bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Metallic Reinforcements with Different Moduli of Elasticity and Surfaces for Concrete Structures
Authors: SOLYOM Sandor , DI BENEDETTI Matteo , SZIJÁRTÓ Anna , L. BALÁZS György
Published: April 2019

The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bars as internal reinforcement for concrete structures is increasing in civil engineering due to their advantageous properties, e.g. being insensitive to electrolytic corrosion. FRP bars have different mechanical and physical properties than traditional steel reinforcement, that makes the interaction between the FRP bars and concrete different to that of steel and concrete. One of the controversial aspects of structural behaviour of RC elements which are reinforced with FRP bars is the bond development. In this paper two experimental studies are presented investigating the bond development of FRP bars. Series 1 aimed to study the effect of the modulus of elasticity of FRP bars on the bond behaviour in concrete. Two types of FRP bars were used with similar properties (same surface profile and diameter), but with different modulus of elasticity. Series 2 meant to study the effect of the surface profile of FRP bars. Three types of GFRP bars were used (same nominal diameter of 16 mm, similar tensile strength and modulus of elasticity), with different surface profiles.

Based on the results it was concluded that both the surface profile and the modulus of elasticity of FRP bars have effect of the bond behaviour in concrete. Bars with higher modulus of elasticity provided higher bond strength values.

Streszczenie

Zastosowanie prętów z włókien sztucznych (FRP) do zbrojenia konstrukcji betonowych w budownictwie rośnie z uwagi na ich korzystne właściwości, w tym np. odporność na korozję elektrolityczną. Właściwości mechaniczne i fizyczne prętów FRP różnią się w stosunku do tradycyjnego zbrojenia ze stali, co sprawia, że współpraca między prętami FRP i betonem różni się od współpracy stali z betonem. Jednym z kontrowersyjnych aspektów pracy elementów żelbetowych, które są zbrojone prętami FRP, jest rozwój przyczepności. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiono dwa badania eksperymentalne badające rozwój przyczepności prętów FRP. Pierwsza seria miała na celu zbadanie wpływu modułu sprężystości prętów FRP na przyczepność w betonie. Zastosowano dwa rodzaje prętów FRP o podobnych właściwościach (tak samo użebrowanych i o tej samej średnicy), ale o innym module sprężystości. Druga seria miała na celu zbadanie wpływu użebrowania prętów FRP. Zastosowano trzy rodzaje prętów GFRP (o tej samej średnicy nominalnej 16 mm, o podobnej wytrzymałości na rozciąganie i modułach sprężystości) o różnych użebrowaniach.

Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników stwierdzono, że zarówno użebrowanie, jak i moduł sprężystości prętów FRP mają wpływ na przyczepność do betonu. Pręty o wyższym module sprężystości zapewniały wyższe wartości przyczepności.
Experimental Investigations of Pull-Out Behaviour of Synthetic Fibres
Authors: TÓTH Mária Erdélyiné , PLUZSIK Anikó , PLUZSIK Tamás , MORLIN Bálint
Published: April 2019

The pull-out behaviour is one of the distinctive features of fibre reinforced concrete. Few analytical models for the pull-out of synthetic fibres can be found in the literature. Moreover, the existing models are not supported by comprehensive experimental investigations. In this research experimental investigations have been carried out. First, the one-sided and two-sided pull-out phenomena were compared with each other. Then the effect of the mortar strength, fibre surface and the anchoraged fibre length were examined for one-side anchoraged samples. None of the available analytical models for synthetic fibres could be fitted well to the experimental data. A model suggested for steel fibres with a modified friction law (τ-s relation) was used to gain the most precise approximation for the pull-out of synthetic fibres. After specifying the appropriate model the critical anchorage length was determined.

Streszczenie

Wytrzymałość oznaczona metodą „pull-out” należy do podstawowych cech betonu zbrojonego włóknami. W literaturze rzadko prezentuje się modele analityczne opisujące zachowanie włókien syntetycznych w badaniu „pull-out”. Co więcej, istniejące modele nie są poparte kompleksowymi badaniami doświadczalnymi. W tym artykule przedstawiono wyniki takich badań. Na wstępie porównano ze sobą wyniki jedno- i dwustronnych badań „pull-out”. Następnie zbadano wpływ wytrzymałości zaprawy, powierzchni włókien i długości zakotwienia włókien dla próbek jednostronnie kotwionych. Żaden z dostępnych modeli analitycznych dla włókien syntetycznych nie był ściśle zgodny z wynikami badań doświadczalnych. Stąd, zaproponowano modyfikację prawa tarcia (relacja τ-s) w modelu dla włókien stalowych, w celu uzyskania najbardziej precyzyjnego przybliżenia dla metody „pull-out” dla włókien syntetycznych. Dla odpowiednio dobranego modelu określono krytyczną długość zakotwienia.
Numerical Modelling of Underventilated Fire in a Compartment
Authors: KRÓL Małgorzata , KRÓL Aleksander
Published: April 2019

Numerical analysis of fire development in a closed compartment was carried out. Three cases were analyzed: a compartment with one, two and three ventilation openings. The influence of the number of ventilation openings on indoor conditions was investigated. The distributions of temperature, of mass fraction of O2,CO2 also well the flow rate through the bottom opening were considered. Analyses have shown that only three ventilation openings in the compartment give the balanced conditions. This means that the outside air is supplied with the bottom opening and the hot smoke is removed with the upper openings. The research also allowed to look at the conditions prevailing in the room during the development of the underventilated fire. The Ansys Fluent program was used to solve the numerical model. In addition, the User Defined Functions (UDF) were used for numerical analyzes. It allowed for modeling the dependence of air pressure in the ventilation openings on the height.

Streszczenie

Przeprowadzono analizy numeryczne rozwoju pożaru w zamkniętym pomieszczeniu. Poddano analizie trzy przypadki, pomieszczenie z jednym, dwoma i trzema otworami wentylacyjnymi. Badano wpływ wielkości otworów wentylacyjnych na warunki panujące wewnątrz. Rozpatrywano rozkłady stężenia O2, CO2, temperatury oraz strumień objętości przepływający przez dolny otwór. Analizy pokazały, że dopiero przy trzech otworach w pomieszczeniu panują zrównoważone warunki. Oznacza to, że powietrze zewnętrzne dostarczane jest dolnym otworem a gorący dym jest usuwany górnymi otworami. Badania pozwoliły przyjrzeć się warunkom panującym w pomieszczeniu, w którym rozwija się pożar ograniczony wentylacja. W badaniach wykorzystano program Ansys Fluent, za pomocą którego rozwiązano model numeryczny. Dodatkowo w analizach numerycznych wykorzystano funkcje User Defined Function (UDF). Pozwoliła ona na uzależnienie ciśnienia powietrza w otworach wentylacyjnych od wysokości.
Application of Soil Electrical Conductivity to Precision Agriculture
Authors: Corwin D. L. , Lesch S. M.
Published: April 2019

Due in large measure to the prodigious research efforts of Rhoades and his colleagues at the George E. Brown, Jr., Salinity Laboratory over the past two decades, soil electrical conductivity (EC), measured using electrical resistivity and electromagnetic induction (EM), is among the most useful and easily obtained spatial properties of soil that influences crop productivity. As a result, soil EC has become one of the most frequently used measurements to characterize field variability for application to precision agriculture. The value of spatial measurements of soil EC to precision agriculture is widely acknowledged, but soil EC is still often misunderstood and misinterpreted. To help clarify misconceptions, a general overview of the application of soil EC to precision agriculture is presented. The following areas are discussed with particular emphasis on spatial EC measurements: a brief history of the measurement of soil salinity with EC, the basic theories and principles of the soil EC measurement and what it actually measures, an overview of the measurement of soil salinity with various EC measurement techniques and equipment (specifically, electrical resistivity with the Wenner array and EM), examples of spatial EC surveys and their interpretation, applications and value of spatial measurements of soil EC to precision agriculture, and current and future developments. Precision agriculture is an outgrowth of technological developments, such as the soil EC measurement, which facilitate a spatial understanding of soil–water–plant relationships. The future of precision agriculture rests on the reliability, reproducibility, and understanding of these technologies.
Comparison of Electromagnetic Induction and Direct Sensing of Soil Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Sudduth K. A. , Kitchen N. R. , Bollero G. A. , Bullock D. G. , Wiebold W. J.
Published: April 2019

Apparent profile soil electrical conductivity (ECa) can be an indirect indicator of a number of soil physical and chemical properties. Commercially available ECa sensors can be used to efficiently and inexpensively develop the spatially dense data sets desirable for describing within‐field spatial soil variability in precision agriculture. The objective of this research was to compare ECa measurements from a noncontact, electromagnetic induction–based sensor (Geonics EM38)1 to those obtained with a coulter‐based sensor (Veris 3100) and to relate ECa data to soil physical properties. Data were collected on two fields in Illinois (Argiudoll and Endoaquoll soils) and two in Missouri (Aqualfs). At 12 to 21 sampling sites in each field, 120‐cm‐deep soil cores were obtained for soil property determination. Depth response curves for each ECa sensor were derived or obtained from the literature. Within a single field and measurement date, EM38 data and Veris deep (0–100 cm depth) data were most highly correlated (r = 0.74–0.88). Differences between ECa sensors were more pronounced on the more layered Missouri soils due to differences in depth‐weighted response curves. Correlations of ECa with response curve–weighted clay content and cation exchange capacity were generally highest and most persistent across all fields and ECa data types. Significant correlations were also seen with organic C on the Missouri fields and with silt content. Significant correlations of ECa with soil moisture, sand content, or paste EC were observed only about 10% of the time. Data obtained with both types of ECa sensors were similar and exhibited similar relationships to soil physical and chemical properties.
Soil Bulk Density and Penetration Resistance under Different Tillage and Crop Management Systems and Their Relationship with Barley Root Growth
Authors: Lampurlanés J. , Cantero‐Martínez C.
Published: April 2019

To study the effects of fallow and tillage on soil physical properties and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root growth, an experiment was conducted for several years on two soils of contrasting depth: deep, a Fluventic Xerochrept of 120‐cm depth, and shallow, a Lithic Xeric Torriorthent of 30‐cm depth. Subsoil tillage (ST), minimum tillage (MT), and no‐tillage (NT) were compared in the deep soil and MT and NT in the shallow soil. Bulk density (BD), penetration resistance, gravimetric water content, gravel content, and root length density were determined at several times during the year. In the deep soil, BD was lower in the fallow and crop‐after‐fallow plots (1.26 Mg m−3) than in the continuous‐crop plots (1.32 Mg m−3). In this soil, NT showed the largest bulk densities (mean of 1.34 Mg m−3), followed by MT (mean of 1.27 Mg m−3) and ST (mean of 1.22 Mg m−3). Larger penetration resistance was found in NT than in ST and MT in both soils soon after tillage operations. However, root length density profiles sometimes showed greater values for NT than for the other tillage systems, revealing a good soil condition for root growth under NT. Therefore, an increase in soil strength is observed under NT in the first years after its introduction that does not greatly affect root growth in well‐structured soils. Fallow reduces soil strength due to the effect of tillage and natural loosening factors like drying and wetting cycles or fauna activity. This effect extends to the following crop.
Site and Planting Date Effects on Taro Growth
Authors: Miyasaka Susan C. , Ogoshi Richard M. , Tsuji Gordon Y. , Kodani Leslie S.
Published: April 2019

Taro [Colocasia esculenta(L.) Schott cv. Bun‐long] is a tropical root crop with the potential to be grown commercially on former sugarcane (Saccharum officinarumL.) lands in Hawaii. To determine the effects of varying environmental conditions on crop production and to validate an aroid simulation model developed earlier, taro was grown under rainfed conditions at two sites that differed in elevation (90 and 335 m) on Hawaii island and at four planting dates (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) on 27 February, 28 May, 27 August, and 24 November 1992. Biomass harvests were conducted at bimonthly intervals. Using weather, soil, cultivar, and management practices in this field trial, the aroid crop simulation model predicted dry weight of plant components, leaf area index (LAI), and time to harvest maturity defined as leaf stage. Fresh and dry weights of corms increased linearly from 1 to 13 months after planting (MAP), indicating continuous partitioning to the storage organ. The increase in corm fresh weight was significantly greater for Spring + Summer plantings compared with Fall + Winter plantings, primarily due to lower incidence of corm rot. Due to its indeterminant growth, taro can be harvested between 6 and 13 MAP, depending on incidence of pests and soil and weather conditions that could cause early maturation. The aroid model simulated well the maximum LAI; however, it underestimated both potential dry corm yield and length of time to harvest maturity, indicating that further development of this aroid simulation model is needed.
Economic Analysis of Row Spacing for Corn and Soybean
Authors: Lambert Dayton M. , Lowenberg‐DeBoer Jess
Published: April 2019

Many studies report the yield benefits of narrow row soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and corn (Zea maize L.), but few focus on the profitability of switching to narrow rows. Based on yield data from 10 states in the north‐central USA and one province in Canada, this study considers the economic benefits of narrow row corn and soybean as a combined cropping system. The objectives of this study are to: (i) estimate the costs of switching from a wide to narrow row corn and soybean production system; (ii) determine the net benefits of making this change; and (iii) to quantify the risks associated with switching from wide to narrow rows. Narrow row systems where corn and soybean are planted using the same narrow row spacing with the same planting equipment are compared with (i) a system where soybean are drilled and corn is planted in conventional, 76‐cm rows (30‐inches), and (ii) a system where the same equipment is used to plant corn and soybean in 76‐cm rows. Sensitivity analyses consider net returns (i) to each system calculated at loan rates, (ii) to each system when glyphosate‐resistant soybean are included in the production set, and (iii) taking into consideration regional price and plant response effects. Expected profits, equipment costs, and the economic risks involved in the choice between alternatives are quantified using partial budget analysis, a mean‐variance criterion, stochastic dominance, and certainty equivalents. In all comparisons, strategies with narrow row soybean were always more profitable.
Cluster Analysis of Spatiotemporal Corn Yield Patterns in an Iowa Field
Authors: Jaynes D. B. , Kaspar T. C. , Colvin T. S. , James D. E.
Published: April 2019

Crop yields are frequently heterogeneous across space and time. We performed this study to determine if cluster analysis could be used to decipher the temporal and spatial patterns of corn (Zea mays L.) yield within a field. Nonhierarchal cluster analysis was applied to 6 yr of corn yield data collected for 224 yield plots on a regular grid on the southern half of a 32‐ha field. We were able to group the yield observations into five temporal yield patterns or clusters. The clusters were not randomly distributed across the field but instead formed contiguous areas roughly equivalent to landscape positions. Cluster membership was determined primarily by yield differences in years with growing season precipitation greater than the 40‐yr average. A multiple discriminant analysis was used to predict the spatial occurrence of the clusters from easily determined field attributes: soil electrical conductivity, elevation, slope, and plan and profile curvature. The multiple discriminant functions were unable to distinguish between the two clusters located on the lowest portions of the landscape. Because of similar temporal yield patterns in these two clusters, they were combined and the multiple discriminant analysis repeated for four clusters. Using a holdout sample approach, we achieved 76 and 80% success rates in classifying the yield plots into the correct yield clusters. If response curves for inputs such as N prove to be unique for the different yield clusters, then clustering of multiple‐year yield data may prove an effective method for determining management zones within fields.
Nutrient Removal by Corn Grain Harvest
Authors: Heckman J. R. , Sims J. T. , Beegle D. B. , Coale F. J. , Herbert S. J. , Bruulsema T. W. , Bamka W. J.
Published: April 2019

Effective nutrient management requires an accurate accounting of nutrients removed from soils in the harvested portion of a crop. Because the typical crop nutrient values that have historically been used may be different under current production practices, a study was conducted to measure nutrient uptake in grain harvested in 1998 and 1999 from 23 site‐years in the Mid‐Atlantic region of the USA. There were 10 hybrids included in the study, but each site grew only one hybrid each year. Corn (Zea mays L.) production practices followed local state extension recommendations. Minimum, maximum, and mean corn grain yields were 4.9, 16.7, and 10.3 Mg ha−1. Nutrient concentrations were determined on grain samples oven‐dried at 70°C for 24 h. Minimum, maximum, and median nutrient concentration values were as follows: 10.2, 15.0, and 12.9 g N kg−1; 2.2, 5.4, and 3.8 g P kg−1; 3.1, 6.2, and 4.8 g K kg−1; 0.13, 0.45, and 0.28 g Ca kg−1; 0.88, 2.18, and 1.45 g Mg kg−1; 0.9, 1.4, and 1.0 g S kg−1; 9.0, 89.5, and 33.6 mg Fe kg−1; 15.0, 34.5, and 26.8 mg Zn kg−1; 1.0, 9.8, and 5.3 mg Mn kg−1; 1.0, 5.8, and 3.0 mg Cu kg−1; and 2.3, 10.0, and 5.5 mg B kg−1. Median nutrient uptake values found in this study are similar to commonly used book values, but there was considerable variation among samples of corn grain. Concentrations of P and K in grain were positively associated with yield level, and concentrations of grain P were positively correlated with Mehlich‐3 soil test P. The variability in nutrient removal values seen in this study, even for the same hybrid, raises questions about the usefulness of average values for estimating crop nutrient removal across a range of cropping conditions. Research is needed to identify or develop a means to correct for the sources of variability.
Bermudagrass Cultivar Response to Swine Effluent Application
Authors: Brink G. E. , Rowe D. E. , Sistani K. R. , Adeli A.
Published: April 2019

Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] has great potential to recover nutrients due to its pronounced yield response to N. Our objective was to determine differences in forage dry matter (DM) yield, nutrient concentration, and nutrient uptake among diverse bermudagrass cultivars fertilized with swine effluent. ‘Alicia’, ‘Brazos’, ‘Coastal’, ‘Russell’, ‘Tifton 44’, and ‘Tifton 85’ hybrid bermudagrass and common bermudagrass were grown on a Brooksville silty clay loam (fine, smectitic, thermic Aquic Hapludert) and fertilized with effluent to provide 370 and 61 kg ha−1 yr−1 N and P, respectively (mean of 3 yr), and on an Atwood silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, thermic Typic Paleudalf) and fertilized to provide 200 and 38 kg ha−1 yr−1 N and P, respectively. Annual DM yields of Brazos, Coastal, Russell, and Tifton 85 were similar on Brooksville (23.3–24.2 Mg ha−1) and Atwood (12.3–14.1 Mg ha−1) soils. Annual N and P uptake ranged from 422 to 467 kg N ha−1 and 50 to 58 kg P ha−1 on the Brooksville soil and from 181 to 230 kg N ha−1 and 32 to 40 kg P ha−1 on the Atwood soil. Common bermudagrass uptake of N and P was similar to or greater than all hybrids except Russell on Atwood soil due to greater herbage N and P concentration. Hybrids generally recovered more K, Cu, and Zn than common bermudagrass. Relatively small differences in nutrient uptake among the bermudagrass cultivars suggest that forage quality, winter hardiness, and establishment cost be given equal consideration when choosing a cultivar.
Population Density and Harvest Maturity Effects on Leaf and Stem Yield in Alfalfa
Authors: Lamb JoAnn F. S. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Samac Deborah A.
Published: April 2019

A system has been proposed using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a biofuel feedstock, where the stems would be processed to produce energy and the leaves used as a livestock feed. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects and interactions of environment, population density, and harvest maturity on leaf and stem yield of alfalfa germplasms differing in fall dormancy and leaf/stem ratio. Four alfalfa germplasms established at four population densities (450, 180, 50, and 16 plants m−2) were harvested at the early bud and green pod maturity stages and evaluated in three environments for leaf and stem yield. All main effects and several two‐way interactions influenced leaf and stem yield (P > 0.01). The population density × harvest maturity interaction had the greatest impact on yield. Leaf and stem yield per unit area increased as population density increased from 16 to 450 plants m−2 at the early bud stage. In contrast, leaf and stem yield increased as population density increased from 16 to 180 plants m−2, but decreased dramatically at 450 plants m−2 at the green pod maturity stage. Delaying harvest until the green pod maturity stage and decreasing population density to 180 plant m−2 maximized both leaf and stem yield in all four alfalfa germplasms studied. Decreasing population density to 180 plants m−2, and harvesting twice per season at a later maturity stage would be a effective management strategy for maximizing yield in an alfalfa biomass energy or biofuel production system.
Impact of factors on the utilization of agricultural credit of banks: an analysis from the borrowers’ perspective
Authors: Lokesha  , Thonse Hawaldar Iqbal
Published: April 2019

Agricultural credit is required for the development of agriculture scenario in any economy. Commercial, cooperative and regional rural banks have extended agricultural credit to the farmers in Dakshina Kannada district of India. The effectiveness of agricultural credit system depends on the utilization of credit funds by the borrowers. The present study made an attempt to understand the factors influencing the utilization of agricultural credit of banks in Dakshina Kannada. The study used primary and secondary data. Primary data are gathered from the borrowers of banks operating in Dakshina Kannada district. The study found that there is an impact of demographic, agriculture and agricultural credit factors on the purpose of utilization of agricultural credit in Dakshina Kannada district.
Certification of the service of pediatric hematology-oncology in the subjects of the Russian Federation on the basis of infographic mapping
Authors: Kogan S. A. , Erdomaeva Ya. A. , Serik T. G. , Birlyukova D. V. , Serik G. I. , Kirgizov K. I. , Varfolomeeva S. R. , Rumyantsev A. G.
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the study was to create a certification of the service of pediatric hematology-oncology of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (RF) using infographics and digitalization. Materials and methods. For the first time, infographic maps were used as a tool for certification, as a way of visualizing a large amount of data on the organization of pediatric hematology-oncology service in each subject of the RF. They allowed to show the specifics of the medical and organizational structure of the profile service in the subjects of the RF, their interaction with other subjects and federal centers. Processing of the cartographic image of the subject of the RF was carried out in the Adobe Illustrator graphic editor. A modifiable tool for creating infographic maps created in the MS Power Point program, with saving the results in PDF and PNG formats. Results. In the course of the study, a “Passport of Service” was prepared, containing infographic maps of 77 constituent entities of the RF. The maps in a graphic form provide information on resources available in the subject of the RF: a medical organization of the 3rd level with bed structure and the possibility of visualization, its personnel; the number of multicenter protocols and clinical guidelines used in the subject of the RF; logistics of patients, taking into account the territorial distance from the specialized beds, the presence in the region of the station/department of blood transfusion; the possibility of radiotherapy in the region; the presence of institutions where they provide palliative and rehabilitation assistance; the name of the federal and regional specialized centers, with whom the interaction is carried out, the well-established telemedicine consultation system with the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. The database of contacts of the main freelance children’s specialists of hematologists and oncologists of the RF was also updated. Conclusion.Thus, data were collected for visual display and to create specific conditions for developing optimal patient routing schemes and forming proposals for optimizing the service. The obtained “Passport of the Children’s Hematology-Oncology Service of the Russian Federation” can be used in the work of hospitals, scientific centers and professional communities.
Experience in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia in the Department of Oncohematology of the Voronezh Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital № 1
Authors: Yudina N. B. , Belyanskaya M. V. , Solovyova M. A. , Trubnikova G, V. , Ryabova E. A. , Ovchinnikova Yu. S. , Orlova E. A. , Skorobogatova D. A. , Brezhneva N. V. , Ryabova S. A. , Bykova I. L. , Sargina E. V. , Shtokalov A. A. , Stepanova T. V. , Grebennikova I. V.
Published: April 2019

Introduction. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a benign hematological disease characterized by an isolated decrease in platelet count, with different course options requiring both an urgent therapeutic decision and clinical observation of patients. At the present stage in the treatment of children with immune thrombocytopenia, especially with the chronic form, significant success has been achieved. Therapeutic options are determined by an individual approach to the patient and are based on the experience of a hematologist. Materials and methods. For the period from 01.01.2013 to 12.31.2017, in the Oncohematological Department of Chemotherapy of the Voronezh Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital № 1, 153 children with various forms of ITP, aged between 1 and 6 months to 17 years, received treatment. Diagnosis and stage of the disease were carried out on the basis of modern clinical guidelines and ITP classification. The analysis of the severity of hemorrhagic syndrome in the diagnosis of ITP was carried out. The principles of patient therapy were based on the pathogenetic aspects of ITP, the stage of the disease. Patients with newly diagnosed ITP (n = 106; 69.4 %), persistent form (n = 26; 16.9 %) received different lines of therapy, provided for by clinical guidelines, some patients were only under the supervision of a hematologist. The chronic form of the course of the disease was formed in 21 (14 %) children out of 153, regardless of the type of treatment. Children with the chronic form received various lines of therapy, including thrombopoietin agonists. The decision to manage such patients was based on a joint discussion with specialists from the largest federal centers. Splenectomy for the above period was performed for 1 child with a pronounced and chronic “wet” component of the disease. Discussion. Treatment of ITP in children, despite the emergence of a new class of drugs with a targeted effect, in some cases is a difficult task for a hematologist. The adoption of a specific therapeutic decision is based on the severity of the clinical and hematological data of the patient, the search for a possible cause of the thrombocytopenic condition, as well as the individual experience of the doctor. Prevention and prevention of bleeding in patients with different ITP, in particular with chronic ITP, with the absence or minimal manifestation of hemorrhagic syndrome according to the principle “0 bleeding per year” is the ultimate therapeutic task. Conclusion. ITP in children, in particular its chronic form, belongs to orphan diseases, therefore, the experience of managing such patients may be useful in determining the overall tactics of treating patients.
Predictive Value of Methods Measuring Platelet Activation for Ischemic Events in Patients Receiving Clopidogrel: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhe , Xie Qiufen , Xiang Qian , Gong Yanjun , Jiang Jie , Cui Yimin
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the efficiency and predictive value of light-transmission aggregometry (LTA),
vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and VerifyNow for ischemia in patients undergoing percutaneous
coronary intervention (PCI). Studies that used LTA, VASP or VerifyNow to predict ischemia were included, and
their quality and efficiency were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. The sensitivity and specificity of subgroup
studies based on the outcome, cut-off value, and follow-up days were calculated and the summary ROC (sROC)
curves were compared after having been fitted. Thirty-one studies including a total of 17,314 participants were
analyzed. LTA, VASP and VerifyNow presented a considerable efficiency in predicting ischemic clinical events.
In the subgroup analysis, the sensitivities of LTA, VASP and VerifyNow in predicting cardiac death, all-cause
death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, stroke, and revascularization were 0.40/0.63/0.62, 0.47/0.56/0.39,
0.40/0.48/0.60, 0.44/0.58/0.70, 0.29/not applicable/0.60 and 0.44/0.57/0.37, respectively and the specificities of
LTA, VASP, and VerifyNow were 0.85/0.48/0.63, 0.73/0.52/0.63, 0.74/0.55/0.64, 0.75/0.47/0.61, 0.72/not applicable/
0.61, and 0.70/0.47/0.67, respectively. LTA showed a higher sensitivity in predicting the outcomes over six
months than those within six months, while VerifyNow prediction sensitivity was found to be higher within six
months. Meanwhile, VerifyNow showed no statistically significant higher AUC of sROC in comparison to LTA
and VASP in predicting ischemic events in patients undergoing clopidogrel treatment. The cut-off values of LTA,
VASP and VerifyNow were suggested to be 56%, 50% and 235 respectively according to our study.
A Combination of Ulinastatin and Xuebijing Amplifies Neuroprotection after Transient Cerebral Ischemia via Attenuating Apoptosis Signal Pathways in Hippocampus
Authors: Ma Chi , Han Dong-Feng , Jin Hang , Cheng Ying-Ying , Hu Hai-Xia , Wang Xu
Published: April 2019

Background:

Ulinastatin (UTI) plays the beneficial roles in modifying cerebral ischemic injury evoked by cardiac arrest (CA). XueBiJing (XBJ), comprised of extracts from Chinese herbals, has been used for the treatment of sepsis and ischemic disorders linked to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. The current study was to find interventions that can enhance effectiveness of these drugs and further to provide a fundamental for their rational application in clinical practice. Thus, we examined how apoptosis signal in the hippocampus is engaged in a facilitating role of UTI and XBJ in improving neural injury and neurological functions after transient cerebral ischemia.

Methods:

CA was induced by asphyxia followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats. Western Blot analysis and ELISA were employed to determine the protein expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in the hippocampus; and representative apoptosis pathways. The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and spatial working memory performance were used to assess neurological deficiencies in CA rats.

Results:

CA increased Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in the hippocampus CA1 region. A lower dose of UTI did not attenuate upregulation of apoptosis signal pathways evoked by CA. However, a systemic administration of XBJ significantly amplified the inhibitory effects of the lower dose of UTI on apoptosis signal of the hippocampus. In addition, a combination of UTI and XBJ improved mNSS and spatial working memory performance to a greater degree.

Conclusions:

Our data indicate that a combination of XBJ and UTI plays a facilitating role in improving neuronal injury and neurological deficits observed in transient cerebral ischemia; and an inhibition of apoptosis signal pathways is involved in neuroprotective effects of united XBJ and UTI.
Evaluation and Exploitation of Bioactive Compounds of Walnut, Juglans regia
Authors: Croitoru Alexa , Ficai Denisa , Craciun Luminiţa , Ficai Anton , Andronescu Ecaterina
Published: April 2019

In the last few years, great importance has been given to natural materials (such as walnuts, peanuts,
chestnuts) due to their medicinal and pharmaceutical uses induced by the presence of natural agents, including
polyphenols. Juglans regia is a traditional plant that has been used since ancient times in traditional medicine for
the treatment of various diseases like microbial infections, stomach ache, thyroid dysfunctions, cancer, heart
diseases and sinusitis. Recently, scientific attention for the phytochemical profile of walnut by-products is increasing
due to their valuable active constituents. Natural polyphenols are important compounds present in walnut
with valuable properties that have been studied for the treatment of inflammation, cancer or anti-ageing effect.
The use of nanocarriers as a drug delivery system is now a promising strategy to get more stable products and is
easier to apply in a medical, therapeutic and pharmaceutical environment. The aim of this work was to review the
latest information provided by scientific investigators regarding the nutritional value, bioactive compounds, antioxidant
and antitumor activity of walnut by-product extracts. Moreover, this review provides comprehensive
information on the nanoencapsulation of bioactive constituents for application in clinical medicine, particularly in
cancer research.
A Uniquely Modified DKL-based Peptide Probe for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Zhengjie , Li Xiang , Kang Fei , Ma Xiaowei , Yang Weidong , Ma Wenhui , Wang Jing
Published: April 2019

Peptides containing the asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) motif can target the tumor neovascular
biomarker CD13/aminopeptidase N receptor. D-K6L9 is a tumor-selective anti-cancer peptide. To improve the
capacity of NGR peptides to target tumors, we joined the NGR and D-K6L9 peptides to form NKL. Next, we
linked 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) to NKL and labeled it with gallium 68
(68Ga, t1/2 = 67.7 min) to form 68Ga-DOTA-NKL. This novel probe was characterized in vitro. 68Ga-DOTA-NKL
was stable in phosphate buffered saline at room temperature and in human serum at 37°C. We determined that the
uptake rate of 68Ga-DOTA-NKL in CD13 receptor-positive 22Rv1 tumor cells was 3.15% ± 0.04 after 2 h, and
tested 68Ga-DOTA-NKL using positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography imaging in vivo.
MicroPET imaging results revealed that 22Rv1 tumor uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-NKL was 8.69 ± 0.20, 6.61 ± 0.22,
3.85 ± 0.06, and 1.41 ± 0.23 percentage injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 h postinjection
(pi), respectively. The tumor-to-background contrast in the subcutaneous human prostate cancer 22Rv1
mouse model was 9.97 ± 1.90. The 68Ga-DOTA-NKL probe has combined tumor-targeting and tumor-selective
properties, and may be used to diagnose CD13-positive tumors.
Detection and Extraction of Heparin from Camel Lungs
Authors: Almeman Ahmad , Abdulmajed Kasem , Eid Eltayeb E.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Heparin is an essential drug used as an anticoagulant. Access to raw material suitable for heparin extraction is critical for creating a viable business opportunity. In Saudi Arabia, large amounts of raw material with potential for heparin extraction are wasted.

Objective:

To extract heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) from the camel lung, and measure its potency and activity.

Methods:

Heparin preparation included three steps: extraction, electrophoretic identification, and activity measurement. Fresh lung tissue (100 g) was minced and homogenized in a blender. Crude heparin extracts were prepared using Charles’s or Volpi’s method with slight modifications. Heparin was purified by electrophoresis using high-purity agarose gels in barium acetate buffer. The heparin activity of purified samples was assayed spectrophotometrically using commercial heparin kits.

Results:

Charles’s and Volpi’s extraction methods were simple and easy to establish. The yield was 90 mg crude heparin per 100 g of camel lung tissue following Volpi’s extraction protocol, whereas Charles’s method did not yield any heparin. The separation of heparin and LMWH by gel electrophoresis resulted in sharp and clear product bands using material prepared according to Volpi’s method. The heparin preparation had an anti-factor Xa activity of 37 IU/mg, indicating weak potency.

Conclusion:

Preparation of active heparin from camel lung tissue is a technology applicable in manufacturing. Further method development is needed to increase heparin purity and potency.
Bacterial Inclusion Bodies for Anti-Amyloid Drug Discovery: Current and Future Screening Methods
Authors: Caballero Ana B. , Espargaró Alba , Pont Caterina , Busquets Maria Antònia , Estelrich Joan , Muñoz-Torrero Diego , Gamez Patrick , Sabate Raimon
Published: April 2019

Amyloid aggregation is linked to an increasing number of human disorders from nonneurological
pathologies such as type-2 diabetes to neurodegenerative ones such as Alzheimer or Parkinson’s
diseases. Thirty-six human proteins have shown the capacity to aggregate into pathological
amyloid structures. To date, it is widely accepted that amyloid folding/aggregation is a universal process
present in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. In the last decade, several studies have unequivocally
demonstrated that bacterial inclusion bodies – insoluble protein aggregates usually formed during heterologous
protein overexpression in bacteria – are mainly composed of overexpressed proteins in amyloid
conformation. This fact shows that amyloid-prone proteins display a similar aggregation propensity
in humans and bacteria, opening the possibility to use bacteria as simple models to study amyloid
aggregation process and the potential effect of both anti-amyloid drugs and pro-aggregative compounds.
Under these considerations, several in vitro and in cellulo methods, which exploit the amyloid
properties of bacterial inclusion bodies, have been proposed in the last few years. Since these new
methods are fast, simple, inexpensive, highly reproducible, and tunable, they have aroused great interest
as preliminary screening tools in the search for anti-amyloid (beta-blocker) drugs for conformational
diseases. The aim of this mini-review is to compile recently developed methods aimed at tracking
amyloid aggregation in bacteria, discussing their advantages and limitations, and the future potential
applications of inclusion bodies in anti-amyloid drug discovery.
Ultrasound-assisted Synthesis of 6-substituted indolo[2,3-b]quinolines: their Evaluation as Potential Cytotoxic Agents
Authors: Marepu Nagaraju , Gosi Mahesh , Vedula Santhoshi Sumana , Yeturu Sunandamma , Pal Manojit
Published: April 2019

Background: The indolo[2,3-b]quinoline framework is often found in various natural products
displaying a range of pharmacological activities. This is an attractive template for the design and
discovery of potential drugs especially for the identification of new anticancer agents.

Methods:

The synthesis of 6-substituted indolo[2,3-b]quinolones was undertaken and carried out using
a ultrasound assisted method involving two sequential C-N bond forming reactions between 3-(2-
bromophenyl)-2-chloroquinoline and amines in a single pot in the presence of Pd(OAc)2 and a ligand
(S)-BINAP. All the synthesized compounds were tested in vitro against two cancer cell lines e.g.
MCF7 and HepG2 along with non-cancerous HEK293 cell lines.

Results:

Two of these compounds showed promising and selective growth inhibition of MCF7 cell
lines and one induced significant apoptosis in cancer (MCF7) cells.

Conclusion:

Compounds based on indolo[2,3-b]quinolone framework may be useful for the identification
of new cytotoxic agents thereby potential cure for breast cancer.
Recent Advances in Use of Topoisomerase Inhibitors in Combination Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching
Published: April 2019

Inhibitors targeting human topoisomerase I and topoisomerase II alpha have provided a useful chemotherapy option for the treatment of many patients suffering from a variety of cancers. While the treatment can be effective in many patient cases, use of these human topoisomerase inhibitors is limited by side-effects that can be severe. A strategy of employing the topoisomerase inhibitors in combination with other treatments can potentially sensitize the cancer to increase the therapeutic efficacy and reduce resistance or adverse side effects. The combination strategies reviewed here include inhibitors of DNA repair, epigenetic modifications, signaling modulators and immunotherapy. The ongoing investigations on cellular response to topoisomerase inhibitors and newly initiated clinical trials may lead to adoption of novel cancer therapy regimens that can effectively stop the proliferation of cancer cells while limiting the development of resistance.
Synthesis and Neuroprotective Biological Evaluation of Quinazolinone Derivatives via Scaffold Hopping
Authors: Yang Fan , He Wei-Ping , Yao Jia-Qi , Zou Dong , Chen Pu , Li Jie
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To develop efficient method for the synthesis of quinazolinone derivatives bearing
different functional groups on ring A and ring B and evaluation as neuroprotective agents.

Methods:

Synthetic route to quinazolinone derivatives was furnished by condensation/cyclocondensation/
reduction sequence of the activated N-acylbenzotriazoles. The structures of the targets compounds
have been deduced upon their spectral data (1HNMR, 13CNMR and Mass spectroscopy). The
neuroprotective activities of the synthesized compounds are also evaluated.

Results:

Preliminary screening on a MPP+ induced SH-SY5Y cell injury model of the synthesized compounds
resulted in four compounds (6q, 6r, 6u, and 8e) showed promising neural cell protection activities. The action
mechanisms of these compounds on neuroprotection were then analyzed by docking and reverse docking
modeling.

Conclusion:

A series of quinazolinone derivatives, including different substitution types on rings A and B
were designed and synthesized via scaffold hopping. With the help of neuroprotective biological evaluation,
several efficient therapeutic neuroprotective agents were found for further evaluation as drug candidate against
neurodegenerative disorder.
Solvent-free Methods for Co-crystal Synthesis: A Review
Authors: Kumar Saroj , Prakash Om , Gupta Amresh , Singh Satyawan
Published: April 2019

Background:

Pharmaceutical co-crystals are the homogeneous crystalline substances composed of
two or more substances bound together in the same crystal lattice via noncovalent interactions like hydrogenbonding,
electrostatic interaction and Vander Waals interactions. Currently, co-crystals provide excellent
opportunities to the formulation scientists in developing new pharmaceutical products by improving the
pharmaceutically significant properties like solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, stability, and some other
derived properties. Due to their ability to improve pharmacokinetic performance and their important
intellectual property status, co-crystals are likely to have a very significant role in future drug development.
Thus, formulation scientists have their focus on the development aspects of a co-crystallization process that
include a rational selection of co-former, the discovery of novel synthetic procedures and new characterization
techniques, and large scale production of these novel materials.

Objective:

The objective of this article is to present an extensive review of solvent-free methods for co-crystal
synthesis, mainly focusing on the principle mechanisms, advantages, and drawbacks of each method.

Conclusion:

From the review of the topic, it is clear that the solvent-free methods can offer numerous advantages
over solvent-based methods in the design and the production of co-crystals of pharmaceutical use and
these methodologies can also pave the path to advancing the field of co-crystal synthesis. Some of the advantages
accompanied with solvent-free methods are the use of no or very less amount of solvent(s), exceptional
purity and quality of produced co-crystal, large scale production and the short reaction times in few cases.
Environmental (Lifestyle) Risk Factors for LADA
Authors: Carlsson Sofia
Published: April 2019

Background: In order to prevent diabetes it is important to identify common, modifiable
risk factors in the population. Such knowledge is extensive for type 2 diabetes but limited for autoimmune
forms of diabetes.

Objective: This review aims at summarizing the limited literature on potential environmental (lifestyle)
risk factors for LADA.

Methods:

A PubMed search identified 15 papers estimating the risk of LADA in relation to lifestyle.
These were based on data from two population-based studies; one Swedish case-control study and one
Norwegian cohort study.

Results:

Studies published to date indicate that the risk of LADA is associated with factors promoting
insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes such as overweight, physical inactivity, smoking, low birth
weight, sweetened beverage intake and moderate alcohol consumption (protective). Findings also indicate
potential effects on autoimmunity exerted by intake of coffee (harmful) and fatty fish (protective).
This supports the concept of LADA as being a hybrid form of diabetes with an etiology including factors
associated with both insulin resistance and autoimmunity.

Conclusion:

LADA may in part be preventable through the same lifestyle modifications as type 2 diabetes
including weight loss, physical activity and smoking cessation. However, current knowledge is
hampered by the small number of studies and the fact that they exclusively are based on Scandinavian
populations. There is a great need for additional studies exploring the role of lifestyle factors in the development
of LADA.
LADA: A Type of Diabetes in its Own Right?
Authors: Grill Valdemar
Published: April 2019

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in the Adult, LADA has been investigated less than “classical” type 1 and type 2 diabetes and the criteria for and the relevance of a LADA diagnosis have been challenged. Despite the absence of a genetic background that is exclusive for LADA this form of diabetes displays phenotypic characteristics that distinguish it from other forms of diabetes. LADA is heterogeneous in terms of the impact of autoimmunity and lifestyle factors, something that poses problems to therapy and follow-up, perhaps particularly in those with marginal positivity. Yet, there appears to be clear clinical utility in classifying individuals as LADA.