bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction and pH dual‐responsive block copolymers containing pendent p‐nitrobenzyl carbamate functionalities: Synthesis and self‐assembly behavior
Authors: Hu Cong , Dong Bingyang , Liu Li
Published: May 2019

We report on the preparation of reduction‐responsive amphiphilic block copolymers containing pendent p‐nitrobenzyl carbamate (pNBC)‐caged primary amine moieties by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization using a poly(ethylene glycol)‐based macro‐RAFT agent. The block copolymers self‐assembled to form micelles or vesicles in water, depending on the length of hydrophobic block. Triggered by a chemical reductant, sodium dithionite, the pNBC moieties decomposed through a cascade 1,6‐elimination and decarboxylation reactions to liberate primary amine groups of the linkages, resulting in the disruption of the assemblies. The reduction sensitivity of assemblies was affected by the length of hydrophobic block and the structure of amino acid‐derived linkers. Using hydrophobic dye Nile red (NR) as a model drug, the polymeric assemblies were used as nanocarriers to evaluate the potential for drug delivery. The NR‐loaded nanoparticles demonstrated a reduction‐triggered release profile. Moreover, the liberation of amine groups converted the reduction‐responsive polymer into a pH‐sensitive polymer with which an accelerated release of NR was observed by simultaneous application of reduction and pH triggers. It is expected that these reduction‐responsive block copolymers can offer a new platform for intracellular drug delivery. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1333–1343
Hydrogel‐coated polyurethane/urea shape memory polymer foams
Authors: Dalton Emily , Chai Qinyuan , Shaw Molly W. , McKenzie Tucker J. , Mullins Eric S. , Ayres Neil
Published: May 2019

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of responsive polymers that have attracted attention in designing biomedical devices because of their potential to improve minimally invasive surgeries. Use of porous SMPs in vascular grafts has been proposed because porosity aids in transfer of fluids through the graft and growth of vascular tissue. However, porosity also allows blood to leak through grafts so preclotting the materials is necessary. Here hydrogels have been synthesized from acrylic acid and N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide and coated around a porous SMP produced from lactose functionalized polyurea‐urethanes. The biocompatibility of the polymers used to prepare the cross‐linked shape memory material is demonstrated using an in vitro cell assay. As expected, the hydrogel coating enhanced fluid uptake abilities without hindering the shape memory properties. These results indicate that hydrogels can be used in porous SMP materials without inhibiting the shape recovery of the material. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1389–1395
Novel 4‐pyrazole carboxamide derivatives containing flexible chain motif: design, synthesis and antifungal activity
Authors: Liu Xing‐Hai , Qiao Li , Zhai Zhi‐Wen , Cai Peng‐Peng , Cantrell Charles L , Tan Chen‐Xia , Weng Jian‐Quan , Han Liang , Wu Hong‐Ke
Published: May 2019

Background

In recent years, carboxamide fungicides, targeting succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), have shown highly efficient and broad spectrum fungicidal activity. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) results for these commercial fungicides show that the carboxamide group was a key active group. This is useful information for the discovery of new pyrazole carboxamide derivatives with fungicidal activity.

Results

Twenty‐seven novel pyrazole carboxamides were designed and synthesized. Their fungicidal activities against Gibberella zeae, Phytophthora infestans, Phytophthora capsici, Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria solani, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Cercospora arachidicola, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Physalospora piricola were tested; derivatives possessed excellent inhibitory at 50 mg L−1 in particular. Furthermore, some pyrazole carboxamides exhibited remarkably high activities against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro with EC50 values of 2.04 to 15.2 μg mL−1. In addition, some compounds also exhibited high activities against Physalospora piricola, Cercospora arachidicola and Phytophthora capsici. Inhibition activities against SDH proved that the designed analogues were effective at the enzyme level. The SAR of these pyrazole carboxamides was studied by using the docking method.

Conclusion

It is possible that pyrazole carboxamides, which exhibit good activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, can be further optimized as a lead compounds of carboxamide fungicides. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of Alkyl Side Chains on Optoelectronic and Photovoltaic Properties of Novel Benzodithiophenedione‐Based Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Akkuratov Alexander , Martinov Ilya , Avilova Irina , Troshin Pavel
Published: May 2019

Two novel donor–acceptor conjugated polymers comprising benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione and an extended TTBTBTT system (thiophene—T, benzothiadiazole—B) with different alkyl side chains are synthesized and investigated. It is found that the length of alkyl side chains has a strong influence on energy levels, film morphology, and charge‐carrier mobility of the designed polymers. Organic solar cells based on polymer P2 with bulky 2‐hexyldecyl side chains demonstrate significantly improved photovoltaic performances as compared to the devices based on P1 bearing relatively small 2‐ethylhexyl solubilizing groups.
Oleandrin sensitizes human osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin by preventing degradation of the copper transporter 1
Authors: Yong Lei , Ma Yunlong , Liang Chen , He Guanping , Zhao Zhigang , Yang Chenlong , Hai Bao , Pan Xiaoyu , Liu Zhongjun , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: May 2019

A major problem in osteosarcoma treatment is cisplatin resistance. We have reported the anti‐osteosarcoma effect of oleandrin; however, whether oleandrin sensitizes osteosarcoma to cisplatin is unknown. We investigated the chemosensitization of oleandrin and potential mechanisms in osteosarcoma cells U‐2OS, SaOS‐2, and MG‐63. The median‐effect analysis demonstrated that cisplatin + oleandrin exerted synergistic (U‐2OS and MG‐63) or additive effects (SaOS‐2), which were consistent with the changes of the intracellular accumulation of platinum (Pt) and Pt‐DNA adducts. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the expression level of the mature form CTR1, the major influx transporter of cisplatin, was low in osteosarcoma tissue. However, oleandrin with or without cisplatin significantly increased the expression and membrane localization of the mature CTR1. Furthermore, CTR1 knockdown reversed the synergistic effect and decreased cisplatin uptake. The mRNA microarray analysis suggested that oleandrin downregulated the expression of proteasome‐related genes, which was verified by the proteasome activity assay. Besides, the proteasome inhibitor MG132 upregulated the expression of the mature CTR1 in U‐2OS and MG‐63 cells. Overall, we conclude that oleandrin sensitizes osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin in synergistic or additive manners. The synergy results from the enhanced cisplatin uptake via oleandrin‐mediated inhibition of proteasome activity and subsequent blockage of the mature CTR1 degradation
The dawn of phage therapy
Authors: Rehman Sana , Ali Zahid , Khan Momna , Bostan Nazish , Naseem Saadia
Published: May 2019

Bacteriophages or phages, being the most abundant entities on earth, represent a potential solution to a diverse range of problems. Phages are successful antibacterial agents whose use in therapeutics was hindered by the discovery of antibiotics. Eventually, because of the development and spread of antibiotic resistance among most bacterial species, interest in phage as therapeutic entities has returned, because their noninfectious nature to humans should make them safe for human nanomedicine. This review highlights the most recent advances and progress in phage therapy and bacterial hosts against which phage research is currently being conducted with respect to food, human, and marine pathogens. Bacterial immunity against phages and tactics of phage revenge to defeat bacterial defense systems are also summarized. We have also discussed approved phage‐based products (whole phage‐based products and phage proteins) and shed light on their influence on the eukaryotic host with respect to host safety and induction of immune response against phage preparations. Moreover, creation of phages with desirable qualities and their uses in cancer treatment, vaccine production, and other therapies are also reviewed to bring together evidence from the scientific literature about the potentials and possible utility of phage and phage encoded proteins in the field of therapeutics and industrial biotechnology.
Robust event‐triggered output feedback learning algorithm for voltage source inverters with unknown load and parameter variations
Authors: Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G. , Pour Safaei Farshad R. , Hespanha João P.
Published: May 2019

We consider the output feedback event‐triggered control of an off‐grid voltage source inverter (VSI) with unknown inductance‐capacitance (L − C) filter dynamics and connected load in the presence of an input disturbance acting at the inverter. Due to uncertain dynamics and unmodeled parameters in the L − C filter connected to the VSI, we use an adaptive observer to reconstruct the system's states by measuring only the voltage at the output. The control mechanism is constructed based on an impulsive actor/critic framework that approximates the cost, the event‐triggered controller, and the worst case disturbance and generates the desired AC output with the least energy dissipation. We provide rigorous stability proofs and illustrate the applicability of our results through a simulation example.
Implementing unequal randomization in clinical trials with heterogeneous treatment costs
Authors: Sverdlov Oleksandr , Ryeznik Yevgen
Published: May 2019

Equal randomization has been a popular choice in clinical trial practice. However, in trials with heterogeneous variances and/or variable treatment costs, as well as in settings where maximization of every trial participant's benefit is an important design consideration, optimal allocation proportions may be unequal across study treatment arms. In this paper, we investigate optimal allocation designs minimizing study cost under statistical efficiency constraints for parallel group clinical trials comparing several investigational treatments against the control. We show theoretically that equal allocation designs may be suboptimal, and unequal allocation designs can provide higher statistical power for the same budget or result in a smaller cost for the same level of power. We also show how optimal allocation can be implemented in practice by means of restricted randomization procedures and how to perform statistical inference following these procedures, using invoked population‐based or randomization‐based approaches. Our results provide further support to some previous findings in the literature that unequal randomization designs can be cost efficient and can be successfully implemented in practice. We conclude that the choice of the target allocation, the randomization procedure, and the statistical methodology for data analysis is an essential component in ensuring valid, powerful, and robust clinical trial results.
Hierarchical Architecture of Electrospun Hybrid PAN/Ag‐rGO/Fe3O4 Composite Nanofibrous Mat for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Sadasivam Rajkumar , Sankarakuttalam Chockalingam , Gopinath Packirisamy
Published: May 2019

Fabrication procedures are crucial for the design and development of composite nanofibrous materials in order to obtain effective antibacterial properties. In this work, solvent homogenization and blend electrospinning are the methodology followed for the synthesis of filler nanomaterials. Earlier the hydrothermally synthesized filler rGO/Fe nanocomposites (NCs) was incorporated through the hierarchical combination onto the PAN/Ag blend to obtain PAN/Ag‐rGO/Fe3O4 composite polymeric melt. Further the homogenous solution was fed into the electrospinning setup which utilizes the electrostatic forces to form one‐ dimensional (1D) nanofibers and on further deposition leads to the formation of nanofibrous mat. The obtained nanofibrous mat was characterized by various analytical techniques in order to study its innate material properties and behaviour. The quality and composition of the nanofibrous mat along with its nanocomposite counterparts were investigated by XPS and Raman spectroscopic analysis for comparison. Apart from the conventional antibacterial assays that are followed in several studies, the present work also demonstrated the antibacterial efficacy of the nanomaterial through estimation of live/dead bacteria by the flow cytometry method. These quantitative assessments gives information associated with the antibacterial effect of the nanomaterials which will establish the practicality and feasibility for the development of such nano‐fillers functionalized nanofibrous filter for water purification.
Alternative polyadenylation and the stress response
Authors: Sadek Jason , Omer Amr , Hall Derek , Ashour Kholoud , Gallouzi Imed Eddine
Published: May 2019

The cellular stress response is a universal mechanism necessary for the survival of all organisms. This multifaceted process is primarily driven by regulation of gene expression to produce an intracellular environment suitable for promoting cell survival and recovery. Posttranscriptional regulatory events are considered as critical mechanisms that modulate core characteristics of mRNA transcripts to promote cell adaptation to various assaults. While the impact of processes such as mRNA splicing, turnover, localization, and translation on the cellular stress response has been extensively studied, recent observations highlight the role of alternative polyadenylation (APA) in response to challenges such as oxidative stress, heat shock, and starvation. The role of APA is comprehensive with far reaching effects on mRNA stability, mRNA localization, and protein coding sequences. Nonetheless, APA remains a relatively unappreciated mode of gene regulation despite its role in regulating key mediators of the stress response. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the recent advances in our understanding of the various ways by which APA affects cell adaptation to its environment and discuss how a defect in APA could have deleterious consequences on cell survival.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Structure and Dynamics > Influence of RNA Structure in Biological Systems

RNA Processing > 3′ End Processing
Population pharmacokinetics of PF-05280014 (a trastuzumab biosimilar) and reference trastuzumab (Herceptin®) in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Li Cheryl , Ewesuedo Reginald , Yin Donghua
Published: May 2019

Purpose

PF-05280014 is a biosimilar to trastuzumab (Herceptin®). Following demonstration of pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity in healthy volunteers, a comparative clinical study in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) compared the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of PF-05280014 and trastuzumab sourced from the EU (trastuzumab-EU), both with paclitaxel.

Methods

Population PK of PF-05280014 and trastuzumab-EU was evaluated.

Results

Overall, 702 patients were treated: PF-05280014 (n = 349) and trastuzumab-EU (n = 353). Peak-and-trough serum drug concentration samples were collected (selected doses) following repeated intravenous administration of PF-05280014 or trastuzumab-EU. Population PK analysis was performed with drug concentration–time data to cycle 17 for each compound, using nonlinear mixed effect modeling. Potential baseline covariates (circulating HER2 concentrations, body weight, Japanese race, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, number of metastatic sites and antidrug antibody status) were evaluated. Concentration–time data of PF-05280014 and trastuzumab-EU were adequately described by a two-compartment model with first-order elimination, with inter-individual variability (IIV) on clearance (CL), volumes of distribution in central compartment (V1) and peripheral compartments, and intercompartment clearance. Similar estimated PK parameters and IIV were obtained for both treatments. For PF-05280014 and trastuzumab-EU, baseline body weight was an influential covariate on CL and V1; the magnitude was comparable between treatments. PK was consistent between the limited number of Japanese and non-Japanese patients for both compounds.

Conclusions

PF-05280014 and trastuzumab-EU had similar PK parameters and influential PK covariates in patients with HER2-positive mBC. These results provided further evidence in patients for PK similarity between PF-05280014 and trastuzumab-EU.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01989676.
Musashi‐2 and related stem cell proteins in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus and their potential role in circadian rhythms
Authors: Beligala Dilshan H. , De Arpan , Malik Astha , Silver Rae , Rimu Kania , LeSauter Joseph , McQuillen Hugh J. , Geusz Michael E.
Published: May 2019

Background

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian hypothalamus contains the master circadian clock of the body and an unusually large number of cells expressing stem cell‐related proteins. These seemingly undifferentiated cells may serve in entrainment of the SCN circadian clock to light cycles or allow it to undergo neural plasticity important for modifying its rhythmic output signals. These cells may also proliferate and differentiate into neurons or glia in response to episodic stimuli or developmental events requiring alterations in the SCN's control of physiology and behavior.

Problem

To characterize expression of stem cell related proteins in the SCN and the effects of stem‐like cells on circadian rhythms.

Methods

Explant cultures of mouse SCN were maintained in medium designed to promote survival and growth of stem cells but not neuronal cells. Several stem cell marker proteins including SRY‐box containing gene 2 (SOX2), nestin, vimentin, octamer‐binding protein 4 (OCT4), and Musashi RNA‐binding protein 2 (MSI2) were identified by immunocytochemistry in histological sections from adult mouse SCN and in cultures of microdissected SCN. A bioinformatics analysis located potential SCN targets of MSI2 and related RNA‐binding proteins.

Results

Cells expressing stem cell markers proliferated in culture. Immunostained brain sections and bioinformatics supported the view that MSI2 regulates immature properties of SCN neurons, potentially providing flexibility in SCN neural circuits. Explant cultures had ongoing mitotic activity, indicated by proliferating‐cell nuclear antigen, and extensive cell loss shown by propidium iodide staining. Cells positive for vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) that are highly enriched in the SCN were diminished in explant cultures. Despite neuronal cell loss, tissue remained viable for over 7 weeks in culture, as shown by bioluminescence imaging of explants prepared from SCN of Per1::luc transgenic mice. The circadian rhythm in SCN gene expression persisted in brain slice cultures in stem cell medium. Prominent, widespread expression of RNA‐binding protein MSI2 supported the importance of posttranscriptional regulation in SCN functions and provided further evidence of stem‐like cells.

Conclusion

The results show that the SCN retains properties of immature neurons and these properties persist in culture conditions suitable for stem cells, where the SCN stem‐like cells also proliferate. These properties may allow adaptive circadian rhythm adjustments. Further exploration should examine stem‐like cells of the SCN in vivo, how they may affect circadian rhythms, and whether MSI2 serves as a master regulator of SCN stem‐like properties.
Jewish-Christian Dialogues on Scripture in Late Antiquity
Authors: Bar-Asher Siegal Michal
Published: May 2019

Stories portraying heretics ('minim') in rabbinic literature are a central site of rabbinic engagement with the 'other'. These stories typically involve a conflict over the interpretation of a biblical verse in which the rabbinic figure emerges victorious in the face of a challenge presented by the heretic. In this book, Michal Bar-Asher Siegal focuses on heretic narratives of the Babylonian Talmud that share a common literary structure, strong polemical language and the formula, 'Fool, look to the end of the verse'. She marshals previously untapped Christian materials to arrive at new interpretations of familiar texts and illuminate the complex relationship between Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity. Bar-Asher Siegal argues that these Talmudic literary creations must be seen as part of a boundary-creating discourse that clearly distinguishes the rabbinic position from that of contemporaneous Christians and adds to a growing understanding of the rabbinic authors' familiarity with Christian traditions.
High-throughput sequencing of fungal communities across the perennial ice block of Scărișoara Ice Cave
Authors: Mondini Antonio , Donhauser Jonathan , Itcus Corina , Marin Constantin , Perșoiu Aurel , Lavin Paris , Frey Beat , Purcarea Cristina
Published: May 2019

This survey presents the first high-throughput characterisation of fungal distribution based on ITS2 Illumina sequencing of uncultured microbiome from a 1500 years old perennial ice deposit in Scărișoara Ice Cave, Romania. Of the total of 1 751 957 ITS2 sequences, 64% corresponded to 182 fungal operational taxonomic units, showing a low diversity, particularly in older ice strata, and a distinct temporal distribution pattern. Ascomycota was the major phylum in all ice samples, dominating the 400 and 1500 years old ice strata deposited during the cold Little Ice Age (LIA) and Dark Ages Cold Period, while Basidiomycota was mostly present in 900-years old ice formed during the Medieval Warm Period (MWP). Chytridiomycota and Mucoromycota phyla were present in recently formed and 400-years old ice, respectively. Among the 80 identified genera,Cryptococcus victoriae, commonly found in glacial habitats, was identified in all strata. A positive correlation between fungal distribution and ice conductivity, Ca, Na and Sr concentrations was observed across the ice block, with pH values trailing climate variations during LIA and MWP, respectively. Our record highlighted the presence of a complex climate and environmental-driven fungal community in perennial ice strata accumulated during the last 1500 years in Scărișoara Ice Cave.
Online Attention Bias Modification in Combination With Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: de Lijster Jasmijn M. , Dieleman Gwendolyn C. , Utens Elisabeth M.W.J. , van der Ende Jan , Alexander Tamsin M. , Boon Albert , Hillegers Manon H.J. , Legerstee Jeroen S.
Published: May 2019

Attention Bias Modification (ABM) targets attention bias (AB) towards threat, which is common in youth with anxiety disorders. Previous clinical trials showed inconsistent results regarding the efficacy of ABM, and few studies have examined the effect of online ABM and its augmented effect with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of online ABM combined with CBT for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Children (aged 8–16 years) completed nine online sessions of ABM (n= 28) or online sessions of the Attention Control Condition (ACC;n= 27) over a period of 3 weeks (modified dot-probe task with anxiety disorder-congruent stimuli), followed by CBT. Primary outcomes were clinician-reported anxiety disorder status. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported anxiety and depression symptoms and AB. Results showed a continuous decrease across time in primary and secondary outcomes (ps < .001). However, no differences across time between the ABM and ACC group were found (ps > .50). Baseline AB and age did not moderate treatment effects. Online ABM combined with CBT does not show different efficacy compared with online ACC with CBT for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.
Evidence for medieval salt-making by burning Eel-grass (Zostera marina L.) in the Netherlands
Authors: van Geel B. , Borger G.J.
Published: May 2019

From the 8th/9th centuries onwards the former peat land area in the northwestern part of the Netherlands was drained and reclaimed. Drainage, peat digging and marine erosion of peat deposits created an extension of shallow marine habitats into which Zostera marina (Eel-grass) expanded. Modern publications do not note the use of Eel-grass as starting material for salt-making. Archaeological evidence, however, indicates salt-making activities by using Zostera in medieval times. We postulate that, after salt-containing peat had become difficult to obtain, Eel-grass was used for salt production.
Endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy versus conventional adenoidectomy – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Juneja R , Meher R , Raj A , Rathore P , Wadhwa V , Arora N
Published: May 2019

Objective

To compare endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy with conventional curettage adenoidectomy.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Fifty patients with a symptom complex pertaining to adenoid hypertrophy and requiring adenoidectomy were chosen and divided into 2 groups of 25 each. Patients in group A underwent conventional curettage adenoidectomy and those in group B underwent endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy. Comparison was based on the parameters of surgical time, intra-operative bleeding, post-operative pain and completeness of adenoid removal.

Results

The surgical time was significantly longer with the powered instrument. Mean blood loss was greater in the powered group, but was statistically insignificant. The powered procedure fared significantly better, with lower pain scores and more instances of complete tissue resection.

Conclusion

A curved microdebrider blade can be used safely and precisely for adenoidectomy under endoscopic vision. It enables complete resection of adenoid tissue. This method also proves to be an excellent teaching aid.
Parasite Biodiversity. By R. Poulin and S. Morand, pp. 216. Smithsonian Institution Books, Washington D.C., 2004. ISBN 1 58834 170 4. US$50.00
Authors: BRAY R. A.
Published: May 2019

Readers approaching this book should not expect a review of the diverse forms of parasitic organisms or a series of illustrations of the extraordinary adaptations parasitism has provided. This is a book of theory and graph, of generalization and synthesis. It is aimed at a broad audience, with the hope that the reader ‘when later gazing at a bird gliding overhead, will see not just the bird, but will also see (or at least imagine!) the flying assemblage of parasite species’.
Zinc-clotrimazole complexes are effective against Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Midlej Victor , Rubim Felipe , Villarreal Wilmer , Martins-Duarte Érica S. , Navarro Maribel , de Souza Wanderley , Benchimol Marlene
Published: May 2019

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis in humans, the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD). Imidazole compounds are used for the treatment of trichomoniasis, and metronidazole is the most commonly prescribed. However, these compounds can lead to parasite resistance and unwanted side effects. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative treatment for this disease. Here, we explored the potential of clotrimazole (CTZ) and zinc compounds, as well as CTZ complexed with zinc salts ([1] acetate [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] and [2] a chloride [Zn(CTZ)2Cl2] complexes) against T. vaginalis. We synthesized the zinc complexed CTZ compounds and determined their concentration values that inhibited parasite growth by 50% (IC50). We used scanning and transmission electron microscopy to visualize the ultrastructural alterations induced by CTZ and their zinc complexes. The incubation of the parasites with [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] complex inhibited their growth, yielding an IC50 of 4.9 µm. Moreover, there were changes in the shape of treated parasites, including the formation of surface projections that subsequently detached from the cell, in addition to changes in the hydrogenosomes, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. We found [Zn(CTZ)2(Ac)2] to be a highly effective compound against T. vaginalis in vitro, suggesting its potential utility as an alternative chemotherapy for trichomoniasis.
Two lineages of kingfisher feather lice exhibit differing degrees of cospeciation with their hosts
Authors: Catanach Therese A. , Johnson Kevin P. , Marks Ben D. , Moyle Robert G. , Valim Michel P. , Weckstein Jason D.
Published: May 2019

Unlike most bird species, individual kingfisher species (Aves: Alcedinidae) are typically parasitized by only a single genus of louse (Alcedoffula,Alcedoecus, orEmersoniella). These louse genera are typically specific to a particular kingfisher subfamily. Specifically,AlcedoecusandEmersoniellaparasitize Halcyoninae, whereasAlcedoffulaparasitizes Alcedininae and Cerylinae. AlthoughEmersoniellais geographically restricted to the Indo-Pacific region,AlcedoecusandAlcedoffulaare geographically widespread. We used DNA sequences from two genes, the mitochondrial COI and nuclear EF-1αgenes, to infer phylogenies for the two geographically widespread genera of kingfisher lice,AlcedoffulaandAlcedoecus. These phylogenies included 47 kingfisher lice sampled from 11 of the 19 currently recognized genera of kingfishers. We compared louse phylogenies to host phylogenies to reconstruct their cophylogenetic history. Two distinct clades occur withinAlcedoffula, one that infests Alcedininae and a second that infests Cerylinae. All species ofAlcedoecuswere found only on host species of the subfamily Halcyoninae. Cophylogenetic analysis indicated thatAlcedoecus, as well as the clade ofAlcedoffulaoccurring on Alcedininae, do not show evidence of cospeciation. In contrast, the clade ofAlcedoffulaoccurring on Cerylinae showed strong evidence of cospeciation.
The “NICE Guideline” on the treatment of depression
Authors: Goldberg David
Published: May 2019

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK is responsible for producing evidence based guidelines for the treatment of most common illnesses, both physical and psychological. NICE uses a hierarchy of evidence, ranging from data from meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCT's) at the apex, to the opinions of acknowledged experts at the bottom. The task of preparing guideline for depression involved us in performing clean meta-analyses of around 8,000 published RCTs of the treatment of this disorder. Where drug treatments were concerned we used three indicators of efficacy, as well as considering toxicity, tolerability and cost. We also distinguished between studies carried out in primary care, and studies in patients treated by the mental health services. We found it helpful to arrange our report in terms of a “stepped care” model, addressing the indications for patients being referred on for more specialised, and expensive, treatments. In the full guideline we included our doubts that depression was a homogenous clinical entity, and our awareness of the limitations of relying on randomised controlled trials (RCT's) as the only source of evidence. This Editorial summarises the content of the guideline on the treatment of depression and discusses how it was received and also what it did not say.
Randomised controlled trial of a behavioural family intervention: 1 year and 11-years follow-up
Authors: Veltro Franco , Magliano Lorenza , Morosini Pierluigi , Fasulo Elvira , Pedicini Giuseppe , Cascavilla Isabella , Falloon Ian ,   Gruppo di Lavoro DSM-BN1
Published: May 2019

Aim – To test the efficacy of a Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) in a routine setting, both short and long term, of a community mental health service (CMHS). Methods – In a randomised clinical trial 24 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, as confirmed by PSE-IX, were assigned to the BFT according to Falloon (n = 12) or to individual usual treatment (n = 12). They were assessed before and at the end of the active treatment (after one year), and after an 11-years follow-up with compared on basic indicators (hospitalisations, length of stay, drop-out rate) and standardised instruments of psychopathological symptoms, social functioning, family burden. Results – At one-year follow-up clinical important and statistically significant differences were observed for psychotic positive symptoms (p<0.01), self-care (p<0.01), autonomy in daily life (p<0.001), subjective/objective family burden (p<0.001). Other psychosocial variables showed positive outcomes non reaching statistical significance. At the 11-year follow-up, marked differences were observed only in hospitalisations and drop-outs. Conclusions – The BFT was rather easy to implement in a CMHS and very cost effective. However, as it has been shown in other studies, to keep all the benefits a consistent program of monitoring with booster sessions is essential.

Declaration of Interest: in the last 2 years, none of the authors has had any interest or he/she has received any form of support, including that from drug companies and “honoraria” for lectures and consultancies, potentially in conflict with this scientific work.
Cognitive Performance, Aerobic Fitness, Motor Proficiency, and Brain Function Among Children Newly Diagnosed With Craniopharyngioma
Authors: Conklin Heather M. , Ness Kirsten K. , Ashford Jason M. , Scoggins Matthew A. , Ogg Robert J. , Han Yuanyuan , Li Yimei , Bradley Julie A. , Boop Frederick A. , Merchant Thomas E.
Published: May 2019

Objectives:Craniopharyngioma survivors experience cognitive deficits that negatively impact quality of life. Aerobic fitness is associated with cognitive benefits in typically developing children and physical exercise promotes recovery following brain injury. Accordingly, we investigated cognitive and neural correlates of aerobic fitness in a sample of craniopharyngioma patients.Methods:Patients treated for craniopharyngioma [N=104, 10.0±4.6 years, 48% male] participated in fitness, cognitive and fMRI (n=51) assessments following surgery but before proton radiation therapy.Results:Patients demonstrated impaired aerobic fitness [peak oxygen uptake (PKVO2)=23.9±7.1, 41% impaired (i.e., 1.5SD<normative mean)], motor proficiency [Bruininks-Oseretsky (BOT2)=38.6±9.0, 28% impaired], and executive functions (e.g., WISC-IV Working Memory Index (WMI)=96.0±15.3, 11% impaired). PKVO2correlated with better executive functions (e.g., WISC-IV WMIr=.27,p=.02) and academic performance (WJ-III Calculationr=.24,p=.04). BOT2 correlated with better attention (e.g., CPT-II omissionsr=.26,p=.04) and executive functions (e.g., WISC-IV WMIr=.32,p=.01). Areas of robust neural activation during an n-back task included superior parietal lobule, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and middle and superior frontal gyri (p<.05, corrected). Higher network activation was associated with better working memory task performance and better BOT2 (p<.001).Conclusions:Before adjuvant therapy, children with craniopharyngioma demonstrate significantly reduced aerobic fitness, motor proficiency, and working memory. Better aerobic fitness and motor proficiency are associated with better attention and executive functions, as well as greater activation of a well-established working memory network. These findings may help explain differential risk/resiliency with respect to acute cognitive changes that may portend cognitive late effects. (JINS, 2019,25, 413–425)
Effect of Cognitive Reserve on Children With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Donders Jacobus , Kim Eunice
Published: May 2019

Objectives:Traumatic brain injury can result in cognitive impairments in children. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine to what extent such outcomes are moderated by cognitive reserve, as indexed by parental education.Methods: Sixty 6- to 16-year-old children completed the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fifth Edition (WISC–V) within 30–360 days after having sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Their Full-Scale IQ and factor index scores were compared to those of demographically matched controls. In addition, regression analysis was used to investigate in the TBI group the influence of injury severity in addition to parental education on WISC–V factor index scores.Results: Cognitive reserve moderated the effect of TBI on WISC–V Full Scale IQ, Verbal Comprehension, and Visual Spatial. In the TBI group, it also had a protective effect with regard to performance on the Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial, and Fluid Reasoning indices. At the same time, greater injury severity was predictive of lower Visual Spatial and Processing Speed index scores in the TBI group.Conclusions: Cognitive reserve as reflected in parental education has a moderating effect with regard to children’s performance on the WISC–V after TBI, such that higher cognitive reserve is associated with greater preservation of acquired word knowledge and understanding of visual relationships. Measures that emphasize speed of processing remain affected by severity of TBI, even after accounting for the protective effect associated with cognitive reserve. (JINS, 2019,25, 355–361)
Revisiting Temporal Evolution of Cu-Rich Precipitates in Fe–Cu Alloy: Correlative Small Angle Neutron Scattering and Atom-Probe Tomography Studies
Authors: Ahlawat Sarita , Sarkar Sudip Kumar , Sen Debasis , Biswas Aniruddha
Published: May 2019

Binary Fe–Cu alloys are effective prototypes for investigating radiation-induced formation and growth of nanometric Cu-rich precipitates (CRPs) in nuclear reactor pressure vessels. In this report, the temporal evolution of CRPs during thermal aging of Fe–Cu binary alloys has been investigated by using complementary techniques such as atom probe tomography (APT) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). We report a detailed quantitative evolution of a rarely observed morphological transformation of Cu precipitates from spherical to ellipsoid with a significant change (approximately two times) in aspect ratio, an effect known to be associated with the 9R-3R structural transition of the precipitates. It is demonstrated through APT that the precipitates remain spherical up to 8 h, however, they subsequently convert to oblate ellipsoid upon further aging. SANS analysis also detected signs of this morphological transition in reciprocal space. Furthermore, SANS quantifies evolution of the precipitates and corroborates well with the APT results. Interestingly, the power-law exponent of the temporal evolution for mean size and number density agree reasonably well with the Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner model, in spite of the complex morphological evolution of the precipitates.
Franz Liszt's Heir: Ferruccio Busoni and Weimar
Authors: Knyt Erinn E.
Published: May 2019

When Franz Liszt died, the world lost an innovative composer, mentor, and pianist. Although his influence did not die with him, few of his successors can claim to have walked in his footsteps – to have lived and taught in the same rooms – and to have shared many of his ideals. Ferruccio Busoni did just that when the Grand Duke Carl Alexander invited him to hold piano master classes in Weimar in 1900 and 1901, just as he had invited Liszt to do nearly two decades earlier (1881–1885).

This article shows how Liszt's activities in Weimar as Pedagogue and as Kapellmeister (1848–1861) became models for Busoni as he sought to position himself as a prominent ‘musical polymath’ at the turn of the century. Yet Busoni not only emulated Liszt, he also promoted him in an age when the older composer was considered of only tangential importance.

By producing authoritative editions of Liszt's music, and perhaps more significantly, by emulating Liszt's activities as a transcriber and composer, Busoni enhanced piano sonority while extending Liszt's ideas about the future of music. In that way, he shared attitudes associated with the Zukunftsmusik movement, and his outlook was rooted in Liszt's compositions, as opposed to Richard Wagner's. At the same time, he helped foster a lineage of young musicians who patterned their careers and music after Liszt.

Drawing on surviving memoirs, letters, scores, essays and concert programmes, this article thus explores Liszt's impact on Busoni and his mentees. It reveals a musician not only emulating Liszt, but also expanding upon his ideas and promoting them to others.
Getting involved: the extent and impact of patient and public involvement in the Swedish health system
Authors: Fredriksson Mio , Tritter Jonathan
Published: May 2019

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is framed as beneficial for individuals and for the health system. However, little is known about the extent of involvement, or of its impact. Based on data from Sweden, we show that apart from voting in regional elections (76%), more people reported involvement as individual patients (23%) than part of collective activities (5%) or activities relating to a citizen perspective (4%). There was no correlation between how many people participated and the estimated impact – which was generally low. More extensive involvement is thus not linked to the potential to influence decisions. We argue that to achieve the benefits associated with PPI it is crucial to understand more about people's motivation for being involved and what underlies low estimates of impact. This requires a more systematic approach to involvement, how it is evaluated and its results communicated to participants and the society. We also argue that a future challenge for the Swedish health system, and for other similar health systems, is to support long-term collective involvement in the midst of growing individualization of health services and involvement opportunities primarily intended for patients.
Design of WLAN/WiMAX band notch super-wideband microstrip fractal antennas
Authors: Abdpour S. S. , Azadi-Tinat N. , Oraizi H. , Ghalibafan J.
Published: May 2019

A super-wideband microstrip fractal antenna is designed with miniaturized dimensions of 21 mm × 23.5 mm × 1 mm and generation of dual rejection bands for WLAN/WiMAX systems has been achieved. The triangular fractal shape slots are placed inside a circular patch and the antenna is miniaturized by using a repetition frequency resonance technique. The proposed antenna frequency range 2.6–40 GHz operates for VSWR of less than 2. Two band rejections for the frequency ranges 5.1–5.8 GHz and 3.4–3.7 GHz are created by one enhanced slot at the feed line and one split-ring resonator at the back of antenna. HFSS 3D software was used for computer simulation. The proposed antenna is fabricated on the FR4 substrate with 1 mm thickness. The measurement data show good agreement with the simulation results.
Still a blind spot: The protection of LGBT persons during armed conflict and other situations of violence
Authors: Margalit Alon
Published: May 2019

This article draws attention to the situation of LGBT persons during armed conflict. Subjected to violence and discrimination outside the context of armed conflict, the latter aggravates their vulnerability and exposure to various abuses. Despite important progress made with respect to their protection under human rights law, a similar effort is largely absent from the international humanitarian law discourse. This article accordingly highlights some of the norms and challenges pertaining to the protection of LGBT persons in time of war.
Curative Nature: Medical Foundations of Soviet Nature Protection, 1917–1941
Authors: Conterio Johanna
Published: May 2019

In 1922, there were thirty-five state health resorts in the Soviet Union. This article introduces the historic role of health resorts as sites of nature conservation in the Soviet Union, comparable to national parks and nature reserves (zapovedniki), and highlights the role of physicians and medical ideas in the formulation and promotion of conservation policies in the Soviet Union. It analyzes conservation laws and regulations that covered health resorts, prohibiting a range of activities throughout their territories to protect natural healing resources such as mineral waters, muds, and beaches. In the 1930s, Soviet health resorts became influential centers of conservation when the science of ecology lost state support and ecological study centers in the nature reserves were dismantled. The idea that the natural environment should be protected to serve human health gained influence with official patrons in the Soviet state because physicians explicitly aligned the health resorts with the anthropocentric ideology of the state and its goal of industrialization, opening up health resort medicine to the industrial workforce. Health and nature's curative ideas also formed the foundation for nature protection during Stalinism. State patronage of health resort conservation increased in the Stalinist period, culminating in 1940, when the reach of conservation was extended to local health resorts. The article concludes with an examination of conservation work in the Sochi health resort.
Environmental Subjectivities from the Soviet North
Authors: Bruno Andy
Published: May 2019

This article develops the concept of “Soviet environmental subjectivity.” Taking a theoretical step toward comparative political ecology and neo-materialism, it makes the case that engagement with the natural environment comprised a potent, but underappreciated, determinant of Soviet subjectivity. To elaborate this argument, the article examines the life stories of three individuals who spent time in a common region in the far north: ornithologist Oleg Semenov-Tian-Shanskii, geologist Leonid Potemkin, and aspiring ballerina turned technician and prisoner Inna Tartakovskaia. Their lives reveal certain distinguishing features of Soviet environmental subjectivities, including a common desire to both exploit and protect the environment and a tendency for the state's punitive use of harsh natural conditions to alter subjective experiences. Furthermore, the very different paths of these individuals—one became an environmentalist, one defended the Soviet treatment of the natural world, and one did not actively engage in environmental politics—indicate the possible pervasiveness of environmental subjectivities in the Soviet Union.