bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Raft Formation: Key Role of Polyunsaturated Phospholipids
Authors: Wang Chang , Yu Yuming , Regen Steven L.
Published: January 2017

The forces that drive lipid raft formation are poorly understood. To date, most of the attention has focused on attractive interactions between cholesterol and high‐melting lipids. Remarkably little attention has been paid to repulsive forces. Here, we show that repulsive interactions between an exchangeable mimic of cholesterol and an exchangeable mimic of a low‐melting phospholipid in liquid‐disordered bilayers can be much stronger than the attractive forces between this same sterol and an exchangeable mimic of a high‐melting phospholipid in liquid‐ordered bilayers. We conclude that polyunsaturated phospholipids have been largely overlooked as major players in lipid raft formation. This knowledge should stimulate considerable interest in controlling the levels of polyunsaturated phospholipids for the proper functioning of cell membranes.
Silver nanoparticles decorated polypyrrole/graphene nanocomposite: A potential candidate for next‐generation supercapacitor electrode material
Authors: Dhibar Saptarshi , Das Chapal Kumar
Published: January 2017

In the present study, we report a simple method to synthesize silver (Ag)‐polypyrrole (PPy)/graphene (Gr) nanocomposite as efficient electrode materials for supercapacitor application. The probable interaction between Ag nanoparticles with both PPy and Gr were characterized by FTIR, UV–visible, and Raman spectroscopies. The morphological analysis confirmed that the Gr sheets are uniformly coated by PPy and in the coated Gr sheets there is the presence of Ag nanoparticles. The Ag‐PPy/Gr nanocomposite achieved the highest specific capacitance of 472 F/g at a 0.5 A/g current density. Better energy and power density also obtained for the nanocomposite. The presence of both Ag nanoparticles and Gr is the main reason for the enhancement of the electrochemical properties of the nanocomposite. Based on the superior electrochemical properties, the nanocomposite can be used for next‐generation supercapacitor electrode material. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44724.
Thermal stability of the immobilization process of horseradish peroxidase in electrospun polymeric nanofibers
Authors: Rodríguez‐deLuna Sofía E. , Moreno‐Cortez Iván E. , Garza‐Navarro M. A. , Lucio‐Porto Raúl , López Pavón Luis , González‐González Virgilio A.
Published: January 2017

The horseradish peroxidase enzyme (type VI 250 U mg−1) was encapsulated in polymeric nanofibers using the electrospinning technique and successfully immobilized by the exposure to glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor in order to create covalent bonds between the polyivinilalcohol (PVA) polymeric chains and the enzyme molecules. The morphology of the nanofibers was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showing a diameter in the range of 100–200 nm. The presence of the enzyme in the electrospun nanofibers was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optimum crosslinking time was 1 h of exposure to GA vapor. The maximum percentage of the retained protein and the enzyme activity was obtained using the lowest initial enzyme concentration. The enzyme activity of the sample was retained after four reuse cycles. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the thermal stability of the samples. The thermal study of the immobilized HRP enzyme provide for the first time additional information regarding the interaction of the HRP enzyme molecules with the PVA chains of the nanofiber matrix, as well as the effect of the crosslinking time in the glass transition temperature and the heat of fusion of the samples. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44811.
Habitats for the Atlantic sturgeons in Russia
Authors: Popov Igor
Published: January 2017

The critically endangered Atlantic sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, inhabited the Russian section of the Baltic Sea basin until recent times. Eight rivers were indicated as their habitats in local literature.

The Atlantic surgeon disappeared in Russia because of overfishing, not because of habitat loss.

Nowadays, potential spawning grounds for sturgeons occur in six rivers of the Russian section of the Baltic Sea basin. The largest river (Neva) is not blocked by dams and the whole river provides the ecological requirements of sturgeons on a stretch 75 km long.

Restocking of other sturgeon species in Russia demonstrated that the release of reared fishes into the sea is ineffective, whereas the release into rivers could result in successful acclimatization.

Recent climatic changes are rather favourable for sturgeon restocking in the Baltic Sea area. The main problem for the restoration of sturgeon populations is the intensive fishery.
Mathematical Modeling of Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Ghodoosi Fatemeh , Khosravi-Nikou Mohammad Reza , Shariati Ahmad
Published: January 2017

A two‐dimensional, pseudo‐homogeneous model is used to study the reverse water‐gas shift (RWGS) reaction in a fixed‐bed reactor under steady‐state conditions. A redox kinetic model is applied in the reactor model for a description of the reaction kinetics. Results show that the model predictions have an average error of 2.7 % and are in good agreement with experimental data for nonequilibrium conditions. With increasing space velocity, the CO2 conversion decreases, but the temperature drop in the reactor increases. Furthermore, a H2/CO2 ratio equal to one in the feed is the optimum ratio. Finally, the temperature, concentration, and pressure profiles inside the reactor are predicted.
Catalytic NH3 Synthesis using N2/H2 at Molecular Transition Metal Complexes: Concepts for Lead Structure Determination using Computational Chemistry
Authors: Hölscher Markus , Leitner Walter
Published: January 2017

While industrial NH3 synthesis based on the Haber–Bosch‐process was invented more than a century ago, there is still no molecular catalyst available which reduces N2 in the reaction system N2/H2 to NH3. As the many efforts of experimentally working research groups to develop a molecular catalyst for NH3 synthesis from N2/H2 have led to a variety of stoichiometric reductions it seems justified to undertake the attempt of systematizing the various approaches of how the N2 molecule might be reduced to NH3 with H2 at a transition metal complex. In this contribution therefore a variety of intuition‐based concepts are presented with the intention to show how the problem can be approached. While no claim for completeness is made, these concepts intend to generate a working plan for future research. Beyond this, it is suggested that these concepts should be evaluated with regard to experimental feasibility by checking barrier heights of single reaction steps and also by computation of whole catalytic cycles employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This serves as a tool which extends the empirically driven search process and expands it by computed insights which can be used to rationalize the various challenges which must be met.
Synthesis and Neurotrophic Activity Studies of Illicium Sesquiterpene Natural Product Analogues
Authors: Richers Johannes , Pöthig Alexander , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Sippel Claudia , Hausch Felix , Tiefenbacher Konrad
Published: January 2017

Neurotrophic natural products hold potential as privileged structures for the development of therapeutic agents against neurodegeneration. However, only a few studies have been conducted to investigate a common pharmacophoric motif and structure–activity relationships (SARs). Here, an investigation of structurally more simple analogues of neurotrophic sesquiterpenes of the illicium family is presented. A concise synthetic route enables preparation of the carbon framework of (±)‐Merrilactone A and (±)‐Anislactone A/B on a gram scale. This has allowed access to a series of structural analogues by modification of the core structure, including variation of oxidation levels and alteration of functional groups. In total, 15 derivatives of the natural products have been synthesized and tested for their neurite outgrowth activities. Our studies indicate that the promising biological activity can be retained by structurally simpler natural product analogues, which are accessible by a straightforward synthetic route.
Expanding the Catalytic Promiscuity of Heparinase III from Pedobacter heparinus
Authors: Gu Yayun , Lu Meiling , Wang Zongqiang , Wu Xuri , Chen Yijun
Published: January 2017

Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) lyases are useful biocatalysts for the preparation of oligosaccharides, but their substrate spectra are limited to the same family. Thus, the degradation activity across families of GAG lyases is advantageous and desirable for various applications. In this study, residue Lys130 at the substrate entrance of monomeric heparinase III from Pedobacter heparinus ATCC 13125 was replaced by cysteine, and the resulting mutant K130C showed novel catalytic activity in degrading hyaluronic acid without affecting its native activity toward heparin and heparan sulfate. The broadened catalytic promiscuity by mutant K130C was the result of dimerization through a disulfide bond to expand the substrate binding pocket. This bifunctional enzyme is potentially valuable in the degradation of different types of GAGs.
A Synthetic, X‐ray, NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Study of β‐Naphthil Dihydrazone, Di(β‐naphthyl)acetylene, Tetra(β‐naphthyl)cyclopentadienone, and Hexa(β‐naphthyl)‐benzene: C6(C10H7)6 Is a Disordered Molecular Propeller
Authors: Harrington Laura E. , Britten James F. , Nikitin Kirill , McGlinchey Michael J.
Published: January 2017

Treatment of β‐naphthil dihydrazone, 1, with silver oxide yields di(β‐naphthyl)acetylene, 2, which undergoes Diels–Alder cycloaddition with tetra(β‐naphthyl)cyclopentadienone, 4, to give hexa(β‐naphthyl)benzene, 5, upon decarbonylation. Molecules 1, 2 and 4 have been characterised by X‐ray crystallography, but hexa(β‐naphthyl)benzene exhibits rotational disorder of the peripheral substituents. Nevertheless, calculations at the density functional level reveal the favoured structure of 5 to be a molecular propeller, in which the eight possible rotamers are essentially iso‐energetic. Variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy studies yield a naphthyl rotational barrier of approximately 17 kcal mol−1, similar to that previously found for meta‐substituted phenyl groups. Enantiomerisation of hexa(β‐naphthyl)benzene engendered by rotation of a single naphthyl ring has been studied by DFT calculations, and the process has been represented pictorially.
The Language of International Arbitration
Authors: Simões Fernando Dias
Published: January 2017

Settling international disputes is a cultural and legal challenge. The first barrier that needs to be overcome is that of language. Parties, lawyers, and arbitrators frequently speak different languages or do not have the same level of proficiency in the same idiom. Determining what language or languages shall be used in international arbitration is decisive on three dimensions: party equality, the composition of the arbitral tribunal, and the interaction with national courts. This article examines several tools that disputing parties can adopt in order to overcome the problems stemming from linguistic diversity in international arbitration.
Efficacy of basal‐bolus insulin regimens in the inpatient management of non‐critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Christensen Merete B. , Gotfredsen Anders , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: January 2017

Hyperglycemia during hospitalization is associated with increased rates of complications and longer hospital stays. Various insulin regimens are used in the inpatient diabetes management of non‐critically ill patients. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of basal‐bolus insulin therapy (BBI) by summarizing evidence from studies of BBI versus sliding scale insulin therapy (SSI) in the management of hospitalized non‐critically ill type 2 diabetes patients. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies comparing BBI therapy with SSI therapy in hospitalized non‐critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes. Primary outcome was mean daily blood glucose (BG) during admission. Secondary outcomes were incidence of hypoglycemia and length of hospital stay. Results of included randomized controlled trials (RCT) were pooled and meta‐analysed to provide estimates of the efficacy of BBI therapy. Five RCTs and seven observational studies were included in the review. Meta‐analysis of RCTs showed significantly lower mean daily BG with BBI than SSI. Mean difference in daily BG between the two regimens ranged from 14 to 29 mg/dl. BBI therapy was associated with increased risk of mild hypoglycemia (BG ≤ 70 mg/dl, RR 5.75; 95% CI 2.79‐11.83), (BG ≤ 60 mg/dl, RR 4.21; 95% CI 1.61‐11.02) compared with SSI therapy. There was no difference in risk of severe hypoglycemia (BG ≤ 40 mg/dl) and no difference in mean length of stay. In conclusion, basal‐bolus insulin in the inpatient diabetes management results in significantly lower mean daily BG than sliding scale insulin but is associated with increased risk of mild hypoglycemia.
Evaluating Conditions for Integrated Water Resource Management at Sub‐basin Scale. A Comparison of the Flemish Sub‐basin Boards and Walloon River Contracts
Authors: Mees Hannelore , Suykens Cathy , Crabbé Ann
Published: January 2017

Integrated water resource management (IWRM) has long been advocated in academia and politics but appears difficult to pursue in practice. Defenders of IWRM call for governance institutions adapted to hydrological boundaries, but these would be at odds with existing administrative ones. In this paper, we investigate how coordination platforms at sub‐basin scale can contribute to IWRM. Most IWRM literature focuses on the catchment scale. It is however acknowledged by several authors that coordination is also needed at a lower level. Through document analysis and semi‐structured interviews, a comparison is made of the Flemish sub‐basin boards and the Walloon river contracts, two types of coordination platform in different regions of Belgium. Belonging to the same federal state, they form valuable cases to compare divergent systems rooted in similar administrative settings.

A number of key factors appear to contribute to the effectiveness of the coordination platforms, as it is perceived by their stakeholders. These factors are a clear but flexible legislative framework, (financial) support of a higher government rather than command‐and‐control steering, the personal commitment of their coordinators, an independent status of their staff, a sense of urgency and a good connection with civil society and the wider public. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Production of added‐value metabolites by Yarrowia lipolytica growing in olive mill wastewater‐based media under aseptic and non‐aseptic conditions
Authors: Sarris Dimitris , Stoforos Nikolaos G. , Mallouchos Athanasios , Kookos Ioannis K. , Koutinas Apostolis A. , Aggelis George , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: January 2017

Yarrowia lipolytica ACA‐YC 5033 was grown on glucose‐based media in which high amounts of olive mill wastewaters (OMWs) had been added. Besides shake‐flask aseptic cultures, trials were also performed in previously pasteurized media while batch bioreactor experiments were also done. Significant decolorization (∼58%) and remarkable removal of phenolic compounds (∼51% w/w) occurred, with the latter being amongst the highest ones reported in the international literature, as far as yeasts were concerned during their growth on phenol‐containing media. In nitrogen‐limited flask fermentations the microorganism produced maximum citric acid quantity ≈19.0 g/L [simultaneous yield of citric acid produced per unit of glucose consumed (YCit/Glc)≈0.74 g/g]. Dry cell weight (DCW) values decreased at high phenol‐containing media, but, on the other hand, the addition of OMWs induced reserve lipid accumulation. Maximum citric acid concentration achieved (≈52.0 g/L; YCit/Glc≈0.64 g/g) occurred in OMW‐based high sugar content media (initial glucose added at ≈80.0 g/L). The bioprocess was successfully simulated by a modified logistic growth equation. A satisfactory fitting on the experimental data occurred while the optimized parameter values were found to be similar to those experimentally measured. Finally, a non‐aseptic (previously pasteurized) trial was performed and its comparison with the equivalent aseptic experiment revealed no significant differences. Yarrowia lipolytica hence can be considered as a satisfactory candidate for simultaneous OMWs bioremediation and the production of added‐value compounds useful for the food industry.
Sorption of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen on zeolite‐F: Equilibrium adsorption study
Authors: Belani Mihir R. , Somani Rajesh S. , Bajaj Hari C.
Published: January 2017

Carbon dioxide is a major contributor in greenhouse gases. Unswerving increase of CO2 in atmosphere, due to growing industries and automobile field, is a wakeup call to the world as excess of CO2 will affect humans in many ways among which greenhouse effect dominated the most. In the present work potassium based zeolite‐F was synthesized by hydrothermal method as reported by International Zeolite Association. Synthesized zeolite‐F was characterized with powder X‐Ray diffraction analysis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis and BET surface area measurement. The equilibrium adsorption capacities of pure gases CO2, N2, and CH4 were measured at 273, 288, and 303 K up to 850 mmHg. Although zeolite‐F possesses low CO2 adsorption capacity (43.6cc/g) at 303 K, the selectivity towards N2 and CH4 reflects its potential as an efficient CO2 adsorbent. The selectivity of CO2 over N2 in zeolite‐F was 38 at 303 K and 850 mmHg pressure, whereas selectivity for CO2 over CH4 was 30. Thus, zeolite‐F has shown potential for selective CO2 adsorption from its gas mixture with N2 and CH4. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 850–856, 2017
Enzymatic degradation and metabolic product of tylosin residue using enzyme extracted from Burkholderia vietnamiensis strain
Authors: Wang Li‐Qiong , Ma Yu‐Long , Zhang Juan , Wang Yan , Sun Rui‐Zhu
Published: January 2017

The aims of this study were to extract a tylosin‐degrading enzyme from Burkholderia vietnamiensis and to investigate the enzymatic degradation of tylosin and metabolic product formed. The results showed that the enzyme was extracted and purified to homogeneity with 23.5‐fold purification and a specific activity equal to 247.1 U mg−1 protein. This enzyme with a concentration of 1000 U mL−1 could degrade 100% of 200 mg L−1 tylosin after 180 min of incubation at 35°C. The toxicity of metabolites was lower than that of parent compound. The degradation kinetics followed an empirical model of the natural logarithm of concentration versus the natural logarithm of time, and the calculated half‐lives were about 3.54–3.91 min when the initial concentrations of tylosin ranged from 200 to 600 mg L−1. The enzymatic reaction of tylosin degradation could be well described using Michaelis‐Menten equation, and values of Michaelis constant and maximum velocity were 326.91 µmol L−1 and 16.08 µmol L−1 min−1, respectively. High‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrum indicated that tylosin was degraded into two metabolites. The pathway of enzymatic degradation might be that tylosin A was firstly transformed to tylosin B, and then the hydrolysis of lactone bond and the reduction of aldehyde group occurred. These results may provide the basis for biotreatment and removal of tylosin residue in solid and liquid wastes. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 879–886, 2017
Predictive factors and outcomes for ibrutinib therapy in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma—a “real world” study
Authors: Epperla Narendranath , Hamadani Mehdi , Cashen Amanda F. , Ahn Kwang W. , Oak Eunhye , Kanate Abraham S. , Calzada Oscar , Cohen Jonathon B. , Farmer Luke , Ghosh Nilanjan , Tallarico Michael , Nabhan Chadi , Costa Luciano J. , Kenkre Vaishalee P. , Hari Parameswaran N. , Fenske Timothy S.
Published: January 2017

Ibrutinib has demonstrated significant activity in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in clinical trials. However, the impact of hematopoietic cell transplantation on the outcomes of ibrutinib and the predictive factors for ibrutinib response has not been well studied. Hence, we conducted a multicenter retrospective study of MCL patients who received ibrutinib to (1) determine the overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of ibrutinib in routine clinical practice, (2) examine characteristics predictive of response to ibrutinib therapy, and (3) describe the outcomes of patients failing ibrutinib. Ninety‐seven patients met the eligibility criteria. Overall response rate and median DOR to ibrutinib were 65% and 17 months, respectively. Only lack of primary refractory disease was predictive of ibrutinib response on multivariate analysis. Twenty‐nine patients received postibrutinib therapies, with an ORR of 48% and a median DOR of 3 months. The median OS and PFS for the entire group (n = 97) was 22 and 15 months, respectively. On multivariate analysis, ibrutinib response, low MCL international prognostic index, and absence of primary refractory disease were predictors of better PFS, while ibrutinib response and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤1 were predictors of better OS. The median OS postibrutinib failure was 2.5 months. Our results confirm the high ORR and DOR of ibrutinib in MCL and that prior hematopoietic cell transplantation does not negatively influence ibrutinib outcomes. Survival following ibrutinib failure is poor with no specific subsequent therapy showing superior activity in this setting. As a result, for select (transplant eligible) patients, allogeneic transplant should be strongly considered soon after ibrutinib response is documented to provide durable responses.
Implementation of the redesigned Community Health Fund in the Dodoma region of Tanzania: A qualitative study of views from rural communities
Authors: Kalolo Albino , Gautier Lara , Radermacher Ralf , Stoermer Manfred , Jahn Albrecht , Meshack Menoris , De Allegri Manuela
Published: January 2017

The need to understand how an intervention is received by the beneficiary community is well recognised and particularly neglected in the micro–health insurance (MHI) domain. This study explored the views and reactions of the beneficiary community of the redesigned Community Health Fund (CHF) implemented in the Dodoma region of Tanzania.

We collected data from focus group discussions with 24 groups of villagers (CHF members and nonmembers) and in‐depth interviews with 12 key informants (enrolment officers and health care workers). The transcribed material was analysed thematically. We found that participants highly appreciate the scheme, but to be resolved are the challenges posed by the implementation strategies adopted. The responses of the community were nested within a complex pathway relating to their interaction with the implementation strategies and their ongoing reflections regarding the benefits of the scheme. Community reactions ranged from accepting to rejecting the scheme, demanding the right to receive benefit packages once enrolled, and dropping out of the scheme when it failed to meet their expectations. Reported drivers of the responses included intensity of CHF communication activities, management of enrolment procedures, delivery of benefit packages, critical features of the scheme, and contextual factors (health system and socio‐political context). This study highlights that scheme design and implementation strategies that address people's needs, voices, and values can improve uptake of MHI interventions. The study adds to the knowledge base on implementing MHI initiatives and could promote interests in assessing the response to interventions within the MHI domain and beyond.
Elevated serum milk fat globule‐epidermal growth factor 8 levels in type 2 diabetic patients are suppressed by overweight or obese status
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Ran Wenzhuo , Zhang Jiaqiang , Chen Shi , Li Yihang , Luo Deng , Wang Chen , Jia Weiping
Published: January 2017

Inflammation is the most important link between obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although milk fat globule‐epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG‐E8) is a key mediator in anti‐inflammatory responses, its role in obesity and diabetes is not yet completely understood. We aimed to measure MFG‐E8 serum levels and to explore the role of MFG‐E8 in obesity and T2D. Fasting serum MFG‐E8 levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for 168 individuals, whose oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, and levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein, were measured. The participants were subdivided into 66 newly diagnosed T2D individuals, 44 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) subjects and 58 healthy controls. Their characteristics were further classified as lean or nonlean for investigation. MFG‐E8 levels were significantly higher in T2D subjects than in healthy controls (P = 0.028). Decreased levels of MFG‐E8 were found in overweight or obese individuals, compared to those in lean subjects, in both the T2D and IGT groups (P < 0.001). Interestingly, MFG‐E8 levels showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) and TNF‐α levels in the total population and the T2D subgroup. Further, BMI and TNF‐α concentrations were found to be independent predictors of MFG‐E8 levels in all subjects. MFG‐E8 levels are elevated in T2D but suppressed by increased adipose tissues, thereby allowing inflammatory factors to rise to high levels. MFG‐E8 may serve as a potential biomarker for obesity and T2D in the clinical setting. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):63–71, 2017
When proteostasis goes bad: Protein aggregation in the cell
Authors: Radwan Mona , Wood Rebecca J. , Sui Xiaojing , Hatters Danny M.
Published: January 2017

Protein aggregation is a hallmark of the major neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and motor neuron and is a symptom of a breakdown in the management of proteome foldedness. Indeed, it is remarkable that under normal conditions cells can keep their proteome in a highly crowded and confined space without uncontrollable aggregation. Proteins pose a particular challenge relative to other classes of biomolecules because upon synthesis they must typically follow a complex folding pathway to reach their functional conformation (native state). Non‐native conformations, including the unfolded nascent chain, are highly prone to aberrant interactions, leading to aggregation. Here we review recent advances in knowledge of proteostasis, approaches to monitor proteostasis and the impact that protein aggregation has on biology. We also include discussion of the outstanding challenges. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):49–54, 2017
Granulosa‐theca Cell Tumour Associated With Pregnancy
Authors: Talerman A. , Scholte E. , Daamen C. B. F. , Gratama S.
Published: January 2017

Talerman, A., Scholte, E., Daamen, C. B. F. and Gratama, S. (Dept. of Pathology, Rotterdam Institute of Radiotherapy, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Van Dam Hospital, and Dept. of Pathology, Bergweg Hospital, Rotterdam, Holland).
Endometrial Control: A Comparative Study of Three Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Talwar Prem P. , Dingfelder James R. , Ravenholt R. T.
Published: January 2017

Talwar, P. P., Dingfelder, J. R. and Ravenholt, R. T. (International Fertility Research Program, Research Triangle Park, NC, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, and Office of Population, Agency for International Development, Washington, D.C., USA). Endometrial control—a comparative study of three oral contraceptives.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 385–389, 1976.

Shortly after completing an OC cycle the relative hormonal deficit caused by discontinuing the hormones results in withdrawal bleeding. Similarly, if one or more oral contraceptive tablets are missed during a cycle, the resulting deficiency may cause breakthrough bleeding. A lower incidence of breakthrough bleeding on the day after one oral contraceptive tablet is missed and later onset of withdrawal bleeding indicate that a particular OC provides better endometrial control. These two measurements are used as indices to compare the endometrial control provided by Ovral, Norinyl 1/50, and Norlestrin 1 in a study of 480 women at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Seattle during 1974 and 1975. An analysis of the data shows that the normal chance of breakthrough bleeding on a particular day when one oral contraceptive tablet is not missed on the previous day is 0.017, 0.022, and 0.022 for Ovral, Norinyl, and Norlestrin users, but the chance on the day after a contraceptive tablet is missed increased by 13 to 16 times for each of the three OCs. Ovral provides more sustained endometrial control than Norinyl and Norlestrin, however, as indicated by its lower probability of breakthrough bleeding on the day a contraceptive tablet is missed and by its later onset of withdrawal bleeding.
Plasma Estradiol‐17 β as an Index of Fetoplacental Function
Authors: Chew P. C. T. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: January 2017

Chew, P. C. T. and Ratnam, S. S. (Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Singapore 8). Plasma estradiol‐17 β as an index of fetoplacental function.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 14: 445–448, 1976.

Serial plasma unconjugated estradiol‐17 β was measured by a radioimmunoassay method in 26 cases of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, 13 cases of poor obstetric history and 4 cases of intra‐uterine growth retardation. There was considerable overlap of hormonal values between pregnancies, resulting in delivery of normal fetuses and those with dysmature fetuses. Serial estimations of estradiol‐17 β were not found to be useful in the prediction of intra‐uterine death, although low values were obtained after fetal death has occurred. Estradiol‐17 β estimation appeared to be an unreliable index of fetoplacental function.
The Testicular Feminization Syndrome: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Mukherjee Sushanta K.
Published: January 2017

Two cases of complete testicular feminization syndrome are presented. The relevant clinical features and laboratory findings are summarized. Some interesting aspects of this syndrome are surveyed.
Medical Supervision for Contraception: Too Little or Too Much?
Authors: Rosenfield Allan
Published: January 2017

The need to provide medical supervision in contraceptive services is reviewed in the context of the situation existing in developing nations. The author contends that less rather than more medical supervision can be justified if one compares the relatively low incidence of complications from modern contraception with the inordinately high maternal death rates from pregnancy and its complications in these same countries.
Risks and Benefits of Postmenopausal Exogenous Estrogen
Authors: Sarto Gloria E.
Published: January 2017

Cyclically administered estrogen helps prevent and treat vasomotor symptoms and atrophic changes in the genitourinary tracts of postmenopausal women. Administering exogenous estrogen may also help prevent postmenopausal bone loss and help treat severe postmenopausal osteoporosis. Although recent studies have indicated an association between estrogen replacement therapy and endometrial carcinoma, a true cause‐and‐effect relationship has not been established. Thus, estrogen replacement therapy should be administered carefully, considering the risk/benefit ratio for each individual, and should use the smallest dose necessary to achieve the desired effect. If irregular bleeding occurs before or during estrogen administration, a complete gynecologic examination (including a histologic examination of the endometrium) is mandatory.
Primary Dysmenorrhea Treated with Indomethacin
Authors: Ladipo O. A.
Published: January 2017

Dysmenorrhea, with associated anxiety and incapacitation, is a common gynecologic complaint. Of 60 patients given indomethacin for moderate to severe dysmenorrhea, 80% had significant relief of their symptoms and 10% discontinued therapy because of side effects from the medication.
Investigation of Amenorrhea with a Simplified Clomiphene Test
Authors: Ylöstalo Pekka , Rönnberg Lars , Manner Pertti , Järvinen Pentti A. , Jänne Olli
Published: January 2017

To simplify the clinical evaluation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovarian function, a 5‐day treatment regimen of 100 mg clomiphene administered daily was tested on a group of 30 amenorrheic women (4 with primary amenorrhea and 26 with secondary amenorrhea). Vaginal smears and serum follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estradiol‐17β and progesterone levels were obtained prior to treatment and 5 and 12 days after treatment ended. According to her response to clomiphene, each patient was assigned to one of the four response categories established by Kjeld et al. (6). Based on clinical findings and changes in serum hormone levels, the patients' responses to clomiphene were categorized as “normal” (the patient ovulated), “partial” (the patient experienced menstrual bleeding without ovulation), “minimal” (rise in estradiol without menses), and “nil”. Of the parameters studied, the patient's serum estradiol level was the most sensitive index of her response to clomiphene.
The Potential Reduction of Medical Complications from Induced Abortion
Authors: Smith Roy G. , Palmore James A. , Steinhoff Patricia G.
Published: January 2017

Reducing medical complications resulting from induced abortion by identifying the safest and most appropriate procedure(s) for each gestational age is the purpose of this study. Data on all women who had induced abortions at all hospitals in the State of Hawaii where such procedures were performed between March 11, 1970, when the new abortion law went into effect, and June 30, 1974 were analyzed. Study findings show that if the abortion procedure with the least risk of complications at each length of gestation were selected a reduction in the complication rate of nearly 30% could result.
A Comparison of Metal and Plastic Cannulae for Vacuum Aspiration
Authors: Narvekar M. R. , Pachauri Saroj , Mhatre Veena , Mandlekar Ajita , Ananthakrishna R.
Published: January 2017

A comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of metal (Purandare) versus plastic (Karman) cannulae for first trimester abortion was conducted on 400 women. Two hundred vacuum aspiration procedures were performed using each type of cannula. All aspirations were performed by a single physician, and patient follow‐up was performed by a second physician. The complication rates, amount of retained tissue, rates of cannula obstruction and procedure times of the two cannulae were compared. Our findings showed no significant difference in any of these evaluation criteria for the metal and plastic cannulae.
Second Trimester Abortion with 5% Intraamniotic Saline—A Pilot Study
Authors: Ghosh Ajay K. , Basu S.
Published: January 2017

The risk of hypernatremia and related postabortion complications resulting from the intraamniotic administration of a 20–25% hypertonic saline solution, a widely used procedure all over the world, prompted this trial of 5% saline. Midtrimester abortion was induced in 150 women with a 5% saline solution administered intraamniotically at the National Medical College, Calcutta, India, from August 1974 to October 1975. The abortion was complete within 48 hours in 90% of the cases. All the fetuses were delivered dead. In one case, hysterotomy was performed because of severe bleeding. The immediate complication rate was 36% (12% serious). The follow‐up complication rate was 2%. One patient died on the seventh postabortal day due to severe, uncontrolled septicemia. The authors conclude that because this procedure is simple and low cost and because it reduces the risk of hypernatremia it should be a welcome addition to service programs in developing countries.
Reducing the Morbidity of Vacuum Aspiration Abortion
Authors: Burnhill Michael S. , Armstead John W.
Published: January 2017

This paper reports an analysis of the measures taken at Preterm, Inc, of Washington, DC, to reduce the incidence of complications of first trimester outpatient abortions. Data are presented on the 291 complications (40.0/1000) resulting from 7272 procedures performed during 1976. Forty‐one women were hospitalized (5.6/1000). It has been our experience that routine use of ultrasonography when gestational age is unclear, careful examination of tissue especially when a small quantity is present and early use of reevacuation to diagnose and treat postabortal complications are essential in reducing the incidence and severity of abortion complications.
Assessment of Uteroplacental Hemodynamics in Complicated Pregnancy
Authors: Lippert T. H. , Cloeren S. E. , Fridrich R.
Published: January 2017

Examination of the uteroplacental hemodynamics was performed on 109 occasions in women admitted to the hospital in the third trimester because of various complications of pregnancy. The radioactive tracer 113mIn was injected intravenously and the build‐up and equilibrium times were measured over the placenta, myometrium and heart. The placental build‐up times were most informative, with prolonged values being recorded in about one quarter of these cases. When those extending beyond three minutes were further studied, they were usually found to be associated with severe complications of pregnancy. This did not obtain in cases with shorter placental build‐up times.
Betamethasone and the Hormonal Status of the Pregnant Diabetic Woman
Authors: Kappy Kenneth A. , Mittendorf Robert L. , Cetrulo Curtis L.
Published: January 2017

A case is presented illustrating the complicating effects of antepartum steroids on a pregnant diabetic woman. The possible rapid deterioration of the diabetic state and the temporary suppression of estriol production are discussed.
Vulvar Carcinoma in Premenopausal Jamaican Women
Authors: Sengupta Bijoy Sree
Published: January 2017

Between the years 1958 and 1973, 119 patients with primary invasive cancer of the vulva were treated at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Seventy‐seven (64.7%) were premenopausal women. Because the pattern of the disease differed from that in late middle and older aged Jamaican women, the results of the disease are presented. The analysis stresses that vulvar carcinoma before menopause in our community is rare in the absence of various sexually transmitted granulomatous diseases of the vulva.

This paper was presented at the 4th Scientific Meeting of the West Indies Section, District IV of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Grabham Society Meeting on Recent Advances in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston, Jamaica, May 17‐18, 1978.
Complete Abortion of Early Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Ohel G. , Katz M. , Blumenthal B.
Published: January 2017

Abortion of an early ectopic pregnancy is a rarely diagnosed event. Coincidental serial hormonal studies performed on a patient suffering from idiopathic secondary infertility enabled the authors to record plasma estradiol, progesterone and β‐human chorionic gonadotropin concentrations, which, combined with the physical findings, ultrasonography and laparoscopy, led to the diagnosis of a complete abortion of an early ectopic pregnancy. Apart from slight vaginal bleeding on day 44 of a prolonged cycle, the patient was asymptomatic throughout and the importance of plasma β‐human chorionic gonadotropin determination in such a situation is discussed.
Benign Angiomyoma of the Uterus with Unusual Macroscopic Appearance
Authors: Konichezky Myriam , Reif Renata , Bukovsky Ian
Published: January 2017

Benign mixed uterine tumors are very rare. We present a case of angiomyoma of the uterus with unusual gross appearance and diffuse polypoid growth on the uterine serosal surface. We could not find a macroscopic picture like this described in the literature.
Clinicopathologic and Histochemical Study of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nordback Isto , Lauslahti Kalevi
Published: January 2017

Thirteen case reports of mesonephroid clear cell carcinoma of the ovary were analyzed and nine of the tumors were studied histochemically. No disorders were found in the hormonal balance of patients. The tumors produced few symptoms, indicating late discovery and bad prognosis. Histopathologically, the tumors were subdivided into the following groups: glandular, papillary, mixed‐type and anaplastic. All of them contained glycogen and neutral mucins; acid mucins were found mainly in glandular tumors, which contained more sulfomucins than carboxymucins. Generally, the most active glandular tumors did not produce sialomucins. No clear correlations between prognosis and clinical pictures, morphology or constitution of cell excretions were found.
Histogenesis of the Broad Ligament Adrenal Rest
Authors: Adashi E. Y. , Rosenshein N. B. , Parmley T. H. , Woodruff J. D.
Published: January 2017

Broad ligament adrenal rests are well known. A case of adrenal rest external to the surface of the broad ligament and adjacent to the fallopian tube is reviewed, with specific emphasis on its histogenesis. The rest is associated with a foreign body, and it is suggested that it has arisen as a secondary development of celomic epithelial metaplasia.
Dizziness Associated with Discontinuation of Oral Contraceptives in Bangladesh
Authors: Measham Anthony R. , Khan Atiqur Rahman , Huber Douglas H.
Published: January 2017

Data from four studies in Bangladesh indicate that dizziness is a frequent complaint of women taking oral contraceptives and the most commonly cited reason for discontinuation. Results of a fifth study showed that multiple vitamin or glucose capsules were effective in treating dizziness in about half of the women studied. Although the cause of dizziness is not clear, it may be partly due to the small stature and poor nutritional status of many Bangladeshi women.
Immunoglobulin Levels in Apparently Normal and Hypertensive Nigerian Mothers at Delivery
Authors: Ladipo O. A. , Williams A. I. O. , Salimonu L. S.
Published: January 2017

Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in 68 apparently normotensive and 29 hypertensive mothers were estimated at parturition. There was a significantly higher incidence of elevated IgG levels in the hypertensive group (p < 0.005) even though there were no differences in their mean concentrations. The mean IgA levels were not different in the two groups. IgM levels were higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive mothers. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Extraovular Instillations of Normal Saline for Termination of Midtrimester Pregnancy
Authors: Rofé A. , Abramovici H. , David A. , Atad J. , Lewin A.
Published: January 2017

Midtrimester abortion by extraovular instillation of normal saline was performed in 50 patients. All 50 aborted following the procedure, and there were no complications except for one case of endometritis that was successfully treated by antibiotics. The mean abortion time was 33 hours, without added oxytocin, and 30 hours when pitocin was administered intravenously. The extraovular route eliminates the necessity for amniocentesis, with its associated risks. By using normal saline instead of pharmacologic agents such as urea, glucose, hypertonic saline, prostaglandins, we were able to eliminate the complications related to drug side effects.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva and Fanconi Anemia
Authors: Arnold W. J. , King Charles R. , Magrina Javier , Masterson Byron J.
Published: January 2017

Malignant neoplasia frequently occurs with Fanconi anemia. Generally this represents hematologic disease; however, solid tumors may also appear. The woman described here developed squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva at age 28, and is the third such case in a patient with Fanconi anemia that has been reported. It is a diagnosis to be considered for the young patient with this type of carcinoma. Increased chromosomal breakage in this syndrome may be important in the pathogenesis of these neoplastic changes.
Phagocytosis and immune response studies of Macrophage‐Nanodiamond Interactions in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang K.‐J. , Lee C.‐Y. , Lin Y.‐C. , Lin C.‐Y. , Perevedentseva E. , Hung S.‐F. , Cheng C.‐L.
Published: January 2017

The applications of nanodiamond as drug delivery and bio‐imaging can require the relinquishing ND‐drug conjugate via blood flow, where interaction with immune cells may occur. In this work, we investigated the ND penetration in macrophage and the immune response using the tissue‐resident murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Confocal fluorescence imaging, immunofluorescence analysis of nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor IRF‐3 and transcriptional factor NF‐κΒ, analysis of pro‐inflammatory cytokines production IL‐1β, IL‐6 IL‐10 with a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction technique were applied. The TNF‐α factor production has been studied both in vitro at ND interaction with the macrophage and in vivo after ND injection in the mice blood system using immunoassay. The macrophage antibacterial function was estimated through E. coli bacterial colony formation. ND didn't stimulate the immune response and functionality of the macrophage was not altered. Using MTT test, ND was found negligibly cytotoxic to macrophages. Thus, ND can serve as a biocompatible platform for bio‐medical applications.

Left: Graphic representation of Nanodiamond internalization in macrophage. Right: (a) Fluorescence images of lysosomes, (b) nanodiamond and (c) merged image of nanodiamond internalization in macrophage.

magnified image

Left: Graphic representation of Nanodiamond internalization in macrophage. Right: (a) Fluorescence images of lysosomes, (b) nanodiamond and (c) merged image of nanodiamond internalization in macrophage.
A facile ion imprinted synthesis of selective biosorbent for Cu2+ via microfluidic technology
Authors: Zhu Yong , Bai Zhishan , Luo Wenqiang , Wang Bingjie , Zhai Linlin
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Heavy metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems. Novel approaches are needed for removal of heavy metal from water. Copper, a familiar heavy metal, has attracted much attention for its remarkable toxic domino offect at elevated concentrations.

RESULTS

A novel ion imprinted approach combined with microfluidic technology was explored. Cu2+ was taken as ionic template and chitosan was used as carrier material. Chemical crosslinking was applied in the formation of imprinted sign. A selective biosorbent of ion‐imprinted microspheres (IIMS) with uniform size, regular shape and high performance for Cu2+ had been prepared. The SEM, FTIR, EDS, XPS were employed to detect their distinct features. IIMS showed much higher adsorption capacity (qm=81.97 mg g−1) than those non‐imprinted chitosan microspheres (CSMS). The adsorption isotherm fitted the Langmuir equation while thermodynamic adsorption results were considered strong proof of an adsorption exothermal process. IIMS exhibited excellent selectivity for Cu2+ when competitive metal ions and Cu2+ co‐existed together, which profited from the specific spaces of Cu2+ template left after crosslinking and desorption. Results confirmed that chemical adsorption was dominant and amino played an important role in adsorption process.

CONCLUSION

IIMS showed high adsorption capacity and excellent selectivity for Cu2+. Combining microfluidic technology with an ion‐imprinted method proved to be a promising process for preparing selective materials. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry