bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Хіміотерапевтична ефективність гетероциклічної фосфонієвої сполуки з піримідиновим циклом на моделі генералізованої стафілококової інфекції
Authors: Humenna A.V.
Published: August 2016

Проведено вивчення хіміотерапевтичної ефективності 2-феніл-4-(1-піролідиніл)-6-ізопропілтіо-5-піримідилтрифенілфосфоній перхлорату, яка відноситься до гетероциклічних фосфонієвих сполук з піримідиновим циклом, в експерименті на моделі генералізованої стафілококової інфекції. Отримано позитивні результати, що дадуть право робити висновок про можливість використання їх у клінічних дослідженнях і створення на їх основі перспективних антибактеріальних та антисептичних препаратів.
Перипетії діагностики бартонельозу
Authors: Kopcha V.S.
Published: August 2016

Описано випадки типового перебігу хвороби котячої подряпини, а також поєднання фелінозу та Лайм-бореліозу. Диференціювання з іншими органічними причинами та відповідні лабораторні аналізи дали змогу встановити діагноз й провести успішне лікування.
Особливості грипу сезону 2016 року в дітей
Authors: Kramariov S.O. , Yevtushenko V.V. , Vygovska O.V. , Shvetsova M.-A.I. , Kovaliukh I.Yu.
Published: August 2016

У 47 дітей, хворих на грип А/H1N1 pd Каліфорнія 2009, які знаходилися впродовж січня — лютого 2016 року на стаціонарному лікуванні в клініці кафедри дитячих інфекційних хвороб НМУ імені О.О. Богомольця — Київській міській дитячій клінічній інфекційній лікарні, була виявлена відсутність особливостей клінічної картини, характерних для цього штаму грипу і в цьому сезоні. У більшості хворих дитячого віку захворювання перебігає в середньотяжкій формі. Серед ускладнень грипу в дітей частіше спостерігаються пневмонія та енцефалічна реакція у вигляді судомного синдрому. Фонові захворювання дихальної, серцево-судинної, ендокринної, нервової системи та атопічні дерматити є несприятливою прогностичною ознакою перебігу грипу A/H1N1 pd Каліфорнія 2009 у дітей у сезоні 2016 року.
Measuring the Stigma Surrounding Type 2 Diabetes: Development and Validation of the Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2)
Authors: Browne Jessica L. , Ventura Adriana D. , Mosely Kylie , Speight Jane
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a self-report measure of perceived and experienced stigma for use with adults with type 2 diabetes: the Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale (DSAS-2).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

An item pool was drafted based on qualitative data from 25 adults with type 2 diabetes and content from other health-related stigma questionnaires. Thirteen adults with type 2 diabetes completed 57 draft diabetes stigma items and participated in cognitive debriefing interviews. Based on participant feedback, the pool was reduced to 48 items with a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). A total of 1,064 adults with type 2 diabetes completed a survey including these 48 items and other validated measures. Data were subject to principal components analysis and Spearman ρ correlations.

RESULTS

The scale was reduced to 19 items, with an unforced three-factor solution indicative of three subscales: Treated Differently (6 items, α = 0.88), Blame and Judgment (7 items, α = 0.90), and Self-stigma (6 items, α = 0.90). A forced one-factor solution supported the calculation of a total score (α = 0.95). Satisfactory concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity were demonstrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The 19-item DSAS-2 is a reliable and valid measure of type 2 diabetes stigma. A rigorous design and validation process has resulted in a relatively brief measure of perceived and experienced stigma in type 2 diabetes. The novel scale has satisfactory psychometric properties and is now available to facilitate much-needed research in this field.
Shining Light on the Dark Places: Addressing Police Racism and Sexualized Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls in the National Inquiry
Authors: Palmater Pamela
Published: August 2016

Canada has had a long-standing problem with both societal and institutional racism against Indigenous peoples, especially within the justice system. Numerous national inquiries, commissions, and investigations have all concluded that every level of the justice system has failed Indigenous peoples. More recent inquiries indicate that racism against Indigenous peoples is particularly problematic in police forces in Canada. Yet, despite the evidence, little has been done in Canada to act on the recommendations. This has resulted in the over-incarceration of Indigenous peoples, numerous deaths of Indigenous peoples in police custody, and the national crisis of thousands of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. This article seeks to highlight the lesser-known problem of police-involved racialized and sexualized abuse and violence against Indigenous women and girls as a root cause of the large numbers of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls in Canada. It is argued that an in-depth look at police-involved disappearances, sexual assaults, and murders of Indigenous women should be included in a national inquiry into the high rates of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. It is hoped that such an investigation under the national inquiry will result in evidence-based analysis and recommendations for legislative and policy-based changes that are consistent with the human rights protections afforded Indigenous women and girls and with the calls for action by Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, various United Nations human rights bodies, and the families, communities, and nations of the Indigenous victims.
Balancing Transparency and Accountability with Privacy in Improving the Police Handling of Sexual Assaults
Authors: Conroy Amy , Scassa Teresa
Published: August 2016

This article considers the potential for the adoption in Ontario of a model, developed in Philadelphia and implemented in other US cities, that has proven successful in significantly improving police handling of sexual assault cases and public confidence in the system. This model directly involves front-line sexual assault victim advocates working with police in systematic reviews of police sexual assault records, with a particular focus on “unfounded” cases. Resistance to the adoption of this model in Canada has focused on arguments around public sector privacy legislation. We therefore explore the Philadelphia model through a transparency and accountability lens in the Canadian context. We suggest that the concepts of “transparency” and “accountability” are too often conflated with the disclosure of data or information through access to information channels, and we argue for a more robust understanding of these concepts. We also argue that the conventional access to information model should not be allowed to obstruct meaningful transparency and accountability by using privacy arguments to create barriers to change.
Evaluating the complexity of online patient education materials about brain aneurysms published by major academic institutions
Authors: Gupta Raghav , Adeeb Nimer , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Moore Justin M. , Patel Apar S. , Kim Christopher , Thomas Ajith J. , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

Health care education resources are increasingly available on the Internet. A majority of people reference these resources at one point or another. A threshold literacy level is needed to comprehend the information presented within these materials. A key component of health literacy is the readability of educational resources. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Medical Association have recommended that patient education materials be written between a 4th- and a 6th-grade education level. The authors assessed the readability of online patient education materials about brain aneurysms that have been published by several academic institutions across the US.

METHODS

Online patient education materials about brain aneurysms were downloaded from the websites of 20 academic institutions. The materials were assessed via 8 readability scales using Readability Studio software (Oleander Software Solutions), and then were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

None of the patient education materials were written at or below the NIH's recommended 6th-grade reading level. The average educational level required to comprehend the texts across all institutions, as assessed by 7 of the readability scales, was 12.4 ± 2.5 (mean ± SD). The Flesch Reading Ease Scale classified the materials as “difficult” to understand, correlating with a college-level education or higher. An ANOVA test found that there were no significant differences in readability among the materials from the institutions (p = 0.215).

CONCLUSIONS

Brain aneurysms affect 3.2% of adults 50 years or older across the world and can cause significant patient anxiety and uncertainty. Current patient education materials are not written at or below the NIH's recommended 4th- to 6th-grade education level.
Comparison of Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging & Quantification (VTIQ) and Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification (VTQ) for diagnosis of thyroid nodules
Authors: Yang Yu-Ping , Xu Xiao-Hong , Bo Xiao-Wan , Liu Bo-Ji , Guo Le-Hang , Xu Jun-Mei , Sun Li-Ping , Xu Hui-Xiong
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging & Quantification (VTIQ) and Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification (VTQ) in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid nodules (TNs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 107 TNs in 107 patients were enrolled and analyzed. All of them were detected by conventional ultrasound (US) and confirmed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy or surgery. VTIQ and VTQ examinations were performed on each nodule. Thereafter the median and mean of shear wave speed (SWS) values in lesions on VTIQ and VTQ were computed (SWS-median and SWS-mean). With cytological results of FNA and histological results adopted as the reference standard, area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of VTIQ and VTQ in differentiation of TNs.

RESULTS: Among the 107 lesions, 19 were papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), 1 was medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and 87 were benign. In total lesions, AUROC-median in VTIQ was significantly higher than that in VTQ (0.851 vs.0.759; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: VTIQ and VTQ were equivalent in diagnosing TNs when using SWS-mean, whereas VTIQ showed better performance in comparison with VTQ when using SWS-median.
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of bombay duck Harpadon nehereus from landings of fishery ghat, Chittagong
Authors: Hasin Tasnuba
Published: August 2016

The current study describes the length-weight relationships and condition factor of Bombay duck, Harpadon nehereus from landings of Fishery Ghat, Chittagong. A total of 300 individuals caught by various mesh size of gill nets by commercial fishers were investigated from April 2016 to June 2016. On the basis of hypothetical cube law W=aLb, the variance of b for both total length and standard length were estimated statistically (0.0090 and 0.0088 respectively). Using the value of t=1.96 at the 95% confidence limits for b were estimated as 2.218 to 2.590 for total length-weight relationship and for standard length-weight relationship, 1.985 to 2.353 which indicated allometric growth pattern for both cases. The monthly relative condition factor during three months of observation (0.978, 1.033, and 1.097) showed no notable difference due to spawning strain, spent condition and lower feeding rate right after peak spawning season.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(2): 355-360, August 2016
Effects of Plastic Mulch on Soil Heat Flux and Energy Balance in a Cotton Field in Northwest China
Authors: Li Nana , Tian Fuqiang , Hu Hongchang , Lu Hui , Ming Guanghui
Published: August 2016

Surface energy balance (SEB) is a basic principle for all of the atmospheric circulation models, and surface soil heat flux (G0) is an important component of energy balance. Plastic mulch is widely used in arid regions and alters land surface processes. In this study, hourly/daily G0 and SEB over a mulched cotton field were analyzed in Northwest China. The net radiation beneath the mulch was simulated using transmitted down short-wave and down long-wave radiation through the mulch and up short-wave and up long-wave radiation from the soil beneath mulch. The results show that: (1) on the hourly time scale, G0 in mulched soil is much smaller than that in non-mulched soil, day and night. This implies that mulch prevents energy going into the soil during the daytime and reduces soil heat loss at night. On the daily time scale, G0 is similar in mulched and non-mulched soil. (2) During the seedling emergence period when the cotton is small, the energy balance closure over mulched soil (0.79) is slightly smaller than that over non-mulched soil (0.81). (3) Comparing to soil temperature in non-mulched soil, there’s a time offset on soil temperature in mulched soil at the same depth, which will bring a hysteresis on G0 and SEB.
Evaluating Summer-Time Ozone Enhancement Events in the Southeast United States
Authors: Johnson Matthew , Kuang Shi , Wang Lihua , Newchurch M.
Published: August 2016

This study evaluates source attribution of ozone (O3) in the southeast United States (US) within O3 lamina observed by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Tropospheric Ozone Lidar Network (TOLNet) system during June 2013. This research applies surface-level and airborne in situ data and chemical transport model simulations (GEOS-Chem) in order to quantify the impact of North American anthropogenic emissions, wildfires, lightning NOx, and long-range/stratospheric transport on the observed O3 lamina. During the summer of 2013, two anomalous O3 layers were observed: (1) a nocturnal near-surface enhancement and (2) a late evening elevated (3–6 km above ground level) O3 lamina. A “brute force” zeroing method was applied to quantify the impact of individual emission sources and transport pathways on the vertical distribution of O3 during the two observed lamina. Results show that the nocturnal O3 enhancement on 12 June 2013 below 3 km was primarily due to wildfire emissions and the fact that daily maximum anthropogenic emission contributions occurred during these night-time hours. During the second case study it was predicted that above average contributions from long-range/stratospheric transport was largely contributing to the O3 lamina observed between 3 and 6 km on 29 June 2013. Other models, remote-sensing observations, and ground-based/airborne in situ data agree with the source attribution predicted by GEOS-Chem simulations. Overall, this study demonstrates the dynamic atmospheric chemistry occurring in the southeast US and displays the various emission sources and transport processes impacting O3 enhancements at different vertical levels of the troposphere.
Effects of Deep Brain Stimulation on Autonomic Function
Authors: Basiago Adam , Binder Devin
Published: August 2016

Over the course of the development of deep brain stimulation (DBS) into a well-established therapy for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, its utility as a potential treatment for autonomic dysfunction has emerged. Dysfunction of autonomic processes is common in neurological diseases. Depending on the specific target in the brain, DBS has been shown to raise or lower blood pressure, normalize the baroreflex, to alter the caliber of bronchioles, and eliminate hyperhidrosis, all through modulation of the sympathetic nervous system. It has also been shown to improve cortical control of the bladder, directly induce or inhibit the micturition reflex, and to improve deglutition and gastric emptying. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the relevant available studies describing these effects of DBS on autonomic function, which vary greatly in character and magnitude with respect to stimulation target.
The Use of Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Akbarian-Tefaghi Ladan , Zrinzo Ludvic , Foltynie Thomas
Published: August 2016

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood neurobehavioural disorder, characterised by the presence of motor and vocal tics, typically starting in childhood but persisting in around 20% of patients into adulthood. In those patients who do not respond to pharmacological or behavioural therapy, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be a suitable option for potential symptom improvement. This manuscript attempts to summarise the outcomes of DBS at different targets, explore the possible mechanisms of action of DBS in TS, as well as the potential of adaptive DBS. There will also be a focus on the future challenges faced in designing optimized trials.
Technique for High-Quality Protein Crystal Growth by Control of Subgrain Formation under an External Electric Field
Authors: Koizumi Haruhiko , Uda Satoshi , Fujiwara Kozo , Tachibana Masaru , Kojima Kenichi , Nozawa Jun
Published: August 2016

X-ray diffraction (XRD) rocking-curves were measured for tetragonal hen egg white (HEW) lysozyme crystals grown with and without application of an external electric field, and the crystal quality was assessed according to the full width at half-maximums (FWHMs) of each rocking-curve profile. The average FWHMs for tetragonal HEW lysozyme crystals grown with an external electric field at 1 MHz were smaller than those for crystals grown without, especially for the 12 12 0 reflection. The crystal homogeneity of the tetragonal HEW lysozyme crystals was also improved under application of an external electric field at 1 MHz, compared to that without. Improvement of the crystal quality of tetragonal HEW lysozyme crystals grown under an applied field is discussed with a focus on subgrain formation. In addition, the origin of subgrain misorientation is also discussed with respect to the incorporation of impurities into protein crystals.
The Hidden Burden of Food Waste: The Double Energy Waste in Italy
Authors: Vittuari Matteo , De Menna Fabio , Pagani Marco
Published: August 2016

The energy intensity of modern food systems represents a major issue in a scenario of decreasing oil resources and increasing population. Beside the use of renewable energy, an increased efficiency in food systems could contribute to reduce fossil fuels dependence. In this sense, food losses and waste (FLW) have crucial consequences on the energy balance. Based on the concept of “embodied energy”, food wastage can be framed as a double waste of energy, both in terms of non-consumed food energy and the inputs used for production. Secondary data regarding direct and indirect energy inputs and FLW have been collected for the Italian food chain to estimate the embodied energy of food waste. Since in 2011 the production and distribution of food implied the use of 822 PJ and 18 Mt of food was discarded, 67 PJ of food energy and 100 PJ of embodied energy were wasted. These figures are equivalent to 12.2% of the total nutritional energy output and to 1.3% of the final energy use in Italy, respectively. The concept of double energy waste sheds new light on the intertwined relationship between energy and food security, suggesting that appropriate food waste reduction policies could result in a higher food production level and relevant energy savings.
Energy Management of an Off-Grid Hybrid Power Plant with Multiple Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Tribioli Laura , Cozzolino Raffaello , Evangelisti Luca , Bella Gino
Published: August 2016

In this paper, an off-grid hybrid power plant with multiple storage systems for an artificial island is designed and two possible strategies for the management of the stored energy are proposed. Renewable power sources (wind/solar technologies) are used as primary power suppliers. A lead-acid battery pack (BAT) and a reversible polymer electrolyte fuel cell are employed to fulfill the power demand and to absorb extra power. The reversible fuel cell allows reducing costs and occupied space and the fuel cell can be fed by the pure hydrogen produced by means of its reversible operation as an electrolyzer. A diesel engine is employed as backup system. While HOMER Pro® has been employed for a full-factorial-based optimization of the sizes of the renewable sources and the BAT, Matlab/Simulink® has been later used for simulating the plant operation and compare two possible power management control strategies. For the reversible fuel cell sizing, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out varying stack and hydrogen tank sizes. The final choice for plant configuration and power management control strategy has been made on the basis of a comparative analysis of the results, aimed at minimizing fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, battery aging rate and at maximizing the power plant overall efficiency. The obtained results demonstrate the possibility of realizing a renewable power plant, able to match the needs of electrical power in a remote area, by achieving a good integration of different energy sources and facing the intermittent nature of renewable power sources, with very low use of fossil fuels.
Molecular Cytogenetics in Trough Shells (Mactridae, Bivalvia): Divergent GC-Rich Heterochromatin Content
Authors: García-Souto Daniel , Pérez-García Concepción , Kendall Jack , Pasantes Juan
Published: August 2016

The family Mactridae is composed of a diverse group of marine organisms, commonly known as trough shells or surf clams, which illustrate a global distribution. Although this family includes some of the most fished and cultured bivalve species, their chromosomes are poorly studied. In this work, we analyzed the chromosomes of Spisula solida, Spisula subtruncata and Mactra stultorum by means of fluorochrome staining, C-banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization using 28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), 5S rDNA, H3 histone gene and telomeric probes. All three trough shells presented 2n = 38 chromosomes but different karyotype compositions. As happens in most bivalves, GC-rich regions were limited to the nucleolus organizing regions in Spisula solida. In contrast, many GC-rich heterochromatic bands were detected in both Spisula subtruncata and Mactra stultorum. Although the three trough shells presented single 5S rDNA and H3 histone gene clusters, their chromosomal locations differed. Regarding major rDNA clusters, while Spisula subtruncata presented a single cluster, both Spisula solida and Mactra stultorum showed two. No evidence of intercalary telomeric signals was detected in these species. The molecular cytogenetic characterization of these taxa will contribute to understanding the role played by chromosome changes in the evolution of trough shells.
Targeting DNA Replication Stress for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Jun , Dai Qun , Park Dongkyoo , Deng Xingming
Published: August 2016

The human cellular genome is under constant stress from extrinsic and intrinsic factors, which can lead to DNA damage and defective replication. In normal cells, DNA damage response (DDR) mediated by various checkpoints will either activate the DNA repair system or induce cellular apoptosis/senescence, therefore maintaining overall genomic integrity. Cancer cells, however, due to constitutive growth signaling and defective DDR, may exhibit “replication stress” —a phenomenon unique to cancer cells that is described as the perturbation of error-free DNA replication and slow-down of DNA synthesis. Although replication stress has been proven to induce genomic instability and tumorigenesis, recent studies have counterintuitively shown that enhancing replicative stress through further loosening of the remaining checkpoints in cancer cells to induce their catastrophic failure of proliferation may provide an alternative therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss the rationale to enhance replicative stress in cancer cells, past approaches using traditional radiation and chemotherapy, and emerging approaches targeting the signaling cascades induced by DNA damage. We also summarize current clinical trials exploring these strategies and propose future research directions including the use of combination therapies, and the identification of potential new targets and biomarkers to track and predict treatment responses to targeting DNA replication stress.
Remodeling and Control of Homologous Recombination by DNA Helicases and Translocases that Target Recombinases and Synapsis
Authors: Northall Sarah , Ivančić-Baće Ivana , Soultanas Panos , Bolt Edward
Published: August 2016

Recombinase enzymes catalyse invasion of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) into homologous duplex DNA forming “Displacement loops” (D-loops), a process called synapsis. This triggers homologous recombination (HR), which can follow several possible paths to underpin DNA repair and restart of blocked and collapsed DNA replication forks. Therefore, synapsis can be a checkpoint for controlling whether or not, how far, and by which pathway, HR proceeds to overcome an obstacle or break in a replication fork. Synapsis can be antagonized by limiting access of a recombinase to ssDNA and by dissociation of D-loops or heteroduplex formed by synapsis. Antagonists include DNA helicases and translocases that are identifiable in eukaryotes, bacteria and archaea, and which target synaptic and pre-synaptic DNA structures thereby controlling HR at early stages. Here we survey these events with emphasis on enabling DNA replication to be resumed from sites of blockage or collapse. We also note how knowledge of anti-recombination activities could be useful to improve efficiency of CRISPR-based genome editing.
Posthuman Ethics, Violence, Creaturely Suffering and the (Other) Animal: Schnurre’s Postwar Animal Stories
Authors: Kleinhans Belinda
Published: August 2016

The othering of whole groups of people in a biopolitical discourse during the Third Reich has caused many to re-assess ethics that is based on specific categories. Adorno and Horkheimer reckoned with both Enlightenment as well as classical “humanist” discourses to question whether they imply structures that lead to fascism. In the wake of these arguments, classical humanist (or sometimes also called anthropocentric) ethics have also been criticized by philosophers such as Agamben, Derrida, and Wolfe. It is thus time to work on posthuman(ist) ethics that avoids the traps of a narrow human ethics and that is inclusive rather than exclusive. The short stories by postwar German author Wolfdietrich Schnurre, written in the wake of the Holocaust, reckon with a purely human-centered worldview and draw a bleak picture of an anthropocentrically structured and valued world. Under the surface that portrays a speciesist world, Schnurre employs a network of sub-discourses to “cave out” carno-phallogocentric discourses and point towards a different, post-human ethics. This paper examines how anthropocentric discourses of power lead to inhumane violence and how a different approach to the Other, based on empathy and shared vulnerability, might just move us beyond it.
Using Proteomics to Understand How Leishmania Parasites Survive inside the Host and Establish Infection
Authors: Veras Patrícia , Bezerra de Menezes Juliana
Published: August 2016

Leishmania is a protozoan parasite that causes a wide range of different clinical manifestations in mammalian hosts. It is a major public health risk on different continents and represents one of the most important neglected diseases. Due to the high toxicity of the drugs currently used, and in the light of increasing drug resistance, there is a critical need to develop new drugs and vaccines to control Leishmania infection. Over the past few years, proteomics has become an important tool to understand the underlying biology of Leishmania parasites and host interaction. The large-scale study of proteins, both in parasites and within the host in response to infection, can accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic targets. By studying the proteomes of host cells and tissues infected with Leishmania, as well as changes in protein profiles among promastigotes and amastigotes, scientists hope to better understand the biology involved in the parasite survival and the host-parasite interaction. This review demonstrates the feasibility of proteomics as an approach to identify new proteins involved in Leishmania differentiation and intracellular survival.
Dextran: Influence of Molecular Weight in Antioxidant Properties and Immunomodulatory Potential
Authors: Soeiro Vinicius , Melo Karoline , Alves Monique , Medeiros Mayara , Grilo Maria , Almeida-Lima Jailma , Pontes Daniel , Costa Leandro , Rocha Hugo
Published: August 2016

Dextrans (α-d-glucans) extracted from Leuconostoc mesenteroides, with molecular weights (MW) of 10 (D10), 40 (D40) and 147 (D147) kDa, were evaluated as antioxidant, anticoagulant and immunomodulatory drugs for the first time. None presented anticoagulant activity. As for the antioxidant and immunomodulatory tests, a specific test showed an increase in the dextran activity that was proportional to the increase in molecular weight. In a different assay, however, activity decreased or showed no correlation to the MW. As an example, the reducing power assay showed that D147 was twice as potent as other dextrans. On the other hand, all three samples showed similar activity (50%) when it came to scavenging the OH radical, whereas only the D10 sample showed sharp activity (50%) when it came to scavenging the superoxide ion. D40 was the single dextran that presented with immunomodulatory features since it stimulated the proliferation (~50%) of murine macrophages (RAW 264.7) and decreased the release of nitric oxide (~40%) by the cells, both in the absence and presence of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In addition, D40 showed a greater scavenging activity (50%) for the hydrogen peroxide, which caused it to also be the more potent dextran when it came to inhibiting lipid peroxidation (70%). These points toward dextrans with a 40 kDa weight as being ideal for antioxidant and immunomodulatory use. However, future studies with the D40 and other similarly 40 kDa dextrans are underway to confirm this hypothesis.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity against K562 Cells of 3-O-Angeloyl-20-O-acetyl Ingenol, a Derivative of Ingenol Mebutate
Authors: Liu Ming , Chen Fangling , Yu Rilei , Zhang Weiyi , Han Mei , Liu Fei , Wu Jing , Zhao Xingzeng , Miao Jinlai
Published: August 2016

Ingenol mebutate possesses significant cytotoxicity and is clinically used to treat actinic keratosis. However, ingenol mebutate undergoes acyl migration which affects its bioactivity. Compound 3-O-angeloyl-20-O-acetyl ingenol (AAI, also known as 20-O-acetyl-ingenol-3-angelate or PEP008) is a synthetic derivative of ingenol mebutate. In this work, we report the AAI synthesis details and demonstrate AAI has higher cytotoxicity than ingenol mebutate in a chronic myeloid leukemia K562 cell line. Our data indicate that the increased activity of AAI originates from the improved intracellular stability of AAI rather than the increased binding affinity between AAI and the target protein protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ). AAI inhibits cell proliferation, induces G2/M phase arrest, disrupts the mitochondrial membrane potential, and stimulates apoptosis, as well as necrosis in K562 cells. Similar to ingenol mebutate, AAI activates PKCδ and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), and inactivates protein kinase B (AKT). Furthermore, AAI also inhibits JAK/STAT3 pathway. Altogether, our studies show that ingenol derivative AAI is cytotoxic to K562 cells and modulates PKCδ/ERK, JAK/STAT3, and AKT signaling pathways. Our work suggests that AAI may be a new candidate of chemotherapeutic agent.
Comparative Genomics of the Extreme Acidophile Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans Reveals Intraspecific Divergence and Niche Adaptation
Authors: Zhang Xian , Feng Xue , Tao Jiemeng , Ma Liyuan , Xiao Yunhua , Liang Yili , Liu Xueduan , Yin Huaqun
Published: August 2016

Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans known for its ubiquity in diverse acidic and sulfur-bearing environments worldwide was used as the research subject in this study. To explore the genomic fluidity and intraspecific diversity of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans (A. thiooxidans) species, comparative genomics based on nine draft genomes was performed. Phylogenomic scrutiny provided first insights into the multiple groupings of these strains, suggesting that genetic diversity might be potentially correlated with their geographic distribution as well as geochemical conditions. While these strains shared a large number of common genes, they displayed differences in gene content. Functional assignment indicated that the core genome was essential for microbial basic activities such as energy acquisition and uptake of nutrients, whereas the accessory genome was thought to be involved in niche adaptation. Comprehensive analysis of their predicted central metabolism revealed that few differences were observed among these strains. Further analyses showed evidences of relevance between environmental conditions and genomic diversification. Furthermore, a diverse pool of mobile genetic elements including insertion sequences and genomic islands in all A. thiooxidans strains probably demonstrated the frequent genetic flow (such as lateral gene transfer) in the extremely acidic environments. From another perspective, these elements might endow A. thiooxidans species with capacities to withstand the chemical constraints of their natural habitats. Taken together, our findings bring some valuable data to better understand the genomic diversity and econiche adaptation within A. thiooxidans strains.
Status Epilepticus: Epidemiology and Public Health Needs
Authors: Sánchez Sebastián , Rincon Fred
Published: August 2016

Status epilepticus (SE) is defined as a continuous clinical and/or electrographic seizure activity lasting five minutes or more or recurrent seizure activity without return to baseline. There is a paucity of epidemiological studies of SE, as most research is derived from small population studies. The overall incidence of SE is 9.9 to 41 per 100,000/year, with peaks in children and the elderly and with febrile seizures and strokes as its main etiologies. The etiology is the major determinant of mortality. Governments and the academic community should predominantly focus on the primary prevention of etiologies linked to SE, as these are the most important risk factors for its development. This review describes the incidence, prevalence, etiology, risk factors, outcomes and costs of SE and aims to identify future research and public health needs.
An Open-Access, Multi-Decadal, Three-Dimensional, Hydrodynamic Hindcast Dataset for the Long Island Sound and New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuaries
Authors: Georgas Nickitas , Yin Lun , Jiang Yu , Wang Yifan , Howell Penelope , Saba Vincent , Schulte Justin , Orton Philip , Wen Bin
Published: August 2016

This article presents the results and validation of a comprehensive, multi-decadal, hindcast simulation performed using the New York Harbor Observing and Prediction System´s (NYHOPS) three-dimensional hydrodynamic model. Meteorological forcing was based on three-hourly gridded data from the North American Regional Reanalysis of the US National Centers for Environmental Prediction. Distributed hydrologic forcing was based on daily United States Geologic Survey records. Offshore boundary conditions for NYHOPS at the Mid-Atlantic Bight shelf break included hourly subtidal water levels from a larger-scale model ran for the same period, tides, and temperature and salinity profiles based on the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation datasets. The NYHOPS model’s application to hindcast total water level and 3D water temperature and salinity conditions in its region over three decades was validated against observations from multiple agencies. Average indices of agreement were: 0.93 for storm surge (9 cm RMSE, 90% of errors less than 15 cm), 0.99 for water temperature (1.1 °C RMSE, 99% of errors less than 3 °C), and 0.86 for salinity (1.8 psu RMSE, 96% of errors less than 3.5 psu). The model’s skill in simulating bottom water temperature, validated against historic data from the Long Island Sound bottom trawl survey, did not drift over the years, a significant and encouraging finding for multi-decadal model applications used to identify climatic trends, such as the warming presented here. However, the validation reveals residual biases in some areas such as small tributaries that receive urban discharges from the NYC drainage network. With regard to the validation of storm surge at coastal stations, both the considerable strengths and remaining limitations of the use of North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) to force such a model application are discussed.
Coating and Patterning Functional Materials for Large Area Electrofluidic Arrays
Authors: Wu Hao , Tang Biao , Hayes Robert , Dou Yingying , Guo Yuanyuan , Jiang Hongwei , Zhou Guofu
Published: August 2016

Industrialization of electrofluidic devices requires both high performance coating laminates and efficient material utilization on large area substrates. Here we show that screen printing can be effectively used to provide homogeneous pin-hole free patterned amorphous fluoropolymer dielectric layers to provide both the insulating and fluidic reversibility required for devices. Subsequently, we over-coat photoresist using slit coating on this normally extremely hydrophobic layer. In this way, we are able to pattern the photoresist by conventional lithography to provide the chemical contrast required for liquids dosing by self-assembly and highly-reversible electrofluidic switching. Materials, interfacial chemistry, and processing all contribute to the provision of the required engineered substrate properties. Coating homogeneity as characterized by metrology and device performance data are used to validate the methodology, which is well-suited for transfer to high volume production in existing LCD cell-making facilities.
Anticancer Activity of a Hexapeptide from Skate (Raja porosa) Cartilage Protein Hydrolysate in HeLa Cells
Authors: Pan Xin , Zhao Yu-Qin , Hu Fa-Yuan , Chi Chang-Feng , Wang Bin
Published: August 2016

In this study, the hexapeptide Phe-Ile-Met-Gly-Pro-Tyr (FIMGPY), which has a molecular weight of 726.9 Da, was separated from skate (Raja porosa) cartilage protein hydrolysate using ultrafiltration and chromatographic methods, and its anticancer activity was evaluated in HeLa cells. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay indicated that FIMGPY exhibited high, dose-dependent anti-proliferation activities in HeLa cells with an IC50 of 4.81 mg/mL. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescence staining and flow cytometry methods confirmed that FIMGPY could inhibit HeLa cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. Western blot assay revealed that the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and relative intensity of caspase-3 in HeLa cells treated with 7-mg/mL FIMGPY were 2.63 and 1.83, respectively, significantly higher than those of the blank control (p < 0.01). Thus, FIMGPY could induce apoptosis by upregulating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 activation. Using a DNA ladder method further confirmed that the anti-proliferation activity of FIMGPY was attributable to its role in inducing apoptosis. These results suggest that FIMGPY from skate cartilage protein hydrolysate may have applications as functional foods and nutraceuticals for the treatment and prevention of cancer.
Tumor Protein (TP)-p53 Members as Regulators of Autophagy in Tumor Cells upon Marine Drug Exposure
Authors: Ratovitski Edward
Published: August 2016

Targeting autophagic pathways might play a critical role in designing novel chemotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of human cancers, and the prevention of tumor-derived chemoresistance. Marine compounds were found to decrease tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Some of them were shown to induce autophagic flux in tumor cells. In this study, we observed that the selected marine life-derived compounds (Chromomycin A2, Psammaplin A, and Ilimaquinone) induce expression of several autophagic signaling intermediates in human squamous cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, and colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro through a transcriptional regulation by tumor protein (TP)-p53 family members. These conclusions were supported by specific qPCR expression analysis, luciferase reporter promoter assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation of promoter sequences bound to the TP53 family proteins, and silencing of the TP53 members in tumor cells.
Alteration to Dopaminergic Synapses Following Exposure to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Patel Rahul , Bradner Joshua , Stout Kristen , Caudle William
Published: August 2016

Our understanding of the contribution exposure to environmental toxicants has on neurological disease continues to evolve. Of these, Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been shown to have a strong environmental component to its etiopathogenesis. However, work is still needed to identify and characterize environmental chemicals that could alter the expression and function of the nigrostriatal dopamine system. Of particular interest is the neurotoxicological effect of perfluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which has been demonstrated to alter aspects of dopamine signaling. Using in vitro approaches, we have elaborated these initial findings to demonstrate the neurotoxicity of PFOS to the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line and dopaminergic primary cultured neurons. Using an in vivo model, we did not observe a deficit to dopaminergic terminals in the striatum of mice exposed to 10 mg/kg PFOS for 14 days. However, subsequent exposure to the selective dopaminergic neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) significantly reduced the expression of dopamine transporter (DAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and resulted in an even greater reduction in DAT expression in animals previously exposed to PFOS. These findings suggest that PFOS is neurotoxic to the nigrostriatal dopamine circuit and this neurotoxicity could prime the dopamine terminal to more extensive damage following additional toxicological insults.
Evaluation of Chill Cast Co-Cr Alloys for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ramirez-Ledesma Ana , Lopez Hugo , Juarez-Islas Julio
Published: August 2016

Binary Co-Cr alloys containing various Cr contents were vacuum induction melted and cast into wedge-shaped copper molds. It was intended to develop a microstructure (1) free from interdendritic segregation and porosity; (2) having minimal intermetallic precipitates; and (3) suitable for biomedical applications. The resultant microstructures were evaluated from sections obtained longitudinally and centrally in the plane normal to the diverging wedge faces. All ingots showed a dendritic microstructure with some characteristic features. For instance, in Co-20–30 wt. % Cr alloys, the chilled cast microstructures consisted of columnar dendrites without interdendritic segregation, a minimum of intermetallic precipitates, and the presence of a predominantly athermal HCP ε-martensite (>80 vol. %). In addition, the metastable FCC γ-Co phase was identified by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. In the case of 35–44 wt. % Cr cobalt alloys, a eutectic constituent including the σ-phase were found to develop in the interdendritic regions. From this work, a Co-20 wt. % Cr alloy was chosen for further investigation after heat treating below the γ/ε transition temperature. The resultant tensile strength and ductility were further improved after applying a heat treatment at 730 °C for 30 min, obtaining values of elongation of 26% as compared with 2.55 < 5 of elongation in the as cast condition. Also, the alloy corrosion resistance in artificial saliva was investigated. It was found that the exhibited corrosion rates for the as-cast and heat-treated conditions are between those reported for other similar systems.
Assessment of Phenolic Compounds and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethyl Acetate Phase of Anacardium occidentale L. Bark
Authors: Vilar Marina , De Souza Graziene , Vilar Daniela , Leite Jacqueline , Raffin Fernanda , Barbosa-Filho José , Nogueira Fernando , Rodrigues-Mascarenhas Sandra , Moura Túlio
Published: August 2016

The bark of A. occidentale L. is rich in tannins. Studies have described various biological activities of the plant, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcerogenic and antiinflammatory actions. The objective of this study was to assess the activity of the ethyl acetate phase (EtOAc) of A. occidentale on acute inflammation and to identify and quantify its phenolic compounds by HPLC. The method was validated and shown to be linear, precise and accurate for catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and gallic acid. Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) were treated with saline, Carrageenan (2.5%), Indomethacin (10 mg/kg), Bradykinin (6 nmol) and Prostaglandine E2 (5 µg) at different concentrations of EtOAc - A. occidentale (12.5; 25; 50; and 100 mg/kg/weight p.o.) for the paw edema test. Challenge was performed with carrageenan (500 µg/mL i.p.) for the doses 50 and 100 mg/kg of EtOAc. Levels of cytokines IL-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were also measured. All EtOAc - A. occidentale concentrations reduced the edema. At 50 and 100 mg/kg, an anti-inflammatory response of the EtOAc was observed. Carrageenan stimulus produced a neutrophil count of 28.6% while 50 and 100 mg/kg of the phase reduced this to 14.5% and 9.1%, respectively. The EtOAc extract reduced levels of IL-1 and TNF-α. These results suggest that the EtOAc plays a modulatory role in the inflammatory response. The chromatographic method can be used for the analysis of the phenolic compounds of the EtOAc phase.
Five New Biphenanthrenes from Cremastra appendiculata
Authors: Liu Liang , Li Jun , Zeng Ke-Wu , Jiang Yong , Tu Peng-Fei
Published: August 2016

Five new biphenanthrenes, cremaphenanthrenes A–E (1–5), along with six known ones, were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the tubers of Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino (Orchidaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses. All the compounds obtained were tested in vitro for cytotoxic activities against colon (HCT-116), cervix (Hela), and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines. They all showed moderate or weak cytotoxicities to the above cancer cell lines.
Pregnancy Vaccination with Gold Glyco-Nanoparticles Carrying Listeria monocytogenes Peptides Protects against Listeriosis and Brain- and Cutaneous-Associated Morbidities
Authors: Calderón-Gonzalez Ricardo , Terán-Navarro Héctor , Frande-Cabanes Elisabet , Ferrández-Fernández Eva , Freire Javier , Penadés Soledad , Marradi Marco , García Isabel , Gomez-Román Javier , Yañez-Díaz Sonsoles , Álvarez-Domínguez Carmen
Published: August 2016

Listeriosis is a fatal infection for fetuses and newborns with two clinical main morbidities in the neonatal period, meningitis and diffused cutaneous lesions. In this study, we vaccinated pregnant females with two gold glyconanoparticles (GNP) loaded with two peptides, listeriolysin peptide 91–99 (LLO91–99) or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1–22 peptide (GAPDH1–22). Neonates born to vaccinated mothers were free of bacteria and healthy, while non-vaccinated mice presented clear brain affections and cutaneous diminishment of melanocytes. Therefore, these nanoparticle vaccines are effective measures to offer pregnant mothers at high risk of listeriosis interesting therapies that cross the placenta.