bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Business model analysis for faecal sludge collection and transport services in Thailand and Vietnam
Authors: Anh Ta Hung , Koottatep Thammarat , Polprasert Chongrak 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In Thailand and Vietnam, faecal sludge (FS) collection and transport services grow spontaneously without adequate business models, causing serious problems to human health and the environment. This study aimed to analyse business problems, business components with financial structure and propose a new conceptual business model. Primary, secondary business data and financial statement reports of 53 service cases were collected and analysed through field surveys, case investigations and questionnaires. The findings revealed the business problems, business components with financial structure of FS collection and transport services. The operation cost structure (7.1 to 13.5 US$/m3) and net profit (−65.8 to 11.1 US$/m3) comparison results suggested that ownership status was related to business performance. A new conceptual business model for FS collection and transport was proposed, comprising infrastructure, service, customer, finance, legislation and ownership. The proposed conceptual business model, qualitatively tested with cases in Finland, Thailand and Vietnam, proved its applicability to improve the FS collection and transport service efficiency in municipalities of low- and middle-income countries.
A green method based on electro-assisted and photo-assisted regeneration for removal of chromium(VI) from aqueous solution
Authors: Xing Jianyu , Shen Yu , Yang Bin , Feng Dongdong , Wang Wei , Bai Bo 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In general, spent adsorbent is regenerated using high-concentration chemicals. Although chemical regeneration is efficient, it often leads to adsorbent damage and secondary waste. To overcome these problems, electro-assisted and photo-assisted regeneration were proposed in this study for the remediation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). Filter paper was decorated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polypyrrole (PPy) to fabricate a FP/PEG/PPy nanocomposite, which could be used as an adsorbent for Cr(VI) with a high adsorption capacity. Moreover, it could be regenerated by electro-assisted or photo-assisted regeneration to reduce eluent use. As a result, secondary waste could be greatly reduced.
Chemical coagulation of greywater: modelling using artificial neural networks
Authors: Vinitha E. V. , Mansoor Ahammed M. , Gadekar Mahesh R. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In the present study, chemical coagulation with alum and polyaluminium chloride (PACl) was utilized for greywater treatment. More than 140 jar tests on greywater with varying characteristics were conducted in order to determine the optimum coagulant dosage and treated greywater characteristics. The average removal efficiencies of turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total suspended solids were obtained as 91, 73 and 83% using alum and 93, 74 and 89% using PACl, respectively. For similar initial turbidity levels, optimum PACl dosages required were significantly less compared to optimum alum dosages. Further, PACl produced treated greywater with lower levels of turbidity compared to alum. Results of the coagulation tests were used to design artificial neural network (ANN) models for the prediction of the optimum coagulant dosage and treated greywater quality parameters. ANN models with initial turbidity, pH, conductivity and alkalinity as the input parameters could predict the optimum coagulant dose and treated greywater quality. The performance of the models was found to be good, with correlation coefficient values greater than 0.80. Empirical formulas for the prediction of alum and PACl dosages were also derived using the algorithm weights and bias values from the networks eliminating the need for running the ANN software.
Identifying Patterns in Signs and Symptoms Preceding the Clinical Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease: Retrospective Medical Record Review Study and a Nested Case-control Design
Authors: Bature Fidelia , Pang Dong , Robinson Anthea , Polson Norma , Pappas Yannis , Guinn Barbara 
Published: June 2018

Objective:
Evidence suggests that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are often diagnosed in
the later stages of their disease with a poor prognosis. This study is aimed to identify patterns in signs and
symptoms preceding the clinical diagnosis of AD to suggest a predictive model for earlier diagnosis of the
disease in the primary care.

Design:

A retrospective medical record review; nested case control design.

Participants:

Participants included one hundred and nine patients from three general practice (GP) surgeries in
Milton Keynes and Luton Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) (37 cases with AD and 72 controls without
AD).

Main outcome measure:

A retrospective analysis using the logistic regression of the presence of signs and
symptoms before the diagnosis of AD was attained. Identification of the timing and sequence of appearance of
these presentations as first reported before the clinical diagnosis was measured.

Result:
Episodic memory with an odds ratio of 1.85 was the most frequent presentation, documented in 1.38%
of the controls and 75.6% in cases. Auditory disturbance with an odds ratio of 3.03, which has not previously
been noted except in the form of auditory hallucination, could have a diagnostic value.

Conclusion:
Auditory disturbance, which occurred mostly in the Caucasian females, could discriminate individuals
with AD from those without the disease. The symptom, which presented up to 14.5 (mean time) years
prior to clinical diagnosis, was identified in Caucasians and mixed race individuals only.

Strengths:
The study demonstrates that auditory disturbance could allow an earlier diagnosis of AD in Caucasian
females. Episodic memory was confirmed as being frequently noted in AD patients prior to a clinical diagnosis
as per previous publications. This study supports the development of a scoring system for the earlier
diagnosis of AD. The data used was free from the confounding effects of misinformation, as this was written
at the point of collection, thereby benefitting from the use of GP data that is diversified, reliable and valid.

Limitations:
Limited sample size that will not allow for generalization of less frequent observations due to
their low prevalence in case notes. Randomisation was not achieved; however, the best available nonrandomisation
which is consecutive sampling was used. Patterns identified were in LOAD, the baseline could
vary with other geographical areas.
Genistein Induces Alterations of Epigenetic Modulatory Signatures in Human Cervical Cancer Cells
Authors: Sundaram Madhumitha Kedhari , Ansari Mohammad Zeeshan , Al Mutery Abdullah , Ashraf Maryam , Nasab Reem , Rai Sheethal , Rais Naushad , Hussain Arif 
Published: June 2018

Introduction: Epidemiological studies indicate that diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated
with decreased cancer risk thereby indicating that dietary polyphenols can be potential chemo-preventive agents.
The reversible nature of epigenetic modifications makes them a favorable target for cancer prevention. Polyphenols
have been shown to reverse aberrant epigenetic patterns by targeting the regulatory enzymes, DNA methyltransferases
(DNMTs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). In vitro and in silico studies of DNMTs and HDACs
were planned to examine genistein’s role as a natural epigenetic modifier in human cervical cancer cells, HeLa.

Methods:
Expression of the tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) [MGMT, RARβ, p21, E-cadherin, DAPK1] as
well the methylation status of their promoters were examined alongwith the activity levels of DNMT and HDAC
enzymes after treatment with genistein. Expression of DNMTs and HDACs was also studied. In-silico studies
were performed to determine the interaction of genistein with DNMTs and HDACs.

Results:
Genistein treatment significantly reduced the expression and enzymatic activity of both DNMTs and
HDACs in a time-dependent way. Molecular modeling data suggest that genistein can interact with various
members of DNMT and HDAC families and support genistein mediated inhibition of their activity. Timedependent
exposure of genistein reversed the promoter region methylation of the TSGs and re-established their
expression.

Conclusions:
In this study, we find that genistein is able to reinstate the expression of the TSGs studied by
inhibiting the action of DNMTs and HDACs. This shows that genistein could be an important arsenal in the
development of epigenetic based cancer therapy.
Anticancer Properties of a New Hybrid Analog AD-013 Combining a Coumarin Scaffold with an α-methylene-δ-lactone Motif
Authors: Dlugosz Angelika , Gach-Janczak Katarzyna , Szymanski Jacek , Deredas Dariusz , Krawczyk Henryk , Janecki Tomasz , Janecka Anna 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Coumarin is a natural phytochemical but as such has no medical uses. However, various
natural and synthetic coumarin analogs attract attention due to their interesting biological properties.

Objective:
Here, we evaluated and compared anticancer properties of a new synthetic hybrid compound AD-
013, which integrates a coumarin moiety and an α-methylene-δ-lactone motif, with novobiocin, a natural antibiotic
bearing a coumarin scaffold.

Methods:
Cytotoxic activities of compound AD-013 and novobiocin were assessed by the MTT assay. In order
to explore the mechanism of anticancer activity of analog AD-013, we performed quantitative real-time PCR
analysis of apoptosis- and cell cycle-related genes. The ability of AD-013 and novobiocin to induce apoptosis
and DNA damage was studied by flow cytometry.

Results:
The cytotoxic activity of this new compound was compared with the activity of a coumarin-based antibiotic
novobiocin against two cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and HL-60 and also against normal human cells, MCF-
10A and HUVEC. AD-013 was much more cytotoxic than novobiocin in both cancer cell lines and showed
some selectivity against MCF-7 cancer cells as compared with MCF-10A healthy cells. Expression levels of the
pro-apoptotic genes significantly increased while the anti-apoptotic genes, were down-regulated for both compounds
in both cancer cell lines.
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AD-013 was able to inhibit cell proliferation, generate DNA damage and induce apoptosis. The obtained data
showed that this compound caused the cell cycle arrest in subG0/G1 in both cancer cell lines.

Conclusion:
The new hybrid analog was a much stronger apoptosis inducer than novobiocin and activated the
intrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
Technical Conditions Survey of Simple-Support Bridges in a Severe Cold Region in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Jinquan , Li Pengfei , Mao Yan , Dong Zhenhua , Jiang Zhenyu 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Based on the routine inspection of 637 simple-support bridges in a severe cold region in northeast China, the technical condition data were collected and analyzed according to China’s bridge condition evaluation code.

Results and Discussion:
The results indicate that the appraisal rating of the bridges decreases with service time gradually. For bridges with a service life of 3-5years, 7 years and more than 15 years, the proportion of rating of “poor condition” is 14%, 22% and 43%, respectively. Besides, the inspection results show that cracking, concrete scaling, and corrosion of reinforcement are the major damage types of the bridges, and the freeze-thaw and salt induced corrosion are the main deterioration causes. It is recommended based on the inspection results that timely drainage of water is very important in reducing bridge damages in severe cold regions. Meanwhile, protective measures of durability should be specially considered in the design and construction stages.
Enumerating Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Sources in Dhaka City
Authors: Bhuiya Mahmudullah , Sarkar Mohammad K. I. , Sohag Mehadi H. , Ali Hafij , Roy Chapol K. , Akther Lutfa , Sarker Abu F. 
Published: June 2018

Background:Pseudomonas aeruginosais a ubiquitous free-living bacterium and is responsible for severe nosocomial infections, life-threatening infections in immune compromised persons. The bacterium, along with its natural resistance, can acquire resistance to many antibiotics by a variety of methods.Method:Therefore, to compare the antibiotic sensitivity pattern ofPseudomonas aeruginosa, a total of seventeen isolates ofP. aeruginosawere isolated from different sources; for example environmental sources, frozen food sources, clinical sources and medical waste materials. Isolates were confirmed to beP. aeruginosaby cultural and biochemical properties.Result:The isolates were tested against seventeen commercially available antibiotics to observe the antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Imipenem and meropenem were the most potent antibiotics (100% sensitivity) followed by amikacin and piperacillin with maximum sensitivity. Among others, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and aztreonam were found to be fairly active. A good number of isolates were intermediately resistant to ceftriaxone. The rates of resistance to aztreonam, cefotaxime and ceftazidime were 11.76%, 82.35% and 5.88% respectively. Complete resistance was observed against penicillin, ampicillin, cefixime and cefpodoxime.Conclusion:It can be concluded that the clinical isolates including isolate from medical waste, were multi-drug resistant than environmental and food isolates indicating the risk of transmission of resistance to the environmental isolates ofP. aeruginosa.
Visual Outcomes and Higher Order Aberrations Following LASIK on Eyes with Low Myopia and Astigmatism
Authors: Agarwal Smita , Thornell Erin , Hodge Chris , Sutton Gerard , Hughes Paul 
Published: June 2018

Background:
Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) can induce corneal aberrations that can impact vision and patient satisfaction. Recent developments in laser technologies have helped minimise these aberrations.

Objective:
To assess the quality of vision and change in Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) following wavefront-optimized LASIK in low-myopic astigmatic patients.

Methods:
LASIK was performed on a total of 76 eyes in patients with myopia <4.0 D and cylinder <2.0 D using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer and FS200 femtosecond laser platform. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and HOAs were measured at 1 and 3 months postoperatively and compared to preoperative values. Subjective quality of vision was assessed pre- and postoperatively using a VF14 questionnaire.

Results:
Mean postoperative Spherical Equivalent (SE) was -0.09 ± 0.26 µm with 95% of patients within ± 0.5 D of attempted SE. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better for 96% of patients. Contrast sensitivity increased against horizontal and vertical gratings at all spatial frequencies except for vertical gratings at 18 cycles/degree. Spherical aberration and total HOA increased by 0.085 µm and 0.13 µm respectively. The mean VF14 score increased from 89.2 ± 16.7% to 99 ± 1.4% postoperatively.

Conclusion:
LASIK performed using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer and WaveLight® FS200 laser platform provided improved contrast sensitivity and visual acuity with minimal introduction of HOAs, making it a suitable platform for low myopic astigmatic patients.
BMI and Waist Circumference Have Positive Correlation With Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Young Adult Male
Authors: Kurniawan Liong Boy , Bahrun Uleng , Hatta Mochammad , Arif Mansyur 
Published: June 2018

Background:Abdominal obesity is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction is often related to metabolic disorder commonly found in abdominal obesity. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is a biomarker which can be used to reflect the activity of mitochondria. Abdominal obesity is more commonly found in males compared to females and the incidence is growing in young adult male, therefore we investigated the relationship of mtDNA copy number and anthropometric and metabolic biomarkers in young adult male.Methods:A total of 25 healthy young adult males of age 19 to 24 years old were recruited in the study. Metabolic biomarkers were evaluated along with body mass index, waist circumference and total body fat, visceral fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis. mtDNA copy number was measured in peripheral blood leukocytes by using real-time polymerase chain reaction method.Results:After adjusting for ages, mtDNA copy number correlated with body mass index (r= 0.45,P= 0.03) and waist circumference (r= 0.43,P= 0.04) but had no significant correlation with fasting plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, testosterone, total body fat and visceral fat.Conclusion:mtDNA copy number has a positive correlation with BMI and waist circumference. Even though it is still controversial over other studies, further studies are needed to explain the causality and significance of our findings.
Comparison of amlodipine versus other calcium channel blockers on blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients in China: a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang JinKui , Li LanTing , Liu DongDong , Xie XiaoPing , Dong Peng , Lin Yong 
Published: June 2018

Aim:
Reducing the fluctuation of blood pressure has recently been recognized as a potential target for improving management of hypertension to prevent cardiovascular events, particularly for strokes. Some randomized controlled trials demonstrated that amlodipine can effectively reduce blood pressure as a well-established, long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB). However, few data are available for amlodipine on blood pressure variability (BPV) in China in a real-world setting. This study aimed to assess the effect of amlodipine versus other CCB antihypertensive agents on BPV.
Materials & methods:
A retrospective propensity score-matched analysis was conducted, which retrieved the encounter data from 5582 hypertensive inpatients (with a median age of 69, female percentage of 48%, diastolic blood pressure ≥40 and <150 mmHg; systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥70 mmHg and <260 mmHg), who had taken at least one antihypertensive agent and completed at least three SBP measurements during the visit. International Classification of Diseases was used to identify the hypertensive patients. BPV was calculated with standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of SBP during a single inpatient visit. The Propensity Score Matching was used to balance the cohort of patients prescribed amlodipine or other CCBs. A series of appropriate statistical tests were applied to the propensity score-matched samples to examine the different effects on BPV. Additionally, the hypertensive patients with comorbidity such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, heart failure and chronic kidney disease were analyzed.
Results:
For the hypertensive patients (n = 1756, for each cohort), patients prescribed amlodipine showed lower BPV than patients prescribed other CCBs (12.90 vs 13.76 mmHg, p < 0.05 [SD] and 9.47 vs 10.06, p < 0.05 [CV]). For the hypertensive patients with comorbidity (n = 1080, for each cohort), patients prescribed amlodipine had lower BPV than patients prescribed other CCBs as well (13.24 vs 14.23 mmHg, p < 0.05 [SD] and 9.66 vs 10.28, p < 0.05 [CV]).
Conclusion:
amlodipine was associated with lower BPV than other CCBs for both hypertensive patients and hypertensive patients with comorbidity.
Cost of retained fetal membranes for dairy herds in the United States
Authors: Gohary Khaled , LeBlanc Stephen J. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the cost of a case of retained fetal membranes (RFM) for dairy herds in the United States.
DESIGN Deterministic computer-based spreadsheet analysis.
SAMPLE Inputs from published studies and reports.
PROCEDURES Economic losses attributable to RFM were direct (reduction in milk yield and longer interval until pregnancy) and indirect (increased risk of developing clinical disease and increased culling risk). Cost attributable to milk loss was calculated as the mean marginal loss of milk production for cows with RFM and cows with RFM complicated by metritis. Cost of the increased risk of developing clinical disease because of RFM was a product of the cost of each clinical disease and the risk of each clinical disease attributable to RFM. Cost attributable to reduced reproductive performance was a function of a longer interval until pregnancy, whereas cost for increased culling attributable to RFM was associated with the market value of cull cows and replacement heifers as well as herd turnover rate.
RESULTS Cost of a case of RFM determined by use of default inputs was $386 (reduction in milk yield, $287; increased time until pregnancy, $73; increased disease risk, $25; and increased culling risk, $1). Sensitivity analysis revealed that milk and feed prices were the most influential inputs.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cost of a case of RFM, including uncomplicated cases, was substantial and comparable to that for other common clinical diseases during the transition period. Preventive measures during the nonlactating period should be considered to minimize the incidence of RFM.
Quantification of vitamin D3 in commercial dog foods and comparison with Association of American Feed Control Officials recommendations and manufacturer-reported concentrations
Authors: Kritikos Georgia , Weidner Nicole , Atkinson James L. , Bayle Julie , van Hoek Ingrid , Verbrugghe Adronie 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify vitamin D3 (VitD3) concentrations in commercial dog foods and compare those concentrations with Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations and manufacturer-reported concentrations.
DESIGN Cross-sectional study.
SAMPLE 82 commercial dog foods.
PROCEDURES Samples of commercially available dog foods were obtained from owners of healthy dogs in the Guelph, ON, Canada, area and owners of dogs that were patients at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre's Mona Campbell Centre for Animal Cancer. For each food, the VitD3 concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and adherence to AAFCO and National Research Council recommendations was assessed. Analyzed VitD3 concentrations were compared with manufacturer-reported VitD3 concentrations and between wet and dry foods, among AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements (nutrient profiles vs feeding trials and adult maintenance vs all life stages), between foods sold only by veterinarians and those sold over the counter, and between small and large manufacturers.
RESULTS The analyzed VitD3 concentration was below both AAFCO and National Research Council recommendations for one sample and below the assay detection limit for another. Analyzed VitD3 concentrations did not differ significantly from manufacturer-reported VitD3 concentrations or between wet and dry foods, among foods with different AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements, between foods sold only by veterinarians and those sold over the counter, or between foods produced by small and large manufacturers.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that manufacturer-reported VitD3 concentrations were accurate and that dog owners can be confident that VitD3 intake is adequate for AAFCO-compliant commercial dog foods.