bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial Etiology of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection that Isolated from Tripoli University Hospital (TUH) Units in 2019
Authors: Doro Basma , BenDarif Elloulo T. , Franka Esraa , Aqeehal Hanan , Tibi Hiba
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is one of the common major health problems, causing morbidity and mortality.
Aims: The study was conducted to determine the current trends of bacterial etiology of LRTIs among patients who attended the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and their antimicrobial susceptibility profile with special interest on drug resistance.
Study Design: The study was a Cross sectional study. All patients’ files were selected as diagnosed with LRTIs and their demographic data, other illness, prescribed treatment /antibiotic used previously.
Place and Duration of Study: This study is designed to collect data from files of lower respiratory tract infection patients following in units of university hospital in Tripoli.
Methodology: The study was conducted between January to December 2019. at the unit in university hospital in Tripoli city in Libya. Sputum samples of 465 patients with suspected LRTIs were received, after obtaining patients' informed consent and ethical clearance from the UNTH. The samples were collected and processed according to standard laboratory procedures.
Results: Of the total 465 sputum samples, 366 (78.7%) were positive for micro-organisms. Four main types of bacteria have been identified: acinetobacter spp. 25.6%, Klebsiellla pneumoniae 25.6%, P. saeroginosa (1.39%), Candida (9.03%). The distribution of lower respiratory tract infections within the hospital department indicated that the isolated strains revealed a higher infection rate of Gram-negative bacteria in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and General Surgical Intensive Care Unit (GSICU) compared to other departments, with statistical significance. Notably, there was a significant difference in the infection rates of Pseudomonas in the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) with 7 cases, and in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) with 6 cases, as well as in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with 2 cases. The infection rates for Candida and Streptococcus pneumoniae in the NICU were recorded at 2, 1, and 2, respectively, which were significantly different from those observed in other departments. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates indicated a very high resistance rate (98–100%) among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates to various antibiotics including AK, AMC, ATM, CAZ, CRO, CIP, GN, MEM, TOB, PRL, and CZ. However, for SXT, the isolate demonstrated the highest sensitivity, with a resistance rate of less than 53%.
Conclusion: Understanding the variety of pathogens that cause lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and their patterns of susceptibility to antibiotics, in addition to monitoring antibiotic resistance, is crucial for the effective management of LRTIs. This includes timely clinical and laboratory diagnoses, as well as the implementation of the appropriate treatment strategies.
Occupational Health Challenges Faced by Farm Women during Brinjal Harvesting in Telangana, India
Authors: Bindu E.Shirin Hima , Lakshmi V.Vijaya , Rani R.Neela
Published: December 2024

Aim: The study aimed to assess the drudgery experienced by women farmers during brinjal harvesting, focusing on musculoskeletal challenges, postural risks, and occupational health hazards. It sought to evaluate the ergonomic risks involved and suggest interventions to reduce physical strain.
Study Design: The study employed an explanatory research design to analyze the ergonomic challenges and health hazards faced by women during brinjal harvesting.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kaveliguda village, Shamshabad Mandal, Rangareddy District, Telangana, during the brinjal harvesting season in 2023.
Methodology: Thirty farm women engaged in brinjal harvesting were purposively selected as respondents. Data were collected using structured schedules, including self-reported health symptoms, and evaluated using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for postural analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed through frequency distributions and percentages.
Results: The study revealed significant musculoskeletal issues, including pain, stiffness, and cramps in the back, neck, legs, and arms. RULA scores indicated high ergonomic risks, necessitating immediate corrective actions. Minimal use of personal protective equipment (PPE) exposed workers to various occupational hazards.
Conclusion: The study concluded that ergonomic interventions, such as improved tools and increased PPE usage, were essential to reducing drudgery, enhancing productivity, and improving the well-being of women farmers.
An Inventory Model For Weibull Distributed Deteriorating Items With Stochastic Demand And TimeVarying Holding Cost
Authors: Mandal Dr. Biswaranjan
Published: December 2024

In the present paper, we deal with an inventory model for deteriorating items with stochastic demand in which
shortages are allowed with fully backlogged. The holding cost follows the linear trended in time. Here rate of
deterioration follows a two-parameter Weibull (Swedish engineer Wallodi Weibull) distribution. The demand
pattern is assumed to be linearly dependent on to time with a stochastic error. The model is maximized to the
total average profit by finding optimal values. The developed model is illustrated by a numerical example and finally the sensitivity analysis for the optimal solutions towards the changes in the values of key parameters has been presented.
Forgotten Ureteral Stents - Still A Challenge For Urological Care- A Case Report
Authors: Paryani Jai Pal , Paryani Murk , Kalyan Jan , Nair Deepak
Published: December 2024

Ureteral stents or double J stents are mainly used for effective drainage from kidney to urinary bladder.
Complications include stent migration, encrustation and infection among others. Forgotten stents for longer
periods pose significant challenges to urologists as they require multiple procedures to remove them completely.
We present a case of neglected stent for 6 years in a 35-yr old female, which developed encrustation over its
entire length, 6cm stone in bladder engulfing its lower end while stones were present over its upper end. In our
case, the patient was unaware that a stent was places which may have contributed to this complication. Effective strategies include regular follow up, maintaining a Double J stent registry and proper counselling to prevent such complications in order to minimize significant burden on healthcare
Patient Perspectives On Satisfaction In Occupational Health Clinics
Authors: Nascimento Edson Queiroz , Neto Ricardo Queiroz Nascimento , Perusse Carolina Bozi , Silva Thiago Pavan
Published: December 2024

This study investigates patient satisfaction perceptions in occupational health clinics, based on the SERVPERF
model and structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The research employed a quantitative approach applied to
154 participants through a structured questionnaire using a 7-point Likert scale, distributed to the human
resources departments of companies located in Greater Vitória, Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Results indicated
that factors such as tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, and assurance positively influence patient satisfaction,
whereas empathy had no significant effect. The proposed model explains 17.4% of the variability in satisfaction,
suggesting potential for future improvements. The research contributes to the field of quality management in healthcare services by validating the SERVPERF model in this context, while offering practical recommendations to enhance user experience and organizational loyalty
Effects Of Physicochemical Parameters On River Jakara Water Quality In Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Udeh Ejeh, Lawrence , Mshelia Simon Stephen
Published: December 2024

River Jakara is a major source of water for Kano city, and its pollution is of great concern due to the potential
health and environmental consequences. The study therefore examined the effects of the physicochemical
parameters on it. Eight sampling points that conveys wastewater to River Jakara were purposefully established
and a total of 96 water samples were collected at different locations from June 2021 – April 2022 during wet
and dry season. Using the Principal Components Analysis (PCA), 9 physicochemical parameters and 2
microbial colonies were chosen and subjected to laboratory analysis. The results showed that the wastewater
contributed significantly to the river pollution for concentrations of all the pollutants exceeded the Nigeria
discharge standards such as National Environmental Standard Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NESREA,
2011). Laboratory analysis recorded high concentrations of parameters: temperature 38°C, pH 12, turbidity
(TUR) 38NTU, electric conductivity (EC) 3861mg/L, total hardness (TH) 574mg/L, total dissolved solid (TDS)
3915mg/L, dissolved oxygen (DO) 7.5mg/L, biological oxygen demand (BOD) 185mg/L, nitrate (NO)
283.5mg/L, total coliform 395cfu/100ml and escherichia coli (E.coli) 452cfu/100ml in wet season. The T-test
analysis indicated a strong significant variation between wastewater loads and the water quality parameters as
well wet and dry season at P = .05. The results suggested that discharge of wastewater into the river had
adversely affected its water quality and could pose a great risk to aquatic life and public health. Therefore, effective management strategies are needed to reduce wastewater loads and improve the water quality of River Jakara.
Relação Entre Desastres Ambientais E Aumento De Doenças Mentais Em Crianças Com Transtornos Do Espectro Autista
Authors: Silva Prof. Dr. Eduardo Jorge Custódio Da
Published: December 2024

Os desastres ambientais, intensificados pelas mudanças climáticas, têm impactos profundos na saúde mental de
populações vulneráveis, especialmente em crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA). Essas crianças,
devido a suas características únicas, como sensibilidade sensorial aumentada, dificuldade de adaptação a
mudanças e dependência de rotinas estruturadas, são particularmente suscetíveis ao estresse psicológico gerado
por eventos climáticos extremos, como inundações, ondas de calor e secas. Estudos, como os de Howlin et al.
(2004) e Clayton et al. (2017), indicam que o estresse pós-traumático, ansiedade e regressões comportamentais
são mais prevalentes em crianças expostas a desastres naturais. Além disso, o deslocamento forçado e a
interrupção de serviços essenciais, como terapias ocupacionais e educativas, agravam os sintomas do TEA,
levando a crises frequentes, comportamentos desafiadores e impacto emocional significativo nas famílias. A
exposição prolongada a poluentes ambientais, frequentemente associada a eventos climáticos extremos, também
aumenta o risco de exacerbação dos sintomas, conforme estudos de Perera et al. (2019). Essas interações
complexas entre fatores ambientais e condições clínicas evidenciam a necessidade de políticas públicas que
priorizem a continuidade de serviços terapêuticos durante desastres, o fortalecimento de redes comunitárias e
estratégias de suporte psicológico direcionadas a crianças neurodiversas. Intervenções baseadas na resiliência,
como sugerido por Masten (2014), podem mitigar os impactos dos desastres climáticos, promovendo adaptação e bem-estar em crianças com TEA. Este estudo reforça a urgência de ações integradas entre saúde, educação e políticas climáticas para proteger a saúde mental dessas populações vulneráveis.
Alkylation of Indoles with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones using Alumina in Hexanes
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Jones‐Mensah Ebenezer , Deobald Jackson , Magolan Jakob
Published: October 2019

We evaluated the influence of solvent on the alumina‐promoted C3‐alkylation of indoles with α,β‐unsaturated ketones. We found that lipophilic solvents were generally superior to hydrophilic ones with hexanes offering the 3‐alkyl indole products in high yields. Thus, we demonstrate an inexpensive and procedurally simple new process that pairs acidic alumina with hexanes to achieve this important Michael alkylation. The substrate scope includes twenty‐four examples with reaction yields ranging from 61 to 96%.

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How and Why Men and Women Differ in Their Microbiomes: Medical Ecology and Network Analyses of the Microgenderome
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam) , Li Wendy
Published: October 2019

Microgenderome or sexual dimorphism in microbiome refers to the bidirectional interactions between microbiotas, sex hormones, and immune systems, and it is highly relevant to disease susceptibility. A critical step in exploring microgenderome is to dissect the sex differences in key community ecology properties, which has not been systematically analyzed. This study aims at filling the gap by reanalyzing the Human Microbiome Project datasets with two objectives: (i) dissecting the sex differences in community diversity and their intersubject scaling, species composition, core/periphery species, and high‐salience skeletons (species interactions); (ii) offering mechanistic interpretations for (i). Conceptually, the Vellend–Hanson synthesis of community ecology that stipulates selection, drift, speciation, and dispersal as the four processes driving community dynamics is followed. Methodologically, seven approaches reflecting the state‐of‐the‐art research in medical ecology of human microbiomes are harnessed to achieve the objectives. It is postulated that the revealed microgenderome characteristics (categorized as seven aspects of differences/similarities) exert far reaching influences on disease susceptibility, and are primarily due to the sex difference in selection effects (deterministic fitness differences in microbial species and/or species interactions with each other or with their hosts), which are, in turn, shaped/modulated by host physiology (immunity, hormones, gut–brain communications, etc.).
Ligand‐Controlled Regiodivergent Hydroalkylation of Pyrrolines
Authors: Qian Deyun , Hu Xile
Published: October 2019

Nickel hydride (NiH) catalyzed hydrocarbonation has emerged as an efficient approach to construct new C−C bonds containing at least one C(sp3) center. However, the regioselectivity of this reaction is by far dictated by substrates. Described here is a strategy to achieve two different regioselectivites of hydroalkylation of the same substrates by using ligand control. This strategy enables the first regiodivergent hydroalkylation of 3‐pyrrolines, yielding both 2‐ and 3‐alkylated pyrrolidines, valuable synthetic intermediates and common motifs in many bioactive molecules. This method demonstrates broad scope and high functional‐group tolerance, and can be applied in late‐stage functionalizations.
Merging Photocatalysis with Electrochemistry: The Dawn of a new Alliance in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Capaldo Luca , Quadri Lorenzo L. , Ravelli Davide
Published: October 2019

The merging of a homogeneous photocatalytic system with an electrochemical cell, having exchanged electrons as the only common point, has been recently demonstrated. This combination opens unexplored pathways in synthesis and allowed net‐oxidative photocatalytic processes to be realized in the absence of a chemical oxidant, including: 1) the C−H alkylation of heteroarenes and 2) the coupling of azoles with arenes in the presence of an electrogenerated photocatalyst.
Water Purification and Microplastics Removal Using Magnetic Polyoxometalate‐Supported Ionic Liquid Phases (magPOM‐SILPs)
Authors: Misra Archismita , Zambrzycki Christian , Kloker Gabriele , Kotyrba Anika , Anjass Montaha H. , Franco Castillo Isabel , Mitchell Scott G. , Güttel Robert , Streb Carsten
Published: October 2019

Filtration is an established water‐purification technology. However, due to low flow rates, the filtration of large volumes of water is often not practical. Herein, we report an alternative purification approach in which a magnetic nanoparticle composite is used to remove organic, inorganic, microbial, and microplastics pollutants from water. The composite is based on a polyoxometalate ionic liquid (POM‐IL) adsorbed onto magnetic microporous core–shell Fe2O3/SiO2 particles, giving a magnetic POM‐supported ionic liquid phase (magPOM‐SILP). Efficient, often quantitative removal of several typical surface water pollutants is reported together with facile removal of the particles using a permanent magnet. Tuning of the composite components could lead to new materials for centralized and decentralized water purification systems.
Effects of 171 MHz Low‐Intensity Electromagnetic Field on Glucocorticoid and Mineral Corticoid Activity of the Adrenal Glands of Rats
Authors: Perov Sergey , Rubtsova Nina , Balzano Quirino
Published: October 2019

A sub‐acute electromagnetic field (EMF) biological effect study was carried out on rats exposed in the Transverse ElectroMagnetic exposure chamber at 171 MHz Continuous Wave (CW). The experiments involved three exposure levels (15, 25, and 35 V/m) for 15 days with triplicate parallel sham‐exposed controls in each series. All exposure conditions were simulated for the evaluation of the electromagnetic energy distribution and specific absorption rate (SAR) in the rat phantoms. Studies have shown a biphasic biological response depending on time and absorbed electromagnetic energy. Under low SAR, approximately 0.006 W/kg, EMF exposure leads to the stimulation of adrenal gland activity. This process is accompanied by an initial increase of daily excretion of corticosterone and Na+, which is seen as a higher Na+/K+ ratio, followed by a decrease of these parameters over time. It is possible that EMF exposure causes a stress response in animals, which is seen as an increased adrenal activity. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:578–587. © 2019 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Quantification of fenoprofen in human plasma using UHPLC–tandem mass spectrometry for pharmacokinetic study in healthy subjects
Authors: Bharwad Kirtikumar D. , Shah Priyanka A. , Shrivastav Pranav S. , Sharma Vinay S. , Singhal Puran
Published: October 2019

A rapid, simple and sensitive ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method has been developed to quantify fenoprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug in human plasma for a pharmacokinetic study in healthy subjects. Owing to high levels of protein binding, protein precipitation followed by solid‐phase extraction was employed for the extraction of fenoprofen and fenoprofen‐d3 (used as internal standard) from 200 μL human plasma. Separation was performed on a BEH C18 (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column using methanol−0.2% acetic acid in water (75:25, v/v) under isocratic elution. Electrospray ionization was operated in the negative mode for sample ionization. Ion transitions used for quantification in the selected reaction monitoring mode were m/z 241/197 and m/z 244/200 for fenoprofen and fenoprofen‐d3, respectively. Under the optimized conditions, fenoprofen showed excellent linearity in the concentration range 0.02–20 μg/mL (r2 ≥ 0.9996), adequate sensitivity, favorable accuracy (96.4–103.7%) and precision (percentage coefficient of variation ≤4.3) with negligible matrix effect. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of fenoprofen in healthy subjects. The significant features of the method include higher sensitivity, small plasma volume for processing and a short analysis time.
An estimated quantitative lateral flow immunoassay for determination of artesunate using monoclonal antibody
Authors: Kitisripanya Tharita , Sermpradit Witcha , Sakamoto Seiichi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Putalun Waraporn
Published: October 2019

There have been reports of fake artesunate (ART), which has led to deaths from untreated malaria in South East Asia. To rapidly screen for fake and adulterated ART products in the drug market, a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on a colloidal gold–monoclonal antibody probe for detection of ART within samples was developed. With this method, the calibration curve for ART was determined by the intensity ratio of the test and control bands at various ART concentrations. The linearity range was 12.5–200 μg/ml of ART. Samples were tested by the developed LFIA and can be calculated for ART contents. The levels of ART in the samples were also confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results of the two methods were in good conformance. The proposed LFIA was demonstrated to be a simple and rapid analytical method for detecting ART in the pharmaceutical formulation.
Systematic analysis of concentrations of 52 elements in tumor and counterpart normal tissues of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cheng Xin , Zhou Yong‐Chun , Zhou Bo , Huang Yun‐Chao , Wang Gui‐Zhen , Zhou Guang‐Biao
Published: October 2019

Background

Many studies have documented the abnormal concentrations of major/trace elements in serum or malignant tissues of patients, but very few works systematically tested the concentrations of elements in tumor tissues in comparison with paired adjacent normal tissues from the same patients.

Methods

Tumor and adjacent normal lung tissues were obtained from 93 patients with previously untreated NSCLC, and 43 patients whose tumor and paired normal lung tissues reached 200 mg or more were selected for measurement of the elements' concentrations using an inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometer.

Results

We found that the concentrations of the 52 elements varied from 0.4 ng/g tissue (Lu, Pd, and Tm) to 1 658 000 ng/g (Na), 1 951 000 ng/g (P), and 2 495 000 ng/g (K). Thirty eight of the 52 (73.1%) elements showed approximately equal concentrations in tumor and adjacent normal lung tissues of the patients. The concentrations of nine elements (K, P, Mg, Zn, Rb, Cu, Se, Cs, and Tl) in tumor samples were significantly higher than their paired normal lung tissues, and five elements (Na, Fe, Cr, Cd, and Ge) exhibited decreased concentrations in cancer samples compared to counterpart normal lung tissues. Low Fe in tumor samples was associated with smoking history, whereas low Cr was associated with histology (squamous cell carcinoma) of the patients.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that measurement of elements’ concentrations in both cancer and paired normal tissues is important to get insights into the roles of these elements in carcinogenesis, and therapeutic approaches to normalize the elements are warranted to treat NSCLCs.
Hindering events in psychotherapy: A retrospective account from the client's perspective
Authors: Burton Lynsey , Thériault Anne
Published: October 2019

Background

Hindering events in the therapeutic process have been associated with client dissatisfaction, disagreements in therapy, and premature withdrawal from the therapeutic process. However, hindering events in therapy have not been extensively researched from the client's perspective and lack subjective details on how these events are experienced in therapy.

Aims

This study explored how hindering events are experienced by clients and their influence on the therapeutic process and outcome from the client's perspective.

Method

Nine individuals who previously attended therapy and experienced hindering events were interviewed using an in‐depth semi‐structured interview protocol created by the authors. Data were analysed using structured thematic analysis.

Results

Four major themes emerged, each containing themes and sub‐themes to further expand on client experiences: (a) identified hindering events (felt mistreated by therapist, distracted/inattentive therapist, perceived clinical mistakes, tensions from the management of the therapeutic frame); (b) subjective experience of the event (negative emotional experience, making sense of the event, parallel personal dynamics); (c) response to the event (client response/decision to continue or end therapy, reaction to discontinuing therapy); and (d) handling/addressing the event (not handled/addressed, handled/addressed, interest in handling/addressing event, reasons given for not addressing/handling event). Results from this study contribute to the further understanding of client experiences of hindering events that occur in therapy as well as how these events influence therapeutic processes and outcomes.

Conclusion

The study adds nuance to the scholarly work that informs client experiences of negative events in therapy. Implications for therapeutic organisations, therapists/counsellors, and educators are discussed.
Cobalt Carbonate as an Electrocatalyst for Water Oxidation
Authors: Patra Shanti G. , Illés Erzsébet , Mizrahi Amir , Meyerstein Dan
Published: October 2019

CoII salts in the presence of HCO3−/CO32− in aqueous solutions act as electrocatalysts for water oxidation. It comprises of several key steps: (i) A relatively small wave at Epa≈0.71 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) owing to the CoIII/II redox couple. (ii) A second wave is observed at Epa≈1.10 V with a considerably larger current. In which the CoIII undergoes oxidation to form a CoIV species. The large current is attributed to catalytic oxidation of HCO3−/CO32− to HCO4−. (iii) A process with very large currents at >1.2 V owing to the formation of CoV(CO3)3−, which oxidizes both water and HCO3−/CO32−. These processes depend on [CoII], [NaHCO3], and pH. Chronoamperometry at 1.3 V gives a green deposit. It acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for water oxidation. DFT calculations point out that Con(CO3)3n−6, n=4, 5 are attainable at potentials similar to those experimentally observed.
Hybrid Zadoff‐Chu and multilateral piecewise exponential companding transform–based PAPR reduction technique in OFDM systems
Authors: Manjula Anekal Venkatesh , Muralidhara Kupparavalli Nagaraja Rao
Published: October 2019

The orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) is a multicarrier modulation system that is used to transmit the large volume of data to the receiver. Reducing the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) in OFDM system is one of the demanding and crucial task in recent days. For this reason, various precoding and companding mechanisms are developed in the traditional works, but it remains with the limitations of increased complexity, reduced performance, and nonlinear distortion. The reduction of PAPR is achieved by minimizing the companding distortion with the enhancement of the bit error rate (BER) performance significantly. Then, in order to avoid clipping in OFDM, a multilateral piecewise exponential companding transform (MPECT) method has been utilized rather than using piecewise exponential companding transform (PEC) where PAPR is getting reduced. The OFDM is very sensitive to synchronizing error. To overcome this sensitivity, employ the Zadoff‐Chu sequence to carrier frequency offsets. Zadoff‐Chu matrix transform (ZCMT) has numerous merits among the other ODFM systems such as the improvement in the performance of the channels that are fading away and provides an ideal periodic autocorrelation and a constant magnitude periodic cross correlation. Both of these techniques provide improvement in the ODFM systems. To get more efficiency, this paper aims to develop a hybrid technique by integrating the ZCMT and MPECT techniques for reducing the PAPR in OFDM systems. Further, convolutional encoding is applied for better BER and PAPR. The simulation results of the proposed ZCMT‐MPECT technique are evaluated and compared with the conventional OFDM and other precoding methods.
Comparing survey and multiple recruitment–mortality models to assess growth rates and population projections
Authors: Severud William J. , DelGiudice Glenn D. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: October 2019

Estimation of population trends and demographic parameters is important to our understanding of fundamental ecology and species management, yet these data are often difficult to obtain without the use of data from population surveys or marking animals. The northeastern Minnesota moose (Alces alces Linnaeus, 1758) population declined 58% during 2006–2017, yet aerial surveys indicated stability during 2012–2017. In response to the decline, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) initiated studies of adult and calf survival to better understand cause‐specific mortality, calf recruitment, and factors influencing the population trajectory. We estimated population growth rate (λ) using adult survival and calf recruitment data from demographic studies and the recruitment–mortality (R‐M) Equation and compared these estimates to those calculated using data from aerial surveys. We then projected population dynamics 50 years using each resulting λ and used a stochastic model to project population dynamics 30 years using data from the MNDNR's studies. Calculations of λ derived from 2012 to 2017 survey data, and the R‐M Equation indicated growth (1.02 ± 0.16 [SE] and 1.01 ± 0.04, respectively). However, the stochastic model indicated a decline in the population over 30 years (λ = 0.91 ± 0.004; 2014–2044). The R‐M Equation has utility for estimating λ, and the supporting information from demographic collaring studies also helps to better address management questions. Furthermore, estimates of λ calculated using collaring data were more certain and reflective of current conditions. Long‐term monitoring using collars would better inform population performance predictions and demographic responses to environmental variability.
Large herbivores maintain a two‐phase herbaceous vegetation mosaic in a semi‐arid savanna
Authors: Augustine David J. , Wigley Benjamin J. , Ratnam Jayashree , Kibet Staline , Nyangito Moses , Sankaran Mahesh
Published: October 2019

Many arid and semi‐arid rangelands exhibit distinct spatial patterning of vegetated and bare soil‐dominated patches. The latter potentially represent a grazing‐induced, degraded ecosystem state, but could also arise via mechanisms related to feedbacks between vegetation cover and soil moisture availability that are unrelated to grazing. The degree to which grazing contributes to the formation or maintenance of degraded patches has been widely discussed and modeled, but empirical studies of the role of grazing in their formation, persistence, and reversibility are limited.

We report on a long‐term (17 years) grazing removal experiment in a semi‐arid savanna where vegetated patches composed of perennial grasses were interspersed within large (>10 m2) patches of bare soil.

Short‐term (3 years) grazing removal did not allow bare patches to become revegetated, whereas following long‐term (17 years) grazing removal, bare soil patches were revegetated by a combination of stoloniferous grasses and tufted bunchgrasses. In the presence of grazers, stoloniferous grasses partially recolonized bare patches, but this did not lead to full recovery or to the establishment of tufted bunchgrasses.

These results show that grazers alter both the balance between bare and vegetated patches, as well as the types of grasses dominating both patch types in this semiarid savanna.

Synthesis: Large herbivores fundamentally shaped the composition and spatial pattern of the herbaceous layer by maintaining a two‐phase herbaceous mosaic. However, bare patches within this mosaic can recover given herbivore removal over sufficiently long time scales, and hence do not represent a permanently degraded ecosystem state.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Triaryl‐Substituted Chromans with Multiple Stereogenic Centers by [4+2] Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Zhang Heng , Liu Guofeng , Guan Xukai , Gao Jigang , Qin Xiangshuo , Jiang Guofeng , Sun Dongyang , Zhang Guangliang , Zhang Suoqin
Published: October 2019

Asymmetric synthesis of triaryl‐substituted chromans with multiple adjacent stereogenic centers is described here. [4+2] formal oxa‐Diels‐Alder cycloaddition of 1‐styrylnaphthols and in‐situ‐generated o‐quinone metheides could proceed smoothly in the presence of H8‐BINOL‐type chiral imidodiphosphoric acids as catalyst. This method provides an efficient strategy to construct chiral chroman frameworks in high yields (up to 93 %) with excellent stereoselectivities (> 19:1 dr.) and enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee).
Are you laughing at me? Neural correlates of social intent attribution to auditory and visual laughter
Authors: Ethofer Thomas , Stegmaier Sophia , Koch Katharina , Reinl Maren , Kreifelts Benjamin , Schwarz Lena , Erb Michael , Scheffler Klaus , Wildgruber Dirk
Published: October 2019

Laughter is a multifaceted signal, which can convey social acceptance facilitating social bonding as well as social rejection inflicting social pain. In the current study, we addressed the neural correlates of social intent attribution to auditory or visual laughter within an fMRI study to identify brain areas showing linear increases of activation with social intent ratings. Negative social intent attributions were associated with activation increases within the medial prefrontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex (mPFC/ACC). Interestingly, negative social intent attributions of auditory laughter were represented more rostral than visual laughter within this area. Our findings corroborate the role of the mPFC/ACC as key node for processing “social pain” with distinct modality‐specific subregions. Other brain areas that showed an increase of activation included bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and right superior/middle temporal gyrus (STG/MTG) for visually presented laughter and bilateral STG for auditory presented laughter with no overlap across modalities. Similarly, positive social intent attributions were linked to hemodynamic responses within the right inferior parietal lobe and right middle frontal gyrus, but there was no overlap of activity for visual and auditory laughter. Our findings demonstrate that social intent attribution to auditory and visual laughter is located in neighboring, but spatially distinct neural structures.
Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor TVB‐2640 Reduces Hepatic de Novo Lipogenesis in Males With Metabolic Abnormalities
Authors: Syed‐Abdul Majid M. , Parks Elizabeth J. , Gaballah Ayman H. , Bingham Kimberlee , Hammoud Ghassan M. , Kemble George , Buckley Douglas , McCulloch William , Manrique-Acevedo Camila
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

Elevated hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is a key distinguishing characteristic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In rodent models of NAFLD, treatment with a surrogate of TVB‐2640, a pharmacological fatty acid synthase inhibitor, has been shown to reduce hepatic fat and other biomarkers of DNL. The purpose of this phase I clinical study was to test the effect of the TVB‐2640 in obese men with certain metabolic abnormalities that put them at risk for NAFLD.

Approach and Results

Twelve subjects (mean ± SEM, 42 ± 2 years, body mass index 37.4 ± 1.2 kg/m2, glucose 103 ± 2 mg/dL, triacylglycerols 196 ± 27 mg/dL, and elevated liver enzymes) underwent 10 days of treatment with TVB‐2640 at doses ranging from 50‐150 mg/day. Food intake was controlled throughout the study. Hepatic DNL was measured before and after an oral fructose/glucose bolus using isotopic labeling with 1‐13C1‐acetate intravenous infusion, followed by measurement of labeled very low‐density lipoprotein palmitate via gas chromatography mass spectometry. Substrate oxidation was measured by indirect calorimetry. Across the range of doses, fasting DNL was reduced by up to 90% (P = 0.003). Increasing plasma concentrations of TVB‐2640 were associated with progressive reductions in the percent of fructose‐stimulated peak fractional DNL (R2 = −0.749, P = 0.0003) and absolute DNL area under the curve 6 hours following fructose/glucose bolus (R2 = −0.554, P = 0.005). For all subjects combined, alanine aminotransferase was reduced by 15.8 ± 8.4% (P = 0.05). Substrate oxidation was unchanged, and safety monitoring revealed that the drug was well tolerated, without an increase in plasma triglycerides. Alopecia occurred in 2 subjects (reversed after stopping the drug), but otherwise no changes were observed in fasting glucose, insulin, ketones, and renal function.

Conclusion

These data support the therapeutic potential of a fatty acid synthase inhibitor, TVB‐2640 in particular, in patients with NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
French ambulatory cesarean: Mother and newborn safety
Authors: Dimassi Kaouther , Ami Olivier , Fauck Denis , Simon Benedicte , Velemir Luka , Triki Amel
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate mother and newborn child safety after French ambulatory cesarean (FAUCS).

Methods

Prospective comparative cohort study in Tunisia (January–June 2018). Pregnant women indicated for primary or repeat cesarean at term underwent FAUCS or Misgav Ladach cesarean (MLC). Surgical outcomes, overall morbidity, and maternal autonomy during recovery were compared.

Results

Among 112 deliveries, 60 were performed by FAUCS and 52 by MLC. FAUCS was feasible in all cases; surgeons achieved a completely extraperitoneal approach in 39 (65.0%) cases. The main difficulty experienced was fetal extraction. Longer operative procedures were recorded in the FAUCS group; however, women in the FAUCS group reported lower pain scores (3 [2–5] vs 4 [3.7–5], P<0.001) and were more likely to decline analgesics (10 [17.0%] vs 0 [0%], P<0.001). They experienced greater autonomy during recovery (median [interquartile range] time to standing, 2 [1.0–2.5] vs 12.8 [8.9–17.9] hours, P<0.001; time to full meal, 4 [3–6[ vs 26.5 [21–31] hours, P<0.001; effective time to hospital discharge, 1 [1, 2] vs 2 [2, 3] days; P<0.001).

Conclusion

Implementation of the FAUCS technique was safe and successful, and improved maternal condition after cesarean. These short‐term results need long‐term validation by randomized trials.
Lys05 induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization and increases radiosensitivity in glioblastoma
Authors: Zhou Wei , Guo Yulian , Zhang Xin , Jiang Zheng
Published: October 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant primary brain tumors and its prognosis is very poor. Lysosome‐dependent cell death is mainly caused by lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), a process in which the lysosome loses its membrane integrity and lysosomal contents are released into the cytosol. Lysosomotropic agent, a kind of compound that selectively accumulates in the lysosomes, is one of the most important inducers of LMP. As a newly‐synthetic lysosomotropic agent, Lys05 showed efficient autophagy inhibiting and antitumor effect. But its mechanisms are not well illustrated. Here, we studied whether Lys05 has antiglioma activity. We found that Lys05 decreased cell viability and reduced cell growth of glioma U251 and LN229 cells. After Lys05 treatment, autophagic flux is inhibited and lysosome function is impaired. We also found that Lys05 caused LMP and mitochondrial depolarization. Finally, Lys05 increased radiosensitivity in an LMP‐dependent manner. For the first time, our findings indicate that LMP contributes to radiosensitivity in GBM cells. Therefore, LMP inducer, Lys05 might be a promising compound in the treatment of GBM cells.
Comparison of serum Lp‐PLA2 levels in ischemic stroke patients with H‐type hypertension or non‐H‐type hypertension
Authors: Qiao Jie , Zhou KuiChen , Huang Chao , Fu Siwen , Xing Yonghong , Zhang Biao
Published: October 2019

Background

Increased serum Lp‐PLA2 levels have been reported in patients who experienced an ischemic stroke; however, the relationship between Lp‐PLA2 and H‐type hypertension in patients with ischemic stroke remains unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the correlation between serum Lp‐PLA2 and H‐type hypertension in patients with ischemic stroke. A total of 135 patients who experienced acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in Tianjin Huanhu Hospital during October 2015 to May 2016. The demographic characteristics of the patients were collected, and biochemical parameters were detected.

Results

Among the 135 patients, 111 patients had essential hypertension, including 41 patients with H‐type hypertension and 70 with non‐H‐type hypertension. There were higher proportions of males and patients with diabetes mellitus in the H‐type hypertension group compared with the non‐H‐type hypertension group (P < .05). Lp‐PLA2, glucose, and LDL‐C levels were higher in the H‐type hypertension group than in the non‐H‐type hypertension group (P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that Lp‐PLA2 levels >208.46 mg/L were independently associated with H‐type hypertension in patients with ischemic stroke (OR: 2.560, 95% CI: 1.085‐6.040, P = .032). The area under the ROC curve of Lp‐PAL2 levels in the H‐type hypertension group was 0.665 (95% CI: 0.561‐0.768, P = .004).

Conclusion

Synergetic effects of H‐type hypertension and Lp‐PLA2 levels were noted in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.
Retracted: Circular RNA circC3P1 restrains kidney cancer cell activity by regulating miR‐21/PTEN axis and inactivating PI3K/AKT and NF‐kB pathways
Authors: Chen Tao , Yu Qinchao , Xin Lei , Guo Lei
Published: October 2019

Kidney cancer (KC) seriously impacts public health. We detected the function and mechanism of circular RNA C3P1 (circC3P1) in KC cells. CCK‐8, flow cytometry, migration, and invasion assay were respectively used to investigate the efficacies of circC3P1 and microRNA (miR)‐21 on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), circC3P1, and miR‐21 expression were changed by cell transfection and detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the apoptosis/pathways‐related proteins and proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Besides, the relation between PTEN and miR‐21 was detected by luciferase assay. circC3P1 and PTEN were downregulated while miR‐21 was upregulated in KC tissues. circC3P1 declined cell viability, migration, and invasion and caused apoptosis. Furthermore, circC3P1 negatively regulated miR‐21; miR‐21 mimic could reverse the efficacies of circC3P1. Besides, circC3P1 restrained the PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB pathways by downregulating miR‐21. Finally, PTEN was authenticated as a target of miR‐21. circC3P1 restrained KC cell growth, migration, and invasion by regulating miR‐21/PTEN axis and inactivating PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Progenitor‐cell‐enriched micrografts as a novel option for the management of androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Ruiz Rafael G. , Rosell Jose M. C. , Ceccarelli Gabriele , De Sio Ciro , De Angelis Gabriella C. , Pinto Hernan , Astarita Carlo , Graziano Antonio
Published: October 2019

Regenerative medicine is a multidisciplinary field that combines engineering and life science principles to promote regeneration, potentially restoring the physiological condition in diseased tissues. Specifically, the developments of complex grafts enhance the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the host by altering its environment. Autologous micrografts obtained through Rigenera® micrografting technology are able to promote derma and bone regeneration. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) leads to a progressive thinning of scalp hair affecting 60–70% of the adult population worldwide. Pharmacological treatment offers moderate results and hair transplantation represents the only permanent treatment option. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of dermis micrografting in the treatment of AGA by clinical and histological evaluations after 4, 6, and 12 months. Hair growth and density were improved at all indicated times. Those outcomes were also confirmed by the TrichoScan® analysis, reporting an increase of total hair count and density with an increase and reduction of anagen and telogen phases, respectively. Scalp dermoscopic analysis showed an improvement of hair density and histological analysis indicated a clear amelioration of the scalp, development of hair follicles, and a beginning of cuticle formation. Collectively, those results suggest a possible use of the micrografts as a novel therapeutic option in the management of AGA.
The prevalence of VAIN, CIN, and related HPV genotypes in Japanese women with abnormal cytology
Authors: Zhang Shitai , Saito Mayumi , Yamada Sumire , Sakamoto Jinichi , Takakura Masahiro , Takagi Hiroaki , Sasagawa Toshiyuki
Published: October 2019

Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is often found by chance. We investigated the prevalence of VAIN and related human papillomavirus (HPV) types in comparison with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). This study enrolled 648 women who were referred to the outpatient clinic of Kanazawa Medical University Hospital for abnormal cytology from January 2009 to January 2019. HPV genotypes were determined using Genosearch‐31 + 4, which can detect 35 different HPV types. Colposcopy was performed at the first visit by an experienced gynecological oncologist. Among 611 subjects with squamous cell lesions, 107 (17.5%) VAIN cases were identified, and 67 (11.0%) women had both VAIN and CIN. Ultimately, 72 VAIN1, 15 VAIN2/3, 203 CIN1, 249 CIN2/3, 32 cervical squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and one vaginal SCC (Vag‐SCC) were identified. The prevalences of VAIN1, VAIN2/3, and Vag‐SCC were 35.5%, 6.0%, and 3.1% of equivalent cervical lesions, respectively. The VAIN patients were older than the CIN patients (P = .002). About half of the VAIN cases were diagnosed during the follow‐up. Multiple HPV infections were found in 42.9% of the VAIN and CIN patients. HPV52, 16, 51, 53, and 56 were the most common types in VAIN, whereas HPV16, 52, 58, 51, and 31 predominated in CIN. HPV18 was rare in VAIN, HPV58 was more common in CIN than in VAIN, and HPV53 and HPV73 were more common in VAIN. In conclusion, VAIN1 was identified more frequently than we expected. Various HPV types were identified in the vagina, which is likely a reservoir for HPV.
Dual‐mode hydrophilic interaction normal phase and reversed phase liquid chromatography of polar compounds on a single column
Authors: Jandera Pavel , Hájek Tomáš
Published: October 2019

Adopting a stationary phase convention circumvents problematic definition of the boundary between the stationary and the mobile phase in the liquid chromatography, resulting in thermodynamically consistent and reproducible chromatographic data. Three stationary phase definition conventions provide different retention data, but equal selectivity: (i) the complete solid phase moiety; (ii) the solid porous part carrying the active interaction centers; (iii) the volume of the inner column pores. The selective uptake of water from the bulk aqueous‐organic mobile phase significantly affects the volume and the properties of polar stationary phases. Some polar stationary phases provide dual‐mode retention mechanism in aqueous‐organic mobile phases, reversed‐phase in the water‐rich range, and normal‐phase at high concentrations of the organic solvent in water. The linear solvation energy relationship model characterizes the structural contributions of the non‐selective and selective polar interactions both in the water‐rich and organic solvent‐rich mobile phases. The inner‐pore convention provides a single hold‐up volume value for the retention prediction on the dual‐mode columns over the full mobile phase range. Using the dual‐mode monolithic polymethacrylate zwitterionic micro‐columns alternatively in each mode in the first dimension of two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, in combination with a short reversed‐phase column in the second dimension, provides enhanced sample information.