the diffusion of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. The scope of this study is to analyze the evolution of the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic throughout Italy and factors associated to the different way it spread in the Italian Regions, starting from the day that the first indigenous cases were detected through day 81 (6 days after the end of the strict lockdown). Data were obtained from daily reports and are represented as number (and percentage) of cases/100,000 persons. A lockdown with movement restrictions, especially across Regions, was declared at day 20. At day 81, 219,070 cases (363/100,000 persons) were diagnosed. A regression analysis based on the Gompertz model predicts a total number 233,606 cases (386/100,000 persons) at the end of the epidemic. The 21 areas, divided into Italian Regions and autonomous Provinces, showed a wide range in the frequency of cases at day 81 (58–921, median 258/100,000 persons) and total predicted cases (58–946, median 267/100,000 persons). Similarly, the predicted time for the end of the wave of the epidemic (considering as surrogate marker the time at which 99% of the total cases are predicted to occur) was highly variable, ranging from 64 to 136 (median 99) days. We analyzed the impact of local and interventional variables on the epidemic curve in each Region. The number of cases correlated inversely with the distance from the area in which first cases were detected and directly also with the gross domestic product pro capite (as a marker of industrial activity) of the Region. Moreover, an earlier start of the lockdown (i.e. in the presence of a lower number of cases) and wider testing were associated with a lower final number of total cases. In conclusion, this analysis shows that population-wide testing and early lockdown enforcement appear effective in limiting the spreading of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.
Digital video-based research in fashion: Visualizing affect and sartorial vitality
Authors: Robinson Todd
Published: November 2020

This article examines the role of digital video in fashion research. It makes a case for the use of digital video as a valuable tool within the suite of research methods typically used in the field of fashion and dress. Its aim is to demonstrate that digital video can enrich studies of fashion, specifically in its capacity to assist the capture and analysis of visual material unavailable to unmediated perception. Central to this is the technology’s ability to document the dressed body in movement. The article discusses outcomes of a video-based methodology with reference to participatory research activities termed ‘sartorial sessions’. The approach used digital video technology to make possible the collection, analysis and manipulation of embodied material for a close interpretation and analysis as well as for others to encounter. The article demonstrates the way digital media, when used in conjunction with practice-oriented methods, opens up new ways to understand and research the body in fashion. It concludes with reflection on how revelation of a background sartorial vitality opened up by digital technology can shift understanding of fashion from commodities or signs involved in the transmission of messages about wearers, or aesthetic propositions to powerful tools shaping our encounters in the world.
Aproximación mediante encuestas a las paremias usuales comunes entre España e Hispanoamérica aplicables a las clases de traducción general
Authors: Navarro-Brotons Lucía
Published: November 2020

En este artículo se pretende 1) conocer si una selección de 60 paremias españolas catalogadas en el Refranero Multilingüe de Cervantes Virtual como frecuentes en España son conocidas y usadas Hispanoamérica y 2) detectar las variaciones formales existentes en las paremias comunes al español peninsular e hispanoamericano. Todo ello con vistas a iniciar el camino hacia un mínimo paremiológico del español que sirva para la creación de materiales relacionados con la fraseotraducción para las clases de Traducción General.
Wax resin lining techniques: Edson Motta’s training at the Fogg Conservation Center and its adaptation to the Brazilian reality
Authors: Paiva May , Aguiar Maria , Vieira Eduarda
Published: November 2020

After Edson Motta’s graduation from the Fogg Conservation Center, his experience contributed to the practice of conservation in Brazil through the introduction of new materials and the technique of wax-resin lining. However, this technique has drawbacks when applied in a country of tropical climate and few resources. It is important, when considering the use of this approach, to be mindful of the conservator’s historical role, which can reveal why this technique was, very likely, the best choice for the conservation of the vast patrimony of canvas paintings in Brazil.
Emergence of the First Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak Among Livestock in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2016.
Authors: Issimov Arman , Rametov Nurkuisa , Zhugunissov Kuandyk , Kutumbetov Lespek , Zhanabayev Assylbek , Kazhgaliyev Nurlybay , Nurgaliyev Birzhan , Shalmenov Malik , Absatirov Gaisa , Dushayeva Laura , Akhmetaliyeva Aliya , Kereyev Abzal , White Peter
Published: November 2020

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an emerging transboundary viral disease of cattle originating from the African continent. Here we describe the first LSD outbreak reported in the Republic of Kazakhstan, in July 2016. Initially, LSD was reported in a cattle farm located 49 km from Kazakh –Russian border in, Atyrau Oblast in West Kazakhstan. Subsequently, the disease spread to neighbouring farms situated within the same district. Following a preliminary investigation, the local State Veterinary Service declared a strict quarantine according to the State Contingency Plan, along with immediate total stamping out and cattle movement restrictions. During the outbreak, the number of affected cattle within an epidemiological unit reached 459 cattle out of registered 3557 susceptible cattle with 12.90% morbidity and 0.96%, mortality. This manuscript presents the epidemiological situation, the diagnosis, the control measures including mass vaccination and the stamping out campaign.s
Titanium Oxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles for Treatment of Wound Infection
Authors: Alhadrami Hani A. , Shoudri Raniyah A.M
Published: November 2020

Wound infections evidently appeared in times of World War I that accounted a significant mortality and morbidity rate among injured soldiers. Currently, around 11 million people worldwide require medical treatment for wound infections and 300,000 die every year due to untreated wound infection. The extensive use of antibiotics to treat wound infection leads to emerging new microbial strains that are resistant to many antibiotics. There is a growing concern on the emergence and re-emergence of drug-resistant pathogens such as multi-resistant bacterial strains. Hence, the development of new antimicrobial compounds or the modification of those that already exist to improve antibacterial activity is a high priority area of research. During the past few decades, nanotechnology has arisen with new promising technology for synthesis of nanobiomaterials. Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) are considered as new alternative treatment with superior antibacterial activity. In this study, new formulation of titanium oxide (TiO2) NPs with different sizes were synthesized and characterized. Genotoxicity, mutagenicity and antibacterial activities of TiO2 NPs against the causative agents of wound infection were investigated. Antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs was conducted against three ATCC ® bacterial strains: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results clearly illustrate a superior antibacterial activity of all newly formulated TiO2 NPs against the most causative agents of wound infection. Most of our TiO2 NPs showed non-genotoxic and non-mutagenic results at the maximum concentrations. Findings of this study will enhance the future of the therapeutic strategies against the resistant pathogenic strains that cause wound infections.
Seascape Genomics of the Sugar Kelp Saccharina latissima Along the North Eastern Atlantic Latitudinal Gradient
Authors: Guzinski Jaromir , Ruggeri Paolo , Ballenghien Marion , Mauger Stephane , Jacquemin Bertrand , Jollivet Chloe , Coudret Jerome , Jaugeon Lucie , Destombe Christophe , Valero Myriam
Published: November 2020

Temperature is one of the most important range-limiting factors for many seaweeds. Driven by the recent climatic changes, rapid northward shifts of species’ distribution ranges can potentially modify the phylogeographic signature of Last Glacial Maximum such as increased genetic diversity at lower latitudes. To explore this question in detail in the kelp Saccharina latissima, we used microsatellites and double digest RAD-sequencing derived SNPs on S. latissima sporophytes sampled within 11 sites spanning the entire European Atlantic latitudinal range of this species. In addition, we checked for statistical correlation between genetic marker allele frequencies and three environmental proxies (sea surface temperature, salinity, and water turbidity). Our findings revealed that genetic diversity was significantly higher for the northern localities compared to the southern ones in contrast to the expected phylogeographic pattern. This suggests that the southernmost S. latissima populations are negatively affected by the recent climatic changes but also that the recolonization of S. latissima range following the LGM may have occurred from northerly refugia. Seven SNPs and 12 microsatellite alleles were found to be significantly associated with at least one of the three environmental variables. We discuss the potential adaptive functions of the genes associated with the outlier markers and the importance of these markers for successful conservation and aquaculture strategies for S. latissima in this age of rapid global change.
Spectroscopic Studies of Synthetic and Natural Saponites: A Review
Authors: Ponce Concepcion , Kloprogge J. Theo
Published: November 2020

Saponite is a trioctahedral 2:1 smectite with the ideal composition MxMg3AlxSi4-xO10(OH,F)2.nH2O (M = interlayer cation). Both the success of the saponite synthesis and the determination of its applications depends on robust knowledge of the structure and composition of saponite. Among the routine characterization techniques spectroscopic methods are the most common. This review, thus, provides an overview of various spectroscopic methods to characterize natural and synthetic saponite with focus on the extensive work by one of the authors (JTK). The IR and Raman spectra of natural and synthetic saponites are discussed in detail including the assignment of the observed bands. The crystallization of saponite is discussed based on the changes in the IR and Raman spectra and a possible crystallization model is provided. Infrared emission spectroscopy has been used to study the thermal changes of saponite in-situ including the dehydration and (partial) dehydroxylation up to 750˚C. 27Al and 29Si Magic-Angle-Spinning Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy is discussed (as well as 11B and 71Ga for B- and Ga-Si substitution) with respect to, in particular, Al(IV)/Al(VI) and Si/Al(IV) ratios. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy provides besides chemical information also some information related to the local environments of the different elements in the saponite structure as reflected by their binding energies.
Lower Bound of Sectional Curvature of Manifold of Beta Distributions and Complete Monotonicity of Functions Involving Polygamma Functions
Authors: Qi Feng
Published: November 2020

In the paper, by convolution theorem for the Laplace transforms and analytic techniques, the author finds necessary and sufficient conditions for complete monotonicity, monotonicity, and inequalities of several functions involving polygamma functions. By these results, the author derives a lower bound of a function related to the sectional curvature of the manifold of the beta distributions. Finally, the author poses several guesses and open problems related to monotonicity, complete monotonicity, and inequalities of several functions involving polygamma functions.
Modelling hydrological responses under climate change using machine learning algorithms – semi-arid river basin of peninsular India
Authors: Sireesha Naidu G. , Pratik M. , Rehana S.
Published: November 2020

Catchment scale conceptual hydrological models apply calibration parameters entirely based on observed historical data in the climate change impact assessment. The study used the most advanced machine learning algorithms based on Ensemble Regression and Random Forest models to develop dynamically calibrated factors which can form as a basis for the analysis of hydrological responses under climate change. The Random Forest algorithm was identified as a robust method to model the calibration factors with limited data for training and testing with precipitation, evapotranspiration and uncalibrated runoff based on various performance measures. The developed model was further used to study the runoff response under climate change variability of precipitation and temperatures. A statistical downscaling model based on K-means clustering, Classification and Regression Trees and Support Vector Regression was used to develop the precipitation and temperature projections based on MIROC GCM outputs with the RCP 4.5 scenario. The proposed modelling framework has been demonstrated on a semi-arid river basin of peninsular India, Krishna River Basin (KRB). The basin outlet runoff was predicted to decrease (13.26%) for future scenarios under climate change due to an increase in temperature (0.6 °C), compared to a precipitation increase (13.12%), resulting in an overall reduction in water availability over KRB.
Reconfiguring urban waterscape: water kiosks in Delhi as a new governance model
Authors: Sarkar Uma Dey , Choudhary Bikramaditya K.
Published: November 2020

International organizations firmly ratifying the human right to water though neoliberal reforms have pushed for increasing commodification and marketization of water. Accelerated urbanization in cities of the Global South have intensified problems associated with access to water and innovative solutions such as water kiosks are seen as the future of water access in underserved areas. This paper studies access to potable water in four resettlement colonies of Delhi with a focus on the water kiosks which operate in these colonies. Tracing the broader reforms which have been initiated in the public utility (Delhi Jal Board), the paper investigates the model of water kiosk of these colonies and the extent to which access to water has been impacted by the introduction of the water kiosks. Based on the processes of changes and continuities in the waterscapes of formal yet marginal spaces in the city and concomitant reconfigurations in urban governance, the paper argues that water kiosks serve to reproduce the uneven power relations embedded in the process of neoliberal urbanization.
Comparison of meteorological indices for drought monitoring and evaluating: a case study from Euphrates basin, Turkey
Authors: Katipoğlu Okan Mert , Acar Reşat , Şengül Selim
Published: November 2020

Drought incidents occur due to the fact that precipitation values are below average for many years. Drought causes serious effects in many sectors, such as agriculture, economy, health, and energy. Therefore, the determination of drought and water scarcity, monitoring, management, and planning of drought and taking early measures are important issues. In order to solve these issues, the advantages and disadvantages of five different meteorological drought indices were compared, and the most effective drought index was determined for monitoring drought. Accordingly, in the monthly, 3-month, and 12-month time period, covering the years between 1966 and 2017 (52 years), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Statistical Z-Score Index (ZSI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) were used. It was concluded that precipitation-based SPI and ZSI are similar patterns and precipitation, and temperature-based SPEI and RDI are similar patterns. Also, it has been determined that RAI is more effective than other indices in determining the periods of extreme drought or wet. Furthermore, SPEI and RDI have been found to be superior to other indices as they take into account the water consumption and climate effects caused by evapotranspiration.
Construction of autotrophic nitrogen removal system based on zero-valent iron (ZVI): performance and mechanism
Authors: Yang Han , Deng Liangwei , Xiao Youqian , Yang Hongnan , Wang Hong , Zheng Dan
Published: November 2020

In this study, the performance and mechanism of nitrogen removal in sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) with and without zero-valent iron (ZVI) was investigated. The results showed that ZVI had a capacity to promote -N conversion, -N accumulation and total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal, with the TIN removal rate being increased by 29.45%. The ZVI also had a significant impact on microbial community structure by means of high-throughput pyrosequencing, increasing the enrichment of Anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) bacteria Candidatus Brocadia and Feammox (anaerobic ferric ammonium oxidation) bacteria Ignavibacterium. With ZVI addition, the main pathway of nitrogen removal was changed from nitrification-heterotrophic denitrification to Anammox and Feammox.
Digraph Energy of Directed Polygons
Authors: Deng Bo , Yang Ning , Liang Weilin , Lu Xiaoyun
Published: November 2020

Background:

The energy E(G) of G is deﬁned as the sum the absolute values of the eigenvalues of its adjacency matrix. In theoretical chemistry, within the Hu ̈ckel molecular orbital (HMO) approximation, the energy levels of the π-electrons in molecules of conjugated hydrocarbons are related to the energy of the molecular graphs.

Objective:

Generally, the energy to digraphs was proposed.

Methodology:

Let Δ_n be the set consisting of digraphs with n vertices and each cycle having length≡2 mod(4). The set of all the n-order directed hollow k-polygons in Δ_n based on a k-polygon G is denoted by H_k (G).

Results:

In this research, by using the quasi-order relation over Δ_n and the characteristic polynomials of digraphs, we describe the directed hollow k-polygon with the maximum digraph energy in H_k (G).

Conclusion:

The n-order oriented hollow k-polygon with the maximum digraph energy among Hk(G) only contains a cycle. Moreover, such a cycle is the longest one produced in G.
A Novel and Sensitive LC-MS/MS Method for the Quantitation of Ceftiofur in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Milk Samples
Authors: Levent Serkan , Özcan Saniye , Geven Aysun , Can Nafiz Öncü
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

In the present study, a sensitive and selective liquid chromatographytandem
mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was described for the determination of ceftiofur
(CEF) in cow milk and pharmaceutical preparations. CEF is an antibiotic compound, which is
commonly used in the treatment of animal diseases such as respiratory system, soft tissue, and foot
infections, as well as postpartum acute puerperal metritis. One of the critical features of CEF is its
prescription while breastfeeding cows; in accordance, its quantitative estimation is essential to
assess its residual amounts.

Methods:

In the method reported herein, after simple protein precipitation using acetonitrile, the
pre-treated samples were introduced into an LC-MS/MS instrument equipped with a Chromolith®
High-Resolution RP-18 series HPLC column (100 mm × 4.6 mm from Merck KGaA, Germany).
Electrospray ionization was employed as the ionization source in the triple-quadrupole tandem
mass spectrometer.

Results:

For the calibration method using solvent-based standards, LOQ was 3.038 ng/mL, 12.15
ng/mL, and LOD was 1.215 ng/mL and 6.076 ng/mL for ESI+ and ESI- modes, respectively. On
the other hand, for the method of matrix-matched standards, LOQ was 1.701 ng/mL, 10.13 ng/mL,
and LOD was 0.486 ng/mL and 5.929 ng/mL for ESI+ and ESI- modes, respectively as obtained
from signal to noise ratio.

Conclusion:

Applicability of both positive and negative ion modes was tested, and the analyte was
detected via multiple reaction monitoring. The distorting effects of the milk matrix on the MS
ionization and quantitation of CEF were overcome by using matrix-matched calibration for the first
time.
Synthesis of Novel bis-spirooxindoles Catalyzed by Magnetic Cobalt Ferrite Encapsulated MCM-41@MgO as a Solid Base
Authors: Mohammadi Somaye , Naeimi Hossein
Published: November 2020

Aims and Objective:

Synthesis of novel bis-spirooxindoles was carried out from isatins, two equivalents of malononitrile, and various derivatives of cyclohexanones.

Background :

A facile one-pot and four-component reaction was investigated for the synthesis of novel bisspirooxindoles from different derivatives of isatins, two equivalents of malononitrile and various derivatives of cyclohexanone in the presence of magnetic CoFe2O4@MCM-41@MgO NPS catalyst under mild conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Firstly, the magnetic CoFe2O4@MCM-41@MgO was prepared in three steps. Afterwards, the CoFe2O4@MCM-41@MgO was used as a base catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of bisspirooxindoles.

Results and Discussion:

The procedure exhibited several benefits, an excellent yield of products, short reaction times, reusability, and recyclability of the nanocatalyst.

Conclusion:

The structure of nanocatalyst was recognized by FT-IR, XRD, VSM, SEM, BET, and EDX techniques, and the structure of the organic products was determined by melting point, FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, Mass spectra, and C.H.N analyses.
The Molecular Characterization and Biological Assessment of the Leaves Extracts of Loofah Reveal their Nutraceutical Potential
Authors: Hlel Takoua Ben , Belhadj Feten , Gül Fatih , Altun Muhammed , Yağlıoğlu Ayşe Şahin , Smaali Isaam , Marzouki Mohammad Nejib , Demirtaş Ibrahim
Published: November 2020

Background:

Luffa cylindrica is a plant that is widely distributed in Africa and Asia and can be grown in regions with tropical or subtropical climates. Few patents dealt with Loofah biological properties, including some functional foods formulated from its leaves.

Objective:

This study aimed to structurally and functionally characterize the bioactive compounds of L. cylindrica leaves grown in two different environments.

Methods:

The extracts of L. cylindrica leaves collected from two Tunisian locations: Essouasi (LE), a semi-arid region and Medenine (LM), an arid region, were investigated for their phenolic compounds and fatty acids using HPLC/TOF-MS and GC-MS techniques, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated with DPPH, Chelating effect, Hydroxyl radical and Superoxide anion scavenging activities while the anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines was assessed using xCELLigence real time cell analyzer and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay.

Results:

The antiproliferative capacity of both extracts was time and dose-dependent, with LE presenting the lowest HeLa cell index (CI = 0.035 ± 0.018, 250 μg/ml). LE also showed the best cytotoxic capacity (56.49 ± 0.8%) and antioxidant potential (IC50= 54.41 ± 1.12 μg/ml for DPPH and 12.12 ± 0.07 μg/ml for chelating effect). 14 phenolic compounds were detected in LE, with ferulic acid being the major compound (5128.5 ± 4.09 μg Phenols/g), while LM had only 6 phenolics. GCMS analysis showed the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in LE.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that L. cylindrica leaves, especially when collected from semiarid regions, are promising for formulating nutraceuticals of interest.
Improved Environment-Aware–Based Noise Reduction System for Cochlear Implant Users Based on a Knowledge Transfer Approach: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Li Lieber Po-Hung , Han Ji-Yan , Zheng Wei-Zhong , Huang Ren-Jie , Lai Ying-Hui
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Cochlear implant technology is a well-known approach to help deaf individuals hear speech again and can improve speech intelligibility in quiet conditions; however, it still has room for improvement in noisy conditions. More recently, it has been proven that deep learning–based noise reduction, such as noise classification and deep denoising autoencoder (NC+DDAE), can benefit the intelligibility performance of patients with cochlear implants compared to classical noise reduction algorithms.

OBJECTIVE

Following the successful implementation of the NC+DDAE model in our previous study, this study aimed to propose an advanced noise reduction system using knowledge transfer technology, called NC+DDAE_T; examine the proposed NC+DDAE_T noise reduction system using objective evaluations and subjective listening tests; and investigate which layer substitution of the knowledge transfer technology in the NC+DDAE_T noise reduction system provides the best outcome.

METHODS

The knowledge transfer technology was adopted to reduce the number of parameters of the NC+DDAE_T compared with the NC+DDAE. We investigated which layer should be substituted using short-time objective intelligibility and perceptual evaluation of speech quality scores as well as t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding to visualize the features in each model layer. Moreover, we enrolled 10 cochlear implant users for listening tests to evaluate the benefits of the newly developed NC+DDAE_T.

RESULTS

The experimental results showed that substituting the middle layer (ie, the second layer in this study) of the noise-independent DDAE (NI-DDAE) model achieved the best performance gain regarding short-time objective intelligibility and perceptual evaluation of speech quality scores. Therefore, the parameters of layer 3 in the NI-DDAE were chosen to be replaced, thereby establishing the NC+DDAE_T. Both objective and listening test results showed that the proposed NC+DDAE_T noise reduction system achieved similar performances compared with the previous NC+DDAE in several noisy test conditions. However, the proposed NC+DDAE_T only required a quarter of the number of parameters compared to the NC+DDAE.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that knowledge transfer technology can help reduce the number of parameters in an NC+DDAE while keeping similar performance rates. This suggests that the proposed NC+DDAE_T model may reduce the implementation costs of this noise reduction system and provide more benefits for cochlear implant users.
Outpatient Clinic Visits Using Telemedicine - For Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Treated With Insulin Pumps (Preprint)
Authors: Ørsted Schultz Anders Nikolai , Bollig Georg , Kristensen Frans Brandt
Published: November 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Aim:
We aim to investigate three different aspects of conducting an outpatient clinic visit remotely using telemedicine. The areas investigated will be: Diabetes regulation, patient and healthcare professionals perspective on video consultation , and economic evaluation.

Background:
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has doubled over the last three decades.
A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials including a total of 600 people treated in period of 2,5 – 24 months the authors concluded that insulin pump treatment lead to significantly better glycemia control, measured by Hba1c.
Studies suggest that centres with a large volume of insulin pump patients have a lower complication rate and achieve better metabolic control (lower HbA1c levels) than smaller centres.
Accordingly, patients will have larger distance to their centre, more traveling time, and more inconvenience. Hence some patients may not even want to start insulin pump treatment due to distance or may not even get the offer by the HCP even if the indications are present. The Longer travel times might lead some patients to opt out of an insulin pump treatment, or make patients wait longer before contacting staff in case of technical problems or medical issues.
A solution to overcome distances to centre and make the healthcare service provide even better could be by use of telemedicine.
Telemedicine was defined in 1997 by the World Health Organization. Since then the world has experienced a new digital revolution

Study design:
A randomised controlled trial will be conducted, including DM1 patients treated with insulin pump. Inclusion criteria: Adult patients, diagnosed with DM1 and use of insulin pump for at least 6 months. Exclusion criteria: No internet access or unable to adhere to protocol. Unable to speak or read Danish.
Impact:
The study will not only provide solid evidence for implementation of telemedicine in the outpatient clinic regarding DM patients living with an Insulin pump, but hopefully also set a standard for future projects aiming to implement telemedicine in daily clinical practice.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04612933
Ultralow duty cycle chopper instigated low power continuous wave laser assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles: A novel approach
Authors: Swapna M. S. , Ashik A. S. , Krishnanunni R. A. , Nampoori V. P. N. , Sankararaman S.
Published: November 2020

This paper is the first report of advancement in the drastic reduction of the laser power density from 105 to 7.5 W/cm2 for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using a low power (60 mW) continuous-wave (cw) laser and a specially designed ultralow duty cycle (3%) optical chopper wheel for modulating the laser beam at low frequencies (2 Hz). The target is irradiated by keeping it in a liquid medium at 40–60 °C to produce quantum dots to SNPs of size less than 40 nm. The UV-visible spectroscopic and electron microscopic analyses confirm the formation of quantum dots and SNPs of size-dependent bandgap energy varying from 1.92 to 2.37 eV. The photoluminescence studies not only support the above observations but also reveal the blue emission upon UV excitation through the chromaticity diagram. The proposed greener approach using the low power cw laser is cost-effective when compared with the high-power laser-assisted synthesis of SNPs reported until now.