bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Enzymatic Antioxidants and Red Cell Indices in Relation to Modes of Child Delivery among Women in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Dimeke Chioma Caroline , Nwachuku Edna Ogechi , Bartimaeus Ebirien-Agana Samuel , Elechi-Amadi Kemzi Nosike
Published: November 2024

A positive pregnancy outcome is marked by childbirth, and the method of delivery, whether vaginal delivery (VD) or cesarean section (CS), is essential to maternal health. Antioxidants, which delay or prevent cellular damage by scavenging free radicals, play a vital role in maintaining cellular balance. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine changes in enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx) and red cell indices (RCI) associated with different delivery methods among women of reproductive age in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The study included 200 pregnant women aged 20 to 39, divided equally into two groups: 100 who underwent VD and 100 who had CS. Venous blood samples (10 ml) were collected at delivery and post-delivery. Of this, 4 ml was placed in an EDTA tube for RCI analysis, while 6 ml was placed in a plain tube for measuring SOD, CAT, and GPx levels. RCI was determined using a Mindray hematology auto-analyzer, and enzymatic antioxidant levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) microplate reader. The findings revealed significant reductions in the levels of SOD (p<0.001), CAT (p<0.001), and GPx (p<0.001) in women who underwent VD compared to those who had CS. Postpartum red cell indices in VD showed decreases in MCV (p=0.981) and MCH (p<0.001), while MCHC (p<0.001) increased compared to antepartum levels. In CS cases, postpartum MCV (p<0.001) was lower, while MCH (p<0.001) and MCHC (p<0.001) were significantly elevated relative to antepartum levels. Based on these results, it is recommended that the assessment of antioxidant parameters and anemic status be included as part of postpartum care to support better management of maternal health following childbirth.
Fodder Grasses and Irrigation Strategies: A Pathway to Fodder Sustainability in India
Authors: U Greeshma. , Thomas Usha C , P Shalini Pillai, , Gayathri G. , M. M. Safeer,
Published: November 2024

Indian agriculture heavily depends on the livestock sector, which significantly influences the financial system. Fodder, derived from crop residues, cultivated feed, and grazing lands, is a cost-effective nutrient source essential for sustaining the dairy industry. However, India faces severe fodder shortages—63.5% for green fodder and 23.5% for dry residues—exacerbated by rising livestock populations and declining fodder cultivation areas. Low livestock productivity, driven by inadequate feeding and healthcare, compounds the challenge. To meet growing fodder demands, many Indian dairy farmers have turned to cultivating perennial grasses, such as hybrid Napier grass, which provides year-round fodder. Strategic irrigation practices can play a vital role in mitigating water use, improving water-use efficiency, and reducing costs. This article examines the current challenges in fodder production, emphasizing the importance of optimizing irrigation practices to enhance water use efficiency. It explores various irrigation methods, including drip and sprinkler systems, and discusses their impact on fodder crop productivity. The need for high-quality fodder seeds, improved management practices, and innovative irrigation scheduling techniques is highlighted as essential for bridging the gap between fodder demand and supply. Addressing these challenges is vital for improving livestock productivity, supporting small and marginal farmers, and ensuring food security in India.
Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc Application on Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Ram Gopi , Jakhar Chandrakanta , Regar Om Prakash , Mehta Promod , Yadav Indra Raj
Published: November 2024

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of phosphorus and zinc application on growth and yield of chick pea, variety “RSG-888‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of nine treatments. The data recorded maximum growth attributes like, plant height (64.46 cm), number of branches per plant (10.01) and yield attributes such as number of pods per plant (29.15), number of seed per pod (1.92), seed yield (1855 kg/ha), stover yield (3292 kg/ha), biological yield (5147 kg/ha) and maximum net return (89483 Rs/ha) was recorded with application of 80 kg phosphorus ha-1. Therefore, it was concluded that application of that phos4phorus and zinc application brought an additive effect in increasing growth, yield, quality and economics of chickpea crop. The highest seed yield (1855 kg ha-1) was obtained under the combined application of 80 kg phosphorus ha-1 (T5) but the highest net returns of gross and net returns (124651 ha-1 and 89483 Rs ha-1, respectively) was recorded under the application of 80 kg phosphorus ha-1.
Molecular Detection of Integrons I and II in Some Clinical Isolates from Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Nigeria
Authors: Festa Ndu, Ijeoma , Jack Festus, Nathaniel
Published: November 2024

Aim: This study aimed at detecting the integron-integrase I and II gene in Gram negative bacteria.
Study Design: Cross-sectional and descriptive study design were utilized in this study.
Place and Duration of Study: Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Okolobiri and Niger Delta University Molecular Laboratory CHS, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, between February 2023 and April 2023.
Methodology: This study was specifically carried out on clinical isolates with a population figure obtained from 6 different samples collected from Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, okolobiri in Bayelsa state. Of 500 different clinical samples, 100 clinical isolates were isolated and identified using Standard Bacteriological methods. Genomic DNA was extracted by boiling method. The Integrons I and II genes were detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction.
Results: Of the 100 isolates used for molecular analysis, the Int I1 gene was detected in 54 isolates of which 8(44.4%) were Escherichia coli,14(63.63%) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 14(70%) were Klebsiella oxytoca. IntI2 gene was detected in 78 isolates of which16(88.88%) were Escherichia coli,20(90.90%) was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 10(50%) were Klebsiella oxytoca.  IntI1 and IntI2 genes were detected in 38 isolates of which9(50%) were Escherichia coli,12(54.54%) was Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 6(30%) were Klebsiella oxytoca.
Conclusion: This study showed that there was a high prevalence of class I and II integrons in multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, therefore justifying the extent of resistance observed.
MULHERES NEGRAS & MITOS RACIAIS HEGEMÔNICOS
Authors: Silva Sandra Maria Cerqueira da , Araújo Janja
Published: November 2024

As mulheres negras representam o recorte da população que pior vivencia os impactos eefeitos desastrosos das diferentes desigualdades, características do tecido social brasileiro.Prevalece, em todo o país, principalmente sob o amparo da estrutura política atual, o forteanseio de branqueamento progressivo da população. Para tanto, além de desejar, gruposhegemônicos orientam e agem, através do genocídio da população negra, e, sobretudo, dosjovens e mulheres negras, na expectativa de que as pessoas negras, como um todo,desapareçam. Este artigo, pautado na estratégia epistemológica da Escrevivência de Conceição Evaristo, tem por objetivo provocar deslocamentos e desconfortos, além de somar aos condutores da promoção de transformações do contexto desumano no qual experimentaram a vida nossa ancestralidade, e, como sobrevivem, ainda hoje, a maioria das mulheres negras no país. Uma das principais condições para mudança efetiva desse contexto é a presença negra nos espaços de poder e, sobretudo, na espera política. É preciso apresentar novos retratos. Descolar a imagem das mulheres negras dos processos impostos de inseguranças, em especial a alimentar, além das demais causas de adoecimentos - diante da imposição da miséria, da inação diante dos indicadores alarmantes em relação ao feminicídio e da falta de perspectiva de vida. É tornar comum imagens que retratem as mulheres negras em suas potencialidades, acolhendo nossos encaminhamentos para o Bem Viver.
Identification of an Esterase Isolated Using Metagenomic Technology which Displays an Unusual Substrate Scope and its Characterisation as an Enantioselective Biocatalyst
Authors: Gavin Declan P. , Murphy Edel J. , Foley Aoife M. , Castilla Ignacio Abreu , Reen F. Jerry , Woods David F. , Collins Stuart G. , O'Gara Fergal , Maguire Anita R.
Published: February 2019

Evaluation of an esterase annotated as 26D isolated from a marine metagenomic library is described. Esterase 26D was found to have a unique substrate scope, including synthetic transformations which could not be readily effected in a synthetically useful manner using commercially available enzymes. Esterase 26D was more selective towards substrates which had larger, more sterically demanding substituents (i. e. iso‐propyl or tert‐butyl groups) on the β‐carbon, which is in contrast to previously tested commercially available enzymes which displayed a preference for substrates with sterically less demanding substituents (e.g. methyl group) at the β‐carbon.

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Effect of commercial nasal steroid preparation on bacterial growth
Authors: Cherian Lisa Mary , Cooksley Clare , Richter Katharina , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Paramasivan Sathish , Wormald Peter‐John , Vreugde Sarah , Psaltis Alkis James
Published: February 2019

Background

Topical budesonide (Pulmicort; AstraZeneca AB, Sodertalje, Sweden) is commonly used in the management of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Although its use is due to its perceived anti‐inflammatory effect, studies have suggested that it may also have antibacterial properties. To make the hydrophobic steroid molecule suitable for topical administration, pharmaceutical excipients are used in commercial steroid formulations. Herein we investigated the antibacterial action of commercial budesonide and its excipients.

Methods

Planktonic and biofilm forms of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were treated with Pulmicort or its excipients at clinically relevant concentrations. Bacterial growth was determined by optical density, resazurin assays, colony‐forming unit counts, and Giemsa staining. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies assessed excipients’ potentiation of antibiotics. Experiments were conducted in triplicate and results analyzed using one‐way analysis of variance.

Results

There was significant reduction in planktonic and biofilm growth of S aureus and MRSA on exposure to budesonide (p < 0.0001) and its excipients (p < 0.0001). Excipient ethylene diamine‐tetraactic acid (EDTA) demonstrated an antibacterial property even at the low concentrations used in topical preparations (p < 0.0001). With amoxicillin, excipients exhibited a potential additive/synergistic effect on MIC, whereas erythromycin and aminoglycosides showed an antagonistic action.

Conclusion

The commercial product Pulmicort has a direct antibacterial effect on the planktonic and biofilm forms of S aureus and MRSA. This effect is at least in part mediated through the excipient EDTA in the product. Excipients also influenced the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics depending on the bacterial strain and antibiotic tested.
Evaluation of cranial base repair techniques utilizing a novel cadaveric CPAP model
Authors: Chitguppi Chandala , Rimmer Ryan A. , Garcia Hermes G. , Koszewski Ian J. , Fastenberg Judd H. , Nyquist Gurston G. , Rosen Marc R. , Huntley Colin , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Evans James J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Although recent guidelines for obstructive sleep apnea recommend early postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) after endonasal skull base surgery, the time of initiation of CPAP is unclear. In this study we used a novel, previously validated cadaveric model to analyze the pressures delivered to the cranial base and evaluate the effectiveness of various repair techniques to withstand positive pressure.

Methods

Skull base defects were surgically created in 3 fresh human cadaver heads and repaired using 3 commonly used repair techniques: (1) Surgicel™ onlay; (2) dural substitute underlay with dural sealant onlay; and (3) dural substitute underlay with nasoseptal flap onlay with dural sealant. Pressure microsensors were placed in the sphenoid sinus and sella, both proximal and distal to the repair, respectively. The effectiveness of each repair technique against various CPAP pressure settings (5‐20 cm H2O) was analyzed.

Results

Approximately 79%‐95% of positive pressure administered reached the sphenoid sinus. Sellar pressure levels varied significantly across the 3 repair techniques and were lowest after the third technique. “Breach” points (CPAP settings at which sellar repair was violated) were lowest for the first group. All 3 specimens showed a breach after the first repair technique. For the second repair technique, only a single breach was created in 1 specimen at 20 cm H2O. No breaches were created in the third group.

Conclusion

Different skull base repair techniques have varying ability to withstand CPAP. Both second and third repair techniques performed in a nearly similar fashion with regard to their ability to withstand positive pressure ventilation.
Metal‐Catalyzed Sequential Formation of Distant Bonds in Organic Molecules: Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrosilylation/Cyclization of 1,n‐Dienes by Chain Walking
Authors: Kochi Takuya , Ichinose Kazuya , Shigekane Masayuki , Hamasaki Taro , Kakiuchi Fumitoshi
Published: February 2019

Sequential formation of distant bonds in organic molecules was achieved for the palladium‐catalyzed hydrosilylation/cyclization of various 1,n‐dienes by chain walking of the metal catalyst. The reaction was applicable to various 1,n‐dienes, including a 1,13‐diene, to form a cyclopentane ring as well as a carbon–silicon bond at a remote site. The use of “nondissociative” chain walking provides a fascinating strategy in organic synthesis to functionalize distant parts of organic molecules, in a particular order, within a catalytic cycle by effectively moving the reactive center from a remote position.
The Intrinsic Mechanochemical Reactivity of Vinyl‐Addition Polynorbornene
Authors: Lee Daniel C. , Kensy Victoria K. , Maroon Christopher R. , Long Brian K. , Boydston Andrew J.
Published: February 2019

Herein we report the discovery of the intrinsic mechanochemical reactivity of vinyl‐addition polynorbornene (VA‐PNB), which has strained bicyclic ring repeat units along the polymer backbone. VA‐PNBs with three different side chains were found to undergo ring‐opening olefination upon sonication in dilute solutions. The sonicated polymers exhibited spectroscopic signatures consistent with conversion of the bicyclic norbornane repeat units into the ring‐open isomer typical of polynorbornene made by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP‐PNB). Thermal analysis and evaluation of chain‐scission kinetics suggest that sonication of VA‐PNB results in chain segments containing a statistical mixture of vinyl‐added and ROMP‐type repeat units.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed (3+2) Annulation of Isoindigos with Allenes: Enantioselective Formation of Two Vicinal Quaternary Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Chan Wai‐Lun , Tang Xiaodong , Zhang Fuhao , Quek Glenn , Mei Guang‐Jian , Lu Yixin
Published: February 2019

Construction of contiguous all‐carbon quaternary stereogenic centers is a long‐standing challenge in synthetic organic chemistry. In this report, a phosphine‐catalyzed enantioselective (3+2) annulation reaction between allenes and isoindigos, containing either two identical or different oxindole moieties, is introduced as a powerful strategy for the construction of spirocyclic bisindoline alkaloid core structures. The reported reactions feature high chemical yields, excellent enantioselectivities, and very good regioselectivities, and are highly useful for creating structurally challenging bisindoline natural products.
High resolution terrestrial thermography of archaeological sites
Authors: Thomas Hugh , Williams Emma
Published: February 2019

Thermal infrared imaging, or thermography, is the remote sensing technique of detecting variations in ground temperature caused by exposed or subsurface archaeological remains either absorbing or radiating heat. Despite its conception in the 1970s, the practice has to date been rarely utilized, as a result of the high cost of the technology and the complex interplay of environmental variables. However, recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the technique, especially when combining modern thermal cameras with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Yet these papers often focus on mid‐ to high‐altitude flights, where the technique is only effective at detecting larger thermal anomalies. This article presents a new method for terrestrial thermography, developed for the Zagora Infrared Photogrammetry Project (The University of Sydney and the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens). The project undertook a six week thermal investigation of the Early Iron Age site of Zagora and the surrounding hinterland utilizing the newest commercial thermal cameras and UAVs. The method of terrestrial thermography involves using photographic poles and photogrammetry to create high‐resolution thermal orthophotographs, which allow the detection of smaller thermal anomalies, providing significantly more detail than aerial thermography. Several features were discovered using this method, including a possible kiln, which would be the first ever identified at the site.
Selection and characterization of novel DNA aptamer against colorectal carcinoma Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Maimaitiyiming Yasen , Yang Chang , Wang Yun , Hussain Liaqat , Naranmandura Hua
Published: February 2019

Aptamers are short, single‐stranded nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) oligonucleotides that can be obtained by a technique called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) in vitro. Due to superior properties such as small size, high binding affinity, and stability, they are considered to be feasible tools for diagnosis and treatment of disease. In the current study, we attempted to screen a high‐affinity DNA aptamer to selectively target the colorectal carcinoma Caco‐2 cells by using cell‐based SELEX approach. After 14 consecutive rounds of selection, aptamer ApC1 was identified. Confocal microscopy results revealed that ApC1 could rapidly internalize into Caco‐2 cells but not HEK 293 cells. Moreover, it showed high specificity to Caco‐2 cells rather than other cell lines such as 293T, HeLa, MCF‐7, HL‐60, and NB4. Collectively, our results demonstrated that aptamer ApC1 has high specificity to colorectal carcinoma Caco‐2 cells, which could be further applied for targeted therapy of colorectal cancer in future studies.
Balancing the effect of pretreatment severity on hemicellulose extraction and pulping performance during auto‐hydrolysis prior to kraft pulping of acacia wood
Authors: Shi Haiqiang , Zhou Miaofang , Jia Wenchao , Li Na , Niu Meihong
Published: February 2019

When using a combination of pre‐extraction and chemical pulping, a high yield of sugar recovery and minimal negative effect on the subsequent pulping step are expected. In this work, thePfactor was utilized to investigate the effect of auto‐hydrolysis severity on sugar recovery, removal of the main component, and impact on the kraft pulping of acacia wood chips. Using aPfactor of 235, 84.34% of the polysaccharides in 14.05 g L−1of dissolved sugars could be obtained. In addition, the soluble sugars were easily separated with a recovery yield of 3.54 g ·L−1and Mw of 4,690 g mol−1by direct precipitation using organic solvents. However, a maximum of 22.14 g L−1of dissolved sugars was obtained with approximately 72.53% polysaccharides and Mw of 2,198 g mol−1for aPfactor of 601. Moreover, nearly 50% of the degraded carbohydrates remained in the auto‐hydrolyzed wood chips. The decrease in the mass of pentosan, holocellulose, and klason lignin was 62, 30, and 8.76%, respectively. With intensifying severity, the screened yield and viscosity of pulps decreased markedly, whileas the Kappa number increased. No significant differences were observed in the morphology of the resultant fibers. Moreover, there was a decrease in the physical strength of the pulps due to the loss of the intrinsic strength of the pulp fibers, which in turn resulted from the cellulose damage. The combustion performance of the resultant pulping black liquor is improved due to the higher lignin content.
A Phosphinate‐Containing Fluorophore Capable of Selectively Inducing Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Xinqi , Fang Yuan , Lesiak Lauren , Stains Cliff I.
Published: February 2019

Chemotherapeutic agents generally suffer from off‐target cytotoxicity in noncancerous cell types, leading to undesired side effects. As a result, significant effort has been put into identifying compounds that are selective for cancerous over noncancerous cell types. Our laboratory has recently developed a series of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores containing a phosphinate functionality at the bridging position of a xanthene scaffold, termed Nebraska Red (NR) fluorophores. Herein, we report the selective cytotoxicity of one NR derivative, NR744, against HeLa (cervical cancer) cells versus NIH‐3T3 (noncancerous fibroblast) cells. Mechanistic studies based on the NIR fluorescence signal of NR744 showed distinct subcellular localization in HeLa (mitochondrial) versus NIH‐3T3 (lysosomal) that resulted from the elevated mitochondrial potential in HeLa cells. This study provides a new, NIR scaffold for the further development of reagents for targeted cancer therapy.
Pediatric intraorbital abscess: Early recognition and management
Authors: McKenna Dominic , Reddy Ekambar , McKenna Eugene
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Orbital involvement occurs in 85% of complicated acute sinusitis and is more prevalent in children. Prompt differentiation between the more common periorbital (preseptal) cellulitis and infections, posterior to the orbital septum (including orbital cellulitis/abscess), is essential due to the latter's risk of irreversible optic neuropathy, intracranial spread and death.
Cardiotocography findings of early‐stage chronic fetomaternal hemorrhage after the presentation of reduced fetal movement
Authors: Haruna Yuria , Suzuki Shunji
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

In the current case of fetomaternal hemorrhage with reduced fetal movements, the findings of cardiotocography (CTG) seemed to be indicating reassuring fetal status; however, a late deceleration and sinusoidal heart rate (SHR)‐like findings were observed following a weak uterine contraction. Altogether, this case indicates that the presence of reduced fetal movements may precede the appearance of SHR patterns on CTG in cases of chronic fetomaternal hemorrhage.
Computer Test of a New Silicene Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Galashev Alexander Y. , Ivanichkina Ksenia A.
Published: February 2019

The main requirements for lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) of the new generation are low cost, safety, short charge time, high energy and power. This article is devoted to the testing of a new anode design, which is based on the use of silicene on an Al(111) substrate. The processes of intercalation and deintercalation of lithium in a channel formed by silicene sheets in the presence of an electric field are investigated. Sheets of perfect silicene and silicene with vacancy defects are used. The largest number of Li ions is intercalated into the channel with bivacancies. The lithium density profiles in the channels, the diffusion coefficients of lithium atoms, their energy, the angular distributions of the nearest neighbors, and the distributions of the most significant stresses in the silicene sheets are determined. On average, a silicene channel with vacancy‐type defects on the Al(111) substrate is characterized by a lower charge capacity and lower stresses in silicene than a corresponding channel on an Ag(111) substrate. We expect that this article will contribute to the further selection of the substrate material for the LIB silicene anode.
Gold‐Catalyzed Annulations of N‐Propargyl Ynamides with Anthranils with Two Distinct Chemoselectivities
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Chen , Hsieh Shu‐An , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: February 2019

Gold‐catalyzed annulation of N‐propargyl ynamides with anthranils can proceed by two distinct mechanisms. In the case of a terminal N‐propargyl ynamide, its resulting α‐imino gold carbene reacts with a tethered alkyne to generate a vinyl cation to enable hydrolysis, which ultimately yields a pyrrolo[2,3‐b]quinoline derivative after treatment with p‐toluenesulfonic acid. For an internal alkyne, its α‐imino gold carbene reacts with a tethered alkyne via either a vinyl cation or an alkenylgold carbene; both paths ultimately lead to a 4‐ketone‐2‐aminopyrrole derivative. Our mechanistic analysis indicates that water is a better nucleophile than anthranil for terminal ynamides, whereas water and anthranils are equally reactive for internal ynamides.
Lone‐Pair Enhanced Birefringence in an Alkaline‐Earth Metal Tin(II) Phosphate BaSn2(PO4)2
Authors: Yang Yi , Qiu Yi , Gong Pifu , Kang Lei , Song Gaomin , Liu Xiaomeng , Sun Junliang , Lin Zheshuai
Published: February 2019

The first alkaline‐earth metal tin(II) phosphate, BaSn2(PO4)2, has been discovered, which consists of layered structures constructed from strictly alternating [SnO3]4− and [PO4]3− moieties. This compound is expected to have a large birefringence with Δn≈0.071 at 1064 nm, owing to the presence of stereochemically active lone pair metal cations.
Organic Batteries with ascorbic acid and the some different lemon battery
Authors: Rosenberg Dominique , Wachholz Mirco , Busker Maike , Jansen Walter
Published: February 2019

Über die sogenannte Zitronenbatterie ist in der Vergangenheit schon viel geschrieben worden. Sie funktioniert nicht gut, und die chemischen Reaktionen sind komplex. Mit der Ascorbinsäure der Zitrone lässt sich allerdings eine wirksame organische Batterie konstruieren. In diesem Artikel werden Versuche zu organischen Batterien präsentiert, die mit Ascorbinsäure und deren Alltagsprodukten betrieben werden können.
Comparison of Nineteen Quantitative Models for Assessment of Localized Left Ventricular Wall Motion Abnormalities
Authors: KARSCH K. R. , LAMM U. , BLANKE H. , RENTROP K. P.
Published: February 2019

The usefulness of 19 models (8 half‐axis models, 3 radial models, and 8 segmental area models) for detection of local left ventricular wall motion abnormalities was analyzed in biplane cineventriculograms of 14 normals, 12 patients with anteroseptal, 10 with inferior, and 8 with posterolateral infarction. Extent of shortening of 22 half‐axes and decrease of 24 areas were calculated in each projection. Mean values and one‐sigma deviation were calculated for all axes in the group of normals and for those axes which pertained to segments of myocardial infarction in the group of coronary artery disease patients. Area model 3.5 yielded the largest number of significantly different areas between normal and infarcted ventricles. Sensitivity for recognition of myocardial infarction was calculated at 90% specificity by means of receiver operating characteristic curves. The greatest sensitivities were obtained with radial model 2.3, which yielded 83.3% true positive results for anteroseptal infarction, 90% for inferior infarction, and 87.5%, for posterolateral infarctions. The best area model 3.5 yielded sensitivity between 67.5 and 80% only. Thus, in contrast to the literature, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed radial model 2.3 to be most accurate in the assessment of local wall motion abnormalities.
Contribution of Vagal Tone to Initiation and Termination of Ventricular Tachycardia: Report of Three Cases
Authors: FU L. T. , NOZAKI M. , IINUMA H. , WATANABE T. , KOYAMA S.
Published: February 2019

The role of vagus nerve in modulating ventricular dysrhythmia has recently been emphasized. We report here on two patients who had ventricular tachycardia (VT) which was terminated and converted to sinus rhythm by either eyeball pressure or a Yalsalva maneuver. Moreover, in one of these patients and in a third patient, VT was initiated following administration of vagolytic agents. This supports the view that the parasympathetic nervous system docs modulate the electrical activity of the human ventricle.
Androgen deprivation therapy and depression in men with prostate cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy: A psychological perspective
Authors: Polacek Laura C. , Nelson Christian J.
Published: February 2019

This editorial provides an overview of the clinical presentation of depression in men with prostate cancer, presents potential causal mechanisms, and identifies resources for screening and treatment.
Usefulness of surveillance imaging in patients with head and neck cancer who are treated with definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Ng Sweet Ping , Pollard Courtney , Berends Joel , Ayoub Zeina , Kamal Mona , Garden Adam S. , Bahig Houda , Cantor Scott B. , Schaefer Andrew J. , Ajayi Temitayo , Gunn G. Brandon , Frank Steven J. , Skinner Heath , Phan Jack , Morrison William H. , Ferrarotto Renata , Johnson Jason M. , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Lai Stephen Y. , Hessel Amy C. , Sturgis Erich M. , Weber Randal S. , Fuller Clifton D. , Rosenthal David I.
Published: February 2019

Background

The current study was performed to assess the efficacy of surveillance imaging in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who are treated definitively with radiotherapy.

Methods

Eligible patients included those with a demonstrable disease‐free interval (≥1 follow‐up imaging procedure without evidence of disease and a subsequent visit/imaging procedure) who underwent treatment of HNC from 2000 through 2010.

Results

A total of 1508 patients were included. The median overall survival was 99 months, with a median imaging follow‐up period of 59 months. Of the 1508 patients, 190 patients (12.6%) experienced disease recurrence (107 patients had locoregional and 83 had distant disease recurrence). A total of 119 patients (62.6%) in the group with disease recurrence were symptomatic and/or had an adverse clinical finding associated with the recurrence. Approximately 80% of patients with locoregional disease recurrences presented with a clinical finding, whereas 60% of distant disease recurrences were detected by imaging in asymptomatic patients. Despite the earlier detection of disease recurrence via imaging, those patients in the group of patients with clinically detected disease recurrence were significantly more likely to undergo salvage therapy compared with those whose recurrence was detected on imaging (odds ratio, 0.35). There was no difference in overall survival noted between those patients with disease recurrences that were detected clinically or with imaging alone. Approximately 70% of disease recurrences occurred within the first 2 years. In those patients who developed disease recurrence after 2 years, the median time to recurrence was 51 months. After 2 years, the average number of imaging procedures per patient for the detection of a salvageable recurrence for the imaging‐detected group was 1539.

Conclusions

Surveillance imaging in asymptomatic patients with HNC who are treated definitively with radiotherapy without clinically suspicious findings beyond 2 years has a low yield and a high cost. Physicians ordering these studies must use judicious consideration and discretion.
A fuzzy logic‐based method for solving the scheduling problem in the cloud environments using a non‐dominated sorted algorithm
Authors: Wakil Karzan , Badfar Arshad , Dehghani Pooyan , Shoja Sadati Seyed Mojtaba , Jafari Navimipour Nima
Published: February 2019

Cloud computing as a new model of delivering IT services on the Internet has attained high attention recently. In this new paradigm, efficient service management causes the high quality of provided services. Scheduling as one of the most important duties of service management is a key problem in cloud computing that affects the total system performance. In most cases, the meta‐heuristic methods are used for optimizing the scheduling issues instead of traditional methods. One of the influential evolutionary algorithms for optimizing the complicated problems is a non‐dominated sorting particle swarm optimization (NSPSO) technique. In this paper, we propose a meta‐heuristic technique using the NSPSO model for decreasing total cost and consumed total time. Furthermore, fuzzy set theory is applied to select the best solution. Simulation results have indicated that the efficiency of NSPSO is improved. In the many types of experiment, the proposed NSPSO algorithm was appropriate to keep a good spread of solutions and good converge. In addition, the diversity preserving mechanism applied in NSPSO has improvement against the other two investigated algorithms.
Experimental Assignment of Disulfide‐Bonds in Purified Proteins
Authors: Tang Hsin‐Yao , Speicher David W.
Published: February 2019

The formation of disulfide bonds in proteins is an important post‐translational modification that is critical for stabilizing the native structures of proteins, particularly proteins exposed to oxidizing environments. For this reason, most cysteines in secreted proteins or protein domains on the surface of the cell are in disulfides, whereas most cysteines in the cytoplasm are in the unmodified ‐SH form. Disulfide linkages must be experimentally determined, as they cannot be predicted from amino acid sequence. These assignments provide insights into three‐dimensional structure and contribute to the understanding of structural‐functional relationships. This unit details a series of protocols that have been applied successfully to map disulfide bonds in proteins. The general strategy involves chemical or proteolytic cleavage of the protein followed by chromatographic separation of the resultant peptides. Mass spectrometry is used to identify disulfide‐containing peptides and determine sites of disulfide linkage. A partial reduction and alkylation strategy for mapping disulfide linkages in peptides with multiple disulfide bonds is also presented. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Systems and Absorption Tuning
Authors: Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: February 2019

Mogens Brøndsted Nielsen
is a Professor of Organic Chemistry and is Head of the Organic Chemistry Section at the Department of Chemistry, University of Copenhagen (Denmark). He is a current member of the ChemPhotoChem Editorial Board.
Residential eating disorder outcomes associated with screening positive for substance use disorder and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Weigel Thomas J. , Wang Shirley B. , Thomas Jennifer J. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Pierce Casey , Zanarini Mary C. , Fitzmaurice Garrett , Busch Alisa
Published: February 2019

Objective

We examined whether eating disorder (ED) outcome trajectories during residential treatment differed for patients screening positive for comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) and/or substance use disorders (SUDs) than those who do not.

Method

We examined data from patients in a residential ED treatment program. Patients completed validated self‐report surveys to screen for SUDs and BPD on admission, and the ED Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) on admission and every 2 weeks until discharge (N = 479 females).

Results

Fifty‐four percent screened positive for at least one co‐occurring condition. At admission, patients screening positive for SUD and/or BPD had significantly greater eating pathology than patients screening negative for both (t[477] = 8.23, p < .001). Patients screening positive for SUD (independent of BPD screening status) had a significantly faster rate of symptom improvement during the initial 4 weeks than patients screening positive for BPD only and those with no comorbidities.

Discussion

Screening positive for SUD and/or BPD was common in residential ED treatment, and associated with more severe ED symptoms. Screening positive for SUD was associated with faster ED symptom improvement than screening positive for BPD. These findings suggest that intensive ED treatment, even in the absence of intensive SUD treatment, may enhance patient outcomes for those with SUDs.
Heterobimetallic PtII‐AuI Complexes Comprising Unsymmetrical 1,1‐Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane Bridges: Synthesis, Photophysical, and Cytotoxic Studies
Authors: Shahsavari Hamid R. , Giménez Nora , Lalinde Elena , Moreno M. Teresa , Fereidoonnezhad Masood , Babadi Aghakhanpour Reza , Khatami Mehri , Kalantari Foroogh , Jamshidi Zahra , Mohammadpour Mozhdeh
Published: February 2019

In the present work, a series of aryl‐cycloplatinated(II) complexes with general formula [Pt(C^N)(Ar)(κ1‐dppm)], 1, [C^N = 7,8‐benzoquinolinyl (bzq) or 2‐phenylpyridinyl (ppy); Ar = C6F5 or p‐MeC6H4, dppm = 1,1‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)methane] was employed in the reaction with AuCl(SMe2) in order to generate heterobimetallic PtII‐AuI complexes, [Pt(C^N)(Ar)(µ‐dppm)Au(Cl)], 2, featuring a dppm bridge between the metal centers. The expectation was to induce metallophilic character into the excited state and to reduce non‐radiative deactivation pathways of the dangling auxiliary κ1‐dppm ligand through molecular motions, to improve the photophysical properties. After characterization of the new complexes by means of NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography technique, the photophysical properties of all the complexes were investigated by UV/Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Both of the monometallic complexes and heterobimetallic products have shown to be luminescent in different states and temperature conditions. However, by addition of AuI, the impact on the photophysics of the heterobimetallic products in relation to the precursors with dangling dppm is minimal, a finding which can be attributed to the absence of a PtII‐AuI bond in these compounds. Indeed, the character of the excited states of the monomer PtII complexes and their corresponding bimetallic PtII‐AuI ones are similar, as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) and time resolved DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds along with that of [ClAu(µ‐dppm)AuCl] were evaluated against human breast cancer (MCF‐7), human lung cancer (A549), human ovarian cancer (SKOV3) and non‐tumorigenic epithelial breast (MCF‐10A) cell lines. The highest activity was found for the heterometallic Pt‐Au species, suggesting a cooperative effect of both metallic fragments. The most cytotoxic compound, i.e. [Pt(bzq)(p‐MeC6H4)(µ‐dppm)Au(Cl)], 2b, effectively causes cell death in MCF‐7 cancer cell line by inducing apoptosis. Fluorescence microscopy experiments for 2a were performed.
Flow Synthesis of Iodonium Trifluoroacetates through Direct Oxidation of Iodoarenes by Oxone®
Authors: Soldatova Natalia S. , Postnikov Pavel S. , Yusubov Mekhman S. , Wirth Thomas
Published: February 2019

Flow chemistry is considered to be a versatile and complementary methodology for the preparation of valuable organic compounds. We describe a straightforward approach for the synthesis of iodonium trifluoroacetates through the direct oxidation of iodoarenes in a simple flow reactor using an Oxone‐filled cartridge. Optimization has been carried out using the Nelder–Mead algorithm. The procedure allows a wide range of iodonium salts to be prepared from simple starting materials.
Modeling and simulation of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiac tissue
Authors: Jung Alexander , Staat Manfred
Published: February 2019

Human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐CMs) have become a promising in vitro model for human native cardiomyocytes. Cultivated tissue samples beat autonomously and can be used for basic and pharmacological research. For mechanical measurements of these tissue samples, the CellDrum technology has been developed. Measurements are extended by simulations with a multi‐scale electromechanically coupled finite element method based model. This model can be parameterized and validated experimentally. The paper describes the model, its workflow, and preliminary simulations to study the effect of fibroblasts and a selected cardiac drug on the electromechanics of hiPSC‐CMs.
Robust network‐based regularization and variable selection for high‐dimensional genomic data in cancer prognosis
Authors: Ren Jie , Du Yinhao , Li Shaoyu , Ma Shuangge , Jiang Yu , Wu Cen
Published: February 2019

In cancer genomic studies, an important objective is to identify prognostic markers associated with patients' survival. Network‐based regularization has achieved success in variable selections for high‐dimensional cancer genomic data, because of its ability to incorporate the correlations among genomic features. However, as survival time data usually follow skewed distributions, and are contaminated by outliers, network‐constrained regularization that does not take the robustness into account leads to false identifications of network structure and biased estimation of patients' survival. In this study, we develop a novel robust network‐based variable selection method under the accelerated failure time model. Extensive simulation studies show the advantage of the proposed method over the alternative methods. Two case studies of lung cancer datasets with high‐dimensional gene expression measurements demonstrate that the proposed approach has identified markers with important implications.
Investing in antibiotics to alleviate future catastrophic outcomes: What is the value of having an effective antibiotic to mitigate pandemic influenza?
Authors: Megiddo Itamar , Drabik Dusan , Bedford Tim , Morton Alec , Wesseler Justus , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: February 2019

Over 95% of post‐mortem samples from the 1918 pandemic, which caused 50 to 100 million deaths, showed bacterial infection complications. The introduction of antibiotics in the 1940s has since reduced the risk of bacterial infections, but growing resistance to antibiotics could increase the toll from future influenza pandemics if secondary bacterial infections are as serious as in 1918, or even if they are less severe. We develop a valuation model of the option to withhold wide use of an antibiotic until significant outbreaks such as pandemic influenza or foodborne diseases are identified. Using real options theory, we derive conditions under which withholding wide use is beneficial, and calculate the option value for influenza pandemic scenarios that lead to secondary infections with a resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrain. We find that the value of withholding an effective novel oral antibiotic can be positive and significant unless the pandemic is mild and causes few secondary infections with the resistant strain or if most patients can be treated intravenously. Although the option value is sensitive to parameter uncertainty, our results suggest that further analysis on a case‐by‐case basis could guide investment in novel agents as well as strategies on how to use them.
Reinforcing the prospective remembering of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Peisley Monique , Foster T. Mary , Sargisson Rebecca J.
Published: February 2019

Prospective memory is remembering to carry out a behavior on a particular occasion or at a specific time in the future. This form of remembering is critical for the daily functioning of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their functional independence from caregivers. We used a single‐subject design to investigate whether reinforcement increased the accuracy of prospective remembering in the context of a computerized board game, Virtual Week, of four 6‐ to 7‐year‐old children diagnosed with ASD. Reinforcement increased accuracy for all participants compared to baseline performance and effects were maintained after reinforcement was discontinued for three of four children. This is the first study of which we are aware to use a reinforcement‐based behavioral intervention to improve the prospective remembering of children with ASD. Limitations and areas for future research are discussed.
Gain of native conformation of Aurora A S155R mutant by small molecules
Authors: Tanwar Garima , Purohit Rituraj
Published: February 2019

Aurora A is a mitotic serine/threonine kinase protein that is a proposed target of the first‐line anticancer drug design. It has been found to be overexpressed in many human cancer cells, including hematological, breast, and colorectal. Here, we focus on a particular somatic mutant S155R of Aurora kinase A protein, whose activity decreases because of loss of interaction with a TPX2 protein that results in ectopic expression of the Aurora kinase A protein, which contributes chromosome instability, centrosome amplification, and oncogenic transformation. The primary target of this study is to select a drug molecule whose binding results in gaining S155R mutant interaction with TPX2. The computational methodology applied in this study involves mapping of hotspots (for uncompetitive binding), virtual screening, protein–ligand docking, postdocking optimization, and protein–protein docking approach. In this study, we screen and validate ZINC968264, which acts as a potential molecule that can improve the loss of function occurred because of mutation (S155R) in Aurora A. Our approaches pave a suitable path to design a potential drug against physiological condition manifested because of S155R mutant in Aurora A.
Osteogenesis inducers promote distinct biological responses in aortic and mitral valve interstitial cells
Authors: Wang Xinmei , Ali Mir S. , Lacerda Carla M. R.
Published: February 2019

Both aortic and mitral valves calcify in pathological conditions; however, the prevalence of aortic valve calcification is high whereas mitral valve leaflet calcification is somewhat rare. Patterns of valvular calcification may differ due to valvular architecture, but little is known to that effect. In this study, we investigated the intrinsic osteogenic differentiation potential of aortic versus mitral valve interstitial cells provided minimal differentiation conditions. For the assessment of calcification at the cellular level, we used classic inducers of osteogenesis in stem cells: β‐glycerophosphate (β‐Gly), dexamethasone (Dex), and ascorbate (Asc). In addition to proteomic analyses, osteogenic markers and calcium precipitates were evaluated across treatments of aortic and mitral valve cells. The combination of β‐Gly, Asc, and Dex induced aortic valve interstitial cells to synthesize extracellular matrix, overexpress osteoblastic markers, and deposit calcium. However, no strong evidence showed the calcification of mitral valve interstitial cells. Mitral cells mainly responded to Asc and Dex by cell activation. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the physiological properties of aortic and mitral valves and tendencies for calcific changes within each valve type, contributing to the development of future therapeutics for heart valve diseases.