bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalencia y perfil de resistencia a antibióticos de microorganismos aislados de infecciones en pie diabético
Authors: Bocanegra-García Virgilio , Hernández-Gracía Guillermo , Cantú-Ramírez Rubén Celerino , Díaz-López Arely , Ávila-Aguilar Selene , Espinoza-Tavera Alejandro , García-García Edgar Alonso , Rivera-Sánchez Gildardo
Published: November 2017

La diabetes mellitus (DM) es una enfermedad crónica que afecta a un porcentaje considerable de la población, y la diabetes tipo II constituye un gran problema de salud pública en México actualmente. El pie diabético es una secuela grave de la diabetes por su prevalencia, la frecuencia con que se presentan infecciones y por los enormes costos económicos y sociales. En este estudio se examinaron 382 cepas aisladas de infecciones a partir de 284 pacientes con pie diabético, para determinar su identidad mediante pruebas bioquímicas y perfil de fármaco-resistencia. De las 382 cepas, 186 (48.6 %) fueron bacterias Gram positivas, 182 (47.6 %) bacterias Gram negativas y 14 (3.6 %) Candida sp. En 158 de las 284 muestras (55.6 %), se obtuvo solo un tipo de bacteria en 113 muestras  (39.7 %); se obtuvo un cultivo mixto, y dentro de estas, 7 tenían crecimiento de bacteria y levadura y 13 muestras resultaron negativas. Los patógenos más prevalentes fueron Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas aeruginosa. El 63.9 % de los aislados de S. aureus resultó resistente a la meticilina (MRSA), 44.1% resistentes a la vancomicina y un 18.6% resistentes al imipenem. P. aeruginosa fue el Gram negativo aislado con mayor frecuencia, mostrando multifármaco-resistencia. Los perfiles de fármaco-resistencia mostraron que la mayoría de S. aureus fue MRSA y en los aislados de P. aeruginosa prevalecieron las cepas resistentes a todos los antibióticos probados.
Relación entre hipertensión arterial y obesidad central en madres de familia
Authors: Araujo-Contreras Jesús María , Rivas-Avila Efrén , Avila-Rodríguez Armando , Avila-Rodríguez Elías Humberto , Vargas-Chávez Nohé , Reyes-Romero Miguel Arturo , Camacho-Luis Abelardo
Published: November 2017

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) está asociada con el padecimiento de otras enfermedades y de la obesi­dad. Su alta prevalencia representa un serio problema de salud en el mundo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relación entre hipertensión arterial y obesidad central en madres de familia de tres colonias de la ciudad de Durango, Durango, México. Para ello, se hizo un estudio transversal con una po­blación de 806 madres de familia. Se realizaron mediciones de tensión arterial, circunferencia de cintura y cadera. El análisis estadístico incluyó descriptivos, pruebas de independencia y medición de riesgo epidemiológico. Se obtuvo información de características so­ciodemográficas y antecedentes de la enfermedad hipertensiva. Las par­ticipantes presentaron como media de edad 41.4 años y de escolaridad nueve años cursados. El 59.8 % eran casadas, el 69.3 % eran amas de casa y el 87.8 % tenía afiliación a alguna institución de salud. La prevalencia de hipertensión reportada por las participantes fue 20.3 %; en el 50.6 % de la población total estuvo presente el antecedente familiar de la enfer­medad. La tensión arterial elevada obtenida por medición directa fue 19.7 %. Se encontró hipertensión sistólica en 8.4 % y diastólica en 17.3 %. La obesidad abdominal se evidenció en 82.9 %; el riesgo de presentar hipertensión arterial fue 3.1 veces mayor en las madres con obesidad abdominal. El riesgo de padecer enfermedad hipertensiva se elevó en los pacientes con antecedente familiar de HTA y con padecimiento de obesidad central, la cual es también con­siderada uno de los principales factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Archivo XML (SciELO)
Paradigmas en psicología clínica: Perspectiva intrapsíquica e interpersonal de modelos de intervención psicológica apoyados en la evidencia
Authors: Camacho-Mata Dacia Yurima , Orozco-Ramírez Luz Adriana , Ybarra-Sagarduy José Luis , Compeán-Ortiz Lidia Guadalupe
Published: November 2017

La psicoterapia está ampliamente influenciada por los conceptos teóricos de la psicología, tanto de corte individualista, que con­sideran la personalidad como un atributo del individuo (paradig­ma intrapsíquico), como de corte interpersonal (paradigma inter­personal), que consideran el efecto socioambiental en la personalidad. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer las convergencias y divergencias de los aspectos teóri­cos y prácticos de los modelos terapéuticos: cognitivo conduc­tual (paradigma intrapsíquico) y sistémico e interpersonal (la terapia sistémica y la terapia in­terpersonal). Estos paradigmas, lejos de oponerse, pueden com­partir sus aportaciones y tener un beneficio en el ejercicio prác­tico. Por tal motivo, ahondar en las raíces de cada modelo para encontrar coincidencias a nivel epistemológico, permite la inte­gración coherente y lógica de las teorías y técnicas de los diver­sos modelos, y así conformar un nuevo paradigma terapéutico, que potencialice los beneficios de la psicoterapia en favor de los pacientes. Archivo XML (SciELO)
Dinámica temporal de la infestación por muérdago enano (Arceuthobium globosum y A. vaginatum) en Zoquiapan (Parque Nacional Iztaccíhuatl Popocatépetl), México
Authors: Queijeiro-Bolaños Mónica Elisa , Cano-Santana Zenón
Published: November 2017

Los muérdagos enanos se encuentran entre los parási­tos forestales que tienen mayor impacto biológico y económico en los bosques templados; sin embargo, se sabe poco acerca de la dinámica temporal de la infestación. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer cómo cambia en el tiempo la incidencia de Arceuthobium vaginatum y A. glo­bosum sobre Pinus hartwegii en la región de Zoquiapan, dentro del Parque Nacional Iztaccíhuatl Popocatépetl, México. Durante dos años y medio (noviembre 2008 a mayo 2011) se registró la inciden­cia de muérdago (proporción de árboles infestados), la abundancia de hospederos y la abundancia de pinos menores a 2 m en 24 parce­las de 3 300 m2. Se encontró que la infestación es altamente variable entre fechas, especies y sitios, sin embargo, A. vaginatum mostró una mayor incidencia que A. globosum (Z = 44.09, P < 0.0001). Asimismo, la ocurrencia de incendios y la tala parecen haber afectado la inciden­cia de los muérdagos, e incluso, en algunos casos, se observaron rebrotes severos. La incidencia de A. vaginatum tuvo una correlación negativa con la abundancia de pinos menores a 2 m (rs = - 0.414, P < 0.05), por lo que esta especie pudo estar afectando el recluta­miento de individuos juveniles, mientras A. globosum no mostró una correlación significativa. Es necesario tomar en cuenta los sucesos estocásticos (como incen­dios) en los planes de manejo del muérdago enano, para mejorar la conservación de los recursos forestales. Archivo XML (SciELO)
Microalgas del Área Natural Protegida Ejidos de Xochimilco y San Gregorio Atlapulco, México
Authors: Figueroa-Torres María Guadalupe , Arana-Magallón Fernando , Almanza-Encarnación Saúl , Ferrara-Guerrero María Jesús , Ramos-Espinosa María Guadalupe
Published: November 2017

En México la mayor parte de los escasos los trabajos de las espe­cies microscópicas, pese a que poseen una gran importancia ecológica, económica y propie­daes de interés para el sector salud. En la zona de estudio, Área Natural Protegida Ejidos de Xo­chimilco y San Gregorio Atlapul­co, Ciudad de México, este es­quema se repite, encontrándose pocos trabajos sobre las microal­gas de los canales de Xochimilco y ninguno sobre San Gregorio Atlapulco. El objetivo del pre­sente trabajo fue elaborar un in­ventario de las microalgas de los canales de estas dos áreas. Para el caso de Xochimilco, se hizo una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva, que abarcó de enero de 1933 a diciembre de 2014. Para el caso de San Gregorio Atlapulco, de­bido a que no había estudios previos, se realizó un muestreo en enero del 2013 en 17 estacio­nes distribuidas en toda la zona, con una red de arrastre de aber­tura de malla de 54 μm y con una botella van Dorn. Las muestras se preservaron con formalina al 4 % y con lugol al 1% respectiva­mente, obteniendo un total de 34 muestras. Se generó un listado de 370 especies de microalgas para toda el Área Natural Protegida, de las cuales, 36 % pertenecieron a Clorofitas; 24 % a Euglenofitas; 24 % a Diatomeas, 12 % a Ciano­procariotas, 3 % a Dinoflagelados y 1 % a Cromofitas, con 27 nuevos registros para San Gregorio Atlapul­co. Entre las especies registradas, Microcystis aeruginosa y Peridinium willei forman florecimientos algales tóxicos, por lo que se hace necesa­rio monitorear estos ecosistemas para prevenir sus efectos noci­vos, además de continuar con los estudios ficoflorísticos de la región. Archivo XML (SciELO)
Desarrollo de una técnica para la detección in vitro de la presencia de antibióticos en muestras de hígado de res, cerdo y pollo
Authors: Monroy-Torres Rebeca , Linares-Segovia Benigno , Ramírez-Gómez Xochitl Sofía
Published: November 2017

El descubrimiento de los antibióticos ha permitido salvar la vida de millones de personas, sin embargo, su efectividad ha ido disminuyendo a la par que los microorganismos van desarrollando resistencia debido a su exposición constante durante su aplicación en el crecimiento de animales de abasto, por lo que se hace necesario contar con técnicas de detección oportuna de su presencia en alimentos. Se realizó un estudio preliminar, de corte transversal, en muestras de hígado de res, cerdo y pollo para establecer la viabilidad de determinar la presencia de antibióticos mediante la inhibición del crecimiento de una cepa de Escherichia coli ATCC25922, utilizando el método de Kirby-Bauer. Se inocularon 15 cajas Petri conteniendo agar Mueller Hinton (cinco para cada muestra de hígado: res, cerdo y pollo), con la cepa E. Coli sensible a antibióticos. En cada caja de agar se colocaron porciones de hígado de 5 mm de diámetro, con 1 cm de distancia entre muestras. Las cajas se incubaron a 35 OC por 24 h y se evaluó la formación de halos de inhibición. Se encontró que sólo una de las 15 muestras de hígado analizadas, correspondiente a hígado de res, presentó un halo de inhibición mayor a 30 mm. Los resultados obtenidos indican la viabilidad de usar esta técnica para la detección de la presencia de antibióticos en productos cárnicos.Archivo XML (SciELO)
LABORATORIO DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y DESARROLLO EN COMUNICACIÓN COMPLEJA: UNA PROPUESTA PARA PENSAR LA COMPLEJIDAD
Authors: Maass Margarita
Published: November 2017

El texto explica el trabajo que está realizando el Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo en Comunicación Compleja de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Propone una actitud distinta ante la construcción del conocimiento desde la cibercultura y el paradigma de la complejidad.
LA CIUDAD COMO OBJETO DE ESTUDIO DE LA COMUNICOLOGÍA. HIPÓTESIS, PREGUNTAS Y RUTAS PARA LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DE UN ESTADO DEL ARTE SOBRE LA LÍNEA DE INVESTIGACIÓN “CIUDAD Y COMUNICACIÓN”
Authors: Rizo García Marta
Published: November 2017

Este artículo pretende abrir la reflexión en torno de las múltiples posibilidades que ofrece el abordaje de la ciudad desde las ciencias de la comunicación. En un primer momento se presenta la propuesta conceptual de la comunicología, y sus primeras articulaciones con la ciudad. Posteriormente, se establecen algunas de las principales características de la ciudad y “lo urbano” como objetos de estudio, con especial énfasis en las aportaciones de las ciencias de la comunicación, que impulsan el abordaje de la ciudad como sistema de comunicación y como construcción mediática.
DEMOCRACIAS DE CALIDAD: ¿UN NUEVO ESPEJISMO?
Authors: Sermeño Ángel
Published: November 2017

Reseña
Implicaciones metodológicas del respeto al principio de autonomía en la investigación social
Authors: Prats Cuevas Joaquim , Salazar-Jiménez Rodrigo A. , Molina-Neira Josué
Published: November 2017

Este artículo cuestiona las implicaciones metodológicas que en teoría respetan el principio de autonomía en las investigaciones sociales. Se parte de consideraciones legales y principios teóricos y éticos, atendiendo a códigos deontológicos de asociaciones profesionales referentes al campo y a la normativa española sobre protección de datos personales. A continuación se muestra cómo se adaptó la teoría expuesta a la idiosincrasia metodológica de una investigación sobre educación cívica con menores de edad. Se resalta la necesidad de reflexionar sobre protocolos de actuación ética durante el diseño metodológico de las investigaciones, teniendo en cuenta consideraciones ético-epistemológicas y contextuales, como la posición relativa de los sujetos de estudio en el marco de las relaciones de poder existentes allí donde se desarrolla la acción.
La formación digital en los programas de periodismo de España y Portugal
Authors: Sánchez-García Pilar , Marinho Sandra
Published: November 2017

Los cambios en el panorama de los medios de comunicación y el entorno digital y multimedia requieren una adaptación de los programas de enseñanza del periodismo. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar cómo las universidades portuguesas y españolas han aprovechado el cambio de modelo educativo europeo del Plan Bolonia para reestructurar los planes de estudios, especialmente en relación con los contenidos tecnológicos y digitales. Los resultados reflejan mayor cantidad de asignaturas dedicadas a los contenidos digitales/tecnológicos, con una amplia variedad de denominaciones, las cuales combinan contenidos tecnológicos genéricos junto a la práctica periodística multimedia. Estos resultados permiten desencadenar una discusión sobre la estrategia de la enseñanza del periodismo que incluya diversas opciones curriculares.
Pattern of Heart Valve Involvement in Rheumatic Heart Disease
Authors: Koju Rajendra , Gurung R , Pant P , Pokharel B , Bedi TRS
Published: November 2017

Rheumatic heart disease is the most important consequence of acute rheumatic fever. Both are common cardiovascular problems in Nepal. Echocardiographic detection of rheumatic heart disease is important to establish the diagnosis. The involvement of valves and their severity guides the therapeutic options. A total of 133 valvular heart disease cases attended in Dhulikhel Hospital between July 2008 to June 2009 were analyzed. Fifty-one patients, in whom the problems were rheumatic in origin were studied. Among them, 12% (6) had isolated aortic valve involvement, 35%(18) had isolated mitral valve and 53%(27) ahd mixed involvement. Severe mitral stenosis accounts for 24% of all mitral stenosis and severe aortic stenosis is 20% fo all aortic stenosis. The rates for severe mitral regurgitation and severe aortic regurgitaiton are 30% and 28% respectively. Although the study population has a high number of female patients, the differences in the rates of involvement of aortic or mitral valve in both genders are statistically insignificant. The study, although small, confirms that in this population, females are more commonly affected, that the mitral valve is the most commonly damaged valve and that disease affecting multiple valves is marginally more common than isolated valve disease. The detection of valvular involvement at different stages can guide the therapeutic options.
Ebstein’s Anomaly: Anesthetic Management at shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre
Authors: Upreti Murari Raj , Pokharel Jeju Nath
Published: November 2017

During the last eight years, 34% of the cases have been congenital; out of which only 0.7% have been Ebstein’s Anomaly. In the literature they have mentioned that the male and female ratio is 1:1, but there are more female than male in our series, 15:3.
Halocarbenes May Deplete Atmospheric Ozone
Authors: Mamantov Andrew
Published: November 2017

Photooxidation of tetrachloroethylene (PERC) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in simulated tropospheric smog chamber studies occurs with a time delay, accelerating simultaneous decreasing O3/chlorinated ethylene (CE) concentrations along with increasing CCl2O, which is attributed to CCl2 in the case of PERC and CCl2 or CHCl for TCE. The carbenes, chlorinated acetyl chlorides and CCl2O products may result from the rearrangement of the oxidised and/or excited oxidised CE, e.g. an epoxide. Analyses indicate scavenging experiments have not proved the existence of Cl atoms as being responsible for chlorinated acetyl chloride formation. Halocarbenes may form complexes with O3 which can undergo electron transfer (ET) and lead to dissociation of O3 to O2 and O and regeneration of carbene, resulting in a chain reaction. The direction of ET may be determined by the smallest differential HOMO–LUMO energy between the carbene and O3 which results in greater transition state stabilisation. Similarities in the reactions of O3 with carbenes and simple alkenes, nucleophilic carbenes with electron-poor alkenes and electrophilic carbene PhCCl with alkyl-substituted alkenes, i.e. (1) complex formation, (2) very low or negative activation energies and (3) the ability to undergo ET reactions with alkylalkenes are discussed. The possibility of the world-wide used perhalocarbons, e.g. perfluorinated carbons, hydroperhalocarbons, their halogenated replacements and starting materials degrading to halocarbenes which may degrade O3, is analysed.
Bio-produced Acetic Acid: A Review
Authors: Vidra Aladár , Németh Áron
Published: November 2017

Acetic acid is an important platform chemical. It is mainly produced synthetically and only 10 percent of the world production is manufactured by bacterial fermentation for making vinegar. Several microorganisms can produce acetic acid and a part of them can incorporate CO2 during the production. In this review we summarized the microbial acetic acid pathways, and the used processes for vinegar production furthermore the optional acetic acid recovery operations to establish a complete possible biotechnological acetic acid production.
George A. Olah (1927‒2017): An Introduction
Authors: Hargittai Istvan
Published: November 2017

This contribution introduces a special collection of papers honoring the American-Hungarian chemistry Nobel laureate George A. Olah, a graduate and former instructor of the Faculty of Chemical and Bioengineering of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Hydraulic Transients in the Presence of Air Valve
Authors: Wéber Richárd , Hős Csaba
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on the hydrodynamic behavior of liquid pipelines in the presence of air valves. The aim of installing such valves on pipeline systems is twofold: on one hand, they release the accumulated air content and on the other hand, they allow the outer air to entrain the system when the internal pressure falls beneath ambient pressure (i.e. vacuum formation). We study the hydraulic transients in the presence of such air valve by means of experimental and numerical methods. The experiments were performed using a special test section where the pipeline close to the air valve was built from plexiglas allowing visual access. Furthermore, pressure signals were recorded at several locations of the pipeline. Numerical analysis was also performed using the commercially available CFD software (ANSYS CFX). It was revealed that the entrained air separates well from the primary liquid and the mixture behaves as two distinct phases.
David II's Chapel Royal at St Monans in the context of medieval pilgrimage
Authors: Lamb Rory
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the medieval parish church at St Monans in the East Neuk of Fife, considering what its architecture tells us about the flourishing pilgrimage culture in the area during the medieval period. The structure remaining today mostly dates to the re-foundation of an earlier shrine to St Monan by King David II in the 1360s. The construction and circumstances of this donation are discussed to gain an impression of how David's Chapel Royal originally appeared. Its location was also important, and the spread of St Monan's cult around his shrine is addressed, alongside its role within the wider network of Scottish pilgrimage. These factors combine to explain why this small Fife fishing village retains one of Scotland's grandest medieval parish churches.
The Order of the Thistle and the reintroduction of Catholicism in late-seventeenth-century Scotland
Authors: Strtak Jennifer
Published: November 2017

I argue that King James VII used the foundation of a monarchical order and subsequently a building project to reintroduce Catholic visual culture to post-Reformation Scotland. In 1687 the king issued a royal warrant for the ‘revival’ of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. A fictional narrative was established by the Crown to validate the institution of the king's chivalric knighthood as an ancient religious Scottish tradition, and a habit was conceptualised and realised that connected the monarchy with the Roman Catholic faith. This link would ultimately be strengthened through a Catholic building project, which saw the construction of three new churches in Edinburgh and Perth between 1687–1688. Through church design, the king and a knight companion had the opportunity to create a visual reintroduction of Catholicism to be promoted in late-seventeenth century Scotland.
A Novel Oxidation of Salicyl Alcohols Catalyzed by Lipase
Authors: Zhao Ziyuan , Zhang Liu , Li Fengxi , Tang Xuyong , Ma Yuwen , Wang Chunyu , Wang Zhi , Zhao Rui , Wang Lei
Published: November 2017

A novel and efficient oxidation of salicyl alcohols to the corresponding salicylaldehydes catalyzed by lipase is reported for the first time. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the method exhibited high yields (81–95%) and selectivities for salicylaldehydes. Moreover, this study expands the application of enzyme catalytic promiscuity in organic synthesis.
Effective Loss Minimization and Allocation of Unbalanced Distribution Network
Authors: Kaur Manvir , Ghosh Smarajit
Published: November 2017

An efficient distribution network must be able to supply power with good voltage profile. The main objective of the proposed work is to allocate losses of the unbalanced distribution network by the firefly algorithm in regulated and deregulated environments before and after loss minimization. Reconfiguration is one of the methods for loss reduction of unbalanced distribution network. Further, optimal placement of distributed generation and capacitor in the reconfigured unbalanced distribution network can further reduce the loss. The results of reconfigured unbalanced distribution network in regulated environment have already been reported. In this paper reconfiguration of an unbalanced distribution network in a deregulated environment is also carried out using an established Fuzzy Firefly algorithm. Loss sensitivity factor of unbalanced distribution networks is used to get the appropriate location of distributed generation and capacitor to be placed in the unbalanced distribution network. Their ratings have been found out by using bacteria foraging optimization algorithm (BFOA). The suggested loss allocation method using Firefly algorithm is implemented at first on 13 node unbalanced distribution network to check the performance of the proposed loss allocation method when compared to other available method. Finally the proposed method has been implemented on 25 node unbalanced distribution network. Both of the implementations are carried out under MATLAB environment.
Optimization of the Heating Element in a Gas-Gas Heater Using an Integrated Analysis Model
Authors: Lee Young , Chung Heeyoon , Kim Seon , Bae Hyeng , Cho Hyung
Published: November 2017

Gas-gas heaters (GGHs) are used to reheat gases through desulfurization in coal-fired power plants to reduce low-temperature corrosion and white smoke. Wrinkled heating elements are installed inside the GGH to perform effective heat exchange. An optimization study of the heating element shape was conducted to reduce the differential pressure effectively and improve performance. An integrated analysis model was applied. Based on actual operational data, a computational fluid dynamic analysis was conducted on the L-type heating element and GGH system. The experiments applied the optimal latin hypercube sampling method, and numerical analysis was performed for each sample. Based on the response surface, the result of the sample was optimized through the pointer algorithm. For the integrated analysis model, validation was performed by comparison with the actual operational data, and the thermal-fluid characteristics of the heating element and GGH system were analyzed to set three parameters: plate angle, undulated angle, and pitch 1. From the optimization result, increases in the undulated angle and pitch 1 reduce the pressure drop by widening the heating element cross section. By increasing the plate angle, the heat transfer area is secured and the reduced heat transfer coefficient is compensated, improving the GGH performance.
Principal Mismatch Patterns Across a Simplified Highly Renewable European Electricity Network
Authors: Raunbak Mads , Zeyer Timo , Zhu Kun , Greiner Martin
Published: November 2017

Due to its spatio-temporal variability, the mismatch between the weather and demand patterns challenges the design of highly renewable energy systems. A principal component analysis is applied to a simplified networked European electricity system with a high share of wind and solar power generation. It reveals a small number of important mismatch patterns, which explain most of the system’s required backup and transmission infrastructure. Whereas the first principal component is already able to reproduce most of the temporal mismatch variability for a solar dominated system, a few more principal components are needed for a wind dominated system. Due to its monopole structure the first principal component causes most of the system’s backup infrastructure. The next few principal components have a dipole structure and dominate the transmission infrastructure of the renewable electricity network.
Prospects for Increased Energy Recovery from Horse Manure—A Case Study of Management Practices, Environmental Impact and Costs
Authors: Hadin Åsa , Hillman Karl , Eriksson Ola
Published: November 2017

A transition to renewable energy sources and a circular economy has increased interest in renewable resources not usually considered as energy sources or plant nutrient resources. Horse manure exemplifies this, as it is sometimes recycled but not often used for energy purposes. The purpose of this study was to explore horse manure management in a Swedish municipality and prospects for energy recovery. The case study includes a survey of horse manure practices, environmental assessment of horse manure treatment in a biogas plant, including associated transport, compared to on-site unmanaged composting, and finally a simplified economic analysis. It was found that horse manure management was characterized by indoor collection of manure most of the year and storage on concrete slabs or in containers, followed by direct application on arable land. Softwood was predominantly used as bedding, and bedding accounted for a relatively small proportion (13%) of the total mix. Anaerobic digestion was indicated to reduce potential environmental impact in comparison to unmanaged composting, mainly due to biogas substituting use of fossil fuels. The relative environmental impact from transport of manure from horse facilities to anaerobic digestion plant was small. Results also indicate a relatively high cost for horse keepers to change from composting on site to anaerobic digestion in a centralized plant.
Optimization of the Use of His6-OPH-Based Enzymatic Biocatalysts for the Destruction of Chlorpyrifos in Soil
Authors: Senko Olga , Maslova Olga , Efremenko Elena
Published: November 2017

Applying enzymatic biocatalysts based on hexahistidine-containing organophosphorus hydrolase (His6-OPH) is suggested for the decomposition of chlorpyrifos, which is actively used in agriculture in many countries. The application conditions were optimized and the following techniques was suggested to ensure the highest efficiency of the enzyme: first, the soil is alkalinized with hydrated calcitic lime Ca(OH)2, then the enzyme is introduced into the soil at a concentration of 1000 U/kg soil. Non-equilibrium low temperature plasma (NELTP)-modified zeolite is used for immobilization of the relatively inexpensive polyelectrolyte complexes containing the enzyme His6-OPH and a polyanionic polymer: poly-l-glutamic acid (PLE50) or poly-l-aspartic acid (PLD50). The soil’s humidity is then increased up to 60–80%, the top layer (10–30 cm) of soil is thoroughly stirred, and then exposed for 48–72 h. The suggested approach ensures 100% destruction of the pesticide within 72 h in soils containing as much as 100 mg/kg of chlorpyrifos. It was concluded that using this type of His6-OPH-based enzyme chemical can be the best approach for soils with relatively low humus concentrations, such as sandy and loam-sandy chestnut soils, as well as types of soil with increased alkalinity (pH 8.0–8.4). Such soils are often encountered in desert, desert-steppe, foothills, and subtropical regions where chlorpyrifos is actively used.
The Content of Structural and Trace Elements in the Knee Joint Tissues
Authors: Roczniak Wojciech , Brodziak-Dopierała Barbara , Cipora Elżbieta , Mitko Krzysztof , Jakóbik-Kolon Agata , Konieczny Magdalena , Babuśka-Roczniak Magdalena
Published: November 2017

Many elements are responsible for the balance in bone tissue, including those which constitute a substantial proportion of bone mass, i.e., calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as minor elements such as strontium. In addition, toxic elements acquired via occupational and environmental exposure, e.g., Pb, are included in the basic bone tissue composition. The study objective was to determine the content of strontium, lead, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and magnesium in chosen components of the knee joint, i.e., tibia, femur and meniscus. The levels of Sr, Pb, Ca, P, Na and Mg were the highest in the tibia in both men and women, whereas the lowest in the meniscus. It should be noted that the levels of these elements were by far higher in the tibia and femur as compared to the meniscus. In the components of the knee joint, the level of strontium showed the greatest variation. Significant statistical differences were found between men and women only in the content of lead.
Lead Emissions and Population Vulnerability in the Detroit (Michigan, USA) Metropolitan Area, 2006–2013: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis
Authors: Moody Heather , Grady Sue C.
Published: November 2017

Objective: The purpose of this research is to geographically model airborne lead emission concentrations and total lead deposition in the Detroit Metropolitan Area (DMA) from 2006 to 2013. Further, this study characterizes the racial and socioeconomic composition of recipient neighborhoods and estimates the potential for IQ (Intelligence Quotient) loss of children residing there. Methods: Lead emissions were modeled from emitting facilities in the DMA using AERMOD (American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model). Multilevel modeling was used to estimate local racial residential segregation, controlling for poverty. Global Moran’s I bivariate spatial autocorrelation statistics were used to assess modeled emissions with increasing segregation. Results: Lead emitting facilities were primarily located in, and moving to, highly black segregated neighborhoods regardless of poverty levels—a phenomenon known as environmental injustice. The findings from this research showed three years of elevated airborne emission concentrations in these neighborhoods to equate to a predicted 1.0 to 3.0 reduction in IQ points for children living there. Across the DMA there are many areas where annual lead deposition was substantially higher than recommended for aquatic (rivers, lakes, etc.) and terrestrial (forests, dunes, etc.) ecosystems. These lead levels result in decreased reproductive and growth rates in plants and animals, and neurological deficits in vertebrates. Conclusions: This lead-hazard and neighborhood context assessment will inform future childhood lead exposure studies and potential health consequences in the DMA.
Alpha Channel Fragile Watermarking for Color Image Integrity Protection
Authors: Bonafè Barbara , Botta Marco , Cavagnino Davide , Pomponiu Victor
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a fragile watermarking algorithm`m for the protection of the integrity of color images with alpha channel. The system is able to identify modified areas with very high probability, even with small color or transparency changes. The main characteristic of the algorithm is the embedding of the watermark by modifying the alpha channel, leaving the color channels untouched and introducing a very small error with respect to the host image. As a consequence, the resulting watermarked images have a very high peak signal-to-noise ratio. The security of the algorithm is based on a secret key defining the embedding space in which the watermark is inserted by means of the Karhunen–Loève transform (KLT) and a genetic algorithm (GA). Its high sensitivity to modifications is shown, proving the security of the whole system.
Micro-Computed-Tomography-Guided Analysis of In Vitro Structural Modifications in Two Types of 45S5 Bioactive Glass Based Scaffolds
Authors: Westhauser Fabian , Ciraldo Francesca , Balasubramanian Preethi , Senger Anne-Sophie , Schmidmaier Gerhard , Moghaddam Arash , Boccaccini Aldo
Published: November 2017

Three-dimensional 45S5 bioactive glass (BG)-based scaffolds are being investigated for bone regeneration. Besides structural properties, controlled time-dependent alteration of scaffold morphology is crucial to achieve optimal scaffold characteristics for successful bone repair. There is no in vitro evidence concerning the dependence between structural characteristics and dissolution behavior of 45S5 BG-based scaffolds of different morphology. In this study, the dissolution behavior of scaffolds fabricated by the foam replica method using polyurethane foam (Group A) and maritime sponge Spongia Agaricina (Group B) as sacrificial templates was analyzed by micro-computed-tomography (µCT). The scaffolds were immersed in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium for 56 days under static cell culture conditions and underwent µCT-analysis initially, and after 7, 14, and 56 days. Group A showed high porosity (91%) and trabecular structure formed by macro-pores (average diameter 692 µm ± 72 µm). Group-B-scaffolds were less porous (51%), revealing an optimal pore size distribution within the window of 110–500 µm pore size diameter, combined with superior mechanical stability. Both groups showed similar structural alteration upon immersion. Surface area and scaffold volume increased whilst density decreased, reflecting initial dissolution followed by hydroxycarbonate-apatite-layer-formation on the scaffold surfaces. In vitro- and/or in vivo-testing of cell-seeded BG-scaffolds used in this study should be performed to evaluate the BG-scaffolds’ time-dependent osteogenic properties in relation to the measured in vitro structural changes.
Phenylazopyridine as Switch in Photochemical Reactions. A Detailed Computational Description of the Mechanism of Its Photoisomerization
Authors: Casellas Josep , Alcover-Fortuny Gerard , De Graaf Coen , Reguero Mar
Published: November 2017

Azo compounds are organic photochromic systems that have the possibility of switching between cis and trans isomers under irradiation. The different photochemical properties of these isomers make azo compounds into good light-triggered switches, and their significantly different geometries make them very interesting as components in molecular engines or mechanical switches. For instance, azo ligands are used in coordination complexes to trigger photoresponsive properties. The light-induced trans-to-cis isomerization of phenylazopyridine (PAPy) plays a fundamental role in the room-temperature switchable spin crossover of Ni-porphyrin derivatives. In this work, we present a computational study developed at the SA-CASSCF/CASPT2 level (State Averaged Complete Active Space Self Consistent Field/CAS second order Perturbation Theory) to elucidate the mechanism, up to now unknown, of the cis–trans photoisomerization of 3-PAPy. We have analyzed the possible reaction pathways along its lowest excited states, generated by excitation of one or two electrons from the lone pairs of the N atoms of the azo group (nazoπ*2 and nazo2π*2 states), from a π delocalized molecular orbital (ππ* state), or from the lone pair of the N atom of the pyridine moiety (npyπ* state). Our results show that the mechanism proceeds mainly along the rotation coordinate in both the nazoπ* and ππ* excited states, although the nazo2π*2 state can also be populated temporarily, while the npyπ* does not intervene in the reaction. For rotationally constrained systems, accessible paths to reach the cis minimum along planar geometries have also been located, again on the nazoπ* and ππ* potential energy surfaces, while the nazo2π*2 and npyπ* states are not involved in the reaction. The relative energies of the different paths differ from those found for azobenzene in a previous work, so our results predict some differences between the reactivities of both compounds.
In Vitro Evaluation of PCL and P(3HB) as Coating Materials for Selective Laser Melted Porous Titanium Implants
Authors: Grau Michael , Matena Julia , Teske Michael , Petersen Svea , Aliuos Pooyan , Roland Laura , Grabow Niels , Murua Escobar Hugo , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Haferkamp Heinz , Nolte Ingo
Published: November 2017

Titanium is widely used as a bone implant material due to its biocompatibility and high resilience. Since its Young’s modulus differs from bone tissue, the resulting “stress shielding” could lead to scaffold loosening. However, by using a scaffold-shaped geometry, the Young’s modulus can be adjusted. Also, a porous geometry enables vascularisation and bone ingrowth inside the implant itself. Additionally, growth factors can improve these effects. In order to create a deposit and release system for these factors, the titanium scaffolds could be coated with degradable polymers. Therefore, in the present study, synthetic poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and the biopolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) were tested for coating efficiency, cell adhesion, and biocompatibility to find a suitable coating material. The underlying scaffold was created from titanium by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and coated with PCL or P(3HB) via dip coating. To test the biocompatibility, Live Cell Imaging (LCI) as well as vitality and proliferation assays were performed. In addition, cell adhesion forces were detected via Single Cell Force Spectroscopy, while the coating efficiency was observed using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses. Regarding the coating efficiency, PCL showed higher values in comparison to P(3HB). Vitality assays revealed decent vitality values for both polymers, while values for PCL were significantly lower than those for blank titanium. No significant differences could be observed between PCL and P(3HB) in proliferation and cell adhesion studies. Although LCI observations revealed decreasing values in cell number and populated area over time on both polymer-coated scaffolds, these outcomes could be explained by the possibility of coating diluent residues accumulating in the culture medium. Overall, both polymers fulfill the requirements regarding biocompatibility. Nonetheless, since only PCL coating ensured the maintenance of the porous implant structure, it is preferable to be used as a coating material for creating a deposit and release system for growth factors.
Removal of Ciprofloxacin from Aqueous Solutions Using Pillared Clays
Authors: Roca Jalil Maria , Baschini Miria , Sapag Karim
Published: November 2017

Emerging contaminants in the environment have caused enormous concern in the last few decades, and among them, antibiotics have received special attention. On the other hand, adsorption has shown to be a useful, low-cost, and eco-friendly method for the removal of this type of contaminants from water. This work is focused on the study of ciprofloxacin (CPX) removal from water by adsorption on pillared clays (PILC) under basic pH conditions, where CPX is in its anionic form (CPX−). Four different materials were synthetized, characterized, and studied as adsorbents of CPX (Al-, Fe-, Si-, and Zr-PILC). The highest CPX adsorption capacities of 100.6 and 122.1 mg g−1 were obtained for the Si- and Fe-PILC (respectively), and can be related to the porous structure of the PILCs. The suggested adsorption mechanism involves inner-sphere complexes formation as well as van der Waals interactions between CPX− and the available adsorption sites on the PILC surfaces.
Impact of Parameter Variability and Environmental Noise on the Klausmeier Model of Vegetation Pattern Formation
Authors: Köhnke Merlin C. , Malchow Horst
Published: November 2017

Semi-arid ecosystems made up of patterned vegetation, for instance, are thought to be highly sensitive. This highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics of the formation of vegetation patterns. The most renowned mathematical model describing such pattern formation consists of two partial differential equations and is often referred to as the Klausmeier model. This paper provides analytical and numerical investigations regarding the influence of different parameters, including the so-far not contemplated evaporation, on the long-term model results. Another focus is set on the influence of different initial conditions and on environmental noise, which has been added to the model. It is shown that patterning is beneficial for semi-arid ecosystems, that is, vegetation is present for a broader parameter range. Both parameter variability and environmental noise have only minor impacts on the model results. Increasing mortality has a high, nonlinear impact underlining the importance of further studies in order to gain a sufficient understanding allowing for suitable management strategies of this natural phenomenon.
Synthesis and Anticandidal Activity Evaluation of New Benzimidazole-Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Kaplancıklı Zafer Asım , Levent Serkan , Osmaniye Derya , Sağlık Begüm Nurpelin , Çevik Ulviye Acar , Çavuşoğlu Betül Kaya , Özkay Yusuf , Ilgın Sinem
Published: November 2017

Azole-based antifungal agents constitute one of the important classes of antifungal drugs. Hence, in the present work, 12 new benzimidazole-thiazole derivatives 3a–3l were synthesized to evaluate their anticandidal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei, and C. parapsilopsis. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds 3a–3l were confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-MS spectroscopic methods. ADME parameters of synthesized compounds 3a–3l were predicted by an in-slico study and it was determined that all synthesized compounds may have a good pharmacokinetic profile. In the anticandidal activity studies, compounds 3c and 3d were found to be the most active compounds against all Candida species. In addition, cytoxicity studies showed that these compounds are nontoxic with a IC50 value higher than 500 µg/mL. The effect of compounds 3c and 3d on the ergosterol level of C. albicans was determined by an LC-MS-MS method. It was observed that both compounds cause a decrease in the ergosterol level. A molecular docking study including binding modes of 3c to lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), a key enzyme in ergosterol biosynthesis, was performed to elucidate the mechanism of the antifungal action. The docking studies revealed that there is a strong interaction between CYP51 and the most active compound 3c.
Factors Influencing the Phenotypic Characterization of the Oral Marker, PROP
Authors: Tepper Beverly , Melis Melania , Koelliker Yvonne , Gasparini Paolo , Ahijevych Karen , Tomassini Barbarossa Iole
Published: November 2017

In the last several decades, the genetic ability to taste the bitter compound, 6-n-propyltiouracil (PROP) has attracted considerable attention as a model for understanding individual differences in taste perception, and as an oral marker for food preferences and eating behavior that ultimately impacts nutritional status and health. However, some studies do not support this role. This review describes common factors that can influence the characterization of this phenotype including: (1) changes in taste sensitivity with increasing age; (2) gender differences in taste perception; and (3) effects of smoking and obesity. We suggest that attention to these factors during PROP screening could strengthen the associations between this phenotype and a variety of health outcomes ranging from variation in body composition to oral health and cancer risk.
Association between Vitamin Intake during Pregnancy and Risk of Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Salcedo-Bellido Inmaculada , Martínez-Galiano Juan , Olmedo-Requena Rocío , Mozas-Moreno Juan , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Jimenez-Moleon Jose , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel
Published: November 2017

Pregnancy increases the requirements of certain nutrients, such as vitamins, to provide nutrition for the newborn. The aim was to analyze the association between dietary intake of vitamins during pregnancy and risk of having a small for gestational age (SGA) newborn. A matched case-control study was conducted (518 cases and 518 controls of pregnant women) in Spain. Dietary vitamin intake during pregnancy was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, categorized into quintiles. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated with conditional regression logistic models. A protective association was observed between maternal dietary intake of vitamins A and D and SGA. For vitamin B3 and B6, the observed protective effect was maintained after adjusting for potential confounding factors. For vitamin B9, we found only an effect in quintiles 3 and 4 (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41–1.00; OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37–0.91). Protective effect for vitamin B12 was observed in 4th and 5th quintiles (OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.39–0.95; OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.43–1.04). No associations were detected between dietary intake of vitamins B2, E and C intake and SGA. Our results suggest a positive association between dietary vitamin intake during pregnancy and the weight of the newborn, although more studies are necessary and there could be a ceiling effect for higher intakes of some vitamins cannot be discarded.
Antipsychotic Polypharmacy among Children and Young Adults in Office-Based or Hospital Outpatient Department Settings
Authors: Sohn Minji , Burgess Meghan , Bazzi Mohamed
Published: November 2017

The purpose of the study was three-fold: (1) to estimate the national trends in antipsychotic (AP) polypharmacy among 6- to 24-year-old patients in the U.S.; (2) to identify frequently used AP agents and mental disorder diagnoses related to AP polypharmacy; and (3) to assess the strength of association between AP polypharmacy and patient/provider characteristics. We used publicly available ambulatory health care datasets to evaluate AP polypharmacy in office-based or hospital outpatient department settings to conduct a cross-sectional study. First, national visit rates between 2007 and 2011 were estimated using sampling weights. Second, common diagnoses and drugs used in AP polypharmacy were identified. Third, a multivariate logistic regression model was developed to assess the strength of association between AP polypharmacy and patient and provider characteristics. Between 2007 and 2011, approximately 2% of office-based or hospital outpatient department visits made by 6- to 24-year-old patients included one or more AP prescriptions. Of these visits, 5% were classified as AP polypharmacy. The most common combination of AP polypharmacy was to use two or more second-generation APs. Also, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were the two most frequent primary mental disorder diagnoses among AP polypharmacy visits. The factors associated with AP polypharmacy were: older age (young adults), black, having one or more non-AP prescriptions, and having schizophrenia or ADHD.