bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marginal lands for bioenergy in China; an outlook in status, potential and management
Authors: Qaseem Mirza Faisal , Wu Ai-Min 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEnergy consumption and CO2 emissions have been increasing continuously over the past few decades in China and there is a pressing need to replace the fossil fuel‐based economy with an efficient low‐carbon system, tailor‐made to future requirements. China is starting an energy transition with the aim of building an energy system for the future. China has made tremendous progress in increasing the amount of renewable energy and reducing the cost of renewable energy over the last 20 years. According to the 14th 5 year plan, China aims to incorporate 20% of renewable energy to the primary energy mix and attain 27% reduction in CO2 emissions. Bioenergy crops constitute a significant proportion of biomass‐based bioenergy and have recently been promoted by the Chinese Government to help overcome food and fuel conflict. Steps are being taken to promote bioenergy crops on marginal lands in China, and various regions across the country with soil marginality have been evaluated for bioenergy crop cultivation. The present paper reviews the status of bioenergy in China and the potential status of marginal lands from different regions of China. It also elaborates on some of the policies, subsidies and incentives allocated by the Chinese Government for the promotion of biomass‐based energy. Land management and plant improvement strategies were discussed, which are effective in making marginal lands suitable for bioenergy crop cultivation. Managing planting strategies, intercropping and crop rotation are effective management practices used in China for the utilization of marginal lands. A national investigation is desirable for creating an inventory of technical and economic potential of biomass feedstocks that could be planted on marginal lands. This would assist with highlighting the pros and cons of using marginal lands for bioenergy production and effective policy making.
Clinical significance of a positive Clostridioides difficile glutamate dehydrogenase test on the outcomes of hospitalized older patients
Authors: Nagayoshi Yohsuke , Yamamoto Kazuko , Sato Shuntaro , Suyama Naofumi , Izumikawa Takuya , Izumikawa Kinichi , Miyazaki Taiga , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: October 2020

AimClostridioides difficile infection worsens the outcome of older hospitalized patients; thus, its diagnosis is necessary for the nosocomial infection control. The standard diagnostic test's limited sensitivity for Clostridioides difficile infection, an enzyme immunoassay for Clostridioides difficile toxins, is of clinical concern. Glutamate dehydrogenase detection is usually tested combined with Clostridioides difficile toxins. However, the clinical significance of a positive glutamate dehydrogenase result is unclear. We evaluated the association between positive glutamate dehydrogenase results, in‐hospital mortality and hospital stay length among older patients with suspected Clostridioides difficile infection.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we examined the data of patients who received antibiotics (except for Clostridioides difficile infection treatment) after admission and tested for Clostridioides difficile infection using an enzyme immunoassay for Clostridioides difficile toxins and glutamate dehydrogenase in a secondary care hospital located in a rural region with high aging rate, between 2015 and 2018.ResultsIn total, 188 patients were included (83.5% of them aged >75 years). Glutamate dehydrogenase positivity was independently associated with in‐hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval 1.14–4.21) and hospital stay length (regression coefficient 16.0, 95% confidence interval 5.15–26.9). Clostridioides difficile toxin positivity was independently associated with hospital stay duration (regression coefficient 14.5, 95% confidence interval 0.04–29.1), unlike in‐hospital mortality.ConclusionsGlutamate dehydrogenase was closely related to in‐hospital mortality and prolonged hospitalization compared with Clostridioides difficile toxin. Clinicians should not neglect glutamate dehydrogenase‐positive patients, even when they are Clostridioides difficile toxin‐negative, and consider them as having poor prognostic potential. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1138–1144.
Delirium, functional decline and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An explorative study
Authors: Beishuizen Sara J , Festen Suzanne , Loonstra Yvette E , van der Werf Hindrik W , de Rooij Sophia E , van Munster Barbara C 
Published: October 2020

AimTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an important treatment option for older patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, not all patients benefit from this procedure in terms of functional outcome and quality of life. This complicates patient selection and shared decision‐making. Postoperative delirium might negatively affect patient outcomes after TAVI. We therefore studied the potential relationship between postoperative delirium and functional outcome, and how this impacts quality of life after TAVI.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of 91 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI between 2015 and 2017 at an academic medical center. All patients underwent a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment before TAVI. Delirium symptoms were assessed daily during hospitalization. Follow up was carried out between 6 and 12 months postprocedure. The primary outcome was functional decline or death at follow up. Secondarily, we measured quality of life at follow up.ResultsThe incidence of postoperative delirium was 15.4%. In total, 38.5% of patients experienced functional decline, and 11.0% died during a median follow‐up period of 7 months. Delirium resulted in a fourfold increased odds of the combined outcome of functional decline or death. Quality of life was lower in patients that experienced this outcome.ConclusionIn a cohort of TAVI patients, functional decline or death was a frequent outcome in the first year postprocedure. Postoperative delirium increased the odds for this outcome substantially. This suggests that delirium risk should be an important factor to consider in shared decision‐making for TAVI patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1202–1207.
RNF43 mutation analysis in serrated polyposis, sporadic serrated polyps and Lynch syndrome polyps
Authors: van Herwaarden Yasmijn J , Koggel Lieke M , Simmer Femke , Vink‐Börger Elisa M. , Dura Polat , Meijer Gerrit A , Nagengast Fokko M , Hoogerbrugge Nicoline , Bisseling Tanya M , Nagtegaal Iris D 
Published: October 2020

AimsRNF43 is suggested to be involved in the serrated pathway towards colorectal cancer and encodes a transmembrane Ring‐type E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates the Wnt pathway. This study aimed to elucidate the role of RNF43 gene variants in serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) and serrated polyps.Methods and resultsThree cohorts were tested. The first cohort included germline DNA of 26 SPS patients tested for pathogenic variants in RNF43 by Sanger sequencing all exons. In the second cohort we tested somatic DNA for RNF43 mutations from sporadic serrated lesions: 25 hyperplastic polyps, 35 sessile serrated lesions and 38 traditional serrated adenomas (TSA). In the third cohort we investigated RNF43 mutations in 49 serrated polyps and 60 conventional adenomas from 40 patients with Lynch syndrome. No germline RNF43 pathogenic variants were detected in our SPS cohort. In sporadic colorectal lesions we detected RNF43 deleterious frameshift mutations in three TSA and one SSL. The RNF43 mutations in previously described homopolymeric hot‐spots were detected in microsatellite‐instable (MSI) polyps and the other RNF43 mutations in microsatellite‐stable (MSS) serrated polyps. RNF43 hot‐spot mutations were discovered in seven serrated polyps and 12 conventional adenomas from Lynch patients.ConclusionTruncating germline RNF43 mutations are uncommon in SPS patients. Somatic mutations in RNF43 were found in sporadic TSA and SSL and both serrated polyps and adenomas from Lynch syndrome patients, suggesting that they do not develop early in the pathway to CRC and are not specific for serrated polyp subtypes.
Tempol improves redox status in mdx dystrophic diaphragm muscle
Authors: Hermes Túlio de Almeida , Mizobuti Daniela Sayuri , da Rocha Guilherme Luiz , da Silva Heloina Nathalliê Mariano , Covatti Caroline , Pereira Elaine Cristina Leite , Ferretti Renato , Minatel Elaine 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOxidative stress is a critical element in relationship to the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In the mice the diaphragm (DIA) is most resembles the dystrophic human pathology. In this study we have evaluated the consequences of a synthetic antioxidant (tempol) on oxidative stress parameters in the DIA muscle of mdx mice. The mdx mice were separated into two groups: mdx, the control group receiving intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of saline solution (100 µL), and mdxT, the treated group receiving i.p. injections of tempol (100 mg/kg). The tempol‐treated group showed reduced oxidative stress markers, decreasing the dihydroethidium reaction (DHE) area; autofluorescent lipofuscin granules; and 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE)‐protein adduct levels. DIA muscle of mdx mice. At the same time, the manganese‐superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels were increased in the tempol‐treated group. In addition, the tempol‐treated group showed reduced levels of glutathione‐disulphide reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and catalase (CAT) in immunoblots. The tempol‐treated group has also shown lower relative gene expression of SOD1, CAT and GPx than the non‐treated group. Our data demonstrated that tempol treatment reduced oxidant parameters and increased anti‐oxidant SOD2 levels in the DIA muscle of mdx mice, which may contribute to the normalization of the redox homeostasis of dystrophic muscles.
Effects of calcination temperature on morphological and crystallographic properties of oyster shell as biocidal agent
Authors: Park Kitae , Sadeghi Kambiz , Thanakkasaranee Sarinthip , Park Ye‐In , Park Junsoo , Nam Ki‐Ho , Han Haksoo , Seo Jongchul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo develop biocompatible antimicrobial agent, oyster shell wastes were thermally calcined at different temperatures ranging from 300 to 1000 °C. The chemical compositions and properties of oyster shells were characterized. As such, crystallographic analysis presented that oyster shells had a hexagonal crystalline shape, and calcination process reduced their crystalline size, volume (grain dimension), and bond length, which strongly affected antimicrobial efficacy. Results showed that the main components of uncalcined and calcined oyster shells were CaCO3and CaO, by which CaO was found to be the main antimicrobial component. Notably, calcined oyster shells showed antimicrobial potency against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli)and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus). Furthermore, cytotoxicity analysis proved that calcined oyster shells had good cell viability and low cytotoxicity. Results highlighted that calcined oyster shells, particularly those treated at 750°C, could be a biocompatible alternative to synthetic biocidal and antimicrobial agents using in food packaging, biomedical, and cosmetic industries.
Low temperature synthesis of green submicro Cr‐ZrSiO4 ceramic pigments by solid‐state method
Authors: Yang Qiuhong , Li Peng , Zhang Shaobo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA green submicro Cr‐ZrSiO4 pigment was successfully synthesized with Li2CO3 used as mineralizer by a simple solid‐state method at low temperature. The formations of the samples with and without mineralizer were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis, respectively. The reflectance spectrum and color properties of the Cr‐ZrSiO4 pigments were characterized and analyzed. The XRD results show that Li2CO3 as a mineralizer can significantly promote the formation of ZrSiO4 and decrease the synthesis temperature to 900°C, which is 500°C lower than without mineralizer. The SEM revealed that the Li2CO3 containing ceramic powders are more homogeneous than undoped samples and have uniform particle size between 100 and 500 nm. It is indicated that Li2CO3 as a mineralizer can effectively destroy the Si‐O bond of random network structure, reduce the viscosity and accelerate the formation of ZrSiO4 at low temperature. The results from CIE L*a*b* characterization indicate that the samples exhibit high doping limitation (x = 0.06) and green hue (a* = −10.13) at 900°C. In addition, the method used in this work has the advantages of simple process, low cost, and large‐scale production, and is expected to synthesize other types of high‐temperature ceramic pigments.
Effect of transition metal doping on the sintering and electrochemical properties of GDC buffer layer in SOFCs
Authors: Rehman Saeed Ur , Shaur Ahmad , Kim Hye‐Sung , Joh Dong Woo , Song Rak‐Hyun , Lim Tak‐Hyoung , Hong Jong‐Eun , Park Seok‐Joo , Lee Seung‐Bok 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA dense Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−d (GDC) interlayer is an essential component of the SOFCs to inhibit interfacial elemental diffusion between zirconia‐based electrolytes (eg YSZ) and cathodes. However, the characteristic high sintering temperature of GDC (>1400°C) makes it challenging to fabricate an effective highly dense interlayer owing to the formation of more resistive (Zr,Ce)O2 interfacial solid solutions with YSZ at those temperatures. To fabricate a useful GDC interlayer, we studied the influence of transition metal (TM) (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, & Zn) doping on the sintering and electrochemical properties of GDC. Dilatometry data showed dramatic drops in the necking and final sintering temperatures for the TM‐doped GDCs, improving the densification of the GDC in the order of Fe > Co > Mn > Cu > Zn. However, the electrochemical impedance data showed that among various transition metal dopants, Mn doping resulted in the best electrochemical properties. Anode supported SOFCs with Mn‐doped, nano, and commercial‐micron GDC interlayers were compared with regard to their performance and stability levels. Although all of the SOFCs showed stable performance, the SOFC with the Mn‐doped GDC interlayer showed the highest power density of 1.14 W cm−2 at 750°C. Hence, Mn‐doped GDC is suggested for application as an effective diffusion barrier layer in SOFCs.
Bioactive components, physicochemical and starch characteristics of different parts of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) plant: a review
Authors: Showkat Qazi A. , Rather Jahangir A. , Abida Jabeen  , Dar B. N. , Makroo H. A. , Majid Darakshan 
Published: October 2020

SummaryLotus plant parts such as flower, seed, root, leaf and stem or rhizome have a great potential for food and non‐food applications. This review recognises the nutritional and therapeutic benefits, functional behaviour, post‐harvest processing and applications of the lotus plant. Its unique bioactive constituents, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids and essential oils, have proven efficacy in improvement of health. The good amount of dietary fibre, starch, vitamins and minerals suggest that it has potentially an appropriate opportunity for future valorisation and application as functional additive and ingredient in the food industry. As a functional ingredient for use in the food industry like flour in bakery industry, as an antioxidant, for incorporation in baby foods, extruded products, beverages etc. there is a need to study the characteristics of lotus plant especially the rhizome part.
Gelatinised and hydrolysed corn starch is a cost‐effective carbon source with higher production of L‐lactic acid by Bacillus coagulans compared with glucose
Authors: Yao Kun , Liu Dong‐Mei , Brennan Charles S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractL‐lactic acid is an important organic acid widely used in pharmaceutical, food and textile industries. Bacillus coagulans BCS13002 can efficiently produce L‐lactic acid with two kinds of carbon sources. BCS13002 produced L‐lactic acid at a content of 10.23 ± 0.16 g/L and 11.67 ± 0.22 g/L, when glucose and gelatinised and hydrolysed corn starch （GHCS） were used, respectively. GHCS exhibits several advantages, including high yield of L‐lactic acid and low cost. Proteomics analyses identified several key enzymes, which contributed to the higher production of L‐lactic acid when GHCS was used as the carbon source. Those key enzymes were involved in the two‐component system (SpoOF), pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis (pantothenate synthetase, 1.584‐fold; dihydroxy‐acid dehydratase, 1.517‐fold), beta‐alanine metabolism (1.605‐fold) and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis (1.517‐fold) pathways. This study provides a biological basis for using GHCS as a substitute of glucose in the production of L‐lactic acid.
Undergraduate nursing students’ experience of mental health simulation post‐clinical placement: A Qualitative study
Authors: Garvey Loretta , Willetts Georgina , Sadoughi Navideh , Olasoji Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn nursing, it is vital that educational techniques are developed to improve students’ capabilities to communicate with and assess mental health consumers while on placement. Simulation is a valid learning technique used to prepare students to encounter consumers with mental illness before exposure in the clinical environment. The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate nursing students’ experience mental health simulation following their mental health clinical placement. An explorative descriptive qualitative study. Participants were recruited from a metropolitan Melbourne university using purposive convenience sampling. The participants were interviewed after their mental health clinical placement using semi‐structured interview format. A total of n = 14 participants were interviewed. Overall, the participants expressed the fact that the mental health simulation enhanced their clinical placement experience. Two themes were identified: ‘The things I might see’ and ‘Felt better prepared’. There was a total of five subthemes: ‘The link between…’, ‘Having the know how’, ‘Like an 8‐hour shift’, ‘Took away the fear factor’ and ‘Feeling more confident’. It is important that nursing students entering mental health settings receive adequate preparation prior to the commencement of their placements. Students need to be prepared in the areas of building therapeutic relationships, communication, assessment and how to work within a mental health clinical setting. The mental health simulation enhanced students’ confidence and better prepared them to undertake their clinical placement which can ultimately affect the care provided to consumers.
Large electrostrictive coefficient with high electro‐strain dominated by modified ergodic state in BNT‐based solid solutions
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Han Jihui , Huang Yanli , Yin Jie , Wu Jiagang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor ferroelectric electrostrictors, shifting their Curie temperature TC to the ambient temperature is an effective way to enhance their electrostrictive effect. However, the enhanced electrostrictive coefficient Q33 in this way is often accompanied with an inferior electro‐strain. In this work, by introducing CaZrO3/BaZrO3 as the special kind of solid solution, with an effective regulation on the ergodic state, we simultaneously realize a larger room‐temperature electrostrictive coefficient Q33 (~0.04337 m4/C2) with a superior electro‐strain (~0.41%) in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics. The ions substitution with larger radius in either A‐site or B‐site of perovskite structure tends to facilitate the evolution from ferroelectric tetragonal phase P4mm to relaxor tetragonal phase P4bm along with the decrease in polarity in crystal, thereby shifting the transition temperature TF‐R below room temperature. As a result of the effective regulation on the ergodic state, a large electro‐strain with low hysteresis, just like electrostrictors, is successfully realized in BNT‐based ferroelectric ceramics. Our investigation provides an effective way to simultaneously enhance the electrostrictive coefficient Q33 and electro‐strain for practical applications in precisely controlled displacement.
Kinetic analysis of crystallization of zeolite beta synthesized by direct heating
Authors: Honda Sawao , Nakashima Kento , Yoshida Taketo , Daiko Yusuke , Hashimoto Shinobu , Iwamoto Yuji 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo quantitatively investigate the initial crystallization of zeolite beta synthesized by direct heating, the extent of the reaction was precisely evaluated by X‐ray diffraction measurements and Rietveld structural refinement, and a kinetic analysis of crystallization was performed using the Avrami‐Erofe'ev equation. The activation energy for crystallization was lower than that for hydrothermal synthesis. Reaction and synthesis time curves revealed that the initial zeolite beta crystallization consisted of three stages. The first was an induction period with nucleation by the generation of building units and the formation of an initial coordinated structure. The second stage was crystal growth by a diffusion‐controlled reaction, and the third stage involved slowing down of crystallization by the limitation of dehydrocondensation. These stages could be analyzed by calculation of the rate constant and Avrami exponent for each stage.
A mixed methods analysis of access barriers to dermatology care in a rural state
Authors: Cyr Melissa E. , Boucher Daryl , Korona Shayna A. , Guthrie Barbara J. , Benneyan James C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimsTo identify significant patient and system access barriers and facilitators to dermatology care in one rural health system with limited dermatology appointment availability.DesignMixed methods study using data from electronic medical records, patient surveys, stakeholder semi‐structured interviews, and service area dermatologist demographics. Retrospective data were collected between 1 January 2017–1 March 2018, and interviews and surveys were conducted between June 1–August 31, 2018. Participants were recruited from two primary care practices in one rural Maine regional health system.MethodsFindings from thematic analyses, descriptive statistics, and statistical modelling were integrated using Chi‐square tests for homogeneity to develop a unified understanding. Statistical modelling using odd‐ratio logistic and linear regression were performed for each outcome variable of interest.ResultsUrgent referrals by primary care increased the likelihood of dermatology care overall (OR: 6.771;p = .007) and at nearby sites with limited availability (OR: 4.024;p = .024), but not at geographically further sites with higher capacities (p = .844). Referral under‐diagnosis occurred in 20.8% of those biopsied. Older (p = .041) or non‐working (p = .021) patients were more likely to remain unevaluated than seek more available but geographically further care.ConclusionsIn rural areas with scarce appointment availability, primary care provider diagnostic accuracy may be an important barrier of dermatology care receipt and health outcomes, especially among at‐risk populations.ImpactAlthough melanoma mortality rates are decreasing throughout the US, little is known about why rates in Maine continue to rise. This study applied a comprehensive approach to identify several patient and system access barriers to dermatology care in one underserved rural regional health system. While specific to this population and large service area, these findings will inform improvement efforts here and support broader future research efforts aimed at understanding and improving health outcomes in this rural state.