bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in brain structure: a twin study on restricted and repetitive behaviors in twin pairs with and without autism
Authors: van’t Westeinde Annelies , Cauvet Élodie , Toro Roberto , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Neufeld Janina , Mevel Katell , Bölte Sven
Published: December 2019

Background

Females with autism spectrum disorder have been reported to exhibit fewer and less severe restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests compared to males. This difference might indicate sex-specific alterations of brain networks involved in autism symptom domains, especially within cortico-striatal and sensory integration networks. This study used a well-controlled twin design to examine sex differences in brain anatomy in relation to repetitive behaviors.

Methods

In 75 twin pairs (n= 150, 62 females, 88 males) enriched for autism spectrum disorder (n= 32), and other neurodevelopmental disorders (n= 32), we explored the association of restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests—operationalized by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (C domain) and the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behavior subscale)—with cortical volume, surface area and thickness of neocortical, sub-cortical, and cerebellar networks.

Results

Co-twin control analyses revealed within-pair associations between RRBI symptoms and increased thickness of the right intraparietal sulcus and reduced volume of the right orbital gyrus in females only, even though the mean number of RRBIs did not differ between the sexes. In a sub-sample of ASD-discordant pairs, increased thickness in association with RRBIs was found exclusively in females in the orbitofrontal regions, superior frontal gyrus, and intraparietal sulcus, while in males RRBIs tended to be associated with increased volume of the bilateral pallidum.

Limitations

However, due to a small sample size and the small difference in RRBI symptoms within pairs, the results of this exploratory study need to be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that structural alterations of fronto-parietal networks in association with RRBIs are found mostly in females, while striatal networks are more affected in males. These results endorse the importance of investigating sex differences in the neurobiology of autism symptoms, and indicate different etiological pathways underlying restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests in females and males.
Infective myositis, an uncommon presentation of melioidosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jayawardena Nuwan , Ralapanawa Udaya , Kumarihamy Prabhashini , Jayalath Thilak , Abeygunawardana Shashi Prabhani , Dissanayake Nadisha , Dissanayake Priyantha , Udupihille Jeevani , Ratnatunga Neelakanthi , Dalugama Chamara
Published: December 2019

Background

Melioidosis is considered endemic in certain areas of the world. Musculoskeletal and soft tissue involvement are relatively uncommon presentations in melioidosis. We present a case of infective myositis in a patient with melioidosis in Sri Lanka, which is not considered an endemic country. Even though multiple cases of melioidosis have been reported with an increasing number in Sri Lanka, infective myositis secondary to melioidosis was not reported previously.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old Sinhalese man with diabetes presented with fever of 4 months’ duration and a limp with a painful lump on the right side of the upper thigh of 2 months’ duration. He had been treated in a local hospital for community-acquired pneumonia 3 weeks prior to this admission, for which he had received intravenous meropenem and teicoplanin with intensive care unit admission. He had a 0.5-cm × 0.5-cm tender lump over the right vastus lateralis muscle, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the area showed an ill-defined, heterogeneously enhancing, hypodense area involving the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and quadratus femoris, suggestive of infective myositis but without abscess formation. Histopathology of the muscle biopsied from the vastus lateralis showed suppurative inflammation of subcutaneous fat with connective tissue necrosis and muscle infiltrated by lymphocytes. These features are suggestive of infective myositis possibly due to melioidosis. Although the result of a culture taken from the muscle biopsy was negative, the patient’s antibody titer was strongly positive for melioidosis. He did not show any other areas with infected foci. He was treated with intravenous meropenem for 2 weeks and responded well. He was discharged with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 6 months as a maintenance therapy.

Conclusion

Melioidosis is commonly an undiagnosed disease that has a wide variety of clinical presentations. Myositis in melioidosis is uncommon, and careful evaluation is mandatory to avoid misdiagnosis of this treatable but fatal disease. The clinician should have a high index of clinical suspicion, and further clinical and epidemiological studies are needed to determine the true burden of the disease.
Revisited digestion methods for trace element analysis in human hair
Authors: Shin Woo-Jin , Jung Minkyoung , Ryu Jong-Sik , Hwang Jihwan , Lee Kwang-Sik
Published: December 2019

Background

The human hair is a potential material for assessing the exposure to environmental contaminants and tracing human mobility. Although various digestion methods have been proposed for determining trace elements in the human hair, there is no consensus about the best method among them yet.

Findings

We examined five different methods in order to determine the best method yielding the most accurate and precise data of trace elements in the human hair using two certified reference human hairs (IAEA085 and IAEA086) under controlled conditions (temperature, the volume of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the number of digestion). Results showed that a high temperature of 160 °C yields better recovery rates than a low temperature of 70 °C. Furthermore, the additional input of H2O2 increases the recovery rate from 90 to 102%, and the two-time digestion also promotes the recovery rate.

Conclusions

This study suggests that although the combination of high temperature (160 °C), high volume of H2O2 (0.4 mL), and two-time digestion yields the most accurate and precise data of trace elements in the human hair, the digestion method should be carefully selected depending on the content of organometallic cation.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound findings of adult renal cell carcinoma associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion: comparison with clear cell renal cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wei Shuping , Tian Fuli , Xia Qiuyuan , Huang Pengfei , Zhang Yidan , Xia Zhichao , Wu Min , Yang Bin
Published: December 2019

Background

To investigate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) findings of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) associated with Xp11.2 translocation/TFE3 gene fusion (Xp11.2/TFE3) in adult patients by comparison with those of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and papillary RCC (pRCC).

Methods

In total, 110 patients (110 renal masses) who underwent CEUS examinations were enrolled in this study. The cases included 18 Xp11.2/TFE3 RCCs, 60 ccRCCs and 32 pRCCs. All masses were confirmed by operative pathology. The CEUS imaging data of these patients were retrospectively analysed by two readers. The conventional US and CEUS features of Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC were compared with those of ccRCC and pRCC.

Results

The age of the patients with Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC ranged from 20 to 68 years, with a mean age of 38.3 ± 16.3 years and a slight female predominance. The weighted kappa value that interprets the concordance between the interobserver agreement of the US and CEUS features ranged from 0.61 to 0.89. On conventional US and CEUS imaging of Xp11.2/TFE3 RCCs, the tumours were hypoechoic (6/18, 33.3%), isoechoic (8/18, 44.4%), and hyperechoic (4/18, 22.2%). The cystic component was present in 5 cases (27.8%), calcification was present in 9 cases (50.0%), and colour flow signal was present in 7 cases (38.9%). Most cases showed simultaneous wash-in (11/18, 61.1%); the peak enhancement showed hypoenhancement (6/18, 33.3%), isoenhancement (10/18, 55.6%), and hyperenhancement (2/18, 11.1%); most cases exhibited heterogeneous enhancement (12/18, 66.7%) and fast- or simultaneous-out (16/18, 88.9%); and a pseudocapsule was present in 6 cases (33.3%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, calcification and lower peak enhancement were more likely to be present in Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC than in ccRCC (P < 0.05), and younger age and relatively high peak enhancement were more likely to be present in Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC than in pRCC (P < 0.05). The calcification combined peak enhancement model differentiated Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC from ccRCC, and the age combined peak enhancement model differentiated Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC from pRCC with an AUC, a sensitivity and a specificity of 0.896, 94.4% and 73.3% and 0.786, 50.0% and 100.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The specific CEUS features combined with demographic information and clinical symptoms may be helpful for differentiating Xp11.2/TFE3 RCC from ccRCC and pRCC.
The effect of three-dimensional cultured adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell–conditioned medium and the antiaging effect of cosmetic products containing the medium
Authors: Kim Kyung Hye , Kim Yun-Sik , Lee Sunray , An Sungkwan
Published: December 2019

Background

Recently, investigators have been trying to apply the by-products as well as stem cells themselves to various fields such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, quasi-drug, cosmetis, etc. We aimed to comfirm the anti-senescence effect of 3D cultured adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell–conditioned medium (3D cultured ADMSCs-CM) and develop them as cosmetic raw materials for anti-aging purposes.

Methods

We investigated the effect of 3D cultured ADMSCs-CM on collagen production and performed efficacy tests to evaluate the effect of a cream-based cosmetic product containing the medium using various methods, such as dermal density, skin moisture retention, and so on.

Results

Analysis of the effect of ADMSCs-CM on skin regeneration and production of collagen showed 1.5-fold (2D cultured ADMSCs-CM) and 2.5-fold (3D cultured ADMSCs-CM) increase in expressions of procollagen and 4-fold (2D cultured ADMSCs-CM) and 5-fold (3D cultured ADMSCs-CM) increase in the expression of collagen compared with control. In addition, related gene expression was also increased. We conducted a human skin test using a cream-based product containing 3D cultured ADMSCs-CM. In skin texture assessment, skin roughness decreased by 11.94% at the application site and 3.74% at the non-application site after 3 weeks of use. Compared with before cream use, after 2 and 4 weeks of substance use, the skin elasticity analysis showed an increase in the elasticity value by 5.97% and 9.34%, respectively, and the improvement of small wrinkles was 5.01% and 6.23%, respectively. After 2 and 4 weeks of test substance use, dermal density analysis showed 6.97% and 12.53% increase, respectively. Skin moisture retention analysis showed skin moisture maintained at 543.60% and 452.38%, respectively, immediately after one-time use and after 20 min of cool breeze exposure compared with before application of the test substance.

Conclusions

As raw material for cosmetic products, 3D cultured ADMSCs-CM prevented skin aging by promoting collagen production, restoring damaged skin, and increasing dermal density. Therefore, 3D cultured ADMSCs-CM can be widely applied to maintain and improve skin condition.
Serum apolipoprotein A1: a predictor and prognostic biomarker in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Eldeeb Mai A. , Zaki Amr S. , Ashour Samia , Abdel Nasser Azza , El Bassiouny Ahmed , Abdulghani Khaled O.
Published: December 2019

Background

The apolipoprotein A1 level is recognized as a better indicator of cardiovascular disease than other cholesterol measures.

Objectives

To assess the serum level of ApoA1 in acute stroke patients and correlate it with the degree of vessel stenosis, stroke severity, prognosis, and functional outcome.

Patients and methods

We prospectively included 60 patients with first-ever cerebrovascular ischemic stroke, and they were matched with 30 healthy individuals matched in age and sex. Patients’ neurological status was assessed via National Institute of Health and Stroke Scale (NIHSS). A venous blood sample was taken within the first 24 h of stroke onset and assayed for ApoA1 level by Human ApoA1 ELISA kit.

Results

ApoA1 level could be used to discriminate between cases and controls at a level of 6.2 μg/ml, with 94.9% sensitivity and 86.6% specificity. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between the level of ApoA1 and the clinical outcome expressed by NIHSS score and their prognosis after 3 months. Finally, there is an inverse relationship between ApoA1 level and the degree of stenosis whether intracranial or extracranial.

Conclusion

ApoA1 level can be used as a predictor of ischemic stroke and as a prognostic tool for those patients with ischemic stroke.
Introduction to the standard reference data of electron energy loss spectra and their database: eel.geri.re.kr
Authors: Chae Jeong Eun , Kim Ji-Soo , Nam Sang-Yeol , Kim Min Su , Park Jucheol
Published: December 2019

Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) is an analytical technique that can provide the structural, physical and chemical information of materials. The EELS spectra can be obtained by combining with TEM at sub-nanometer spatial resolution. However, EELS spectral information can’t be obtained easily because in order to interpret EELS spectra, we need to refer to and/or compare many reference data with each other. And in addition to that, we should consider the different experimental variables used to produce each data. Therefore, reliable and easily interpretable EELS standard reference data are needed.

Our Electron Energy Loss Data Center (EELDC) has been designated as National Standard Electron Energy Loss Data Center No. 34 to develop EELS standard reference (SR) data and to play a role in dissemination and diffusion of the SR data to users. EELDC has developed and collected EEL SR data for the materials required by major industries and has a total of 82 EEL SR data. Also, we have created an online platform that provides a one-stop-place to help users interpret quickly EELS spectra and get various spectral information. In this paper, we introduce EEL SR data, the homepage of EELDC and how to use them.
Calcium phosphate injection of symptomatic bone marrow lesions of the knee: what is the current clinical evidence?
Authors: Angadi D. S. , Edwards D. , Melton J. T. K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Chronic bone marrow lesions (BML) in the weight-bearing portions of the knee are often associated with symptomatic degenerative arthritis resulting in pain and dysfunction. Injection of bone substitute material like calcium phosphate has been described. Whilst some studies have reported encouraging results others have shown limited benefit of this technique.

Aim

The aim was to collate the available evidence on the injection of calcium phosphate and systematically evaluate the results to answer the questions encountered in clinical decision making: (1) does it provide effective long-lasting pain relief to avoid further surgical intervention? (2) which factors (patient/surgical) significantly influence the outcome? and (3) does it adversely affect the outcomes of subsequent arthroplasty?

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify the studies describing the clinical outcomes of calcium phosphate injection for treatment of BML. We evaluated the reported clinical outcomes with respect to pain, function and complications. Isolated case reports and studies with no objective assessment of clinical outcomes were excluded.

Results

We noted 46 articles in the current literature of which 8 described clinical outcomes of calcium phosphate injection. Mean (plus/minus SD) score on the visual analog scale (VAS) has been reported to improve from 7.90 (± 0.38) to 2.76 (± 0.90), whereas the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score improved from 30.5 (SD not reported (NR)) to 53.0 (SD NR). Pre and post procedure Short form survey (SF-12) scores were 29.8 (SD NR) and 36.7 (SD NR), respectively. In one study, scores on the Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scale improved in 12 out of 22 patients, whereas the remainder had no change in symptoms. Extravasation of calcium phosphate into the joint was the most common complication, whereas no adverse effect has been reported on subsequent arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Limited data from the published studies would suggest that calcium phosphate injection of BML may potentially improve pain and function. However, no evidence is currently available to clearly identify patient/surgical factors that may influence the long-term outcomes of this procedure. Hence pragmatic, prospective studies with stratified patient cohorts and robust reporting of outcome measures are essential to improve the understanding of the indications and clinical effectiveness of this novel procedure.
The effect of interleukin-8 in the early stage after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant preservation
Authors: Kim Kyung-Ok , Sim Jae Ang , Choi Ji Uk , Lee Beom Koo , Park Hong Gi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

We studied the effect of interleukin-8 (IL-8) as the factor for angiogenesis in the joint fluid of remnant-preserved anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (RP-ACLR).

Materials and methods

We measured 12 cytokines in joint fluid by multiplex assay and assessed the relationship between IL-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations. The signal intensity and mean sagittal diameter via postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were evaluated and the stress X-ray image was analyzed at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation.

Results

The IL-8 concentration was highest 3 months postoperatively in those patients who underwent RP-ACLR. Clinical data also showed that the signal intensity and stress radiography of the knee graft were significantly better at the early postoperative stage.

Discussion

Our results show that IL-8 plays an important role in angiogenesis within 3 months after RP-ACLR. This effect yields better recovery after operation. RP-ACLR patients with high knee stability in clinical data were identical to those with high expression of IL-8 in experimental data. Therefore, IL-8 has been shown to help revascularization and ligamentization of the grafted tendon. These results indicate that IL-8 in RP-ACLR is an important factor for angiogenesis after operation. Unfortunately, the relationship of IL-8 and VEGF in vivo has not been studied.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the IL-8 concentration was very high within 3 months after RP-ACLR operation. The increase in concentration of IL-8 over time was consistent with the increase in VEGF concentration. In the IL-8 clinical setting, MRI analysis showed that ACL synovialization and tension were better in patients who underwent the remnant preservation method. In addition, it was shown that RP-ACLR may be advantageous for early anterior stability within 1 year post operation and beneficial for tendon graft in the early stage post operation. Taken together, our findings suggest that IL-8 may contribute to angiogenesis which is helpful for revascularization and ligamentization of the graft tendon in the early stages of RP-ACLR.
Factors that Impact Self-reported Wellness Scores in Elite Australian Footballers
Authors: RUDDY JOSHUA D. , CORMACK STUART , TIMMINS RYAN G. , SAKADJIAN ALEX , PIETSCH SAMUEL , CAREY DAVID L. , WILLIAMS MORGAN D. , OPAR DAVID A.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

This study aimed to 1) identify the impact of external load variables on changes in wellness and 2) identify the impact of age, training/playing history, strength levels, and preseason loads on changes in wellness in elite Australian footballers.

Methods

Data were collected from one team (45 athletes) during the 2017 season. Self-reported wellness was collected daily (4, best score possible; 28, worst score possible). External load/session availability variables were calculated using global positioning systems and session availability data from every training session and match. Additional variables included demographic data, preseason external loads, and strength/power measures. Linear mixed models were built and compared using root mean square error (RMSE) to determine the impact of variables on wellness.

Results

The external load variables explained wellness to a large degree (RMSE = 1.55, 95% confidence intervals = 1.52 to 1.57). Modeling athlete ID as a random effect appeared to have the largest impact on wellness, improving the RMSE by 1.06 points. Aside from athlete ID, the variable that had the largest (albeit negligible) impact on wellness was sprint distance covered across preseason. Every additional 2.1 km covered across preseason worsened athletes’ in-season wellness scores by 1.2 points (95% confidence intervals = 0.0–2.3).

Conclusions

The isolated impact of the individual variables on wellness was negligible. However, after accounting for the individual athlete variability, the external load variables examined collectively were able to explain wellness to a large extent. These results validate the sensitivity of wellness to monitor individual athletes’ responses to the external loads imposed on them.
Case Report: Cetuximab and nivolumab use in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma resistant to chemotherapy
Authors: Sernicola Alvise , Lampitelli Salvatore , Marraffa Federica , Maddalena Patrizia , Grassi Sara , Richetta Antonio Giovanni , Calvieri Stefano
Published: December 2019

We present the case of a 60-year-old man with unresectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the sternal area, which was not amenable to radiation therapy (stage III, T3N0M0). The treatment history of this patient is remarkable as the disease had progressed through all lines of conventional therapy established in the literature. The patient was treated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor cetuximab for 35 cycles and restaged after 12 months of therapy with a whole body CT scan, documenting stage IV disease (T3N2bM1). The use of cetuximab as a single agent was effective for a limited time and we decided to initiate combination therapy with cetuximab and nivolumab. Restaging after six months of this combination regimen documented stable disease.
Roman Engraved Gems in the National Archaeological Museum in Lisbon
Authors: Cravinho Graça
Published: December 2019

The article presents the collection of Roman engraved gems in the National Museum of Archaeology, in Lisbon. Although a small cabinet, it contains a wide variety of themes and motifs. Among the intaglios, the nicolos deserve to be especially highlighted for their quantity when compared with the others, thus strenghtening the evidence for the existence of a regional quartz industry in the city of Ammaia, which particularly specialized in the manufacture of nicolo gemstones. The themes match those existing throughout the Empire, but some items deserve special attention: Eros removing a thorn from a lion’s paw (no. 3); three Satyrs performing a sacrifice (no. 1); the wounded warrior (no. 31); the ‘prodigy scene’ (no. 36); Faustulus, the Capitoline Wolf and the twins (no. 37); a possible portrait of Cleopatra (no. 42); the Jewish symbols (no. 70) and the magical amulet (no. 72).
A Manuscript Description in Kraków of the ‘Trivulzio Museum’ in Milan
Authors: Rambach Hadrien J.
Published: December 2019

An early nineteenth-century manuscript is preserved in the Jagiellonian Library in Kraków. This document in Italian, entitled ‘Breve Descrizione del Museo Trivulzio’, describes the contents of a collection of an aristocratic family in Milan, as seen shortly after the death of its builder – Don Carlo Trivulzio (1715-1789). The author compares it to a published text in French by Aubin-Louis Millin, and publishes up-to-date descriptions of the engraved gems evoked in the manuscript. Thanks to various sources, five of those seven cameos and intaglios can also be illustrated together for the first time.
Aegean Wine Imports to the City of Rome (1st century BC – 3rd century AD)
Authors: Komar Paulina
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the imports of Aegean wines to the city of Rome between the Late Republican and the Middle Imperial period (1st century BC – 3rd century AD). Its main aim is to show the share of the Roman wine market that was supplied by the Aegean region, as well as investigating which areas of the Aegean were the main wine exporters.
Mental health and wellbeing: Let's get moving
Authors: Wilson Laura
Published: December 2019

Pupils around the country will soon be getting active, having fun and raising money for Sport Relief. Laura Wilson explains why the fundraising event, with its strong focus on mental health, is more relevant for schools than ever.
Phytochemical Study and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Medicinal Plants from Al-Baha Region
Authors: Alomari Abdulaziz Ali , Fadlelmula Abdalfatah Abdalla , Harzali Hassen
Published: December 2019

The plant is a huge therapeutic source with enormous applications in curative industry. For new sources of antimicrobial agents, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n–butanol extracts of two medicinal plants (Dodonaea viscose and Capparis spinosa) were prepared by liquid – liquid extraction. The plants were collected from Shuda mountain / Al-Baha region/ Saudi Arabia and then evaluated systematically. Phytochemical screening tests detect the existence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannin, terponoids, saponnins and carbohydrates in most of the performed extracts. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against five bacterial and one fungal race. The extracts of the two plants leaves showed wide vision antibacterial activity and significant antifungal activity. The antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition) of Dodonaea viscose species varied from 30 to 18 mm, whereas of Capparis spinosa the range from 20 to 16 mm for ethyl acetate extracts, for n- butanol extracts the inhibition zone differ from 15 – 10 and 16 - 10 mm respectively. These results indicated that antimicrobial activities of plant species differ to a wide range not only between species themselves but also within the tests for antimicrobial evaluation. The current result supports the medicinal use of the leaves of these studied plants which works as an antimicrobial agent. These results compare to other studies carried out for the same plants in different countries in different environments exhibited diverse outcome in chemical constituents in the plant extracts and in their effects on tested types of micro organismswhich may have been due to a number of factors, including geographical location, season and environmental factors, and the method of extraction. This study for the two plant species was first time performed in this area of Saudi Arabia.
Synergetic Performance of Graphene Oxide and Chitosan on the Removal of Direct Red 7
Authors: Ganesan Sumathi , Halliah Gurumallesh Prabu
Published: December 2019

Graphene oxide/Chitosan (GOCH) composite was synthesized by hydrothermal method and structurally characterized by FT-IR, RAMAN, XRD and BET analyses which provide support for graphene oxide and chitosan incorporation. The synthesized composite was employed for the removal of direct red 7 (DR7) by batch adsorption process. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevic, Harkin-Jura, Scatchard plot analysis and Hasley isotherms were used to elucidate adsorption mechanism. The value of R2 revealed that isotherm was well explained by Langmuir model. The extent of monolayer adsorption capacity of GOCH was calculated as 34.2 mg/g. The pseudo first order kinetic studies were in agreement with experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (Ea = 8.405 KJ/mol), enthalpy (ΔH = 89.417 KJ/mol), free energy change (ΔG) and entropy (ΔS = 0.2971 KJ/mol) were calculated. It propounded that the adsorption of DR7 on GOCH was favorable, spontaneous and an endothermic process.
Contralateral knee pain reduces the rate of patient satisfaction but does not clinically impair the change in WOMAC score after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Clement Nicholas D. , Weir David J. , Holland James , Deehan David J.
Published: December 2019

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to assess whether pain in the contralateral knee had a clinically significant influence on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score. Secondary aims were to: describe the prevalence of contralateral knee pain; identify if it clinically improves after TKA; and assess whether contralateral knee pain independently influences patient satisfaction with their TKA.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 3,178 primary TKA patients were identified from an arthroplasty database. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and WOMAC scores were collected preoperatively and one year postoperatively for the index knee. In addition, WOMAC pain scores were also collected for the contralateral knee. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed at one year. Preoperative contralateral knee pain was defined according to the WOMAC score: minimal (> 78 points), mild (59 to 78), moderate (44 to 58), and severe (< 44). Multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding.

Results

According to severity there were 1,425 patients (44.8%) with minimal, 710 (22.3%) with mild, 518 (16.3%) with moderate, and 525 (16.5%) with severe pain in the contralateral knee. Patients in the severe group had a greater clinically significant improvement in their functional WOMAC score (9.8 points; p < 0.001). Only patients in the moderate (22.9 points) and severe (37.8 points) groups had a clinically significant improvement in their contralateral knee pain (p < 0.001), but they were significantly less likely to be satisfied with their TKA (moderate: odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.4 to 0.92, p = 0.022; severe: OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.82, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Contralateral knee pain did not impair improvement in the WOMAC score after TKA, and patients with the most severe contralateral knee pain had a clinically significantly greater improvement in their functional outcome. More than half the patients presenting for TKA had mild-to-severe contralateral knee pain, most of whom had a clinically meaningful improvement but were significantly less likely to be satisfied with their TKA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(1):125–131
Práticas de leitura de literatura no ensino de ELE para os anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental I
Authors: González Leila Shaí Del Pozo
Published: December 2019

O estudo introduz algumas reflexões sobre como abordar as literaturas na aula de espanhol como língua estrangeira (ELE) e discute sobre o que deveria ser considerado como texto literário. Também, defende o tema do uso da literatura latino-americana nas escolas, propondo que ela seja utilizada nas aulas de língua (tanto materna como estrangeira) como componente importante para a formação dos alunos e que seja feita sua leitura crítica e discussão em sala ao lado das literaturas do cânone. No final, o artigo oferece uma proposta de aplicação de literatura em sala de ELE com base em textos do gênero literário nonsense. Dessa forma, objetiva contribuir ao leque de possibilidades de planejamento para a aula de ELE com o uso de textos literários.
Coherent control of nonreciprocal reflections with spatial modulation coupling in parity-time symmetric atomic lattice
Authors: Chaung You-Lin , Shamsi Amber , Abbas Muqaddar , Ziauddin
Published: December 2019

A collection of cold rubidium atoms in three-level configuration trapped in one dimensional (1D) optical lattice is revisited. The trapped atoms are considered in the Gaussian density distribution and study the realization of

P
T

-, non-

P
T

- and

P
T

anti-symmetry in optical susceptibility in 1D atomic lattices in a periodic structure. Such a fascinating modulation is achieved by spatially modulating the intensity of the driving field. Interestingly, a nonreciprocal optical propagation phenomenon is investigated. In this system, we have introduced a microwave that couples to the two ground states, spatial modulation of the coupling field, and the atomic density with Gaussian distribution in practice. With a proper detuning and coupling field Rabi frequencies, we can find the condition of

P
T

-symmetry along with field propagation direction, and the novel properties of transmission and reflections have been discussed. The large difference of field reflections from the two ends of the atomic lattice medium shows strong evidence that the nonreciprocal behavior can be greatly enhanced by increasing the spatial modulation amplitude.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of Ethyl-4'-(cyclopropane carboxamido-N-yl)-5-ary-3-oxo-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-biphenyl-4-carboxylate
Authors: Akbari P.M. , Shah V.R.
Published: December 2019

A series of new substituted cyclohexenone derivatives have been synthesized by the reaction of various substituted chalcones with ethylacetoacetate. Some new N-(4-(3-aryl-acryloyl)phenyl)cyclopropane carboxamide were prepared by Claisen-Schmidt condensation method in presence of sodium hydroxide in ethanol solvent under stirring. The synthesized compounds were characterized by their spectral (IR, NMR, Mass) data and screened for their antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by using standard antimicrobial drugs.
Anticancer Evaluation of 1,5-Disubstituted Tetrazoles using Ugi-Azide Four-Component Reactions (UA-4CRs)
Authors: Pandit C. , Dholaria P. , Kapadiya K.
Published: December 2019

Azide isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions allow the formation of relatively complex molecules through a one-pot synthesis. The proposed reactions have been coupled of four classes of compounds including 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde, various aromatic amines, TMS-N3 and tertiary butylisocyanide, which is known as Ugi-azide four-component reactions (UA-4CRs). It generated a diverse class of 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles which are an important drug-like scaffold known for their ability to mimic the carcinogenic conformers used in medicinal chemistry. This work presents a concise, novel, general strategy to access a surplus of new heterocyclic scaffolds through the Ugi-azide reaction. Frequency in anticancer drug design can be partly attributed to their being extremely common in nature and there are multiple metabolic pathways and cellular processes within cancer pathology that can be susceptible to heterocycles-based drugs. The anticancer screening of derived molecules were carried out using one dose response study using NCI-60 cell-lines and found most active in breast cancer cell-lines.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some Thiosemicarbazide
Authors: R. Wakodkar Rohit , Farooqui Mazahar , Kulkarni Pravin , D. Kay Deepak
Published: December 2019

In this paper, thiosemicarbazone derivatives have been prepared from substituted aromatic aldehyde and thiosemicarbazide in presence of sodium chloride. This method is an efficient, mild, inexpensive, non-toxic and environment benign catalyst. This protocol includes the reaction followed by using sodium chloride to accelerate the reaction in aqueous ethanol. The structure of synthesized compounds were determined by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectroscopies as well as the compounds were also screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity against certain Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and fungal pathogens.
Synthesis, Characterization, Antimicrobial Screening of 5-Bromobenzofuranyl Aryl Ureas and Carbamates
Authors: Naveena Kumari H.M. , Harihara Mathada Manjunath , Kumar Mahesh , Suda K.T. , Basavaraja K.M.
Published: December 2019

Present work reports the biologically important benzofuran aryl ureas and carbamates. The benzofuran ring was formed by reacting bromo salicylaldehyde with diethyl bromomalonate in presence of dry acetone and anhydrous potassium carbonate to obtain 5-bromo-2-ethyl carboxylate (1). The obtained ester (1) was converted into corresponding hydrazide (2) by treating with hydrazine hydrate in ethanol. Compound 2 was then converted into 5-bromobenzofuran-2-carbonyl azide (3) by treating it with sodium nitrite in dioxane and acetic acid. The compound 3 is converted into 5-bromobenzofuranyl aryl ureas (4a-e) after treating primary amines and anhydrous toluene. 5-Bromobenzofuranyl aryl carbamate (5) and ethyl carbamate (6) were also synthesized by treating compound 3 with substituted phenol in toluene and ethanol respectively. All the compounds were characterized by NMR, IR and screened for antimicrobial activities.
Rational Lead Optimization Based on the Modeled Structure of Cysteine Protease of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Dandopath Patra Madhumita
Published: December 2019

In present study, the molecular modeling techniques were applied to generate a refined model of a cysteine protease of Leishmania donovani using the crystal structure of a homologous protease and used for lead optimization. The structures of a series of complexes of the protease with the designed inhibitors were predicted using a novel docking technique comprising of repeated cycles of molecular dynamics and energy minimization. Calculation of the free energies of binding of the model with the designed inhibitors suggested that three compounds can form stable complexes with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range (0.038-1.41 nM). Search in the human genome revealed that a number of proteases of the cathepsin family had high homology with the parasite protease with amino acid identity around 45 %. The X-ray structures of all these were available in the protein data bank. The structures of the complexes of the selected inhibitors with a few homologous human proteases of known 3-D structures were also predicted using the same technique of optimization. The electrostatic potentials around the binding sites of the proteases were highly negative, which served as a clue for the introduction of positively charged groups in the designed inhibitors for higher affinity. The comparison of interaction energies and hydrogen bonding patterns among these complexes and similar complexes with homologous human proteases allowed us to short-listed three molecules as effective antileishmanial cysteine protease inhibitors.
CONSUMO DE FÁRMACOS PSICOTRÓPICOS EM UMA FARMÁCIA BÁSICA DE CONGONHAS, MINAS GERAIS, BRASIL
Authors: Santos Márcia Elaine Rezende , Neves Nívea Cristina Vieira , Almeida Juliana Cristina dos Santos , Amparo Tatiane Roquete , Piau Arthur Vieira , Rodrigues-das-Dôres Rosana Gonçalves
Published: December 2019

Medicamentos psicotrópicos são aqueles que possuem ação no Sistema Nervoso Central e que podem produzir alterações de humor, comportamento e cognição. A prescrição e uso de fármacos psicotrópicos tem aumentado, seguindo o aumento da frequência de diagnósticos psiquiátricos e as novas opções de terapia. Com o objetivo de analisar a prevalência do consumo dos medicamentos psicotrópicos distribuídos pela Farmácia Central do Município de Congonhas, MG, foi realizado um estudo transversal e retrospectivo (2015 e 2016), identificando o perfil qualitativo e quantitativo das prescrições e os usuários dos medicamentos. Os medicamentos mais prescritos foram antidepressivos, ansiolíticos, anticonvulsivantes, antipsicóticos e antiparkinsonianos. O profissional da saúde que mais prescreveu os medicamentos psicotrópicos foi o clínico geral (63,45%), provavelmente, por compor a maior parte dos consultórios médicos da atenção primária, que é a porta de entrada dos pacientes no Sistema Único de Saúde. As mulheres representaram 64% e 66% da amostra em 2015 e 2016, respectivamente, possivelmente por procurarem os médicos com maior frequência que os homens, por adoecerem mais devido à sobrecarga do trabalho doméstico e a discriminação nas relações de trabalho.
Production of poly hydroxy butyrate (PHB) from Eichhornia crassipes through microbial fermentation process
Authors: Upadhayay Varsha , Verma Samakshi , Kuila Arindam
Published: December 2019

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is one of the highly biodegradable and biologically acceptable thermoplastics synthesized by many microorganisms collectively called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). All available biopolymers are viewed as perfect answers for the resolution of natural contamination issue by supplanting ordinary plastic business. They are likewise utilized as osteosclerotic stimulants attributable to their piezoelectric properties, in bone plates, during operations as suture material and vein substitutions. Synthesis of PHB is found in a wide range of Gram’s negative and gram’s positive bacteria belonging to distinct genera. Optimum culture condition for the PHB producing microbes are provided, including restricted centralization of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or the trace elements and maximum convergence of carbon source Indeed, to market PHAs, significant exertion has been dedicated towards a decline in the production cost through the improvement of bacterial strains and enhancing effectiveness of recovery/fermentation procedure. This is being done considering the fact that substrate prices show the greatest impact on PHA's manufacturing cost. The price of the substrate used has the most significant influence on the production cost of PHA. In this research, a potential bacterial strain was isolated from the soil and tested for its PHB producing ability. The use of cheaper substrate for lowering the cost is prerequisite. For PHB production, water hyacinth was used as a carbon source. Bacterial growth was optimized for maximum PHB production. The optimum condition was found to be 30 °C, 8% substrate concentration and 72 h of incubation time.
Stem carbohydrate dynamics during post anthesis period in diverse wheat genotypes under different environments
Authors: Thakur Vidisha , Pandey Girish Chandra , Rane Jagadish
Published: December 2019

The contribution of stem water soluble carbohydrates (SWSCs) to grain biomass of wheat ranges from 10 to 20% under irrigated condition and 40 to 60% under stresses such as terminal heat and drought. Genetic variation in SWSC and its mobilization can be useful to increase the grain yield of wheat under harsh environments. Hence, a set of 16 genotypes varying in spike morphology and grain yield was grown in field under timely sown, late sown and terminal drought stress conditions. The anthrone method was used to measure the SWSC concentration in the dried peduncle and penultimate internodes in three replicates at 3 growth stages starting from anthesis. The effect of delay in sowing and terminal drought on the SWSC concentration was significant from anthesis to 14 days after anthesis. Significant genetic variation was observed in the rate of post anthesis change in SWSC during the early grain filling period under the three conditions which partially contributed to the variation in grain yield per spike among the genotypes. Due to sterile florets and/or shorter grain filling duration, all the genotypes did not have a correlation between grain weight per spike and rate of decrease of SWSCs. Thus, our experiments reconfirm the significance of SWSC in present cultivars of wheat and also the scope for exploiting the genetic variation in this trait.
An evidence-based case for quality online initial teacher education
Authors: Pelliccione Lina , Morey Valerie , Walker Rebecca , Morrison Chad
Published: December 2019

The rapid expansion of fully online delivery of initial teacher education (ITE) seen in the past decade has generated some concerns about impact on teacher quality. This is set within broader, sustained concerns about ITE generally. Much of the criticism of online ITE has been made without sufficient evidence to support the claims, largely due to the still-nascent evidence base. The data presented here contributes to that evidence base by providing demographic and academic achievement insights for cohorts of graduate teachers (N = 2008) across the years 2012 to 2018 who have engaged in fully online ITE at an Australian university. The literature has recognised the traditional barriers to accessing higher education for many of these students, including women, the mature-aged, and those with family and work responsibilities. Performance data for online ITE students within their programs demonstrates that they are breaking through these barriers associated with the digital divide. Analysis of who these people are, where they come from, and how they are performing provides valuable insights into online ITE, at a time when the value of broadening access to education and digital equity are being widely acknowledged.
Clinical outcomes and surgical preferences for breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Vongsaisuwon Mawin , Pongpirul Krit , Chatamara Kris
Published: December 2019

Background

While numerous randomized controlled trials have demonstrated long-term survival rates for patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) comparable to mastectomy, the latter remains the most prevalent surgical option to treat early-stage breast cancer in Thailand.

Objectives

To investigate the potential determinants affecting the decision on selecting BCS or mastectomy for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer and to compare the disease-free survival and overall survival between the treatments using a propensity score-matched analysis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed nonmetastatic breast cancer at the Queen Sirikit Breast Cancer Center from January 2006 to December 2015, were retrospectively identified and grouped intro patients who received BCS or mastectomy. After propensity score matching, 356 BCS and 209 mastectomy patients were identified, and statistical analysis was conducted to determine treatment selection factors and compare disease-free and overall survival.

Results

Disease-free survival and overall survival in months comparing BCS and mastectomy were not statistically different with P values of 0.11 and 0.77, respectively. Determinants of treatment selection found that younger age, surgeon preference, smaller tumor size, and lower tumor grade were statistically significant factors in the selection of BCS over mastectomy. The majority of surgeons had a preference for one treatment over the other (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The outcome of BCS is comparable to mastectomy in early-stage breast cancer patients. Key determinants affecting the selection of treatment were identified to be patient age, characteristics of the tumor, and surgeon’s preference.
Crystal structure and photochromism of 1-(2,5-dimethyl-3-thienyl)-2-[2-methyl-5-(benzaldoxime)-3-thienyl] perfluorocyclopentene, C23H17F6NOS2
Authors: Wu Xiaoxiao , Liu Hongliang , Yang Yuping , Pu Shouzhi
Published: December 2019

C23H17F6NOS2, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 8.379(3) Å, b = 11.509(2) Å, c = 12.817(3) Å, α = 71.272(3)°, β = 81.342(4)°, γ = 77.553(3)°, V = 1138.7(5) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0489, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1296, T = 296(2) K.