bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐dose amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid vs. ampicillin prophylaxis in emergency cesarean section
Authors: Chittacharoen A , Manonai J , Suthutvoravut S , Phaupradit W
Published: July 2002

Objective: To study the safety and efficacy of single‐dose prophylaxis intravenous amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid vs. ampicillin given after clamping of the cord in the emergency cesarean section. Methods: We conducted a randomized prospective double‐blind study of 340 pregnant women undergoing emergency cesarean section. Each group received unlabeled but number coded 1.2 g of amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid or 2 g of ampicillin single‐dose intravenously. The patients' characteristics, operation variables and febrile morbidity of each group were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in mean age, parity, duration of labor, duration of ruptured membranes, number of vaginal examinations and indications for cesarean section. The incidence of febrile morbidity in the amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid and ampicillin groups were 5.88 and 11.88%, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. The febrile morbidity in patients who had more than six vaginal examinations was no different from patients who had less than six vaginal examinations in both groups. Conclusion: The febrile morbidity after emergency cesarean section in the amoxycillin‐clavulanic acid group was no different from the ampicillin group in this study. Cost‐effectiveness of both drugs should be further studied.
HIV: mother to child transmission, current knowledge and on‐going studies
Authors: Giaquinto C , Ruga E , Giacomet V , Rampon O , D'Elia R
Published: July 2002

It is estimated that approximately 6000 women of childbearing age, mostly living in the developing world, acquire HIV infection every day. Taking into account that approximately 98% of HIV infected children have acquired HIV from the mother, during pregnancy, at delivery or through breastfeeding, therefore, prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) is a major health priority. Several studies have showed how MTCT of HIV may be prevented using antiretrovirals. Results from a study conducted in Thailand have also recently showed how a short oral zidovudine course during pregnancy and labor may reduce the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 50%. These findings represent a major challenge for the International Health Agencies and Organizations that will have the major obligation to provide HIV tests, counseling and antiviral drugs in settings with high HIV prevalence.
Relationship of gestational age and cervical dilation to the timing of delivery
Authors: Guinn D.A , Goldenberg R.L , Cliver S.P , Owen J
Published: July 2002

Objective: To determine the effect of gestational age and cervical dilation on pregnancy continuation in women with idiopathic preterm labor who were treated with parenteral tocolysis. Method: A total of 950 women with singleton gestations, intact membranes and preterm labor treated with tocolysis prior to 34 weeks' gestation were retrospectively studied. These women were identified from the March of Dimes prematurity prevention program database. For analysis, women were categorized into five gestational age groups and three cervical dilation groups. The primary outcomes measured were the percentage of women who remained undelivered at 48 h and at 14 days post‐initiation of therapy. Result: Overall, 82% of women remained undelivered after 48 h and 65% remained undelivered at 14 days. As cervical dilation advanced, the number of women remaining undelivered at 48 h and 14 days significantly decreased. However, even at ≥4 cm, 52% of women remained undelivered at 48 h. If the cervix was dilated <2 cm, gestational age did not influence the number of days gained prior to delivery. However, if the cervix was dilated ≥2 cm, women at <25 weeks' gestation were more likely to deliver compared to women at the same dilation but with more advanced gestational ages. Conclusion: Overall, 82% of women in preterm labor and 52% of those presenting with ≥4‐cm cervical dilation, delivered after 48 h. Therefore there appears to be ample opportunity for most women in preterm labor with intact membranes, even those at advanced dilations, to receive a complete course of corticosteroid therapy.
Endometriosis and infertility: an integrated approach
Authors: Ledger W.L
Published: July 2002

Objective: To define an integrated approach to endometriosis‐associated infertility. Methods: Review of published literature with grading of evidence by quality. Results: Laparoscopy remains the investigation of choice in cases of endometriosis‐associated infertility and allows the possibility of surgical ablation at diagnosis. This improves fertility in minimal/mild disease, whereas danazol therapy has no benefit. Both in vitro fertilization (IVF) and superovulation with intrauterine insemination improve fertility in mild/minimal disease. Neither surgery nor medical treatment have been shown to improve fertility in moderate/severe disease. IVF with prolonged pituitary down‐regulation produced by long‐acting gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonists after surgical debulking offers the best hope in such cases. Conclusions: Endometriosis‐related infertility should be treated as rapidly as possible with thorough investigation and the minimum delay between diagnosis and therapy.
Monitoring parameters in the management of patients with tubo‐ovarian complexes
Authors: Reljič M , But I
Published: July 2002

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine which of the monitored parameters is most suitable for following the treatment of tubo‐ovarian complex (TOC). Methods: In 35 patients treated conservatively for TOC, serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), erytrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and tumor‐associated antigen 125 (CA‐125) were determined at the beginning as well as on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 of treatment. TOC size was measured ultrasonographically prior to and on day 20 of treatment. We compared the dynamics of these parameters. Spearman's correlation test was used to establish the connection between levels of CRP, ESR, CA‐125 and the size of the TOC. Results: CRP follows the course of acute inflammation quickly, ESR and CA‐125 with some delay. The correlation between the size of the tumor on admission and the CRP levels was established on days 5–10, ESR from the beginning until day 15 and the CA‐125 levels on days 10–20 of treatment. On day 20, only the levels of CA‐125 correlated with the size of the TOC measured on the same day (R=0.49, P=0.01) and only the difference between its levels correlated with the difference in TOC (R=0.41, P=0.01). Conclusion: Determination of CRP, and somewhat less ESR, is more suitable for following the treatment of TOC in the acute phase while CA‐125 and measuring of TOC size is more suitable in the subacute phase.
The classification of gestational trophoblastic disease: a critical review
Authors: Tham K.F. , Ratnam S.S.
Published: July 2002

Gestational trophoblastic disease defines a group of conditions which arises from the fetal chorion. Two of the most important advances in the management of gestational trophoblastic disease have been the standardisation of terminology, and the concept of risk assignment based on classification or staging systems which allows rationalisation of treatment. Gestational trophoblastic disease is unique as the prognosis is dependent not only on the anatomic extent but also the presence of prognostic factors. A staging system similar to that used for other cancers does not apply to this disease because in most cases diagnosis is bases not on histology but on clinical or biochemical parameters. Metastatic spread to distant organs can occur early, even in the absence of disease in the uterus or pelvis. Staging in gestational trophoblastic disease must include prognostic factors in addition to anatomic extent of disease. Broadly there are two categories of classification in current use. The first is based on the usual staging system as in other cancers, with four stages of disease, but at the same time prognostic factors are incorporated. This has the important advantages of simplicity and uniformity with other staging systems. However the main pitfall is that no recommendations are made for treatment. The other broad category consists of risk tables, based on anatomic spread as well as prognostic factors. Here patients are assigned varying risk scores, with guidelines for multiagent chemotherapy at the outset in high‐risk patients to minimise drug resistant disease. The ideal system would be one which has four stages of disease, so that comparison is easier, with recommendations for combination chemotherapy beyond a certain stage of disease.
The prevalence of domestic violence against pregnant women in a Chinesecommunity
Authors: Leung W.C. , Leung T.W. , Lam Y.Y.J. , Ho P.C.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To study the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of a local teaching hospital. Study design: All pregnant women attending their first antenatal clinic in Tsan Yuk Hospital between 11th August and 3rd November, 1998 were interviewed by a designated research nurse (Y.Y.J.L.) using a standard questionnaire (Abuse Assessment Screen) to detect the incidence of domestic violence, the nature of violence, the frequency of violence and the perpetrator of abuse. Demographic factors of the abused group were compared with those of the non‐abused group using student's t‐test and chi‐square test. Results: Pregnant women (631) were interviewed; 113 of them (17.9%) had a history of abuse; 99 women (15.7%) had been abused in the last year; 27 of them (4.3%) had been abused during their current pregnancy; 59 women (9.4%) had been sexually abused in the last year. The husband was the perpetrator in the majority of cases. The nature of violence during pregnancy was mainly psychological in the form of threats of abuse without any physical injury. Risk factors included unplanned pregnancy (P=0.002) and women with husbands/partners who were unemployed or manual workers (P<0.05). Unexpectedly, domestic violence occurred more commonly in permanent local residents rather than new immigrants (P<0.05). Conclusion: This is probably the first study on the incidence of domestic violence in pregnant women in a Chinese community. The incidence is comparable to that from American studies. Routine screening with structured questions during the antenatal visits is necessary in order to identify the abused women so as to prevent potential trauma and to interrupt existing abuse.
Carcinoma of the cervix: aspects of clinical presentation and management in Benin City
Authors: Gharoro E.P. , Abedi H.O. , Okpere E.E.
Published: July 2002

Carcinoma of the cervix is the most common gynecological cancer in Benin City. Late presentation, poverty and grand multiparity featured prominently. Multiplicity of sexual partners was rather uncommon.
Conditions influencing blood pressures in healthy gravidas
Authors: Smith C.V , Miller A.M , Rayburn W.F
Published: July 2002

The use of 24‐h monitoring devices in healthy gravidas confirmed the suspicion that temporary blood pressure elevations relate to ambulation and to emotional upheaval, while the lowest recordings are associated with periods of rest.
Screening for cervical neoplasia during pregnancy
Authors: Cronjé H.S. , van Rensburg E. , Niemand I. , Cooreman B.F. , Beyer E. , Divall P.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To evaluate cytology as a screening method for cervical neoplasia in pregnancy and to compare it with cervicography and the acetic acid test (AAT). Methods: In a large antenatal clinic in South Africa, 842 women were screened utilizing cytology, cervicography and the acetic acid test simultaneously. The proportion of positive results of the different tests were compared and the agreement calculated by the kappa statistic. Results: The mean age of the women was 27 years, and 12.5% smoked. Cytological smears were abnormal (low‐grade squamous intra‐epithelial lesion and higher degrees of abnormality) in 1.4% of cases, cervicography in 6.3% and the AAT in 14.3% (P=0.5400). Kappa values were as follows: cytology vs. cervicography 0.01, cytology vs. AAT 0.0 and cervicography vs. AAT 0.2. Conclusions: As a result of cytology's rather low yield and the small measure of agreement between the tests, cytology should be supplemented by an additional screening test in pregnancy.
Reengineering service operations: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Narasimhan Ram , Jayaram Jayanth
Published: July 2002

Examples of business process reengineering efforts have tended to emphasize manufacturing applications over service operations. This paper reports on a recently completed longitudinal reengineering project conducted by the authors in a service context. Key lessons learned from the experiences of the case study are presented in the form of propositions. Based on these propositions, a process model for successfully planning and implementing business process reengineering efforts is offered. In the process model, key influencing factors for each stage are identified. The process model can be helpful in overcoming risks of failure associated with business process reengineering initiatives.
Issues in the choice of supplier alliance partners
Authors: McCutcheon David , Stuart F.Ian
Published: July 2002

Supplier alliances have been widely touted but there are probably a limited number of situations where they are applicable. This paper develops a model of important factors that define which suppliers offer the best choices for pursuing alliance‐like relationships. Some factors relate to the technology of the goods or services being sourced; others relate to the ability to develop mutual goodwill trust with the targeted supplier. The model was developed through a combination of extensive literature reviews and a series of interviews with managers in 15 manufacturing and service firms.
Asynchronous changes in size, number, and shape of synapses in the developing superior colliculus
Authors: Correa‐Gillieron Elenice M. , Cavalcante Leny A.
Published: July 2002

The ultra‐structural development of synapses in retino‐receptive layers of the opossum superior colliculus was studied by the ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (E‐PTA) method. There was a tendency for a slight reduction in the diameter of synaptic disks, a rise and fall of numerical densities and, except for an ephemeral period, a general increase in the proportion of “frown” among curve synapses. The lack of strict synchrony and the occurrence of different patterns of changes suggest that multiple factors contribute to synaptic maturation.
G‐protein expression in melanotropes changes coincident with innervation of the developing rat pituitary intermediate lobe
Authors: Sands Scott A. , Chronwall Bibie M.
Published: July 2002

The two isoforms of the dopamine D2 receptor, the D2short and the D2long differ in a 29 amino acid insert in the third cytoplasmic loop with which G proteins interact. We have previously reported that in rat melanotropes, expression of D2short increases markedly at the end of the first postnatal week which is concurrent with innervation of the intermediate lobe. Using immunohistochemistry, this study examined expression of Gαi1/2, Gαi3, Gαo and Gαs proteins before and after dopaminergic innervation. Gαi3 increased through gestational day 20, and then remained level to postnatal day 6. At this time, coinciding with the induction of D2short expression, Gαi3 immunoreactive intensity increased markedly, possibly indicating co‐regulation of these receptors. On postnatal day 6, Gαs immunoreactive intensity increased in some, but not all, melanotropes. The resulting heterogeneity in Gs expression persisted in the adult. Gαi1/2 immunoreactivity did not change and Gαo was detected only subsequent to the event of innervation. Thus, dopamine released from axons and acting through D2 receptor stimulation could increase Gαi3 immunoreactivity and decrease Gαs immunoreactive intensity in some melanotropes.
Relationship between the thymus and neurochemical changes in the hypothalamus–preoptic area and prefrontal cortex in female rats with delayed puberty
Authors: Antoniou K. , Papadopoulou‐Daifotis Z. , Kanelakis K. , Varonos D.D. , Sfikakis A.
Published: July 2002

In female rats, aged 55–58 days with delayed puberty due to deficient growth and environmental stress, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels and serotonin turnover rate in the hypothalamus–preoptic area as well as body weight, body weight gain and relative weight of ovaries, uterus, adrenals and preputial glands were lower while serotonin and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels in the prefrontal cortex were higher when compared to normal rats with the latest onset of puberty aged 42–52 days. In rats with delayed puberty, multiple regression analysis revealed a significant negative dependence on dopamine turnover in the hypothalamus–preoptic area for body weight gain and, of all organs, for the relative weight of the thymus. A similar negative significant dependence on serotonin turnover rate in the prefrontal cortex was also found for the relative weight of thymus and spleen. The same analysis in the opposite direction revealed a significant negative dependence of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels and dopamine turnover rate in the hypothalamus–preoptic area as well as serotonin turnover rate in the prefrontal cortex only on thymus weight. After separation of delayed pubertal rats into two groups, based on absolute ovarian weight, the rats in the low ovarian weight range and no signs of puberty exhibited: lower body weight gain, lower body weight, and lower relative weight only of thymus, ovaries and preputial glands in parallel with an increased dopamine turnover rate in the hypothalamus–preoptic area and serotonin turnover rate in the prefrontal cortex compared to the delayed pubertal rats in the high ovarian weight range and early signs of puberty. The results suggest that in rats with delayed puberty: (1) serotonergic activation in the hypothalamus–preoptic area is lower compared to normal puberty rats; (2) dopaminergic activation in the hypothalamus–preoptic area negatively affects body weight gain, thymus weight and initiation of puberty and (3) thymus weight is negatively implicated in dopaminergic activation in the hypothalamus–preoptic area and serotonergic activation in the prefrontal cortex and positively related to ovarian weight and early signs of puberty.
Activity of sialidases in fetal brain axonal growthcones and during postnatal development
Authors: Hernandez‐r J. , Boyzo A. , Mercadoc R.
Published: July 2002

In the present work the cytosolic, membrane‐bound and the total activities of brainsialidases were measured in fetal axonal growth cone particles and in various brain regions duringbrain development. The developmental profile showed an important activity in the prenatal andperinatal periods as well as in specific differentiating structures like the axonal growth cones fromthe fetal brain. Interestingly membrane‐bound activity was higher than the cytosolic activity,starting from 50–60% at birth and increasing thereafter. Cytosolic activity was almost at adultlevels at birth and did not show a further significant increase thereafter. Our results stronglysuggest the commitment of membrane‐bound sialidase activity in early neurodifferentiatingphenomena like axogenesis, probably regulating the turnover of glycoconjugates like gangliosidesat the presynaptic period, since high activity was observed in neuroblasts derived membranes andin the perinatal period.
Immunohistochemical modifications of vasoactiveneuropeptides and excitatory amino acids in the nervoustissue of the mongolian gerbil after transient cerebralischemia
Authors: Giuffrida Rosario , Malatino Lorenzo S. , Bellomo Maria , Sapienza Salvatore
Published: July 2002

Modifications in the tissue concentration of vasoactive peptides (Endothelin,Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) and excitatory amino acids(glutamate, aspartate) were found in the nervous tissue of Mongolian gerbils after transientcerebral ischemia which was induced by unilateral occlusion of the common carotid artery for 30min–4 h. In fact, immunostaining for these peptides was more intense in the ischemic tissue : thegreatest increases of tissue immunoreactivity were observed for Endothelin ; smaller differenceswere found for Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide. Immunostainingfor Neuropeptide Y, another vasoactive neuropeptide, was virtually unchanged. Infarct areas,when present, contained numerous Endothelin‐immunoreactive cell bodies. On the contrary, thesame areas were completely void of glutamate‐ or aspartate‐immunostained neurons, normallypresent in the correspondent regions of the control tissue. The present results suggest that severecerebral ischemia is paralleled by an unbalance of local vasoactive factors. The predominance ofvasoconstrictor action of Endothelin might play a major role in the irreversible damage, togetherwith the excitotoxic effect of the extracellular accumulation of excitatory amino acids, probablydue to a leakage from neuronal cell somata, as suggested by the disappearance of glutamate‐ oraspartate‐immunostained neurons.
Horizontal cell differentiation in the retina of the Brazilian opossum, Monodelphis domestica
Authors: Lyser Katherine M. , Chernomorsky Rostislav , Michalopoulos Christos , Twersky Laura H.
Published: July 2002

Differentiation of many diverse neuronal phenotypes is an essential part of nervous system development. We have studied the differentiation of horizontal cells, one of the basic neuronal types in the vertebrate retina, in a small, easily maintained marsupial by immunocytochemistry using antineurofilament and antivimentin antibodies. At birth the retina consists of proliferating neural epithelial cells, with a few early ganglion cells. Horizontal cells were first detected in 12‐day‐old pups; somas were within the epithelial neuroblastic layer and processes extended radially. By 19 days there were tangentially oriented dendrites and a few longer processes, the beginning of the outer plexiform (first synaptic) layer. By the time of eye opening (about 34 days) the basic histological organization of the mature retina was established.

In the mature retina and during development, horizontal cell neurites in the outer plexiform layer, as well as ganglion cell axons, reacted strongly with several antineurofilament antibodies and with antivimentin; horizontal cell somas were detected only with one antineurofilament antibody. Only one population was detected, which we identify as the short‐axon subtype, by comparison with horizontal cells in other marsupials and in eutherian mammals.

This is the first description of the putative absence in a marsupial of one of the two horizontal cell subtypes found in most amniotes, including mammals so far studied, except murid rodents, which have only the short‐axon subtype. Absence of one subtype in Monodelphis supports the hypothesis that the short‐axon cell is the basic conserved phenotype of this class and suggests that experimental analysis of differentiation of horizontal cells in Monodelphis and murid rodents, compared to marsupials and eutherian mammals which have the basic two subtypes, can help elucidate mechanisms for controlling differentiation of specific cellular phenotypes and the variations in neurons within and among species.
Justice in Siberia: a case study of a lower criminal court in the city of Krasnoyarsk
Authors: Pomorski S.
Published: July 2002

Empirical investigation of justice administration udertaken in post-Soviet Russia has been insignificant. Consequently, there is a dearth of knowledge about realities of justice administration ‘on the ground’, at the level of districts or towns. The author’s research project, an in depth empirical investigation of the activity of a single criminal court located in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, represents a step toward filling this gap. This paper concludes that the rule of law has made rather limited inroads in the day-to-day operations of criminal courts in the Russian deep provinces. The correspondence between earnestly declared legal principles and the mundane reality of judicial practice is loose and at some junctions non-existent.
Opening the black box: an analysis of the Russian economy
Authors: Goorha P.
Published: July 2002

The article develops a simple framework for a discussion of the structure of property rights in the Russian economy. The framework suggests how barter and enterprise restructuring can be evaluated simultaneously with political motivation. Using the notion of politicians with inefficient control over the private sector, it also assesses the recent virtual economy hypothesis. It emphasizes the importance of incentives that were carried over from the Soviet era, which, it is suggested, must be duly considered while analyzing parametric changes in the Russian economy. This point is supported with the help of two examples at the end of the paper.
“Every Little Furrow of Her Brow Makes Me Want To Stop”: An Interpretative Phenomenologic Analysis of Mothers' Experiences With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Treatments
Authors: Brandelli Yvonne N. , Tutelman Perri R. , Chambers Christine T. , Parker Jennifer A. , Stinson Jennifer N. , Huber Adam M. , Stirling Cameron Emma , Wilson Jennifer P.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are faced with a complex medical journey requiring consistent adherence to treatments to achieve disease management. Parents are intimately involved in JIA treatments; however, little is known about their experiences in this role. This is relevant as many treatments necessitate procedural pain (e.g., self‐injections) or side effects (e.g., nausea), which may impact a parents' ability to follow treatment plans. The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of parents who identified challenges with their child's JIA treatments.

Methods

Parents of children with JIA who identified challenges with their child's treatments were invited to take part in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Ten mothers of children with JIA (60% female with a mean age of 11.83 years [range 4–16 years]) participated. Four superordinate themes were present in mothers’ experiences: 1) treatments altered mothers’ roles within the family, increasing their caregiver burden and advocacy; 2) treatments positively and negatively impacted their relationships (e.g., increased support from others, decreased time with others); 3) treatments elicited various emotional responses (e.g., frustration, grief), which affected their well‐being; and 4) treatments were at times a source of internal conflict, affecting mothers’ actions and adherence.

Conclusion

Mothers’ experiences with their child's JIA treatments affects them in various ways that can subsequently impact treatment adherence. Results highlight the value of supporting parents through these complex treatment regimens and incorporating their experiences in treatment decisions to help promote optimal outcomes for children with JIA and their families.
Closing wheel type and row unit downforce can affect corn germination in no‐tillage production systems
Authors: Drewry Jessica L. , Arriaga Francisco J. , Luck Brian D.
Published: June 2021

Adopting no‐till planting can have many soil health benefits and cost savings but may present challenges with respect to planter performance. Aftermarket attachments such as hydraulic row unit down force and closing wheels have been hypothesized to overcome the challenges of uneven planting depth and poor furrow closure due to residue within the field. In addition, starter fertilizer could improve early season growth in cooler soil conditions. This study evaluated the effect of closing wheel type, row unit down force, and starter fertilizer on corn (Zea mays L.) emergence and yield across soil types and micro‐climates within Wisconsin. Aftermarket closing wheels were compared to a standard (rubber) factory provided one, within two down force settings (Low at 333 N and High at 667 N) and liquid starter fertilizer (0 and 47 L ha–1 of 7–21–7). The standard rubber closing wheel with high down force resulted in lower emergence compared to the low setting (p = .013). No effect of starter fertilizer was observed on either emergence or yield. Aftermarket wheels resulted in greater emergence regardless of down force setting, which might appear to be an advantage from an operator point of view, but greater corn emergence did not result in greater yield. These and other factors should be considered when selecting closing wheels for a particular set of seeding conditions.
Ficus asperifolia Miq‐enriched biscuit diet protects against L‐NAME induced hyperlipidemia and hypertension in rats
Authors: Ajeigbe Olufunke Florence , Oboh Ganiyu , Ademosun Ayokunle Olubode , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo
Published: June 2021

Dietary sources of functional foods and nutraceutical have shown strong potentials in the management of hypertension and its complications. Sandpaper leaves, Ficus asperifolia Miq (FA), particularly found in Africa has a rich folkloric history in the management of diabetes and hypertension. This study produced biscuits supplemented with blends of FA at 2.5% and 5% fed to Nw (G)‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl‐ester (L‐NAME, 40 mg/kg/day) induced‐hypertensive rats for 14 days followed by the assessment of blood pressure, lipid profile, and atherogenic index in hypertensive rats. The phenolic constituents of FA blends were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography diode‐anode (HPLC‐DAD). Thereafter, the mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured using the tail‐cuff method after which the heart and lungs of rats were collected, weighed, and the antioxidant status and lipid cholesterol profile were assessed. We realized that recorded phenolic constituents in extracts of FA was at a high level and FA enriched biscuit‐diet caused a significant decrease in SBP and MABP in L‐NAME‐induced hypertensive rats, body weight, atherogenic index and cholesterol profile in treated rats. However, FA enriched biscuit resulted in increased activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) antioxidant enzymes in the heart and lungs of hypertensive rats. This study revealed that FA enriched biscuit‐diet does not only have antihypertensive and antioxidant potential in L‐NAME‐induced hypertensive rats but also plays a protective role in the management of hyperlipidemia.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Low Molecular Weight Amphiphilic Polymer for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Chen Minggui , Deng Hong , Geng Xiangfei , Yang Guang , Xu Xiaohui , Zhang Zhiquan , Zhao Hui , Zhong Xun , Jia Na
Published: June 2021

In this work, a novel, low molecular weight amphiphilic polymer (LAP) with high content of surface‐active functional groups was developed, and its effectiveness for emulsion‐based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) in relatively low permeability reservoirs was evaluated. The LAP polymer can potentially be synthesized on an industrial scale through a free radical polymerization reaction between acrylamide (AM), methyl acrylate (MAA), and the unsaturated surfactant monomer 2‐(acylamido)‐dodecane sulfonic acid (C12AMPS). The interfacial tension between 1000 mg L−1 LAP water solution and Bohai crude oil at 50 °C was reduced to a low value of around 0.2 mN m−1. Core flooding tests were also conducted to study the EOR potential and migration properties of LAP in porous media. The resistance and residual resistant factors of 1500 mg L−1 LAP solution were measured to be 51.0 ± 0.1 and 16.5 ± 0.1, respectively, suggesting LAP's great potential to be used for reservoir profile control. In addition, oil recovered from a three‐layer heterogeneous core by LAP solution was found to be comparable to that recovered using alkaline‐surfactant‐polymer (ASP) flooding. It is also worth mentioning that to accommodate different reservoir conditions, the molecular weight of LAP is adjustable by modifying the concentration of chain transfer agent, surfactant monomer, or initiator.
Betaine hydrochloride addition in Bama mini‐pigʼs diets during gestation and lactation enhances immunity and alters intestine microbiota of suckling piglets
Authors: Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Gao Qiankun , Ma Cui , Wang Kai , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition during gestation and lactation is essential for offspringʼs health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of betaine hydrochloride addition to sow diets during gestation and lactation on suckling pigletʼs immunity and intestine microbiota composition. Forty Bama mini‐pigs were randomly allocated into two groups and fed a basal diet (control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 3.50 kg ton−1 betaine hydrochloride (betaine group) from day 3 after mating to day 21 of lactation. After 21 days of the delivery, 12 suckling piglets from each group with similar body weight were selected for sample collection.

RESULTS

The results showed that maternal betaine hydrochloride addition decreased (P < 0.05) the plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in suckling piglets. Furthermore, dietary betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets increased (P < 0.05) the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum of suckling piglets. In the piglets' intestinal microbiota community, the relative abundances of Roseburia (P < 0.05) and Clostridium (P = 0.059) were lower in the betaine group compared to those in the control group. Moreover, betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets decreased the colonic tyramine (P = 0.091) and skatole (P = 0.070) concentrations in suckling piglets.

CONCLUSION

Betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets enhanced the intestinal morphology, improved immunity, and altered intestinal microbiota of suckling piglets. These findings indicated that betaine hydrochloride addition in sow diets during gestation and lactation will impact suckling piglets' health. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Simple polymerization through oxygen at reduced volumes using oil and water
Authors: Burridge Kevin M. , De Alwis Watuthanthrige Nethmi , Payne Camryn , Page Richard C. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: June 2021

An enduring question is: what is the simplest and easiest way to obtain tailored polymers? This communication explores a robust photoiniferter polymerization with only two active ingredients that requires no prior deoxygenation and can be performed on the milliliter scale or sub‐milliliter scale. Rather than leaving headspace in the polymerization vessel or scaling reactions up to fill the vessel, this approach fills the headspace of the reaction vessel with mineral oil or inert solvents. This approach can also be applied to polar monomers in aqueous media, using oil as the inert solvent, or to hydrophobic monomers with water as the inert solvent. This method removes enough ambient oxygen that the photoiniferter reaction proceeds with no deoxygenation step, and achieves high conversion and good molecular weight control in 10–20 h in both aqueous and organic solvents. Complex polymer architectures such as multiblock copolymers and gradient polymers were successfully synthesized by this approach.
Investigating the exceptional adducts of alkoxides with Ru(II)–arene cations in alkyl alcohol solution using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Cao Xiaoji , Dong Danqi , He Dandan , Lin Xupin
Published: June 2021

Rationale

Exploring the formation mechanism of the exceptional adducts of alkoxides with Ru(II)–arene cations in alkyl alcohol solution using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) is crucial for further understanding the physicochemical properties of Ru(II)–arene complexes in solution.

Methods

All mass spectra were collected with an AB SCIEX TripleTOF 5600+ mass spectrometer in positive mode. Theoretical calculations were carried out using the density functional theory method at the B3LYP level with a hybrid basis set consisting of 6‐31G(d,p) and LanL2DZ in the Gaussian 03 program.

Results

When ruthenated [15]paracyclophanes (Ru‐[15]PCPs) and Ru(II)–arene dimers were dissolved in alkyl alcohol solvents, the adducts of alkoxides with Ru(II)–arene cations were observed under positive ion mode ESI‐MS, which resulted from the coordination of alkyl alcohol molecules with the Ru(II)–arene cations followed by the deprotonation of O‐H bonds of the coordinated alcohols. Furthermore, the number of alkoxides binding to Ru‐[15]PCPs was regulated by the number of ruthenium atoms. Attributed to good solubility and small steric hindrance, the signal intensity of the adducts of methoxides with Ru(II)–arene cations was the strongest among the three alkyl alcohols used in this study.

Conclusions

The characteristic adducts of alkoxides with Ru(II)–arene cations were pervasively present in positive ion mode ESI‐MS of nine Ru(II)–arene complexes dissolved in alkyl alcohol solvents. Taking into consideration the solubility and signal response, methanol is the most suitable solvent for the ESI‐MS experiments with Ru(II)–arene complexes among the solvents studied, where almost only the diagnostic adducts of methoxides with Ru(II)–arene cations are present.
DTPA‐extractable zinc threshold for wheat grain yield response to zinc fertilization in Mollisols
Authors: Martínez Cuesta Nicolás , Carciochi Walter , Salvagiotti Fernando , Sainz Rozas Hernán , Wyngaard Nicolás , López de Sabando Marcelo , Barbieri Pablo
Published: June 2021

Determining soil Zn thresholds for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is still challenging because soil Zn tests have been poorly calibrated. Therefore, this work aimed to determine, under field conditions, the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)–Zn critical threshold for wheat grain yield (GY) response to Zn fertilization in noncalcareous Mollisols. We conducted 14 Zn‐fertilization field trials in Typic Argiudolls from the Argentinean Pampas. Zinc fertilization increased GY in 6 out of 14 trials. Wheat GY response to Zn fertilization ranged from 300 to 949 kg ha–1. Our DTPA–Zn threshold is the first one determined by field trials for wheat grown in Mollisols (1.03 mg kg−1, with a 95% confidence interval from 0.87 to 1.23 mg kg−1). This threshold was greater than those previously reported for other soil types. Future studies should compare different Zn‐fertilization strategies for wheat on Mollisols by combining different fertilizer rates, sources, timings, and placements.
Visna in a UK flock and the biosecurity risk arising from the onward sale of likely infected pedigree stock
Authors: Evans Mike , Caldow George , Del‐Pozo Jorge , Kelly Rob , Scholes Sandra , Sargison Neil
Published: June 2021

Small ruminant lentivirus infections in sheep most commonly present with respiratory signs (maedi) and indurative mastitis, while primary neurological signs (visna) have rarely been reported in Great Britain (GB). Most reports of visna describe signs referable to myelitis, although central signs associated with encephalitis may feature. In this case, visna was diagnosed in a 4‐year‐old ewe in a small pedigree sheep flock, recently imported to GB from northern Europe. Initial clinical findings were of a head tilt, circling, facial tremors and a unilaterally reduced menace response. These neurological signs progressed to include hyperaesthesia, ipsilateral hemiparesis and recumbency. Flock level infection had recently been diagnosed by serology, and the diagnosis in this individual case was confirmed by serology and histopathology. The subsequent sale of animals from the flock through a large national auction and at private sales raises significant ethical questions and serves as a reminder of the importance of biosecurity precautions.
Superrigidity of maximal measurable cocycles of complex hyperbolic lattices
Authors: Sarti F. , Savini A.
Published: June 2021

Let$$\Gamma $$Γbe a torsion-free lattice of$$PU (p,1)$$PU(p,1)with$$p \ge 2$$p≥2and let$$(X,\mu _X)$$(X,μX)be an ergodic standard Borel probability$$\Gamma $$Γ-space. We prove that any maximal Zariski dense measurable cocycle$$\sigma : \Gamma \times X \longrightarrow SU (m,n)$$σ:Γ×X⟶SU(m,n)is cohomologous to a cocycle associated to a representation of$$PU (p,1)$$PU(p,1)into$$SU (m,n)$$SU(m,n), with$$1 \le m \le n$$1≤m≤n. The proof follows the line of Zimmer’ Superrigidity Theorem and requires the existence of a boundary map, that we prove in a much more general setting. As a consequence of our result, there cannot exist maximal measurable cocycles with the above properties when$$1< m < n$$1<m<n.
A classification algorithm based on multi-dimensional fuzzy transforms
Authors: Di Martino Ferdinando , Sessa Salvatore
Published: June 2021

We present a new classification algorithm for machine learning numerical data based on direct and inverse fuzzy transforms. In our previous work fuzzy transforms were used for numerical attribute dependency in data analysis: the multi-dimensional inverse fuzzy transform was used to approximate the regression function. Also here the classification method presented is based on this operator. Strictly speaking, we apply the K-fold cross-validation algorithm for controlling the presence of over-fitting and for estimating the accuracy of the classification model: for each training (resp., testing) subset an iteration process evaluates the best fuzzy partitions of the inputs. Finally, a weighted mean of the multi-dimensional inverse fuzzy transforms calculated for each training subset (resp., testing) is used for data classification. We compare this algorithm on well-known datasets with other five classification methods.
The Relativistic Nature of Entropy Changes
Authors: Mammana Claudio Zamitti
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a method to obtain the variations of the entropies of the phases of a chemical substance in its vapor state, which allows deriving, from thermodynamics, the axioms of a quantum theory that conforms to special relativity.
Asthma-Related Emergency Department Visits in North Carolina Following Hurricane Irene
Authors: Cowan Kristen N. , Pennington Audrey F. , Sircar Kanta , Flanders W. Dana
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Previous research suggests that people with asthma may experience a worsening of symptoms following hurricanes due to changes in environmental exposures, discontinuity in chronic disease management, and stress. The objective of this study was to estimate changes in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits in North Carolina following Hurricane Irene, which made landfall in August 2011.

Methods:

Changes in asthma-related ED visits in September to December of 2010 and 2011 were examined using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency Department and Inpatient Databases. A Poisson generalized linear model was used to estimate the association between Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declarations following Hurricane Irene and county-level asthma-related ED visits controlling for month, year, and county.

Results:

Following Hurricane Irene, disaster declarations were made for 38 of 100 counties in North Carolina. In September 2010, the rate of asthma-related ED visits for North Carolina was 6 per 10,000 person-months. In September 2011, rates of asthma-related ED visits were similar in counties with and without disaster declarations (7 and 5 per 10,000 person-months, respectively). When adjusting for covariates, there was little or no difference in the rate of asthma ED visits before and after the hurricane between counties with and without a disaster declaration (rate ratio {RR} [95% confidence interval {CI}] = 1.02[0.97, 1.08]).

Conclusions:

Although risk factors for asthma exacerbations increase following hurricanes, these results found little evidence of an increase in asthma-related ED visits in North Carolina following Hurricane Irene.
Hole dissections for planar figures
Authors: Frederickson Greg N.
Published: June 2021

A geometric dissection is a cutting of a geometric figure (or a finite set of figures) into pieces that we can rearrange to form another geometric figure (or finite set of figures). If our figures are required to be polygons, then there is always a dissection that has just a finite number of pieces. This was established by John Lowry [1], William Wallace [2], Farkas Bolyai [3], and Karl Gerwien [4]. The American Sam Loyd [5] and the Englishman Henry Ernest Dudeney [6, 7] emphasised the goal of minimising the number of pieces that resulted from such a standard dissection.
Senecan Tragedy: Twelve Propositions
Authors: Boyle A. J.
Published: June 2021

I begin by stating what Senecan tragedy is not. Senecan tragedy is not a series of declamations cast into dramatic form, as Leo claimed. It is not purely verbal drama divorced from the inner psychological realities of character, as Eliot claimed. It is not character-static drama, incohesive, structureless, lifeless and monotonously versified, as Mackail and others have claimed. It is not Stoic propaganda, as Marti claimed. It is not recitation drama, if by recitation drama is meant drama to be recited by a single speaker and essentially unstageable, as Zwierlein claims. It is not a tissue of hackneyed commonplaces, as Ogilvie claimed, nor an artificial imitation of Greek tragedy, as Beare claimed; nor is it contemptible as literature, as Summers and most nineteenth and early twentieth century critics have claimed.

What is Senecan tragedy? This essay presents twelve propositions, each of which isolates a characterising property of Senecan tragedy important for the understanding of it as literary and cultural artefact. These twelve propositions constitute neither an exhaustive list of such properties nor an analysis of genre. The latter question, however, I leave not to contemporary theory, but to the Codex Etruscus and the Elizabethans.
Juvenal Satire 15: Cannibals and Culture
Authors: Anderson William S.
Published: June 2021

Pliny, Tacitus, and Juvenal were all released by the death of Domitian in A.D. 96 and the succession of Nerva, then of Trajan in 98 to embark on their separate careers of public and literary life. While Pliny reflects a happy present time, Tacitus and Juvenal look back on earlier times with disgust and indignation. But that, too, could well imply that, secure with the Trajanic Era, they were seeking more dramatic material for their comfortable audiences. When Trajan died in 117, Juvenal had published two books of poems consisting of what we call Satires 1 to 6. Trajan's successor, Hadrian, was a considerably different man, not only a capable soldier and administrator but a person of culture, widely travelled, fond of architectural experimentation, with a life-style that included both a wife and a handsome Bithynian named Antinous. Life was not so predictable under Hadrian for anybody. Pliny had already died, and Tacitus may not have survived very long into the new reign, but Juvenal was still alive and writing after 127.