bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on prawn shell waste into chitosan and its derivatives as value added products for cellulosic fibres
Authors: Islam Md. Mofakkharul , Mondal Md. Ibrahim H. , Ahmed Firoz 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to synthesize chitosan, N-octyl chitosan (NOCh) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) derivative from prawn shell wastes and identify their applications as modifiers on cellulosic fibres, jute and cotton, to develop quality textile fibres.

Design/methodology/approach
Chitosan was obtained by deacetylation of chitin. NOCh was obtained by reductive amination of chitosan. Water-soluble CMCh was prepared by reacting chitosan with monochloroacetic acid in aqueous alkaline media at ambient conditions. Chitosan, NOCh and CMCh were applied on cellulosic fibres, and structure and physico-chemical characteristics of chitosan derivatives and modified fibres were investigated and analysed.

Findings
The molecular weight, degree of deacetylation and ash content of prepared chitosan were 1,39,958 Da, 85 and 2.33 per cent, respectively. The moisture content, water holding capacity and total nitrogen content were above 10, 450 and 6.5 per cent, respectively. Average degree of substitution of CMCh was 0.82 as determined by titrimetric analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed characteristic peaks of carbonyl group at 1,659 cm−1, –NH2 at 1,600 cm−1, symmetric stretching of C-H in the methyl group at 1,520 cm−1 and carboxylic group at 1,737 cm−1. Thermograms showed moderate thermal stability in treated fibres compared to untreated fibres. Surface morphology of the modified fibres exhibited smoother surface due to the absorption of chitosan, NOCh and CMCh.

Originality/value
Modification of jute and cotton by sorption of NOCh and CMCh introduced new functional groups on the fibre surface with chemical bonding, which was confirmed by FTIR. Surface morphology of the fibres was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. As the modified fibres also showed good dyeability and colour fastness as well as other properties, the chitosan derivatives as a textile modifier would be helpful to avoid synthetic petroleum-based chemical modifiers as well as to manage the environmental pollution from prawn shell waste and other toxic chemicals.
Residents’ quality of life and visitors’ quality of experience
Authors: Dioko Leonardo (Don) A.N. , So Amy S.I. 
Published: May 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose a destination-level framework incorporating subjective and overall assessments of residents’ quality of life (QOL) and visitors’ quality of experience (QOE) as a means for managing optimum levels of visitor volume at destinations.

Design
The proposed framework is empirically tested and applied using a large-scale survey of residents and visitors across a four-year time span in Macao, a Special Administrative Region of China that counts among the smallest and densest city-states in the world and which has borne the full force of extraordinary rapid tourism growth in recent years.

Findings
The study’s findings suggest that subjective assessments of residents’ QOL and visitors’ QOE interact and must be considered together when assessing sustainable levels of tourism at the level of a destination.

Originality
The study’s value lies in its use of a large-scale survey across a four-year time span to empirically validate theorized maximal values of QOL assessments from the point of view of residents as well as quality of visiting experience from the point of view of visitors. This finding lays future groundwork for more robust management of tourism growth in destinations.
Single‐centre experience with perioperative use of hypothermic fibrillatory arrest without aortic occlusion in left ventricular aneurysm resection concomitant with on‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Zheng Yong , Zhu Shenghua 
Published: May 2017

AimHypothermic fibrillatory arrest (HFA) without aortic occlusion has been long used for preserving the myocardium in cardiac surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether HFA can affect clinical outcomes in patients undergoing left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) resection concomitant with on‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).Patients and methodsFrom March 2005 to November 2012, 11 men and one woman (mean age: 53 ± 7 years) were subjected to LVA resection and subsequent on‐pump CABG during HFA. Primary indications for operation were angina pectoris (unstable angina in 7), congestive heart failure in four and ventricular arrhythmias in three. The mean New York Heart Association Class was 2.8. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 0.34 ± 0.05.ResultsFive patients had linear closure, and seven had left ventricular reconstruction. Coronary surgery was performed in all patients, with an average of 2.3 grafts/patient. The mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 97 ± 38 min, and the mean ventilation time was 21 ± 15 h. The mean postoperative LVEF was 0.41 ± 0.08. The overall hospital mortality rate was zero. No patient had died when followed up 8–24 months’ postoperatively.Conclusion
HFA is a safe and effective technique in the procedure of LVA resection concomitant with on‐pump CABG. Low hospital mortality, improved cardiac function status and survival are potential advantages.
Pharmacogenomics of angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor and its long‐term side effects
Authors: Krittanawong Chayakrit , Kitai Takeshi 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe development of the promising agent sacubitril/valsartan, known as an angiotensin receptor blocker‐neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), to improve heart failure (HF) management, may benefit morbidity, mortality, and readmission rates in patients with HF. The PARADIGM‐HF trial demonstrated that the ARNI can reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), while ongoing PARAMOUNT and PARAGON‐HF trials determined whether the ARNI has morbidity and mortality benefits in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the risk of long‐term side effects of the ARNI such as cognitive dysfunction or Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unknown. In fact, neprilysin (NEP), encoded by NEP or MME gene, is a principal peptidase involved in the degradation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) protein. Several studies have demonstrated that polymorphisms of the NEP gene may be associated with AD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Pharmacogenomics, the study of variability in drug response due to genetic polymorphisms, can potentially explain the variability in the effect of the ARNI and their side effects. Therefore, we have attempted to highlight pharmacogenomic factors and potential long‐term side effects of the ARNI. Physicians should carefully monitor elderly patients with genetic risk factors for AD and CAA. In the future, genetic testing and genomic testing for NEP polymorphisms may play an important role in monitoring long‐term side effects in ARNI‐treated HF patients.
Bone mineral density in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and the timing of gonadectomy
Authors: King Thomas F. J. , Wat Winnie Z. M. , Creighton Sarah M. , Conway Gerard S. 
Published: May 2017

Summary
ObjectiveLow bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), but the impact of timing of gonadectomy is not known. We aimed to assess the relationship between age of gonadectomy and BMD in women with CAIS.DesignRetrospective analysis of pre‐ and post‐gonadectomy parameters in women with CAIS attending an adult Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) clinic in a tertiary centre.PatientsOne hundred and thirteen women with CAIS.MeasurementsDual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and after gonadectomy; and pre‐gonadectomy hormone profile.ResultsMean BMD was reduced (95% confidence interval); T‐score −1.34 (−1.55 to −1.13; P<.001) at the lumbar spine and −0.3 (−0.49 to −0.12; P=.001) at the hip. There was no relationship between age of gonadectomy and BMD. Thirty‐two subjects had BMD measured before or within 2 years of gonadectomy, and mean BMD was reduced (95% CI) at the lumbar spine; T‐score: −1.05 (−1.54 to −0.57; P<.001), but was normal at the hip; T‐score −0.04 (−0.35 to 0.28; P=.8). There was no relationship between BMD and history of hernia, testosterone, oestradiol or follicle stimulating hormone levels. Twelve subjects had DXA both before and after gonadectomy, and after 4.3 (1.7‐12.8) years, there was no change in BMD.ConclusionsWe found reduced BMD at the spine and hip in subjects with CAIS. We found no relationship between age of gonadectomy and BMD, and we also found no drop in BMD in subjects followed up after gonadectomy.
Next‐generation sequencing targeted disease panel in rod‐cone retinal dystrophies in Māori and Polynesian reveals novel changes and a common founder mutation
Authors: Vincent Andrea L , Abeysekera Nandoun , van Bysterveldt Katherine A , Oliver Verity F , Ellingford Jamie M , Barton Stephanie , Black Graeme CM 
Published: May 2017

AbstractImportanceThis study identifies unique genetic variation observed in a cohort of Māori and Polynesian patients with rod‐cone retinal dystrophies using a targeted next‐generation sequencing retinal disease gene panel.BackgroundWith over 250 retinal disease genes identified, genetic diagnosis is still only possible in 60–70% of individuals and even less within unique ethnic groups.DesignProspective genetic testing in patients with rod‐cone retinal dystrophies identified from the New Zealand Inherited Retinal Disease Database,ParticipantsSixteen patients of Māori and Polynesian ancestry.MethodsNext‐generation sequencing of a targeted retinal gene panel. Sanger sequencing for a novel PDE6B mutation in subsequent Māori patients.Main Outcome MeasuresGenetic diagnosis, genotype–phenotype correlation.ResultsThirteen unique pathogenic variants were identified in 9 of 16 (56.25%) patients in 10 different genes. A definitive genetic diagnosis was made in 7/16 patients (43.7%). Six changes were novel and not in public databases of human variation. In four patients, a homozygous, novel pathogenic variant (c.2197G > C, p.(Ala 733Pro)) in PDE6B was identified and also present in a further five similarly affected Māori patients.Conclusions and RelevanceOver half of the Māori and Polynesian patients with inherited rod‐cone diseases have no pathogenic variant(s) detected with a targeted retinal next‐generation sequencing strategy, which is supportive of novel genetic mechanisms in this population. A novel PDE6B founder variant is likely to account for 16% of recessive inherited retinal dystrophy in Māori. Careful characterization of the clinical presentation permits identification of further Māori patients with a similar phenotype and simplifies the diagnostic algorithm.
How does water scarcity affect spatial and temporal patterns of diatom community assemblages in Mediterranean streams?
Authors: Piano Elena , Falasco Elisa , Bona Francesca 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Mediterranean streams are mostly characterised by intermittent flow regime, with droughts in summer followed by floods in autumn. During droughts, the creation of lentic habitats (i.e. lentification process) and isolated pools in the riverbeds (i.e. fragmentation process) represents a strong selective pressure on biotic communities, which might be intensified by human‐induced water scarcity. In the highly heterogeneous habitat patches created by these processes, species sorting may be driven by stochastic mechanisms, as well as by environmental filtering. In this work, we investigated the spatial and temporal patterns in the assemblage of diatom communities during water scarcity periods in Mediterranean streams.

Five oligotrophic streams, which were similar in terms of physical and chemical parameters, were sampled in the Ligurian Alps (NW Italy). Data were collected during moderate flow in April 2014 and then at least monthly during water scarcity, from June to September 2014, in: (1) lentic sites, where the water flow became slower but was permanent all year around, (2) fragmented sites, where the riverbed stretch dried out creating isolated pools. For each sampling site, we collected six benthic diatom samples from different microhabitats.

We examined which type of factors, i.e. spatial or environmental, better explained the temporal and spatial variation in diatom communities. We then calculated the turnover and nestedness components of dissimilarity by comparing samples collected during moderate flow with samples obtained during a period of water scarcity. We further investigated if the idiosyncrasy of diatom species, i.e. a measure of their discrepancy from a nested pattern, could be explained by the ecological niche width of species and/or by species traits.

Our results showed a contribution of both environmental and spatial factors in determining species composition during water scarcity, with the overall trends in community structure being driven by species turnover. The percentage of idiosyncratic species (those departing from the nested pattern) increased with increasing water scarcity, but showed no differences in terms of species traits.

According to our results, species turnover, with replacement of sensitive species by tolerant species, seemed to be the dominating process in diatom benthic communities during water scarcity in the streams under investigation. A better evaluation of species autecology could improve the evaluation of water quality in Mediterranean streams.
Sequential rather than interactive effects of multiple stressors as drivers of phytoplankton community change in a large lake
Authors: Kelly Noreen E. , Young Joelle D. , Winter Jennifer G. , Palmer Michelle E. , Stainsby Eleanor A. , Molot Lewis A. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Predicting how freshwater biota respond to multiple stressors is currently a major challenge facing aquatic ecologists and environmental managers. Lake Simcoe is an ideal location to test the impact of multiple stressors on aquatic biota over time, as changes in climate warming, species invasions, nutrient loading, and human population growth have occurred throughout the last three decades.

In this study, we used a suite of multivariate analyses to quantify the unique and interactive effects of physico‐climatic, water quality, and biological variables in explaining phytoplankton community composition from 1986 to 2012.

Changes in water quality, zooplankton abundance and community composition (following the invasion of Bythotrephes longimanus), euphotic zone temperature and thermal stability, and the invasion of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) acting at different times throughout the period of record, were associated with major shifts in the phytoplankton community of Lake Simcoe: dominance of eutrophic diatoms and cyanobacteria from 1986 to 1997 shifted to chlorophytes after 1998, then again to a diverse mix of taxa represented by all major categories of algae after 2004.

Contrary to expectation, we found little evidence that interactions between multiple stressors are taking place in Lake Simcoe. Instead, our results demonstrated the sequential nature of multiple stressors in influencing interannual variation in phytoplankton community structure. By occurring consecutively over time, we propose a “sequence of stressors” has influenced the ecological health of the lake over the preceding three decades.

Considered by category, biological stressors, followed by water quality, then temperature and climate, explained the largest amount of total variance in the phytoplankton data. The prominence of zooplankton community changes as significant predictors of phytoplankton community change throughout the period of record suggests the top‐down effect of these herbivores are also very important.

Our results highlight the importance of extensive ecosystem monitoring in determining ecosystem health. Our approach may assist in the management of other aquatic systems, where identifying when multiple stressors are not operating may simplify the management process, allowing remediation efforts to focus on the most impactful stressors as primary targets for ecosystem restoration.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome in Adults and Children: A Hypothesis
Authors: Redon Sylvain , Mareau Cécile , Guedj Eric , Donnet Anne 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo see how patients' clinical descriptions compare to the third classification of International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD‐III beta).BackgroundCVS is an episodic syndrome associated with migraine. It is a rare disorder of childhood and adulthood. New criteria are proposed in the third classification of International Classification of Headache Disorders.MethodsThis study describes children and adults' CVS characteristics at a French tertiary‐care center, according to the ICHD‐II and ICHD‐III beta criteria. Clinical features, and results of paraclinical tests were characterized.ResultsFifteen patients were included: 8 adults, 2 children, and 5 adolescents. Familial history of migraine or CVS was respectively noticed in 12 and 4 patients. The duration of premonitory, emetic, and postdromal phases was evaluated from hours to days. Some symptoms described in theses phases are also described in migrainous population, with a comparable frequency. Cranial or systemic autonomic symptoms were respectively reported in 47% and 93%. Nine patients described a circadian periodicity, and six patients described a circannual periodicity. The predictable periodicity was from 1 week to 12 months. A brain perfusion SPECT showed an increased hypothalamic perfusion during emetic phase in one patient.ConclusionsCVS is a rare episodic syndrome associated with migraine. Some clinical features and paraclincal tests suggest a chronobiological disease.
Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell. Extracts inhibit the growth of body odour‐forming bacteria
Authors: McManus K. , Wood A. , Wright M. H. , Matthews B. , Greene A. C. , Cock I. E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTerminalia ferdinandiana extracts are potent growth inhibitors of many bacterial pathogens. They may also inhibit the growth of malodour‐producing bacteria and thus be useful deodorant components, although this is yet to be tested.MethodsTerminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaf solvent extracts were investigated by disc diffusion and liquid dilution MIC assays against the most significant bacterial contributors to axillary and plantar malodour formation. Toxicity was determined using the Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. Non‐targeted HPLC separation of the methanolic leaf extract coupled to high‐resolution time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy was used for the identification and characterization of individual components in the extract.ResultsThe T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were the most potent bacterial growth inhibitors. The leaf methanolic extract was particularly potent, with low MIC values against C. jeikeium (233 μg mL−1), S. epidermidis (220 μg mL−1), P. acnes (625 μg mL−1) and B. linens (523 μg mL−1). The aqueous and ethyl acetate leaf extracts were also potent growth inhibitors of C. jeikeium and S. epidermidis (MICs < 1000 μg mL−1). In comparison, the fruit extracts were substantially less potent antibacterial agents, although still with MIC values indicative of moderate growth inhibitory activity. All T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts were non‐toxic in the Artemia franciscana bioassay. Non‐biased phytochemical analysis of the methanolic leaf extract revealed the presence of high levels of and high diversity of tannins and high levels of the flavone luteolin.ConclusionThe low toxicity of the T. ferdinandiana leaf extracts and their potent growth inhibition of axillary and plantar malodour‐producing bacteria indicate their potential as deodorant components.
Sporotrichosis among children of a hyperendemic area in Peru: an 8‐year retrospective study
Authors: Ramírez Soto Max C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of pediatric sporotrichosis are poorly understood.ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and clinical characteristics of cases of sporotrichosis in children 14 years of age and younger reported in Abancay from 2004 to 2011, stratified according to age.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients 14 years of age and younger who were diagnosed with sporotrichosis in a referral center at Abancay, a poor area located in the south central highlands of Peru, to estimate the incidence rates (per 100,000 person‐years) according to age and sporotrichosis type (lymphocutaneous and fixed), and clinical characteristics of these patients.ResultsOf the 240 pediatric cases identified, 131 (54.6%) were male. The median age at baseline was 6 years. The mean incidence rate was 81.4 cases per 100,000 person‐years for the period from 2004 to 2011, and was highest among children ranging in age from 5–9 years. The incidence of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis and fixed sporotrichosis was 55 and 27 cases per 100,000 person‐years, respectively, and the face was the most commonly affected anatomic site. Ninety‐six of the 240 patients (40%) reported previous contact with cats, and 46 (19.2%) had a clear history of traumatic inoculation with plant material. The therapeutic response to treatment with potassium iodide was satisfactory.ConclusionIn this retrospective study, we described a high incidence of sporotrichosis in children in the south central highlands of Peru, which increased with age. Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis was the more common type with an incidence rate twice that of the fixed type. The face was the most commonly affected anatomic site, and infection appeared to be acquired predominantly through contact with cats.
A cluster of adenovirus type B55 infection in a neurosurgical inpatient department of a general hospital in Guangdong, China
Authors: Yi Lina , Zou LiRong , Lu Jing , Kang Min , Song Yingchao , Su Juan , Zhang Xin , Liang LiJun , Ni HanZhong , Ke Changwen , Wu Jie 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundHuman adenovirus type 55 is a re‐emerging human respiratory pathogen that is associated with several respiratory infections outbreaks in military and school populations. In this study, we describe the first HAdV55‐associated hospital outbreak documented in Guangdong, China.MethodsActive surveillance was conducted in the involved neurosurgical inpatient department. All staff and patients in the involved neurosurgical department were surveyed for any symptoms of fever (≥38°C) and enlarged tonsils during the outbreak period. Throat swabs and demographic information were collected for all cases. For each specimen, assays for common respiratory viruses were performed using one‐step reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. HAdV‐positive samples were inoculated onto Hep‐2 cells for isolation. Hexon genes, fiber genes, penton genes, and whole genomes were sequenced. A phylogenetic tree was constructed.Results and ConclusionsForty‐three cases, including 24 laboratory‐confirmed cases and 19 possible cases, were identified. Nurses had the highest attack rate of infection, with a rate of 36.4%. The attack rate for doctors and inpatients was 20.0% and 16.7%, respectively. HAdV55 was the sole pathogen identified during this outbreak. The hexon, fiber, and penton genes from seven isolated HAdV55 stains were sequenced. All these genes showed 100% homology and fell into the HAdV55 [P14H11F14] cluster, indicating that HAdV55 was the single viral strain for the outbreak. While not conclusive, the epidemic investigation revealed that the outbreak was introduced by nurses from sources outside the hospital. It was likely that a transmission from staff to inpatients had occurred.