bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adoption of Management Tools by Farmers in the Context of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Menoua Division, West Cameroon
Authors: Fongang Fouepe Guillaume Hensel , Mbunda Marceline Fien , Melachio Nguedia Martial
Published: April 2024

Aims: This study aims to analyze the challenges under the adoption of management tools provided by the Program for the consolidation and sustainability of agro-pastoral Counseling (PCP-ACEFA) to farmers in the Menoua Division, West region of Cameroon.
Methodology: 60 farmers were surveyed using a stratified random sampling technic and 5 advisors were interviewed. The data were processed and analyzed with Excel 2013 and SPSS software version 20.
Results: Results shows that a variety of management tools are available to farmers in the Menoua division. The calculation of gross margin (utilization rate 62.96%), Balance sheet (utilization rate 60%) are the most widely used, especially for farms generating large financial flows. Concerning the factors influencing the adoption of management tools, the study revealed several categories: social, economic and institutional. Social factors, for example with the level of education, show that those who adopt the most (50%) have at least secondary education. Furthermore, with the help of the advisors, farmers who adopted these tools have been experiencing changes in their activities as they can now evaluate their activities to know their economic performances which will further permit them to make better decisions. The study also shows that farmers faced difficulties in adopting the use of management tools and it is mostly (33, 33%) due to a lack of finance to expand their exploitation and Implementation difficulties (20.8%). Concerning strategies for a better adoption of tools, farmers mostly propose that the program help increasing their farm size by financing their activities and simplification of tools to the least level that everyone can use.
Conclusion: The recommendations formulated at the end of this study are to increase farmers' awareness and training in the use of management tools to guarantee good yields on their farms.
Influence of Elicitors on Growth and Yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Varieties
Authors: Arpitha H. S. , Umesha K. , Anilkumar G. S
Published: April 2024

Black cumin is a miracle herb, an emerging seed spice and a medicinal plant of great demand. Black cumin has been used since thousands of years as a spice and food preservative as well as a protective and curative remedy for several disorders. A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK, Bengaluru, from November 2018 to March 2019. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and included two factors: varieties and elicitors. Among the various treatment combinations, foliar application of methyl jasmonate at 100 ppm resulted in the highest recorded values for plant height (46.7 cm), primary branches (5.43), stem diameter (4.62 mm), dry weight of plants (8.42 g), and plant spread (397 cm2) when applied with nitric oxide (Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP)) at 2 mM on Pant Krishna variety. Conversely, the significantly highest chlorophyll content in leaves was observed in the Azad Kalonji variety sprayed with salicylic acid at 100 ppm. Furthermore, the significantly highest numbers of capsules (22.60), seeds per capsule (84.28), and seed yield per hectare (12.40 q) were recorded in Pant Krishna sprayed with methyl jasmonate at 100 ppm. The present study concludes that all varieties, including Azad Kalonji, AN-20, and Pant Krishna, performed equally well regarding growth and yield attributes in this location. Among the elicitors tested, methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid at 100 ppm show promise for commercial cultivation of black cumin.
Growth and Instability in Agriculture Production in Odisha, India
Authors: Das Manoj Kumar , Dash Sagarika , Pattnaik Sweety , Mohapatra Dharmabrata
Published: April 2024

The performance of agriculture sector in any economy is better understood through the analysis of growth and instability in agriculture production. It is evident that the growth of agriculture in Odisha is very erratic in nature and huge instability is there in agricultural production. Instability in agriculture affects the trend and pattern of production which creates risk in farmers’ ability to adopt new technologies. Therefore, this paper aims to study the growth and instability in agriculture production in Odisha where growth and instability on area, yield and production of twenty crops have been calculated. Instability in agriculture production is caused by various agricultural reforms, weather variation and price fluctuation. Therefore, in this study attempt has been made to analyse the contribution of agriculture and allied sector to GSVA in Odisha over the years, sectoral employment, and district wise crop intensity. To examine growth and instability in agriculture of twenty major crops, this study has undertaken decadal analysis by using secondary data. Total four decades i.e. 1970-80, 1980-90, 1990-00, 2000-10 and 2010-20 are considered. The results show that, agriculture sector is leading sector in providing employment and significantly contribute to GSDP in Odisha. However, the area under cultivation of all the crops area gradually decreasing due to the urbanization but the percentage of area under cereal cultivation is decreasing whereas percentage of area under pulses are increasing but the area under total food grains is decreasing showing farmers are switching towards non-food grain products. So far, the growth of production and yield of different crop areas shows erratic growth in agricultural crops, as evident from the high instability rate in the growth of different crops. The cropping intensity shows that it is lower than the national level and therefore the role of technology needs to be identified.
In vitro Evaluation of Rhizobacteria Isolated from Different Oilseed Growing Areas against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ricini and Rotylenchulus reniformis Infesting Castor
Authors: Fathima Sk. Menaaz , Meena K. Sankari , Sagar B. Vidya , Ratnakumar P.
Published: April 2024

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 108 rhizobacterial isolates collected from different Oilseed rhizospheres against the wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ricini and reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis under in vitro conditions. Among the 108 isolates tested, four isolates were reported to inhibit the radial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ricini by more than 50% and caused more than 80% of juvenile (J4) mortality of reniform nematode. The effective rhizobacterial isolates were subjected to morphological and biochemical characterization for the assessment of plant growth promoting traits and bio-control properties.
The Practice and Modalities of African Traditional Medicine in Tuberculosis Treatment - A Traditional Medical Practitioners’ Perspective
Authors: Chipato Winnet E. , Mandishona Tarisirai , Mbera Sharron , Taderera Tafadzwa , Mandishora Racheal Dube , Chifamba Joey
Published: April 2024

Aims: This study sought to explore the role of the traditional medical practitioner (TMP) and document the modalities of tuberculosis (TB) treatment in traditional medicine (TM) in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Study design:  An ethnographic research survey of TMPs in Harare urban.
Place and Duration of Study: Harare’s southern suburbs of Warren Park, Mufakose, Budiriro, Belvedere, Mbare (Mupedzanhamo) and Harare central business district, between April and June 2021.
Methodology: Fourteen (14) experienced TB practitioners, registered with the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA) were recruited for the study. These included exclusive herbalists (36%), spiritualists (14%) and those who used a combination of spiritualism and herbalism (50%) in their practice. Data was collected through semi-structured in-person interviews. The practices and treatment modalities in the traditional treatment of TB were documented; and any linkages with the conventional medical system were identified.
Results: Forty-six (46) plant species from 28 families were prescribed in various polyherbal combinations for a maximum of 6 months in difficult cases. TMPs were found to be relevant and knowledgeable in the treatment of TB. In addition to offering alternative or complementary treatment options to patients, TMPs were also agents of health education promotion, and collaborated to some extent with allopathic healthcare providers across the service delivery system from diagnosis to treatment of patients.
Conclusion: If formalized, TMPs have the potential to make considerable contributions to TB treatment strategies and help improve treatment outcome in TB patients.
Development and Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles Conjugates to Increase Bioavailability of 6-Gingerol
Authors: Kumar Ganesh , Nautiyal Ujjwal , Bhatt Meenakshi , Dhyani Archana
Published: April 2024

6-Gingerol, an abundant component of Zingiber officinale, acts as a cardiotonic and is also used in the treatment of cancer disease, but its low solubility makes it very challenging in therapeutic applications. As we are all aware of the metal toxicity of nanoparticles, here we are using gold metal because gold nanoparticles are found to have lower toxicity than other metals. In this study, we prepared optimized conjugated gold nanoparticles of 6-Gingerol (Au-6G-PVP-NPs) by chemical reduction method using polyvinylpyrrolidone, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, to increase the bioavailability and solubility of 6-Gingerol. The prepared nanoparticle conjugate was evaluated on different parameters such as pH, solubility, Zeta potential, TEM, DLS, polydispersity index, in vitro release, and stability studies to meet the criteria. The study concluded that gold nanoparticles conjugated with 6-Gingerol showed good solubility in gastric pH, effective drug release, and were more stable than free 6-Gingerol. Hence, it can be concluded that these conjugates can be used for cardiac disease as well as cancer treatment due to their good bioavailability, drug release, improved biocompatibility, stability, and decreased cytotoxicity.
Trade-offs between Farm Incomes and Soil Loss: An Application of Bio-economic Modelling in a Semi-Arid Watershed in South India
Authors: Samuel Josily , Pushpanjali . , Rao C A Rama , Raju B M K , Rao K V , Rejani R , Dupdal Ravi , Rajeshwar M
Published: April 2024

Soil erosion is an economic problem and the cost of soil loss and its consequences could be very harsh. The major threat facing the sustainability and productivity is erosion and the associated nutrient loss through run off. And climatic shocks like drought and floods also aggravate the soil loss
Aims: The study aims to bring out the different plans and the tradeoff analysis of the conservation and degradation through a multi objective framework.
Study Design:  Primary data was collected from the farmers of the Padmaram watershed, in Mahbubnagaar district, Telangana state in south India. A detailed questionnaire was prepared which included the current management practices, the input costs and output prices associated. And the soil loss was estimated using the RUSLE equation. And the tradeoffs were obtained by the multiobjective linear programming (MOLP)
Place and Duration of Study:  The padmaram watershed was selected, from kondurg mandal of Mahabubnagar district of Telanagana.
Methodology: The multi–objective linear programming MOLP, is employed to get an efficient solution where in conflicting objectives are simultaneously optimized subject to constraints. The soil loss under different climatic scenarios were modelled using the CMIP data for 2020s,2050s and 2080s. The impact of climate change on soil loss and farm incomes were also assessed.
Results: The operational land holding of a small farmer was 1.32 ha, medium famer about 2.71 ha and a large farmer about 4.99 ha. Cotton and maize were two major crops grown in the watershed holding an area of 56 per cent followed by paddy which occupies about 15 per cent. The major rabi crops were maize and rabi paddy (9 %). The cropping intensity of the watershed was 116.87 per cent. The soil loss from 60.0% of the watershed area was below 3.0 t ha−1 y−1.  The soil loss from 27.5% area ranged from 3.1 to 4.5 t ha−1 y−1 and remaining 12.5% area have soil loss more than 4.6 t ha−1 y−1. Soil loss and net returns for future climate scenarios were assessed.
Conclusion: The analysis of trade off between production and conservation would be useful in identifying optimum crop plans with reduction in soil loss. The results stress that the interventions in agriculture have varying costs and environmental and economic impacts. Their implementation requires appropriate investment decisions.
Implementasi Smart Farming 4.0 dengan PLTS Off Grid di Kebun Hidroponik Perpusda Jatim
Authors: Winardi Eka , Setiadji Julius Sentosa , Prasetyo Johan
Published: April 2024

Perpustakaan berbasis inklusi sosial memiliki peran penting dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat dengan memfasilitasi akses informasi dan kesempatan berkarya. Transformasi perpustakaan ini juga mendukung program pembangunan berkelanjutan dan merupakan seruan dari International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Pada saat ini, pertanian tradisional membutuhkan lahan yang luas dan konsumsi air yang tinggi. Oleh karena itu, pengembangan teknologi pertanian seperti hidroponik dengan energi terbarukan menjadi solusi yang efektif. Penelitian ini mengembangkan sistem Smart Farming 4.0 dengan PLTS Off Grid di Kebun Hidroponik Perpusda Jatim. Sistem ini menggunakan panel surya sebagai sumber energi utama pompa untuk pengairan tanaman hidroponik sehingga tidak bergantung pada listrik jaringan konvensional. Energi yang dihasilkan panel surya pada siang hari langsung didistribusikan ke beban dan disimpan dalam baterai untuk digunakan pada malam hari atau cuaca buruk. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membantu masyarakat beradaptasi dengan sistem baru dalam pertanian dan mendorong produksi pertanian yang berkualitas sepanjang tahun dengan dampak negatif yang lebih rendah terhadap lahan dan energi listrik konvensional.
Penerapan Sistem Pengendalian Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (K3) Pada Pelaksanaan Proyek Konstruksi (Studi Kasus : Proyek Optimalisasi SPAM Kota Maumere)
Authors: Nahak Felisia , Chandra Jimmy
Published: April 2024

Proyek konstruksi memilki sifat yang khas, antara lain tempat kerjanya di ruang terbuka yang dipengaruhicuaca, jangka waktu pekerjaan terbatas, menggunakan pekerja yang belum terlatih, menggunakan peralatan kerja yangmembahayakan keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja dan pekerjaan yang banyak mengeluarkan tenaga. Penerapan keselamatandan kesehatan kerja (K3) sangat diperlukan seiring dengan perkembangan industri yang membawa serta penggunaan berbagaialat, mesin, instalasi dan bahan-bahan berbahaya maupun beracun. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui sistempengendalian keselamatan dan kesehatan pada pelaksanaan proyek konstruksi. Jenis penelitian menggunakan metode dekriptifkualitatif dengan cara observasi. Deskriptif berarti menggambarkan suatu masalah, dan kualitatif adalah cara yang dilakukanuntuk menyajikan suatu masalah tersebut. Maka dari itu, metode deskriptif kualitatif yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini ialahmenggambarkan penerapan sistem pengendalian pada proyek Optimalisasi SPAM Kota Maumere. Sedangkan untuk mengukurkeaslian data di lapangan dilakukan observasi. Observasi merupakan pengamatan langsung menggunakan alat indra atau alatbantu penginderaan suatu subjek atau objek. Hasil dari penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan sistem pengendaliankeselamatan dan kesehatan kerja (K3) telah diterapkan dengan baik dengan adanya sosialisasi dan promosi K3, jaminan sosialtenaga kerja supaya meminimalesir potensi adanya kecelakaan kerja, alat pelindung diri, dan rambu – rambu tererkait namunterdapat kekurangan antara lain tidak masih ada pekerja yang lalai dalam pemakaian alat pelindung diri saat bekerja.
GROUP TASK MANAGEMENT BERBASIS GAMIFICATION
Authors: Putra Adrian Shaksana , Putro Iwan Handoyo , Santoso Petrus
Published: April 2024

Di dalam dunia pekerjaan ataupun kuliah, semua orang dituntut memiliki kemampuan bekerja dalam kelompok untuk menyelesaikan sebuah projek. Sejumlah aplikasi memungkinkan terciptanya koordinasi dan delegasi tugas dalam kelompok. Namun apabila tidak ditunjang dengan motivasi maka lambat laun kinerja akan berkurang. Untuk menciptakan motivasi tersebut maka salah satu cara yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan implementasi konsep gamification. Group Task Management adalah aplikasi yang mengintegrasikan koordinasi dan delegasi tugas dalam projek dengan konsep gamification. Dalam aplikasi ini terdapat fitur membuat grup pekerjaan atau projek dimana pengguna dapat mengumpulkan sebuah kelompok untuk suatu projek. Pengguna dapat mendelegasikan tugas dan memantau kinerja kelompok yang tergabung dalam suatu grup. Aplikasi diuji oleh 15 pengguna terbagi dalam 3 kelompok usia yaitu dewasa,  mahasiswa dan pelajar SMA masing – masing 5 responden. Berdasarkan hasil kuisioner disimpulkan aplikasi ini dapat membantu dan memotivasi proses kerja kelompok.
SISTEM MONITORING DAN KONTROL NUTRISI TANAMAN DI HIDROPONIK NFT MENGGUNAKAN METODE FUZZY MAMDANI
Authors: Nuryudin Akhmad , Irawan Denny , Astutik Rini Puji
Published: April 2024

Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) adalah metode hidroponik yang mengalirkan larutan nutrisi tipis melalui akar tanaman secara terus-menerus. Penelitian ini menawarkan solusi untuk mengatasi kendala kontrol aliran air dengan mengusulkan alat monitoring yang memantau level air, suhu, dan nutrisi pada sistem NFT. Data yang terkumpul direkam ke Google Spreadsheet, memungkinkan akses mudah melalui perangkat Android atau lainnya. Informasi juga dapat dipantau di lapangan melalui layar LCD terintegrasi. Sistem ini dilengkapi kontrol output menggunakan metode Fuzzy Mamdani, meningkatkan akurasi pengendalian pompa yang mengatur aliran nutrisi. Dengan mikrokontroler ESP32 dan koneksi internet, sistem dapat diintegrasikan dengan Internet of Things (IoT). Penggunaan sensor seperti Sensor Water Level, Sensor DS18B20 untuk suhu, dan TDS Sensor untuk konsentrasi nutrisi memungkinkan pemantauan yang komprehensif. Implementasi sistem monitoring dan kontrol ini telah berhasil meningkatkan efisiensi pertanian hidroponik NFT. Pengukuran menunjukkan bahwa alat monitoring dapat akurat melacak level air, suhu, dan konsentrasi nutrisi. Kontrol output dengan metode Fuzzy Mamdani meningkatkan akurasi pengendalian pompa, mendukung pertumbuhan tanaman optimal dengan dosis nutrisi yang sesuai pada setiap fase pertumbuhan. Solusi ini memberikan pemantauan dan kontrol yang efisien, merangsang produktivitas pertanian hidroponik NFT secara keseluruhan.
A Phosphine‐Mediated Conversion of Azides into Diazo Compounds
Authors: Myers Eddie L. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: November 2008

Auf die sanfte Art: Diazoverbindungen sind äußerst nützliche Intermediate, doch ihre Synthese kann in Gegenwart empfindlicher funktioneller Gruppen schwierig sein. Die Staudinger‐Ligation war Inspiration für eine milde Methode, um eine Vielzahl an Aziden über ein Acyltriazenintermediat in die Diazoderivate zu überführen.

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Rasch analysis of the Dutch health assessment questionnaire disability index and the health assessment questionnaire II in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: ten Klooster Peter M. , TAAL ERIK , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: November 2008

Objective

The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI) is the most common self‐reported measure of physical disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the HAQ‐II was developed in the US as a short, valid, and reliable alternative using Rasch analysis. Our objective was to compare the scaling properties of the HAQ DI and HAQ‐II in Dutch patients with RA.

Methods

We used data from 472 patients with confirmed RA. Internal construct validity of the HAQ versions was assessed using Rasch analysis. Additionally, external construct validity was assessed by examining correlates with other outcome measures.

Results

The HAQ DI had a large floor effect, with 9.5% of the patients indicating no disability compared with 4.3% for the HAQ‐II. Both versions were unidimensional and adequately fit the Rasch model, containing only 1 nonfitting item. Additionally, 2 HAQ‐II items demonstrated overfit and a high residual correlation, suggesting overlap or redundancy in item content. The HAQ‐II demonstrated better item separation, indicating that it covered a wider range of physical function. Item difficulty estimates were reasonably well spread for the HAQ‐II, whereas the HAQ DI items tended to cluster around similar difficulty levels. Both scales contained several items with differential item functioning by sex, age, or disease duration. Both scales demonstrated the expected pattern of correlations with other outcome measures.

Conclusion

The results indicate that both the HAQ DI and HAQ‐II are psychometrically robust measures of physical function. The Rasch‐developed HAQ‐II, however, has several favorable scaling properties, including a better scale length and a reduced floor effect.
Steroid‐sparing effects of methotrexate in systemic lupus erythematosus: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Fortin Paul R. , Abrahamowicz Michal , Ferland Diane , Lacaille Diane , Smith C. Douglas , Zummer Michel ,   Canadian Network For Improved Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Published: November 2008

Objective

To assess the potential benefits of methotrexate in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A 12‐month, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of methotrexate with folic acid was conducted. Intent‐to‐treat analyses were performed with mixed linear models and α = 0.04 (96% confidence interval [96% CI]) to account for interim analysis of longitudinal data to assess the treatment effects on lupus disease activity and daily steroid dose across monthly measurements, and to test if the treatment effects depended on selected participant characteristics.

Results

Of 215 participants screened, 94 were excluded, 35 declined, and 86 were randomized (methotrexate = 41, placebo = 45). The groups were balanced for demographic and disease characteristics. Antimalarial use was more frequent in the placebo group, which was adjusted for in multivariable analyses. Sixty participants (27 methotrexate, 33 placebo) completed the study and 26 terminated early. Among participants who had the same baseline prednisone dose, those taking methotrexate received, on average, 1.33 mg/day less prednisone during the trial period (96% CI 0.06, 2.72 mg/day; a 22% reduction of their average‐during‐trial daily dose) compared with those in the placebo group. For the primary measure of disease activity (revised Systemic Lupus Activity Measure), methotrexate use was also associated with a marginally significant reduction in the mean during‐trial score of 0.86 units (96% CI 0.01, 1.71; P = 0.039). A significant interaction between treatment and baseline damage was found (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Methotrexate conferred a significant advantage in participants with moderately active lupus by lowering daily prednisone dose and slightly decreasing lupus disease activity. As a therapeutic option in moderate SLE, methotrexate can be considered to be steroid sparing.
Ability of oblique foot radiographs to detect erosions in early arthritis: Results in the ESPOIR cohort
Authors: Devauchelle‐pensec Valerie , Josseaume Thierry , Samjee Isabelle , Dougados Maxime , Combe Bernard , Saraux Alain
Published: November 2008

Objective

To assess the usefulness of using oblique foot radiographs in addition to posteroanterior radiographs of the hands and feet for detecting erosions in patients with recent‐onset arthritis.

Methods

We included 813 patients from the prospective French ESPOIR cohort with arthritis of <6 months' duration and ≥2 swollen joints. Baseline standardized posteroanterior radiographs of the hands and feet and oblique radiographs of the feet were assessed by 2 blinded readers for erosions typical for rheumatoid arthritis (ETRA) and the Sharp score as modified by van der Heijde.

Results

A total of 715 complete sets were available. Mean ± SD total Sharp scores were 3.6 ± 6.6, 2.5 ± 6.3, and 1.8 ± 5 for the hand and wrist, foot, and oblique foot, respectively. ETRA were visible in 160 (22.4%) of 715 patients (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 19.4–25.6). They were seen on hand radiographs in 86 (53.7%) of 160 patients (95% CI 45.7–61.6), on posteroanterior foot radiographs in 91 (56.9%) of 160 patients (95% CI 48.8–64.6), and on oblique foot radiographs in 84 (52.5%) of 160 patients (95% CI 44.5–60.4). ETRA were visible at the feet, but not at the hands, in 74 (46%) of 160 patients (95% CI 38.4–54.3), among whom 22 (30%) had erosions only on the posteroanterior view, 16 (21%) only on the oblique view, and 36 (48.6%) on both.

Conclusion

ETRA were found in 22.4% of patients. Adding an oblique foot radiograph identified 16 (10%) of 160 additional patients (95% CI 6–16), compared with 27.5% and 13.8% identified by adding posteroanterior radiographs of the hands and feet, respectively.
Prevalence, severity, and predictors of fatigue in subjects with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Segal Barbara , Thomas William , Rogers Tyson , Leon Joanlise M. , Hughes Pamela , Patel Danielle , Patel Ketan , Novitzke Jill , Rohrer Michael , Gopalakrishnan Rajaram , Myers Sandra , Nazmul‐hossain Abu , Emamian Eshrat , Huang Andrew , Rhodus Nelson , Moser Kathy
Published: November 2008

Objective

To investigate the relationship of fatigue severity to other clinical features in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and to identify factors contributing to the physical and mental aspects of fatigue.

Methods

We identified 94 subjects who met the American‐European Consensus Group criteria for the classification of primary SS. Fatigue was assessed with a visual analog scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Profile of Fatigue (ProF). Associations with fatigue were compared using multivariate regression.

Results

Abnormal fatigue, defined as an FSS score ≥4, was present in 67% of the subjects. Pain, helplessness, and depression were the strongest predictors of fatigue according to the FSS and the somatic fatigue domain of the ProF (ProF‐S), both with and without adjustment for physiologic and serologic characteristics. Depression was associated with higher levels of fatigue; however, the majority of subjects with abnormal fatigue were not depressed. Anti‐Ro/SSA–positive subjects were no more likely to report fatigue than seronegative subjects. The regression models explained 62% of the variance in FSS and 78% of the variance in ProF‐S scores. Mental fatigue was correlated with depression and helplessness, but the model predicted only 54% of the variance in mental fatigue scores.

Conclusion

Psychosocial variables are determinants of fatigue, but only partially account for it. Although fatigue is associated with depression, depression is not the primary cause of fatigue in primary SS. Investigation of the pathophysiologic correlates of physical and mental aspects of fatigue is needed to guide the development of more effective interventions.
Bayesian Estimation of the Number of Species using Noninformative Priors
Authors: Barger Kathryn , Bunge John
Published: November 2008

Consider a sample of animal abundances collected from one sampling occasion. Our focus is in estimating the number of species in a closed population. In order to conduct a noninformative Bayesian inference when modeling this data, we derive Jeffreys and reference priors from the full likelihood. We assume that the species' abundances are randomly distributed according to a distribution indexed by a finite‐dimensional parameter. We consider two specific cases which assume that the mean abundances are constant or exponentially distributed. The Jeffreys and reference priors are functions of the Fisher information for the model parameters; the information is calculated in part using the linear difference score for integer parameter models (Lindsay & Roeder 1987). The Jeffreys and reference priors perform similarly in a data example we consider. The posteriors based on the Jeffreys and reference priors are proper. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Population Size Estimation Using Individual Level Mixture Models
Authors: Manrique‐Vallier Daniel , Fienberg Stephen E.
Published: November 2008

We revisit the heterogeneous closed population multiple recapture problem, modeling individual‐level heterogeneity using the Grade of Membership model (Woodbury et al., 1978). This strategy allows us to postulate the existence of homogeneous latent “ideal” or “pure” classes within the population, and construct a soft clustering of the individuals, where each one is allowed partial or mixed membership in all of these classes. We propose a full hierarchical Bayes specification and a MCMC algorithm to obtain samples from the posterior distribution. We apply the method to simulated data and to three real life examples. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Redox regulation of apoptotic cell death
Authors: Hampton Mark B. , Orrenius Sten
Published: November 2008

Apoptosis is a special form of cell death, which can be triggered by a variety of signals and pathophysiological conditions, including oxidative stress. Activation of members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases is a crucial event in the apoptotic death program. Being cysteine proteases, the caspases are sensitive to the redox status of the cell, and their activity is blocked by excessive oxidative stress. Thus, alterations of intracellular redox status may either trigger or block the apoptotic death program, depending on the severity of the oxidative stress.
Regulation of tumour cell sensitivity to TNF‐induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity: Role of glutathione
Authors: Obrador Elena , Navarro JosÉ , Mompo Juan , Asensi Miguel , Pellicer José A. , Estrela José M.
Published: November 2008

Glutathione (GSH) and the rate of cellular proliferation determine tumour cell sensitivity to tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Buthionine sulphoximine (BSO), a selective inhibitor of GSH synthesis, inhibits tumour growth and increases recombinant human TNF (rhTNF)‐α cytoxicity in vitro. Administration of sublethal doses of rhTNF‐α to Ehrlich ascites‐tumour (EAT)‐bearing mice induces oxidative stress (as measured by increases in intracellular peroxide levels, O2·&— generation and mitochondrial GSSG). ATP‐induced selective GSH depletion, when combined with rhTNF‐α administration, affords a 61% inhibition of tumour growth and results in a significant extent of host survival. Administration of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or GSH ester abolishes the rhTNF‐α and ATP‐induced effects on tumour growth by maintaining high GSH levels in the cancer cells. TNF‐induced mitochondrial GSH depletion appears critical in the cascade of events that lead to cell death.
Effect of phorbol ester (PMA) on antioxidant enzyme expression in TGF‐β1‐induced apoptosis in primary cultures of hepatocytes
Authors: Díez‐Fernández Carmen , Sanz Nuria , Wolf Armin , Cascales María
Published: November 2008

Apoptosis has been documented as a fundamental component of the life cycle of many cell types. One of the characteristics of this process is the cleavage of genomic DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments. The multifunctional cytokine TGF‐β 1 has been described to induce apoptosis in cultured hepatocytes although in this condition DNA fragmentation has not yet been detected. We investigated whether TGF‐β 1‐induced apoptosis was associated with DNA fragmentation and was affected by PMA. Agarose gel electrophoresis of TGF‐β 1‐treated hepatocytes shows a typical ladder‐like pattern of DNA fragments and PMA, a selective stimulator of protein kinase C, diminishes the DNA fragmentation and cell death. It has been described that the antioxidant enzyme systems play an important role in the control of apoptosis and that the apoptogenic ability of TGF‐β1 is through the inhibition of antioxidant enzyme expression in cultured hepatocytes [Y. Kayanoki, J. Fujii, K. Suzuki, S. Kawata, Y. Matsuzawa and N. Taniguchi, Suppression of antioxidative enzyme expression by transforming growth factor‐β 1 in rat hepatocytes, J. Biol. Chem. 269 (1994), 15 488–15 492]. However, PMA does not induce significant changes levels of manganese superoxide dismutase, copper—zinc superoxide dismutase and catalase mRNAs. Our data reveal that the attenuation of TGF‐β 1‐induced DNA fragmentation by PMA is not associated with changes in the expression of antioxidant systems and is probably due selectively to the stimulation of protein kinase C.
Ethanol‐related cytotoxicity catalyzed by CYP2E1‐dependent generation of reactive oxygen intermediates in transduced HepG2 cells
Authors: Cederbaum Arthur I.
Published: November 2008

To establish direct linkage between the ethanol‐inducible cytochrome P450, CYP2E1, ethanol hepatotoxicity, and lipid peroxidation, a HepG2 cell line which expresses human CYP2E1 was established by retroviral infection. Ethanol produced a time‐ and concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells expressing the CYP2E1 but not to control cells. The ethanol toxicity was prevented by inhibitors of CYP2E1 and antioxidants. In a similar manner, addition of a polyunsaturated fatty acid such as arachidonic acid produced toxicity to the cells expressing CYP2E1 but not the control cells. Toxicity was associated with enhanced lipid peroxidation and was prevented by antioxidants. The ethanol and arachidonic acid toxicity was apoptotic in nature and was associated with activation of Caspases I and III. The toxicity and apoptosis could be prevented by peptide inhibitors of ICE and by transfection with a plasmid containing the cDNA for human Bcl‐2. These results show that this HepG2 cell model can be used to establish a CYP2E1‐dependent ethanol hepatotoxicity system, and that induction of a state oxidative stress appears to play a central role in the CYP2E1‐dependent apoptosis and cytotoxicity.
Aging delays the post‐necrotic restoration of liver function
Authors: Sanz Nuria , Díez‐Fernández Carmen , Cascales María
Published: November 2008

Age‐associated changes in liver injury and post‐necrotic regeneration were studied in rats aged 6 and 30 months in a period of 96 h following a dose of thioacetamide (6.6 mmol/kg body weight). Hepatocellular necrosis was detected in both groups by serum aspartate aminotransferase, but the severity of injury was significantly lower (one fourth, p<0.001) in the oldest. Differences were observed in hepatocyte FAD monooxygenase activity between 6 and 30 months old rats at 24 h (278 versus 170%, p<0.001, respectively) and also in GSH/GSSG ratio, in protein thiol groups and in malondialdehyde. Glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activities rose markedly in both groups, this increase being slightly lower in the oldest. Superoxide dismutase and catalase did not show significant changes between both groups. At the end of the 96 h experimental period the restoration towards normal of GSG/GSSG, protein thiols malondialdehyde and the activities of Cu‐Zn superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly lower in hepatocytes from 30 months old rats. We summarize that the main age‐related changes in the sequenced process of liver injury and regeneration occurred to a lesser extent in severity of injury and delayed response in the post‐necrotic restoration of liver function, probably due to a lower increase in antioxidant enzyme system.
Impact of oxygen therapy on antioxidant status in newborns. Relationship with infection risk
Authors: Araujo V. , Ruiz E. , Llovera M. , Tokashiki N. , Abellán C. , Domínguez C.
Published: November 2008

Newborns requiring intensive clinical care are susceptible to a wide range of excessive oxygen free radical production‐related problems. In utero, fetal organs, particularly lungs, are exposed to relatively hypoxic tensions which rise abruptly after birth and this transition may cause oxidative injury in the neonate.

The aims of this study were to determine oxygen free radical activity in neonates at the first 24 h, examine the role of immaturity and infection risk and compare the degree of oxidant stress in newborns treated with different oxygen concentrations.

Plasma selenium levels in neonates with high infection risk (IR) were significantly lower than in healthy neonates. Comparative study of selenium in preterm, term and young infants showed age‐related increases and differences were significant. Plasma selenium values were lower when oxygen therapy was administered. Vitamin E levels were significantly decreased in IR compared with healthy newborns.

The results suggest that selenium and vitamin E deficiencies predispose to neonatal infection and that supplementary oxygen contributes significantly to decreasing the antioxidant defence system.
Quantitative analysis of phenibut in rat brain tissue extracts by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Grinberga Solveiga , Zvejniece Liga , Liepinsh Edgars , Dambrova Maija , Pugovics Osvalds
Published: November 2008

Phenibut (3‐phenyl‐4‐aminobutyric acid) is a γ‐aminobutyric acid mimetic drug, which is used clinically as a mood elevator and tranquilizer. In the present work, a rapid, selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of phenibut in biological matrices has been developed. The method is based on protein precipitation with acidic acetonitrile followed by isocratic chromatographic separation using acetonitrile–formic acid (0.1% in water; 8:92, v/v) mobile phase on a reversed‐phase column. Detection of the analyte was performed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode with the precursor‐to‐product ion transition m/z 180.3 → m/z 117.2. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range 50–2000 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification for phenibut in rat brain extracts was 50 ng/mL. Acceptable precision and accuracy were obtained over the whole concentration range. The validated method was successfully applied in a pharmacological study to analyze phenibut concentration in rat brain tissue extract samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First Syntheses of Melophlins P, Q, and R, and Effects of Melophlins on the Growth of Microorganisms and Tumor Cells
Authors: Biersack Bernhard , Diestel Randi , Jagusch Carsten , Rapp Georg , Sasse Florenz , Schobert Rainer
Published: November 2008

The marine tetramic acid (=1,5‐dihydro‐4‐hydroxy‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐ones) derivatives melophlin P, Q, and R (1p–1r, resp.) were synthesized for the first time in only four steps. Together with the congenerous melophlins A–C and G, they were also tested for antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Melophlins B, C, P, Q, and R, which share a 5‐Me residue, showed some antibacterial activity, mainly in Gram‐positive bacteria. Melophlins B, C, and R, which have Me‐branched 3‐acyl side chains in common, inhibited the growth of cells of human KB‐3‐1 cervix carcinoma, A‐498 kidney carcinoma, and U‐937 leukemia with IC50 values <10 μM. They were similar in activity to cisplatin. Melophlin Q, also Me‐branched, was astoundingly specific in inhibiting A‐498 kidney cancer cells, while melophlin P inhibited U‐937 leukemia cells particularly well. The position of the Me branch is decisive for the magnitude of the antiproliferative effect of the melophlin couples B/C and R/Q.
7‐Azidomethoxy‐Coumarins as Profluorophores for Templated Nucleic Acid Detection
Authors: Franzini Raphael M. , Kool Eric T.
Published: November 2008

Templated nucleic acid detection is an emerging bioanalytical method that makes use of the target DNA or RNA strand to initiate a fluorogenic reaction. The Staudinger reduction holds particular promise for templated sensing of nucleic acids because the involved functional groups are highly chemoselective. Here, the azidomethoxy group, which can be removed under Staudinger conditions, is used to cage 7‐hydroxycoumarin fluorophores. Reduction by phosphines and subsequent loss of the azidomethoxy substituent induce a significant bathochromic shift of the major absorbance band in the near UV region. When excited at the appropriate wavelength, this change in the absorbance spectrum translates into a substantial fluorescence turn‐on signal. The described profluorophores are readily conjugated to amino‐modified DNAs and are rapidly uncaged by a triphenylphosphine–DNA probe under the control of a DNA template. In addition, turnover of the probes on the target strand occurs and yields substantial signal amplification.
Post‐translational Modification in Microviridin Biosynthesis
Authors: Philmus Benjamin , Christiansen Guntram , Yoshida Wesley Y. , Hemscheidt Thomas K.
Published: November 2008

Cyanobacteria are prolific producers of bioactive natural products that mostly belong to the nonribosomal peptide and polyketide classes. We show here how a linear precursor peptide of microviridin K, a new member of the microviridin class of peptidase inhibitors, is processed to become the mature tricyclic peptidase inhibitor. The microviridin (mvd) biosynthetic gene cluster of P. agardhii comprises six genes encoding microviridin K, an apparently unexpressed second microviridin, two RimK homologues, an acetyltransferase, and an ABC transporter. We have over‐expressed three enzymes of this pathway and have demonstrated their biochemical function in vitro through chemical degradation and mass spectrometry. We show that a prepeptide undergoes post‐translational modification through cross‐linking by ester and amide bond formation by the RimK homologues MvdD and MvdC, respectively. In silico analysis of the mvd gene cluster suggests the potential for widespread occurrence of microviridin‐like compounds in a broad range of bacteria.
Orientational Properties of Poly‐γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate: Influence of Molecular Weight and Solvent on Order Parameters of the Solute
Authors: Marx Andreas , Thiele Christina
Published: November 2008

Residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) have recently become increasingly important in organic structure determination due to their unique information content. One main limitation for the use of RDCs in organic compounds, however, is that the compound in question needs to be oriented with respect to the magnetic field in order to measure RDCs. So far, there are very few possibilities for modulating the induced degree of orientation. The situation is even worse when chiral orienting media are considered, which could allow absolute configuration determination in the future. We have conducted a systematic investigation into modulating the orientation induced by one chiral orienting medium, namely organic solutions of PBLG (poly‐γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate), as a function of its molecular weight and the organic co‐solvent used, and have obtained significant insights into factors that influence the order induced. With increasing molecular weight of the polypeptide the orientation of the solutes decreases, leading to well‐resolved spectra with improved line shapes. This can be attributed exclusively to the fact that the critical concentration of the liquid‐crystalline phase decreases with increasing molecular weight (pure dilution effect). Any influence of increasing flexibility on the orientation can be ruled out.
Robust and Electron‐Rich cis‐Palladium(II) Complexes with Phosphine and Carbene Ligands as Catalytic Precursors in Suzuki Coupling Reactions
Authors: Liao Chuang‐Yi , Chan Kai‐Ting , Tu Cheng‐Yi , Chang Yu‐Wei , Hu Ching‐Han , Lee Hon Man
Published: November 2008

A new imidazolinium ligand precursor [L2H]Cl (2) was prepared in 86 % yield. Compared with its imidazolium counterpart, [L1H]Cl (1), 2 is very sensitive to moisture and can undergo ring‐opening reactions very readily. Palladium complexes with the ring‐opened products from imidazolinium salts were isolated and characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Theoretical studies confirmed that the imidazolinium salt has a higher propensity for the ring‐opening reaction than the imidazolium counterpart. New mixed phosphine/carbene palladium complexes, cis‐[PdCl2(L)(PR3)] (L=L1 and L2; R=Ph, Cy), were successfully prepared. These complexes are highly robust as revealed by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopic studies and thermal gravimetric analysis. The structural and electronic properties of the new complexes on varying the carbene group (imidazol‐2‐ylidene group (unsaturated carbene) vs. imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (saturated carbene)) and the phosphine group (PPh3 vs. PCy3) were studied in detail by X‐ray crystallography, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. The catalytic study reveals that cis‐[PdCl2(L2)(PCy3)] is a competent PdII precatalyst for Suzuki coupling reactions, in which unreactive aryl chlorides can be applied as substrates.
Asymmetric Claisen Rearrangements on Chiral Vinyl Sulfoxides
Authors: Fernández de la Pradilla Roberto , Montero Carlos , Tortosa Mariola , Viso Alma
Published: November 2008

Highly diastereoselective Claisen rearrangements of acyclic allyl vinyl ethers bearing a chiral sulfoxide at C‐5 provide γ‐δ‐unsaturated aldehydes or ketones with up to two consecutive asymmetric centers in the molecule whilst preserving a useful vinyl sulfoxide. The reactivity of related vinyl sulfides and sulfones has also been examined in this work.
Syntheses of High‐Valent fac‐[99mTcO3]+ Complexes and [3+2] Cycloadditions with Alkenes in Water as a Direct Labelling Strategy
Authors: Braband Henrik , Tooyama Yuji , Fox Thomas , Alberto Roger
Published: November 2008

Reported herein is a new concept for the labelling of biomolecules with small [99 mTcO3]+ complexes through a [3+2] cycloaddition with alkenes for radiopharmaceutical applications. We developed convenient reactions for the synthesis of small, water stable fac‐[TcO3(tacn‐R)]+ complexes (99Tc and 99mTc, tacn=1,4,7‐triazacyclononane, R=H, ‐CH2‐C6H5, ‐CH2‐C6H4COOH). With alkenes, these high valent [99mTcO3]+ complexes undergo [3+2] cycloaddition with formation of the corresponding TcV–glycolato complexes. The 99mTcV and 99mTcVII complexes are stable at 37 °C in water and in the presence of serum proteins. Therefore, new opportunities in technetium chemistry are enabled with a high potential for medicinal and biological applications. In contrast to classical labelling, the presented strategy is ligand and not metal‐centred.
Curvature‐ and displacement‐based finite element analyses of flexible slider crank mechanisms
Authors: Kuo Y. L. , Cleghorn W. L.
Published: November 2008

The paper presents the applications of the curvature‐ and displacement‐based finite element methods to flexible slider crank mechanisms. The displacement‐based method usually needs more elements or high‐degree polynomials to obtain highly accurate solutions. The curvature‐based method assumes a polynomial to approximate a curvature distribution, and the expressions are investigated to obtain the displacement and rotation distributions. During the process, the boundary conditions associated with displacement, rotation, and curvature are imposed, which leads the great reduction of the number of degrees of freedom that are required. The numerical results demonstrate that the errors obtained by applying the curvature‐based method are much smaller than those by applying the displacement‐based method, based on the comparison of the same number of degrees of freedom. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.