bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training and Transfer Effect of FluoroSim, an Augmented Reality Fluoroscopic Simulator for Dynamic Hip Screw Guidewire Insertion
Authors: Sugand Kapil , Wescott Robert A. , Carrington Richard , Hart Alister , van Duren Bernard H.
Published: September 2019

Background:

FluoroSim, a novel fluoroscopic simulator, can be used to practice dynamic hip screw (DHS) guidewire insertion in a high-fidelity clinical scenario. Our aim was to demonstrate a training effect in undergraduate medical students who are not familiar with this operation and its simulation.

Methods:

Forty-five undergraduate medical students were recruited and randomized to either training (n = 23) or control (n = 22) cohorts. The training cohort had more exposure to FluoroSim (5 attempts each week) over a 2-week period (with a 1-week washout period in between) compared with the control cohort (a single attempt 1 week apart) over a 2-week period. Five real-time objective performance metrics were recorded: (1) tip-apex distance (TAD) (mm), (2) predicted cut-out rate (%), (3) total procedural time (sec), (4) total number of radiographs (n), and (5) total number of guidewire retries (n).

Results:

At baseline, there was no significant difference in the performance metrics, which confirmed the absence of a selection bias. The intragroup training effect demonstrated a significant improvement in all metrics for the training cohort only. A significant difference between groups was demonstrated as the training cohort significantly outperformed the control cohort in 3 metrics (procedural time [25%], number of radiographs [57%], and number of guidewire retries [100%]; p < 0.001). A learning curve showed an inversely proportional correlation between frequency of attempts and procedural time as well as the number of digital fluoroscopic radiographs that were made, indicating the development of psychomotor skills. There was also an improved baseline of the learning curve after the 1-week washout period, suggesting skill retention.

Conclusions:

Skill acquisition with the FluoroSim system was demonstrated with repeat exposure in a safe, radiation-free high-fidelity clinical simulation with actual operating room equipment. The task of DHS guidewire insertion requires cognitive and psychomotor skills that take a variable number of attempts to acquire, as demonstrated on the learning curve. Additional work is required to demonstrate that the skill tested by the FluoroSim is the same skill that is required for intraoperative DHS guidewire insertion. However, use of the FluoroSim provides improvement in skills with extra-clinical training opportunities for orthopaedic trainees.

Clinical Relevance:

FluoroSim has demonstrated validity and training effect. It has the potential to be approved for possible use on patients in the operating room to help surgeons with the operation. Consequently, operating time, accuracy of TAD, and surgical outcomes may all be improved.
Outcomes of Total Ankle Replacement, Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis, and Open Ankle Arthrodesis for Isolated Non-Deformed End-Stage Ankle Arthritis
Authors: Veljkovic Andrea N. , Daniels Timothy R. , Glazebrook Mark A. , Dryden Peter J. , Penner Murray J. , Wing Kevin J. , Younger Alastair S.E.
Published: September 2019

Background:

End-stage ankle arthritis is a disabling condition that has a similar effect on morbidity, pain, and loss of function to hip arthritis. We compared clinical outcomes of total ankle replacement (TAR) involving the HINTEGRA prosthesis (Integra LifeSciences), arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA), and open ankle arthrodesis (OAA) in patients with isolated, non-deformed end-stage ankle arthritis.

Methods:

Patients ≥18 years old who underwent TAR, AAA, or OAA from 2002 to 2012 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were retrospectively identified from the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) Prospective Ankle Reconstruction Database. All patients had symptomatic COFAS Type-1 end-stage ankle arthritis without intra-articular or extra-articular deformity or surrounding joint arthritis. Clinical outcomes included the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). Revision was defined as removal of 1 or both metal ankle prosthesis components for TAR and as reoperation for malposition, malunion, or nonunion for AAA and OAA.

Results:

Analysis included 238 ankles (88 TAR, 50 AAA, and 100 OAA) in 229 patients with a mean follow-up of 43.3 ± 18.5 months. The TAR group had more female patients (55%; p = 0.0318) and a higher mean age (p = 0.0005). Preoperative AOS pain, disability, and total scores were similar for all groups. SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores were similar across groups, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Improvement in AOS total score was significantly larger for TAR (34.4 ± 22.6) and AAA (38.3 ± 23.6) compared with OAA (25.8 ± 25.5; p = 0.005). Improvement in AOS disability score was also significantly larger for TAR (36.7 ± 24.3) and AAA (40.5 ± 26.4) compared with OAA (26.0 ± 26.2; p = 0.0013). However, the greater improvements did not meet the minimal clinically important difference. The TAR group underwent more reoperations than AAA and OAA groups (p < 0.0001). Revision rates were similar for all 3 groups (p = 0.262).

Conclusions:

AAA and OAA resulted in comparable clinical outcomes to TAR in patients with non-deformed, COFAS Type-1 end-stage ankle arthritis. The rate of component revision in patients who underwent TAR was similar to the rate of revision for patients who underwent AAA or OAA; however, TAR patients underwent a greater number of additional procedures. Overall, AAA and TAR involving the HINTEGRA prosthesis were not significantly different surgical options in terms of short-term outcomes; patients should be counseled regarding higher reoperation rates for TAR.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Long-Term Survivorship of Total Hip Arthroplasty with Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene for Osteonecrosis
Authors: Hart Adam , Janz Viktor , Trousdale Robert T. , Sierra Rafael J. , Berry Daniel J. , Abdel Matthew P.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Osteonecrosis of the hip is the underlying etiology for 3% to 12% of total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Compared with patients who undergo THA because of osteoarthritis, those who do so because of osteonecrosis typically are younger, have a greater number of underlying diagnoses, and have inferior clinical outcomes and implant survivorship. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term implant survivorship (median follow-up, 10 years), functional outcomes, and radiographic results of contemporary THAs with a highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner between patients with osteonecrosis and those with osteoarthritis.

Methods:

All patients who underwent primary THA with an HXLPE liner from 1999 to 2007 were identified from our institutional total joint registry. Patients with a primary diagnosis of osteonecrosis were matched 1:1, on the basis of age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), to patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. This resulted in 461 hips in 413 patients with osteonecrosis matched to 461 hips in 427 patients with osteoarthritis (mean age, 59 years; 47% female; and mean BMI, 29 kg/m2). Long-term implant survivorship, patient-reported outcomes, and radiographic findings were compared. In addition, a subgroup analysis of the osteonecrosis group was performed to see whether certain underlying etiologies portended poor outcomes. The median follow-up was 10 years.

Results:

The 15-year cumulative rates of revision were 6.6% and 4.5% in the osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis groups, respectively (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8, p = 0.09). The 15-year cumulative rates of any reoperation were 10.5% and 6.4% in the osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis groups, respectively (HR = 2.2, p = 0.008). There were no radiographic signs of component loosening or osteolysis in the entire cohort. Despite a lower median preoperative Harris hip score (HHS) for patients with osteonecrosis, both groups had marked improvements in their scores, which were similar at all time points after surgery. The cumulative rate of reoperations at 15 years was 0% for hips with radiation-induced osteonecrosis, 6.3% for those with alcohol-induced osteonecrosis, 9.0% for those with posttraumatic osteonecrosis, 12.1% for those with steroid-induced osteonecrosis, and 25% for those with idiopathic osteonecrosis.

Conclusions:

Contemporary THA with an HXLPE liner offers excellent long-term implant survivorship and functional outcomes for patients with osteonecrosis; however, the risk of a reoperation is higher when compared with patients with osteoarthritis.

Level of Evidence:

PrognosticLevel III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
“Found Down” Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Parzych Lydia , Jo Jacob , Diwan Amna , Swart Eric
Published: September 2019

Background:

With the worsening of the opioid epidemic, there has been an increasing number of cases in which patients are “found down” following a drug overdose and develop a crush injury resulting in muscle necrosis, rhabdomyolysis, and elevated compartment pressures in a unique presentation of compartment syndrome. The purpose of the present study is to summarize our experience at a trauma center in a region with a high endemic rate of opiate abuse to provide guidance for the management of patients with “found down” compartment syndrome.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of the records of patients who had been found unconscious as the result of overdose, with findings that were concerning for compartment syndrome, and had been managed with fasciotomy or observation at the discretion of the surgeon. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on presentation (partial deficits, complete deficits, or unexaminable), and the operative findings, hospital course, laboratory values, and functional status were compared between the groups.

Results:

Over 12 years, we identified 30 “found down” patients who had an examination that was concerning for compartment syndrome. Twenty-five patients were managed with fasciotomy; this group required an average of 4.2 operations and had a 20% infection rate and a 12% amputation rate. Lactate, creatine phosphokinase, and creatinine levels typically were elevated but did not correspond with muscle viability or return of function. At the time of initial debridement, 56% of patients had muscle that appeared nonviable, although muscle function returned in 28% of the patients who had questionable viability. Four patients had no motor or neurological function on initial examination, and none had meaningful return of function at the time of the latest follow-up. Of the 10 patients who had partial neurological deficits at the time of presentation and underwent fasciotomy, over half (70%) had some improvement in ultimate function.

Conclusions:

Patients who are “found down” following an opiate overdose with crush injuries resulting in compartment syndrome have a high surgical complication rate and poor recovery of function. The limited data from the present study suggest that those with absent function at the time of presentation are unlikely to gain function after fasciotomy, and the risk-benefit ratio of fasciotomy in this patient population may be different from that for patients with traumatic compartment syndrome.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Health-Related Quality-of-Life Scores of Patients Undergoing Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty [RETRACTED]
Authors: Jain Sukrit S. , DeFroda Steven F. , Paxton E. Scott , Green Andrew
Published: September 2019

Background:

Health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) scores are required for cost-effectiveness and health-care value analysis. We evaluated HRQoL scores and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty to establish values of HRQoL scores that can be used for cost-effectiveness and value analysis and to assess relationships between HRQoL scores and shoulder and upper-extremity PROMs.

Methods:

We analyzed 145 patients (145 shoulders) with glenohumeral osteoarthritis treated with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty; 93 patients had 1-year follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for shoulder pain and function. Health utility was assessed with the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Short Form-6 Dimensions (SF-6D), and VAS Quality of Life (VAS QoL). HRQoL score validity was determined through correlations between the PROMs and HRQoL scores. The responsiveness of HRQoL scores was measured through the effect size and the standardized response mean.

Results:

There were significant improvements in all PROMs and HRQoL scores (p < 0.001) at 1 year after the surgical procedure. The changes in VAS QoL and EQ-5D were significantly correlated (weak to moderate) with the changes in all PROMs except the SST, demonstrating comparably acceptable validity. The VAS QoL had a large effect size (1.833) and standardized response mean (1.603), and the EQ-5D also had a large effect size (1.163) and standardized response mean (1.228), demonstrating responsiveness. The effect sizes of all PROMs were larger than those of the HRQoL scores. The change in SF-6D had only a moderate effect size and standardized response mean and was not significantly correlated with the change in any of the PROMs.

Conclusions:

PROMs and HRQoL scores are not interchangeable, and studies of the cost-effectiveness and value of shoulder arthroplasty should incorporate both shoulder and upper-extremity PROMs and HRQoL scores. The findings of this study provide data on HRQoL scores that are specific to the treatment of advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis with anatomic total shoulder replacement and can be used for future cost-effectiveness and value analysis studies.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Functional Results and Photic Phenomena with new Extended-Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens
Authors: Giers Bert C. , Khoramnia Ramin , Varadi Dorottya , Wallek Hannah , Son Hyeck Soo , Attia Mary S. , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: September 2019

Background: Evaluation of clinical and functional results of a new extended depth of focus intraocular lens (EDOF-IOL).

Methods: Fourteen cataract patients (twenty-eight bilateral implantations) were assessed for uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities; uncorrected (UNVA), distance-corrected (DCNVA) and best corrected (CNVA) near visual acuities; and uncorrected (UIVA) and distance-corrected (DCIVA) intermediate visual acuities - as well as binocular defocus curves. Photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity was recorded. Reading acuity was evaluated using an electronic reading desk at fixed distances and at the patient’s preferred near and intermediate distances. Visual symptoms were assessed with a halo and glare simulator plus a patient questionnaire which also recorded quality of life.

Results: Median postoperative monocular UDVA was 0.13logMAR (range -0.08 to 0.42logMAR), median CDVA was -0.01logMAR (range -0.20 to 0.22logMAR), median UIVA at 80 cm was -0.05logMAR (range -0.18 to 0.58logMAR) and median UNVA at 40 cm was 0.14logMAR (range -0.10 to 0.64logMAR). Binocular uncorrected reading acuity was 0.10logMAR at 40 cm and 0.11logMAR at 80 cm. Patients preferred a median intermediate reading distance of 62.8 cm over the predetermined 80 cm, which allowed them to read smaller letter size but did not improve reading acuity. Patients reported a high rate of spectacle independence and satisfaction in everyday life and little to no dysphotopsia.

Conclusion: The Mini WELL Ready IOL provided good postoperative functional results at far and intermediate distances and improved the visual and reading acuity at reading distance. The lens caused little to no dysphotopsia.
An automated high throughput solution for DNA extraction and bisulfite-conversion from high volume liquid biopsy specimens – sample preparation for epigenetic analysis
Authors: Rausch Sebastian , Hasinger Oliver , König Thomas , Schlegel Anne , Weiss Gunter
Published: September 2019

Objective: DNA methylation analysis via real-time PCR or other analytical techniques requires purified bisulfite converted DNA. We report on an automated high throughput solution for DNA extraction, bisulfite-conversion, and purification of 96 samples with an input volume of up to 3.5mL of plasma or urine, using reagents from the commercially available Epi BisKit. Results: Magnetic bead-based DNA extraction, bisulfite conversion at high temperature, and efficient DNA purification was conducted on a customized commercially available liquid-handling platform. A highly interlaced 4x24 sample protocol was implemented for DNA extraction, elution in a 96-well plate, efficient bisulfite-conversion and extensive purification. The resulting bisulfite-converted DNA was stored in a 96-well format, ready for PCR set-up or other down-stream applications. The automated method is a walk-away solution for processing 96 samples in 7h30min. Performance of the method was validated by comparison with the standard manual method of the Epi BiSKit using technical and biological samples. Overall DNA yield was assessed with a standardized ß-actin assay. The automated workflow demonstrated equivalent performance to the manual method for technical, plasma and urine samples. It may provide a new standard for effective high-throughput preparation of bisulfite-converted DNA from a variety of high volume liquid biopsy specimens.
Developing a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Fast and Accurate Method for Quantification of Silibinin In-Vitro
Authors: Bakhshi Faezeh , Molavi Ommoleila , Rashidi Mohammad Reza , Shayanfar Ali , Amini Hassan
Published: September 2019

Objective : Silibinin is an antioxidant agent and is shown to have anticancer effects in different cancers including lung, breast, colorectal, liver, prostate, and kidney. There are challenges in the clinical use of Silibinin. The main limitation is low solubility, poor oral absorption, and extensive hepatic metabolism. We developed a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography sensitive method for quantification of Silibinin in in-vitro samples to quantify in different formulations. We applied HPLC set, C18 column as stationary phase and the mixture of methanol (90%) and water (10%) as mobile phase. Utilized solutions were daily prepared through serial dilution of stock solution to make specific concentrations ranged between 10 μg/ml to 100 μg/ml. The developed method was validated by credible guidelines. Results : The calibration curve was drawn according to the height peaks of different concentrations and the established method demonstrated a linear ranged from 10 to 100 µg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.996 for in-vitro samples. The retention time was 2.97 min, and the accuracy and precision (inter-day and intra-day) of the developed method was in the range of 88-105.9%. These results demonstrate that the developed method can be a fast and accurate method for quantification of Silibinin in in-vitro samples.
DIREITOS HUMANOS NA REDE MERCOCIDADES (1995-2015): UMA TEMÁTICA TRANSVERSAL?
Authors: Mattioli Thiago Felix
Published: September 2019

Este artigo discute como o tema de Direitos Humanos pode ser considerado como uma temática transversal dentro da Rede Mercocidades. Para tal, é apresentado um breve histórico da Rede Mercocidades e sua estrutura, abordando como os Direitos Humanos podem ser compreendidos a partir de diferentes dimensões, balizados nas codificações internacionais sobre o tema, passando para uma avaliação de como estas dimensões podem ser ligadas a cada uma das unidades temáticas, apontando também a criação de uma comissão específica sobre o tema, que se propõe a promover os Direitos Humanos de forma transversal dentro da Rede.
X-Ray Characterization of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Lipidic Nanoparticles for Cutaneous Application
Authors: Carducci Federica , Casadei Bruna Renata , Mariani Paolo , Barbosa Leandro Ramos Souza
Published: September 2019

Starting from the second half of the 1900s, the advent of nanotechnology in medicine has provoked a
profound revolution in this area; at present, nanomedicine delivered a remarkably large set of research and clinically
useful tools as diagnostic devices, contrast agents, analytical tools, physical therapy applications, and drugdelivery
vehicles. Concerning nanoformulations for drug delivery, they are constituted by nanoparticles with
dimensions lower than 1 μm, usually characterized by improved pharmacokinetics, taking advantage of specific
targeting, and reduced side effects. The contributors to the present chapter are reviewing a range of papers related
to the structural characterization of nanoformulations by X-ray diffraction techniques. The whole of the considered
papers underlines the essential role that biophysical techniques have acquired as an essential prerequisite to
understanding stability, bioavailability, and lipid, biopolymer, and drug organization in nanoformulations.
Heterogeneity of Microglia Phenotypes: Developmental, Functional and Some Therapeutic Considerations
Authors: Yuan Yun , Wu Chunyun , Ling Eng-Ang
Published: September 2019

Background:

Microglia play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis in complex brain environment. They first exist as amoeboid microglial cells (AMCs) in the developing brain, but with brain maturation, they transform into ramified microglial cells (RMCs). In pathological conditions, microglia are activated and have been classified into M1 and M2 phenotypes. The roles of AMCs, RMCs and M1/M2 microglia phenotypes especially in pathological conditions have been the focus of many recent studies.

Methods:

Here, we review the early development of the AMCs and RMCs and discuss their specific functions with reference to their anatomic locations, immunochemical coding etc. M1 and M2 microglia phenotypes in different neuropathological conditions are also reviewed.

Results:

Activated microglia are engaged in phagocytosis, production of proinflammatory mediators, trophic factors and synaptogenesis etc. Prolonged microglia activation, however, can cause damage to neurons and oligodendrocytes. The M1 and M2 phenotypes featured prominently in pathological conditions are discussed in depth. Experimental evidence suggests that microglia phenotype is being modulated by multiple factors including external and internal stimuli, local demands, epigenetic regulation, and herbal compounds.

Conclusion:

Prevailing views converge that M2 polarization is neuroprotective. Thus, proper therapeutic designs including the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal agents may be beneficial in suppression of microglial activation, especially M1 phenotype, for amelioration of neuroinflammation in different neuropathological conditions. Finally, recent development of radioligands targeting 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in activated microglia may hold great promises clinically for early detection of brain lesion with the positron emission tomography.
Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Biomass-derived Polyhydric Compounds to C2–C3 Small- Molecule Polyols: A Review
Authors: Cai Chiliu , Zhu Changhui , Wang Haiyong , Xin Haosheng , Xiu Zhongxun , Wang Chenguang , Zhang Qi , Liu Qiying , Ma Longlong
Published: September 2019

Biomass energy has attracted much attention because of its clean and renewable
characteristics. At present, C2–C3 polyols such as glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, and ethylene
glycol, widely used as platforms for downstream chemicals or directly used as chemicals
in diversified industries, mainly depend on the petrochemical industry. In terms of the
feedstock for C2–C3 polyol production, the C3-derived glycerol is a side product during
biodiesel synthesis, whereas the C5-derived xylitol and C6-derived sorbitol can be mainly
obtained by hydrolysis–hydrogenation of hemicellulose and cellulose from lignocellulosic
biomass, respectively. In this review, we summarize the catalysts and catalysis for selective
hydrogenolysis of these polyhydric compounds to C2–C3 polyols and introduce the
reaction pathways for the target polyol formation based on the C3, C5, and C6 polyhydric
alcohol hydrogenolysis. Finally, state-of-the-art technologies are described and the remaining challenges and
further prospects are presented in view of the technical aspects.
The Evolution of Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Oral Phenytoin for Early Seizure Prophylaxis Post-Craniotomy
Authors: Li Zhongdong , Wang Chuan , Ji Shuangmin , Jin Hao , Song Guiqin
Published: September 2019

Background:

This study aimed to re-establish a Population Pharmacokinetic (PPK) model of oral phenytoin
to further optimize the individualized medication regimen based on our previous research.

Methods:

Patients with intracranial malignant tumor requiring craniotomy were prospectively enrolled according to
the inclusion criteria. Genotypes of CYP2C9*1 or *3 and CYP2C19*1, *2 or *3 were determined by real time PCR
(TaqMan probe) method. Serum concentrations of phenytoin on the 4th and 7th day after oral administration were
determined using fluorescence polarization immunoassay. The PPK parameters were estimated using Nonlinear
Mixed Effects Models (NONMEM) and internal validation was performed using bootstraps. The predictive performance
of the final model was evaluated by Normalized Predictive Distribution Errors (NPDEs) and diagnostic goodness-
of-fit plots.

Results:

A total of 390 serum samples were collected from 170 patients in PPK model building group. The population
typical values for Vm, Km and the apparent volume of distribution (V) in the final model were 17.5 mg/h, 6.41
mg/L and 54.8 L, respectively. Internal validation by bootstraps showed that the final model was stable and reliable.
NPDEs with a normal distribution and a scatterplot with symmetrical distribution showed that the final model had
good predictive capability. Individualized dose regimens of additional 40 patients in the external validation group
were designed by the present final PPK model. The percentages of patients with serum concentrations within the
therapeutic range were 61.53% (24/39) on the 4th day and 94.87% (37/39) on the 7th day, which were higher than the
39.33% (59/150) and 52.10% (87/167) of above 170 patients (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The present PPK final model for oral phenytoin may be used to further optimize phenytoin individualized
dose regimen to prevent early seizure in patients after brain injury if patient characteristics meet those of the
population studied.
Natural Polysaccharides with Immunomodulatory Activities
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yan Bocheng , Wang Zhaoyu , Li Mingjing , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2019

Natural polysaccharide is a kind of natural macromolecular which can be extracted from
plants, fungi, algae, animals, and bacteria. The monosaccharide compositions and glucosidic bonds of
polysaccharides from different origins vary substantially. Natural polysaccharides have been shown to
possess complex, important and multifaceted biological activities including antitumor, anticoagulant,
antioxidative, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic and antihepatotoxic activities. Their
properties are mainly due to their structural characteristics. It is necessary to develop polysaccharide
immunomodulators with potential for preventive or therapeutic action. The present paper summarizes
the structural features, immunostimulatory activity and the immunomodulatory mechanisms of natural
polysaccharides. In particular, it also provides an overview of representative natural polysaccharide
immunomodulators.
Design, Synthesis, Docking Studies and Biological Activities Novel 2,3- Diaryl-4-Quinazolinone Derivatives as Anti-HIV-1 Agents
Authors: Hajimahdi Zahra , Zabihollahi Rezvan , Aghasadeghi Mohamad Reza , Zarghi Afshin
Published: September 2019

Background:

Although major efforts have been devoted to the effective treatment of
HIV-1 infection, it has remained one of the leading causes of deaths around the world. So, development
of anti-HIV-1 agents featuring novel structure is essential.

Objective:

To synthesize novel quinazolinone derivatives and evaluate their anti-HIV-1 activity.

Method:

In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel 2,3-diaryl-4-quinazolinone derivatives
using a one-pot multicomponent reaction. Then, the resulting derivatives were evaluated
for anti-HIV-1 activity using Hela cell-based single-cycle replication assay.

Results:

Most of the compounds showed efficacy against HIV-1 replication and the compound 9c
exhibited the highest activity with EC50 value of 37 μM. Docking studies indicated that synthesized
compounds can interact with the key residues of the HIV-1 integrase active site. Binding of the most
active compound was consistent with the HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.

Conclusion:

Based on our results, these derivatives represent novel lead compounds for the development
of new promising anti-HIV-1 agents.
Effect of Statin Supplementation on Pulmonary Function and Inflammatory Markers in Patients of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Daga Mradul K. , Chhoda Ankit , Singh Shashank , Mawari Govind , Kumar Naresh , Mishra Tarun K. , Hira Harmanjit S.
Published: September 2019

Background:

COPD being a systemic inflammatory disease is accompanied by alteration of various inflammatory cytokines which affect the metabolic equilibrium of body. Some therapeutic options, mainly statins via their wide range of pharmacologic actions alter the level of proinflammatory cytokines hence, helpful in attenuating various extra-pulmonary consequences of COPD. We did a randomised case-control study to study the effect of statin supplementation on pulmonary function and inflammatory markers in patients of COPD.

Methods:

We included 40 stable COPD subjects & randomized them in two groups, Intervention & Non-intervention. Intervention group received 40 mg atorvastatin once daily for 3 months in addition to the conventional treatment of COPD similar to the prior one. We studied levels of IL-6 & CRP and correlated them with disease severity before and after the aforementioned intervention.

Results:

We observed that CRP levels decreased in both the groups after a follow up of 3 months, but neither of them was statistically significant (p=0.57 & 0.63 respectively) nor the mean of their difference (p=0.969). IL-6 levels showed a persistent decline in intervention group but, was not significant (p=0.91). In this study, we noticed statistically significant improvement in FEV1 (p=0.008) in the intervention group which was in contrast to non-intervention group. Similarly, the exercise capacity also statistically increased in the intervention group (p=0.002). There was also evident negative correlation between exercise capacity and IL-6 as well CRP levels. FEV1 also showed statistically significant negative correlation with IL-6 levels (p=0.023).

Conclusion:

We can improve the disease outcome and alter its natural progression by altering the levels of inflammatory markers with the aid of some additional pharmacological interventions i.e., in this study was atorvastatin.
In silico and in vitro Study of the Inhibitory Effect of Antiinflammatory Drug Betamethasone on Two Lipases
Authors: Samira Nia , Khedidja Benarous , Zahra Abdelalim Fatima , Elyakine Chellali Khadidja Nour , Mohamed Yousfi
Published: September 2019

Background:

For the first time, the anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone is investigated for its inhibitory activity against lipase.

Objective:

This work aims to demonstrate the in vitro and in silico inhibitory effect of the anti-inflammatory drug betamethasone on the enzymatic activity of two lipases.

Methods:

In vitro study using p-nitrophenyllaurate as lipase substrate is used to determine inhibition potency. Molecular Docking is performed using the Autodock Vina for drug molecule and two enzymes Candida rugosa lipase and human pancreatic lipase.

Results:

Betamethasone represents a moderate inhibition effect with a value of IC50 of 0.36±0.01 mg/ml. Molecular docking allowed us to understand inhibitory – enzyme interactions and to confirm in vitro obtained results.

Conclusion:

These experiments showed that betamethasone can be used in the treatment of diseases related to lipase activity.
Performance Analysis and Cavitation Prediction of Centrifugal Pump Using Various Working Fluids
Authors: Rehman Atiq Ur , Paul Akshoy Ranjan , Jain Anuj
Published: September 2019

Background:

The application of centrifugal pumps is found in domestic and petrochemical
industries. Industrial centrifugal pumps are designed and tested using water as working fluid before
supplied to industries, as water is commonly available. However, centrifugal pumps are used in industries
for various applications, which involve the handling of fluids other than water- like saline-water,
crude oil, gasoline, etc. Consequently, hydraulic performance of the pump differs from the designed
and tested values and pump performance becomes unpredictable. Cavitation characteristics of the pump
handling different fluids other than water are also changed and many a time, cavitation starts prematurely.
As a result, the operating cost of pump is increased.

Objective:

A CFD based computational analysis of a single-stage, single-entry industrial centrifugal
pump having double-volute casing is carried out to compare the performance and cavitation characteristics
for various working fluids, namely water, saline water with varying salinity, gasolene and crude oil.

Methods:

Multiple Reference Frame method (MRF) available in Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes
(RANS) equations based CFD solver Ansys-CFX is used in the present study. CFD simulation is carried
out for five flow rates with Standard k-ε turbulence model. Rayleigh-Plesset equation describing
the growth of a single vapor bubble in a liquid is used for predicting the cavitation flow behaviour.

Results:

Minimum static pressure is computed at the suction side of saline water as compared to the
other working fluids studied here. Hydraulic efficiency of crude oil is found to be the lowest as compared
to other fluids. Supercavitation (excessive formation of vapor bubbles and sudden drop in head
up to 3%) starts early for saline water with 40g/kg salinity.

Conclusion:

The results show little variation in pump efficiency when water and saline water are used
as working fluids. However, cavitation characteristics differ considerably with the working fluids. Recent
patents filed/published in this area revealed that efforts are needed to develop effective cavitationresistant
centrifugal impellers and pumps.
Recreation of Oral Poetic Genres in Selected Yorùbá Home Video-Films
Authors: Bolarinwa Abidemi
Published: September 2019

The Yorùbá film as audio-visual literature is thought of as one of the most educative components build ing society. “Modernization” and responses to global change brought about the Yorùbá films which are an offshoot of the Yorùbá Travelling Theatre Movement. The indigenous theatre practitioners who are versatile in practicing the oral poetic genre and have successfully emerged as producers, directors and film-script writers employ and recreate oral poetic genres by adding feelings, beliefs and knowledge they had acquired in the past. This paper attempts a descriptive analysis of five purposively-selected Yorùbá video films by using the sociological approach: Ẹfúnsetán Aníwúrà; Basòṛun Gáà, Ogun Àgbékòỵa, Ogun Ìdàhòṃì and Òṛànmíyàn; which are replete with instances of ingenious recreations of Yorùbá oral poetic genres. The analysis is conducted with a view to elucidating the attempts of Yorùbá home-video scriptwriters in recreating and reconstructing their experiences. The analyses of the selected Yorùbá home-video films reveal that the Yorùbá home-video script writers make artistic use of Yorùbá oral genres in their films through the creative exploitation of proverbs, songs, chants and mythical allusions. The allusions to myths in the selected films suggest that Yorùbá home-video films share apparent inter-textual links with Yorùbá oral poetry. The study concludes that Yorùbá home-video scriptwriters deploy oral poetic genres in their films as one of the ways in which the artistic experiences of the Yorùbá people can resonate. KEYWORDS: YORÙBÁ VIDEO FILMS, ORAL GENRES, MYTHS, SOCIAL CHANGE, RECREATION
Archiving Collective Memories and (Dis)owning
Authors: Tchokothe Rémi Armand
Published: September 2019

This paper investigates the question of ownership of collective memories in the age of digitized archiving. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (henceforth Unesco) philosophy of preserving the world cultural heritage has boosted research on African oral literatures. The emphasis on the documentation of endangered cultures of Africa is salutary but also raises some critical questions. The central question this contribution addresses is that of the authorship-ownership of cultural heritage that is being archived in the framework of digital humanities. In essence, the notion of “collective memories” entails that of collective authorship and collective belonging as these memories are passed on from one generation to the other without the claim of singular ownership. A significant example in this line of thought has been the observation by the cultural giant Amadou Hampâté Bâ who ironically pointed out that the real author of The Fortunes of Wangrin (1973), which is attributed to him, is actually the storyteller Wangrin – the cunning interpreter – and members of the whole literary tradition that Wangrin embodied. In the preface of a recently published volume on La question de l’auteur en littératures africaines (Jérôme Roger 2015: 16) the author asks the following pertinent question: how can African literature, both oral and others, invite scholars to rethink the relationship between the anonymity of sources, versions and variants of stories and the constraint for an author’s name imposed by editors? The question has more weight in view of the massive digitization of African oral literatures that mostly takes place in institutions with more economic prestige and which are located outside the African continent. Therefore, the interrogation centres on the role of power with regard to the form in which these (hi)stories are published, where, how and to whom they are accessible, and to the habit of researchers to name people from whom they receive the bulk of knowledge which they transcribe and translate into the academic jargon “informants” instead of giving them more credit by referring to them as research partners or even by recognising them as co-authors. In this vein, the paper rounds up by exploring the possibility of reversing the customary auctorial perspective by bringing into the discussion the idea of “researchers as griots” suggested by (Merolla, Ameka & Dorvlo 2013).

KEYWORDS: ARCHIVING AND SILENCING, MEMORICIDE, TEACHERS ON THE FIELD, SELFISH ALTRUISM, RESEARCHERS AS GRIOTS
Die Grenzboten on its Way to Virtual Research Environments and Infrastructures
Authors: Nölte Manfred , Blenkle Martin
Published: September 2019

The State and University Library Bremen (SuUB) is dedicated to the digitization of its historical collections. Digitization is an important instrument for improving the accessibility of valuable information contained in fragile historical documents. It facilitates academic research and teaching and is indispensable to the digital humanities. Especially the research of digital serial publications benefits from ‘recent systematic digitization efforts, often initiated by libraries […]. More and more historical periodicals and other serial publications are now digitally available in full, i.e., all of their issues’ [Piotrowski, this volume]. The historical journal presented in this article is one of these and the final section will discuss why it can be considered a complete corpus. Usually, digitization projects produce digital images, metadata for cataloguing and web-navigation purposes and OCR full text for searching. This information is made available through the library's web portal for digital collections. However, digital humanists need high-quality full texts enriched with metadata in the appropriate format to analyse them with powerful software tools.
The historical journal Die Grenzboten serves as an exemplary model to bridge the gap between digitization projects in libraries and research infrastructures. Die Grenzboten is a long running serial publication (1841 – 1922). It can be classified as a literary journal that also covered politics and arts. We demonstrate that OCR post correction and a page-wise structuring are prerequisites for the creation of a high-quality TEI version of a full text. The TEI version was created in cooperation with the Deutsches Textarchiv (DTA) at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW). A fully automated OCR post correction developed at the SuUB Bremen is freely available on GitHub.
To enable scientists to work with powerful software tools the transfer of high-quality full texts to research infrastructures is a necessary step. We describe transfers of full text and the experience we have made, but still some general questions persist: What has to be done to prepare raw OCR output for this purpose in a reasonable and cost-effective manner? What quality is needed or expected? Which metadata and file formats are needed? Should there not be a closer cooperation between research infrastructures and libraries handling the digitization? OCR full texts, even post corrected, are not perfect but character recognition rates around 99% certainly provide more options than just being used as a search index. There is a vast amount of textual resources available ready to be made fully accessible for scientific research! Finally, some suggestions for scholars and the researchers working on digital serial publications are given.
Digital Approaches Towards Serial Publications
Authors: Daems Joke , Martens Gunther , Van Hooland Seth , Verbruggen Christophe
Published: September 2019

This special issue was inspired by the Digital Approaches Towards 18th–20th Century Serial Publications conference, which took place in September 2017 at the Royal Academies for Sciences and Arts of Belgium. The conference brought together humanities scholars, social scientists, computational scientists, and librarians interested in discussing how digital techniques can be used to uncover the different layers of knowledge contained in serial publications such as newspapers, journals, and book series. In this introduction, we discuss some of the key concepts the reader will find throughout this volume, how they fit into the digitization and analysis workflow a digital humanities scholar might employ, and where the different contributions to this volume come into play.
Review of Koenraad Claes, The Late-Victorian Little Magazine (2018)
Authors: Turner Mark W.
Published: September 2019

Review of Koenraad Claes, The Late-Victorian Little Magazine (2018)
Reducción de la proteína bruta en la dieta de pollos criollos de engorde en un sistema semi-intensivo
Authors: Freitas-Pinheiro Sandra Regina , Borges Ferreira Cátia , Josiane Vieira Dayane , Almeida Silva Júlio , Madureira de Souza Carvalho Rúbio , Gomes de Oliveira Renata
Published: September 2019

Objetivo. Evaluar la reducción de los niveles de proteína bruta sin alterar la relación de aminoácidos esenciales en pollos de engorde criollos de uno a 42 días de edad. Materiales y métodos. Se realizaron dos ensayos que comprendieron la fase inicial (un a 21 días) y crecimiento (22 a 42 días). Se utilizaron 630 pollos de la línea Redbro de un día de edad, distribuidos en un diseño completamente  al azar, con cinco tratamientos y seis repeticiones de 21 aves cada una, totalizando 30 unidades experimentales distribuidas en corrales con buen  abrigo. Los niveles reducidos de la proteína bruta para la fase inicial fueron: 21.5; 21.0; 20.5; 20.0 y 19.5% y para la fase de crecimiento: 19.0; 18.5; 18.0; 17.5 y 17.0%. En todos los tratamientos se mantuvo la proporción mínima entre aminoácidos esenciales y lisina. Las características de desempeño evaluadas fueron: ganancia de peso, consumo de alimento y conversión alimenticia.  Resultados. No hubo diferencia (p>0.05) en la reducción de proteína bruta para ninguna de las fases, excepto para conversión alimenticia (p<0.05) en la fase de crecimiento que mejoró con 18.2% de proteína bruta. Conclusiones. Los niveles de proteína bruta para pollos criollos de engorde de la línea Redbro, pueden ser reducidos a 19.5 y 18.2% para la fases inicial y de crecimiento, respectivamente, siempre y cuando se mantengan las relaciones adecuadas de aminoácidos con lisina digestible y se atiendan las exigencias de los aminoácidos limitantes.
Short-Term Effects of Very-Low-Phosphate and Low-Phosphate Diets on Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tsai Wan-Chuan , Wu Hon-Yen , Peng Yu-Sen , Hsu Shih-Ping , Chiu Yen-Ling , Yang Ju-Yeh , Chen Hung-Yuan , Pai Mei-Fen , Lin Wan-Yu , Hung Kuan-Yu , Chu Fang-Yeh , Tsai Shu-Min , Chien Kuo-Liong
Published: September 2019

Background and objectives

The short-term effects of low-phosphate diets on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level and the optimal amount of dietary phosphate restriction in patients undergoing hemodialysis remain unknown.

Design setting, participants, & measurements

This was a randomized, active-controlled trial with a crossover design that included 35 adults with ESKD undergoing thrice-weekly hemodialysis and with a serum phosphate level >5.5 mg/dl or between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dl with regular phosphate binder use at a hemodialysis unit of tertiary teaching hospital in Taiwan. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive a very-low-phosphate diet, with a phosphate-to-protein ratio of 8 mg/g, or a low-phosphate diet, with a phosphate-to-protein ratio of 10 mg/g for 2 days, each with a 5-day washout during which subjects adhered to their usual diet. The primary outcome measure was mean difference in change-from-baseline intact FGF23 level between intervention groups. Secondary outcomes included difference in change-from-baseline serum phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), and C-terminal FGF23 level between intervention groups.

Results

There was no significant difference in the mean change-from-baseline in intact FGF23 levels between the two study diets. The very-low-phosphate diet significantly lowered serum phosphate (mean difference, 0.6 mg/dl; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.2 to 1.0; P=0.002). There were no significant differences in change-from-baseline intact PTH and C-terminal FGF23 levels between the two study diets.

Conclusions

Over the 2-day period, the FGF23-lowering effect of the very-low-phosphate diet is similar to that of the low-phosphate diet. The very-low-phosphate diet has an additional phosphate-lowering effect compared with the low-phosphate diet.