bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of berberine administration of evaluation of the functional state of rat liver after ligation of common bile duct
Authors: Zverinsky I.V. , Melnichenko N.G. , Poplavsky V.A. , Sutko I.P. , Telegin P.G. , Shlyahtun A.G.
Published: April 2015

On the eighth day after ligation of the common bile duct in rats a significant increase in the serum content of total lipids, cholesterol bilirubin and ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase was observed. In the microsomal fraction there was a marked decrease in the content and activity of microsomal monooxygenases. Introperitoneal injection of berberine (10 mg/kg) for 6 days caused a partial normalization of permeability of hepatocytes plasma membranes and activity of microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenases. It is suggested that berberine is a substrate and inducer of flavin-containing monooxygenases. Membrane-stabilizing effect of berberine is probably realized at the level of inhibition of prooxidant status of liver cells.
An example of oscillatory (cyclic) reaction for prostaglandin chemistry
Authors: Isay S.V. , Kafanova T.V. , Kim N.U.
Published: April 2015

It is shown an ability of prostaglandin A to the oscillatory reaction which has significance both the theoretical and practical if prostaglandins are used for therapy.
Protocols of proteins interactomics: molecular fishing on optical chips and magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Ivanov A.S. , Ershov P.V. , Mezentsev Yu.V. , Poverennaya E.V. , Lisitsa A.V. , Archakov A.I.
Published: April 2015

Now it is absolutely clear, that the majority of proteins in living systems function due to interaction with each other in stable or dynamic proteins complexes. Therefore necessity of deeper studies of proteins functions causes expansion of protein-protein interaction research. In the present review the brief description and comparative estimation of experimental methods and protocols of protein interactomics, based on technology of molecular fishing on an optical chips and paramagnetic nanoparticles is given.
Recombinant intracellular Rhodospirillum rubrum L-asparaginase with low L-glutaminase activity and antiproliferative effect
Authors: Pokrovskaya M.V. , Pokrovskiy V.S. , Aleksandrova S.S. , Anisimova N.Yu. , Andrianov R.M. , Treschalina E.M. , Ponomarev G.V. , Sokolov N.N.
Published: April 2015

The recombinant producer of Rhodospirillum rubrum L-asparaginase (RrA) was received and purification procedure of RrA was developed. It was shown that RrA has following biochemical and catalytic characteristics: K for L-asn 0,22 мM, pH optimum 9,2; temperature optimum 54°С; pI=5,1±0,3; L-gln activity seems to be low-to-negligible. К562, DU145 and MDA-MB-231 cellular lines displayed significant sensitivity towards the enzyme (IC50=1,80; 9,19 and 34,62 ME/ml, respectively. In comparison with L-asparaginases from E . coli II type (EcA) and Erwinia carotovora (EwA) cytotoxicity of RrA seems to be higher than EwA, but lower than EcA. 10-fold i.p. RrA administration (4000 ME/kg per day) in L5178y bearing mice showed Т/С=172%. The received results show that RrA belongs to I type cellular L-asparaginases with low L-gln activity and the high antiproliferative effect.
Oligomeric state investigation of flavocytochrome CYP102A1 using afm with standard and supersharp probes
Authors: Ivanov Yu.D. , Bukharina N.S. , Frantsuzov P.A. , Pleshakova T.O. , Krohin N.V. , Kanashenko S.L. , Archakov A.I.
Published: April 2015

Atomic force microscopy with two types of probes – standard (radius of curvature R~10 nm) and supersharp (R~2 nm) – was used to determine CYP102A1oligomeric state. CYP102A1 images were obtained in a liquid, air and vacuum environment using the standard probes, also a ratio of monomers to oligomers (a) of CYP102A1 were determined as a=0.48:0.52. At the same time use of standard probes did not allow to resolve the structure of these oligomers. Supersharp probes allowed to obtain the data about the monomers to oligomers ratio, and also about the dimers/trimers/tetramers ratio in air and vacuum. So, a ratio a of CYP102A1 in liquid can be determined by the standard probes, and an oligomeric state of protein can be specified by the supersharp probes.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) - MMP-1,-2,-9 and its endogenous activity regulators in transformed by E7 oncogene HPV16 and HPV18 cervical carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Ryzhakova O.S. , Solovyeva N.I.
Published: April 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) play a key role in development of tumor invasion and metestasis. The purpose of the work is the elucidation of peculiarities of expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and their activity regulators: plasminogen activator uPA and tissue inhibitors of MMPs - TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in human cell lines of squoamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Comparative study of MMPs’ expression was carried out on cell lines SCC which differed in HPV types (HPV-16 and HPV-18): SiHa, Caski – НРV16, Hela, С4-1 – HPV18). As a control, the С33А line was used where HPV copies were absent. The human papilloma viruses (HPV) of high risk – HPV-16, HPV-18, as etiological factors of initiation of cervical cancer, are most widespread and most aggressive among oncogenic HPVs. Study of MMP expression involved estimation of expression of mRNA using the RT-PCR method and determination of collagenolytic activity by hydrolysis of fluorogenic type 1 collagen and also by the zymography method. It was shown that: 1. In both types of cell lines, the MMP-1 expression was essentially increased (2 to 8 times), and in HPV18 lines it was most expressed. The exception was made by the SiHa line in which the decrease of expression of this enzyme was observed. MMP-2 expression was at the control level in both types of cell lines. 2. Expression of inhibitors generally was at the control level. The only exception was the C4-1 line where the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was increased in 1,7 and 2,6 times accordingly. Expression of uPA was increased 2 to 4,5 times in all cell lines except Siha where was lowered to 20%. 3. Collagenolytic activity in the Caski and Hela cell line was 2-3 times higher that it was in control, while the activity in the SiHa cell line was compatible with that in the control. Research of gelatinolytic activity also as well as the data on an expression мРНК has revealed only presence ММП-2, but not ММП-9 in all cervical carcinoma cell lines. The data obtained provide evidence for a significant disturbance in transformed cells of enzyme/inhibitor/activator ratio – which occurs, for the most part, at the cost of elevated expression of MMP-1 and its activator whereas the expression of MMP-2 and inhibitors remains virtually unchanged, which leads to the increase of the destructive potential of transformed cells.
Irreversible chemical afm-fishing for the detection of low-copied proteins
Authors: Ivanov Yu.D. , Danichev V.V. , Pleshakova T.O. , Shumov I.D. , Ziborov V.S. , Krokhin N.V. , Zagumenniy M.N. , Ustinov V.S. , Smirnov L.P. , Shironin A.V. , Archakov A.I.
Published: April 2015

The atomic-force microscopy-based method of irreversible chemical AFM-fishing (AFM-IF ) has been developed for the detection of proteins at ultra-low concentrations in solution. Using this method, a very low concentration of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) protein (10 17 M) was detected in solution. A theoretical model that allows the description of obtained experimental data, is proposed. This model takes into consideration both the transport of the protein from the bulk solution onto the AFM-chip surface and its irreversible binding to the activated area.
Cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase activity is a sensitive indicator of the antioxidant status of the rat liver and brain
Authors: Sirota T.V. , Zakharchenko M.V. , Kondrashova M.N.
Published: April 2015

Several parameters of the cytoplasmic enzymatic antioxidant system of the liver and brain of the rat have been investigated under conditions of immobilization stress and of an antioxidant preparation in the diet of animals. These included superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities and nonspecific NADPH oxidation. Only changes in the activity of SOD both in the liver and brain were revealed. In the liver of animals that receive no preparation, a decrease in the activity of SOD after 30-min immobilization and its restoration after a 360-min immobilization were observed. In the brain, the activity of SOD decreased only in preconditioned animals after 30 and 360 min of exposure to stress. In addition, the activity of SOD in the brain of preconditioned animals, both stressed and unstressed, was lower than in the corresponding groups of control animals. It is probable that, under the conditions of immobilization stress, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and as a consequence the activity of SOD decrease. The intake of an antioxidant preparation under these conditions seems to be not correct.
Polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 gene, plasminogen level and thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Aisina R.B. , Mukhametova L.I. , Ostryakova E.V. , Seredavkina N.V. , Patrushev L.I. , Patrusheva N.L. , Reshetnyak T.M. , Gulin D.A. , Gershkovich K.B. , Nasonov E.L. , Varfolomeyev S.D.
Published: April 2015

The frequency of venous and arterial thromboses and plasminogen level were investigated in 78 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), 35 of whom with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE+APS) and 43 - with primary APS (PAPS). The levels and genotype of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were determined in 45 patients with APS, of whom 21 patients with SLE+APS and 24 patients with PAPS. A control group included 10 healthy individuals without autoimmune disease signs and thromboses on period of investigation and in past history. It was shown for the first time that for one third of 67 patients with APS and thromboses high positive levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with low plasminogen levels. The levels of PAI-1 antigen measured by ELIZA method, which detects active, latent and bound with plasminogen activator PAI-1, were opposed with frequency of thromboses in APS patients. Correlation between the high and increased levels of PAI-1 and high positive aPL levels was found for one third of 43 patients with APS and thrombosis. One of the possible mechanisms of this interconnection was considered. It was shown that arterial and, to a more extent, venous thromboses are associated with the 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 gene and high plasma level of the inhibitor in 79% of APS patients. At the presence of the 4G allele patients with SLE+APS had higher PAI-1 levels than patients with PAPS. The obtained results show that measuring the levels of plasminogen and PAI-1 as well as the 4G/5G polymorphism of PAI-1 gene which is associated with thromboses may have the practical significance for identification of high risk of thrombosis in APS patients.
Interaction of rifampicin embedded in phospholipid nanoparticles with blood plasma lipoproteins
Authors: Sanzhakov M.A. , Ipatova O.M. , Prozorovskiy V.N. , Medvedeva N.V. , Torkhovskaya T.I.
Published: April 2015

The drug formulations of antituberculous remedy rifampicin in nanoparticles less than 30 nm based on soy phosphatidylcholine and sodium oleate was elaborated in Institute of Biomedical Chemistry. The distribution of rifampicin in blood plasma fractions after incubation with this formulation and with free rifampicin was studied. This goal was stimulated by the literature data about activation of macrophages LDL receptors in cases of M. tuberculosis infection. Plasma was incubated 30 min with free rifampicin or rifampicin encapsulated into the nanoformulation followed by ultracentrifugation and subsequent rifampicin determination by HPLC in lipoprotein fractions. In the case of free rifampicin it appeared mainly in the plasma protein fraction and in HDL (41% and 38%, correspondentely). But after incubation of rifampicin in nanoparticles the drug redistribution was observed. Its proportion in these factions decreased 2-3-fold, and it was found mainly in LDL (60% as compared with 21% for free rifampicin). The increased association of rifampicin encapsulated into phospholipid nanoparticles with LDL is considered as facilitating factor for macrophages delivery and thus for antituberculosis efficiency as well
Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on metabolism of glutamine in the liver
Authors: Savilov P.N.
Published: April 2015

The effect of three-day course of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO; 3 atm, 50 min, 1 session per day) on glutamine metabolism in the liver has been investigated in 72 adult albino rats. The content of ammonia, glutamate, glutamine, activity of glutamine synthetase (GS), phosphate-dependent glutaminase (PDG), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) were studied in left (LLL) and median (MLL) lobes of the liver. The course of HBO had an inhibitory effect on all the enzymes studied. Inhibitory effect of hyperoxia on GDH activity persisted up to day 11 after the course of HBO in both lobes of the liver, while decreased glutamate normalized in both lobes. Reduced glutamine concentration normalized to day 4, and the concentration of ammonia and remained elevated for 11 days after the end of hyperoxic exposure. Inhibitory effect of hyperoxia on GS activity in LLL and MLL disappeared on day 4 and day 11 day after the end of the HBO course. PDG activity reduced by HBO in both lobes normalized to the day 4 day after oxygenation; however, on day 11 it selectively decreased in LLL, where simultaneous stimulation of GS activity was also observed. The results demonstrate different sensitivity of liver GS, PDG and GDH of normal rats to the inhibitory effect of HBO. Different dynamics of GS and PDG activity in LLL and MLL of oxygenated rats suggests functional heterogeneity of the glutamine cycle in hepatocytes of liver lobes after HBO
Determination of Al, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Tl in whole blood by atomic absorption spectrometry without preliminary sample digestion
Authors: Ivanenko N.B. , Ivanenko A.A. , Solovyev N.D. , Navolotskii D.V. , Pavlova O.V. , Ganeev A.A.
Published: April 2015

Methods of whole blood trace element determination by Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (in the variant of Zeeman’s modulation polarization spectrometry) have been proposed. They do not require preliminary sample digestion. Furnace programs, modifiers and blood dilution factors were optimized. Seronorm™ human whole blood reference materials were used for validation. Dynamic ranges (for undiluted blood samples) were: Al 8 ¸ 210 мg/L; Be 0.3 ¸ 50 мg/L; Cd 0.2 ¸ 75 мg/L; Сo 5 ¸ 350 мg/L; Cr 10 ¸ 100 мg/L; Mn 6 ¸ 250 мg/L; Ni 10 ¸ 350 мg/L; Pb 3 ¸ 240 мg/L; Se 10 ¸ 500 мg/L; Tl 2 ¸ 600 мg/L. Precision (RSD) for the middle of dynamic range ranged from 5% for Mn to 11 for Se.
Defensins – natural peptide antibiotics of higher eucariotes
Authors: Grishin D.V. , Sokolov N.N.
Published: April 2015

The goal of this review is to characterize defensins representing an evolutionary the most ancient family of antimicrobial peptides. It gives general information on functional and structural features of defensins as the main components of the first-line defense of higher eukaryote organisms against infectious agents. The review considers not only current situation in the defensin research but also perspectives of creation of recombinant antimicrobial peptides of biomedical application.
Differences between cerebellum and hippocampus in antioxidant system
Authors: Kosenko E.A. , Beloushko E.E. , Kaminsky Y.G.
Published: April 2015

The effect of portacaval shunting on the antioxidant status of the cerebellum and hippocampus was studied in rats using standard methods of enzymatic analysis. Endogenous ammonia levels and activities of eight antioxidant enzymes were shown to be unequal in two brain regions and to respond differently upon portal-systemic shunt surgery.
The influence of docosahexaenoic acid moiety on cytotoxic activity of 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives
Authors: Akimov M.G. , Gretskaya N.M. , Karnoukhova V.A. , Serkov I.V. , Proshin A.N. , Shtratnikova V.Yu. , Bezuglov V.V.
Published: April 2015

Among 3-(2-aminopropyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives contatining substitution-ready secondary amino group and exhibiting cytotoxic towards rat C 6 glioma cells three compounds with LD 50 values ranged from 6 to 48 мM were chosen. For these compounds amides with docosahexaenoic acid were synthetised and their cytotoxic activity was studied. It was shown that, although docosahexaenoic acid itself was not toxic for C 6 glioma cells, its addition to the amino derivatives of 1,2,4-thiadiazole increased or decreased resultant cytotoxicity. The effect depended on the structure of 1,2,4-thiadiazole substituents. The obtained data show that the acylation of cytotoxic compounds with docosahexaenoic acid does not necessarily lead to the increase of their activity, but sometimes can inactivate a compound. This fact should be taken into account, especially in the case of anti-cancer drug development.
The screening of the inhibitors of the human cytochrome P450(51) (CYP51A1): the plant and animal structural lanosterol's analogs
Authors: Kaluzhskiy L.A. , Gnedenko O.V. , Gilep A.A. , Strushkevich N.V. , Shkel T.V. , Chernovetsky M.A. , Ivanov A.S. , Lisitsa A.V. , Usanov S.A. , Stonik V.A. , Archakov A.I.
Published: April 2015

The cholesterol biosynthesis regulation is the important part of the hypercholesterolemia diseases therapy. The inhibition of the post-squalene cholesterol biosynthesis steps provide the alternative to classic statin therapy. Sterol-14a-demethylase (CYP51) is one of the hypothetical targets for it. In this work the screening of the ability to interact with human CYP51 (CYP51A1) for the nature low-weight compounds with steroid-like scaffold were performed by integration of the surface plasmon resonance biosensor and spectral titration methods. The results of the selection were 4 compounds (betulafolientriol, holothurin A, teasaponin, capsicoside A) witch had high affinity to the CYP51A1 active site. These data extend the range of compounds which may be used as specific inhibitors of CYP51 and give the permission to suggest the dynamic of the enzyme.
Effect of sulfated polysaccharides from brown seaweed laminaria japonica on the morfology of lymfoid organs and functional characteristics of immunocompetent cells
Authors: Lebedynskaya E.A. , Makarenkova I.D. , Lebedynskaya O.V. , Akhmatova N.K. , Zvyagintseva T.N.
Published: April 2015

The effect of sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan from the brown alga Laminaria japonica on morphological characteristics of mouse lymphoid organs, subpopulations of spleen mononuclear leukocytes, cytokine production and cytotoxic activity of splenocytes has been investigated. Fucoidan promoted activation and proliferation of lymphoid hematopoietic cells in primary and secondary immunogenesis bodies, increased expression of markers CD19, NK, NKT, CD25, MHC II, TCR, TLR2 and TLR4, the cytotoxic activity of splenocytes and production of immunoregulatory and proinflammatory cytokines (IL- 2, IL-12, IFN-g, TNF-a, IL-6). This suggests activation of effector mechanisms of innate immunity and adaptive immune responses via the Th-1 type.
Imbalance of system of glutamin – glutamic acid in the placenta and amniotic fluid at placental insufficiency
Authors: Pogorelova T.N. , Gunko V.O. , Linde V.A.
Published: April 2015

Metabolism of glutamine and glutamic acid has been investigated in the placenta and amniotic fluid under conditions of placental insufficiency. The development of placental insufficiency is characterized by the increased content of glutamic acid and a decrease of glutamine in both placenta and amniotic fluid. These changes changes were accompanied by changes in the activity of enzymes involved in the metabolism of these amino acids. There was a decrease in glutamate dehydrogenase activity and an increase in glutaminase activity with the simultaneous decrease of glutamine synthetase activity. The compensatory decrease in the activity of glutamine keto acid aminotransferase did not prevent a decrease in the glutamine level. The impairments in the system glutamic acid-glutamine were more pronounced during the development of premature labor.
Differential barrier and corridor effects of power lines, roads and rivers on moose (Alces alces) movements
Authors: Bartzke G. S. , May R. , Solberg E. J. , Rolandsen C. M. , Røskaft E.
Published: April 2015

Building new power lines is required to satisfy increasing demands for the transmission of electricity, and at the same time the road network is expanding. To provide guidelines for the routing of new power lines and roads, it is essential to test whether linear features deter or attract movements of animals in different landscape settings. Using GPS relocation data from 151 moose (Alces alcesL.) in central Norway, we tested for barrier and corridor effects of roads, power lines and rivers and accounted for forest cover, the topographical orientation of linear features and the placement of other nearby linear features. We predicted step selection probabilities for different movement options at varying distances from linear features and linear feature combinations. Barrier and corridor effects of linear features altered moose movements, although effects were minor compared to the effects of topography and forest cover. Moose did not avoid crossing power lines, unless the placement of power lines along contour lines impeded movements across them. In contrast, moose avoided crossing of roads and rivers in forests. Moose more likely moved along linear features when getting closer to linear features. Barrier and corridor effects were higher for road/river combinations compared to single linear features. Likewise, the barrier and corridor effects were higher for road/power line combinations, but not power line/river combinations compared to single linear features, when moose were close to the edge of those features. The inconsistent pattern could be due to the low sample size. We found indications of higher disturbance potential of roads compared to power lines and rivers. Managing vegetation in power line rights‐of‐way to provide abundant browse could counteract possible disturbance, while wildlife overpasses could mitigate road fragmentation effects.
Birnessite‐Catalyzed Degradation of Glyphosate: A Mechanistic Study Aided by Kinetics Batch Studies and NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Paudel Prajwal , Negusse Awet , Jaisi Deb P.
Published: April 2015

Glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl) glycine] is a broad‐ spectrum systemic herbicide. Because of the ever‐increasing application of glyphosate in agricultural fields and detection of its presence in soils and environmental waters, there is a growing concern that it may potentially harm animal and human populations and the environment. In this study, we determined the mechanism and reaction pathway of birnessite‐catalyzed degradation of glyphosate by using one‐dimensional (1H, 13C, and 31P) and two‐dimensional homo‐ and hetero‐nuclear NMR correlation spectroscopies. The NMR results showed the presence of several degradation products including orthophosphate, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), glycine, and sarcosine. Two‐dimensional NMR and correlation spectroscopies confirmed the identity of products and contaminants in the reactions. Our results show that the glyphosate degradation reaction is very fast, with the majority of reaction products formed within 1 min of reaction. Degradation depends linearly on the birnessite concentration, indicating sorption as the prerequisite for glyphosate degradation. Based on the reaction kinetics and NMR data, we propose two glyphosate degradation pathways: one starts with C–P bond cleavage and the other with C–N bond cleavage. Interestingly, the dominance of one pathway over the other was found to vary with the birnessite/glyphosate ratio. This information could be exploited further to identify conditions under which glyphosate degradation occurs primarily under the C–P bond cleavage pathway because this pathway does not produce AMPA, a compound with a longer half‐life than glyphosate and with known animal and plant toxicity.
An Integrated High‐Capacity Tensiometer for Measuring Water Retention Curves Continuously
Authors: Chen R. , Liu J. , Li J.H. , Ng C.W.W.
Published: April 2015

The water retention curve (WRC), which characterizes the relationship between the water content and water pressure head, is an important hydraulic property of soils in the vadose zone. The application of a high‐capacity tensiometer (HCT) to WRC measurement under a continuous drying process could significantly reduce the measurement duration compared with other conventional testing methods. However, the electric cable connecting the HCT to the data logger generally introduces errors in the soil mass measurement and, in turn, the water content results. In this study, an integrated HCT was designed, and a novel method was proposed to improve the measurement accuracy by using only one soil specimen. The integrated HCT comprised a digital millivoltmeter and a battery supplying constant voltage. The mass of this integrated HCT along with a soil specimen was recorded by a high‐resolution electronic balance during continuous drying. Meanwhile, the water pressure head was also measured by the integrated HCT. Hence, the errors induced by the HCT cable and the separate soil specimens were avoided. It was demonstrated that the WRC of a compacted kaolin obtained using the integrated HCT was similar to that obtained using the recently proposed method in which two identical specimens are required. Because only one specimen was required, the newly developed HCT is a promising transducer for the WRC measurement of intact specimens under continuous drying.
Evaluation of Genotoxic Potential of Waters from Two Italian Rivers in Gammarus elvirae (Amphipoda)
Authors: Ronci Lucilla , Iannilli Valentina , De Matthaeis Elvira , Di Donato Giovanna , Setini Andrea
Published: April 2015

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the genotoxic impact of contaminants along the whole course of Ninfa‐Sisto and Amaseno (Latium, Italy) rivers. The authors performed the alkaline Comet assay to assess DNA damage in the freshwater amphipod Gammarus elvirae, exposed ex situ for 24 hours and 7 days to water collected at different sites. The assay, applied on haemocytes, provides a sensitive tool to reveal effects even at low concentrations of pollutants. The results indicate significant increase of DNA damage along the course of the two rivers, compared to the unpolluted upstream sites, even if the analytes do not exceed the permissible limits. Moreover, the results show that there is not a linear correlation between the concentration of analytes and DNA damage. Based on this study's results, it would be desirable to use Comet assay, on proposed test species, as an early warning method to detect genotoxic potential of waters.
Reduction of Biological Sludge Production Applying an Alternating Oxic/anoxic Process in Water Line
Authors: Eusebi Anna Laura , Panigutti Maximiliano , Battistoni Paolo
Published: April 2015

Alternating oxic/anoxic process, applied for the main objective of the improvement of nitrogen performances, was studied in terms of secondary effect of biomass reduction. The process was carried out in one real water resource recovery facility and the data were compared with the previous conventional period when a conventional process was adopted. The main mechanism of the process for the sludge minimization is recognized in the metabolic uncoupling. In fact, an increase of the specific oxygen uptake rate in the biological reactor was recorded stimulated by the change of the oxidation reduction potential environment. Moreover, the heterotrophic growth yield was measured equal to 0.385 kgVSS/kgCOD. The global percentage of reduction was tested with the mass balance of solids. The process is able to decrease the observed sludge yield up to 20%. The specific energy consumption was evaluated.
Stability of hemostatic proteins in canine fresh-frozen plasma thawed with a modified commercial microwave warmer or warm water bath
Authors: Pashmakova Medora B. , Barr James W. , Bishop Micah A.
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE To compare stability of hemostatic proteins in canine fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) thawed with a modified commercial microwave warmer (MCM) or warm water bath (37°C; WWB) or at room temperature (22°C).

SAMPLE Fresh-frozen plasma obtained from 8 canine donors of a commercial blood bank.

PROCEDURES A commercial microwave warmer was modified with a thermocouple to measure surface temperature of bags containing plasma. The MCM and a WWB were each used to concurrently thaw a 60-mL bag of plasma obtained from the same donor. Two 3-mL control aliquots of FFP from each donor were thawed to room temperature without use of a heating device. Concentrations of hemostatic proteins, albumin, and D-dimers; prothrombin time (PT); and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were determined for all samples.

RESULTS Significant decreases in concentrations of factors II, IX, X, XI, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, antithrombin, protein C, and albumin and significant increases in PT and aPTT were detected for plasma thawed with the MCM, compared with results for samples thawed with the WWB. Concentrations of factors VII, VIII, and XII were not significantly different between plasma thawed with the MCM and WWB. Concentrations of D-dimers were above the reference range for all thawed samples regardless of thawing method. No significant differences in factor concentrations were detected between control and WWB-thawed samples.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Significant differences in hemostatic protein concentrations and coagulation times were detected for plasma thawed with an MCM but not between control and WWB-thawed samples. Clinical importance of these changes should be investigated.
Ultrasonographic detection of early atrophy of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles of horses
Authors: Chalmers Heather J. , Viel Laurent , Caswell Jeff L. , Ducharme Norm
Published: April 2015

OBJECTIVE To describe the ultrasonographic changes in the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis (CAD) and cricoarytenoideus lateralis (CAL) muscles of horses before and at various times during the 32 weeks after unilateral neurectomy of the right recurrent laryngeal nerve.

ANIMALS 28 healthy Standardbreds.

PROCEDURES For each horse, the appearance of the CAD and CAL muscles on the right (neurectomized) and left (control) sides was serially monitored ultrasonographically by percutaneous (CAD and CAL) and transesophageal (CAD) approaches. The ultrasonographic images were assessed to determine the mean pixel intensity, muscle thickness, and appearance grade, and comparisons were made between the muscles of the neurectomized and control sides.

RESULTS The muscle appearance grade and mean pixel intensity for the CAL and CAD muscles on the neurectomized side were significantly increased by 2 and 4 weeks, respectively, after the neurectomy. The transesophageal approach enhanced the ultrasonographic visibility of the CAD muscle and allowed us to detect a significant decrease in the thickness of the CAD muscle on the neurectomized side over time, compared with thickness of the CAD muscle on the control side.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested ultrasonography can be used to successfully assess the CAL and CAD muscles of horses. A qualitative grading scheme was sufficient for successful detection and monitoring of muscle atrophy and reduced the need for image standardization. The transesophageal approach described for assessment of the CAD muscle warrants further investigation.
The dust characteristics in the collisional plasma sheath at the presence of external magnetic field
Authors: Shourkaei H. Akbarian
Published: April 2015

The characteristics of dust in a plasma sheath are investigated in the presence of an external magnetic field and taking into account neutral collision forces. By using the fluid model, the continuity and momentum equations of ions and dusts are solved numerically with various magnitudes of collision force. In various magnitude and directions of the magnetic field, the electron and ion density distribution, ion flow velocity, electron potential have been calculated. It is shown that magnetic field has obvious effect on the plasma sheath and the collision force reduces the dust kinetic energy.
Development of gamma spectroscopy employing NaI(Tl) detector 3 inch × 3 inch and readout electronic of flash-ADC/FPGA-based technology
Authors: Hai Vo Hong , Hung Nguyen Quoc , Khai Bui Tuan
Published: April 2015

In this article the development of a gamma spectroscopy system is described using a scintillation detector NaI(Tl) of 3 inch × 3 inch. The readout electronic for the spectroscopy is built from the fast analog-digital conversion of Flash Analog-Digital Converter (Flash-ADC) 250 MHz – 8 bits resolution, and the embedded Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. The embedded VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) code for FPGA is built in such a way that it works as a multi channel analyser (MCA) with 4096 Digital Charge Integration (DCI) channels. A pulse generator with frequency varying from Hz up to 12 kHz is used to evaluate the time response of the system. Two standard radioisotope sources of 133Ba and 152Eu with multi gamma energies ranging from several tens keV to MeV are used to evaluate the linearity and energy resolution of the system.
Reflexiones sobre la importancia de una educación holística dentro de un proyecto de comunidad sostenible
Authors: Cervantes Gibran
Published: April 2015

Mi nombre es Gibran Cervantes, soy padre de tres hermosas niñas, empresario, músico de profesión y un apasionado en temas de conservación de la naturaleza. Hace 15 años después de perder la estabilidad de mi salud a raíz de un accidente, decidí reorientar el rumbo de mi vida para comenzar a formarme a nivel profesional de manera independiente, fuera de las instituciones, ya que mi manera de aprender no se ajustaba a las estructuras educativas convencionales y no despertaron gran interés en mí en ese entonces. Por otra parte, mi estado físico no me permitía asistir con regularidad a la universidad. De este modo decidí comenzar un viaje de reconstrucción. Gracias al apoyo de amigos y de colegas pude desarrollarme en distintas áreas y entendí la manera en que debía articular distintas disciplinas para lograr la integración de un proyecto polifacético, el cual hoy con gusto quiero compartirles.
The combined microscopic-endoscopic technique for radical resection of cerebellopontine angle tumors
Authors: Abolfotoh Mohammad , Bi Wenya Linda , Hong Chang-Ki , Almefty Kaith K. , Boskovitz Abraham , Dunn Ian F. , Al-Mefty Ossama
Published: April 2015

OBJECT

The combined microscopic and endoscopic technique has shown significant advantages in the management of various lesions through different approaches. Endoscopic-assisted techniques have frequently been applied to cerebellopontine angle (CPA) surgery in the context of minimally invasive craniotomies. In this paper the authors report on the use of the endoscope in the CPA as a tool to increase the extent of resection, minimize complications, and preserve the function of the delicate CPA structures. They also describe a technique of the simultaneous use of the microscope and endoscope in the CPA and dissection of CPA tumors under tandem endoscopic and microscopic vision to overcome the shortcomings of introducing the endoscope alone in the CPA. The reliability of using the microscope alone in dissecting CPA tumors is evaluated, as is the effectiveness of the combined technique in increasing the resectability of various types of CPA tumors.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 50 patients who underwent combined microscopic-endoscopic resection of CPA tumors by the senior author over a period of 3 years (February 2011 to February 2014) at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School. The reliability of the extent of microscopic removal was evaluated with endoscopic exploration. Additional resection was performed with both microscopic and the combined microscopic-endoscopic technique. Endoscopically verified total resection was validated by intraoperative or postoperative MRI. The function of the cranial nerves was evaluated to assess the impact of the combined technique on their function.

RESULTS

A tumor remnant was endoscopically identified in 69% of the 26 patients who were believed to have microscopic total resection. The utilization of the endoscopic visualization and dissection increased endoscopically verified total removal to 38 patients, and 82% of these patients had no sign of residual tumor on postoperative imaging. The technique was most effective with epidermoid tumors. There were a total of 17 new cranial nerve deficits in 10 patients. Preoperative fifth cranial nerve deficits improved in 52% and hearing improved in 29% of patients after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This method provides simultaneous microscopic and endoscopic visualization and dissection techniques through skull-base approaches to CPA tumors. It overcomes some of the shortcomings of endoscopic-assisted surgery, further extends the surgical field, and increases the radicality of tumor resection with good functional outcomes.
Reversible occlusion of donor vessel caused by mouth opening after superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery anastomosis in adult moyamoya patients
Authors: Katsuta Toshiro , Abe Hiroshi , Miki Koichi , Inoue Tooru
Published: April 2015

OBJECT

The authors experienced an intriguing phenomenon in 2 adult patients with moyamoya disease. Mouth opening caused reversible occlusion of the donor superficial temporal artery (STA), and the patients exhibited transient cerebral ischemic symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of such occlusion and the mechanism of this phenomenon.

METHODS

Twelve consecutive adult patients with moyamoya disease (15 affected sides) who underwent STA–middle cerebral artery anastomosis were included in this study. Ultrasound examination was performed more than 3 months postoperatively to determine whether mouth opening affected blood flow of the donor STA and led to any ischemic symptoms within 1 minute. Computed tomography angiography was performed during both mouth opening and mouth closing, when blood flow changes of the donor STA were recognized.

RESULTS

Under wide mouth opening, steno-occlusion of the donor STA occurred in 5 of 15 sides (33.3%). On 1 side (6.7%), complete occlusion induced ischemic symptoms. Steno-occlusion occurred by at least 2 mechanisms: either the stretched temporalis muscle pushed the donor STA against the edge of the bone window, or the redundant donor STA kinked when the muscle was stretched.

CONCLUSIONS

Even with temporary occlusion of the donor STA, ischemic symptoms seem to rarely occur. However, to avoid the “big bite ischemic phenomenon,” the authors recommend securing a sufficient distance between the donor STA and the edge of the bone window and avoiding a redundant course of the donor STA within the muscle layer.
Anatomy of the subthalamic nucleus, with correlation of deep brain stimulation [RETRACTED]
Authors: Akakın Akın , Yılmaz Baran , Kılıç Türker , Rhoton Albert L.
Published: April 2015

OBJECT

The goal in this study was to examine the cadaveric anatomy of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and to analyze the implications of the findings for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.

METHODS

Five formalin-fixed human cerebrums were dissected using the Klingler fiber dissection technique. Digital photographs of the dissections were fused to obtain an anaglyphic image.

RESULTS

The STN was located posteroinferior to the anterior corticospinal fibers, posterosuperior to the substantia nigra, and anteromedial to the red nucleus, lenticular fasciculus, and thalamic fasciculus. The subthalamic region is ventral to the thalamus, medial to the internal capsule, and lateral and caudal to the hypothalamus. The nuclei found within the subthalamic region include the STN. The relationship between the STN and surrounding structures, which are not delineated sharply, is described.

CONCLUSIONS

The fiber dissection technique supports the presence of the subthalamic region as an integrative network in humans and offers the potential to aid in understanding the impacts of DBS surgery of the STN in patients with Parkinson disease. Further research is needed to define the exact role of the STN in the integrative process.
Clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of intramedullary neurenteric cysts
Authors: Yang Tao , Wu Liang , Fang Jingyi , Yang Chenlong , Deng Xiaofeng , Xu Yulun
Published: April 2015

OBJECT

Intramedullary neurenteric cysts (NECs) are exceedingly rare lesions and have been previously reported in case reports. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations, radiological features, and long-term prognosis of patients with such lesions.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 13 patients with an intramedullary NEC. Each patient underwent MRI, laminotomy, and microsurgery. The accurate diagnosis was based on imaging and pathology findings. Each patient's follow-up status was determined through individual office visits and a structured telephone interview.

RESULTS

The series included 7 male and 6 female patients. Progressive or intermittent motor deficit was the main symptom associated with or without pain or sensory disturbance. Five cysts were located in the cervical cord, 1 in the cervicothoracic cord, 3 in the thoracic cord, and 4 in the conus medullaris. Concurrent malformations included scoliosis (3 cases), fusion of rib (1 case), enlarged spinal canal (1 case), tethered spinal cord (1 case), and ectocardia (1 case). Gross-total resection of the cyst was achieved in 8 cases, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 5 cases. All patients were followed up, with a mean duration of 66.5 months. Cyst recurrence was observed in 4 cases after STR. In 2 cases the patients underwent reoperation; the other 2 patients remained clinically stable and did not undergo reoperation. At the last evaluation, neurological function was improved in 11 patients and remained stable in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intramedullary NECs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a middle-aged patient with intermittent neurological symptoms and concurrent malformations. Early surgery is advocated to prevent permanent neurological deficits. When gross-total resection cannot be achieved, maximally safe removal under the protection of intraoperative neuromonitoring is advised. Because of the high risk of cyst recurrence, routine follow-up MRI is needed. If a residual cyst shows obvious regrowth and results in neurological deficits, timely reoperation with a goal of STR should be performed.
Expanded eggshell procedure combined with closing-opening technique (a modified vertebral column resection) for the treatment of thoracic and thoracolumbar angular kyphosis
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Yuan Suomao , Tian Yonghao , Wang Lianlei , Zheng Yanping , Li Jianmin
Published: April 2015

OBJECT

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a modified vertebral column resection for the treatment of thoracolumbar angular kyphosis.

METHODS

A total of 13 patients (8 male, 5 female) with thoracolumbar kyphosis (kyphotic angle > 60°) were included in this study (Group A). There were 3 patients with failure of spinal formation (Type 1 deformity), 6 patients with old thoracic or lumbar compression fracture, and 4 patients with old spinal tuberculosis (including 1 case of T3–5 vertebral malunion). The average preoperative kyphotic angle was 67.3° (range 62°–75°). Each patient underwent an expanded eggshell procedure combined with the closing-opening technique for the treatment of thoracolumbar angular kyphosis. Sixteen patients who were previously treated with a closing-opening wedge osteotomy in the same spine classification group (kyphotic angle > 60°) were used as a control group (Group B).

RESULTS

In Group A, the average (± SD) operative time was 400 ± 60 minutes, and the average blood loss was 960 ± 120 ml. There were no surgery-related complications observed during or after the operations. The average local kyphotic angle was 20.3° (range 18°–24.5°), and the average correction rate was 68.7%. In Group B, the average operative time was 470 ± 90 minutes, and the average blood loss was 2600 ± 1600 ml (range 1200–8200 ml). There were segmental vessels and spinal canal venous plexus injury in 1 case, spinal cord injury in 1 case, dural tearing in 2 cases, pleural rupture in 2 cases, and hemothorax and pneumothorax in 1 case. Each patient had more than 2 years of follow-up. At the latest follow-up examination, the average regional kyphotic angle was 19.9° ± 9.1° (range 19°–34°), and there was no significant loss of correction (p > 0.05). There was greater blood loss and a higher complication rate in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An expanded eggshell procedure combined with the closing-opening technique for the treatment of thoracolumbar angular kyphosis resulted in significant reduction of the kyphotic angle, few complications, and good follow-up results. However, a larger series of patients and long-term follow-up results is still required to verify the effectiveness and safety of this method.
Convenient Syntheses of 3-Aryl-3,4-Dihydroisocoumarins
Authors: Limaye Rohan A. , Joseph Augustine R. , Natu Arun D. , Paradkar Madhusudan V.
Published: April 2015

A convenient method for the synthesis of naturally occurring 3,4-dihydroisocoumarins by judicious use of Friedel-Craft acylation, regioselective formylation and oxidative cyclisation reactions is described. O-methylated analogues of montroumarin and thunberginols C and D and have been synthesised using 3,5-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid as a starting material. Furthermore, the starting material 3,5-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid was synthesised by a route involving an oxidative Nef reaction.
Facile and Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of Highly Functionalised 1,2,3,5-Tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-A]Pyrimidines
Authors: Vojdani Zeinab , Mohebat Razieh
Published: April 2015

The one-pot, three-component reaction between isocyanides, electron-deficient acetylenic esters and 2-amino-1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4(5H)-one efficiently leads to highly functionalised 1,2,3,5-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines without any activation in excellent yields at room temperature.
A Two-Step Continuous Flow Synthesis of 4-Nitropyridine
Authors: Wan Zhidong , Fang Zheng , Yang Zhao , Liu Chengkou , Gu Jiajia , Guo Kai
Published: April 2015

4-Nitropyridine, a key intermediate in medicinal products, was successfully prepared from pyridine N-oxide in a two-step -approach. Pyridine N-oxide was nitrated with HNO3 and H2SO4 to give 4-nitropyridine N-oxide, followed by reaction with PCl3 to give the final product. The continuous flow methodology was used to minimise accumulation of the highly energetic and potentially explosive nitration product to enable the safe scale-up of 4-nitropyridine with no 2-nitropyridine by-product. By employing continuous extraction in the nitration step and applying the optimised conditions, a throughput of 0.716 kg 4-nitropyridine product per day from pyridine N-oxide with 83% yield and high selectivity in a continuous flow system was achieved.
Microwave and Ultrasound Assisted First Synthesis of 12-Hydroxyhentriacontane
Authors: Kaur Jasamrit , Kaur Irvinder , Jindal Gitanjali , Manhas Priya , Gupta Neeru , Singh Jasvinder
Published: April 2015

An aliphatic alcohol 12-hydroxyhentriacontane has been synthesised for the first time. The synthetic route of this naturally occurring alcohol adopts the techniques of microwave and ultrasonic irradiation. The synthetic approach provided enough material to corroborate the structure of the target molecule which had been isolated from leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana and exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.