bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D status in preterm neonates and the effects of its supplementation on respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Al‐Beltagi Mohammed , Rowiesha Mohamed , Elmashad Abdelrahman , Elrifaey Shymaa M. , Elhorany Hemat , Koura Hassan Gamal 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate the status and effects of vitamin D supplement as adjuvant therapy in the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants.Patient and MethodsVitamin D was prospectively studied in 196 preterm neonates, 96 of them developed RDS, which further subdivided into three subgroups (subgroup received just conventional therapy, subgroup received conventional therapy plus vitamin D 400 IU/day, and subgroup received conventional therapy plus vitamin D 800 IU/day). The patient selection for each treatment subgroup was done by computed randomization, and all the patients had the same treatment protocols assigned for each subgroup.ResultsThe preterm group who developed RDS had lower vitamin D concentrations than the preterm group without RDS (*P < .001). Also, the subgroups supplemented with vitamin D had lower Downes Respiratory Distress score and PaCO2 levels, less duration of hospitalization, and complications rates than the subgroup without vitamin D supplementation. The subgroup supplemented with 800 IU/day vitamin D showed also significantly improvement, less hospitalization duration, and less complications than those supplemented with 400 IU/day.Conclusions25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration was deficient in most preterm babies especially those who developed RDS. Administration of 800 IU/day vitamin D as an adjuvant therapy in cases of RDS was associated with significant decreased in severity, rate of complications, and duration of hospital stay in preterm neonates with RDS.
Global occurrence data improve potential distribution models for Aedes japonicus japonicus in non‐native regions
Authors: Cunze Sarah , Kochmann Judith , Klimpel Sven 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is great interest in modelling the distribution of invasive species, particularly from the point of view of management. However, distribution modelling for invasive species using ecological niche models (ENMs) involves multiple challenges. Owing to the short time span since the introduction or arrival of a non‐indigenous species and the associated dispersal limitations, applying regular ENMs at an early stage of the invasion process may result in an underestimation of the potential niche in the new ranges. This topic is dealt with here using the example of Aedes japonicus japonicus, a vector competent mosquito species for a number of diseases.RESULTSWe found high niche unfilling for the species' non‐native range niches in Europe and North America compared with the native range niche, which can be explained by the early stage of the invasion process. Comparing four different ENMs based on: (i) the European and (ii) the North American non‐native range occurrence data, (iii) (derived) native range occurrence data, and (iv) all available occurrence data together, we found large differences in the projected climatic suitability, with the global data model projecting larger areas with climatic suitability.CONCLUSIONENM in biological invasions can be challenging, especially when distribution data are only poorly available. We suggest one possible way to project climatic suitability for Aedes j. japonicus despite poor data availability for the non‐native ranges and missing occurrences from the native range. We discuss aspects of the lack of information and the associated implications for modelling. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The 2030 Agenda and coherent national development policy: In dialogue with South African policymakers on Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development
Authors: Mbanda Vandudzai , Fourie Willem 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development (PCSD) agenda is regarded as the principal instrument to ensure the coherent alignment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with domestic policies. Due to PCSD's genesis in the foreign aid donor–recipient relationship, there is a shortage of research on policymakers in developing countries' perspective on PCSD. In this article, interviews with South African policymakers are used to evaluate the applicability of PCSD beyond the donor–recipient relationship critically. Emphasis is placed on vertical coherence. Policymakers are found to emphasise (a) the need to prioritise the SDGs' targets in terms of national priorities, (b) the importance of attending to institutional issues such as a lack of accountability and efficiency, (c) addressing the skills mismatch of capacity development interventions, and (d) engaging party politics.
A New NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitor, Dioscin, Promotes Osteogenesis
Authors: Yin Wei , Liu Shuo , Dong Ming , Liu Qicheng , Shi Chun , Bai Hua , Wang Qian , Yang Xue , Niu Weidong , Wang Lina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRefractory periapical periodontitis, which is a persistent infection after root canal treatment, still has no effective treatment. Its most common pathogen is Enterococcus faecalis. Here, the precursor of phytosteroids, dioscin, is introduced to fight against the inflammation induced by Enterococcus faecalis. The findings suggest that dioscin inhibits the nuclear transport of NF‐κB and the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by lipoteichoic acid from the Enterococcus faecalis. The decrease in mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, Caspase‐1, and IL‐1β is observed in dioscin treated mouse macrophages. In the MC3T3‐E1 cells, dioscin also promotes the expression of osteogenic‐related factors, ALP, Runx2, and OCN. The increased formation of mineralized nodules after the application of dioscin further indicates that dioscin has the potential to promote osteogenesis. The above results suggest dioscin can be a potential root canal irrigation or root canal sealant for the treatment of refractory apical periodontitis.
Mechanically Robust Gel Polymer Electrolyte for an Ultrastable Sodium Metal Battery
Authors: Luo Chengzhao , Shen Tong , Ji Haoqing , Huang Dong , Liu Jie , Ke Bingyu , Wu Yihan , Chen Yu , Yan Chenglin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSodium dendrite growth is responsible for short circuiting and fire hazard of metal batteries, which limits the potential application of sodium metal anode. Sodium dendrite can be effectively suppressed by applying mechanically robust electrolyte in battery systems. Herein, a composite gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is designed and fabricated, mainly consisting of graphene oxide (GO) and polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP). With the addition of an appropriate amount of GO content, the compressive Young's modulus of 2 wt% GO+PVDF‐HFP (2‐GPH) composite GPE is greatly enhanced by a factor of 10, reaching 2.5 GPa, which is crucial in the suppression of sodium dendrite growth. As a result, uniform sodium deposition and ultralong reversible sodium plating/stripping (over 400 h) at high current density (5 mA cm−2) are achieved. Furthermore, as evidenced by molecular dynamics simulation, the GO content facilitates the sodium ion transportation, giving a high ionic conductivity of 2.3 × 10−3 S cm−1. When coupled with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode in a full sodium metal battery, a high initial capacity of 107 mA h g−1 at 1 C (1 C = 117 mA g−1) is recorded, with an excellent capacity retention rate of 93.5% and high coulombic efficiency of 99.8% after 1100 cycles.
Health systems research and critical systems thinking: the case for partnership
Authors: Jackson Michael C. , Sambo Luis G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere has been a considerable growth in interest in Health Systems Research over the last 25 years. It is only recently, however, that health systems researchers have started to examine the key conceptual tool in their armoury – the notion of ‘system'; – and only then in a sporadic fashion. This paper argues that the failure to undertake this challenge has held back the field both theoretically and in terms of practice. Critical systems thinkers have, by contrast, spent the last 30 years conducting a second‐order analysis of different systems and complexity approaches, the way they employ the concept of ‘system';, and the difference this makes to the theories espoused and the modes of intervention endorsed. They have also explored how different systems approaches can be used in combination to bring about improvement by addressing the multi‐dimensional complexity thrown up by wicked problems. What critical systems thinkers have failed to do is get their hands dirty and demonstrate, through practical application, that their approach is useful in the health systems domain. Given the significance of health systems for public well‐being, and their inherent complexity, this is something that needs rectifying. If Critical Systems Thinking can support Health Systems Research with appropriate theories and methodologies, and health systems researchers are willing to involve critical systems thinkers in tackling the major issues they face, then a fruitful partnership can be forged.
“The plastic cathedral”: Innovation to extend the service life of a heritage structure
Authors: Tanner Peter , Lara Carlos , Bellod Juan L. , Sanz David 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDue to its severely damaged condition, former La Laguna cathedral was demolished and rebuilt between 1905 and 1913, saving only its neo‐classical façade. Reinforced concrete, at the time an innovative technology, was deployed to expedite construction and reduce costs. The trade‐off for these benefits was the risk associated with the use of a scantily understood material. Although a reliability‐based assessment of the corrosion‐damaged load‐bearing system showed that structural safety requirements were fulfilled for the future service life, less than 100 years after its reconstruction, the temple was so profoundly deteriorated that the roof had to be replaced entirely. Reconstruction began on the healthy part of the existing columns, underneath the capitals. The solution adopted retains the geometry of the 1913 structure, while improving its ventilation and lighting as well as its aesthetics by reconfiguring the proportions as nearly as possible to the golden ratio. The ribs in the vaults and main dome, characteristic of the neo‐gothic style of the building, were built with self‐compacting concrete, reinforced with glass‐fiber polymer rebars, and joined monolithically to the shells, as well as to the existing walls and columns. The 0.08 m thick shells are also made of a relatively unknown material, self‐compacting concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers. In order to reduce to acceptable levels the uncertainties associated with innovative technologies, in addition to laboratory tests, a full‐scale prototype of a typical dome was constructed prior to the execution of the new roof. Nearly a century after the previous, negative experience, thanks to modern structural engineering and materials science, new challenges can be assumed.
Effectiveness evaluation of passive resistive element placement on a fault ride‐through enhancement in a DFIG‐based wind energy conversion system
Authors: Sahoo Subhendu Sekhar , Tripathi Prashant Mani , Chatterjee Kalyan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOver the last few decades, doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) have become one of the most successful and preferred types of wind energy generators (WEG). The DFIG has the advantages of a wide range of speed operations, a high efficiency, and partial rated converters. However, direct coupling of the stator with the grid makes the system more prone to grid disturbances. The consequences of grid disturbances, such as a rotor overcurrent, stator overcurrent, electromagnetic torque oscillations, and direct current (DC) link overvoltage, are the predominant considerations that affect the rotor circuit, stator circuit, mechanical components, and DC‐link capacitor of the DFIG, respectively. These uncertainties affect the operation of the generator and may lead to the generator to be shutdown. In this paper, a novel position for the placement of a passive resistive element (PRE) is illustrated. This position of the PRE placement is compared with all other possible locations for the PRE. The different locations for PRE placement are the stator side, rotor side, across the DC‐link capacitor, and between the rotor side converter (RSC) and grid side converter (GSC). This paper aims to determine a cost‐effective solution among all possible locations of the PRE placement. The novel position of the PRE, ie, between the RSC and GSC, is the best position among the other possible locations of the PRE, when the performance, cost, and loss are taken into consideration. The effectiveness of the PRE is further compared with the resistive‐type superconducting fault current limiter (R‐SFCL). The PRE performs better and has a lower cost than the R‐SFCL.
Sequential synergetic sorption analysis of Gracilaria Rhodophyta biochar toward aluminum and fluoride: A statistical optimization approach
Authors: Naga Babu Andraju , Srinivasa Reddy Devarapu , Suresh Kumar Govindarajan , Ravindhranath Kunta , Krishna Mohan Godavarthi Venkata 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe present work proposes the synthesis of robust biochar from Gracilaria Rhodophyta red weeds for sequential removal of Al(III) and fluoride from wastewater. The sorption experiments have been modeled by preliminary optimization of operational parameters using 24 factorial statistical modeling. The model has estimated an optimum sequential synergetic removal of 44.5 mg/g of Al(III) and 2.1 mg/g of fluoride onto the biochar. FESEM, BET, XRD, EDX, and FTIR established the potentiality of biochar toward synergetic sorption of Al(III) and fluoride. The thermodynamic analysis projected that the adsorption is physisorption in nature. The adsorption of Al(III) and fluoride follows the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, respectively, and the kinetic analysis established the pseudo‐second‐order deposition of Al(III) and fluoride ions. The synthesized adsorbent is regenerative enough and could achieve synergetic removal of Al(III) and fluoride ions from industrial‐ and groundwater‐contaminated water bodies.Practitioner points

Biochar from seaweeds is explored in the sequential removal of Al(III) and F− ions.

Statistical model is developed for % adsorption and tested for reliability by ANOVA.

GRBC sorbed 44.5 and 2.1 mg/g of Al(III) and F− ions, respectively, at optimum levels.

FESEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR characterization confirm the potentiality of the GRBC.

GRBC sorbed ⁓90% of Al(III) and F− ions from wastewater and is regenerative.
Applications of stable isotope‐based metabolomics and fluxomics toward synthetic biology of cyanobacteria
Authors: Babele Piyoosh Kumar , Young Jamey D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUnique features of cyanobacteria (e.g., photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation) make them potential candidates for production of biofuels and other value‐added biochemicals. As prokaryotes, they can be readily engineered using synthetic and systems biology tools. Metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria for the synthesis of desired compounds requires in‐depth knowledge of central carbon and nitrogen metabolism, pathway fluxes, and their regulation. Metabolomics and fluxomics offer the comprehensive analysis of metabolism by directly characterizing the biochemical activities of cells. This information is acquired by measuring the abundance of key metabolites and their rates of interconversion, which can be achieved by labeling cells with stable isotopes, quantifying metabolite pool sizes and isotope incorporation by gas chromatography/liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry GC/LC‐MS or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mathematical modeling to estimate in vivo metabolic fluxes. Herein, we review progress that has been made to adapt metabolomics and fluxomics tools to examine model cyanobacterial species. We summarize the application of metabolic flux analysis (MFA) strategies to identify metabolic bottlenecks that can be targeted to boost cell growth, improve stress tolerance, or enhance biochemical production in cyanobacteria. Despite the advances in metabolomics, fluxomics, and other synthetic and systems biology tools during the past years, further efforts are required to increase our understanding of cyanobacterial metabolism in order to create efficient photosynthetic hosts for the production of value‐added compounds.This article is categorized under:
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Metabolomics
Biological Mechanisms > Metabolism
Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
An exploration of smokeless tobacco product nucleic acids: a combined metagenome and metatranscriptome analysis
Authors: Tyx R. E. , Rivera A. J. , Keong L. M. , Stanfill S. B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSmokeless tobacco (ST) products are used worldwide and are a major public health concern. In addition to harmful chemicals found in these products, microbes found in ST products are believed to be responsible for generating harmful tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), the most abundant carcinogens in ST. These microbes also contribute endotoxins and other pro-inflammatory components. A greater understanding of the microbial constituents in these products is sought in order to potentially link select design aspects or manufacturing processes to avoidable increases in harmful constituents. Previous studies looked primarily at bacterial constituents and had not differentiated between viable vs nonviable organisms, so in this study, we sought to use a dual metatranscriptomic and metagenomic analysis to see if differences exist. Using high-throughput sequencing, we observed that there were differences in taxonomic abundances between the metagenome and metatranscriptome, and in the metatranscriptome, we also observed an abundance of plant virus RNA not previously reported in DNA-only studies. We also found in the product tested, that there were no viable bacteria capable of metabolizing nitrate to nitrite. Therefore, the product tested would not be likely to increase TSNAs during shelf storage. We tested only a single product to date using the strategy presented here, but succeeded in demonstrating the value of using of these methods in tobacco products. These results present novel findings from the first combined metagenome and metatranscriptome of a commercial tobacco product.
Distribution of Metastatic Cancer Cells in Colorectal Mesentery
Authors: Ma Chen‐Sen , Tong Yi‐Xin , Gong Jian‐Ping 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the distribution of metastatic cancer cells in the mesentery (referred to as metastasis V) and enrich the understanding of the metastasis of colorectal cancer.MethodsA total of two hundred ninety‐nine patients who received colorectal operations at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology between April 2018 and December 2018 were included. Samples were acquired from the dissected mesentery after the operation, and hematoxylin–eosin staining or immunohistochemistry was used to detect metastatic cancer cells. Pathological factors, including tumor position, tumor size, invasion depth, tumor differentiation, lymph node involvement, local vessel invasion, and perineural invasion, were recorded.ResultsMetastatic cancer cells in the colorectal mesentery (metastasis V) were detected in 62 of 299 patients. Metastasis V was closely correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation, and perineural and vessel invasion by cancer cells. Metastasis V occurred more frequently in patients with T3 stage (26.27%) and T4 stage (40.00%) than in patients with T1 and T2 stages (0% and 2%, respectively). Metastasis V was frequently detected in patients with N2a and N2b stage tumors (51.72% and 61.54%, respectively). Metastasis V was more frequently detected in patients with perineural metastasis and local vessel invasion. In addition, metastasis V incidences in colon and rectal cancer were similar.ConclusionThe incidence rate of metastasis V is correlated with tumor staging factors and occurs more frequently in advanced‐stage patients.
Renal involvement in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mutalib Mohamed 
Published: December 2019

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and has a rising incidence in both children and adults. Symptoms are caused by inappropriate inflammatory response triggered by interaction between the environment, gut microbiome and host immune system in a genetically susceptible individual. Extranintestinal manifestations of IBD are common and can affect any body system outside the gut; they can precede or run parallel to GI inflammation. Renal involvement in IBD is uncommon and can be part of extraintestinal manifestation or metabolic complications of IBD. Many medications used to treat IBD can cause renal damage. Renal manifestation in children with IBD can range from asymptomatic biochemical abnormalities to variable stages of renal impairment with significant morbidity and even mortality burden.
Polymerase chain reaction for the diagnosis of herpesvirus infections in dermatology
Authors: Schremser Verena , Antoniewicz Lukasz , Tschachler Erwin , Geusau Alexandra 
Published: December 2019

SummaryBackgroundRapid identification of human herpesviruses from lesion swabs is necessary for timely initiation of antiviral treatment, especially with infections involving neonates and immunocompromised individuals. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of an in-house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for herpesviruses in patients with symptoms suggestive for a herpesvirus infection.Patients and methodsIn this single center retrospective study the results of 3677 lesion swab specimens tested for human herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) were analyzed in the context of data sheets giving details of the suspected diagnosis, medical history as well as the demographic data of the patients. The PCR procedures for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) were applied on special occasions.ResultsOf the samples 3369 (91.6%) were swabs and a minority were tissue or blood samples. Of the 3015 samples tested for HSV‑1, HSV‑2 and VZV concomitantly, 52.3% were positive for at least one of these viruses. Clinically distinct conditions, such as herpes zoster and varicella had a high rate of positive PCR results, ranging from 81% to 88%, respectively. Among HSV‑2 positive samples, 23.7% derived from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, in contrast to the 10.8% originating from immunocompetent patients, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.002). The HSV‑2 was detected more often in women than in men.ConclusionDistinct clinical diagnoses have a high correlation rate with positive PCR results. A significantly higher number of HSV‑2 positive results were found in HIV positive patients and in women.