bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Temple to Text: Text as Ritual Space and the Composition of Numbers 6:24–26
Authors: Smoak Jeremy D.
Published: December 2018

Past studies emphasize the difficulties in understanding the logic behind the placement of the priestly blessing within the description of tabernacle rituals of Numbers 5:1–10:10. The present article sheds new light on this problem by comparing the blessing in Numbers 6:24–26 to several blessings preserved in Iron Age dedicatory inscriptions. It argues that the locations of such dedications in temple spaces provide new insights into the literary location of the priestly blessing in the book of Numbers.
Jewish Identity on Trial: The Case of Mordecai the Jew
Authors: Seidler Ayelet
Published: December 2018

The book of Esther deals with issues of Jewish identity in exile. This article argues that early in the story (chapters 2 and 3) Mordecai is depicted as trying to assimilate into Persian culture before experiencing a reversal and returning to his Jewish identity, a development that occurs from chapter 4 onwards. This reading illuminates an important theme addressed in the book, namely, how the danger of assimilation threatens Jews in the Diaspora. The book portrays an ideal Jewish leader operating in a foreign court while adhering to his Jewish identity and serving his fellow Jews.
Tagetes minuta Propagation and Interaction With Nematoide
Authors: Stroze Camila T. , Baida Fernando C. , Balbi-Peña Maria I. , Dias-Arieira Cláudia R. , Santiago Débora C.
Published: December 2018

Tagetes minuta is a plant presenting pest and disease control potential, although its activity on some plant parasite nematode species is poorly investigated. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the best T. minuta propagation way, as well as the plant reaction to nematodes such as Heterodera glycines, Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus brachyurus, through nematode penetration and reproduction studies and root morphological assessments. Seedlings obtained from woody cuttings showed larger rooting and stem diameter. Heterodera glycines penetration was higher than that recorded for M. incognita. However, both species recorded reproduction factor (RF) lower than one, as well as maximum RF values 0.34 and 0.02 for H. glycines and M. incognita, respectively. The highest FR recorded for T. minuta were found in P. brachyurus (0.96 and 0.80) in the 60th and 80th day after inoculation (DAI). Root anatomy changes were observed in the 80th DAI in plants inoculated with P. brachyurus. Tagetes minuta was resistant to all nematodes; however, it did not prevent P. brachyurus activity in its roots.
SSR Based Genetic Diversity Analysis in Diploid Algaroba (Prosopis spp.) Population
Authors: Freitas Lívia S. , Melo Cláusio A. F. , Gaiotto Fernanda A. , Corrêa Ronan X.
Published: December 2018

Algaroba (Prosopis palida and Prosopis juliflora species) provides important environmental and economic benefits for semi-arid regions of the world. These are resistant to drought, and its fruits are used in the manufacture of flour and algarobina syrup. In the present study, the chromosome number, the ploidy level, and the genetic diversity based on 40 microsatellite loci of Prosopis spp. were determined in samples of a Brazilian algaroba population. The cytogenetic analysis in the metaphase showed only diploid individuals (2n = 28), with multiple cells featuring two CMA3/DAPI- heterochromatic blocks suggesting diploid level. However, polysomatism was found by the presence of some cells with four CMA3/DAPI- blocks, showing the tetraploid level just in some somatic cells. Among all of the primers tested for cross-amplification in algaroba, 22 were selected to characterize the samples. Thirteen loci revealed allele polymorphisms in the population and are recommended for future population studies and genetic improvement. The mean values of the analyzes showed low genetic diversity (two alleles per locus and HE = 0.181), reflecting the history of the introduction of algaroba in this sampled locality, and suggesting the genetic bottleneck and probable events of founders, as well as the characteristics of the species of this genera. However, amplified loci indicated low inbreeding (allelic fixation index of -0.007), although heterozygosis was higher than expected by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Therefore, this algaroba population is formed by diploid individuals and adjusts to the tendency of low number of alleles per locus SSR commonly observed in different species of Prosopis.
Does the Nitrogen Rates, Methods and Times of Application Influences the Corn Nutrition and Yield?
Authors: Vettorazzi Jéssica , Teixeira Filho Marcelo C. M. , Galindo Fernando S. , Dupas Elisângela , Yano Élcio H. , Buzetti Salatiér
Published: December 2018

Alternatives to reduce N losses in soil, increasing the nutrient utilization efficiency by the plant with increased grain yield are necessary for the adequate and sustainable management of this nutrient. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of N rates at different times and in different methods of application, evaluating the nutritional status and corn grain yield in the Cerrado (Savannah) region. The study was conducted in Selvíria - MS, Brazil, in an Oxisol. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with four replicates, arranged in a factorial scheme 6 × 2 × 2, being: 6 rates of N (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1), 2 times of application (at seeding or top-dressing) and 2 methods of application (surface or incorporated) with the urea source. The evaluations that were performed: leaf chlorophyll index (LCI), macro and micronutrients concentrations in leaf tissue (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn), and corn grain yield. The N supply at sowing time provided higher levels of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn in leaf tissue, while nitrogen fertilization at the V4 stage provided greater LCI. The incorporation of urea into the soil provided higher LCI and N, P and K foliar contents. The increase of N doses influenced positively the LCI, N, P, S, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn foliar contents, and increased corn grain yield up to the dose of 164 kg ha-1 of N. The urea application to the surface is more interesting to the incorporated application due to the ease of application, cost, besides propitiating similar corn grain yield.
Chitin Biosynthesis Inhibitors in Euschistus heros Fabr. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae): Morphometric Alterations in Testes and Nuclei of Testicular Accessory Cells of Adults
Authors: Cremonez Paulo Sérgio Gimenez , Gouvea Samuel Pagnoncelli , Pinheiro Daniela Oliveira , Falleiros Ângela Maria Ferreira , Levy Sheila Michele , Meneghin Ana Maria , Fonseca Inês Cristina de Batista , Neves Pedro Manuel Oliveira Janeiro
Published: December 2018

Euschistus heros is an important pest in Brazilian agriculture growing importance in the general Neotropical realm. Its reproductive potential is the key factor for its characterization as a pest in major crops such as soybean and cotton. The aims of this study were to characterize morphometric parameters of testicles and testicular accessory cells-TACs nuclei of adults E. heros treated with chitin biosynthesis inhibitors (CBIs). The insecticides lufenuron (Match® 50 EC) and buprofezin (Applaud® 250 WP) were applied individually in 4th instar nymphs, remained in controlled conditions until the emergence of adult males. The testicles were identified and removed 72 h after emergency, fixed, photographed for anatomic analysis, and processed for morphometric analyses of the TACs nuclei. It was possible to observe that lufenuron and buprofezin decreased the testicular area. Buprofezin decreased the mean nuclear area analyzed in the TACs, and nuclear hypertrophy can indicate an activity on support and nutrition of germ line cells, presenting a possible effect on protein synthesis. The intense reaction for Fast green in control compared to buprofezin treatment may indicate that total protein (histones and non-histones) has been altered. The tested insecticides, with special focus on buprofezin may affect the final stages of reproductive development of E. heros, with potential to be used in field to the control of this pest.
Selectivity of Insecticides Against Adult Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) on Cassava
Authors: Feltrin-Campos Elidiane , Ringenberg Rudiney , Carvalho Geraldo Andrade , Glaeser Daniele Fabiana , Oliveira Harley Nonato de
Published: December 2018

In this study, the effects of various chemical and biological insecticides on adults of the parasitoid species Trichogramma pretiosum (Riley) were examined in cassava. The chemical insecticides zeta-cypermethrin, lufenuron + profenofós, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and teflubenzuron and the biological agents Bacillus thuringiensis and Baculovirus erinnyis were evaluated. For each treatment group, the effects were evaluated using T. pretiosum mortality rates, longevity of females, the number of eggs parasitized by the F0 generation, and number of emergent F1 parasitoids. The insecticides were classified using the International Organization for Biological Control categories. The tested insecticides had little effect on longevity and survival of adults, but all affected parasitism (F0) and were moderately harmful to the parasitoid. In relation to the emergent (F1) generation, the pesticides were either harmless or slightly harmful, except for zeta-cypermethrin which was classified as harmful with a 100% reduction in parasitoid emergence. The results indicate that the tested insecticides were moderately harmful to T. pretiosum in the laboratory; future studies will examine the effects of the insecticides under semi-field and field conditions to confirm their toxicity.
Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Anaerobic Bloodstream Infections: A 10 Years Study
Authors: RAJA Nadeem Sajjad
Published: December 2018

Objective: The majority of patients with anaerobic bloodstream

infections (BSIs) do not receive appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment

as this infection remains unsuspected on clinical basis. This study determines

the incidence rate, the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of

anaerobes causing BSIs in East Sussex Healthcare Trust, England.

Methods: It

is a retrospective study from July 2007 to July 2017. Demographic and

laboratory data were collected on all microbiologically proven anaerobic BSIs.

Results:

During the study period, 106,905 blood cultures were processed in the

laboratory. A total of 324 anaerobic organisms were isolated from 312 blood

cultures on 310 patients (167 males), representing a positivity rate of 0.30%

of total blood cultures and 2.41% of total positive blood cultures (13,425).

Approximately 76% (238 episodes) of anaerobic bacteremia occurred in >60

years old (236) patients. The admitting services were: emergency department

(ED) (42%), medical (25%), surgical (16%) critical care unit (7%), and

hematology (5%). The most frequent isolates were Bacteroides spp. (42%),

Clostridium spp. (24%), and

Propionibacterium spp. (9%).  Polymicrobial bloodstream infections were

recorded in 45 episodes. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, metronidazole, clindamycin

remained most effective antibiotics against anaerobes with a sensitivity rate

of 93%, 92%, and 81% respectively. Penicillin was least sensitive (43%) against

anaerobes.

Conclusions: This study highlights a low rate of anaerobic

bacteremia during 10 years with Bacteroides

spp. as the predominant organism.

This study also confirms that the empirical antibiotic therapy used in our

hospital remains appropriate as more than 92% isolates were sensitive to

amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and metronidazole. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(4): 135-139
Antibiotic Therapy for ESBL and NDM producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: BORAH Vedant Vikrom , BAİSHYA Mrinal Kumar , SAİKİA Kandarpa Kr
Published: December 2018

Objective: Antibiotic resistance is a global phenomenon wherein

physicians face the most challenging decision to make for the right kind of

drug, and its combinations, to tackle the ever growing ESBL and NDM on

pathogens. The aim of the study is to understand outcome of hospitalized

patients undergoing antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections. These patients

are from Kamrup District of Assam, India.

Materials

and methods: A total of 185 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella

pneumoniae were collected from hospitalized patients of a tertiary care

centre presenting symptoms of infection. Upon biochemical identification, their

antibiotic susceptibility were assessed; isolates resistant to 3rd or 4th

generation cephalosporins or carbapenem were phenotypically and genotypically

determined for the production of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and

carbapenemase. PCR was carried out for CTX-M, TEM, SHV, OXA-48 and New Delhi

Metallo-β-lactamase (NDM).

Results:

Bacterial infection is ubiquitous among male and female patients, with high

isolation rate of Escherichia coli

among female patients with urinary infection. The highest resistance against E. coli isolates was nalidixic acid

(82.9%; p≤0.005) and cefixime (81.4%; p≤0.005). The highest resistance against K. pneumoniae was cefotaxime (77.7%;

p≤0.005) and ceftazidime (73%; p≤0.005). Imipenem was the most effective

antibiotic while ertapenem was the least. Antibiotic therapy included

piperacillin (alone or in combination with tazobactam) for both E. coli and K. pneumoniae infections.

Conclusions: Ceftriaxone, amikacin, cefepime, ceftriazone and

imipenem were chosen as treatment options; isolates showed intermediate to

negligible resistance to these drugs. Tigecycline was administered to patients

infected with NDM producing pathogens.  J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(4): 153-157.
Papular-purpuric Gloves and Socks Syndrome in a 46-year-old Man with Mycoplasma pneumoniae Respiratory Disease
Authors: JANKOVİC Jelena V. , PESUT Dragica P.
Published: December 2018

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a cause of upper and lower respiratory disease,

predominantly in children and young. Dermatologic manifestations of the

infection occur in 1-5% of the cases, most commonly as Stevens–Johnson Syndrome

and Erythema Multiforme. We present a 46-year-old previously healthy man heavy

smoker, who was admitted due to fatigue, chest pain, cough, and fever that

appeared seven days earlier. He was diagnosed pleuro-pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Apart from

bicytopenia as toxic extrapulmonary manifestation of the infection, he

developed a relatively novel pruritic

dermatosis - papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS). Under antibiotic treatment, disease had

favorable outcome. In the cases of PPGSS without known etiologic agent, testing for Mycoplasma pneumoniae might be useful to

reveal etiology of the syndrome, especially in adult subjects. Some of the known constitutional symptoms of PPGSS

such as fever and fatigue, may also belong to the co-existing viral or

bacterial infection.  J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(4):158-161
Melioidosis: An unusual presentation as mycotic pseudoaneurysm of Left Superficial Femoral Artery
Authors: HARİSON Sarin J. , BHAT U. Pratibha , RAİ Rekha
Published: December 2018

Melioidosis

is a potentially fatal infectious disease usually seen in, but not restricted

to the tropical areas of the world. Burkholderia

pseudomallei, a soil saprophytic bacterium are the causative agent. It can

produce latent infection and reactivate many years after initial exposure and

can have varied clinical presentations. Here we put forward an unusual yet

successfully treated case of melioidosis presenting as mycotic pseudoaneurysm

of superficial femoral artery. A 62 year old male patient came with a one and a

half month old history of swelling and pain in the left thigh. Culture of blood

and pus samples from the patient yielded Burkholderia

pseudomallei. Combinations of surgical and medical management lead to a

good outcome in the patient. J Microbiol

Infect Dis 2018; 8(4):162-164.
Aplicação da Transformada de Hilbert-Huang em dados de velocidade medidos em túnel de vento
Authors: Martins Luís Gustavo Nogueira , Demarco Giuliano , Puhales Franciano Scremin , Degrazia Gervásio Annes , Acevedo Otávio Costa
Published: December 2018

In this study, the Hilbert-Huang transform was applied to experimental measurements performed in a wind tunnel to determine the frequency of occurrence of the spectral maximum. These maximum frequencies are associated with the time scale of the most energetic eddies and represent an important input parameter in the pollutants dispersion models. The values of the maximum frequencies obtained by the Hilbert-Huang marginal spectrum are compared with the vaues obtained by the traditionally used Fourier transform. The results show that the energy distribution calculated by both methods are very similar in the region of occurence of the spectral maximum, and for this reason, the maximum frequency values obtained by each method do not presente significant differences. Under determined hypothesis, the Hilbert-Huang transform provided physically more realistic maximum frequency values that those obtained using the Fourier transform.
Legislação ambiental brasileira e geoconservação: análise comparativa Do enquadramento legal no Brasil, Portugal e Espanha
Authors: Ferreira Magda Wolemberg da Silva , Brilha José Bernardo Rodrigues , Cerântola Adriana Ponce Coelho
Published: December 2018

A geoconservação tem por finalidade a proteção e gestão do patrimônio geológico e dos elementos de geodiversidade com valor excepcional. A classificação é uma das ações que formam uma estratégia de geoconservação que visa a proteção legal desse patrimônio. Por se tratar de uma temática recente, são poucos os países que apresentam dispositivos legais destinados à proteção específica do patrimônio geológico. No contexto europeu, a geoconservação ganhou relevância no ordenamento jurídico de alguns países, como o Reino Unido, Espanha e Portugal. Já no Brasil, apesar das leis ambientais em sua maioria estarem voltadas para a proteção da biodiversidade, há avanços significativos relativos à proteção legal de alguns tipos de patrimônio geológico. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar o enquadramento legal brasileiro que suporta a geoconservação, fazendo uma comparação com os modelos legislativos de Portugal e Espanha. Assim, embora não exista uma lei específica para o patrimônio geológico, os resultados obtidos ao longo do estudo demonstram que, no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, o patrimônio espeleológico e paleontológico estão bem classificados com planos e ações de conservação em andamento. Espera-se que a presente análise contribua para o conhecimento da necessidade de implementação de uma estratégia de geoconservação adaptada à realidade brasileira, em prol da proteção do patrimônio geológico no Brasil.
Histórico das pesquisas sobre solos até meados do século XX, com ênfase no Brasil
Authors: Espindola Carlos Roberto
Published: December 2018

Até a primeira metade do século XIX, investigadores consideravam os solos um manto alterado superficial sobre rochas capaz de sustentar plantas. Os países desenvolvidos já detinham avançados conhecimentos de suas geologias, climas, e recursos naturais. O russo V.V. Dokuchaev desenvolveu a concepção da formação de um solo a partir da interação dos fatores ambientais gerando processos internos. Esta evolução era evidenciada pelas diferentes “camadas” formadas – horizontes compondo um perfil de solo. Cada distinta interação dos fatores e processos resultaria um determinado tipo de solo. Surge, assim, uma nova ciência, em 1893 – a Pedologia, que rapidamente se expandiu mundialmente, inclusive em antigas colônias do ultramar. Procurou-se realizar no presente texto um histórico do conhecimento científico dos solos desde o século XVIII até meados do século XX. Nesse longo intervalo, países do terceiro mundo, como o Brasil, contaram inicialmente com investigadores estrangeiros no domínio desses conhecimentos. Aqui a ciência alcançou significativa evolução a partir da segunda metade do século XX, quando foram publicados os primeiros levantamentos de reconhecimento pedológico dos nossos estados federativos.
Evaluation informatisée de la compréhension en lecture d’enfants autistes sans déficience intellectuelle
Authors: Auphan Pauline , Potocki Anna , Ecalle Jean , Magnan Annie
Published: December 2018

Ce travail vise à préciser les difficultés en compréhension de lecture d’enfants porteurs de troubles du spectre autistique sans déficience intellectuelle (TSA sans DI). Dix enfants TSA sans DI ont été évalués en identification de mots écrits et en compréhension orale et écrite (littérale, inférentielle de cohésion et basée sur les connaissances) à l’aide d’épreuves informatisées. Une dissociation était attendue entre des capacités préservées en identification de mots écrit et déficitaires en compréhension particulièrement en traitement inférentiel. La grande hétérogénéité des résultats ne permet pas de retrouver cette dissociation. Toutefois, tous les enfants présentaient des difficultés dans au moins un des processus de l’habileté en lecture. Malgré le caractère restreint de l’effectif qui limite la généralisation des résultats, cette étude souligne la nécessité d’évaluer précisément l’habileté en lecture chez les enfants TSA sans DI afin de comprendre leurs difficultés et pouvoir ainsi leur proposer une remédiation adaptée.
Molecular evidence that the Channel Islands populations of the orange-crowned warbler (Oreothlypis celata; Aves: Passeriformes: Parulidae) represent a distinct evolutionary lineage
Authors: Hanna Zachary R , Cicero Carla , Bowie Rauri CK
Published: December 2018

We used molecular data to assess the degree of genetic divergence across the breeding range of the orange-crowned warbler (Oreothlypis celata) in western North America with particular focus on characterizing the divergence between O. celata populations on the mainland of southern California and on the Channel Islands. We obtained sequences of the mitochondrial gene ND2 and genotypes at ten microsatellite data for 192 O. celata from populations spanning all four recognized subspecies. We recovered low levels of divergence between O. celata populations and genetic patterns were consistent with isolation by distance. However, populations on the Channel Islands were genetically divergent from those on the mainland. We found evidence for greater gene flow from the Channel Islands population to mainland southern California than from the mainland to the islands. We discuss these data in the context of differentiation in phenotypic and ecological characters.
A novel pathway of LPS uptake through syndecan-1 leading to pyroptotic cell death
Authors: Yokoyama Shigetoshi , Cai Yan , Murata Miyuki , Tomita Takeshi , Yoneda Mitsuhiro , Xu Lei , Pilon Aprile L , Cachau Raul E , Kimura Shioko
Published: December 2018

Intracellular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers the non-canonical inflammasome pathway, resulting in pyroptosis of innate immune cells. In addition to its well-known proinflammatory role, LPS can directly cause regression of some tumors, although the underlying mechanism has remained unknown. Here we show that secretoglobin(SCGB)3A2, a small protein predominantly secreted in airways, chaperones LPS to the cytosol through the cell surface receptor syndecan-1; this leads to pyroptotic cell death driven by caspase-11. SCGB3A2 and LPS co-treatment significantly induced pyroptosis of macrophage RAW264.7 cells and decreased cancer cell proliferation in vitro, while SCGB3A2 treatment resulted in reduced progression of xenograft tumors in mice. These data suggest a conserved function for SCGB3A2 in the innate immune system and cancer cells. These findings demonstrate a critical role for SCGB3A2 as an LPS delivery vehicle; they reveal one mechanism whereby LPS enters innate immune cells leading to pyroptosis, and they clarify the direct effect of LPS on cancer cells.
A peptide puzzle
Authors: Guan Jian , Shastri Nilabh
Published: December 2018

Why does cancer develop in situations where the immune system is perfectly capable of eliminating it?
Glomerulonefritis colapsante con marcadores podocitarios en síndrome hemofagocítico secundario a linfoma hepatoesplénico de células T
Authors: Martín-Gómez María Adoración , Caba-Molina Mercedes , Viciana-Martínez-Lage María José , Ortega-Salas Rosa , Sánchez-Crespo Alicia , Soriano-Pérez Manuel Jesús , Gómez-Morales Mercedes
Published: December 2018

El síndrome hemofagocítico es una entidad clínicohistológica grave secundaria a diferentes procesos. La glomerulonefritis colapsante es una podocitopatía proliferativa de pronóstico renal generalmente desfavorable. Exponemos un caso en el que ambas entidades aparecen asociadas como infrecuente forma de presentación del linfoma hepatoesplénico de células T. A propósito del mismo, se añade el papel de los marcadores podocitarios de desdiferenciación en esta glomerulopatía, revisándose la fisiopatología y el tratamiento.
Gastric Cancer Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis After Surgery With and Without Postoperative Chemotherapy: A Case Series of 6
Authors: Ito Tomoaki , Maekawa Hiroshi , Sakurada Mutsumi , Orita Hajime , Kushida Tomoyuki , Mizuguchi Konomi , Sato Koichi
Published: December 2018

Background:

The management of gastric cancer patients who received gastrectomy and/or postoperative chemotherapy is of high importance. However, the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy in hemodialysis patients have not been established. In this study, we report 6 cases of hemodialysis patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Case Presentation:

The presented cases included 5 men and 1 woman, with a mean age of 66.3 years (range, 59–74 years). All patients underwent standard laparotomy, with 3 of 6 patients (50%) experiencing postoperative complications. Three patients who did not experience any postoperative complications could receive subsequent chemotherapy. S-1 chemotherapy regimen and uracil and tegafur chemotherapy regimen were administered to 1 and 2 patients, respectively. These 3 patients did not experience any chemotherapy-related side effects. Among the 4 patients who received a diagnosis of pathologic stages II to III, 2 patients treated with postoperative chemotherapy achieved better prognoses than those who did not receive chemotherapy (mean, 25.5 versus 5.0 months).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Hemodialysis patients with gastric cancer who received gastrectomy exhibited a high morbidity rate. Postoperative chemotherapy can be performed immediately after surgery in patients who do not experience postoperative complications. S-1 regimen and uracil and tegafur regimen could be administered safely in hemodialysis patients. Postoperative chemotherapy may lead to a good prognosis in gastric cancer patients receiving hemodialysis.
Repair of Saphenofemoral Transition: Reşat Operation for Patients With Venous Reflux
Authors: Alat Ilker
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To develop a new solution superior to the current surgical interventions in patients with venous reflux in the great saphenous vein (GSV).

Materials and Methods:

Patients with the symptoms of venous incompetence in their legs like pain, edema, and cramp were also examined with color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). One hundred ninety-one extremities with venous reflux at the saphenofemoral transition (SFT) were subjected to surgery over 8 years. A newly designed operation, the Reşat operation, was performed in all of the patients. The Reşat Operation was performed only in the patients with continuous reflux at their saphenofemoral transition during the entire Valsalva maneuver. The follow-up time spanned more than 8 years. The patients' complaints, physical examinations, and CDU findings were evaluated.

Results:

All of the patients had continuous reflux at the SFT for the duration of the entire Valsalva maneuver preoperatively. However, 67.88% of the patients had no reflux postoperatively (P < 0.001). Additionally, 95.76% of the patients recovered to different degrees in the early postoperative period ultrasonographically (P < 0.001). All of the patients reported being satisfied with the result in the early postoperative period (P < 0.001). In the late postoperative period, although the CDU reports of some patients showed reflux at the GSV, no patient complained about their condition.

Conclusion:

The Reşat operation is a well-tolerated operation and reconstitutes the saphenofemoral transitions successfully. Its early and late postoperative results are satisfactory. The Reşat operation should be the first-choice surgical treatment in patients with venous reflux at the saphenofemoral transition.
Predictors of High-Output Stoma After Low Anterior Resection With Diverting Ileostomy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Pak Jongsung , Uemura Mamoru , Fukuda Yasunari , Miyake Masakazu , Ikeda Masataka , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Miyamoto Atsushi , Hirao Motohiro , Nakamori Shoji , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: December 2018

Background:

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of high-output stoma (HOS) after low anterior resection (LAR) with diverting ileostomy for rectal cancer.

Methods:

The medical records of 60 patients who underwent LAR with diverting ileostomy for rectal cancer between 2012 and 2015 were reviewed. HOS was defined as ileostomy output greater than 1500 mL per 24 hours. Patient and surgical characteristics and patient laboratory data were examined to assess for predictors of HOS using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

The incidence of HOS was 43.3% (26/60). In univariate analysis, age ≥ 70 years, diabetes mellitus (DM), preoperative albumin level ≤ 4.0 g/dL, and preoperative serum hemoglobin level ≤ 12 g/dL were significantly associated with HOS. Multivariate analysis identified DM (odds ratio, 9.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.86–77.3) as an independent predictor of HOS.

Conclusions:

DM might be a predictor of HOS in patients undergoing LAR with diverting ileostomy for rectal cancer.
Natural Concurrent Infection of Vibrio harveyi and V. alginolyticus in Cultured Hybrid Groupers in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Nurliyana , Mohd Roseli Fauzul Aidil , Azmai Mohammad Noor Amal , Saad Mohd Zamri , Md Yasin Ina Salwany , Zulkiply Nor Amalina , Nasruddin Nurrul Shaqinah
Published: December 2018

In September 2016, a marine fish farm operator in Selangor, Malaysia, reported a disease outbreak affecting juvenile hybrid groupers (Camouflage Grouper Epinephelus polyphekadion × Tiger Grouper E. fuscoguttatus). The average daily mortality was 120 fish, resulting in a cumulative mortality rate of 29% within 10 d. The affected hybrid groupers displayed lethargy, excessive mucus production, rotten fins, congestion of livers and kidneys, and enlargement of spleens. Microscopically, general congestion of the brains and internal organs was evident. Vibrio harveyi and V. alginolyticus were successfully isolated from the diseased fish. The isolated pathogens were found to be sensitive to oxytetracycline and tetracycline, but resistant towards ampicillin and vancomycin. Experimental infections using the isolated V. harveyi (108 CFU/mL), V. alginolyticus (108 CFU/mL), and concurrent infection by V. harveyi (108 CFU/mL) and V. alginolyticus (108 CFU/mL) in juvenile Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer resulted in 60, 100, and 100% mortality, respectively, within 240 h postinfection. The experimentally infected Asian Seabass demonstrated similar clinical signs and histopathological changes as the naturally infected hybrid groupers. However, concurrently infected fish demonstrated severe clinical signs and histopathological changes compared with single infections. These results suggest that both isolates of Vibrio are pathogenic to fish and responsible for the disease outbreak. However, concurrent infection involving V. alginolyticus and V. harveyi leads to a more devastating impact to the cultured fish. This is the first report of concurrent Vibrio infection in cultured marine fish in Malaysia.
Sensorimotor plasticity after spinal cord injury: a longitudinal and translational study
Authors: Jutzeler Catherine R. , Streijger Femke , Aguilar Juan , Shortt Katelyn , Manouchehri Neda , Okon Elena , Hupp Markus , Curt Armin , Kwon Brian K. , Kramer John L. K.
Published: December 2018

Objective

The objective was to track and compare the progression of neuroplastic changes in a large animal model and humans with spinal cord injury.

Methods

A total of 37 individuals with acute traumatic spinal cord injury were followed over time (1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐injury) with repeated neurophysiological assessments. Somatosensory and motor evoked potentials were recorded in the upper extremities above the level of injury. In a reverse‐translational approach, similar neurophysiological techniques were examined in a porcine model of thoracic spinal cord injury. Twelve Yucatan mini‐pigs underwent a contusive spinal cord injury at T10 and tracked with somatosensory and motor evoked potentials assessments in the fore‐ and hind limbs pre‐ (baseline, post‐laminectomy) and post‐injury (10 min, 3 h, 12 weeks).

Results

In both humans and pigs, the sensory responses in the cranial coordinates of upper extremities/forelimbs progressively increased from immediately post‐injury to later time points. Motor responses in the forelimbs increased immediately after experimental injury in pigs, remaining elevated at 12 weeks. In humans, motor evoked potentials were significantly higher at 1‐month (and remained so at 1 year) compared to normative values.

Conclusions

Despite notable differences between experimental models and the human condition, the brain's response to spinal cord injury is remarkably similar between humans and pigs. Our findings further underscore the utility of this large animal model in translational spinal cord injury research.
Longitudinal Occurrence and Predictors of Patient‐Provider Discordance Between Global Assessments of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Challa Divya N. V. , Kvrgic Zoran , Crowson Cynthia S. , Matteson Eric L. , Mason Thomas G. , Michet Clement J. , Schaffer Daniel E. , Wright Kerry A. , Davis John M.
Published: December 2018

Objective

To identify longitudinal predictors of discordance between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their health care providers, where patient global assessment of disease activity is substantially higher than provider global assessment.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study included 102 cases with positive discordance (i.e., ≥25 mm between patient and provider global assessments) and 102 controls without discordance who were matched for age, sex, RA duration, and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score. Data were collected at the baseline visit (date of diagnosis or earliest available visit), the index visit (participation in a previous cross‐sectional study), and at up to 11 additional visits before the index visit. Data included patient characteristics, disease activity measures, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (3‐variable) using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP), and medications. Data were analyzed by using linear and logistic regression models with smoothing splines for nonlinear trends.

Results

Overall, the mean age was 63 years, 75% of patients were female, and the mean RA duration was 10 years. Compared with controls, cases had higher rates of discordant visits during the 4 years before the index visit, and they had a higher CDAI score and DAS28‐CRP earlier in the disease course. Cases more frequently had antinuclear antibodies, nonerosive disease, prior depression, or prior use of antidepressants or fibromyalgia medications. Disease‐modifying medication use was not different between cases and controls.

Conclusion

The findings inform new hypotheses about the relationships of disease activity and antinuclear antibodies to the later occurrence of positive discordance among patients with RA.
Tandem Cyclization−Annulation of α‐Acidic Isocyanides with 2‐Methyleneaminochalcones: Synthesis of Pyrrolo[2,3‐c]quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Dong Jinhuan , Wang Xin , Shi Hui , Wang Lei , Hu Zhongyan , Li Yifei , Xu Xianxiu
Published: December 2018

Tandem cyclization‐annulation of tosylmethyl isocyanide and isocyanoacetate with 2‐methyleneaminochalcones as aza‐1,5‐dielectrophiles has been successfully developed. These domino transformations feature simultaneous formation of three bonds and two rings in a single operation, and represent novel protocols for the expedient synthesis of both aromatic and partially aromatic pyrrolo[2,3‐c]quinoline derivatives from readily available precursors under metal‐free conditions. Notably, tetrahydro‐3H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐c]quinolones that bear three adjacent stereocenters were obtained in a highly diastereoselective manner.

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Access to CF3‐Containing Cyclopentaquinolinone Derivatives from Indolyl‐ynones via Silver‐Catalyzed One‐pot Reaction
Authors: Han Guifang , Xue Li , Zhao Lili , Zhu Tiaozhen , Hou Jingli , Song Yuguang , Liu Yangping
Published: December 2018

An unexpected Ag(I)‐catalyzed cascade reaction between substituted indolyl‐ynone and Togni's reagent has been disclosed in which multiple processes occur including indole dearomatization, ring expansion, trifluoro‐methylation and dehydrogenation. This one‐pot reaction can be used to conveniently access diverse CF3‐containing multisubstituted cyclopentaquinolinone scaffolds in moderate to good yields.

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Beef cattle farmers’ marketing preferences for selling local beef
Authors: DeLong Karen L. , Jensen Kimberly L. , Griffith Andrew P. , McLeod Elizabeth
Published: December 2018

To meet the growing consumer demand for local foods, there has been increased interest by farmers to produce local foods. One facet of meeting this demand is how farmers may prefer to market their locally produced products. In this study, we examine beef cattle farmers’ marketing preferences for selling a Tennessee Certified Beef product. Data from a 2016 Tennessee beef cattle farmer survey (n = 428) was used to estimate a multinomial logit model of the probability of farmers preferring a particular marketing arrangement. The most commonly selected marketing arrangement was a farmer cooperatively owned processing facility (43%), followed by a beef marketing cooperative (39%), and private contracting of finished cattle to a third party for slaughter (18%). Factors influencing participation in the specific marketing arrangements included farmer and farm characteristics, risk preferences, and location.
Simultaneous quantification of oxybutynin and its active metabolite N‐desethyl oxybutynin in rat plasma by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and its application in a pharmacokinetic study of oxybutynin transdermal patch
Authors: Tian Yongzhi , Wen Yongqing , Sun Jinghan , Zhao Longshan , Xiong Zhili , Qin Feng
Published: December 2018

A rapid, selective and sensitive ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to simultaneously determine oxybutynin and its active metabolite N‐desethyl oxybutynin in rat plasma. A 0.1 mL sample of plasma was extracted with n‐hexane. Chromatographic separation was performed on a UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm i.d.,1.7 μm) with mobile phase of methanol–water (containing 2 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid; 90:10, v/v). The detection was performed in positive selected reaction monitoring mode. Each plasma sample was chromatographed within 3 min. The linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 0.0944–189 ng/mL (r ≥ 0.99) for oxybutynin and 0.226–18.0 ng/mL (r ≥ 0.99) for N‐desethyl oxybutynin. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (relative standard deviation) values were not more than 14% and the accuracy (relative error) was within ±7.6%. The method described was superior to previous methods for the quantitation of oxybutynin with three product ions and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of oxybutynin and its active metabolite N‐desethyl oxybutynin in rat plasma after transdermal administration.
Palliative care initiation in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review
Authors: Cheng Brian T. , Rost Michael , De Clercq Eva , Arnold Louisa , Elger Bernice S. , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: December 2018

Palliative care (PC) aims to improve quality of life for patients and their families. The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that PC starts at diagnosis for children with cancer. This systematic review describes studies that reported PC timing in the pediatric oncology population. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycInfo databases. Studies that reported time of PC initiation were independently screened and reviewed by 2 researchers. Studies describing pilot initiatives, published prior to 1998, not written in English, or providing no empirical time information on PC were excluded. Extracted data included sample characteristics and timing of PC discussion and initiation. Of 1120 identified citations, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and comprised the study cohort. Overall, 54.5% of pediatric oncology patients received any palliative service prior to death. Data revealed PC discussion does not occur until late in the illness trajectory, and PC does not begin until close to time of death. Despite efforts to spur earlier initiation, many pediatric oncology patients do not receive any palliative care service, and those who do, predominantly receive it near the time of death. Delays occur both at first PC discussion and at PC initiation. Efforts for early PC integration must recognize the complex determinants of PC utilization across the illness timeline.
Insights into the Oxidative Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Synthesis of 3‐Arylindoles from N−Ts‐Anilines and Styrenes: A Computational Study
Authors: Qiao Yan , Zhao Jimin , Chang Junbiao , Wei Donghui
Published: December 2018

Palladium (Pd)‐catalyzed intermolecular oxidative annulation represents as an attractive approach to regioselective synthesis of 2/3‐arylindoles, but the unexpected regioselectivity remains to be one of the most challenging questions in this field. Herein, we present a systematically theoretical study on the Pd‐catalyzed regioselective synthesis of 3‐arylindoles from N−Ts‐anilines and styrenes with the presence of oxidant, special ligand, and benzoquinone (BQ) additive. A refined mechanism, in which the single six‐membered ring CMD‐type transition state was involved in the C−H activation of styrenes, is obviously more energetically favorable than the proposed pathway associated with the [6‐6] palladacyclic transition state in the experimental report (Youn et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2017, 56, 1–6). The preferred reaction pathway consists of N−H deprotonation, CMD‐type C−H bond activation of styrenes, carbopalladation, BQ‐assisted β‐C−H activation, α‐C−H bond activation, and reductive elimination. With BQ additive, the carbopalladation is the key step for controlling the regioselectivity, and the favorable Pd−O coordinating bond interaction between Pd and BQ as well as the less distortion degree of styrene in the C3‐regioselective transition state determine the observed regioselectivity. The obtained computational insights should be valuable for understanding and rational design of the transition metal‐catalyzed oxidative annulation reactions with special regioselectivity.
Antimony‐Doped Lithium Phosphate Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Gao Chunhui , Dong Qingyuan , Zhang Gang , Fan Hailin , Li Huangxu , Hong Bo , Lai Yanqing
Published: December 2018

Metallic lithium (Li) is a promising anode for Li‐based batteries, owing to its high theoretical capacity and the low potential. However, the dendrites and high chemical activity of metallic Li limits its practical applications. To overcome these challenges, a fast‐ionic conductor, antimony‐doped lithium phosphate (Sb‐doped Li3PO4) artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, is directly coated on bare copper (Cu) foil by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering, which can facilitate the uniform distribution of lithium ions, reduce the side reaction, and even inhibit the dendrite growth. As a result, the artificial Sb‐doped Li3PO4 SEI‐modified Cu electrode renders a good coulombic efficiency of 97 % for approximately 285 cycles at current density of 1 mA/cm2 and over 700 h of stable cycles in a symmetric cell. The fabricated artificial SEI layers make the deposition of lithium occur more densely and the electrochemical impedance is smaller compared to the bare Cu electrode. This study will impact the general approach to realize and achieve next‐generation high‐energy‐density lithium‐metal batteries.
Sphere‐and‐Flake‐Structured Cu, N Co‐Doped Carbon Catalyst Designed by a Template‐Free Method for Robust Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xiang Xinxin , Li Xiaoqin , Huang Zhihan , Gao Taotao , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2018

The suitable structural design of carbon catalysts is a straightforward strategy to achieve a superior electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. Herein, we firstly design a three‐dimensional sphere‐and‐flake‐structured Cu, N co‐doped carbon catalyst, via a template‐free method, for robust oxygen reduction reaction. The nanostructure is composed of graphene‐like nanosheets and carbon nanospheres with abundant mesopores, which can expose numerous active sites. Cu2+ and the copolymer of PANI and Cu2+ and melamine play important roles in the construction of the sphere‐and‐flake structure. By optimizing the addition of melamine, the structure of the catalyst can be successfully controlled. The as‐constructed GCNS10 material possesses a large amount of Cu‐Nx sites and exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, delivering a limiting current density (6.14 mA cm−2 at −0.1 V) and stability superior to those of commercial Pt/C materials in 0.1 M KOH solution. These satisfactory performances suggest that GCNS10 is promising as a next‐generation non‐noble‐metal oxygen reduction reaction catalyst. Besides, using an air cathode with the GCNS10 catalyst works well in a Zn‐air battery, indicating that GCNS10 can be used in such devices.
Synthesis of Modified RGD‐Based Peptides and Their in vitro Activity
Authors: Hamdan Fatima , Bigdeli Zahra , Asghari S. Mohsen , Sadremomtaz Afsaneh , Balalaie Saeed
Published: December 2018

Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) peptides represent the most outstanding recognition motif involved in cell adhesion that binds to the αvβ3 integrin, which has been targeted for cancer therapy. Various RGD‐containing peptides and peptidomimetics have been designed and synthesized to selectively inhibit this integrin. In this study, the synthesis of RGD‐based peptides through the incorporation of the short bioactive peptide Phe‐Ala‐Lys‐Leu‐Phe (FAKLF) at the C and N termini of RGD has been achieved by using a solid‐phase peptide synthesis approach. The peptides were purified by means of preparative RP‐HPLC and their structures were confirmed through HRMS (ESI). The MTT assay revealed that the RGD and FAKLF peptides inhibited the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in a dose‐dependent manner, with IC50 values of 3000 and 500 ng mL−1, respectively. Interestingly, a drastic improvement was observed in the antiproliferative activity of the combined structures of the FAKLFRGD and RGDFAKLF peptides, leading to IC50 values of 200 and 136.7 ng mL−1, respectively. Meanwhile, based on apoptosis results, the potential of peptides to induce apoptosis, in accordance with their antiproliferative activity, indicated that the RGD and FAKLF peptides, and the peptides synthesized based on their combinations induced cell apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner followed by inhibition of the proliferation of endothelial cells. Moreover, the incorporation of d‐leucine increased the induction of apoptosis by these peptides.