bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In the Images of Development
Authors: Banerjee Tridib
Published: June 2021

The urban legacy of the Global South since the colonial era and how sustainable development and environmental and social justice can be achieved.

Remarkably little of the expansive literature on development and globalization considers actual urban form and the physical design of cities as outcomes of these phenomena. The development that has shaped historic transformations in urban form and urbanism—and the consequent human experiences—remains largely unexplored. In this book, Tridib Banerjee fills this void by linking the idea of development with those of urbanism, urban form, and urban design, focusing primarily on the contemporary cities in the developing world—the Global South—and their intrinsic prospects in city design. Further, he examines the endogenous possibilities for the future design of these cities that may address growing inequality and the environmental crisis.

Banerjee deftly traces the urban legacy of the Global South from the beginning of the colonial era, closely examining the economic, political, and ideological forces that influenced colonial and postcolonial development, drawing from relevant experiences of different cities in the developing world and discussing the arguments for the historic parity of these cities with their Western counterparts. Finally, Banerjee considers essential notions of future city design that are grounded in the critical challenges of sustainable development, equity, environmental and social justice, and diversity, and how such outcomes can be achieved. This book serves as the opening of a long overdue conversation among design, development, and planning scholars and practitioners, and those interested in the urban development of the Global South.
Start codon disruption with CRISPR/Cas9 prevents murine Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Uehara Hironori , Zhang Xiaohui , Pereira Felipe , Narendran Siddharth , Choi Susie , Bhuvanagiri Sai , Liu Jinlu , Ravi Kumar Sangeetha , Bohner Austin , Carroll Lara , Archer Bonnie , Zhang Yue , Liu Wei , Gao Guangping , Ambati Jayakrishna , Jun Albert S , Ambati Balamurali K
Published: June 2021

A missense mutation of collagen type VIII alpha 2 chain (COL8A2) gene leads to early-onset Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), which progressively impairs vision through the loss of corneal endothelial cells. We demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-based postnatal gene editing achieves structural and functional rescue in a mouse model of FECD. A single intraocular injection of an adenovirus encoding both the Cas9 gene and guide RNA (Ad-Cas9-Col8a2gRNA) efficiently knocked down mutant COL8A2 expression in corneal endothelial cells, prevented endothelial cell loss, and rescued corneal endothelium pumping function in adult Col8a2 mutant mice. There were no adverse sequelae on histology or electroretinography. Col8a2 start codon disruption represents a non-surgical strategy to prevent vision loss in early-onset FECD. As this demonstrates the ability of Ad-Cas9-gRNA to restore the phenotype in adult post-mitotic cells, this method may be widely applicable to adult-onset diseases, even in tissues affected with disorders of non-reproducing cells.
Prevalence of Obesity, Dyslipidemia and Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Gastrojejunostomy
Authors: Kumar K Sunil , Sasidharan Abhishek
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Billroth Gastrojejunostomy (GJ) is less invasive surgery as compared to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), which is performed for obesity and weight loss. There is sparse data on long term metabolic effects of GJ, which was performed frequently in the past. Aim: To determine the prevalence of obesity, dyslipidemia and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in patients that had undergone GJ. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology, Government Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India, over a period of six years. All patients with history of GJ, done in past 15 years were included in the study. Presence of obesity, DM and dyslipidemia were noted among patients and was compared with their first degree relatives. Patients with family history of diabetes and without first degree relative were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test for qualitative variables and independent t-test for quantitative variables. Significance level was fixed as p-value of <0.05. Results: A total of 68 patients were studied. Mean age of patients was 64.01±10.2 years with males predominating the population (92.6%). The most common three reasons for presentation in gastroenterology were dyspeptic symptoms 32(47%), evaluation of anaemia 12 (17.6%), and history of malena 10(14.7%). Prevalence of diabetes was significantly less in patients with GJ (2.9% vs 22%). Obesity and dyslipidemia was also common in patients without GJ (7.3%), with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: Prevalence of obesity, DM and dyslipidemia is significantly lower in patients with GJ.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Medical Students Regarding Self-Medication in Sore Throat: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Saroha Nilank , Tomar Nitin , Singh Varun
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Self-medication is a prevalent problem worldwide. Especially, knowing the pattern among medical students is pertinent as they would be future physicians. It would be interesting to find out their self-medication practices in common ailment such as sore throat. Aim: To study the patterns of self-medication in sore throat among medical students. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, online questionnaire based survey (via google forms) conducted in Muzaffarnagar Medical College in October 2020-November 2020. Total 450 students form 2nd, 3rd and final year (150 per batch) were enrolled. Out of these, only 213 consented and participated in the study (82 from 2nd year, 93 from 3rd year and 38 from final year). Results were expressed as counts (n) and percentages (%) statistical analysis was done wherever appropriate. Results: Out of 213 (113 females and 100 males), who participated in the survey, 190 (89.2%) suffered from sore throat in last 1 year and 111 (58.42%) of these self-medicated for it. Self-medication practices increased with professional year, highest being in final year (27 of 38, 71.05%). Most common class of drug used was antibiotic (consumed by n=95, 85.59%). It was followed by analgesic/antipyretic (n=82, 73.87%) and antihistaminic (n=75, 67.57%). Overall, azithromycin was the most favoured independent drug for sore throat (n=68, 71.58%). More than half of the students who preferred antibiotic other than azithromycin (n=14/27, 51.85%), discontinued it within 3 days. Majority of students (n=126, 59.15%) did not support self-medication whereas 87 students (40.85%) believed self-medication to be good. Almost 1/5th of the students (n=46, 21.60%) confirmed that they will self-medicate in future, 107(50.23%) were not sure and only 60 (28.17%) refused to practice self-medication. One fifth students (n=42, 19.72%) felt that self-medication is a part of self-care and 30 (14.08%) would recommend it to others also. Prevalence of self-medication in sore throat was in 111 students (58.42%). Conclusion: A rising trend with progression of professional year was observed. An alarming fact in the present study was the high use of antibiotic in sore throat by our undergraduates. The students need to understand the indications of the medicines they prescribe to themselves or others.
Effects of Prilled Urea, Urea Briquettes and NPK Briquettes on the Growth, Yield and Nitrogen use Efficiency of BRRI Dhan48
Authors: Sharna S. B. Z. , Islam S. , Huda A. , Jahiruddin M. , Islam M. R.
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen is one of the most deficient plant nutrients in Bangladesh soils. The use nitrogenous fertilizer especially urea is a commonly used fertilizer for rice production but its efficiency very low about 30-40% under traditional broadcast method A field experiment was carried out  in the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during Aus rice growing season of 2014 to investigate the effects of prilled urea, urea briquettes and NPK briquettes on the growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency of BRRI dhan48. There were six treatments as T1 [check (N0P16K42], T2 [Urea briquette (one-3.4 g) (N52P16K42)], T3 (Urea briquette (one-2.7 g (N78P16K42)], T4 [NPK briquette (one-3.4g)(N51P13K32], T5 [Prilled urea (N78P16K42)] and T6 [NPK briquettes(two-2.4 g briquettes (N78P15K42)]. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and four replications. Prilled urea was applied in two equal splits application; at 8 days after transplanting (DAT) and the second dose after 38 DAT, while for urea briquettes and NPK briquettes were deep placed (8-10 cm depth) at 8 DAT between four hills at alternate rows. Water samples were collected for every 7 consecutive days and analyzed for NH4-N. The results showed that the NH4-N concentration in floodwater reached to maximum on day 2 in PU treated plots and then decreased  with time, while the urea briquettes and NPK briquettes treated plots slowly produced NH4-N over the growth period. The highest grain yield of 4.75 t ha-1 (69% over control) was obtained in the treatment T3 [Urea briquette (one-2.7g) (N78P16K42)]. The treatment T3 also produced the highest straw yield of 5.49 t ha-1. The maximum apparent N recovery and the maximum N use efficiency were found in the treatment T4 [NPK briquette (one-3.4g) (N51P13K32)]. It appeared that the deep placement of urea briquettes and NPK briquettes reduced N-losses and enhanced the recovery of applied N as well as N use efficiency in comparison with PU application.
Repellency Effects of Three Indigenous Plant Extracts Against the Red Rust Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Medugu M. A.
Published: June 2021

Background: The current study was conducted in the Laboratory of Department of Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola to evaluate the repellent effects of different concentrations of extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem, Moringa oleifera (Drum stick) and Hyptis souveolens (Pig weed) against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at various time intervals and their interactions. Three concentrations viz; 5, 10 and 15% were applied to evaluate the Repellence of T. castaneum at five different exposure periods of 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. Repellence action of extracts of A. indica, H. souveolens and M. oleifera evaluated against the T. castaneum had maximum repellency (81.63%) at highest concentration of 15%, followed by H. souveolens (79.37%) and M. oleifera (50.46%). Regarding interaction between concentration and time, repellence increases with respect to increase in concentration, but reduces with passage of time. This shows that toxicity effects of these plant extracts is directly affected by concentration and time. Therefore, this study confirmed that these plant extracts are effective in the management of T. castaneum and most effectively at higher concentration within short period of time.
Stress-Strength Reliability Quantification using M-Transformed Exponential Distributions
Authors: Khan Adil H. , Jan T. R.
Published: June 2021

The term “Stress-Strength reliability” means , where a system or an equipment with random strength X is subjected to random stress Y in a way that system breaks down, if the stress surpasses the strength. In this paper, a system is considered with standby redundancy, and it is presumed that the distinct components in the system for both stress and strength variables are independent and have different probability distributions viz. M- Transformed Exponential, Exponential, Gamma and Lindley. The expressions for the marginal reliabilities  etc. based on its stress-strength models are obtained.
Cytotoxicity and Bioremediation of Heavy Metals by Highly Resistant Marine Bacteria
Authors: Danial Enas N. , Majrashi Walaa A , Afif Ahlam O. Bin , Alamri Ebtehal S , Alhatimi Entesar M. , Alghamdi Nowayer J.
Published: June 2021

Environmental pollution of heavy metals is increasingly becoming a problem and has become of great concern due to the adverse effects it is causing around the world. These inorganic pollutants are being discarded in our waters, soils and into the atmosphere due to the rapidly growing agriculture and metal industries, improper waste disposal, fertilizers, and pesticides. Pollution in industrial areas is a serious environmental concern. Wastewater containing biotoxic substances of heavy metals in the ecosystem is one of the most important environmental and health challenges in our society. Hence, there is a growing need for the development of novel, efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the remediation of inorganic metals (Cr, Hg, Cd, and Pb) released into the environment and to safeguard the ecosystem. Mercury (Hg), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) are known to cause damage to living organisms, including human beings. In this regard, recent advances in microbes-base heavy metal have propelled bioremediation as a prospective alternative to conventional techniques. Heavy metals are nonbiodegradable and could be toxic to microbes. Several microorganisms have evolved to develop detoxification mechanisms to counter the toxic effects of these inorganic metals. Several marine bacteria highly resistant and capable of growing at higher concentrations of Hg, Cr, Cd and Pb and to evaluate their potential to detoxify. Their detoxification efficiency for Hg, Cr, Cd and Pb indicates good potential for application in bioremediation of toxic heavy metals.
Effect of Equipment Credit on the Agricultural Income of Cotton Producers in Mali
Authors: Toure Lassana
Published: June 2021

In Mali, lack of access to agricultural credit becomes a factor behind low farmer income and even rural poverty. However, agricultural credit is seen as a tool to increase production as well as farm income. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of equipment credit on the income of cotton producers in Mali. To this end, a survey was carried out among 400 producers in 2019, 127 of whom had had their equipment credit applications accepted, compared to 273 who had not had their equipment credit applications accepted. The survey was carried out in the areas of the Compagnie Malienne de Développement de Textiles (CMDT) of Fana and Koutiala in Mali. The method of analysis is the estimation of the instrumental variables multiple regression model of credit, implementing the estimation method of Heckman (1979) to account for the zero profit for 16% of the producers. The results of the econometric model estimates show that the variables that lead to an increase in income at the 5% threshold are: access to credit, quantity sold of cotton, costs of material goods used on the farm, total area sown, quantity sold of other crops, selling price of other crops. In other words, access to equipment credit could enable cotton producers to improve their income by 35%. Equipment credit entitles farmers to use more capital goods on the farm. This use of equipment increases agricultural productivity and yields, and in turn increases farm income.Based on these results, we can make some policy recommendations to boost cotton production, make other crops more beneficial to producers andgrant more equipment credit.
Evaluation of Catalase and Manganese in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
Authors: Nwakulite Arvin , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Eze Richard , Vincent C. C. N. , Chukwurah Ejike Felix , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Ibekwe Adaobi Maryann , Adike Calista Ndidi , Chukwuani Ufuoma , Ifionu Bart I.
Published: June 2021

This study was carried out to evaluate catalase and manganese in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A total of 40 subjects Were included in this study. This comprised of equal number of male and female subjects respectively. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used for this study. The result showed that there is a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the fasting blood sugar level of male diabetics (11.3±3.1) when compared with male non diabetics (4.0±0.4), and female diabetics (9.4±0.8) when compared with female non-diabetics (3.8±0.3). There is no significant increase (P<0.05) in the mean catalase value of male diabetics (77.3±137.7) when compared with male (256.3±207.6) and female non diabetics (225.1±233.9) But there is significant increase in female diabetics (27.8±14.7) when compared with controls (77.3±137.7) and female non diabetics (225.1±233.9).There is also significant decrease (P<0.05) in the mean Manganese value of male diabetics (0.5±0.6) when compared with male non diabetics (0.9±0.3) and female diabetic(0.2±0.1) when compared with female non-diabetics (0.3±0.1).The result shows that serum catalase level and manganese is decreased in diabetic patients. It is therefore suggested that type 2 diabetes patient should consume meals and supplement rich in catalase and manganese.
Protective Role of Fisetin in STZ Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats
Authors: Kumari Savita , Kamboj Anjoo , Wanjari Manish , Sharma Anil Kumar
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Chronic diabetes mellitus associated with devastating complication the diabetic nephropathy, that further progress to ESRD,a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality in many countries worldwide. Accumulated evidences demonstrated that long standing hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis plays a significant role in DN. Fisetin, a bioflavonoid, exhibited variety of promising pharmacological properties such as, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic ,and anti-carcinogenics. Hence, the present study was hypothesized to investigate, the effect of fisetin on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6) as normal control, diabetic control (vehicle), Glimepiride (0.5 mg/kg, orally) and Fisetin treatment (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg, orally) groups. After the confirmation of diabetes, vehicle/drug treatments were started and continued for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, body weight, were measured on weekly basis.Thereafter, on the last day of treatment protocol, ie 42 day, serum insulin, HbA1c in blood, lipid parameters, creatinine, albumin and urea in serum and in urine creatinine excretion, albumin were measured along with urine volume and creatinine clearance. In addition, weight of kidney and histopathological studies were carried out.

Results: Fisetin treatment significantly attenuated reduction in body weight. Also, it significantly decreased the blood glucose level, ameliorate lipid profile and HbA1c (p<0.05) value, but serum insulin level were not much influenced. It also increased albumin in serum, decreased serum urea and creatinine and in urine, it reduced the urine volume, albumin with marked improvement in creatinine excretion and creatinine clearance. Further, the fisetin (10mg/kg) treatment attenuated oxidative stress and cytokines TNF-α (p<0.01), IL-1β (p<0.01), and IL-6 (p<0.05) level in kidney tissue along with amelioration of histopathological alterations compared to diabetic control rats. The standard drug, glimepiride also exhibited similar antidiabetic effect without much influence on oxidative stress, albumin in urine, and cytokine levels.

Conclusions: The results indicated that fisetin ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through its antidiabetic and antioxidant effect which may be attributed to inhibition of downward pathway of glycemia induced oxidative stress, inflammation and necroptosis of renal tissue.
Latent Factors of Non-filer: An Analysis of Data from Inland Revenue Office, Surkhet
Authors: Mainali Ram Prasad
Published: June 2021

This study examines the inducing factors of non-filters in income tax that analyses the data from one of the remote administrative unit of the Inland Revenue Department of Nepal, Surkhet. Descriptive analysis as well as a Chi-squared test is carried out to examine the impact of government grant policy on elevating non filers. “Grant in agriculture” is assessed as one of its latent factors. Result confirms its significant positive impact on upraising non-filers with a minimal impact on revenue. Therefore, it suggests to free-off grant seekers from compulsory registration in income tax as one of the eligibility criteria for grant application.
The Latest Update of Prognostic Factors of Stage III Colon Cancer Who Underwent Curative Operation and Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Yokoi Keigo , Naito Masanori , Yamashita Keishi , Ishii Satoru , Tanaka Toshimichi , Nishizawa Nobuyuki , Kojo Ken , Tsutsui Atsuko , Miura Hirohisa , Yamanashi Takahiro , Ogura Naoto , Sato Takeo , Nakamura Takatoshi , Watanabe Masahiko
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to explore the predicting factor of the poor prognosis of stage III colon cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer has become popular. However, the choice of the optimal adjuvant chemotherapy regimen still remains unclear. A total of 135 patients with stage III colon cancer, treated with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy from January 2007 to December 2012 at the Kitasato University East Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively in terms of clinicopathologic characteristics associated with survival and recurrence (median observation: 61 months). We used a multivariate Cox hazards model to identify independent prognostic factors in stage III colon cancer. Of the 135 patients, 38 had recurrence. Five-year overall survival was 83.9%, while 3-year recurrence-free survival was 72.8%. Oxaliplatin-containing adjuvant chemotherapy was almost exclusively applied to stage IIIB colon cancer. Univariate analysis of the negative prognostic factors were N2 (P = 0.0004); operation time (P = 0.0346); tumor size (P = 0.0092); depth of invasion (P = 0.005); histology (P = 0.0403); infiltration type (P < 0.0001); lymphatic permeation (ly3, P = 0.0001); and vascular permeation (v3, P = 0.0005). On multivariate analysis, the independent prognostic factors for relapse-free survival were v3 (P = 0.032) and N2 (P = 0.0216). Combination of the prognostic factors clearly stratified prognosis of stage III colon cancer patients, and those with either factor positive had a poor prognosis despite administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. Both v3 and pN2 may be critical prognostic factors in stage III colon cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy. This information would elucidate areas of concern in the present therapeutic strategy in stage III colon cancer.
Persistent Descending Mesocolon as a Risk Factor of Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Takahashi Hidekazu , Tanaka Nobuo , Takayama Osamu , Baba Masashi , Murata Masaru , Yamamoto Masayuki , Hiratsuka Masahiro
Published: June 2021

The objectives of this study are to clarify the significance of persistent descending mesocolon (PDM), a kind of intestinal malrotation, in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and present potentially useful preoperative diagnostic methods for PDM. Although several risk factors for laparoscopic colorectal surgery have been convincingly reported, the impact of PDM on laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer remains less studied. This was an observational study with a retrospective analysis. A consecutive 110 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery for colorectal cancer were included. To identify risk factors for operative time of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, we examined age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Performance Status score, tumor location, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and PDM as potential risk factors. For identification of appropriate preoperative diagnostic imaging, we reviewed three-dimensional vessel images reconstructed from computed tomographic slice data of all patients. During the study period, no effective pre- or intraoperative diagnoses of PDM were achieved. A total of 4 patients were diagnosed with PDM. Sex (P = 0.0032); tumor location (P = 0.0044); lymph node metastasis (P = 0.022); and PDM (P = 0.0007) were identified as risk factors based on multivariate analysis. A ventrally branched left colic artery visualized by three-dimensional imaging appeared to be a highly specific feature of PDM. Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with PDM was difficult without the recognition of PDM. PDM was well-defined preoperatively using three-dimensional vessels images reconstructed from computed tomographic slice data.
Long-Term Survival of Rectal Cancer With Lung Metastasis–A Case Report of Possible Metronomic Effect of Tegafur-Uracil
Authors: Hsu Tzu-Chi , Chen Ming-Jen
Published: June 2021

Background

A 76-year-old woman underwent a low anterior resection in May 2000 for a moderately differentiated Dukes' C adenocarcinoma of rectum. She started to take futraful and leucovorin as adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. A chest X-ray taken 7 months later was reported as having an irregular soft tissue nodule in right middle lung field. A subsequent computerized tomography (CT) scan of chest confirmed the lesion. A thoracotomy was suggested; however, the patient refused surgery. She also refused needle biopsy of the lung lesion for making a definite diagnosis.

Case summary

The patient had been continuously taking futraful and leucovorin as chemotherapeutic agent; in July 2001 she was switched to tegafur-uracil (UFUR) and leucovorin. She was admitted in October 2005 for shortness of breath. After conservative management, her condition improved and she was discharged. The patient still refused any workup for tissue diagnosis and any further aggressive treatment. Since then, she had been continuously taking UFUR and leucovorin then. An abdominal CT scan of in December 2009 was negative for metastasis. Several ultrasound examinations were also reported as having no metastasis in the follow-up period. A chest CT scan did show slow enlargement of the lung metastasis. Her carcinoembryonic antigen level was 3.85 ng/mL prior to surgery, and then fluctuated between 2.42 ng/mL and 6.34 ng/mL. In spite of progressive enlargement of the mass in her lung, the patient is asymptomatic and living well by herself. The only medication she is taking at the moment is UFUR and leucovorin.

Conclusions

This case suggested that long-term survival could be observed in a patient with metastatic disease from rectal cancer without aggressive chemotherapy. The metronomic effect of UFUR and leucovorin might be contributory to the patient's long-term survival. Elevation of CEA level is not necessarily observed with the presence and progress of metastasis of rectal cancer.
What determines violent behavior in men? Predicting physical, psychological, and sexual violent offending based on classification and regression tree analysis
Authors: Leiding Delia , Kaiser Franziska , Steffens Marion , Puiu Andrei A. , Habel Ute
Published: June 2021

Despite compelling evidence that victimization and offending co‐occur, it remains unclear what types of victimization are linked to specific forms of perpetration. Here we examined the relationship between physical, psychological, and sexual violence with respect to influencing variables including mental health, risk‐taking behaviors, and coping strategies. Data from 5385 men were collected as part of an epidemiological study on violence experience. A classification and regression tree analysis identified the main predictors of violence perpetration and classified violent offending into high‐ and low‐risk groups. Results indicate that violence is best predicted by previous exposure to violence and polyvictimization. Physical violence is best predicted by prior exposure to physical violence and this is further influenced by the frequency of and the age at which violence was experienced. Drug use was a strong predictor of physical and psychological violence. The latter is best predicted by a history of polyvictimization, the severity and the originator of violence. Sexual violence is strongly predicted by one's sexual violence experience. Other factors such as demographic characteristics are less predictive. Our results may contribute to the development of early prevention and intervention approaches that account for different risk factors. The significance of violence exposure suggest that intervention measures must focus on victims of early and prolonged experience of violence. On the strength of the link between drug use and violence, exposure to violence should be considered in drug prevention and intervention and vice versa.
A novel Schiff base macrocycle based on 1,1′‐binaphthyl for fluorescence recognition
Authors: Tokunaga Hiroki , Kazama Kotoha , Tsuboi Masaki , Miyasaka Makoto
Published: June 2021

A novel chiral polyimine macrocycle C‐1 was designed and synthesized by the self‐condensation of the dialdehyde of the chiral dinaphtho[2,1‐d:1′,2′‐f][1,3]dioxepine derivative and o‐phenylenediamine by Schiff base formation, and the corresponding polyamine macrocycle C‐1H was obtained by the reduction of the polyimine macrocycle. The UV–vis and fluorescence spectral studies indicated that both C‐1 and C‐1H form the complex with metal ions in a 1:2 ratio. The fluorescence behaviour of C‐1 upon the addition of Zn2+ or Cd2+ showed a ‘turn‐on’ response accompanied by fluorescence enhancement at 510 nm six times for Cd2+ and 13 times for Zn2+. In contrast, C‐1H revealed a ‘turn‐off’ response upon the addition of Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+.
Neuroprotective Activities of Constituents from Phyllosticta capitalensis, an Endophyte Fungus of Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxia , Liu Ying , Hu Yunwei , Lv Xin , Shi Zhaoxia , Yu Yuanyuan , Jiang Xueyang , Feng Feng , Xu Jian
Published: June 2021

One new dioxolanone derivative, guignardianone G (1) and twelve known compounds (2–13) were isolated from the 95 % ethanol extract of the plant endophytic fungus Phyllosticta capitalensis cultured in rice medium. Among these known compounds, isoaltenuene (3), brassicasterol (7), 5,6‐epoxyergosterol (8), citreoanthrasteroid A (9), demethylincisterol A (10), and chaxine C (11) were reported from Phyllosticta sp. for the first time. The structure of 1 was elucidated by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR experiments and HR‐ESI‐MS data analysis, and its absolute configuration was established through the comprehensive use of the methods of modified Mosher methods, calculations of ECD spectra and optical rotation values. The neuroprotective activity of compounds (1–9, 11–13) were evaluated on PC12 cells damage induced by glutamate, and compounds 9 and 12 showed potential neuroprotective activities with half effective concentration (EC50) of 24.2 and 33.9 μM, respectively.
Re‐Programming and Optimization of aL‐Prolinecis‐4‐Hydroxylase for thecis‐3‐Halogenation of its Native Substrate
Authors: Papadopoulou Athena , Meierhofer Jasmin , Meyer Fabian , Hayashi Takahiro , Schneider Samuel , Sager Emine , Buller Rebecca
Published: June 2021

Non‐heme iron/α‐ketoglutarate dependent halogenases acting on freestanding substrates catalyze the regio‐ and stereoselective halogenation of inactivated C(sp3)‐H bonds. Yet, with only a handful of these halogenases characterized, the biosynthetic potential of enzymatic radical halogenation remains limited. Herein, we describe the remodeling ofL‐prolinecis‐4‐hydroxylase fromSinorhizobium melilotiinto a halogenase by introduction of a single point mutation (D108G) into the enzyme's active site. The re‐programmed halogenase displays a striking regio‐divergent reaction chemistry: While halogenation ofL‐proline exclusively occurs at the C3‐position, the retained hydroxylation activity leads to derivatization at the C4‐position, corresponding to the regioselectivity of the wildtype enzyme. By employing several rounds of directed evolution, an optimized halogenase variant with 98‐fold improved apparentkcat/Kmfor chlorination ofL‐proline compared to the parental enzyme SmP4H (D108G) was identified. The development and optimization of this novel halogenation biocatalyst highlights the possibility to rationally harness the chemical versatility of non‐heme Fe/αKG dependent dioxygenases for C−H functionalization.
COVID‐19 outcomes in hospitalized patients with active cancer: Experiences from a major New York City health care system
Authors: Fu Chen , Stoeckle James H. , Masri Lena , Pandey Abhishek , Cao Meng , Littman Dalia , Rybstein Marissa , Saith Sunil E. , Yarta Kinan , Rohatgi Abhinav , Makarov Danil V. , Sherman Scott E. , Morrissey Christy , Jordan Alexander C. , Razzo Beatrice , Theprungsirikul Poy , Tsai Joseph , Becker Daniel J.
Published: June 2021

Background

The authors sought to study the risk factors associated with severe outcomes in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with cancer.

Methods

The authors queried the New York University Langone Medical Center's records for hospitalized patients who were polymerase chain reaction–positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV‐2) and performed chart reviews on patients with cancer diagnoses to identify patients with active cancer and patients with a history of cancer. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between clinical, demographic, and laboratory characteristics with outcomes, including death and admission to the intensive care unit.

Results

A total of 4184 hospitalized SARS CoV‐2+ patients, including 233 with active cancer, were identified. Patients with active cancer were more likely to die than those with a history of cancer and those without any cancer history (34.3% vs 27.6% vs 20%, respectively; P < .01). In multivariable regression among all patients, active cancer (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; CI, 1.34‐2.67; P < .01), older age (OR, 1.06; CI, 1.05‐1.06; P < .01), male sex (OR for female vs male, 0.70; CI, 0.58‐0.84; P < .01), diabetes (OR, 1.26; CI, 1.04‐1.53; P = .02), morbidly obese body mass index (OR, 1.87; CI, 1.24‐2.81; P < .01), and elevated D‐dimer (OR, 6.41 for value >2300; CI, 4.75‐8.66; P < .01) were associated with increased mortality. Recent cancer‐directed medical therapy was not associated with death in multivariable analysis. Among patients with active cancer, those with a hematologic malignancy had the highest mortality rate in comparison with other cancer types (47.83% vs 28.66%; P < .01).

Conclusions

The authors found that patients with an active cancer diagnosis were more likely to die from COVID‐19. Those with hematologic malignancies were at the highest risk of death. Patients receiving cancer‐directed therapy within 3 months before hospitalization had no overall increased risk of death.

Lay Summary

Our investigators found that hospitalized patients with active cancer were more likely to die from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) than those with a history of cancer and those without any cancer history.

Patients with hematologic cancers were the most likely among patients with cancer to die from COVID‐19.

Patients who received cancer therapy within 3 months before hospitalization did not have an increased risk of death.
Influence of the Number, Nature and Position of Methyl Posttranscriptional Modifications on Nucleobase Stacking in RNA
Authors: Kagra Deepika , Mahmi Amanpreet Singh , Kumar N. V. Suresh , Prabhakar Preethi Seelam , Sharma Purshotam
Published: June 2021

DFT calculations are employed to quantify the influence of the presence, number, nature, and position of posttranscriptional methylation on stacking strength of RNA bases. We carry out detailed potential energy scans of the variation in stacking energies with characteristic geometrical parameters in three categories of forty stacked dimers – canonical base homodimers (N||N), methylated base homodimers (mN||mN) and heterodimers of canonical bases and methylated counterparts (N||mN). Our analysis reveals that neutral methylation invariably enhances the stacking of bases. Further, N||mN stacking is stronger than mN||mN stacking and charged N||mN exhibit strongest stacking among all dimers. This indicates that methylations greatly enhance stacking when dispersed in RNA sequences containing identical bases. Comparison of stacks involving singly‐ and doubly‐methylated purines reveal that incremental methylation enhances the stacking in neutral dimers. Although methylation at the carbon position of neutral pyrimidine dimers greatly enhances the stacking, methylation on the 5‐membered ring imparts better stacking compared to methylation on the 6‐membered ring in adenine dimers. However, methylation at the ring nitrogen (N1) provides better stacking than the amino group (N2) in guanine dimers. Our results thus highlight subtle structural effects of methylation on RNA base stacking and will enhance our understanding of the physicochemical principles of RNA structure and dynamics.
Techniques used to assess intussusceptive angiogenesis: A systematic review
Authors: Du Cheyne Charis , Smeets Marloes , De Spiegelaere Ward
Published: June 2021

Intussusceptive angiogenesis (IA) is an important physiological form of angiogenesis in which an existing vessel splits in two by the formation of an intraluminal tissue pillar. The presence of these intraluminal pillars form the hallmark of ongoing IA in growing vascular beds. However, their visualization is technically challenging. The goal of this systematic review was to investigate which techniques are being used to identify intraluminal pillars and to formulate important points to keep in mind when studying IA. A systematic literature search resulted in 154 evaluated articles of which the majority (65%) provided sufficient data to unambiguously demonstrate the presence of intraluminal pillars. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of vascular corrosion casts and serial sectioning of ultrathin sections are the most used techniques. New methods such as serial block face scanning electron microscopy and micro computed tomography (μCT) are gaining importance. Moreover, our results indicate that IA was studied in a variety of animals and tissues. IA is a biologically very relevant form of angiogenesis. Techniques to visualize intraluminal pillars need to have a minimal resolution of 1 μm and should provide information on the 3D‐nature of the pillars. Optimally, several techniques are combined to demonstrate ongoing IA.
Effect of sacubitril/valsartan vs. enalapril on changes in heart failure therapies over time: the PARADIGM‐HF trial
Authors: Bhatt Ankeet S. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Claggett Brian L. , Liu Jiankang , Packer Milton , Desai Akshay S. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Rouleau Jean L. , Shi Victor C. , Zile Michael R. , Swedberg Karl , Vardeny Orly , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: June 2021

Aims

Sacubitril/valsartan improves morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether initiation of sacubitril/valsartan limits the use and dosing of other elements of guideline‐directed medical therapy for HFrEF is unknown. We examined the effects of sacubitril/valsartan, compared with enalapril, on β‐blocker and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) use and dosing in a large randomized clinical trial.

Methods and results

Patients with full data on medication use were included. We examined β‐blocker and MRA use in patients randomized to sacubitril/valsartan vs. enalapril through 12‐month follow‐up. New initiations and discontinuations of β‐blocker and MRA were compared between treatment groups. Overall, 8398 (99.9%) had full medication and dose data at baseline. Baseline use of β‐blocker and MRA at any dose was 87% and 56%, respectively. Mean doses of β‐blocker and MRA were similar between treatment groups at baseline and at 6‐month and 12‐month follow‐up. New initiations through 12‐month follow‐up were infrequent and similar in the sacubitril/valsartan and enalapril groups for β‐blockers [37 (9.0%) vs. 42 (10.2%), P = 0.56] and MRA [127 (7.6%) vs. 143 (9.2%), P = 0.10]. Among patients on MRA therapy at baseline, there were fewer MRA discontinuations in patients on sacubitril/valsartan as compared with enalapril at 12 months [125 (6.2%) vs. 187 (9.0%), P = 0.001]. Discontinuations of β‐blockers were not significantly different between groups in follow‐up (2.2% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.26).

Conclusions

Initiation of sacubitril/valsartan, even when titrated to target dose, did not appear to lead to greater discontinuation or dose down‐titration of other key guideline‐directed medical therapies, and was associated with fewer discontinuations of MRA. Use of sacubitril/valsartan (when compared with enalapril) may promote sustained MRA use in follow‐up.
Chemical Synthesis of the Nucleoside Antibiotic Capuramycin
Authors: Xiao Guozhi , He Haiqing
Published: June 2021

Capuramycin is an important lead nucleoside antibiotic for the development of new therapeutic agents against the multidrug‐resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections. Due to the poor accessibilities, the heterogeneous issues and difficulties in the modification of capuramycin at the specific positions, in‐depth studies on the structure‐activity relationships (SAR) of capuramycin are hampered. Chemical synthesis is a reliable and effective method to provide capuramycin and its analogues. Thus far, only four different synthetic routes toward capuramycin have been reported. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on the chemical synthesis of capuramycin.
A Novel Flow‐injection Rhodium Nanoparticles Modified Phosphate Biosensor and its Operation in Artificial Urine
Authors: Kilic Muhammet Samet
Published: June 2021

A biosensor for phosphate determination with the flow‐injection system was developed using rhodium nanoparticles modified Poly(pyrrole‐co‐[1‐(2‐aminophenyl) pyrrole])/pyruvate oxidase. The biosensor showed a very wide linearity up to 70 mM phosphate concentration compared to previously reports, response time of 4 s., operational stability with a relative standard deviation of 0.009 % and accuracy of 99.4 %±0.949 at a flow rate of 2.0 Ml min.−1 at exactly −0.68 V. Detection limit were calculated to be 21±0.001 μM by preserving 81.1 % of its initial response at the end of 16th days. Artificial urine was analyzed without dilution to investigate biosensor performance.
Flame‐retardant treatment of Lyocell fibers and effects on various fiber properties
Authors: Peng Kang , Meng Yongwei , Zhang Huihui , Yang Gesheng , Shao Huili
Published: June 2021

Hexamethylolmelamine was used as a cross‐linking agent to graft 3‐(dimethylphosphono)‐N‐methylolpropionamide (MDPA) onto Lyocell fibers in a posttreatment process to reduce flammability. The effects of processing conditions on the mechanical properties and P content of the fibers were examined. The results show that increasing the MDPA concentration, microwave treatment time, baking temperature, and baking time increases the P concentration in the fibers, although the mechanical properties of the fibers are reduced to varying degrees. The optimal processing conditions comprise a 40% MDPA concentration, a 320 W microwave treatment for 3 minutes, and baking at 160°C for 5 minutes. Under these conditions, flame‐retardant Lyocell fibers with a breaking strength of 2.47 cN·dtex−1 and a limiting oxygen index of 34.6% were obtained, which meet the performance requirements for textile fibers. Thermogravimetric data indicate that the residual fiber mass after heating increased from 4.7% before treatment to 21.5% after treatment. There was only a minimal change in the hygroscopicity of the treated Lyocell fibers. In addition, after 30 washes, the limiting oxygen index was decreased to 26.5% while maintaining a good flame‐retardant effect.
Downregulation of circ_0012152 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells through the miR‐625‐5p/SOX12 axis
Authors: Shang Zhen , Ming Xi , Wu Jiaying , Xiao Yi
Published: June 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease featured by a clonal proliferation derived from primitive hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as crucial regulators in the progression of various cancers, including AML. However, the molecular mechanism of AML is still not definite. This study aimed to explore the influences of circ_0012152 on cell development in AML cells and the underlying regulatory mechanism. The expression of circ_0012152, microRNA‐625‐5p (miR‐625‐5p) and sex‐determining region Y‐related high mobility group box 12 (SOX12) was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation of AML cells was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay for cell viability, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine incorporation assay for DNA biosynthesis and flow cytometry for cell cycle distribution, respectively. The death of AML cells was detected by flow cytometry. The protein expression was assessed by Western blot assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were carried out to examine the relationships among circ_0012152, miR‐625‐5p and SOX12. The expression of circ_0012152 was increased in AML tissues and cells and circ_0012152 knockdown suppressed proliferation and promoted death in AML cells. Further exploration revealed that circ_0012152 inhibited miR‐625‐5p expression and downregulation of miR‐625‐5p overturned the effects of circ_0012152 knockdown on proliferation and death in AML cells. Moreover, miR‐625‐5p targeted SOX12 and circ_0012152 facilitated the expression of SOX12 by relieving miR‐625‐5p‐mediated inhibitory effect on SOX12 in AML cells. Circ_0012152 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and promoted death by targeting SOX12 mediated by miR‐625‐5p in AML cells.
Evaluation of a high‐performance liquid chromatography method for urinary oxalate determination and investigation regarding the pediatric reference interval of spot urinary oxalate to creatinine ratio for screening of primary hyperoxaluria
Authors: Shen Ying , Luo Xia , Li Huijun , Guan Qing , Cheng Liming
Published: June 2021

Background

Urinary oxalate can provide important clues for the screening and monitoring of children with primary hyperoxaluria (PH), which is a potentially life‐threatening condition. However, little effort has been devoted to improve the oxalate assay in recent years. We have proposed a reliable and cost‐effective high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for urinary oxalate determination.

Methods

Urine specimens were centrifuged after one‐step derivatization, and the supernatants were subjected to HPLC analysis.

Results

The method was validated with consistent linearity from 0.0625 to 2.0 mmol/L with coefficients of variation ≤7.73%, good recovery, low carryover, satisfactory sample stability, and analytical specificity. The lower limit of quantification and the limit of detection were 0.03130 and 0.0156 mmol/L, respectively. Imprecision values were ≤2.92% and ≤16.6% for externally and internally produced controls, respectively. The pediatric reference interval of spot urinary oxalate to creatinine ratios was established together with its application in screening of PH in patients with renal diseases, revealing its successful deployment in our laboratory.

Conclusions

This reliable HPLC method could serve as a significant tool to determine urinary oxalate levels for screening and monitoring of children with PH in routine clinical laboratories.
One‐pot synthesis of new functionalized 4H‐chromen‐4‐ylidene derivatives
Authors: Saeni Vosough , Bayat Mohammad , Hosseini Fahimeh Sadat
Published: June 2021

A simple synthesis of new series of functionalized chromene derivatives through an efficient, one‐pot, multicomponent reaction of nitroketene N,S‐acetals, salicylaldehydes, and cyanoacetohydrazide in ethanol at ambient temperature in good to high yields is reported. This novel efficient method has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, absence of catalyst, simple work‐up, and the non‐chromatographic purification of products.