bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical outcomes of pediatric spinal cord astrocytomas: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azad Tej D. , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Pan James , Huang Yuhao , Li Amy , Esparza Rogelio , Mehta Swapnil , Connolly Ian D. , Veeravagu Anand , Campen Cynthia J. , Cheshier Samuel H. , Edwards Michael S. B. , Fisher Paul G. , Grant Gerald A.
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric spinal astrocytomas are rare spinal lesions that pose unique management challenges. Therapeutic options include gross-total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. With no randomized controlled trials, the optimal management approach for children with spinal astrocytomas remains unclear. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on pediatric spinal astrocytomas.

METHODS

The authors performed a systematic review of the PubMed/MEDLINE electronic database to investigate the impact of histological grade and extent of resection on overall survival among patients with spinal cord astrocytomas. They retained publications in which the majority of reported cases included astrocytoma histology.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine previously published studies met the eligibility criteria, totaling 578 patients with spinal cord astrocytomas. The spinal level of intramedullary spinal cord tumors was predominantly cervical (53.8%), followed by thoracic (40.8%). Overall, resection was more common than biopsy, and GTR was slightly more commonly achieved than STR (39.7% vs 37.0%). The reported rates of GTR and STR rose markedly from 1984 to 2015. Patients with high-grade astrocytomas had markedly worse 5-year overall survival than patients with low-grade tumors. Patients receiving GTR may have better 5-year overall survival than those receiving STR.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe trends in the management of pediatric spinal cord astrocytomas and suggest a benefit of GTR over STR for 5-year overall survival.
Safety and efficacy of stereoelectroencephalography in pediatric focal epilepsy: a single-center experience
Authors: Goldstein Hannah E. , Youngerman Brett E. , Shao Belinda , Akman Cigdem I. , Mandel Arthur M. , McBrian Danielle K. , Riviello James J. , Sheth Sameer A. , McKhann Guy M. , Feldstein Neil A.
Published: July 2018

OBJECTIVE

Patients with medically refractory localization-related epilepsy (LRE) may be candidates for surgical intervention if the seizure onset zone (SOZ) can be well localized. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) offers an attractive alternative to subdural grid and strip electrode implantation for seizure lateralization and localization; yet there are few series reporting the safety and efficacy of SEEG in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The authors review their initial 3-year consecutive experience with SEEG in pediatric patients with LRE. SEEG coverage, SOZ localization, complications, and preliminary seizure outcomes following subsequent surgical treatments are assessed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five pediatric patients underwent 30 SEEG implantations, with a total of 342 electrodes placed. Ten had prior resections or ablations. Seven had no MRI abnormalities, and 8 had multiple lesions on MRI. Based on preimplantation hypotheses, 7 investigations were extratemporal (ET), 1 was only temporal-limbic (TL), and 22 were combined ET/TL investigations. Fourteen patients underwent bilateral investigations. On average, patients were monitored for 8 days postimplant (range 3–19 days). Nearly all patients were discharged home on the day following electrode explantation.

There were no major complications. Minor complications included 1 electrode deflection into the subdural space, resulting in a minor asymptomatic extraaxial hemorrhage; and 1 in-house and 1 delayed electrode superficial scalp infection, both treated with local wound care and oral antibiotics.

SEEG localized the hypothetical SOZ in 23 of 25 patients (92%). To date, 18 patients have undergone definitive surgical intervention. In 2 patients, SEEG localized the SOZ near eloquent cortex and subdural grids were used to further delineate the seizure focus relative to mapped motor function just prior to resection. At last follow-up (average 21 months), 8 of 15 patients with at least 6 months of follow-up (53%) were Engel class I, and an additional 6 patients (40%) were Engel class II or III. Only 1 patient was Engel class IV.

CONCLUSIONS

SEEG is a safe and effective technique for invasive SOZ localization in medically refractory LRE in the pediatric population. SEEG permits bilateral and multilobar investigations while avoiding large craniotomies. It is conducive to deep, 3D, and perilesional investigations, particularly in cases of prior resections. Patients who are not found to have focally localizable seizures are spared craniotomies.
Ergonomic Analysis of Dental Treatments Tasks: Discomfort Factor Identification and Impact on Body Regions
Authors: HANEFİOĞLU Müge , KORHAN Orhan
Published: July 2018

Objectives: Dentistry
profession involves in prolonged static muscle loads, highly repetitive and
monotonous work, high force exertion or mechanical compression of tissues, and
using vibrated tools. Therefore dentists are exposed to work-related
musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), which results in costly health problems and
early retirements. This research aims to determine the risk factors of
musculoskeletal discomforts among dentists, and to identify the impact of the
dental tasks on the body regions during particular treatments.Materials
and Methods: A
questionnaire is created and fulfilled by 67 dentists from universities,
hospitals, and dental offices. Electromyography studies were applied on six
body regions of randomly selected three dentists during most common dental
treatments. Discriminant Analysis was applied to determine whether a set of
variables is effective in predicting category membership, and to identify
statistically significant factor(s) which contribute(s) formation of the
WRMSDs. ANOVA was utilized to analyze the results which were obtained from sEMG
experiment and to determine the risk factors of work related musculoskeletal
disorders.  Results: The most common position
of the dentists while performing their profession was static and prolonged
sitting / standing position. Musculoskeletal discomforts were experienced
during the past 12 months in neck, hand / wrist, upper back, and shoulder
regions; and during the past 7 days in elbows, feet, hip, and wrist / hand
regions.

Conclusions: There is no significant
factor on dental filling therapy, tooth cleaning, fixed prosthodontics, and
removable prosthodontics treatments. However, body region is the only
significant factor on tooth extraction, endodontic and dental examination
treatments.
TUĞLA DUVARLARDA UYGULANAN SIVALARIN ENERJİ VERİMLİLİĞİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: Kaya Turgut , Karakurt Cenk
Published: July 2018

Enerji
verimliliği, yaşam standardımızı, üretim kalitesini ve miktarını düşürmeden,
daha az enerji kullanarak aynı orandaki işi yapabilmektir. Enerjinin verimli
olarak kullanılması, enerjiyi üretmekten çok daha ucuza gelecek bir yöntem
olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Enerji tasarrufu ülke ekonomisine kazanç
sağlamakla beraber fosil kaynaklı yakıtların kullanımı sırasında oluşacak
çevresel olumsuzlukları da azaltmaktadır. Bu kapsamda yapılarda kullanılan
malzemelerin enerji verimli malzemeler olması yapının kullanımı sırasındaki
enerji giderlerinde ciddi kazanımlar sağlayacaktır. Yapılan çalışmada tuğla
duvar üzerine çimento esaslı ve alçı sıva uygulanıp üretilen numunelerin -20,
-15, -10 ve -5°C dış ortam sıcaklığında 24 saatlik enerji kayıpları
ölçülmüştür. Elde edilen sonuçlar birbirileri ile karşılaştırılıp enerji
verimliliği açısından değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda -20 °C dış ortam
sıcaklığında referans A-T numunesine oranla Ç-T-Ç numunesinin % 42, A-T-Ç
numunesinde % 28, Ç-T numunesinde ise % 14 gibi enerji verimliliği elde
edilmiştir.
POMPALANMIŞ SU TABANLI ENERJİ DEPOLAMA ÜNİTESİ KULLANIMINA VE DİNAMİK FİYATLANDIRMAYA DAYANAN BİR KAZANÇ OPTİMİZASYONU YAKLAŞIMI
Authors: Taşcıkaraoğlu Akın , Erdinç Ozan
Published: July 2018

Bu çalışmada, değişken ve süreksiz enerji
üretimine sahip olan rüzgar çiftliklerinden, gün öncesi ve dengeleme
piyasalarının mevcut olduğu bir güç sisteminde en yüksek ekonomik kazancı elde
edebilmek amacıyla bir optimizasyon problemi önerilmektedir. Pompalanmış su
tabanlı bir enerji depolama ünitesinin rüzgar çiftliği ile birlikte
kullanılmasına dayanan bu yöntem, enerji piyasalarındaki fiyat değişimden
faydalanarak güç santralinden elde edilen kazancı arttırmaktadır ve aynı
zamanda santralin bağlı olduğu güç sistemindeki pik yük talebinin bir kısmını
karşılayarak sisteme destek olmaktadır. Önerilen yaklaşımın etkinliğini
inceleyebilmek amacıyla gerçek rüzgar ve fiyat verilerinden faydalanılarak
detaylı benzetim çalışmaları gerçekleştirilmiştir ve sonuçlar depolama
ünitesinin olmadığı ve önerilen fiyat bazlı enerji yönetimi yaklaşımının
kullanılmadığı çeşitli durumlar için elde edilen sonuçlar ile
karşılaştırılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, pompalanmış su tabanlı enerji depolama
ünitelerinin yüksek güçlerde etkin bir şekilde kullanılabilecek bir enerji
depolama sistemi olduğu ve bu sistemin ekonomik açıdan en verimli şekilde
kullanılabilmesinde önerilen optimizasyon probleminin oldukça başarılı olduğu
gösterilmiştir.
TAM FAKTÖRİYEL TASARIMIN MGS İLE KÖMÜR ZENGİNLEŞTİRMEYE UYGULANMASI
Authors: OLUKLULU Semih , KOCA Sabiha
Published: July 2018

Çalışmada düşük ranklı, yüksek kül ve kükürt
içerikli Çayırhan Bölgesi linyitlerinin fiziksel yöntemlerle
zenginleştirilebilirliği araştırılmıştır. Zenginleştirmede kullanılan MGS’nin tambur
hızı, frekans ve genlik parametrelerinin elde edilen temiz kömürün külü ve yanabilir
verimi üzerindeki etkileri irdelenmiştir. Çalışmada gerçekleştirilen deneyler
tam faktöriyel deney tasarımı ile planlanmış ve deneylerin sonuçları
istatistiksel olarak değerlendirilmiştir.

Çalışmanın
sonucunda, yaklaşık %75 kül içerikli kömüründen, külde yaklaşık %30 oranında
azalma ile %52,81 küllü konsantre, %61,65 yanabilir verim ile elde edilmiştir.

Sonuçların
istatistiksel analizi ile kül için yaklaşık 0.79, yanabilir verim için 0.98 R2
değerleri ile güçlü modeller elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca hem kül, hem yanabilir
verim için tambur hızının, cihazın ayırma etkinliğine en çok katkı sağlayan
parametre olduğu görülmüştür. Ancak genliğin, çalışılan seviyelerde ve %95
güven aralığında etkisinin istatistiksel olarak anlamsız olduğu sonucuna
ulaşılmıştır.
Стилістичний ресурс односкладних речень у відтворенні синестезійної природи художнього тла
Authors: Мішеніна Тетяна Михайлівна , Качайло Ксенія Анатоліївна
Published: July 2018

Публікацію присвячено розкриттю стилістичного ресурсу односкладних речень, структурно-семантичні особливості яких відтворюють синестезійну природу художньої архітектоніки. Досліджено типові синестезійні образи, застосовувані в мовній системі; проаналізовано механізми утворення і функціонування синестезійних образів; розглянуто аспект вироблення естетичної чуттєвості в аспекті спрямування естетичного знання в розробленні синестезійних мовних образів в українській літературній традиції загалом, літературі рідного краю зокрема. Акцентовано на тому, що сформований контент синестезійних мовних образів становить стилістичний ресурс мовної системи.
Безсполучникове складне речення в образному контурі української народної загадки
Authors: Онищенко Геннадій Анатолійович
Published: July 2018

У статті досліджено українську загадку як своєрідний вид народної творчості, який через вербалізовані національно-культурні стереотипи відображає етнічне «Я» українців. У структурі загадки виокремлено дві частини – образну (описову) і відповідь. Акцентовано на тому, що найчисленнішим серед усіх різновидів складних речень в образній частині загадки є тип конструкцій із безсполучниковим зв’язком. Вони представлені всіма структурними різновидами, серед яких найчастотнішими є структури із зіставним значенням.
Мовна агресія в епістолярному тексті Григорія Гусейнова
Authors: Чумак Олена Леонідівна
Published: July 2018

У статті розглянуто мовну агресію в епістолярному тексті роману у щоденниках і листах «Повернення в Портленд» Г. Гусейнова. Акцентовано на тому, що проблема агресії є частиною емоційного досвіду письменника, його внутрішнього стану. Досліджено лексико-семантичні особливості мовної агресії. Проаналізовано дефініцію агресія у словниках. Визначено лексико-семантичні групи слів мовної агресії. Репрезентовано шари лексики зі значенням мовної агресії.
Формування фахової термінологічної компетентності у студентів
Authors: Ракшанова Ганна Федорівна , Назаренко Ірина Леонідівна
Published: July 2018

У статті розглянуто актуальні проблеми сучасної вищої освіти й приведення її у відповідність до потреб інтеграції світового та європейського освітніх процесів. Акцентовано на тому, що формування професійно-термінологічної компетентності майбутніх спеціалістів зумовлено когнітивними процесами в сучасному науковому пізнанні. У сучасному суспільстві до підготовки фахівців висуваються певні «компетенції», необхідні для досягнення значних успіхів у професійній діяльності. Досліджено компоненти, що стосуються професійної реалізації та розвитку майбутнього фахівця, його здатності засвоювати нові знання з подальшим їх практичним застосуванням.
Linguistic and cultural aspects in animistic idioms defying personal character traits in English and Ukrainian
Authors: Yelovska Yu. V.
Published: July 2018

The problem of studying national and ethnic-cultural components is an actual trend in contemporary linguistic studies, since linguistic elements manifest distinct national marking. The idea of language and culture interconnection belongs primarily to William von Humboldt. The language units can be treated as the specific treasury that preserves national identity of a certain language community. O. Potebnya expressed his own original vision of idioms, which he considered as a small version of the “whole world”. Having symbolic correlation with cultural signs, experience and behaviour stereotypes idioms represent universal ideas common to different language systems. Nevertheless there are also peculiar images belonging only to certain language groups and its interpretation demands deeper language and cultural code analysis. This research mainly focuses on studying idioms expressing the traits of character and behavioral habits through the animistic phraseological structures while bilingual teaching of English and Ukrainian in particular. The diversity of idioms with animistic components in their structure is rather various and can be hardly illustrated in one research. That is why the main attention of this study is paid to idioms with animistic components representing the following images: domestic animals and insects. The first group includes set expressions, which are distinguished according to the presence in their structure such words as a dog, a sheep, a hen. Illustration analysis shows that these animistic components are represented in both languages. Furthermore some idiomatic constructions demonstrate similar meaning and structure. The second group comprises comparatively smaller number of samples. It contains idioms defying rather emotional state of a person and his / her behavior rather personal character trait itself. The analysis of English and Ukrainian illustrations demonstrates the low correspondence of samples in both languages. Despite the fact that the world vision in both nations contains similar ideas about emotional state of a person and his / her behavior, its linguistic representation is totally different. The results of practical analysis vividly confirm the idea of national and cultural marking revealed in set expressions for both languages. It also shows the necessity of profound investigating national and cultural symbols while studying language phraseological and paremian heritage. These observations might help in highlighting more complicated world perception characteristics in English and Ukrainian.
Психічний стан людини у фразеологічній репрезентації граничності
Authors: Купіна Ірина Олександрівна
Published: July 2018

У статті представлено результати дослідження фразеологічних одиниць (ФО) на позначення психічного стану людини в репрезентації граничності. Виявлено різні моделі стану людини, які об’єктивуються ФО. Наведено результати структурного-семантичного аналізу фразеологізмів, які свідчать про універсальність та розкривають специфічні риси вербалізації психічного стану людини, зосереджено увагу на особливостях маніфестації останнього одиницями фразеологічного рівня.
Urine-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease Identified Through Coupling Computational and Experimental Methods
Authors: Yao Fang , Hong Xiaoyu , Li Shuiming , Zhang Yan , Zhao Qing , Du Wei , Wang Yong , Ni Jiazuan
Published: July 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder contributing to nearly 70% of dementia cases. However, no diagnostic protein biomarkers are available in urine. In this study, we combined computational and experimental methods to identify urinary biomarkers for AD. First, by analyzing brain tissue-based gene expression data of AD, 2,754 differentially expressed genes were identified, 559 of which were predicted to encode urine-excretory proteins that might act as candidate protein biomarkers of AD. GO enrichment analyses implied that they were mainly involved in microtubule-based process, myelin sheath, and calcium ion binding, suggesting that they might be associated with AD pathogenesis. In order to verify these proteins in urine, an iTRAQ experiment was carried out to analyze urine samples from AD patients and healthy controls, and 15 proteins were detected. Based on the expression changes of these proteins, 4 proteins were chosen for further validation by ELISA experiment, and SPP1, GSN, and IGFBP7 were found to be differentially expressed in the urine of AD patients. After a literature survey, we found that they were involved in AD pathophysiology and might serve as new urine biomarkers for AD. To our knowledge, this is the first time that urine biomarkers for AD were identified by combining computational and experimental methods. Furthermore, this is the first time SPP1, GSN, and IGFBP7 have been reported as potential urine protein biomarkers for AD. Therefore, our findings might provide significant guidance for finding early biomarkers of AD in urine.
Pre-symptomatic targeted treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm newborns: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Farooqui M.A. , Elsayed Y.N. , Jeyaraman M.M. , Dingwall O. , Tagin M. , Zarychanski R. , Rabbani R. , Abou-Setta A.M.
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

A clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in premature newborns. Symptomatic PDAs are often treated with prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors (PSI), but controversy remains if PSIs should also be used to manage early, asymptomatic PDAs.

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically identify, critically appraise, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological management of pre-symptomatic PDA in preterm newborns after confirmed patency by echocardiography.

STUDY DESIGN:

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Search methods: We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley), from date of inception to February 2017. Supplemental searching was performed in Scopus and Web of Science to identify additional relevant citations. We also searched conference proceedings, reference lists of relevant articles and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Selection criteria: We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of indomethacin or ibuprofen to placebo for treatment of pre-symptomatic PDA in preterm newborns (<32 weeks gestational age and <1500gms). Data collection and analysis: Two reviewers independently selected trials, assessed risk of bias and extracted trial-level data. Outcomes are reported as risk ratios from random-effects models. Absolute risk reduction (ARR) is additionally reported for significant outcomes. We included seven trials (466 newborns). Targeted medical treatment did not significantly reduce mortality rates (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.43; ARR –2.38%, 95% CI –8.04% to 3.29%; I2 0% 6 studies; 442 newborns), but it did significantly reduce the overall incidence of developing symptomatic PDA (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.73; ARR –34.3%, 95% CI –50.8% to –17.8%; I2 0%; 3 studies; 97 newborns) compared to placebo. Other efficacy or safety outcomes were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS:

Targeted medical treatment of pre-symptomatic PDA decreases the incidence of developing symptomatic PDA, but not neonatal mortality. Further studies are essential to confirm these results.
Association between clinical chorioamnionitis and histological funisitis at term
Authors: Suzuki S.
Published: July 2018

To predict the presence of histological funisitis at term, we examined the symptoms of clinical chorioamnionitis in 251 cases of maternal fever of 38 degrees or higher during labor at term. The examined symptoms in this study were clinical maternal findings (uterine fundal tenderness, maternal tachycardia, purulent or foul amniotic fluid or cervical discharge, and maternal white blood cell count) and fetal tachycardia. In these cases, microscopic histopathological analysis of the placenta was performed after delivery. The positive predictive value for histological funisitis in cases of maternal fever of 38 degrees or higher was only 15.5%. In cases of maternal fever with uterine fundal tenderness and purulent or foul amniotic fluid or cervical discharge at term, the positive predictive value for histological chorioamnionitis was 100%. Therefore, uterine fundal tenderness and amniotic fluid or cervical discharge with a foul odor are important symptoms to predict the presence of funisitis in cases of maternal fever of 38 degrees or higher.
A CBCT series slice image segmentation method
Authors: Zheng Jia , Zhang Dinghua , Huang Kuidong , Sun Yuanxi
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

Images of industrial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) contain noise and beam hardening artifacts, which induce difficulty and low precision in segmenting regions of interest.

OBJECTIVE:

The primary objective of this study is to improve the segmentation precision of CBCT series slice images.

METHODS:

This paper presents a method based on the Phansalkar to segment CBCT series slice images precisely. First, the basics of the proposed method and the necessity of changing the local window size are analysed. The adaptive accumulated Phansalkar, which collects each pixel’s classification results in different local windows, is proposed. Second, the bimodal distribution of the histogram is used to calculate the appropriate local window size for each pixel adaptively. Third, the characteristics of the accumulated probability (the accumulated classification results divided by the accumulated times) are analysed, from which an adaptive method is applied to segment the accumulated probability. Last, experiments are conducted on CBCT series slice images of three workpieces and one computer-aided design (CAD) model with internal defects.

RESULTS:

The proposed new method can segment CBCT images with noise and beam-hardening well. Moreover, for the segmentation of all four CBCT series slice images, the new method acquired the highest BF and AOM scores (1 and 0.9981) with the smallest standard deviation (0.0013) as compared with other existing methods including CMF (continuous max-flow/min cut), MS (mean-shift), DRLSE (distance regularized level set evolution), and ARKFCM (adaptively regularized kernel-based fuzzy c-means clustering).

CONCLUSIONS:

The experimental results support that our new method can more precisely segment CBCT series slice images with noise and artifacts than many existing methods. Thus, the new method has prospective application value and can provide valuable technical support for the industrial CBCT image post-processing system.
Geometry and energy constrained projection extension
Authors: Wang Qian , Sen Sharma Kriti , Yu Hengyong
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND:

In clinical computed tomography (CT) applications, when a patient is obese or improperly positioned, the final tomographic scan is often partially truncated. Images directly reconstructed by the conventional reconstruction algorithms suffer from severe cupping and direct current bias artifacts. Moreover, the current methods for projection extension have limitations that preclude incorporation from clinical workflows, such as prohibitive computational time for iterative reconstruction, extra radiation dose, hardware modification, etc.

METHOD:

In this study, we first established a geometrical constraint and estimated the patient habitus using a modified scout configuration. Then, we established an energy constraint using the integral invariance of fan-beam projections. Two constraints were extracted from the existing CT scan process with minimal modification to the clinical workflows. Finally, we developed a novel dual-constraint based optimization model that can be rapidly solved for projection extrapolation and accurate local reconstruction.

RESULTS:

Both numerical phantom and realistic patient image simulations were performed, and the results confirmed the effectiveness of our proposed approach.

CONCLUSION:

We establish a dual-constraint-based optimization model and correspondingly develop an accurate extrapolation method for partially truncated projections. The proposed method can be readily integrated into the clinical workflow and efficiently solved by using a one-dimensional optimization algorithm. Moreover, it is robust for noisy cases with various truncations and can be further accelerated by GPU based parallel computing.
Cytoprotective Activities of Milk Thistle Seed Oil Used in Traditional Tunisian Medicine on 7-Ketocholesterol and 24S-Hydroxycholesterol-Induced Toxicity on 158N Murine Oligodendrocytes
Authors: Meddeb Wiem , Rezig Leila , Zarrouk Amira , Nury Thomas , Vejux Anne , Prost Michel , Bretillon Lionel , Mejri Mondher , Lizard Gérard
Published: July 2018

The Asteraceae family is economically very important, because many of these plants are grown mainly for their food value, such as lettuce (Lactuca), chicory (Cichorium), and sunflower (Heliantus aminus). One of the typical properties of this family, which includes milk thistle (Sylibum marianum), is the richness of the oil in various compounds (flavonoids, alkaloids, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids). Currently, and for the coming decades, age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, are a major public health problem. Preventing their appearance or opposing their evolution is a major objective. In this context, the cytoprotective activities of milk thistle seed oil produced in Tunisia were studied on the 158N model using 7-ketocholesterol (7KC) and 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S) as cytotoxic agents. 7KC and 24S were used because they can be increased in the brain and body fluids of patients with major age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In order to evaluate the cytoprotective properties of milk thistle seed oil, complementary techniques of microscopy, flow cytometry, and biochemistry were used. The chemical composition of milk thistle seed oil has also been determined by various chromatography techniques. Milk thistle seed oils from different area of Tunisia are rich in tocopherols and are strongly antioxidant according to various biochemical tests (KRL (Kit Radicaux Libres), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)). The main fatty acids are linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1 n-9). The main polyphenols identified are homovanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, quercetin, and apigenin, with a predominance of vanillic acid. On 158N cells, milk thistle seed oil attenuates the cytotoxicity of 7KC and 24S including: loss of cell adhesion, increased plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial dysfunction, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, induction of apoptosis, and autophagy. The attenuation of the cytotoxicity of 7KC and 24S observed with the milk thistle seed oil is in the order of that observed with α-tocopherol used as a positive control. In the presence of nigella seed oil, considered potentially cytotoxic, no cytoprotective effects were observed. Given the chemical characteristics, antioxidant properties, and cytoprotective activities of milk thistle seed oil, our results highlight the potential benefit of this oil for human health.
Analysis of Compositional Variation and Source Characteristics of Water-Soluble Ions in PM2.5 during Several Winter-Haze Pollution Episodes in Shenyang, China
Authors: Hong Ye , Li Chaoliu , Li Xiaolan , Ma Yanjun , Zhang Yunhai , Zhou Deping , Wang Yangfeng , Liu Ningwei , Chang Xiaojiao
Published: July 2018

From 18 February to 13 March 2014 and from 17 December 2016 to 27 January 2017, an online analyzer for monitoring aerosols and gases (MARGA) and an online single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS) were used to measure and analyze the concentrations and sources of water-soluble (WS) ions in PM10, PM2.5, and gases (NH3, HNO3, HCl), in Shenyang City, China. During the field campaign, nine haze episodes (or smog episodes, total 582 h) were identified, with 960 identified as non-haze periods. The average mass concentrations of PM2.5 and total water-soluble ions (TWSIs) in PM2.5 during haze episodes were 131 μg·m−3 and 77.2 μg·m−3, 2.3 times and 1.9 times the values in non-haze periods, respectively. The average mass concentration of TWSIs in PM2.5 was 55.9 μg·m−3 (accounting for 55.9% of PM2.5 mass loading), 37.6% of which was sulfate, 31.7% nitrate, 20.0% ammonium, 6.6% chloride, 1.9% potassium, 1.4% calcium, and 0.8% magnesium throughout the campaign. Concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA) secondary pollution ions increased rapidly during haze episodes to as much as 2.2 times, 3.0 times, and 2.4 times higher than during non-haze periods, respectively. Diurnal variations during non-haze periods were significant, while complex pollution was insignificant. Based on changes in the backward trajectories and concentrations of WS ions, the hazy episodes were divided into three types: complex, coal-burning, and automobile exhaust pollution. All complex episodes had high concentrations and greater contributions of ammonium nitrate from complex and automobile exhaust pollution, while the contribution of ammonium sulfate from coal-burning pollution was greater than that of ammonium nitrate. The correlation coefficients among SNA species were very high in complex pollution, with nitrate and sulfate the main forms present. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) were related to emissions from burning coal for heating and from long-range transmission in winter. In the case of exhaust pollution, NO3− accounted for the highest percentage of PM2.5, and NH4+ was more closely related to NO3− than to SO42−. Coal-burning pollution was the most common type of pollution in Shenyang. The contribution of sulfate was higher than that of nitrate. Based on PCA, the contribution of coal-burning emissions varied from 36.7% to 53.6% due to industry, soil sources, and other factors.
Cryochemically Obtained Nanoforms of Antimicrobial Drug Substance Dioxidine and Their Physico-chemical and Structural Properties
Authors: Shabatina Tatyana I. , Vernaya Olga I. , Shabatin Vladimir P. , Evseeva Iuliia V. , Melnikov Michail Ya , Fitch Andrew N. , Chernyshev Vladimir V.
Published: July 2018

Nanoforms of the antimicrobial drug substance 2,3-bis-(hydroxymethyl) quinoxaline-N,N′-dioxide with particles sizes between 50 and 300 nm were obtained by cryochemical modification of the initial pharmaceutical substance using a freeze-drying technique and were characterized by different physicochemical methods (FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H-NMR, DSC, TG and X-ray diffraction) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The data obtained from FTIR- and UV–Vis-spectroscopy confirmed the unaltered chemical structure of dioxidine molecules due to the cryochemical modification method. At the same time, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis data show the change of the crystal structure compared to the parameters of the initial pharmaceutical dioxidine substance. A higher dissolution rate was revealed for cryomodified dioxidine nanoforms. The existence of three polymorphic crystal phases was established for cryomodified dioxidine samples possessed by some thermal activation processes: two anhydrous polymorphic phases, triclinic (T) and monoclinic (M), and one hydrated form (H).
Planetary Nebulae Embryo after a Common Envelope Event
Authors: Ivanova Natalia , Nandez Jose L. A.
Published: July 2018

In the centers of some planetary nebulae are found close binary stars. The formation of those planetary nebulae was likely through a common envelope event, which transformed an initially-wide progenitor binary into the currently observed close binary, while stripping the outer layers away. A common envelope event proceeds through several qualitatively different stages, each of which ejects matter at its own characteristic speed, and with a different degree of symmetry. Here, we present how typical post-common envelope ejecta looks kinematically a few years after the start of a common envelope event. We also show some asymmetric features we have detected in our simulations (jet-like structures, lobes, and hemispheres).
Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Nanosystems for the Treatment of Brain Tumors
Authors: Basso João , Miranda Ana , Nunes Sandra , Cova Tânia , Sousa João , Vitorino Carla , Pais Alberto
Published: July 2018

Chemotherapy is commonly associated with limited effectiveness and unwanted side effects in normal cells and tissues, due to the lack of specificity of therapeutic agents to cancer cells when systemically administered. In brain tumors, the existence of both physiological barriers that protect tumor cells and complex resistance mechanisms to anticancer drugs are additional obstacles that hamper a successful course of chemotherapy, thus resulting in high treatment failure rates. Several potential surrogate therapies have been developed so far. In this context, hydrogel-based systems incorporating nanostructured drug delivery systems (DDS) and hydrogel nanoparticles, also denoted nanogels, have arisen as a more effective and safer strategy than conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. The former, as a local delivery approach, have the ability to confine the release of anticancer drugs near tumor cells over a long period of time, without compromising healthy cells and tissues. Yet, the latter may be systemically administered and provide both loading and targeting properties in their own framework, thus identifying and efficiently killing tumor cells. Overall, this review focuses on the application of hydrogel matrices containing nanostructured DDS and hydrogel nanoparticles as potential and promising strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of glioblastoma and other types of brain cancer. Some aspects pertaining to computational studies are finally addressed.
Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus Strains: The Reference Genome as a Matter of Concern
Authors: Garcia-Rubio Rocio , Monzon Sara , Alcazar-Fuoli Laura , Cuesta Isabel , Mellado Emilia
Published: July 2018

Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophytic mold and a major pathogen in immunocompromised patients. The effectiveness of triazole compounds, the A. fumigatus first line treatment, is being threatened by a rapid and global emergence of azole resistance. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as an invaluable tool for the analysis of genetic differences between A. fumigatus strains, their genetic background, and antifungal resistance development. Although WGS analyses can provide a valuable amount of novel information, there are some limitations that should be considered. These analyses, based on genome-wide comparative data and single nucleotide variant (SNV) calling, are dependent on the quality of sequencing, assembling, the variant calling criteria, as well as on the suitable selection of the reference genome, which must be genetically close to the genomes included in the analysis. In this study, 28 A. fumigatus genomes sequenced in-house and 73 available in public data bases have been analyzed. All genomes were distributed in four clusters and showed a variable number of SNVs depending on the genome used as reference (Af293 or A1163). Each reference genome belonged to a different cluster. The results highlighted the importance of choosing the most suitable A. fumigatus reference genome to avoid misleading conclusions.
Abalone in Diasporic Chinese Culture: The Transformation of Biocultural Traditions through Engagement with the Western Australian Environment
Authors: Chen Li , Ryan John
Published: July 2018

In October 2017, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development of Western Australia (WA) promulgated a new regulation on recreational abalone harvesting. A notable change was that, from 2017 on, the annual fishing season in the West Coast Zone was reduced to four days, from every December on Saturdays only. During the last decade, WA’s abalone fishing regulations have been overhauled frequently because of depleting local stocks. Worldwide, the marine heatwave resulting from climate change and illegal overfishing are considered the two principal reasons for abalone’s decline. Today, the highly lucrative abalone market has attracted more participants in recreational fishing in Perth, WA. Based on Asian natural heritage traditions and employing a multispecies sensory ethnographic methodology, this article provides an in-depth case study of the interaction between the local Chinese diaspora and the environment as represented in abalone harvesting practices. Between 2014 and 2016, the authors conducted one-on-one and focus group interviews with Chinese immigrants to Perth, WA, and also participated in abalone harvesting. The analysis reveals a suite of environmental influences on local Chinese diasporic life through heterogeneous forms of interaction between abalone and Perth-area Chinese immigrants.
Virtual Interactive Environment for Low-Cost Treatment of Mechanical Strabismus and Amblyopia
Authors: Saraiva Aratã Andrade , Barros Matheus Pereira , Nogueira Alexandre Tolstenko , Fonseca Ferreira N. M. , Valente Antonio
Published: July 2018

This study presents a technique that uses an interactive virtual environment for the rehabilitation treatment of patients with mechanical strabismus and/or amblyopia who have lost eye movement. The relevant part of this treatment is the act of forcing the two eyes to cooperate with each other by increasing the level of adaptation of the brain and allowing the weak eye to see again. Accordingly, the game enables both eyes to work together, providing the patient with better visual comfort and life quality. In addition, the virtual environment is attractive and has the ability to overcome specific challenges with real-time feedback, coinciding with ideal approaches for use in ocular rehabilitation. The entire game was developed with free software and the 3D environment, which is made from low-cost virtual reality glasses, as well as Google Cardboard which uses a smartphone for the display of the game. The method presented was tested in 41 male and female patients, aged 8 to 39 years, and resulted in the success of 40 patients. The method proved to be feasible and accessible as a tool for the treatment of amblyopia and strabismus. The project was registered in the Brazil platform and approved by the ethics committee of the State University of Piaui—UESPI, with the CAAE identification code: 37802114.8.0000.5209.
Fabrication of Magnetically Actuated Fluidic Drug Delivery Device Using Polyvinyl Chloride Adhesive Stencils
Authors: Kim Hyun , Seo Jong-mo
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fabrication method is introduced. It eliminates the need for conventional fabrication methods, such as photolithography and etching. Only a series of oxygen plasma treatments, silanization, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) adhesive stencils were used to develop multi-layer designs. The fabrication method was applied to fabricate a PDMS-based drug delivery device with an actively controllable, magnetically actuated valve. Above all, this fabrication method eliminated the use of a power-consuming pump. Fluidic substances were injected into the circular shaped primary chamber through a syringe. A secondary chamber, similar to the primary chamber’s structure but with a smaller radius and thinner membrane, was connected via a microchannel to regulate the amount released. When actuated with a permanent magnet for one second, the volume in the secondary chamber first depletes. As the magnet is removed, the valve closes. Subsequently, the primary chamber replenishes the secondary chamber. This process can be repeated until the primary chamber reaches a saturation state that can no longer inflate the secondary chamber. The device could release a few microliters per actuation. Various combinations of size and thickness of primary, and secondary chambers can realize release rate of desired amount.
Development of Validated and Stability-Indicating LC-DAD and LC-MS/MS Methods for Determination of Avanafil in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Identification of a Novel Degradation Product by LCMS-IT-TOF
Authors: CAN Nafiz Öncü
Published: July 2018

Avanafil (AVA), one of the most effective drugs prescribed for erectile dysfunction, is a pyrimidine-derivative PDE5 inhibitor. In the current work, new LC methods were developed and validated for quantitative determination of avanafil and qualitative determination of its degradation products. The quantitative determination of avanafil was carried out using liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (LC-DAD) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry LC-MS/MS methods, and fully validated according to the ICH Q2 (R1) guideline, while qualitative determination was performed using a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-ion trap-time of flight (LCMS-IT-TOF) instrument. The separation of avanafil and its degradation products was carried out using the same reversed-phase chromatographic conditions, in which a second-generation C18-bonded monolithic silica column (Chromolith® High Resolution RP-18e, 100 × 4.6 mm, Merck KGaA) was used as stationary phase. Briefly, the methods enable quantitation of avanafil with high accuracy (recovery > 95%) and precision (RSD% < 2.0), within the ranges of 0.5–20 μg/mL for LC-DAD and 150–6000 ng/mL for LC-MS/MS. In the forced degradation studies, over and above currently existing data, a new oxidation-based degradation product, whose predicted m/z is 367.1168, was identified and its structure was confirmed by high-resolution mass spectrometric analysis. As the main advantage, either an LC-DAD or LC-MS/MS instrument can be chosen for interference-free quantitation of AVA, according to the facilities in quality-control laboratories.
High-Pressure Homogenization Pretreatment before Enzymolysis of Soy Protein Isolate: the Effect of Pressure Level on Aggregation and Structural Conformations of the Protein
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhang Daofang , Li Xiangyang , Dong Haizhou
Published: July 2018

The high-pressure homogenization (HPH) treatment of soybean protein isolate (SPI) before enzymatic hydrolysis using bromelain was investigated. Homogenization pressure and cycle effects were evaluated on the enzymatic degree of hydrolysis and the antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates generated. The antioxidant activity of SPI hydrolysates was analyzed by 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The sizes and structures of the SPI-soluble aggregate after HPH treatment were analyzed using dynamic and static laser light scattering. The changes in the secondary structure, as measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the macromorphology of SPI, were measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM). These results suggested that the HPH treatment (66.65%) could increase the antioxidant activities of the SPI hydrolysates compared with the control (54.18%). SPI hydrolysates treated at 20 MPa for four cycles obtained higher DPPH radical-scavenging activity than other samples. The control was predicted to be a hard sphere, and SPI treatment at 10 MPa was speculated to be Gaussian coil, polydisperse, and then the high-pressure treated SPI became a hollow sphere. Changes in the secondary structures showed protein aggregate formation and rearrangements. The image of SPI varied from a globular to a clump structure, as observed by the SEM. In conclusion, combining HPH treatment and enzymolysis could be an effective way to improve the antioxidant activity of the SPI.
Nanocomposites of LLDPE and Surface-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals Prepared by Melt Processing
Authors: Anžlovar Alojz , Kunaver Matjaž , Krajnc Andraž , Žagar Ema
Published: July 2018

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were surface modified by esterification in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 25 °C using different catalysts and anhydrides bearing different alkyl side chain lengths. Unmodified and acetic anhydride (AcAnh)-modified CNCs were studied as potential nanofillers for linear low-density poly(ethylene) (LLDPE). Nanocomposites were prepared by melt processing. Determination of the size and size distribution of CNCs in the nanocomposites by SEM revealed an enhanced compatibility of the AcAnh-modified CNCs with the LLDPE matrix, since the average size of the aggregates of the modified CNCs (0.5–5 μm) was smaller compared to that of the unmodified CNCs (2–20 μm). Tensile test experiments revealed an increase in the nanocomposites’ stiffness and strain at break—by 20% and up to 90%, respectively—at the CNC concentration of 5 wt %, which is close to the critical percolation concentration. Since the CNC nanofiller simultaneously reduced LLDPE crystallinity, the reinforcement effect of CNCs was hampered. Therefore, the molding temperature was increased to 120 °C, and, in this way, the greatest increase of the Young’s modulus was achieved (by ~45%). Despite the enhanced compatibility of the AcAnh-modified CNCs with the LLDPE matrix, no additional effect on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was observed in comparison to the unmodified CNC.
Dietary Polyphenols and Periodontitis—A Mini-Review of Literature
Authors: Basu Arpita , Masek Emily , Ebersole Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2018

Periodontitis, which is a chronic infection and disease of the periodontium, is a significant global health burden and is linked to other chronic health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Dietary polyphenols present in a wide variety of plant-based foods, herbs, and botanicals have been shown to exert antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reduced osteoclast and alveolar bone loss activities in animal models of periodontitis. Polyphenol-containing beverages and foods especially green tea and its active catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate, cranberries, pomegranates, and fruit and vegetable extracts have reported bacteriostatic/bactericidal activity against microbial species such as P. gingivalis and shown total bacterial burden in clinical studies. These polyphenols also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which have the potential to impact various biological mechanisms for reducing the initiation and progression of periodontitis. The main objective of this mini-review is to focus on the mechanisms of action of dietary polyphenols in improving the pathophysiology underlying chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontitis based on pre-clinical and clinical models.