bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Method for the Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs in Fish Muscle Samples by Microwave-Assisted Extraction and Analysis of Extracts by GC-ECD
Authors: Wilkowska Angelika M , Biziuk Marek
Published: February 2020

A procedure for the multiresidue determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fish muscle samples has been developed. The method is based on the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of food samples from an acetonitrilewater (95 5, v/v) mixture followed by SPE cleanup of the extracts and analysis by GC with an electron capture detector. MAE operational parameters, such as the extraction solvent, temperature, and time, were optimized with respect to the extraction efficiency of the target compounds from food samples with 1013 fat content. The chosen extraction technique allows reduction of the solvent consumption and extraction time when compared with methods already used. Acetonitrile is a good extraction solvent for low-fat matrixes (220 fat content), such as fish samples, because it does not significantly dissolve the highly polar proteins, salts, and sugars commonly found in food and gives high recoveries of a wide polarity range of analytes. For purification, SPE using LC-Florisil was shown to be sufficient for the removal of coextracted substances. Recoveries >78 with RSD values <15 were obtained for all compounds under the selected conditions. Method quantification limits were in the 510 g/kg range. The method was applied to the analysis of samples of herring (Clupea harengus) purchased at the local fish market. The method is rapid and reliable for the determination of organochlorine analytes in fish muscle.
Development and Validation of an HPLC/MS/MS Method for the Determination of Sufentanil and Morphine in Human Plasma
Authors: Manfio Josélia Larger , Santos Verônica Jorge , Lanchote Vera Lúcia , Santos Luciana M , Carmona Maria José C , Auler José Otavio , Junior Liberato Brum , Donaduzzi Carmen Maria , Santos Silvia R C J
Published: February 2020

A sensitive and fast HPLC/MS/MS method for measurement of sufentanil and morphine in plasma was developed and validated. A single liquid–liquid extraction in alkaline medium was used for the cleanup of plasma, and fentanyl was added as an internal standard (IS). The analyses were carried out using a C18 column and the mobile phase acetonitrile–5 mM ammonium acetate + 0.25% formic acid (70 + 30, v/v). The triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray source in positive mode was set up in the selective reaction monitoring mode to detect precursor → product ion transition 387.0 > 238.0, 285.7 > 165.1, and 337.0 > 188.0 for sufentanil, morphine, and IS, respectively. The method was linear in the 0.05 (LOQ) – 500 ng/mL range for sufentanil and 10 (LOQ) – 1000 ng/mL range for morphine. Good selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness were obtained for the HPLC/MS/MS method. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of sufentanil and morphine in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Qualitative PCR Method for Roundup Ready® Soybean: Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Kodama Takashi , Kasahara Masaki , Minegishi Yasutaka , Futo Satoshi , Sawada Chihiro , Watai Masatoshi , Akiyama Hiroshi , Teshima Reiko , Kurosawa Yasunori , Furui Satoshi , Hino Akihiro , Kitta Kazumi
Published: February 2020

Quantitative and qualitative methods based on PCR have been developed for genetically modified organisms (GMO). Interlaboratory studies were previously conducted for GMO quantitative methods; in this study, an interlaboratory study was conducted for a qualitative method for a GM soybean, Roundup Ready® soy (RR soy), with primer pairs designed for the quantitative method of RR soy studied previously. Fourteen laboratories in Japan participated. Each participant extracted DNA from 1.0 g each of the soy samples containing 0, 0.05, and 0.10% of RR soy, and performed PCR with primer pairs for an internal control gene (Le1) and RR soy followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. The PCR product amplified in this PCR system for Le1 was detected from all samples. The sensitivity, specificity, and false-negative and false-positive rates of the method were obtained from the results of RR soy detection. False-negative rates at the level of 0.05 and 0.10% of the RR soy samples were 6.0 and 2.3%, respectively, revealing that the LOD of the method was somewhat below 0.10%. The current study demonstrated that the qualitative method would be practical for monitoring the labeling system of GM soy in kernel lots.
Optimization of Detection Conditions and Single-Laboratory Validation of a Multiresidue Method for the Determination of 135 Pesticides and 25 Organic Pollutants in Grapes and Wine by Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dasgupta Soma , Banerjee Kaushik , Dhumal Kondiba N , Adsule Pandurang G
Published: February 2020

This paper describes single-laboratory validation of a multiresidue method for the determination of 135 pesticides, 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, 12 polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and bisphenol A in grapes and wine by GC/time-of-flight MS in a total run time of 48 min. The method is based on extraction with ethyl acetate in a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:1, followed by selective dispersive SPE cleanup for grapes and wine. The GC/MS conditions were optimized for the chromatographic separation and to achieve highest S/N for all 160 target analytes, including the temperature-sensitive compounds, like captan and captafol, that are prone to degradation during analysis. An average recovery of 80–120% with RSD <10% could be attained for all analytes except 17, for which the average recoveries were 70–80%. LOQ ranged within 10–50 ng/g, with <25% expanded uncertainties, for 155 compounds in grapes and 151 in wine. In the incurred grape and wine samples, the residues of buprofezin, chlorpyriphos, metalaxyl, and myclobutanil were detected, with an RSD of <5% (n= 6); the results were statistically similar to previously reported validated methods.
RP-HPLC Analysis of Phenolic Acids of Selected Central European Carex L. (Cyperaceae) Species and Its Implication for Taxonomy
Authors: Bogucka-Kocka Anna , Szewczyk Katarzyna , Janyszek Magdalena , Janyszek Sławomir , Cieśla Łukasz
Published: February 2020

Eighteen species belonging to the Carex genus were checked for the presence and the amount of eight phenolic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric, sinapic, and ferulic) by means of HPLC. Both the free and bonded phenolic acids were analyzed. The majority of the analyzed acids occurred in the studied species in relatively high amounts. The highest concentrations found were caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid, for which the detected levels were negatively correlated. A very interesting feature was the occurrence of sinapic acid, a compound very rarely detected in plant tissues. Its distribution across the analyzed set of species can be hypothetically connected with the humidity of plants' habitats. Several attempted tests of aggregative cluster analysis showed no similarity to the real taxonomical structure of the genus Carex. Thus, the phenolic acids' composition cannot be considered as the major taxonomical feature for the genus Carex.
Development of a Method to Determine Albendazole and Its Metabolites in the Muscle Tissue of Yellow Perch Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection
Authors: Yu Donglei , Rummel Nathan , Shaikh Badar
Published: February 2020

An HPLC method was developed for the determination of albendazole (ABZ) and its metabolites, a sulfoxide (ABZSO), a sulfone (ABZSO2), and albendazole-2-aminosulfone (ABZ-2-NH2SO2), from yellow perch muscle tissue with adhering skin. The muscle tissue samples were made alkaline with potassium carbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate, followed by a series of liquidliquid extraction steps. After solvent evaporation, the residue was reconstituted in the initial mobile phase combination of the gradient. The mobile phase consisted of a buffer, 50 mM ammonium acetate (pH 4.0) in 10 methanolwater, and 100 acetonitrile. The gradient was from 20 acetonitrile to 85 acetonitrile. The analytes were chromatographed on an RP Luna C18(2) column and detected by fluorescence with excitation and emission wavelengths of 290 and 330 nm, respectively. The average recoveries from fortified muscle tissue for ABZ (20100 ppb), ABZ-SO (20200 ppb), ABZSO2 (8100 ppb), and ABZ-2-NH2SO2 (20100 ppb) were 85, 95, 101, and 86, respectively, with corresponding CV values of 9, 3, 6, and 4, respectively. Their LOQ values were 10, 10, 1, and 10 ppb, respectively. The procedure was applied to determine ABZ and its major metabolites in the incurred muscle tissue of yellow perch obtained after orally dosing the fish with ABZ.
Gradient HPLC-Diode Array Detector Stability-Indicating Determination of Lidocaine Hydrochloride and Cetylpyridinium Chloride in Two Combined Oral Gel Dosage Forms
Authors: Belal Tarek S , Shaalan Rasha A , Haggag Rim S
Published: February 2020

A simple, rapid, and selective HPLC-diode array detector method was developed for the simultaneous determination of lidocaine hydrochloride (LD) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in two combined pharmaceutical formulations. Effective chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB-C8 (4.6 250 mm, 5 m particle size) column with gradient elution using a mobile phase composed of 0.05 M phosphoric acid and acetonitrile. The gradient elution started with 25 (v/v) acetonitrile, ramped up linearly to 85 in 5 min, and then was constant until the end of the run. The mobile phase was pumped at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The multiple wavelength detector was set at 214 and 258 nm, and quantification of the analytes was based on measuring their peak areas. The retention times for LD and CPC were about 3.4 and 7.3 min, respectively. The reliability and analytical performance of the proposed HPLC procedure were statistically validated with respect to linearity, range, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, LOD, and LOQ. Calibration curves were linear in the range of 5200 and 10400 g/mL for LD and CPC, respectively, with correlation coefficients >0.999. The proposed method was proven to be stability-indicating by the resolution of the two analytes from the related substance and potential impurity (2,6-dimethylaniline) as well as from forced-degradation products. The validated HPLC method was extended to the analysis of LD and CPC in two combined oral gel preparations for which the two analytes were successfully resolved from the pharmaceutical adjuvants and quantified with recoveries not less than 97.9.
A Highly Sensitive RP-HPLC-Fluorescence Method to Study Aldehyde Oxidase Activity
Authors: Rashidi Mohammad-Reza , Amini Kaveh , Khani Mohammad-Yaser , Faridi Akram , Hanaee Jalal , Sorouraddin Mohammad-Hossein
Published: February 2020

Aldehyde oxidase is a widely distributed enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of an extensive range of aldehydes and N-heterocyclic compounds with physiological, pharmacological, and toxicological relevance. In the present study, a highly sensitive RP-HPLC-fluorescence method based on the oxidation of phenanthridine to phenanthridinone has been developed and validated to assay aldehyde oxidase activity in biological samples. Determination of phenanthridinone was achieved on a C18 column using 10 mmol/L phosphate buffer (pH 5.0) containing 0.1 mmol/L EDTAacetonitrile (40 60, v/v) as the mobile phase. The fluorescence intensity of phenanthridinone was measured at 364 nm with excitation at 236 nm. The proposed method was precise, accurate, specific and rapid (analysis time, approximately 8 min) with a mean RSD of 2.54. Peak responses were linear from 0.5 to 100 nmol/L, with an LOD of 0.125 nmol/L. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by measurement of aldehyde oxidase activity in rat liver, kidney, ovary, and heart fractions.
Clospore: A Liquid Medium for Producing High Titers of Semi-purified Spores of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Perez Justo , Springthorpe V Susan , Sattar Syed A
Published: February 2020

Clostridium difficile continues to cause infections in healthcare and other settings. Its spores survive well indoors and require sporicidal chemicals for infection control. However, proper testing of disinfectants is impeded due to difficulties in obtaining viable spores of high enough quality and titers to meet current regulations for sporicidal claims. A new liquid medium (Clospore) has been developed, based on a systematic review of the compositions of 20 other available media. C. difficile spores grown in the new medium and treated with a mixture of lysozyme and trypsin yielded final suspensions with >109 CFU/mL of viable spores, with a purity of >91 as tested by spore-staining and phase-contrast microscopy. The spores showed a biological decay rate of about 0.1 log10/month when dried on metal disks and stored indoors (air temperature 23 2C; relative humidity 52.76 15.08). Heating the purified spore suspensions to 70C for 10 min to inactivate any vegetative cells showed no spore activation or inactivation. The spores could be stored for at least 14 months either refrigerated (4C) or frozen (20 or 80C) in 50 (v/v) ethanol with virtually no loss in viability. The resistance of the enzyme-treated spores to three levels of sodium hypochlorite (1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm), using a standardized quantitative carrier test, was almost identical to that of the spores concentrated by centrifugation alone. The described procedure has been successfully applied to four standard (ATCC) and six clinical strains of C. difficile.
Validation of an Oil-in-Water Microemulsion Liquid Chromatography Method for Analysis of Perindopril tert-Butylamine and Its Impurities
Authors: Mašković Marija , Dotsikas Yannis , Malenović Anđelija , Jančić-Stojanović Biljana , Ivanović Darko , Medenica Mirjana
Published: February 2020

This paper describes the development and validation of a microemulsion liquid chromatography (MELC) method for simultaneous determination of perindopril tert-butylamine and its impurities in bulk active substances and the pharmaceutical dosage form of tablets. An appropriate resolution with reasonable retention times was obtained for a microemulsion containing 0.24% (w/v) butyl acetate, 0.30% (w/v) ethyl acetate, 2% (w/v) sodium dodecyl sulfate, 7.75% (w/v) n-butanol, and 20.0 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate, the pH of which was adjusted to 3.70 with 85% orthophosphoric acid. Separations were performed on a Nucleosil 120-5 butyl modified (C4), 250 × 4 mm, 5 μm particle size silica column at 40°C, with a mobile phase flow rate of 1.25 mL/min. UV detection was performed at 254 nm. The established method was subjected to method validation, and required validation parameters were defined. Robustness testing, an important part of method validation, was performed as well. Since robustness validation can be conducted using different experimental designs, the Plackett-Burman design was applied due to its possibility of testing many factors at the same time. The validated MELC method was found to be suitable for the simultaneous determination of perindopril tert-butylamine and its impurities in pharmaceuticals.
Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Wen-Ling , Hsu Tzu-Fang , Chen Chia-Yang
Published: February 2020

A sensitive method was developed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/MS/MS with positive electrospray ionization for determining aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and milk powder. A 50 mL quantity of low-fat liquid milk containing 100 ng/L AFM1 was prepared using immunoaffinity columns with a mean recovery rate of 79% (n = 3). UHPLC columns (BEH C18, BEH HILIC, and HSS T3) greatly reduced the chromatographic time and lowered the instrumental detection limits (IDLs) 16 to 58 times compared to an HPLC column (Betabasic C18). The HSS T3 column was chosen because it provided a low IDL (0.11 pg) and the lowest ion suppression of signal intensity (63.4%) among the tested columns. Matrix-fortified calibration curves were used for quantification and showed good linearity (r > 0.997) at 0.05–500 ng/mL. The LOD was 0.18 ng/kg for milk and 2.08 ng/kg for milk powder, based on the signal intensity of the confirmatory product ion (m/z 259.1), which was less abundant than the quantitative product ion (m/z 273.1). Certified reference materials of milk powder
Validation Study of a Rapid ELISA for Detection of Histamine in Tuna
Authors: Lupo Anthony , Mozola Mark
Published: February 2020

Neogen Corp. has developed an improved Veratox histamine test kit for the detection of histamine in tuna tissue. The purpose of this study was to validate the method under the requirements of AOAC Research Institute (RI) Performance Tested MethodsSM. Three AOAC Official MethodsSM for histamine (954.04, 957.07, and 977.13) and one ELISA method have been performance tested by the AOAC RI. The most popular is AOAC Official MethodSM977.13, the fluorometric method, which is considered the reference method, but is complicated and time-consuming. The need for a rapid ELISA test kit to be validated by the AOAC RI exists.
Development of Extraction Methods for Speciation Analysis of Selenium in Aqueous Extracts of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Kolachi Nida F , Kazi Tasneem G , Afridi Hassan I , Khan Sumaira , Baig Jameel A , Wadhwa Sham K , Shah Abdul Q , Shah Faheem
Published: February 2020

Advanced extraction methods have been developed for direct speciation of dissolved inorganic and organic selenium (Se) species in aqueous extracts of medicinal plants (MPs). The inorganic species of Se (SeIV and SeVI) were separated from organic forms by adsorbing inorganic Se on alumina, while the organic Se was not retained. The retained inorganic Se species was eluted with 10 mL 0.2 M HCl. The total inorganic Se species was determined after prereduction of SeVI into SeIV with concentrated HCl. The SeIV in the eluent and total inorganic Se species were then complexed with diethyldithiocarbamate. The resultant complexes were entrapped in the nonionic surfactant Triton X-114. The total Se, organic Se, total inorganic Se, and SeIV species were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a modifer. The SeVI concentration was obtained by subtracting SeIV from total inorganic Se contents. The main factors affecting the methodologies were investigated in detail. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the LOD for SeIV was 50 µg/L. Among dissolved inorganic and organic Se species in aqueous extracts of MPs, organic Se species were present in the range of 74–84%, SeIV 3.62–7.47%, and SeVI 12.4–18.57% of total Se contents.
Specific PCR Detection of Tiger, Leopard, and Lion Ingredients from Test Samples
Authors: Cao Jijuan , Xu Junyi , Liu Ran , Yu Ke , Wang Changwen
Published: February 2020

A PCR method was developed for specifc detection of tiger, leopard, and lion DNA from test specimens for inspection and quarantine or for law-enforced animal protection. Three pairs of specifc primers were designed based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene of tiger, leopard, and lion and used in the PCR testing. To mimic the effect of food processing on the sensitivity of the test, the tiger muscle and bovine bonemeal powder samples were treated at 133°C for 30 min. At this processing condition, the method was sensitive enough to detect as low as 0.05% of tiger-derived ingredients from the mixed bonemeal powders. The data demonstrate that our PCR method is convenient and economic, with high sensitivity and repeatability, and can be used to detect and identify tiger, leopard, and lion ingredients from various test samples.
Eleutherosides in Aerial Parts of Eleutherococcus Species Cultivated in Poland
Authors: Załuski Daniel , Smolarz Helena Danuta , Szpilewska Monika
Published: February 2020

Many Eleutherococcus species grow in Siberia, China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. The most well known is Eleutherococcus senticosus, which contains pharmacologically active compounds, such as eleutherosides, flavonoids, vitamins, and complex polysaccharides. E. senticosus owes its medicinal properties mainly to eleutherosides. The objective of this study was to determine eleutherosides B, E, and E1 in the aerial parts of different Eleutherococcus species. The eleutherosides were extracted with ethanol, and the extracts were cleaned by SPE on C18 columns, and then analyzed by HPTLC. Silica gel plates with fluorescence indicator, designated F254, were used with chloroform–methanol–water (70 + 30 + 4, v/v/v) and chloroform–methanol–toluene–ammonium hydroxide (9 + 6 + 3 + 2, v/vv/v) mobile phases. Two-step elution with these mobile phases was used for the development of chromatograms. Eleutherosides were visualized by derivatization with Liebermann-Burchard reagent. This reagent was used for the first time to detect eleutherosides. Eleutherosides B, E, and E1 were detected in the fruits of the investigated species. E. senticosus contained three of the investigated compounds, and E. sessiliflorus, E. gracilistylus, and E. divaricatus two compounds each.
Method for the Rapid Determination of Protein in Meats Using the CEM Sprint™ Protein Analyzer: Collaborative Study
Authors: Moser Cindy , Herman Kathy ,   Collaborators:, Barnhardt K , Ceizyk M , Chriscoe T , Conch M , Haneklaus A , Herman K , Hetzler M , Holton P , Hughes V , Kalinska H , Martin J , Steiner G , Temples M , Trumble D , Vargus A , Weber M , Weidemann J , Zielke G
Published: February 2020

A collaborative study was conducted to determine the protein content of raw and processed meat products by a protein-tagging and colorimetric technique. Meat products were prepared following AOAC Official MethodSM 983.18 and analyzed using CEM Corporation's Sprint Rapid Protein Analyzer. Sprint provides protein results by combining an accurately weighed test portion with a known amount of dye-binding agent. The dye-binding agent binds with the lysine, histidine, and arginine, as well as the n-terminus of the proteins commonly found in raw meat and processed meat products. Results are displayed and reported by the Sprint as a percentage (g/100 g) of protein. Ten blind duplicate study samples were sent to 10 collaborating laboratories in the United States. The within-laboratory (repeatability) relative standard deviation (RSDr) ranged from 0.91 to 3.04%, and between-laboratories (reproducibility) relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 1.50 to 3.41% for protein. The method is recommended for Official First Action.
Determination of Rufinamide in the Presence of 1-[(2,6-Difluorophenyl)Methyl]-1H-1,2,3-Triazole-4 Carboxylic Acid Using RP-HPLC and Derivative Ratio Methods as Stability Indicating Assays to Be Applied on Dosage Form
Authors: Hassib Sonia T , Hashem Hanaa M A , Mahrouse Marianne A , Mostafa Eman A
Published: February 2020

Background

Rufinamide is a triazole derivative that is structurally dissimilar to other marketed antiepileptic drugs, has been assumed a marketing authorization, by the European Union and FDA, for use as a complementary therapy for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Objective

This work is concerned with development of two methods for determination of rufinamide (RUF) in presence of 1-[(2,6-difluorophenyl)methyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4 carboxylic acid as its alkaline degradation product in dosage form.

Methods

The first method was capable of determing RUF in the presence of its alkaline degradation product and in dosage form. Kromasil C8 column and mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–water (50:50, v/v) were used and UV detection at 210 nm. In the second method, first derivative ratio spectrophotometry, RUF was determined by measuring peak amplitude at 269.5 nm over 5–30 μg/mL.

Results

The linearity range of RUF was 10–90 μg/mL for HPLC method covering its therapeutic range with r2 = 0.9999. Forced degradation under alkaline conditions was carried out, the degradation product was isolated and its structure was confirmed. Both methods were validated in accordance to ICH guidelines. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between obtained results and reported ones.

Conclusion

The present study is useful for therapeutic drug monitoring and routine analysis of RUF in quality control laboratories.

Highlights

Kinetics of the alkaline degradation of RUF was studied by following the concentration of the remaining drug until complete degradation was achieved.
Pictures Do Influence the Decision to Transfer: Outcomes of a Telemedicine Program Serving an Eight-State Rural Population
Authors: Garber Rebecca N , Garcia Edwin , Goodwin Cleon W , Deeter Lyndsay A
Published: February 2020

Triaging burn patients is a daunting task because burn injuries are rare; this inexperience leads to uncertainty in treatment and referral algorithms. Our regional burn center’s catchment area includes eight states. Outlying facilities consult via telephone through the medical center’s transfer center. Referring provider assessments of depth or size of injury infrequently correlates with burn provider’s assessments. This causes over- and under-triage of patients managed outside of burn centers. A quality improvement telemedicine project was developed to allow burn providers to review photos with referring providers to determine best management, provide pertinent education, and initiate appropriate and timely resuscitation. Details tracked include date of service, consulting provider, follow-up education offered, and whether the image reviewed changed or confirmed the requested plan of care. Of the 155 cases between January 2017 and August 2018, 24.5% of patient images changed the initial transfer decision, and 75.5% confirmed the initial plan of care. Of the cases requiring change of plan, 60.5% were down-triaged to outpatient care and 39.5% were up-triaged to transfer. Implementation of this telemedicine program has increased efficiency of resource utilization, timely resuscitation, appropriate transfer of patients requiring admission, and real-time education. Findings suggest advanced practice providers’ assessments are similar to those of referring physicians. These observations may have significant implications on Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) guidelines defining physician to physician consultation and support efficient use of available resources. Telemedicine facilitates access to specialized care and improves fiscal responsibility.
Evaluation of the face advance rate on ground control in the open face area associated with mining operations in Western China
Authors: Song Gaofeng , Wang Zhenwei , Ding Kuo
Published: February 2020

The modern longwall faces in coal bases in Western China are being mined at an increasingly faster rate, yet the consequences of the face advance rate on the ground control and strata movement require further investigation. In this study, two improved physical models with different advance rates are developed to evaluate the roof failure characteristics; the strata movement; the displacement of the strong, massive roof; and the roof movement velocity. The results show that: (i) regular falls of the immediate roof and major falls of the hard roof are observed with the progressive development of the longwall face. Massive fractures on the roof strata extending from the face to the ground surface develop on a major roof fall. (ii) Model I, which has a slower face advance rate, shows a major roof fall interval of 65 m, which is slightly less than the 70 m found by Model II, which advances at a faster rate. Larger strata fractures are observed in Model I, while the gob area of Model II is better filled with waste rock materials. (iii) The displacement and velocity of the hard roof are unnoticeable until a massive roof fall. Maximum displacement occurs on a major roof fall, which is 50 mm for Model I and 30 mm for Model II. The maximum roof movement velocity on a major roof fall is 4.6 cm per min and 5.9 cm per min for Models I and II, respectively.
Clinical experience of pelvic radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for postoperative uterine cervical cancer using intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Yamamoto Takaya , Umezawa Rei , Tokunaga Hideki , Kubozono Masaki , Kozumi Maiko , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Matsushita Haruo , Kadoya Noriyuki , Ito Kengo , Sato Kiyokazu , Tsuji Keita , Shimada Muneaki , Jingu Keiichi
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to reveal treatment outcomes and toxicity after pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for postoperative uterine cervical cancer of Japanese patients. Consecutive patients who were treated with pelvic IMRT for postoperative cervical cancer in our institute were retrospectively analyzed. Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier estimator, and log-rank tests were used to compare differences. From the database, 62 patients were identified. The pathology was squamous cell carcinoma in 44 patients and other pathology in 18 patients. Of the 62 patients, 35 had high-risk prognostic factors and 27 patients had intermediate-risk prognostic factors. The prescribed radiation doses were 50 Gy in 25 fractions for 58 patients and 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions for 4 patients. One patient received a vaginal cuff boost. Chemotherapy was administered in 36 patients. During the median follow-up period of 50.9 months, there was no locoregional failure. Six patients in the high-risk group relapsed, but none of the patients in the intermediate-risk group relapsed (P = 0.02). The 3-year OS and RFS rates were 98.2% and 90.9%, respectively. Significant factors related to RFS were squamous cell carcinoma pathology (P = 0.02), pathological T stage (P = 0.04), surgical margin status (P < 0.01) and multiple lymph nodes metastases (P < 0.01). Grade 3 or more toxicity occurred in 6 patients. Four patients had obstruction of the intestine, and 2 patients had stenosis of the urinary tract. In clinical practice, the use of pelvic IMRT for postoperative cervical cancer of Japanese patients showed a low rate of toxicity without decreasing the efficacy.
Pioneers or Mere Labor Force? Post–World War II Italian Rural Migration to Brazil and the Legacies of Colonialism
Authors: Gaggio Dario
Published: February 2020

In the early 1950s, the Italian government experimented with organized rural settlement in Brazil and the rest of Latin America. Part of a general effort to ease Italy’s “overpopulation,” rural settlement abroad had special meanings for both Italian and Brazilian elites. These experiments resonated with the memories of mass emigration at the turn of the twentieth century and with the legacy of colonial settlement in Libya and East Africa. These projects also fulfilled ongoing racial and eugenic aspirations in Brazil. Italian rural settlement in Brazil took the form of both employment in the coffee fazendas (estates) and the foundation of relatively homogenous “colonies.” However unsuccessful on their own terms, these experiments provide evidence of the links between colonial knowledge and development practices, and they challenge the widespread assumption that Italians simply repressed their colonial past after the end of fascism and military defeat.
Rapid particle acceleration due to recollimation shocks and turbulent magnetic fields in injected jets with helical magnetic fields
Authors: Nishikawa Kenichi , Mizuno Yosuke , Gómez Jose L , Duţan Ioana , Niemiec Jacek , Kobzar Oleh , MacDonald Nicholas , Meli Athina , Pohl Martin , Hirotani Kouichi
Published: February 2020

One of the key questions in the study of relativistic jets is how magnetic reconnection occurs and whether it can effectively accelerate electrons in the jet. We performed 3D particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of a relativistic electron–proton jet of relatively large radius that carries a helical magnetic field. We focused our investigation on the interaction between the jet and the ambient plasma and explore how the helical magnetic field affects the excitation of kinetic instabilities such as the Weibel instability (WI), the kinetic Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (kKHI), and the mushroom instability (MI). In our simulations these kinetic instabilities are indeed excited, and particles are accelerated. At the linear stage we observe recollimation shocks near the centre of the jet. As the electron–proton jet evolves into the deep non-linear stage, the helical magnetic field becomes untangled due to reconnection-like phenomena, and electrons are repeatedly accelerated as they encounter magnetic-reconnection events in the turbulent magnetic field.
LY6K promotes glioblastoma tumorigenicity via CAV-1–mediated ERK1/2 signaling enhancement
Authors: Sastry Namratha G , Wan Xuechao , Huang Tianzhi , Alvarez Angel A , Pangeni Rajendra P , Song Xiao , James Charles David , Horbinski Craig M , Brennan Cameron W , Nakano Ichiro , Hu Bo , Cheng Shi-Yuan
Published: February 2020

Background

Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus K (LY6K) is a putative oncogene in various cancers. Elevated expression of LY6K is correlated with poor patient prognosis in glioblastoma (GBM). The aim of this study is to advance our understanding of the mechanism by which LY6K contributes to GBM tumor biology.

Methods

Bioinformatic data mining was used to investigate LY6K expression in relation to GBM clinical outcome. To understand the role of LY6K in GBM, we utilized patient-derived glioma stemlike cells (GSCs) and U87 cells and employed immunoblotting, immunofluorescent staining, radiation treatment, and orthotopic GBM xenograft models.

Results

Our results show that increased expression of LY6K inversely correlates with GBM patient survival. LY6K promotes tumorigenicity in GBM cells both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism underlying this tumorigenic behavior is enhancement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Interestingly, we observed that tumor-promoting LY6K-ERK1/2 signaling is mediated by the interaction of LY6K with caveolin-1, rather than through oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase–mediated signaling. Moreover, association of LY6K with the cell membrane is crucial for its tumorigenic functions. Finally, DNA methylation maintains LY6K silencing, and hypomethylation of the LY6K promoter increases its expression. In GSCs, ionizing radiation leads to demethylation of the LY6K promoter, thereby increasing LY6K expression and GSC resistance to radiation.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the importance of the contribution of LY6K to GBM tumor biology and suggests LY6K as a potential membrane target for treating GBM.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma After Failed Radiation Therapy: A Case Series
Authors: Palejwala Ali H , O’Connor Kyle P , Milton Camille K , Pelargos Panayiotis E , Glenn Chad A , Bohnstedt Bradley N , Algan Ozer , Sughrue Michael E
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a growing technology to treat a variety of brain lesions. It offers an alternative to treatment options, such as open craniotomy and stereotactic radiosurgery.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze our experience using LITT for metastatic melanoma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of the patients from our institution. Our case series involves 5 patients who had previously failed radiation treatment.

RESULTS

Our patients have low complication rates and short hospital stays. Both are considerably lower when compared to the literature for metastatic melanoma.

CONCLUSION

LITT is a safe therapy, with few complications and short hospital stays.
HRCT imaging features in representative imported cases of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia
Authors: Diao Kaiyue , Han Peilun , Pang Tong , Li Yuan , Yang Zhigang
Published: February 2020

With the spread of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia, chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has been one of the key diagnostic tools. To achieve early and accurate diagnostics, determining the radiological characteristics of the disease is of great importance. In this small scale research we retrospectively reviewed and selected six cases confirmed with 2019-nCoV infection in West China Hospital and investigated their initial and follow-up HRCT features, along with the clinical characteristics. The 2019-nCoV pneumonia basically showed a multifocal or unifocal involvement of ground-glass opacity (GGO), sometimes with consolidation and fibrosis. No pleural effusion or lymphadenopathy was identified in our presented cases. The follow-up CT generally demonstrated mild to moderate progression of the lesion, with only one case showing remission by the reducing extent and density of the airspace opacification.
Exploration of Plastid Phylogenomic Conflict Yields New Insights into the Deep Relationships of Leguminosae
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Yin-Huan , Jin Jian-Jun , Stull Gregory W , Bruneau Anne , Cardoso Domingos , De Queiroz Luciano Paganucci , Moore Michael J , Zhang Shu-Dong , Chen Si-Yun , Wang Jian , Li De-Zhu , Yi Ting-Shuang
Published: February 2020

Phylogenomic analyses have helped resolve many recalcitrant relationships in the angiosperm tree of life, yet phylogenetic resolution of the backbone of the Leguminosae, one of the largest and most economically and ecologically important families, remains poor due to generally limited molecular data and incomplete taxon sampling of previous studies. Here, we resolve many of the Leguminosae’s thorniest nodes through comprehensive analysis of plastome-scale data using multiple modified coding and noncoding data sets of 187 species representing almost all major clades of the family. Additionally, we thoroughly characterize conflicting phylogenomic signal across the plastome in light of the family’s complex history of plastome evolution. Most analyses produced largely congruent topologies with strong statistical support and provided strong support for resolution of some long-controversial deep relationships among the early diverging lineages of the subfamilies Caesalpinioideae and Papilionoideae. The robust phylogenetic backbone reconstructed in this study establishes a framework for future studies on legume classification, evolution, and diversification. However, conflicting phylogenetic signal was detected and quantified at several key nodes that prevent the confident resolution of these nodes using plastome data alone. [Leguminosae; maximum likelihood; phylogenetic conflict; plastome; recalcitrant relationships; stochasticity; systematic error.]
Characterization of Wheat Monogenic Lines with Known Sr Genes and Wheat Lines with Resistance to the Ug99 Race Group for Resistance to Prevalent Races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in China
Authors: Wu Xian Xin , Lin Qiu Jun , Ni Xin Yu , Sun Qian , Chen Rong Zhen , Xu Xiao Feng , Qiu Yong Chun , Li Tian Ya
Published: February 2020

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most serious fungal diseases in wheat production, seriously threatening the global supply of wheat and endangering food security. The present study was conducted to evaluate wheat monogenic lines with known Sr genes to the most prevalent P. graminis f. sp. tritici races in China. In addition, wheat lines introduced from the International Maize and Wheat improvement Center (CIMMYT) with resistance to the Ug99 race group were also evaluated with the prevalent Chinese P. graminis f. sp. tritici races. The monogenic lines containing Sr9e, Sr21, Sr26, Sr31, Sr33, Sr35, Sr37, Sr38, Sr47, and SrTt3 were effective against races 21C3CTTTM, 34C0MRGSM, and 34C3MTGQM at both seedling and adult-plant stages. In contrast, monogenic lines containing Sr6, Sr7b, Sr8a, Sr9a, Sr9b, Sr9d, Sr9f, Sr9g, Sr13, Sr16, Sr18, Sr19, Sr20, Sr24, Sr28, Sr29, and Sr34 were highly susceptible to these races at both seedling and adult-plant stages. Lines with Sr5, Sr10, Sr13, Sr14, Sr15, Sr17, Sr21, Sr22, Sr23, Sr25, Sr27, Sr29, Sr30, Sr32, Sr36, and Sr39 were resistant to one or more of the tested races. Among the 123 CIMMYT lines, 38 (30.9%) showed varying levels of susceptibility to Chinese P. graminis f. sp. tritici races. The results should be useful for breeding wheat cultivars with resistance to stem rust.
Donor Leukocyte Trafficking and Damage-associated Molecular Pattern Expression During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion
Authors: Davis Robert P. , Yerxa John , Gao Qimeng , Gloria Jared , Scheuermann Uwe , Song Mingqing , Zhang Min , Parker William , Lee Jaewoo , Hartwig Matthew G. , Barbas Andrew S.
Published: February 2020

Background.

While ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has become established in lung transplantation, the cellular processes occurring during this period are not yet fully understood. Prior studies demonstrated that donor leukocytes (DLs) migrate from the graft into the perfusate during EVLP, but the distribution of DLs in graft and perfusate compartments has not been characterized. Moreover, cell death of DLs has been implicated in mediating graft injury during EVLP, but the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. We hypothesized the following: (1) there is a nonspecific migration of DLs from the graft into perfusate and (2) cell death of DLs releases damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that contribute to the inflammatory milieu during EVLP.

Methods.

EVLP was performed on rat lungs for 3 hours (N = 6). At the end of EVLP, flow cytometry was used to quantify the distribution of different DL cell types in both the graft and perfusate compartments. During EVLP, the perfusate was also sampled hourly to measure levels of DAMPs and downstream inflammatory cytokines generated during EVLP.

Results.

At the conclusion of EVLP, there was a significantly higher proportion of T and B cells present in the perfusate compartment compared with the graft compartment. There was a time-dependent increase in extracellular DNA and tumor necrosis factor α in the perfusate during EVLP.

Conclusions.

T cells and B cells are enriched in the perfusate compartment during EVLP. Cell death of DLs contributes to an accumulation of DAMPs during EVLP.
Survival in Living Kidney Donors: An Australian and New Zealand Cohort Study Using Data Linkage
Authors: De La Mata Nicole L. , Clayton Philip A. , Kelly Patrick J. , McDonald Stephen , Chadban Steven , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Webster Angela C.
Published: February 2020

Background.

Living kidney donors are a highly selected healthy population expected to have high survival postdonation, but mortality studies are limited. Our study aimed to compare mortality in living kidney donors with the general population in Australia and New Zealand, hypothesizing that donor survival would exceed average survival.

Methods.

All living kidney donors in Australia, 2004–2013, and New Zealand, 2004–2012, from the Australian and New Zealand Living Kidney Donor Registry were included. We ascertained primary cause of death from data linkage with national death registers. Standardized mortality ratios and relative survival were estimated, matching on age, sex, calendar year, and country.

Results.

Among 3253 living kidney donors, there were 32 deaths over 20 331 person-years, with median follow-up 6.2 years [interquartile range: 3.9–8.4]. Only 25 donors had diabetes-fasting blood sugar level predonation, of which 3 had impaired glucose tolerance. At discharge, the median creatinine was 108 µmol/L and estimated glomerular filtration rate was 58 mL/min/1.72 m2. Four deaths occurred in the first year: 2 from immediate complications of donation, and 2 from unrelated accidental causes. The leading cause of death was cancer (n = 16). The crude mortality rate was 157 (95% confidence interval [CI], 111-222)/100 000 person-y, and the standardized mortality ratio was 0.33 (95% CI, 0.24-0.47). The 5-year cumulative relative survival was 1.019 (95% CI, 1.014-1.021), confirming that the survival probability in living kidney donors was 2% higher relative to the general population.

Conclusions.

As expected, mortality in living kidney donors was substantially lower than the general population and is reassuring for potential donor counseling. The Living Donor Registry only captured a third of the deaths, highlighting the benefit of data linkage to national death registries in the long-term follow-up of living kidney donors.
Brevilactibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium of the family Propionibacteriaceae isolated from raw milk and dairy products and reclassification of Propioniciclava sinopodophylli as Brevilactibacter sinopodophylli comb. nov.
Authors: Wenning Mareike , Breitenwieser Franziska , Huptas Christopher , Doll Etienne , Bächler Benedikt , Schulz Annika , Dunkel Andreas , Hofmann Thomas , von Neubeck Mario , Busse Hans-Jürgen , Scherer Siegfried
Published: February 2020

Eight facultatively anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from raw milk and two other dairy products. Results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolates are placed in a distinct lineage within the familyPropionibacteriaceaewithPropioniciclava sinopodophylliandPropioniciclava tardaas the closest relatives (94.6 and 93.5 % similarity, respectively). The cell-wall peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid, alanine and glutamic acid and was of the A1γ type (meso-DAP-direct). The major cellular fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidyglycerol and three unidentified glycolipids. The quinone system contained predominantly menaquinone MK-9(H4). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain VG341Twas 67.7 mol%. The whole-cell sugar pattern contained ribose, rhamnose, arabinose and galactose. On the basis of phenotypic and genetic data, eight strains (VG341T, WS4684, WS4769, WS 4882, WS4883, WS4901, WS4902 and WS4904) are proposed to be classified as members of a novel species in a new genus of the familyPropionibacteriaceae, for which the nameBrevilactibacter flavusgen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is VG341T(=WS4900T=DSM 100885T=LMG 29089T) and seven additional strains are WS4684, WS4769, WS4882, WS4883, WS4901, WS4902 and WS4904. Furthermore, we propose the reclassification ofP. sinopodophylliasBrevilactibacter sinopodophyllicomb. nov.
Aestuariirhabdus litorea gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a sea tidal flat and proposal of Aestuariirhabdaceae fam. nov.
Authors: Khan Shehzad Abid , Jung Hye Su , Kim Hyung Min , Oh Jeill , Lee Sang-Suk , Jeon Che Ok
Published: February 2020

A Gram-negative, moderately halophilic and facultatively aerobic bacterium, designated strain GTF13T, was isolated from a sea tidal flat. Cells were curved rods and motile by a single polar flagellum showing catalase and oxidase activities. Growth was observed at 20–37 °C, pH 5.0–8.5 and 1.0–6.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain GTF13T contained C16:0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1
 ω6c/C16 : 1
 ω7c), summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1
 ω6c/C18 : 1
 ω7c) and C12 : 0 3-OH as major fatty acids and ubiquinone-9 and ubiquinone-8 as major quinones. Phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified phospholipids were detected as major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 59.8 mol%. Strain GTF13T was most closely related to

Simiduia agarivorans

SA1T,

Endozoicomonas montiporae

CL-33T and

Pseudomonas segetis

FR1439T, belonging to different families or orders of the class

Gammaproteobacteria

, with less than 92.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GTF13T formed a phylogenetic lineage with the family

Litoricolaceae

, but the genome-based phylogenomic tree showed that strain GTF13T formed a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the order

Oceanospirillales

. The very low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities and distinct phylogenetic relationships, together with distinct phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties, served to differentiate strain GTF13T from phylogenetically closely related families. Here, strain GTF13T is proposed as a novel genus and species, for which the name Aestuariirhabdus litorea gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, within a new family Aestuariirhabdaceae fam. nov. of the order

Oceanospirillales

. The type strain is GTF13T (=KACC 19788T=JCM 32043T).