bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-utility analysis of an implantable cardioverterdefibrillator for the treatment of patients with ischemic or non-ischemic New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure in Colombia
Authors: Atehortúa Sara , Senior Juan Manuel , Castro Paula , Ceballos Mateo , Saldarriaga Clara , Giraldo Nelson , Mora Guillermo
Published: October 2019

Introduction: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator reduces the probability of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure.Objective: To determine the cost-utility relationship of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator compared to optimal pharmacological therapy for patients with ischemic or non-ischemic New York Heart Association class II or III (NYHA II-III) heart failure in Colombia.Materials and methods: We developed a Markov model including costs, effectiveness, and quality of life from the perspective of the Colombian health system. For the baseline case, we adopted a time horizon of 10 years and discount rates of 3% for costs and 3.5% for benefits.The transition probabilities were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. The outcome used was the quality-adjusted life years. We calculated the costs by consulting with the manufacturers of the device offered in the Colombian market and using national-level pricing manuals. We conducted probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses.Results: In the base case, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was USD$ 13,187 per quality-adjusted life year gained. For a willingness-to-pay equivalent to three times the gross domestic product per capita as a reference (USD$ 19,139 in 2017), the device would be a cost-effective strategy for the Colombian health system. However, the result may change according to the time horizon, the probability of death, and the price of the device.Conclusions: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure would be a cost-effective strategy for Colombia. The results should be examined considering the uncertainty.
Coumarin analogue 3-methyl-7H-furo[3,2-g] chromen-7-one as a possible antiparkinsonian agent
Authors: Olaya María del Pilar , Vergel Nadezdha Esperanza , López José Luis , Viña María Dolores , Guerrero Mario Francisco
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors are used in the treatment of this disease concomitantly with levodopa or as monotherapy. Several substituted coumarins have shown activity as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B.Objective: To evaluate the possible antiparkinsonian effects of the coumarin analogue FCS005 (3-methyl-7H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one) in mouse models, as well as its inhibitory activity towards monoamine oxidases (MAO) and its antioxidant activity.Materials and methods: FCS005 was synthesized and the reversal of hypokinesia was evaluated in the reserpine and levodopa models. Moreover, in the haloperidol model, its anticataleptic effects were evaluated. Additionally, the monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of FCS005 were evaluated using in vitro and ex vivo studies, respectively.Results: FCS005 (100 mg/kg) caused the reversal of hypokinesia in the reserpine and levodopa models. This furocoumarin also presented anti-cataleptic effects at the same dose. Besides, it showed selective inhibitory activity towards the MAO-B isoform and antioxidant activity.Conclusion: These results attribute interesting properties to the compound FCS005. It is important to continue research on this molecule considering that it could be a potential antiparkinsonian agent.
Análisis de la variabilidad genética de una muestra de la población de Bogotá: hacia la constitución de un mapa de haplotipos
Authors: Caicedo Juan David , Cáceres Alejandro , Arboleda-Bustos Carlos E. , Mahecha María Fernanda , Ortega Jenny , Arboleda Gonzalo , Arboleda Humberto
Published: October 2019

Introducción. Los proyectos del mapa de haplotipos (HapMap) y de los 1.000 genomas han sido fundamentales para la compresión del componente genético de las enfermedades comunes y los fenotipos normales. Sin embargo, la variabilidad genética colombiana incluida en estos proyectos no es representativa del país.Objetivo. Contribuir al conocimiento de la variabilidad genética de la población colombiana a partir del estudio genómico de una muestra de individuos de Bogotá.Materiales y métodos. Se genotipificaron 2’372.784 marcadores genéticos de 32 individuos nacidos en Bogotá y de padres originarios de la misma ciudad utilizando la plataforma Illumina™. Los niveles de variabilidad genética se determinaron y se compararon con los datos disponibles de otras poblaciones del proyecto de los 1.000 genomas. Resultados. Los individuos analizados presentaron una variabilidad genética semejante a la de poblaciones con las que comparten ancestros. No obstante, a pesar de la poca diferenciación genética detectada en la población de Bogotá y en la de Medellín, el análisis de los componentes principales sugiere una composición genética diferente en las dos poblaciones.Conclusiones. El análisis genómico de la muestra de Bogotá permitió detectar similitudes y diferencias con otras poblaciones americanas. El aumento de tamaño de la muestra bogotana y la inclusión de muestras de otras regiones del país permitirán una mejor compresión de la variabilidad genética en Colombia, lo cual es fundamental para los estudios de salud humana, y la prevención y el tratamiento de enfermedades comunes en el país.
Structural, functional and molecular dynamics analysis of cathepsin B gene SNPs associated with tropical calcific pancreatitis, a rare disease of tropics
Authors: Singh Garima , jayadev Magani Sri Krishna , Sharma Rinku , Bhat Basharat , Shrivastava Ashish , Chinthakindi Madhusudhan , Singh Ashutosh
Published: October 2019

Tropical Calcific Pancreatitis (TCP) is a neglected juvenile form of chronic non-alcoholic pancreatitis. Cathepsin B (CTSB), a lysosomal protease involved in the cellular degradation process, has recently been studied as a potential candidate gene in the pathogenesis of TCP. According to the Cathepsin B hypothesis, mutated CTSB can lead to premature intracellular activation of trypsinogen, a key regulatory mechanism in pancreatitis. So far, CTSB mutations have been studied in pancreatitis and neurodegenerative disorders, but little is known about the structural and functional effect of variants in CTSB. In this study, we investigated the effect of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) specifically associated with TCP, using molecular dynamics and simulation algorithms. There were two non-synonymous variants (L26V and S53G) of CTSB, located in the propeptide region. We tried to predict the effect of these variants on structure and function using multiple algorithms: SIFT, Polyphen2, PANTHER, SDM sever, i-Mutant2.0 suite, mCSM algorithm, and Vadar. Further, using databases like miRdbSNP, PolymiRTS, and miRNASNP, two SNPs in the 3′UTR region were predicted to affect the miRNA binding sites. Structural mutated models of nsSNP mutants (L26V and S53G) were prepared by MODELLER v9.15 and evaluated using TM-Align, Verify 3D, ProSA and Ramachandran plot. The 3D mutated structures were simulated using GROMACS 5.0 to predict the impact of these SNPs on protein stability. The results from in silico analysis and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that these variants in the propeptide region of Cathepsin B could lead to structural and functional changes in the protein and thus could be pathogenic. Hence, the structural and functional analysis results have given interim conclusions that these variants can have a deleterious effect in TCP pathogenesis, either uniquely or in combination with other mutations. Thus, it could be extrapolated that Cathepsin B gene can be screened in samples from all TCP patients in future, to decipher the distribution of variants in patients.
Crop Residue Management under Changing Climate Scenario
Authors: Sahu Jubuli , Prasad Muneswar , Sahu Raghubar , Kumar Dharmendra , Mandal Sanjay Kumar , Sohane R. K.
Published: October 2019

An effort has been made to study the effect of climate change on crop residues and need of crop residue management in present environmental condition. Crop residue management as an important practiced in the rice–wheat cropping system. In present condition, cropping season is shifted according to changing rainfall pattern. In case of wheat and rice-based cropping system, there is a chance of crop loss due to occurrence of rainfall at harvesting stage so, to cope with that situation combine harvesters become more popularize among farmers because of effective harvesting in less time, less effort and minimum labour cost. But it lefts a huge amount of loose straw in their field and farmers face difficulties in the disposal of huge straw in the field in short time has compelled to go for crop residue burning to save time as well labour. Farmers can use that residues in vermi-composting, can be fed to animals after urea treatment etc. without burning. In recent year 30-40% maize crop have been damaged due to hailstorm at its grain filling stage so these residues can be used in making silage. Removal of straw or stover can result in significant loss of soil organic carbon (SOC). If they are used as bedding for livestock, then much of the carbon may be returned to the soil as manure (Lal et al., 1998). When crop-residue is incorporated into soil, the soil’s physical properties and its water-holding capacity are enhanced. Unlike in earlier conservation farming systems wherein retained stubble was mulched and slashed, now it is mostly burned by the farmers. Vermicomposting, waste decomposer, Green Manuring, use of zero tillage machine, silage making and urea treated straw are the best option to crop residue management. The study aimed to examine the present status of crop residue management of major crops and its impact on farmers’ livelihood covering eleven blocks in Banka district of Bihar.
Application of GIS on the Identification of Suitable Areas for Water Conservation Technologies in the Upper Tana Watershed of the Central Highlands of Kenya
Authors: Nganga B. W. , Nge’tich K. O. , Adamtey N. , Milka K. , Ngetich K. F.
Published: October 2019

Low adoption of soil water conservation technologies has been one of the main causes for decreased agricultural productivity in the Upper Tana Catchment of Kenya. Proper identification of locations to scale-out the individual technologies necessary to improve water conservation is a key determinant for the rate of adoption. Our main aim was to identify the suitable sites for water conservation technologies using the suitability model created by the model builder function in ArcGIS 10.5®. The model combined the thematic layers of soil texture, slope, rainfall, and stream order, which were acquired from assorted online sources. The factors were converted to raster format and reclassified based on their suitability and were assigned fixed scores and weights by use of multi influencing factor (MIF) method. The suitability evaluation was carried out by use of weighted overlay to produce suitability classes for each of the water conservation technique. The delineated suitability maps indicated that check dams are highly suitable in 50% of the study area. Mulching, on the other hand, is highly suitable for 49% of the study area. Zai pits are highly suitable in 43% of the study area. Majority of the study area is moderately suitable for the use of terraces, covering 41% of the study area. The highly suitable areas for the Checkdams are Machakos, Kitui, Tharaka-Nithi and lower parts of Embu. The highly suitable areas for mulching are Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Nyeri. The highly suitable areas for the Zai pits are Kitui, lower parts of Tharaka-Nithi and the highly suitable areas for the terraces are Murang’a, Nyeri and Kirinyaga. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the effectiveness of GIS in delineating the suitable areas for the use of water conservation technologies.
PERANCANGAN FASILITAS DISPLAY MAKET FURNITUR MENGGUNAKAN MATERIAL BEKAS BANGUNAN DAN FURNITUR KAMPUS (Studi Kasus: Service Learning Mata Kuliah Eko Desain 2017)
Authors: Santoso Monica , Kurniawan Christine Yulie , Kusumarini Yusita
Published: October 2019

Mata kuliah Eko-Desain 2017 di Program Studi Desain Interior meresponi per­masalah­an menumpuknya solid waste di kampus dengan metode service-learning untuk membantu memberikan alternatif solusi terhadap menumpuknya solid waste di institusi pendidikan Universitas Kristen Petra. Solid waste yang diresponi adalah menumpuknya fur­nitur bekas aktivitas kampus yang sudah habis masa pakainya, dan material bongkaran bangunan renovasi kampus yang telah menumpuk menjadi material bekas. Material bekas yang dipilih adalah kaca nako bekas jendela bangunan lama kampus dan besi bekas kursi kuliah. Prinsip eko-desain yang diterapkan adalah perancangan produk dari material bekas tersebut untuk menjadi produk fasilitas kampus kembali. Metode yang digunakan dalam proses perancangan produk adalah design thinking. Metode yang digunakan dalam proses pembelajar­an adalah service-learning. Mitra dalam proses service-learning MK eko-Desain 2017 adalah civitas pengguna galeri pameran Program Studi Desain Interior, Unit Pelayanan dan Peme­lihara­an Kampus, dan Wakil Rektor yang mengelola Sarana dan Prasarana Kampus. Peran­cangan ini menghasilkan tiga model produk display maket furnitur dengan gaya modern-minimalis yang dapat juga digunakan di berbagai ruangan untuk fungsi lain-lain
Um estudo sobre o modelo de gestão do patrimônio fortificado de Florianópolis (SC)
Authors: Cunha Lima Felipe Borborema , Gusso Luana De Carvalho Silva , Oliveira Alessandro Pereira de
Published: October 2019

A pesquisa objetiva estudar os desafios jurídicos e sociais para uma gestão democrática do patrimônio cultural, das Fortalezas de Florianópolis. Após um levantamento bibliográfico e documental, foi realizada uma busca mais específica no Banco de Dados Temáticos sobre fortificações, que posteriormente orientou os debates e análises centradas no entendimento da busca democrática pela mobilização de recursos humanos através da educação e do turismo. Destacamos assim, a atuação da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) e seu projeto de plataforma virtual como um exemplo estratégico de acesso democrático ao patrimônio das Fortalezas e, a possibilidade de promover o compartilhamento de informação como um importante vetor de desenvolvimento para a região e efetivação de direitos humanos.
Combating Coloniality: the cultural policy of post-colonialism
Authors: Mulcahy Kevin V.
Published: October 2019

The distinguishing characteristic of cultural policy in countries characterized by a legacy of coloniality is the importance of the identity formation and the politics that are involved in formulating its definition. At root, coloniality is an experience involving dominating influence by a stronger power over a subject state. However, this is not just a matter of external governance or economic dependency, but of a cultural dominance that creates an asymmetrical relationship between the ‘center’ and the ‘periphery,’ between the ruling ‘hegemon’ and the marginalized ‘other.’ In these circumstances, what constitutes an “authentic” culture, and how this informs national identity, is a central political and social concern.
Modelos de financiamento público da cultura: estudo comparativo entre o Brasil e os Estados Unidos
Authors: Reis Paula Félix dos
Published: October 2019

Este artigo compara o sistema público de financiamento da cultura do Brasil e dos Estados Unidos. Além do exame dos mecanismos de financiamento existentes, o trabalho analisa os principais investimentos públicos realizados nos últimos anos pelo Ministério da Cultura brasileiro e peloNational Endowment for the Arts. 

Palavras-chave: Financiamento Cultural, Brasil, Estados Unidos.
Crianças, adultos e hackers: cotidianos e tecnologias
Authors: Menezes Karina Moreira , Cordeiro Salete de Fátima Noro
Published: October 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os cotidianos infantis compartilhados com os adultos, diante da perspectiva da cultura digital e das práticas hackers desenvolvidas a partir da proposta de interação com participantes do projeto Crianças Hackers e em seus cotidianos familiares. A palavra hacker é tomada em seu sentido originário referindo-se a pessoas com forte interesse em tecnologias cuja curiosidade impulsiona suas atitudes de forma lúdica. Os objetivos específicos estão em descrever e analisar as práticas de aprendizagem compartilhada entre crianças e pessoas adultas, diante de conteúdos relacionados a tecnologias em sentido amplo, e na construção e reflexão sobre essas vivências a partir de seus cotidianos na interação com a cultura digital. Como construtos da pesquisa participante, tomada como um momento dinâmico dentro das ações realizadas, apresentamos relatos de atividades e vivências nos quais as crianças protagonizam a reinvenção não apenas dos espaços físicos que passam por reestruturações, mas também dos modos de ser e fazer dos adultos que precisam refletir e reconstruir suas práticas na relação com os pequenos. Como resultados podemos mencionar a necessidade urgente de repensar os espaços educativos formais, para que valorizem as experiências cotidianas das crianças e estejam mais atentos às dinâmicas contemporâneas, que envolvem além da inserção de tecnologias digitais, as maneiras outras de pensar, fazer, relacionar, ser, construir e compartilhar conhecimentos.
O papel da leitura na formação lúdica docente: o que leem os professores que brincam?
Authors: Fortuna Tânia Ramos
Published: October 2019

Relato de pesquisa (auto) biográfica com professores que brincam, enfocando suas histórias formativas em relação ao brincar, com ênfase no papel da leitura na sua formação lúdica docente. Baseado na ludobiografia como método de coleta de dados e na Hermenêutica Filosófica como modo de análise e interpretação desses dados, o estudo conclui que tais professores extraem da experiência da leitura uma parte fundamental de seus conhecimentos sobre a vida, o que se reflete em seu trabalho como professores, e, particularmente, em sua atuação lúdica. Sem individualizá-los ou descrevê-los detalhadamente, o texto descreve a experiência de leitura dos professores investigados, na qual a literatura revelou-se, simultaneamente, fonte de saber e de fruição, demonstrando ter grande importância no vir a ser professor que brinca. A leitura e a reflexão a partir dela parece ser, para esses professores, um instrumento fundamental para o desenvolvimento continuado de sua formação, incidindo diretamente em sua prática pedagógica centrada na brincadeira.
Reflexões sobre a formação de docentes da e para a Educação Infantil
Authors: Baptista Mônica Correia , Barreto Angela Rabelo
Published: October 2019

Neste artigo, busca-se analisar a formação das professoras da educação infantil, utilizando-se estatísticas sobre escolaridade dessas profissionais, dados sobre características dos cursos que as formam e resultados de estudos recentes sobre o lugar da educação infantil nas matrizes curriculares de cursos de Pedagogia, nos quais devem ser formadas essas profissionais, em consonância com as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para o Curso de Pedagogia (BRASIL, 2006). São também apontados aspectos que, na visão das autoras, são essenciais na formação de professoras, para contribuir com a qualidade da educação infantil ofertada no País. Considerando os problemas identificados por vário(a)s autore(a)s sobre a dispersão do objeto do curso de Pedagogia, definido na resolução de 2006 (BRASIL, 2006), que faz com que a formação oferecida seja fragmentada e superficial, apresenta-se uma proposta de matriz curricular para licenciatura em educação infantil, como provocação ao debate. A matriz foi construída tendo como pretensão a formação de professoras, capacitadas para cuidar e educar crianças em creches e pré-escolas, segundo as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para a Educação Infantil (BRASIL, 2009).
Infâncias, Educação Infantil e formação de professores
Authors: Araujo Liane Castro de , Soares Leila Da Franca
Published: October 2019

Editorial do Número Temático Infâncias, Educação Infantil e formação de professores, organizado pelo NEPESSI, Núcleo Integrado de Estudos e Pesquisas sobre Infâncias e Educação Infantil.
Organophosphorus Polymers
Authors: Green Joshua P. , Orthaber Andreas
Published: October 2019

This article discusses polymers containing phosphorus centers that impart essential properties, functions, and responses to the discussed materials. By incorporating this heteroelement, the toolbox for tailoring optical, electronic, and structural properties as well as chemical reactivity is greatly expanded over “carbon” analogs. We discuss unsaturated (e.g., phosphaalkenes), saturated (e.g., phosphine oxides), and cyclic (e.g., phospholes) phosphorus motifs incorporated into conjugated polymers. Such organophosphorus systems are believed to have a bright future in optoelectronic devices, with this being demonstrated in organic light‐emitting diodes as acceptor and emitter materials, and in fundamental studies as responsive sensor systems. Saturated organophosphorus polymers allow for chemical transformations at the phosphorus centers by means of oxidation, metal (Lewis acid) coordination, quaternization, and so on. These modifications and transformations are used in sensing, scavenging, and catalytic systems. Moreover, in this article, we cover selected inorganic polymers, that is, polymers having exclusively inorganic skeletal atoms. These mainly include the polyphosphine and phosphinoborane classes of materials, for which recent fundamental studies have illustrated their potential as ceramic precursors.

Polymerization methods are often similar to those applied in organic polymers, but a large variety of polymerizations have also been specifically developed for phosphorus and other pnictogens, and these have also been employed to synthesize these fascinating materials.
Enhancement of the Damping Behavior of Ti6Al4V Alloy through the Use of Trabecular Structure Produced by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Fiocchi Jacopo , Biffi Carlo Alberto , Scaccabarozzi Diego , Saggin Bortolino , Tuissi Ausonio
Published: October 2019

The interest of manufacturing complex devices is steadily growing for high technological application fields, such as the aerospace and biomedical ones, due to the possibility of coupling structural and functional properties. Additive manufacturing (AM) allows to produce 3D complex geometries such as lattice structures, offering lightness together with good mechanical properties. Herein, static and dynamic mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V lattice structures, produced by selective laser melting, are investigated and compared with fully dense material, as reference. In detail, the effects of heat treatment on mechanical properties and damping performance are investigated through tensile testing and dynamic compression measurements at different excitation frequency and deformation amplitude. The lattice structure can express a damping capacity of an order of magnitude higher than the fully dense material, correlated to good mechanical behavior. In the prospective of newly designed parts for vibration suppression in aerospace applications, the opportunity of enhancing damping behavior by means of light structural components is allowed by the use of lattice structures.
Two middle‐aged women with the Finnish variant of muscle‐eye‐brain disease (MEB)
Authors: Arvio Maria , Määttänen Laura , Haanpää Maria , Lähdetie Jaana
Published: October 2019

Muscle‐eye‐brain disease (MEB) is a recessively inherited rare disease. Sixteen different gene mutations are known, with the most common mutations in the POMGNT1 gene. The disease is now called congenital muscular dystrophy‐dystroglycanopathy type A3 (MDDGA3). It manifests itself as muscular dystrophy with eye and brain anomalies and intellectual disability. Previous clinical reports describe young patients. We have been able to follow two patients for almost 40 years. Their clinical picture has remained quite stable since adolescence, appearing as severe intellectual and motor disability, extremely limited communication skills, visual impairment, epilepsy, joint contractures, repeated bowel obstructions, teeth abrasion due to bruxism, an irregular sleep pattern and as a previously unreported feature hypothermic periods manifesting as excessive sleepiness.
Strategic Considerations for Applying the Flipped Classroom to Neurology Education
Authors: Sandrone Stefano , Berthaud Jimmy V. , Carlson Chad , Cios Jacquelyne , Dixit Neel , Farheen Amtul , Kraker Jessica , Owens James W. M. , Patino Gustavo , Sarva Harini , Weber Daniel , Schneider Logan D.
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, the “flipped classroom” approach is taking the center stage within medical education. However, very few reports on the implementation of the flipped classroom in neurology have been published to date, and this educational model still represents a challenge for students and educators alike. In this article, neurology educators from the American Academy of Neurology's A. B. Baker Section on Neurological Education analyze reports of flipped classroom in other medical/surgical subspecialties, review the current implementation in neurology, and discuss future strategies to flip the neurology curriculum through contextualization of the benefits and the consequences. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:4–9
Thermal properties of nanocellulose‐reinforced composites: A review
Authors: Gan P. G. , Sam S. T. , Abdullah Muhammad Faiq bin , Omar Mohd Firdaus
Published: October 2019

Nanocellulose has received increasing attention in science and industry in recent years as a nanoscale material for the reinforcement of polymer matrix composites due to its superior mechanical properties, renewability, and biodegradability. New nanocellulose sources, modifications, and treatments are under development to reduce the high energy required during production and to create a more suitable industrial‐scale production process. Thus, this paper reviews plant‐based nanocellulose composites and their properties, with a focus on their thermal‐related characteristics. The purpose of this review is to establish for readers the impact of the incorporation of nanocellulose on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of nanocellulose composites. Understanding of the thermal properties is important for researchers to assess the suitability of the nanocomposites for a variety of applications in response to new and evolving societal requirements. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48544.
2019 Papua New Guinea economic survey
Authors: Howes Stephen , Fox Rohan , Laveil Maholopa , Nguyen Bao H. , Sum Dek Joe
Published: October 2019

Although official statistics show that an economic recovery is underway in Papua New Guinea, the country's new Prime Minister has stated that the economy is “bleeding and struggling.” Disappointing 2019 first‐half‐year revenue results and the reintensification of foreign exchange shortages suggest that last year's (nonresource) recovery, which was based on unsustainable fiscal expansion, has not endured; that this year's growth statistics may need to be further revised downwards; and that the government's growth and fiscal challenges are once again intensifying. The new government's governance reforms are promising; but they are no substitute for reviewing exchange rate and fiscal policy, perhaps by turning to the International Monetary Fund for advice and support to address the problems it has inherited, including in relation to arrears, guarantees, and state‐owned enterprise debt.
A serine protease‐associated lectin in the cytolytic system of blowfly (Chrysomya megacephala) larvae: Evidence and characterization
Authors: Paulchamy Ramaraj , Sreeramulu Bhuvaragavan , Karuppiah Hilda , Arumugam Ganesh , Sundaram Janarthanan
Published: October 2019

Cytolytic activity against invading microorganisms is one of the innate forms of immunity in invertebrates. A serine protease‐associated sialic acid‐specific cytolytic lectin was purified using glutaraldehyde‐fixed ox erythrocytes from the larval extract of blowfly (Chrysomya megacephala). The purified lectin lysed vertebrate erythrocytes with effective haemolysis of ox red blood cells (RBCs) in an isotonic medium. The degree of haemolytic (HL) activity of the purified cytolytic lectin depended on its concentration, pH, temperature, and calcium ions. It was sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The native molecular mass of the C‐type lectin was 260 ± 26 kDa, comprising four different polypeptide subunits of 75 kDa (pI ~8), 69 kDa (pI ~7.0), 61 kDa (pI ~5.3), and 55 kDa (pI ~4.6). The association between the C‐type lectin and serine protease was confirmed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis that revealed its homology in the same spectral peak as well as the proteases and phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride inhibition of HL activity. Haemolysis inhibition by N‐acetylneuraminic acid and other sugars revealed the properties of the lectin. The purified lectin distorted the integrity of ox RBCs and Paenalcaligenes hermetiae. This in vitro study documents the presence of a cytolytic system in blowfly (C. megacephala) larvae for the clearance of invading microbial pathogens in their feeding niche.
Synergistic effects of polyaluminum chloride and Phoslock on phosphate and cyanobacteria removal in eutrophic lake water
Authors: Sadeghi Sepideh , Hua Guanghui , Min Kyungnan , Johnson Tylor J. , Gibbons William
Published: October 2019

Polyaluminum chloride (PACl) and Phoslock® are two promising technologies for lake restoration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of PACl and Phoslock on phosphate and cyanobacteria removal and solids' settling rates during coagulation treatment of water from Lake Kampeska, South Dakota. The lake water, spiked with Anabaena sp., was treated with PACl, Phoslock, and PACl+Phoslock, under controlled laboratory conditions. PACl with 70% basicity at a dose of 8 mg Al/L achieved phosphate, chlorophyll a, and turbidity removal efficiencies of 93.8%, 90.7%, and 93.5%, respectively. The corresponding removal efficiencies of Phoslock at a dose of 800 mg/L were 70.5%, 73.2%, and 90.0%, respectively. The combination of PACl (4 mg Al/L) and Phoslock (300 mg/L) resulted in 88.5%, 99.4%, and 99.5% removal efficiencies for phosphate, chlorophyll a, and turbidity, respectively. These removal efficiencies were 12.6%–23.5% or 10.5%–55.4% higher than PACl or Phoslock alone. The combined use of PACl and Phoslock also exhibited high tolerances to the variations in pH and dissolved organic carbon levels during coagulation. Coagulation treatment produced flocs that settled out of suspension. These flocs were resuspended to simulate hydraulic disturbance. The sedimentation rates following resuspension were in the order of PACl+Phoslock > PACl > Phoslock. Treatment with PACl+Phoslock improved turbidity reduction at a settling time of 30 min by 48.5%–61.6% after initial treatment compared with PACl and Phoslock. The results of this study suggest that the combined use of PACl and Phoslock is an effective strategy to remove phosphate and cyanobacteria in lake water. © 2019 American Water Works Association
The impact of perinatal nicotine exposure on fetal lung development and subsequent respiratory morbidity
Authors: Kuniyoshi Katherine M. , Rehan Virender K.
Published: October 2019

Maternal smoking during pregnancy remains as a significant public health crisis as it did decades ago. Although its prevalence is decreasing in high‐income countries, it has worsened globally, along with a concerning emergence of electronic‐cigarette usage within the last two decades. Extensive epidemiologic and experimental evidence exists from both human and animal studies, demonstrating the detrimental long‐term pulmonary outcomes in the offspring of mothers who smoke during pregnancy. Even secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure to the developing lung might be as or even more harmful than firsthand smoke exposure. Furthermore, these effects are not limited only to the exposed progeny, but can also be transmitted transgenerationally. There is compelling evidence to support that the majority of the effects of perinatal smoke exposure on the developing lung, including the transgenerational transmission of asthma, is mediated by nicotine. Nicotine exposure induces cell‐specific molecular changes in lungs, which offers a unique opportunity to prevent, halt, and/or reverse the resultant damage through targeted molecular interventions. Experimentally, the proposed interventions, such as administration of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists can not only block but also potentially reverse the perinatal nicotine exposure‐induced respiratory morbidity in the exposed offspring. However, the development of a safe and effective intervention is still many years away. In the meantime, electropuncture at specific acupoints appears to be emerging as a more practical and safe physiologic approach to block the harmful pulmonary consequences of perinatal nicotine exposure.
Hypothalamic hamartomas in adulthood: Clinical spectrum and treatment outcome—A unicenter experience
Authors: Conde Blanco Estefanía , Anciones Martín Carla , Manzanares Isabel , Gil López Francisco , Roldán Pedro , Donaire Antonio , Rumiá Jordi , Carreño Mar
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Clinical manifestations of the hypothalamic hamartoma‐epilepsy syndrome (HH‐ES) in adulthood are variable. Efficacy of therapeutic options and outcome are diverse.

Methods

Retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with a HH in magnetic resonance imaging and epilepsy who attended our tertiary Epilepsy Unit between 2003 and 2018. We report the clinical and electroencephalographic features of a series of adult patients with HH and related epilepsy seen in our center together with the treatments and seizure outcome.

Results

We describe a series of eight patients. Five males (62.5%), median age at evaluation was 28.5 years (IQR: 15.5). Clinical manifestations included focal with preserved and impaired awareness emotional seizures (gelastic seizures [GS]) in six patients (75%), focal tonic, atonic with impaired awareness and focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures. Mild GS were the only symptom in one patient. Three patients (37.5%) had endocrinological disturbances such as obesity and hypothyroidism. Fifty percent of the patients showed psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety disorder and aggressiveness, and two patients had psychomotor delay. Seven patients (87.7%) had drug‐resistant seizures and three of them were treated with radiosurgery. Out of the treated group, only one (33.3%) became seizure‐free 2 years after surgery but developed psychiatric problems. The other two patients had an Engel IV outcome and received a vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) implant. VNS did not lead to changes either in intensity nor in seizure frequency.

Conclusions

Hypothalamic hamartoma‐epilepsy syndrome clinical manifestations in adult patients are as variable as at pediatric age. Outcome of therapeutic options such as radiosurgery or VNS may be poorer at this stage.
Yeast surface display of full‐length human microtubule‐associated protein tau
Authors: Wang Shiyao , Cho Yong Ku
Published: October 2019

Microtubule‐associated protein tau is an intrinsically disordered, highly soluble protein found primarily in neurons. Under normal conditions, tau regulates the stability of axonal microtubules and intracellular vesicle transport. However, in patients of neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), tau forms neurofibrillary deposits, which correlates well with the disease progression. Identifying molecular signatures in tau, such as posttranslational modification, truncation, and conformational change has great potential to detect earliest signs of neurodegeneration and develop therapeutic strategies. Here, we show that full‐length human tau, including the longest isoform found in the adult brain, can be robustly displayed on the surface of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast‐displayed tau binds to anti‐tau antibodies that cover epitopes ranging from the N‐terminus to the 4R repeat region. Unlike tau expressed in the yeast cytosol, surface‐displayed tau was not phosphorylated at sites found in AD patients (probed by antibodies AT8, AT270, AT180, and PHF‐1). However, yeast‐displayed tau showed clear binding to paired helical filament (PHF) tau conformation‐specific antibodies Alz‐50, MC‐1, and Tau‐2. Although the tau possessed a conformation found in PHFs, oligomerization or aggregation into larger filaments was undetected. Taken together, yeast‐displayed tau enables robust measurement of protein interactions and is of particular interest for characterizing conformational change.
Guideline for Botulinum Toxin Injections in the Effective Treatment of Fibular Spasticity
Authors: Choi You‐Jin , Cho Tae‐Hyeon , Won Sung‐Yoon , Yang Hun‐Mu
Published: October 2019

This study used a modified Sihler's staining method to analyze the nerve distributions of the fibularis muscle to identify the most effective sites for botulinum toxin injection for fibular spasticity treatment. Ten specimens of the fibularis longus and brevis were obtained bilaterally from five fixed cadavers. The applied method of modified Sihler's staining was designed to reveal the intramuscular nerve distribution of the fibularis muscles. We divided the fibularis muscles into four quarters, which were defined as Sections 1–4 starting from the proximal part of the leg. There were one, two, and three nerve entry points in one (10%), six (60%), and three (30%) of the fibularis longus specimens, respectively, and in four (40%), five (50%), and one (10%) of the fibularis brevis specimens, respectively. We counted the number of nerve endings in each section: 321 and 195 points were identified in the fibularis longus and brevis, respectively. The densities of nerve endings were highest in Section 2 of the fibularis longus (147 of 321, 46%) and in Section 3 of the fibularis brevis (78 of 195, 40%). The landmarks used in this study (the fibular head and lateral malleolus) are easily palpable on the skin's surface, allowing clinicians to target the effective injection site (Section 2) without requiring ultrasound guidance, especially for the fibularis longus. Clin. Anat. 33:365–369, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Success Rate in Puncture of the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Hohenberger Gloria Maria , Schwarz Angelika Maria , Grechenig Peter , Grechenig Christoph , Krassnig Renate , Weiglein Andreas Heinrich , Feigl Georg Christoph
Published: October 2019

Puncture of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a minimally invasive treatment for various jaw disorders. This study used a cadaveric model to evaluate the procedure from two entrance points with respect to hit ratio and possible complications, such as extraarticular extrusion of injection fluid. Ten heads, embalmed with Thiel's method, were investigated. A straight line drawn with a colored pen connected the center of the tragus and the lateral canthus. The first portal “A” was located at a distance of 1 cm anterior and 2 mm caudal from the center of the tragus. Portal “B” was located 2 cm anterior and 1 cm caudal starting from the same reference point. Punctures “A” and “B” were performed alternately on the right and left sides. Specimens were dissected and the local distribution of the injected latex was recorded. With Approach A, four punctures (40%; 4/10) reached the TMJ, whereas with Approach B, six injections (60%; 6/10) entered the TMJ. There were no statistically significant differences between the tested puncture methods (P = 0.0317) and body sides (P = 1). With each method, for example, 35% (7/20) each, the injected latex was either periarticular or retromandibular. In a further 20% (4/20), it was located subperiosteally alongside the ramus of mandible. The latex was injected into the infratemporal fossa and the external acoustic meatus in one case each (each 5%). There was no statistically significant difference between the techniques. The adjacent anatomy has to be kept in mind during TMJ puncture as the complication rate was remarkably high, suggesting that ultrasound guided intraarticular injection could improve the hit rate. Clin. Anat., 33:683–688, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Load–deformation properties of the ligament of the head of femur in situ
Authors: Perumal Vivek , Scholze Mario , Hammer Niels , Woodley Stephanie , Nicholson Helen
Published: October 2019

The ligament of the head of femur (LHF) or ligamentum teres has been reported to tense during hip adduction and also to provide mechanical stability to the joint. LHF injury is more common in females and also in right hip joints compared with left ones. Although this could be due to leg dominance, pelvic size or muscle strength, there is no study that has looked into these differences. This cadaveric biomechanical study aimed to compare potential differences in the mechanical behavior of the LHF between neutral and 20° adducted hip joints, sex, and sides. Tensile tests of the LHF were performed on 25 hip joints (mean age at death of 85.7 ± 7.5 years; 9 females, 4 males; 13 left, 12 right), positioned either neutrally or in adduction. The maximum force required to rupture the ligament, its strain at failure, tensile strength, linear stiffness, and elastic modulus were obtained and statistically compared between analysis groups. The maximum force the LHF could withstand before rupture averaged 57 ± 37 N, strain at failure of 59 ± 33%, tensile strength of 2.9 ± 1.8 MPa, linear stiffness of 5.4 ± 3.5 N/mm, and elastic modulus of 7.2 ± 3.8 MPa. The LHF length at failure was significantly greater in males compared with females (P = 0.02). Irrespective of joint position, there were no statistical differences in the stress–strain properties of the LHF between females and males, or sides. There may be other anatomical, functional, and demographic factors that could render the ligament tissue vulnerable to injury in these groups. Clin. Anat., 33:705–713, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genistein protects ovarian granulosa cells from oxidative stress via cAMP‐PKA signaling
Authors: Luo Man , Yang Zhan‐Qing , Huang Ji‐Cheng , Wang Yu‐Si , Guo Bin , Yue Zhan‐Peng
Published: October 2019

Genistein is an isoflavone that has estrogen (E2)‐like activity and is beneficial for follicular development, but little is known regarding its function in oxidative stress (OS)‐mediated granulosa cell (GC) injury. Here, we found that after exposure to H2O2, Genistein weakened the elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), which were regarded as the biomarkers for OS, and rescued glutathione (GSH) content and GSH/GSSG ratio accompanying with a simultaneous increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, whereas addition of protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 impeded the effects of Genistein on the levels of ROS and MDA. Further analysis evidenced that Genistein enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH‐peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and catalase (CAT) in H2O2‐treated GCs, but this enhancement was attenuated by H89. Under OS, Genistein improved cell viability and lessened the apoptotic rate of GCs along with a reduction in the activity of Casp3 and levels of Bax and Bad messenger RNA (mRNA), while H89 reversed the above effects. Moreover, Genistein treatment caused an obvious elevation in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) followed by a decline in the levels of intracellular mitochondrial superoxide, but H89 inhibited the regulation of Genistein on MMP and mitochondrial superoxide. Supplementation of Genistein promoted the secretion of E2 and increased the expression of Star and Cyp19a1 mRNA, whereas suppressed the level of progesterone (P4) accompanied with a decline in the level of Hsd3b1 mRNA expression. H89 blocked the regulation of Genistein on the secretion of E2 and P4, and alleviated the ascending of Star and Cyp19a1 elicited by Genistein. Collectively, Genistein protects GCs from OS via cAMP‐PKA signaling.
Modified kissing balloon inflation associated with better results after Culotte stenting for bifurcation lesions: A bench test
Authors: Liu Jia , Li Li , Chen Can , Wei Jianrui , Chen Xiwei , Li Biao , Chen Yaogui , Luo Jingyun , Chen Shao‐Liang
Published: October 2019

Background

Main vessel (MV) stent deformation and overstretch caused by classical kissing balloon inflation (C‐KBI) using two balloons with a longer overlapping in the MV for bifurcation lesions has caused a widespread concern.

Purpose

This bench study tested our hypothesis that mini‐KBI (M‐KBI) with a shorter protrusion of side branch (SB) balloon would ascertain a better result after Culotte stenting.

Methods

Twenty‐four coronary stents were deployed using Culotte approach in twelve bifurcation models with a bifurcation angle of 45°, 3.5 mm in MV diameter, and 3.0 mm in SB diameter. After stent implantation, the final KBI were assigned to C‐KBI (two kissing balloons juxtaposed within the MV stent, at least overlap for 3 mm; n = 6) and M‐KBI (the proximal marker of SB balloon just sited at the level of upper edge of SB ostium; n = 6). Proximal optimization technique (POT) was performed after KBI. Stent geometry was visually evaluated based on bench photos, microscopy, videoscopy, micro‐CT, and scanning electron microscopy. Stent deformation index, minimal lumen diameter, and cross‐sectional area at either carina level of MV and ostium of SB were measured from optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

In Culotte technique, C‐KBI was associated with visually significant stent deformation, overexpansion and the “bottleneck” effect of the MV stent, which could not be effectively rectified by POT, while M‐KBI could keep the circle shape of MV stent with good stent apposition in both MV and SB stent. By quantitative measurements, deformation index of MV was 0.06 ± 0.01 after M‐KBI, significantly lower than 0.25 ± 0.02 if C‐KBI was performed. In the line in carina, compared to C‐KBI, M‐KBI has smaller CSA‐stent/CSA‐reference, which indicated a less overstretch of MV stent. However, minimal lumen diameter and cross‐sectional area of SB ostium was not different in the mini‐KBI group (3.0958 ± 0.0285 mm and 7.9667 ± 0.1741 mm), when compared those after C‐KBI (3.1217 ± 0.0772 mm and 7.9083 ± 0.3115 mm, p > .05).

Conclusions

Followed by POT, M‐KBI is preferable than C‐KBI in preventing stent deformation, overexpansion in MV stent and could get well apposed of MV stent and well‐opened SB stent as expected in a Culotte technique.
Encephalitis as a complication of a spinal‐esophageal fistula due to discitis
Authors: Lee Jae Hee , Kim Eun , Choi Yoon Hee
Published: October 2019

In patients with back or scapular pain, if there is evidence of neurological symptoms, fever, chills, malaise, or other signs of infection, the work‐up should consider the possibility of a spinal‐esophageal fistula.
The elusive nature of mucormycosis in an immunocompetent host and the role of a dermatology consult
Authors: Badin Dylan J. , Baker Catherine , Simmons Brian J. , Yan Shaofeng , Zug Kathryn A.
Published: October 2019

Key Clinical Message

Mucormycosis infection in the immunocompetent host typically occurs in the setting of trauma and presents a diagnostic challenge. The earliest signs of infection are often cutaneous, but can easily be misinterpreted, which can be a fatal mistake. Dermatology has tools to help recognize these infections and initiate earlier therapy.