bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micropropagation and Ex Vitro Rooting of Wolfberry
Authors: Silvestri Cristian , Sabbatini Gianmarco , Marangelli Federico , Rugini Eddo , Cristofori Valerio
Published: October 2018

An accurate protocol for the in vitro propagation of a commercial wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) cv. Nixia 1 has been developed through axillary shoot proliferation. Driver and Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 0.5 mg/L) and sucrose 3% w/v gave the best results compared with other basal media tested, with significantly improved production of multiple shoots direct from nodal segment explants, resulting in an average of 6.73 shoots/explant with an average of 7.45 nodes/shoot that would potentially form new explants. Rooting of shoot explants was carried out both in vitro and ex vitro with 0.5 and 1 mg/L of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), with or without adding putrescine (160 mg/L). In all cases, rooting efficiency resulted very high, and putrescine was effective only when combined with a low concentration of auxin. Plantlets were hardened off in jiffy pots under greenhouse conditions, with a survival rate of more than 90%. Ex vitro rooting, performed by dipping in an aqueous solution of IBA 100 mg/L, is the preferred technique not only because rooting and acclimatization are very high but also reducing micropropagation to one phase is more economical.
Soil Health and Yields on Non‐Sodic Soils Amended with Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum
Authors: Presley D. , He Y. , Tomlinson P.
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Flue gas desulfurization gypsum did not affect crop yield or grain.

Flue gas desulfurization gypsum did not improve soil physical properties.

Soil sulfate levels increased at both sites, electrical conductivity increased at one site.

There were no effects on soil microbial community size or structure.

Flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) is approved for use in Kansas as a fertilizer and as a soil amendment. Gypsum is an effective product used in remediation of sodic soils. Marketing has promoted the general use of FGDG as a means of improving soil health, and this has prompted extension questions regarding whether or not FGDG would be beneficial for soil health when applied to non‐sodic soils. Two 3‐year studies were conducted in Kansas from 2013 to 2015 on long‐term no‐tilled fields; one was done with small research plots, and the other site was an on‐farm collaboration with a producer and an agricultural retailer. No crop yield effects were observed for any of the site years. Soil SO4–S consistently increased with increasing FGDG at both sites. Electrical conductivity (EC) and Mehlich‐3 P values were affected by the treatments on the small‐plot study location, but not at the larger field study. The small‐plot study location received less‐than‐average precipitation every year of the project, while the larger on‐farm study location received above‐average precipitation two out of 3 years, likely explaining the differences in EC at the two sites. There were no treatment differences at either site for the selected soil physical and biological indicators of soil health. Based on the results of this project, FGDG did not improve the health of two no‐tilled, non‐irrigated, non‐sodic soils during a 3‐year period, other than to supply SO4–S.
Scheduling of Furrow Irrigation Initiation on Soybean Yield and Net Returns
Authors: Francis P.B. , Stark C.R. , Henry C.G. , Espinoza L. , Ismanov M. , Hayes S. , Earnest L.
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Irrigation delays reduced yield and profit for indeterminate soybean on loamy soils.

Irrigation delays did not affect a determinate cultivar on a loamy soil.

A 2‐week irrigation initiation delay can reduce yield on a cracking clay soil.

Delays in irrigation initiation will reduce plant heights and canopy cover.

The majority of soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) grown in alluvial soils of the Mid‐South USA are irrigated. The impact of delayed irrigation initiation of 0, 5, 10, and 15 days on soybean growth, yield, and economic returns was investigated for three seasons on two contrasting soils located 1,000‐ft distance apart: silt loam and silty clay. Scheduling was determined using the Arkansas Scheduler, a deficit‐driven program. On the silt loam soil, cultivars representing maturity groups (MG) 3, 4, and 5 were planted in 2007, 2009, and 2010. In 2007, delays of 15 days were omitted on the silt loam soil due to rain. On the silty clay, MG 4 was planted in 2008 and MG 5 in 2009 and 2010. Delays of 15 days reduced seed yields and net returns in 2 of 3 years on the silt loam for MG 3 and 4 cultivars but not for MG 5. On the silty clay, a 15‐day delay reduced yields in all three seasons but had no effect on net returns. Irrigation initiation delays reduced plant heights and canopy cover at both sites and all seasons, especially for 15‐day delays. Delays in irrigation initiation of 15 days increased risk for early maturing indeterminate cultivars more than later‐maturing determinate cultivars in the silt loam soil and for all cultivars in the silty clay. However, delaying irrigation initiation by as much as 10 days for determinate cultivars can potentially reduce irrigation costs without sacrificing yield and net returns.
Performance of Postemergence Broadleaf Herbicides Applied with Novel Lawn Care Application Equipment
Authors: Patton Aaron J. , Weisenberger Daniel V. , Schortgen Geoff P. , Fausey Jason C. , Breuninger James M.
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

Dandelion and white clover are equally controlled by postemergence herbicides using a range of commercially available turf application equipment.

Low carrier volume equipment with coarse droplet sizes provided acceptable postemergence broadleaf weed control in this study.

Turf herbicide labels need to be updated to indicate when low‐volume application equipment is effective.

The lawn care industry has recently shifted to using ride‐on sprayer/spreaders to make fertilizer and pesticide applications to lawn and athletic turf. This equipment has provided many benefits, but the small spray tanks necessitate a low application volume of 10 to 20 gal/acre, which is less than the recommended carrier volume on many turf herbicide labels. As such, our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of postemergence broadleaf herbicides using new ride‐on sprayers at low‐spray carrier volumes compared with traditional lawn application technology and spray carrier volumes of 43 to 87 gal/acre. Herbicides were applied with four different types of application equipment: PermaGreen Triumph Spreader/Sprayer at 10.9 gal/acre, Z‐Spray Junior calibrated to deliver either 10 or 20 gal/acre, Lesco ChemLawn Spray Gun at 87 gal/acre, and a hand‐held boom sprayer at 87 gal/acre. An analysis of variance revealed no differences in dandelion (P = 0.57) or white clover control (P = 0.61) with various postemergence herbicides as influenced by application equipment. Despite a low carrier volume and coarse droplet size, weeds were equally controlled by herbicides with low‐volume equipment. The similar performance of the application equipment across a range of spray carrier volumes allows for greater flexibility for applicators to use multiple pieces of equipment in their fleet depending on the individual site needs.
Raised Beds for Vegetable Production in Urban Agriculture
Authors: Miernicki Elizabeth A. , Lovell Sarah Taylor , Wortman Sam E.
Published: October 2018

Raised beds are commonly used in urban agriculture, but crop production benefits have not been well studied. The objective of this 2‐yr field experiment in Illinois was to determine the effects of urban production system (direct soil, raised bed with compost, or raised bed with mixed compost and soil) and fertilizer source on growing media properties, weed abundance, and vegetable crop yield. Due to the presence of compost, raised bed media had higher pH, organic matter, and nutrient concentrations. Water infiltration rate was 20× higher in raised beds with compost only compared to soil. Mixing soil with compost in raised beds reduced nutrient concentrations and water infiltration rate compared to compost‐only beds. Compost‐only raised beds required more irrigation than direct soil due to lower bulk density and greater porosity, but mixing soil with compost in raised beds reduced irrigation demand by 32% in year two. Compared to direct soil, compost‐only raised beds reduced grass and broadleaf weed abundance by as much as 97 and 93%, respectively. Radish (Raphanus sativus L.), kale (Brassica oleracea L.), and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) yields were highest in raised beds, regardless of growing media composition, whereas garlic (Allium sativum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yields were less influenced by production system. We recommend raised beds with a mix of compost and soil for vegetable production in urban agriculture.
Characterization of Select Wild Soybean Accessions in the USDA Germplasm Collection for Seed Composition and Agronomic Traits
Authors: La Thang , Large Edward , Taliercio Earl , Song Qijian , Gillman Jason D. , Xu Dong , Nguyen Henry T. , Shannon Grover , Scaboo Andrew
Published: October 2018

The relatively low genetic variation of current US soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars constrains the improvement of grain yield and other agronomic and seed composition traits. Recently, a substantial effort has been undertaken to introduce novel genetic diversity present in wild soybean (Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc.) into elite cultivars, in both public and private breeding programs. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the phenotypic diversity within a collection of 80 G. soja plant introductions (PIs) in the USDA National Genetic Resources Program and to analyze the correlations between agronomic and seed composition traits. Field tests were conducted in Missouri and North Carolina during 3 yr (2013, 2014, and 2015) in a randomized complete block design. The phenotypic data collected included plant maturity date, seed weight, and the seed concentration of protein, oil, essential amino acids, fatty acid, and soluble carbohydrates. We found that genotype was a significant (P < 0.0001) source of variation for maturity date, seed weight, seed protein and amino acids, seed oil and fatty acids, and seed carbohydrates, and significant correlations were observed between numerous traits. The G. soja PIs generally had lower seed weight, higher seed contents of protein, linolenic acid, raffinose, and stachyose, and lower seed contents of oil and oleic acid than the cultivated soybean G. max lines. The information and data collected in this study will be invaluable in guiding soybean breeders and geneticists in selecting promising G. soja PIs for research and cultivar improvement.
Genotype × Environment Interactions and Stability in Organic Wheat
Authors: Kucek Lisa Kissing , Santantonio Nicholas , Gauch Hugh G. , Dawson Julie C. , Mallory Ellen B. , Darby Heather M. , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: October 2018

Optimizing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for organic production can improve lagging yields worldwide. New genetic improvement programs, such as for organic wheat, require an understanding of genotype × environment interactions. Over 6 yr at 10 organically managed sites in the northeastern and north‐central United States, we assessed genotype × environment interactions for yield, test weight, protein, and falling number. We used an additive main effects and multiplicative interactions model to identify mega‐environments with distinct variety performance throughout the northeastern United States. Results indicate that organic wheat breeding and variety testing programs should decentralize selection into multiple locations. After determining the impact of changes in genotype performance across years, we assessed genotypes for stability in yield, test weight, protein, and falling number. Breeding for stability should be prioritized for the northeastern and north‐central United States, due to the large contribution of genotype × year interactions.
Follow-up and prognosis of HCM
Authors: Dominguez Fernando , Sanz-Sánchez Jorge , García-Pavía Pablo , Zorio Esther
Published: October 2018

[first paragraph of article]The frequency of follow-up visits in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is mainly determined by their symptoms, age and severity of disease. Clinical visits should focus on sudden cardiac death (SCD) and embolic risk-assessment, changes in symptoms, cardiac rhythm, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and left ventricular (LV) systolic function.
Talisman as an element of intangible heritage and commercialization of the sports event
Authors: Gureeva E. A.
Published: October 2018

The article studies the intangible heritage of sports event and, in particular, an official talisman of a sports competition as a carrier of cultural and commercial component. The goal of the research is to reveal the importance of the talisman of official competition for fans and estimate the demand for the product with the image of official talisman using the World Football Cup 2018 in Moscow as an example and at the same time to show profit from selling this type of product. The research was based on survey results aimed at identifying the demand for products with the event symbol. The author found out the following: 1. Expenses of fans from different countries on souvenir products with the event symbol were different; 2. Products with the event talisman were in the highest demand; 3. The total profit from selling souvenir products with the official talisman of the World Cup 2018 in Russia, Zabivaksa wolf made over €50m. As a conclusion the author provides recommendations on developing souvenir products with the official talisman of the event in order to maximize its cultural and commercial value. Key factors of the successful development of licensed products of sports competitions were shown.
Characteristics and specific features of virtual organizations
Authors: Kalenov O. E.
Published: October 2018

Trends of today’s market development, such as globalization, understanding the product quality, its price and the degree of customer satisfaction, as well as the growing importance of using information and communications technologies have led to emergence of new organizational forms of enterprise management. A fast developing trend in market interaction between business entities is a virtual form, which exists together with other organizational forms but represents another mechanism of structural coordination that differs from in-company and purely market mechanism. The author studies a new organizational form, characterizes its nature and provides a comparative analysis of virtual organization and virtual business-organization. The article characterizes virtual organization space, shows its key elements. Apart from that the author researches world and home experience in this field and gives examples of the most successful organizations. The article analyzes necessary conditions for virtual business functioning and shows its key advantages and disadvantages. It also studies the issue of labour organization at virtual enterprise and discusses basic tools of assigning functions to other companies or individuals. In the conclusion the author describes prospects of virtual business-organization development.
The development of generic business models of online retailers
Authors: Pushkin I. S.
Published: October 2018

The analysis of templates of the business models which are actively used during an analog era is presented in article and the author's template of a business model of an online retail including the following elements is offered: value for target groups of clients; the products/service made by the company, their quality, functionality, the created additional value; interaction with clients; technological platforms; innovations; services; digital chains of creation of value; the suppliers ready to interact in a digital format; technologies of management; risks. The presented techniques which are used during an analog era have certain shortcomings. On the one hand, they are universal, and with another – do not consider the certain specifics characteristic of business models of a digital era. In particular, there are no such elements as the technological platform and also the technologies used not only for the organization of digital chains of creation of value, but also for further effective digital control. On the basis of the analysis of the existing techniques of creation of business models and key elements of business models of world leaders in the field of production and sales of production the business model template adapted for creation of an online retail in the conditions of digital transformation is offered. The developed template of a business model can be used for start of a startup of the online retail or the translation existing offline business in an online format.
Technological innovation as a factor of sustainable economic development of the region
Authors: Voronova, T. A. , Garnov A. P. , Loginova E. V. , Ayvazov S. Yu.
Published: October 2018

The article explains the necessity and important role of innovation in industry and shows their impact on economy. There are indicators characterizing the position of Russian highly technological products on global market. Causes of low competitiveness of Russian producers were revealed. The article demonstrates the importance of new technologies for attaining sustainable development of industrial enterprises and analyzes indicators of innovation activity, which discloses the uneven development of the innovation system in different regions of the country. The authors ground the necessity of Russian industry passing over to a new level of development and identify the key lines in shaping the innovative infrastructure of regions. They underline specific features of pursuing innovation policy in Russia, highlight principle problems hindering the development of innovation processes and propose ways of their overcoming. A set of measures was designed aimed at smoothing out the lag of private sector development from the state one and at stimulating research and developments in the private sector. Research findings can be used to correct regional strategies of innovation development.
History of the Bukhara branch of the Azov-Don commercial bank
Authors: Alimdjanov B. A.
Published: October 2018

The article investigates foundations of work and functions of the Bukhara branch of the Azov-Don commercial bank. In soviet historiography banks were considered as colonialism tools (both Western and Russian). On the basis of archive data the author proves that finance institutions of the Russian Empire took into account the local specificity and stimulated production of export-oriented goods. The author uses inter-bank correspondence, annual reports of the branch director and materials of the Bukhara branch audit. For the first time active and passive bank transactions were researched, expenses and incomes of the bank were analyzed and personnel of the bank was studied. The author, in contrast to soviet and post-soviet researchers thinks that banks were not monopolists in economy of the Middle East. The Azov-Don bank had got a broad network of branches (4 branches) in the Middle East region. It tried to take in hand the export of cotton and fruit but could not become a monopolist in economic life of Turkestan. The principle cause of ‘failure’ according to the author was the adjustment of the bank to real economic relations in the Turkestan Governorship-General and khanates. Modernization of Central Asia economy, according to banks implied financing of export crops and intermediary between the metropolitan country and periphery. ‘Colonial’ periphery seemed to be an appealing field for investment and super-profit, but speculative nature of Turkestan economy stopped banks’ development. As a result economic modernization of the Middle East slowed down and opened the way to the soviet experiment.
Innovative regulating technologies: revision of finance supervision
Authors: Philippov D. I.
Published: October 2018

The global finance crisis of 2008 ushered a new era of finance technologies (fintech) marked by a whole wave of new start-ups supplying new technologies. At the same time the global finance crisis caused a serious reform of finance regulation and considerable revision of finance supervision efficiency. As a result of post-crisis reforms a drastic transformation of the finance market and finance services took place. The author shows that growth in finance technologies raises certain questions for finance bodies, for example, whether it is necessary to extend regulating and supervising perimeter; if new types of digital finance services comply with existing rules; how to identify, estimate, cut and monitor risks of fintech-innovation. There are also questions concerning possible disintermediation caused by finance technologies, which means the exclusion of mediators from production and sale chain, i.e. selling products directly to customers without wholesale and retail resellers and potential impact on finance stability as well as new ways of central banks functioning. And finally, another question, if risks to cyber-security and data protection are well understood, managed and reduced.
E-money: opportunities for quick payments and risks of their use for illegal purposes
Authors: Koval A. A. , Kuzmenkov M. Yu.
Published: October 2018

E-money is widely used in cross-border commercial relations. It can increase the speed and cut cost of payments for business. At the same time e-money can be used for laundering funds gained by criminal ways and for terrorism financing. FATF member-states use provisions of the legislation about fighting criminal incomes’ legalization in respect to e-money issuers. These countries also underline that special risk for criminal incomes’ legalization can be caused by anonymous money and pre-paid cards. Therefore, many countries fix in their national laws measures that ensure realization of risk-oriented approach directed at minimizing risks of money laundering and terrorism financing. For example, the EU develops amendments to the directive aiming at elimination of risks dealing with use of e-money and pre-paid cards for legalizing criminal incomes. The authors propose measures aimed at improvement of legislation about fighting money laundering and terrorism financing to minimize respective risks in using e-money. At the same time the necessity to develop conditions for extending possibilities of remote identification was pointed out, as it was envisaged by the program ‘Digital Economics of the Russian Federation’.
Predicting Inhibitors for Multidrug Resistance Associated Protein-2 Transporter by Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Kharangarh Sahil , Sandhu Hardeep , Tangadpalliwar Sujit , Garg Prabha
Published: October 2018

Background:

The efflux transporter multidrug resistance associated protein-2 belongs to
ATP-binding cassette superfamily which plays an important role in multidrug resistance and drugdrug
interactions. Efflux transporters are considered to be important targets for increasing the
efficacy of drugs and importance of computational study of efflux transporters for predicting
substrates, non-substrates, inhibitors and non-inhibitors is well documented. Previous work on
predictive models for inhibitors of multidrug resistance associated Protein-2 efflux transporter
showed that machine learning methods produced good results.

Objective:

The aim of the present work was to develop a machine learning predictive model to
classify inhibitors and non-inhibitors of multidrug resistance associated protein-2 transporter using a
well refined dataset.

Method:

In this study, the various algorithms of machine learning were used to develop the
predictive models i.e. support vector machine, random forest and k-nearest neighbor. The methods
like variance threshold, SelectKBest, random forest, and recursive feature elimination were used to
select the features generated by PyDPI. A total of 239 molecules consisting of 124 inhibitors and 115
non-inhibitors were used for model development.

Results:

The best multidrug resistance associated protein-2 inhibitor model showed prediction
accuracies of 0.76, 0.72 and 0.79 for training, 5-fold cross-validation and external sets, respectively.

Conclusion:

It was observed that support vector machine model built on features selected using
recursive feature elimination method shows the best performance. The developed model can be used
in the early stages of drug discovery for identifying the inhibitors of multidrug resistance associated
protein-2 efflux transporter.
Prediction of Ion Channels and their Types from Protein Sequences: Comprehensive Review and Comparative Assessment
Authors: Gao Jianzhao , Miao Zhen , Zhang Zhaopeng , Wei Hong , Kurgan Lukasz
Published: October 2018

Background: Ion channels are a large and growing protein family. Many of them are associated
with diseases, and consequently, they are targets for over 700 drugs. Discovery of new ion
channels is facilitated with computational methods that predict ion channels and their types from protein
sequences. However, these methods were never comprehensively compared and evaluated.

Objective: We offer first-of-its-kind comprehensive survey of the sequence-based predictors of ion
channels. We describe eight predictors that include five methods that predict ion channels, their types,
and four classes of the voltage-gated channels. We also develop and use a new benchmark dataset to
perform comparative empirical analysis of the three currently available predictors.

Results: While several methods that rely on different designs were published, only a few of them are
currently available and offer a broad scope of predictions. Support and availability after publication
should be required when new methods are considered for publication. Empirical analysis shows strong
performance for the prediction of ion channels and modest performance for the prediction of ion
channel types and voltage-gated channel classes. We identify a substantial weakness of current methods
that cannot accurately predict ion channels that are categorized into multiple classes/types.

Conclusion: Several predictors of ion channels are available to the end users. They offer practical levels
of predictive quality. Methods that rely on a larger and more diverse set of predictive inputs (such
as PSIONplus) are more accurate. New tools that address multi-label prediction of ion channels should
be developed.
Gemcitabine-loaded Folic Acid Tagged Liposomes: Improved Pharmacokinetic and Biodistribution Profile
Authors: Unnam Sambamoorthy , Panduragaiah Venkataraju Makam , Sidramappa Manjappa Arehalli , Muddana Eswara Bhanoji Rao
Published: October 2018

Background:

Gemcitabine (GEM) is found effective in the treatment of many solid tumors.
However, its use is restricted due to its small circulation half-life, fast metabolism and low capacity for
selective tumor uptake. Folate receptors (FRs) have been recognized as cellular surface markers, which
can be used for cancer targeting. PEGylated liposomes decorated with folic acid have been investigated
for several anticancer agents not only to extend plasma half-life but also for tumor targeting via folic
acid receptors which overexpressed on tumor cell surface.

Objective:

Therefore, the objective of the present study was to prepare GEM-loaded folic acid tagged
liposomes to improve the pharmacokinetics and tumor distribution of GEM.

Methods:

The blank folate-targeted liposomes composed of HSPC/DSPE-mPEG2000/DSPE-mPEG-Folic
acid were prepared first by thin film hydration technique. GEM was then loaded into liposomes by remote
loading technique. The optimized liposomal formulations were evaluated in vitro for GEM release
using dialysis technique, HeLa cell uptake using FACS technique, and cytotoxicity using MTT dye
reduction assay. The comparative in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution characteristics of radiolabeled
(99mTc-labeled) plain GEM solution, and all liposomal formulations (conventional:CLs; stealth:
SLs; folate targeted: FTLs) were evaluated in mice model.

Results:

GEM-loaded FTLs showed sustained release profile, efficient uptake by HeLa cells and greater
cytotoxicity. Further, FTLs displayed significantly improved pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution
profile of loaded GEM.

In conclusion, the developed GEM-loaded folic acid receptor-targeted liposomal formulation
could be a promising and potential alternative formulation for further development.
Permeation Efficacy of a Transdermal Vehicle with Steroidal Hormones and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents as Model Drugs
Authors: Junqueira Laura A. , Polonini Hudson , Loures Sharlene , Raposo Nádia R.B. , Ferreira Anderson O. , Brandão Marcos Antônio F.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Transdermal delivery is an alternative route for the administration of drugs.
However, it requires the development of vehicles that allow the drugs to cross the layers of the skin and
reach the systemic circulation.

Objective:

In this study, a new transdermal vehicle was evaluated using progesterone, estradiol, estradiol
+ estriol (Biest) and ketoprofen administered as model drugs.

Methods: To evaluate the ex vivo permeation of the drugs, the Franz vertical diffusion cell with human
skin was used.

Results:

After 24 h, the vehicle was able to deliver 18.32 µg/cm2 of progesterone and 92.07 µg/cm2 of
ketoprofen through the skin to the receptor medium. The permeation percentages were 91%, 78.8%,
48.5%, 73.2%, and 63.6%, respectively, for estradiol, estradiol (Biest), estriol (Biest), progesterone and
ketoprofen. For all drugs, sufficient amounts were delivered to achieve a systemic effect, and it was
also possible to decrease the amount of emulsion applied.

Thus, the vehicle demonstrated a high performance and the possibility of it being used for
drugs that present difficulties in regards to administration by the transdermal route.
Current Updates on Bone Grafting Biomaterials and Recombinant Human Growth Factors Implanted Biotherapy for Spinal Fusion: A Review of Human Clinical Studies
Authors: Li Guanbao , Li Pinquan , Chen Qiuan , Thu Hnin Ei , Hussain Zahid
Published: October 2018

Background:

Owing to their great promise in the spinal surgeries, bone graft substitutes have been widely investigated for their safety and clinical potential. By the current advances in the spinal surgery, an understanding of the precise biological mechanism of each bone graft substitute is mandatory for upholding the induction of solid spinal fusion.

Objective:

The aim of the present review is to critically discuss various surgical implications and level of evidence of most commonly employed bone graft substitutes for spinal fusion.

Method:

Data was collected via electronic search using “PubMed”, “SciFinder”, “ScienceDirect”, “Google Scholar”, “Web of Science” and a library search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and e-books.

Results:

Despite having exceptional inherent osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive features, clinical acceptability of autografts (patient’s own bone) is limited due to several perioperative and postoperative complications i.e., donor-site morbidities and limited graft supply. Alternatively, allografts (bone harvested from cadaver) have shown great promise in achieving acceptable bone fusion rate while alleviating the donor-site morbidities associated with implantation of autografts. As an adjuvant to allograft, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) has shown remarkable efficacy of bone fusion, when employed as graft extender or graft enhancer. Recent advances in recombinant technologies have made it possible to implant growth and differentiation factors (bone morphogenetic proteins) for spinal fusion.

Selection of a particular bone grafting biotherapy can be rationalized based on the level of spine fusion, clinical experience and preference of orthopaedic surgeon, and prevalence of donor-site morbidities.
Targeting Strategies for Glucose Metabolic Pathways and T Cells in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Jun-Jie , Guan Rui , Sun Yan , Shi Feng , Gao Jing , Fu Xing-Li
Published: October 2018

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous group of diseases that result from the accumulation of different sets of genomic alterations, together with epigenomic alterations, and it is influenced by tumor–host interactions, leading to tumor cell growth and glycolytic imbalances. This review summarizes recent findings that involve multiple signaling molecules and downstream genes in the dysregulated glycolytic pathway. This paper further discusses the role of the dysregulated glycolytic pathway in the tumor initiation, progression and the concomitant systemic immunosuppression commonly observed in colorectal cancer patients. Moreover, the relationship between colorectal cancer cells and T cells, especially CD8+ T cells, is discussed, while different aspects of metabolic pathway regulation in cancer cell proliferation are comprehensively defined. Furthermore, this study elaborates on metabolism in colorectal cancer, specifically key metabolic modulators together with regulators, glycolytic enzymes, and glucose deprivation induced by tumor cells and how they inhibit T-cell glycolysis and immunogenic functions. Moreover, metabolic pathways that are integral to T cell function, differentiation, and activation are described. Selective metabolic inhibitors or immunemodulation agents targeting these pathways may be clinically useful to increase effector T cell responses for colorectal cancer treatment. However, there is a need to identify specific antigens using a cancer patient-personalized approach and combination strategies with other therapeutic agents to effectively target tumor metabolic pathways.
Diabetes and Mortality in Acute Coronary Syndrome: Findings from the Gulf COAST Registry
Authors: Shehab Abdulla , Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Alshamsi Fayez , Al Kaab Juma , Thani Khalid Bin , Mustafa Ridha
Published: October 2018

Background:

The prevalence of traditional risk factors such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and
obesity are increasing in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Furthermore, outcomes after
ACS are worse in patients with DM. The high prevalence of DM and an early age at onset of ACS have
been described in prior publications from the Gulf Coast Database.

Aim:

We aimed to define the effect of DM on total mortality following ACS presentation at 30-days
and 1 year based on the Gulf COAST registry database.

Methods:

The Gulf COAST registry is a prospective, multinational, longitudinal, observational cohort
study conducted among Gulf citizens admitted with a diagnosis of ACS. The outcomes among patients
with DM following ACS were stratified into 2 groups based on their DM status. Cumulative survival
stratified by groups and subgroup categories was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

Of 3,576 ACS patients, 2,730 (76.3%) presented with non ST-segment elevation myocardial
infarction (NSTEMI) and 846 (23.6%) with STEMI. Overall, 1906 patients (53.3%) had DM. A significantly
higher in-hospital (4.8%), 30-day (6.7%) and 1-year (13.7%) mortality were observed in patients
with DM compared with those without DM. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed significant differences
in survival of ACS patients with or without DM, with a short period of time-to-event for DM
patients with STEMI (30-days) and the longest (1-year) for NSTEMI patients without DM.

Conclusion:

DM patients presenting with ACS-STEMI have poor short-term outcomes while DMNSTEMI
patients have poor long-term outcomes. This highlights the need for strategies to evaluate DM
control and integration of care to control vascular risk among this high-risk population.
Easy and Cheap Method for Synthesis of 5-Hydroxymethylfurural. The New Look At The Old Methodology
Authors: Lewkowski Jarosław , Grabowski Grzegorz
Published: October 2018

The easy and cheap method for the preparation of 5 hydroxymethylfurfural in a satisfactory yield is described in this paper. The method is a practical modification of the old methodology elaborated 74 years ago. Its requirements are so simple that it may be used in scarcely equipped provincial laboratories, which do not have any important financial support.
Mini-Review: “Ball-Type Phthalocyanines”: Similarities and Differences from Mono Phthalocyanines
Authors: Göl Emre Y. , Karabudak Engin
Published: October 2018

Ball-type phthalocyanines are recently synthesized binuclear derivatives of the widely
known phthalocyanine molecule. In the ball-type Pc molecule, two cofacially arranged Pc rings have
four bridged substituents on the peripheral positions of benzenes. Due to their cofacially arranged
phthalocyanine rings and, strong intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, ball-type phthalocyanines
have different properties than their parent molecule and these structures have many potential
application areas. This review describes three different synthesis methods of ball-type phthalocyanines;
synthesis in the solvent, synthesis in solid, and synthesis under microwave irradiation. The
synthesis that occurs in the shortest time with the highest yield is the synthesis in the solid phase.
General differences between a ball-type phthalocyanine and a monophthalocyanine, such as differences
in electronic spectra and effects of cofacial arrangement and central metal atoms, are also discussed.
The shape of the Q-bands indicates the differences in electronic spectra. In ball-type Pcs, the
Q-bands are broad and have poor resolution. Some potential applications, such as gas sensors, NLO
devices, potential usage in photodynamic therapy and artificial photosynthesis of ball-type phthalocyanines
are also mentioned. Ball-type Pcs can be used as a sensor for gases such as; CO2, CO, SO2,
VOC. A novel water-soluble ball-type Pc may have potential application in PDT. Finally, we consider
future prospects of these molecules.
Immunisation Status of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Rural Bangladesh: Results from the Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register (BCPR)
Authors: May P. , Smithers-Sheedy H. , Muhit M. , Cumming R. , Jones C. , Booy R. , Badawi N. , Khandaker G.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of physical disability in
childhood, with an estimated 17 million cases worldwide. There is limited data concerning the
general health of this population and the immunisation status of children with CP is largely unknown.

Objective:

We aimed to assess the immunisation status of children with CP in rural Bangladesh
and determine the predictors of non-immunisation.

Methods:

This study is part of the Bangladesh CP Register (BCPR) study; a population based CP
register commenced in January 2015 in the Shahjadpur sub-district of Bangladesh. As part of
BCPR registration, all children with CP in the catchment area were assessed by a paediatrician
and their clinical and immunisation history were collected.

Results:

Between January and December 2015, 615 children with CP were registered on the
BCPR. The median age of the children was 7.5 years, and 38.5% were female. 91.7% of those
children had a BCG vaccine scar (as an objective marker for immunisation at birth). However,
only 43.2% reported to have received the rubella vaccine during the 2014 national rubella immunisation
campaign. Timing of CP diagnosis was found to be an independent predictor for immunisation
uptake; those diagnosed before the age of 3 were more likely to have received the rubella
vaccine (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6 - 4.3, odds ratio [OR] 2.6, p <0.0001).

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to use a formal CP register to
examine the relationship between CP and immunisation status in a low or middle income country
like Bangladesh. Our data suggest that more than half of children with CP in rural Bangladesh did
not receive immunisation during a recent national campaign.
Probiotics for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases: An Updated Review of the Published Literature
Authors: Dailey Francis E. , Turse Erica P. , Rossow Brett , Kuwajima Vanessa K. , Tahan Veysel
Published: October 2018

Background:

Probiotics can be viewed as biological agents that modify the intestinal microbiota
and certain cytokine profiles, which can lead to an improvement in certain gastrointestinal
diseases, including diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, and liver disease.

Discussion:

Consumption of probiotics in their various forms, including yogurt, functional foods, and
dietary supplements, is frequently encountered worldwide. Often, however, the correct prescription of
these agents is dampened due to a lack of knowledge of the scientific evidence and the different presentations
and microbial compositions of the currently available probiotic options. Here, we provide an
up-to-date review of the evidence of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of various gastrointestinal
diseases.

Objective:

Consumption of probiotics in their various forms, including yogurt, functional foods, and
dietary supplements, is frequently encountered worldwide. Often, however, the correct prescription of
these agents is dampened due to a lack of knowledge of the scientific evidence and the different presentations
and microbial compositions of the currently available probiotic options.

Methods/Results:

Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the evidence of probiotics in the prevention
and treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases.

Conclusion:

While not efficacious in every disease process studied, probiotics have demonstrated
some benefit in several specific gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
Effectiveness of S-PRG Filler-Containing Toothpaste in Inhibiting Demineralization of Human Tooth Surface
Authors: Amaechi Bennett T. , Kasundra Hariyali , Joshi Deepika , Abdollahi Azadeh , Azees Parveez A. A. , Okoye Linda O.
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

Using an established pH-cycling caries model, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of toothpastes containing Surface Pre-reacted Glass-ionomer filler (S-PRG) in preventing tooth surface demineralization.

Materials and Methods:

210 tooth blocks were randomly assigned to seven experimental groups (30 blocks/group): no treatment (A), and toothpaste containing either NaF (B), 0 wt% S-PRG (C), 1 wt% S-PRG (D), 5 wt% S-PRG (E), 20 wt% S-PRG (F) or 30 wt% S-PRG (G). Groups were subjected to 14-day demineralization for development of early caries lesions using a pH-cycling caries model. Demineralization was assessed using Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) and Transverse Microradiography (TMR). All pairwise contrasts (between treatments) were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and then Tukey’s HSD for multiple comparisons. All p-values are considered significant if <0.05.

Results:

With QLF, there was a significant (ANOVA; p<0.001) difference in mean percent fluorescence loss (∆F) observed among the groups. Relative to control, all S-PRG-containing toothpastes significantly (Tukey’s; p<0.0001) inhibited demineralization at varying percentages (48.6%, 61.3%, 67.4% and 69.8% reduction with S-PRG 1%, 5%, 20% and 30% respectively). Demineralization reduction was not significant with either NaF (15.6% reduction) or 0% S-PRG (-2.5% reduction i.e. 2.5% more demineralization than the Control) when compared to control group. Mineral loss assessed using TMR followed a similar trend as fluorescence loss.

Conclusion:

Toothpaste containing S-PRG filler can serve as an effective caries control tool. S-PRG filler-containing dentifrice to be more effective in preventing tooth demineralization than 1100 ppm fluoride provided as sodium fluoride.
Is Conservative Surgery the Best Approach for Peripheral Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumors?
Authors: Flores Isadora Luana , Schneider Tissiana Rachel Rossi , Vasconcelos Ana Carolina Uchoa , Tarquinio Sandra Beatriz Chaves , Alves de Mesquita Ricardo , Gomes Ana Paula Neutzling
Published: October 2018

Background:

Peripheral Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumors (CEOT) rich in clear cells are a rare entity in the oral cavity, with only 14 previous case reports in the English literature. None have discussed recommended treatment approaches for extraosseous CEOT.

Objective:

This brief descriptive review describes a treatment approach for peripheral CEOT including the clear cell variant.

Study design:

A complete review of all well-documented extraosseous case reports with an emphasis on the treatment was performed. Additionally, the present article reports a case of a 21-year-old woman with an asymptomatic swelling in the gingiva finally diagnosed as peripheral CEOT abundant in clear cells.

Results:

Twenty-four cases of peripheral CEOT were described; conservative surgery was the first treatment approach in approximately 80% of cases, with only one recurrence.

Discussion:

Clear cell finding was not associated with more aggressive behavior.

Conclusion:

Conservative surgery may be an advantageous approach for this group of peripheral lesions with or without clear cells, with a recurrence rate of approximately 4%.
Chemical Constituents Isolated from Rhododendron ungernii with Antioxidant Profile
Authors: Dede Emine , Genc Nusret , Elmastas Mahfuz , Aksit Huseyin , Erenler Ramazan
Published: October 2018

Background:

Plant in Rhododendron genus that contains phenolic compounds has been used in traditional medicine and revealed considerable biological activities.

Objective:

Isolation and identification of antioxidant natural products from Rhododendron ungernii.

Methods:

Rhododendron ungernii Trautv. flowers were collected and dried in shade. The dried flowers were extracted with methanol for 3 days. The solvent was removed by reduced pressure to yield the extract which was subjected to column chromatography (Sephadex LH-20, C18 reversed phase column) to isolate catechin-7-O-glucoside (1), quercetin-3-O-β-galactoside (2), quercetin-3-O- β-xyloside (3), farrerol (4), myricetin (5), and quercetin (6). The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, and LC-TOF/MS. DPPH scavenging effect, ABTS+ scavenging activity, and reducing power (FRAP) were performed for antioxidant assays of isolated natural compounds.

Results:

Isolated flavonoids displayed the outstanding antioxidant activities. Catechin-7-O-glucoside (1) and quercetin-3-O-β-galactoside (2) (IC50, 3.66 µg/mL) had the most DPPH• scavenging effect among the compounds. The highest ABTS•+ scavenging activity (IC50, 1.41 µg/mL) and reducing power effect (6.05 mmol TE/g comp) were observed for myricetin (5).

Conclusion:

R. ungernii extract and isolated compounds could be a promising antioxidant for food and pharmaceutical industries.
On Energy-constrained Quickest Path Problem in Green Communication Using Intuitionistic Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Kumar Rajiv , Bajaj Rakesh K.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

A new variant of energy-constrained Quickest Path Problem (QPP) is being addressed in
Intuitionistic Trapezoidal Fuzzy environment. The consideration of energy with QPP enables to compute the
path for continuity aware critical applications. This new variant problem called as Energy-constrained Intuitionistic
Trapezoidal Fuzzy Quickest Path Problem (EITFQPP) has been considered and the computations for quickest
path have been carried out.

Methods:

As one of the important feature of the proposed model, the weight parameters associated
with a given link, e.g., delay, capacity, energy and data which are completely unknown and therefore,
based on the real life situations, they may be assumed as intuitionistic trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. An
algorithm to solve the EITFQPP for transmitting the fuzzy data in the network, where the nodes are associated
with a sufficient amount of energy (imprecise) for continuous data flow, has been proposed.

Results:

In order to illustrate the implementation of the proposed algorithm, a numerical example of
a benchmark network has been provided. The proposed algorithm successfully provides a quickest
path using shortest paths computations under the energy constrained approach.

Conclusion:

The illustration through a numerical example shows the effectiveness of consideration
of energy in the selections of set of paths. Finally, some of the possible directions for the future research
are also discussed.