bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A targeted next‐generation sequencing in the molecular risk stratification of adult acute myeloid leukemia: implications for clinical practice
Authors: Lin Po‐Han , Li Huei‐Ying , Fan Sheng‐Chih , Yuan Tzu‐Hang , Chen Ming , Hsu Yu‐Hua , Yang Yu‐Hsuan , Li Long‐Yuan , Yeh Su‐Peng , Bai Li‐Yuan , Liao Yu‐Min , Lin Chen‐Yuan , Hsieh Ching‐Yun , Lin Ching‐Chan , Lin Che‐Hung , Lien Ming‐Yu , Chen Tzu‐Ting , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chiu Chang‐Fang
Published: January 2017

Conventional cytogenetics can categorize patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) into favorable, intermediate, and unfavorable‐risk groups; however, patients with intermediate‐risk cytogenetics represent the major population with variable outcomes. Because molecular profiling can assist with AML prognosis and next‐generation sequencing allows simultaneous sequencing of many target genes, we analyzed 260 genes in 112 patients with de novo AML who received standard treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that karyotypes and mutation status of TET2, PHF6, KIT, and NPM1mutation/FLT3‐ internal tandem duplication (ITD)negative were independent prognostic factors for the entire cohort. Among patients with intermediate‐risk cytogenetics, patients with mutations in CEBPAdouble mutation, IDH2, and NPM1 in the absence of FLT3‐ITD were associated with improved Overall survival (OS), similar to those with favorable‐risk cytogenetics; patients with mutations in TET2, RUNX1, ASXL1, and DNMT3A were associated with reduced OS, similar to those with unfavorable‐risk cytogenetics. We concluded that integration of cytogenetic and molecular profiling improves prognostic stratification of patients into three groups with more distinct prognoses (P < 0.001) and significantly reduces the number of patients classified as intermediate risk. In addition, our study demonstrates that next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based multi‐gene sequencing is clinically applicable in establishing an accurate risk stratification system for guiding therapeutic decisions.
How trust in financial supplier information impacts young adults' financial information involvement: The moderating roles of product savings risk and social norm
Authors: Hansen Torben
Published: January 2017

Although consumers' risk‐taking, supplier trust, social norms and information involvement are central to much of thought in the financial market and consumer economic literature, it is not known how the interplay between consumers' trust in supplier information, risk‐taking behaviour and social norm may influence information involvement. This research contributes to the consumer economic literature by investigating how product savings risk and social norm affect the relationship between young adults' trust in supplier information and their information involvement. On the basis of two samples with young adults who recently have purchased a low‐risk savings product (n = 641) and a high‐risk savings product (n = 219), respectively, several results are obtained. It is found that both product savings risk and social norm positively moderate the relationship between young adults' trust in supplier information and their information involvement. In addition, the results indicate that the three‐way interaction between trust in supplier information, products savings risk and social norm has a positive effect on information involvement. As direct implications, financial authorities and financial service managers should especially consider investing additional resources in developing information trust for high‐risk savings products and should also take social norms into account when considering young adults' high‐risk‐taking behaviour. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water‐Soluble Polymer Nanoparticles Constructed by Three‐Component Self‐Assembly: An Efficient Theranostic Agent for Phosphorescent Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yang Qi , Shi Min , Zhao Heng , Lin Jiaomin , An Lu , Cui Lili , Yang Hong , Zhou Zhiguo , Tian Qiwei , Yang Shiping
Published: January 2017

Water‐soluble polymer nanoparticles NP‐1 and NP‐2 were prepared by using a three‐component self‐assembly of an iridium complex, poly(4‐vinyl pyridine‐b‐ethylene oxide) (P4VP‐b‐PEO), and methane sulfonic acid (MSA). Due to the unique metal‐ligand charge‐transfer transition property and the heavy‐atom effect of the iridium atom, NP‐1 and NP‐2 showed bright phosphorescence and generated the singlet oxygen (1O2) species effectively under visible‐light irradiation (λ>400 nm) with a power density of 300 mW cm−2. NP‐2, an example of the polymer nanoparticles, showed minimal cytotoxic activity in the dark. Laser confocal fluorescence and flow‐cytometry microscopy experiments demonstrated that NP‐2 could be taken up by a model cancer‐cell line of 4T1 cells, which could be used as a phosphorescent probe for cell imaging by preferentially staining the cytoplasm. After 6 hours of incubation with NP‐2 (100 μg mL−1), the cell viability of 4T1 cells decreased to approximately 10 % upon visible‐light irradiation (λ>400 nm, 300 mW cm−2) only for 10 minutes as a result of the generation of the 1O2 species, thus indicating a proof of concept for effective photodynamic therapy for cancer cells.
Chemoselective Henry Condensations Catalyzed by Artificial Carboligases
Authors: Garrabou Xavier , Macdonald Duncan Stuart , Hilvert Donald
Published: January 2017

The promiscuity of de novo designed enzymes provides a privileged platform for diverse abiological reactions. In this work, we report the first example of a nitroolefin synthase that catalyzes the Henry condensation between aromatic aldehydes and nitromethane. Significant catalytic activity was discovered in the computationally designed and evolved carboligase RA95.5‐8, and mutations around the active site were shown to improve the reaction rate, demonstrating the potential to optimize the enzyme by directed evolution. This novel nitroolefin synthase could participate in complex biological cascades, whereby the highly tunable chemoselectivity could afford useful synthetic building blocks.
Use of Charge‐Charge Repulsion to Enhance π‐Electron Delocalization into Anti‐Aromatic and Aromatic Systems
Authors: Sumita Akinari , Gasonoo Makafui , Boblak Kenneth J. , Ohwada Tomohiko , Klumpp Douglas A
Published: January 2017

A series of 9‐fluorenyl cations has been studied and it is shown that increasing charge on a heterocyclic substituent group enhances the anti‐aromatic character of the carbocation system. Similarly, a series of dibenzosuberenyl cations has been studied and increasing charge on a substituent group is shown to enhance aromatic character in the carbocation system. These studies include the direct observations of dicationic and tricationic species using stable‐ion conditions and low temperature NMR. The structures of these ions were further characterized using DFT calculations, confirming that highly charged organic ions may exhibit unusual distributions of π‐electrons and delocalization of electrons in 4n or 4n+2 π‐systems.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 2‐Aminonicotinamide Derivatives as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Ni Tingjunhong , Li Ran , Xie Fei , Zhao Jing , Huang Xin , An Maomao , Zang Chengxu , Cai Zhan , Zhang Dazhi , Jiang Yuanying
Published: January 2017

Based on the structures of the reported compounds G884 [N‐(3‐(pentan‐2‐yloxy)phenyl)nicotinamide], E1210 [3‐(3‐(4‐((pyridin‐2‐yloxy)methyl)benzyl)isoxazol‐5‐yl)pyridin‐2‐amine], and 10 b [2‐amino‐N‐((5‐(3‐fluorophenoxy)thiophen‐2‐yl)methyl)nicotinamide], which inhibit the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored proteins in fungi, a series of novel 2‐aminonicotinamide derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity. Most of these compounds were found to exhibit potent in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans, with MIC80 values ranging from 0.0313 to 4.0 μg mL−1. In particular, compounds 11 g [2‐amino‐N‐((5‐(((2‐fluorophenyl)amino)methyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)methyl)nicotinamide] and 11 h [2‐amino‐N‐((5‐(((3‐fluorophenyl)amino)methyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)methyl)nicotinamide] displayed excellent activity against C. albicans, with MIC80 values of 0.0313 μg mL−1, and exhibited broad‐spectrum antifungal activity against fluconazole‐resistant C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans, with a MIC80 range of 0.0313–2.0 μg mL−1. Further studies by electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy indicated that compound 11 g targets the cell wall and decreases GPI anchor content on the cell surface of C. albicans.
Characterizing Pharmacogenomic‐Guided Medication Use With a Clinical Data Repository
Authors: Mathias PC , Hendrix N , Wang W‐J , Keyloun K , Khelifi M , Tarczy‐Hornoch P , Devine B
Published: January 2017

The extent to which pharmacogenomic‐guided medication use has been adopted in various health systems is unclear. To assess the uptake of pharmacogenomic‐guided medication use, we determined its frequency across our health system, which does not have a structured testing program. Using a multisite clinical data repository, we identified adult patients' first prescribed medications between January 2011 and December 2013 and investigated the frequency of germline and somatic pharmacogenomic testing, by the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase level of the US Food and Drug Administration label information. There were 268,262 medication orders for drugs with germline pharmacogenomic testing information in their drug labels. Pharmacogenomic testing was detected for 1.5% (129/8,718) of medication orders with recommended or required testing. Of the 3,817 medication orders associated with somatic pharmacogenomic testing information in their drug labels, 20% (372/1,819) of required tests were detected. The low rates of detectable pharmacogenomic testing suggest that structured testing programs are required to achieve the success of precision medicine.
A survival guide to Landsat preprocessing
Authors: Young Nicholas E. , Anderson Ryan S. , Chignell Stephen M. , Vorster Anthony G. , Lawrence Rick , Evangelista Paul H.
Published: January 2017

Landsat data are increasingly used for ecological monitoring and research. These data often require preprocessing prior to analysis to account for sensor, solar, atmospheric, and topographic effects. However, ecologists using these data are faced with a literature containing inconsistent terminology, outdated methods, and a vast number of approaches with contradictory recommendations. These issues can, at best, make determining the correct preprocessing workflow a difficult and time‐consuming task and, at worst, lead to erroneous results. We address these problems by providing a concise overview of the Landsat missions and sensors and by clarifying frequently conflated terms and methods. Preprocessing steps commonly applied to Landsat data are differentiated and explained, including georeferencing and co‐registration, conversion to radiance, solar correction, atmospheric correction, topographic correction, and relative correction. We then synthesize this information by presenting workflows and a decision tree for determining the appropriate level of imagery preprocessing given an ecological research question, while emphasizing the need to tailor each workflow to the study site and question at hand. We recommend a parsimonious approach to Landsat preprocessing that avoids unnecessary steps and recommend approaches and data products that are well tested, easily available, and sufficiently documented. Our focus is specific to ecological applications of Landsat data, yet many of the concepts and recommendations discussed are also appropriate for other disciplines and remote sensing platforms.
Tiny protein detection using pressure through solid‐state nanopores
Authors: Li Ji , Hu Rui , Li Xiaoqing , Tong Xin , Yu Dapeng , Zhao Qing
Published: January 2017

Solid‐state nanopore is a promising tool to detect proteins and its complexes. Small proteins (sub‐35 kDa) translocate very fast which could not be detected by normal patch‐clamp recording instrument due to low temporal resolution. We first introduce pressure into protein study and detection. The pressure‐derived force, combined with the voltage bias, makes very tiny protein (MW < 6.5 kDa) detection possible. Capture rate for Aprotinin is enhanced five times more than that in traditional voltage‐driven method by fine tuning of pressure and voltage. Temporal resolution of Aprotinin detection has improved by decreasing effective driving force. Moreover, we provide potential method to locate the equilibrium range for BSA movement in ionic solution by modulating driving pressure and retard voltage. Our study is of fundamental significance in nanopore research and provides unique platforms to study small proteins and other tiny biomolecules.
Rapid process synthesis supported by a unified modular software framework
Authors: Herold Sebastian , Krämer Dominik , Violet Norman , King Rudibert
Published: January 2017

Although known to be very powerful, the widespread application of model‐based techniques is still significantly hampered in the area of bio‐processes. Reasons for this situation can be found along the whole chain to set up and implement such approaches. In a time‐consuming step, models are typically hand‐crafted. Whether alternatives of better models exist to actually fulfill the final goals is undocumented, most often even unknown. In a next step, model‐based process control methods are hand‐coded in an error‐prone procedure. For many of these methods given in the literature, only simulation studies are shown, leaving the interested reader with the unanswered question whether the implementation of a specific method in a real process is viable. As the potentially time‐consuming implementation of such a method presents a risk for a rapid process development, promising candidates may be overlooked. To remediate this unsatisfactory situation, a combination of theoretical methods and information technology is proposed here. By an exemplarily realized software tool, it is shown how such an environment helps to promote model‐based optimization, supervision, and control of bio‐processes and allows for an inexpensive test of new ideas as well in real‐life experiments. The contribution concentrates on an overview of a possible software architecture with respect to necessary methods and a meaningful information strategy, highlighting some of the more crucial building blocks. Experimental results exploiting parts of the proposed methods are given for a yeast strain synthesizing a product of industrial interest.
Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor promotes tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yue Xihua , Ai Jing , Xu Yang , Chen Yi , Huang Min , Yang Xinying , Hu Bo , Zhang Haotian , He Changxi , Yang Xinrong , Tang Weiguo , Peng Xia , Dong Liwei , Wang Hongyang , Fan Jia , Ding Jian , Geng Meiyu
Published: January 2017

Deregulation of the immune system is believed to contribute to cancer malignancy, which has led to recent therapeutic breakthroughs facilitating antitumor immunity. In a malignant setting, immunoglobulin receptors, which are fundamental components of the human immune system, fulfill paradoxical roles in cancer pathogenesis. This study describes a previously unrecognized pro‐oncogenic function of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in the promotion of cell transformation and proliferation. Mechanistically, pIgR overexpression is associated with YES proto‐oncogene 1, Src family tyrosine kinase (Yes) activation, which is required for pIgR‐induced oncogenic growth. Specifically, pIgR activates the Yes‐DNAX‐activating protein of 12 kDa‐spleen tyrosine kinase‐Rac1/CDC42‐MEK (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase) cascade in an immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activating motif (ITAM)‐dependent manner to promote cell transformation and tumor growth, although pIgR itself does not contain an ITAM sequence. Additionally, the combination of pIgR and phosphorylated Yes (p‐Yes) levels serves as a prognostic biomarker for hepatitis B surface antigen–positive and early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Moreover, pharmacological targeting of MEK/ERK or Yes represents a therapeutic option for the subgroup of patients with pIgR/p‐Yes–positive HCC based on our results with both cancer cell‐line–based xenografts and primary patient‐derived xenografts. Conclusion: Our findings reveal the molecular mechanism by which pIgR promotes cancer malignancy, suggest the clinical potential of targeting this pathway in HCC, and provide new insight into the oncogenic role of immunoglobulin receptors. (Hepatology 2017;65:1948‐1962).
Loss of hSef promotes metastasis through upregulation of EMT in prostate cancer
Authors: Hori Satoshi , Wadhwa Karan , Pisupati Venkat , Zecchini Vincent , Ramos‐Montoya Antonio , Warren Anne Y , Neal David E , Gnanapragasam Vincent J
Published: January 2017

We have previously reported that the negative signaling regulator Similar Expression to FGF (hSef) is downregulated in prostate cancer and its loss is associated with clinical metastasis. Here, we explored the mechanistic basis of this finding. We first confirmed our clinical observation by testing hSef manipulation in an in vivo metastasis model. hSef stable expressing cells (PC3M‐hSef) or empty vector controls (PC3M‐EV) were injected subcutaneously into the lateral thoracic walls of NOD‐SCID gamma mice and lungs were harvested at autopsy. In this model, 6/7 PC3M‐EV xenografts had definitive lung micro‐metastasis whilst only 1/6 PC3M‐hSef xenografts exhibited metastasis recapitulating the clinical scenario (p = 0.03). Gene expression studies revealed key perturbations in genes involved in cell motility and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) along with alterations in cognate signaling pathways. These results were validated in an EMT specific PCR array whereby hSef over‐expression and silencing reciprocally altered E‐Cadherin expression (p = <0.001) amongst other EMT markers. Immunohistochemistry of excised tumors from the xenografts also confirmed the effect of hSef in suppressing E‐Cadherin expression at the protein level. Phosphokinase arrays further demonstrated a role for hSef in attenuating signaling of not only ERK‐MAPK but also the JNK and p38 pathways as well. Taken together, these data suggest evidence that loss of hSef may be a critical event facilitating tumor dissemination of prostate cancer through alteration of EMT. Detection of downregulated hSef, along with other negative regulators, may therefore be a useful biomarker heralding a transition to a metastatic phenotype and warrants further exploration in this context.
Birth characteristics of Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens in Turkey in 2015
Authors: Demirci Hakan , Yildirim Topak Nevruz , Ocakoglu Gokhan , Karakulak Gomleksiz Mehtap , Ustunyurt Emin , Ulku Turker Ayse
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the birth characteristics of Syrian refugees with those of Turkish citizens.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were obtained for singleton live births that occurred at a hospital in Bursa, Turkey, between June 1 and December 31, 2015. All Syrian refugees were eligible for inclusion; one Turkish citizen was included for each refugee.

Results

Overall, 545 Syrian refugees and 545 Turkish citizens were included. Cesarean delivery was undertaken for 176 (32.3%) Syrians and 235 (43.1%) Turks (P<0.001). Median neonatal birth weight was higher among Turkish citizens (3300 g, range 970–4720) than among Syrian refugees (3110 g, range 540–4790; P<0.001). Gestational diabetes was recorded for 42 (7.7%) Turkish citizens and 9 (1.7%) Syrian refugees (P<0.001). Pre‐eclampsia affected 21 (3.9%) Turkish citizens and 8 (1.5%) Syrians (P=0.014).

Conclusion

Cesarean delivery is more common among pregnant Turkish citizens than among Syrian refugees. Other notable differences between the groups were recorded.
The Treatment of Oligospermia with Various Dosage Regimes of Gonadotropins
Authors: Diejomaoh Michael F. E. , Bichacho Shlomo , Epstein Jeanne A. , Sobrero Acquiles J.
Published: January 2017

Diejomaoh, M. F. E., Bichacho, Sh., Epstein, J. A. and Sobrero, A. J. (All formerly of the Margaret Sanger Research Bureau, 17 West 16th Street, New York, NY, USA). The treatment of oligospermia with various dosage regimes of gonadotropins.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 241–248, 1975.

The report of 96 normogonadotropic oligospermic infertile males, 50 of whom were treated with high HCG doses of 10000 units twice weekly for 10 weeks, 24 of whom were treated with moderate HCG dose of 5000 units twice weekly for 10 weeks and 22 of whom received combination therapy of HCG 5000 units and PMS 750 units twice weekly for 10 weeks is here presented. In the first group, seven patients (14%) had improvement in seminal quality with a single subsequent pregnancy whereas in the latter two groups, 11 patients (23.9%) had improvement in seminal quality with six subsequent pregnancies. The overall pregnancy rate in the series was 23.95%; the overall pregnancy rates for the two groups of patients were virtually equal, although most of the pregnancies in the high HCG dosage schedule occurred in the absence of seminal improvement. Varicocelectomy did not improve the pregnancy rate in this series. Female fertility problems did not hinder the occurrence of pregnancy in this series as such female fertility problems were usually corrected. No correlation was found between testicular pathology and improvement in semen quality.
Female Sterilization via Laparoscopy
Authors: Madrigal Vernon , Edelman David A. , Goldsmith Alfredo , Brenner William E.
Published: January 2017

Madrigal, V., Edelman, D. A., Goldsmith, A. & Brenner, Wm. E. (Asociación Demográfica Salvadoreña, San Salvador, El Salvador, International Fertility Research Program, Chapel Hill, N. C., and the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N. C., USA). Female sterilization via laparoscopy: A long‐term follow‐up study.

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 13: 268–272, 1975.

While interval female sterilization via laparoscopy appears to be a safe and effective procedure, long‐term follow‐up studies of this method have not been reported. To determine the incidence of gynecological abnormalities and failure after laparoscopic sterilization with electrocoagulation and division of the tubes, pertinent data were analyzed from 635 consecutive patients sterilized by this technique at the Asociación Demográfica Salvadoreña, El Salvador, in 1972–73. Of these patients, 86.2% have been seen for at least one follow‐up examination 4–31 months post‐sterilization. Significant gynecological abnormalities occurred in 2.4% of the cases within 4 to 8 months, in 3.0% of the cases within 15 to 21 months, and in 1.4% of the cases within 22 to 31 months of sterilization. Some changes in menstrual cycle function were noted. There was an increase over time in the proportion of patients who developed irregular menstrual cycles and dysmenorrhea. The failure rate of the procedure was 0.7%. Laparoscopic sterilization with electrocoagulation of the tubes appears to result in clinically acceptable rates of long‐term complications. To adequately evaluate the long‐term sequelae of sterilization, appropriate, long‐term comparative studies of various methods and techniques of tubal occlusion, including hysterectomy, will have to be conducted.
Prediction of One Minute APGAR Score by Fetal Heart Rate Analysis: a Comparison between 3 Methods
Authors: Sturbois G. , Tournaire M. , Breart G. , Gaultier D. , Sureau C.
Published: January 2017

Sturbois, G., Tournaire, M., Bréart, G., Gaultier, D. and Sureau, C. (Baudelocque Research Group (Professeur Lepage), 123, boulevard de Port‐Royal, 75014‐Paris, France).
Sterilization by Minilaparotomy in not Recently Pregnant Patients
Authors: Brenner William E. , Dingfelder James R.
Published: January 2017

Sterilization of the not recently pregnant patient can be performed with the use of special techniques through a small abdominal incision (minilaparotomy), using local anesthesia, without the need for overnight hospitalization, and resulting in low rates of morbidity. Patient selection, counselling, evaluation, and preparation are discussed, as well as types of analgesia and anesthesia, the special equipment needed, different techniques of tubal occlusion, and the effectiveness and complications of the procedure. A procedure is detailed which requires the use of a uterine elevator with a speculum in the incision. The history, potential future developments and the advantages and disadvantages of performing minilaparotomy relative to other types of sterilization are discussed.
Fetal Movements Recorder, Use and Indications
Authors: Sadovsky Eliahu , Polishuk Wolfe Z. , Yaffe Haim , Adler David , Pachys Fred , Mahler Yona
Published: January 2017

A new device for recording fetal movements is presented. This device is composed of 2 sensors, incorporating a highly sensitive piezoelectric material. It is sensitive to rapid straining forces such as fetal movements and relatively insensitive to steady, slow movements such as uterine contractions and maternal respiratory movements. In this study of 20 women, the sensors were placed on 2 different zones of the abdomen, usually above the umbilicus. There was a good correlation between fetal movements recorded by the device and those felt by the patients. Seventy percent of all observed fetal movements recorded by the device were registered simultaneously by the women. The device recorded 90.4% and the women recorded 79.7% of all such movements.
Side Effects of Intrauterine Devices
Authors: Connell Elizabeth B.
Published: January 2017

Problems in determining and quantifying side effects of intrauterine device (IUD) use are reviewed. The types and incidences of major side effects are discussed, as well as methods of treatment. The author concludes that IUD use remains a safe and effective method of family planning.
Vasectomy: Benefits Versus Risks
Authors: Davis Joseph E.
Published: January 2017

The benefits and risks of modern vasectomy are presented, including a discussion of precautions and contraindications, the incidence of specific complications and suggestions for minimizing them, and the incidence of and reasons for procedure failures. Long‐term side effects, including psychological sequelae, are also discussed.
Induction of Abortion by Intrauterine Administration of Prostaglandin via Laparoscopy with Concurrent Sterilization
Authors: Morad M. , Toppozada M.
Published: January 2017

This is a preliminary report of a method of inducing abortion at 12 to 15 weeks' gestation, a period when none of the currently available methods are wholly satisfactory. The authors investigated both prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and 15‐methyl PGF2α injected intramyometrially and intraamniotically under laparoscopic visualization prior to sterilization as a means of inducing abortion. They conclude that the results from this small series (13 patients) indicate that this is a practicable method for abortion combined with sterilization for patients at 10 to 15 weeks' gestation and recommend that further comparative studies be undertaken.
Inducing Labor with Oral Prostaglandin E2 Tablets
Authors: Ang Luan Thiam , Ng K. H. , Sivanesaratnam V. , Sinnathuray T. A. , Yusof K.
Published: January 2017

Labor was successfully induced by forewater amniotomy and oral administration of prostaglandin E2 tablets in 91.3% of 153 women with singleton pregnancies. Deliveries occurred within 12 hours for more than 90% of the successfully induced patients. Although not statistically significant, a higher pelvic score appeared to be associated with shorter induction‐to‐delivery intervals. There were no harmful side effects for either mother or baby; only 14.5% experienced minor side effects, primarily gastrointestinal upsets.
Carcinosarcomas and Mixed Mesodermal Tumors of the Ovary: A Clinicopathologic Study of Six Cases
Authors: Ortega Isicio , Nogales Francisco F. , Amerigo Joaquin , Fernandez‐Sanz Juan
Published: January 2017

A clinicopathologic study of three ovarian carcinosarcomas and three mixed mesodermal tumors of the ovary is presented. None of the patients survived for more than 1 year, irrespective of chemotherapeutic treatment or the extent of surgery. No prognostic differences were noted between the histologic patterns or varying tumor sizes of carcinosarcomas and mixed mesodermal tumors. The association of these two entities with other neoplasms of Müllerian nature suggests a multicentric tumor response of Müllerian tract derivatives. The necessity of adequate sampling, both for correct diagnosis and to exclude the possibility of teratoma (which behaves in a more benign fashion), is emphasized.
Successful Pregnancy Following Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Radio Gregory J. , Chefetz Marshall D.
Published: January 2017

A case of successful pregnancy following myocardial infarction is reported. The literature on this subject is reviewed and discussed. It is concluded that, if sufficient time is allowed for healing, pregnancy following myocardial infarction is associated with little or no maternal or fetal mortality. A plan of obstetrical management is outlined.
Reversal of Vasectomy
Authors: Jenkins I. L. , Blacklock N. J.
Published: January 2017

Vasovasostomy to reverse a previous vasectomy for sterilization was attempted for 27 men, the procedure being technically impossible in only one case. A testicular biopsy was performed at the time of operation and a number were investigated for cell‐mediated immunity to sperm and for the presence of circulating sperm‐agglutinating and cytotoxic antibodies. The first 17 cases have been studied and of these there have been 11 pregnancies, ten of which have already come to term with the birth of normal infants, including one set of twins. Of the rest, two are known to have oligozoospermia and four have been lost to follow‐up, although two of them were euspermic when last examined. In spite of these encouraging results, it is considered that there are no grounds for altering the present basis of vasectomy counseling which is that the operation is likely to be irreversible.
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva
Authors: Zerner John , Fenn Mary Ellen
Published: January 2017

Basal cell carcinoma was found in eight of 61 cases of vulvar malignancy occurring over a 20‐year period. This incidence of basal cell carcinoma was 13.1%, higher than the expected 2%–5% reported previously in the literature. Symptoms of a mass, usually discharge, pruritus or bleeding, were commonly ignored for long periods of time by the elderly patient. The specific location and size were difficult to ascertain from hospital records. Therapy is always surgical with wide local excision recommended. Local recurrence will be noted in 10%–20%, as vulvar basal cell carcinoma is a multicentric lesion and, therefore, long‐term follow‐up, as with any malignancy, is mandatory. Adequate identification and reporting may well show that this lesion is more common than has been previously thought.
Choriocarcinoma Associated with Thyrotoxicosis: A Case Report
Authors: Haram Kjell , Klykken Bjornar , Engebjerg Erik
Published: January 2017

A woman with disseminated choriocarcinoma and with clinical and biochemical evidence of thyrotoxicosis is described. Only a few cases have been previously reported, and works are referred to showing that high levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) probably are responsible for the thyroid‐stimulating activity in patients with trophoblastic disease and clinical signs of thyrotoxicosis.
Hyponatremic Fits in Oxytocin‐Augmented Labors
Authors: McKenna P. , Shaw R. W.
Published: January 2017

Case reports of three patients who had fits as a consequence of hyponatremia are presented. Each patient was in spontaneous labor at term and received conventional doses of oxytocin for augmentation. The pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this entirely iatrogenic condition are discussed. The differences between these and similar cases in the literature are stressed.
Hysterectomy Following Sterilization
Authors: O'Herlihy C. , Chandler C.
Published: January 2017

In a review of 108 cases of consecutively selected women undergoing hysterectomy for nonmalignant disease, it was found that one third of the patients or their husbands had previously been sterilized. In many instances, the gynecologic problem necessitating hysterectomy antedated the sterilizing procedure. It is postulated that, when couples request sterilization, two operations might be avoided if routine consideration were given to any condition that might lead to hysterectomy.
Falope Ring Application via Culdoscopy
Authors: Lim S. M. , Chew S. C. , Ratnam S. S.
Published: January 2017

This report describes a series of 122 women who were sterilized with Falope ring application via culdoscopy and demonstrates the feasibility of the procedure.
The Course of Pregnancy in Patients with Artificial Heart Valves Treated with Dipyridamole
Authors: Biale Y. , Cantor A. , Lewenthal H. , Gueron M.
Published: January 2017

Continuing improvements in cardiac surgery and a wider selection of young patients for prosthetic valve replacement mean that an increasing number of women of childbearing age will undergo such procedures and will also subsequently become pregnant. At present, most patients with prosthetic heart valves are treated with anticoagulant drugs for life. The main problem with anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy is fetal and maternal hemorrhage. Congenital anomalies have been described in infants born to mothers treated with coumarin derivatives during the first trimester of pregnancy. Dipyridamole is known to decrease the adhesiveness of platelets or their ability to aggregate. We report the successful outcome of four pregnancies in patients with Starr‐Edwards prostheses who were treated with dipyridamole during their pregnancies.
Socioeconomic Factors and Cesarean Section in Manipur
Authors: Singh Jatiswar , Devi Lakshmi , Singh Indrakumar
Published: January 2017

There has been a great change in the household duties and social habits of Manipuri women since World War II, particularly in recent years. Those born after the war have virtually abandoned the old duties and habits, which facilitated the labor process, for modern and Western traditions. In the past, there was hardly any health care program during pregnancy. Every woman, irrespective of socioeconomic status, performed all household work herself. The type of dwelling house, its setup and arrangements for its maintenance also influenced the ease of childbirth. An analysis of the effects of socioeconomic changes and the expanded health care program on the incidence of cesarean section is presented.
Neonatal Septicemia Resulting from Group B Streptococci: A Case Report
Authors: Onile B. A. , Osinusi B. O. , Montefiore D. , Sogbetun A. O.
Published: January 2017

A case of neonatal septicemia resulting from group B Streptococcus, type Ic is reported. The infection occurred in a premature infant delivered by cesarean section, which followed fetal distress. The same organism was isolated from a high vaginal swab taken from the mother who had had premature rupture of the membranes 48 hours before admission to the hospital. Both infant and mother made satisfactory recoveries. This is the first case of neonatal group B streptococcal infection reported from Nigeria.
Perinatal Care by Traditional Healer‐Midwives of Nigeria
Authors: Oyebola D. D. O.
Published: January 2017

A group of 106 Yoruba traditional healers who practice midwifery were interviewed, by means of a semistructured questionnaire, regarding their knowledge of various aspects of perinatal care. The study confirmed earlier reports that these herbalists are indispensable to delivery services in Nigeria. Their procedures for assisting at births were described and the healers were found to be ignorant in such important areas as normal duration of labor, causes of various obstetric complications and functions of the placenta. It was concluded that the lacunae in their knowledge could be responsible for the high morbidity and mortality associated with their practice, and might also explain their unscientific and sometimes magico‐religious approach to management of perinatal health problems. The need to provide them with appropriate training is emphasized.
Family Planning in The People's Republic of China
Authors: Zhang Zhih‐Fen , Liu Guo‐Zhen
Published: January 2017

A brief overview of family planning research in The People's Republic of China during the past 10‐15 years is presented.
Postoperative Morbidity of Eclamptic Patients Delivered by Cesarean Section
Authors: Ekwempu C. C. , Lawande R. V.
Published: January 2017

Postoperative morbidity was investigated in 32 eclamptic patients and 12 normal well‐matched controls who had been delivered by cesarean section. The incidence of wound and chest infection, genital sepsis and puerperal psychosis was higher among the eclamptics than the controls. The former also harbored more pathogens in the throat, rectum, abdominal wound and cervix than the controls. It is concluded that eclamptic patients are more prone to sepsis after surgery and should be nursed with special care.
The psychological microfoundations of corporate social responsibility: A person‐centric systematic review
Authors: Gond Jean‐Pascal , El Akremi Assâad , Swaen Valérie , Babu Nishat
Published: January 2017

This article aims to consolidate the psychological microfoundations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by taking stock and evaluating the recent surge of person‐focused CSR research. With a systematic review, the authors identify, synthesize, and organize three streams of micro‐CSR studies—focused on (i) individual drivers of CSR engagement, (ii) individual processes of CSR evaluations, and (iii) individual reactions to CSR initiatives—into a coherent behavioral framework. This review highlights significant gaps, methodological issues, and imbalances in the treatment of the three components in prior micro‐CSR research. It uncovers the need to conceptualize how multiple drivers of CSR interact and how the plurality of mechanisms and boundary conditions that can explain individual reactions to CSR might be integrated theoretically. By organizing micro‐CSR studies into a coherent framework, this review also reveals the lack of connections within and between substreams of micro‐CSR research; to tackle them, this article proposes an agenda for further research, focused on six key challenges. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationships between the trends of mean and extreme precipitation
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Lau William K.‐M.
Published: January 2017

This study provides a better understanding of the relationships between the trends of mean and extreme precipitation in two observed precipitation data sets: the Climate Prediction Center Unified daily precipitation data set and the Global Precipitation Climatology Program (GPCP) pentad data set. The study employs three kinds of definitions of extreme precipitation: (1) percentile, (2) standard deviation and (3) generalize extreme value (GEV) distribution analysis for extreme events based on local statistics. Relationship between trends in the mean and extreme precipitation is identified with a novel metric, i.e. area aggregated matching ratio (AAMR) computed on regional and global scales. Generally, more (less) extreme events are likely to occur in regions with a positive (negative) mean trend. The match between the mean and extreme trends deteriorates for increasingly heavy precipitation events. The AAMR is higher in regions with negative mean trends than in regions with positive mean trends, suggesting a higher likelihood of severe dry events, compared with heavy rain events in a warming climate. AAMR is found to be higher in tropics and oceans than in the extratropics and land regions, reflecting a higher degree of randomness and more important dynamical rather than thermodynamical contributions of extreme events in the latter regions.
Extraction, partial purification and characterization of amylase from parthenocarpic date (Phoenix dactylifera): effect on cake quality
Authors: El Abed Hanen , Khemakhem Bassem , Fendri Imen , Chakroun Mouna , Triki Mehdi , Drira Noureddine , Mejdoub Hafedh
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Phoenix dactylifera L. plays an important role in social, economic and ecological Tunisian sectors. Some date palms produce parthenocarpic fruit named Sish. The objective of the present study was to extract biomolecules from parthenocarpic fruit by producing value‐added products from the fruits.

RESULTS

The extraction of amylolytic activity from parthenocarpic fruit (AmyPF) was optimized using Box–Behnken design (BBD). Partial purification of about 250‐fold with an activity yield of 47% was achieved. The amylase exhibited a specific activity of 80 U mg−1 protein. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were 5 and 55 °C respectively. The enzyme was highly active over a wide range of pH (5–10), and significant stabilization was observed at 60 °C. The purified enzyme belongs to the exo type of amylases. Given the economic and industrial relevance of amylases used in the food industry, three different concentrations of AmyPF (0.007, 0.014 and 0.018 U g−1) were incorporated into a cake formulation, resulting in a decrease in density, moisture retention and water activity and an increase in hardness.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effect of AmyPF on the technological characteristics of cakes was confirmed by sensory evaluation. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Classification and characterization of Japanese consumers' beef preferences by external preference mapping
Authors: Sasaki Keisuke , Ooi Motoki , Nagura Naoto , Motoyama Michiyo , Narita Takumi , Oe Mika , Nakajima Ikuyo , Hagi Tatsuro , Ojima Koichi , Kobayashi Miho , Nomura Masaru , Muroya Susumu , Hayashi Takeshi , Akama Kyoko , Fujikawa Akira , Hokiyama Hironao , Kobayashi Kuniyuki , Nishimura Takanori
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Over the past few decades, beef producers in Japan have improved marbling in their beef products. It was recently reported that marbling is not well correlated with palatability as rated by Japanese consumers. This study sought to identify the consumer segments in Japan that prefer sensory characteristics of beef other than high marbling.

RESULTS

Three Wagyu beef, one Holstein beef and two lean imported beef longissimus samples were subjected to a descriptive sensory test, physicochemical analysis and a consumer (n = 307) preference test. According to consumer classification and external preference mapping, four consumer segments were identified as ‘gradual high‐fat likers’, ‘moderate‐fat and distinctive taste likers’, ‘Wagyu likers’ and ‘distinctive texture likers’. Although the major trend of Japanese consumers' beef preference was ‘marbling liking’, 16.9% of the consumers preferred beef samples that had moderate marbling and distinctive taste. The consumers' attitudes expressed in a questionnaire survey were in good agreement with the preference for marbling among the ‘moderate‐fat and distinctive taste likers’.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that moderately marbled beef is a potent category in the Japanese beef market. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioaccessibility of selenium from cooked rice as determined in a simulator of the human intestinal tract (SHIME)
Authors: Sun Guo‐Xin , Van de Wiele Tom , Alava Pradeep , Tack Filip M. G. , Du Laing Gijs
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

As an essential but also potentially toxic element, both overexposure and underexposure to selenium (Se) can significantly affect public health. Rice is a common source of Se, especially in Asia. Not all Se may be released from the rice and become available for absorption into the bloodstream upon digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the bioaccessibility of Se in cooked white (polished) rice was assessed in vitro using the static gastrointestinal simulator SHIME (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem).

RESULTS

The common cooking procedure in China prior to consumption [i.e. boiling at low rice:water ratios (1:3) until all of the water is absorbed into the rice] did not change total Se levels in the rice. Gastrointestinal digestion of the cooked rice matrix revealed a Se bioaccessibility of 67–76% of total Se. Subsequent microbial activity in the colon reduced the accessibility of Se in the cooked rice to 51–62%.

CONCLUSION

Not all Se present in cooked white rice should be considered as being bioavailable in the small intestine. A minor part is transferred with the remaining food matrix to the colon, where it is available for the microbial metabolism. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Angle‐multiplexed optical printing of biomimetic hierarchical 3D textures
Authors: Abid Muhammad Irfan , Wang Lei , Chen Qi‐Dai , Wang Xue‐Wen , Juodkazis Saulius , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: January 2017

Multi scale hierarchical structures underpin mechanical, optical, and wettability behavior in nature. Here we present a novel approach which can be used to mimic the natural hierarchical patterns in a quick and easy maskless fabrication. By using two‐beam interference lithography with angle‐multiplexed exposures and scanning, we have successfully printed large‐area complex structures having a cascading resolution and 3D surface profiles. By precisely controlling the exposure dose we have demonstrated a capability to create different 3D textured surfaces having comparable aspect ratio with period spanning from 4 μm to 300 nm (more than one order of magnitude) and the height spanning from 0.9 μm to 40 nm, respectively. Up to three levels of biomimetic hierarchical structures were obtained that show several natural phenomena: superhydrophobicity, iridescence, directionality of reflectivity, and polarization at different colors.

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Does partial muscle reinnervation preserve future re‐innervation potential?
Authors: Isaacs Jonathan , Mallu Satya , Shall Mary , Patel Gaurangkumar , Shah Pooja , Shah Shalin , Feger Mark A. , Graham Gordon , Pasula Nikhil
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Late revision nerve surgery for incomplete motor recovery due to partial reinnervation would improve muscle function if all muscle fibers were protected from developing denervation atrophy.

Methods

Sixty immature Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent the following tibial nerve manipulations (n = 15/group): group A, partial denervation (two thirds of nerve resected and the remaining one third crushed), revision repair at 8 months; group B, partial denervation; group C, complete denervation, immediate reconstruction; group D, complete denervation, reconstruction at 8 months; and group E, control. Final testing at 11 months included muscle force, weight, and histology.

Results

Muscle weight was significantly (P < 0.05) different among all groups (highest to lowest: E > B > C > A > D), and force was significantly lower in groups A and D compared with E. Muscle fiber cross‐sectional area was statistically smaller in group A than in groups B, C, or E.

Discussion

Partial reinnervation still allowed substantial muscle recovery, but it did not preserve the non‐innervated muscle fibers. Muscle Nerve 56: 1143–1148, 2017